Preceding the Spanish missionaries in the 1700s Marin was a pristine and abundant landscape, home to the ancient Miwoks, the region’s First Peoples.
38
Excellent Schools and Real Estate Values
How quality education options affect property prices — Marin County is home to many top performing schools for all ages and grade levels.
About the cover
34
Affordable Home Ownership
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco builds a better future for local families unable to afford the going rate for home mortgages.
42
The Right Place for the Right Mind
Marin County has developed an extensive support system to help neurodiverse families navigate the best way forward for their children.
Art director Ryan Mastalerz worked with Sky Road Webb, founding member of the Coast Miwok Tribal Council, to create the image to reflect a Miwok woman. After about 15 renditions, Webb wrote back, “There is a style and way of our regalia, but there are no hard fast rules. When regalia is made, it is said that the design is ‘dreamed.’ A ‘dreamer’ has a vision of the dance, the songs, the regalia. We’re asking AI to dream this — what a sci-fi trip.”
To learn more Miwok traditions, check out The Big Time, on page 28.
todd snyder goop cynthia benjamin buvette du marais
SHOP Birkenstock • Clic • Copperfield’s Books • Cos Bar • Cynthia Benjamin • Design Within Reach
Diptyque • Flora and Henri • George • goop • Harwell Godfrey • Heroshop • Hudson Grace • James Perse
Jenni Kayne • La Ligne • Lingua Franca • Malia Mills • Outerknown • Poppy Store • Sarah Shepard Gallery
Shoppe Amber Interiors • Sugar Paper • Sunspel • The Great. • The RealReal • Todd Snyder • Topdrawer Toy Crazy • Veronica Beard • Well Made Home EAT El Buvette du Marais • Huarache Loco • Farmshop
Frankie & Jos Hog Island • Johnny Doughnuts • Loveski Deli • Miette • Pressed • Rustic Bakery • Shake Shack • Souvla Starbucks • Sunlife Organics • Sushi Ko DO Barber Lane • International Orange Spa
Shop • Lark Shoes & Repair • Marlowe Nails • Tutu School • U.S. Post Office & Trading Post SWEAT Love
Story Yoga • Mighty Pilates • Soulcycle
marincountrymart.com • @marincountrymart
IN MARIN
15 Currents
Migratory birds, a revived tradition, new businesses and more.
18 Wine for Peace
Heidi Kuhn, founder of Roots of Peace, is turning land mines into vineyards, a business model for peace.
24 Pandemic Business
Sausalito Books by the Bay launched in 2019, community support helped it survive the challenges of the pandemic.
47 Private School Guide
Marin Magazine’s annual listing of Bay Area private schools.
71 Travel
Hawaii’s hidden gems for both savvy savers and big spenders.
OUT & ABOUT
75 Calendar
A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.
84 Dine
An insider’s guide to dining and food in the Bay Area.
90 On the Scene
Snapshots from events around the county.
MARIN HOME
95 Backstory
A 1910 Craftsman in Mill Valley is thoughtfully renovated to marry traditional and modern design.
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SCHOOL DAZE
just might be the best month here in Marin County. The summer fog has lifted (for those of us who live in the southern towns), kids are back in school and our neighbors have returned tanned and rested from wherever they ‘summer.’ The theme of this month is education, hence in The Right Place for the Right Mind , on page 42, we showcase schools and organizations that foster neurodiversity, a somewhat new word for me, which is ironic, since in fifth grade, I was tested and told I was dyslexic. I’m sure I would have benefited from a different education that catered to my strengths, but as the proliferation of Instagram memes of deadly playgrounds, long walks to school and a “Be home by dark” parenting style prove — us Gen-Xers had to grin and bear our way through life.
In this issue, we are thrilled to deliver our popular annual Private School Guide. Every year, we inevitably get a letter or two asking why we don’t publish a public school guide. Simple answer is the public schools are attended by kids in the neighborhood. The private schools we have listed offer a different experience. As parents we possibly overthink these decisions, as did I, as soon as I was pregnant more than 20 years ago. Warned by neighbors about not getting into “the best preschool,” I signed up at our neighborhood preschool, then
I panicked thinking it seemed too institutional for my unborn child, so I signed up for the Montessori option as well. My then-husband, Pete was a private school kid, and I went to public school, so our deal was elementary would be private and then the girls would go to public school.
The interviews were horrible. I was there for all the wrong reasons. I figured if my kid gets into Stanford, all the mistakes I’ve made in life will be diminished. When Grace, age 4, interviewed at Saint Hilary School in Tiburon, she looked up at a statue of Jesus nailed to a cross wearing a crown of thorns, and said, “Mommy, look, is he dead?” She had a three-minute education on Christianity and Catholicism, aced the interview, and our girls both enjoyed their time at this excellent school, before going through the Mill Valley public school system. I’m happy to say they are both thriving and neither went to Stanford.
Another product of a good public school education is associate editor Mimi Pinson’s eye for detail. When she took a look at the AI-generated image that art director Ryan Mastalerz created for our cover, she pointed out that it looked more like a Plains Indian, not Miwok. We brought in a founding member of the Coast Miwok Tribal Council to work with Ryan on multiple iterations of this piece of art until we got it right.
Besides the smarts earned and learned from schools, community is my favorite part. I cherished my time with other Saint Hilary parents with family dinner parties, which could end in everyone dancing or an impromptu volleyball game and having just returned from my own high school reunion, I am grateful for these lifelong friendships that often start in a classroom. Speaking of classrooms, I hope you enjoy our staff ‘yearbook’ outtakes.
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CURRENTS
Who’s Coming to Town?
Fall marks the return of migratory birds
Though we might shiver on a 60º fall or winter day, many migratory birds find our region to be the perfect vacation home to stick out winter. As the season changes, we bid farewell to summer birds like orioles, and we welcome the return of some familiar feathered friends. Keep an eye out for these birdies in your backyard, or make an excursion to the coast or forests for rarer finds. September through October is a great time to head up to Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands to see migrating raptors — that is, hawks, falcons, eagles and the like — passing through the North Bay.
Who’s Here?
BY
Fall and winter mark the increase in some populations of resident birds, like the American robin, pine siskin and dark-eyed (Oregon) junco, plus new faces around town may include these. If nothing else, then this list may be a fun read for the goofy bird names alone.
Songbirds
Cedar waxwing
Fox sparrow
Gold-crowned sparrow
Lincoln’s sparrow
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Say’s phoebe
Townsend’s warbler
Varied thrush
White-crowned sparrow
White-throated sparrow
Yellow-rumped warbler
Dance Like It’s 1908
LARKSPUR’S HISTORIC ROSE BOWL DANCE GETS AN ENCORE.
It may be hard to imagine, but Larkspur used to be a late night hot spot, and a hub for people wanting to escape the cold San Francisco fog. Every Saturday, the Escalle Winery property in Larkspur would host the Rose Bowl Dance. The Rose Bowl dance was at its peak in the 1930s, attracting around 4,000 dancers coming from other towns in Marin by train or by ferry. Originally part of Booster Days fundraising events for the volunteer firefighters, the Rose Bowl Dance was the place to be for Marin and San Francisco residents of any age, and resulted in many memorable nights of fun and romance.
In an attempt to keep these memories alive, the Larkspur Community Foundation is reinstating the Rose Bowl Dance on Sept. 21, 2024. The dance has only been held twice since its prime, once for its centennial and once for the city of Larkspur’s centennial. This year’s event will be held at the Escalle property, with light snacks and desserts provided by Left Bank Brasserie. It will also be partnering with many Larkspur restaurants for a “Dine and Donate” experience. Dance-goers can dine in Larkspur and then mount one of the free trolleys up to the Escalle property. Being held as a fundraiser this time, the Larkspur Community Foundation is hoping that it gains popularity and can be repeated more regularly in the future.
Shorebirds
American avocet
Black-bellied plover
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Dunlin
Green-winged teal
Herring Gull
Lesser and western sandpipers
Oystercatcher
Phalaropes
Ringed-neck duck
Semipalmated plover
Short-billed (Mew) Gull
MIMI PINSON
BY NATALIE TRESS
Larkspur Dance, circa 1940s
Larkspur Dance
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NEW IN TOWN
BY MIMI PINSON
Learn by doing
These new Marin businesses are for learning in the eld and in the studio.
WILDERNESS CUBS PROGRAM
ROSS
A new nature education program from Ross Cottage Nursery School, Wilderness Cubs Program helps preschoolers aged 3–5 foster connection to the natural environment. A day in their class could include nature walks, safe interactions with animals, presentations and wilderness-skills development. rossrecreation.org
AMPHORA CERAMIC STUDIO
SAN RAFAEL
Hands-on pottery for all skill levels and ages, including youth, teens and adults. Also available for birthdays, team-building events, private lessons and ring services. amphoraceramicstudio.org
Pictured at Horne Trail in Marinwood
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Wine for Peace!
EDITED BY KATE COMBS
A Marin-based group is working to restore war-torn economies by cultivating peace through agriculture.
When fifth-generation Marinite, cancer survivor and mother of four Heidi Kuhn learned about the proliferation of land mines in over 60 war-torn countries after the death of Princess Diana, she was moved to action. Kuhn imagined her children not being able to walk on Stinson Beach, hike Mount Tam or kick a soccer ball out of bounds without the possibility of stepping on a land mine and losing a limb. She then created Roots of Peace in 1998, turning fields once covered with land mines into profitable vineyards. This year, she’s been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her work. The announcement will be next month, but we figured the nomination was reason enough to showcase the work she’s done.
How did it feel to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize?
I was humbled and honored to be nominated by the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan. This is the same city where Alfred Nobel once lived, and so it is fitting to be nominated from this city which was home to the founder of the Nobel Peace Prize. It is even more meaningful, as this is a Muslim country nominating an American woman.
Why vines?
In January 2000, I walked my first minefield in Croatia, where there were an estimated 1.5 million land mines in the vineyards due to the Balkan War. Working with the Rotary Club of San Rafael and California vintners, we raised funds to transform these lands into one of the top tourist destinations in the world. My husband, Gary, a Silicon Valley business leader, became involved and took this small idea out of the basement of our Kuhn family home and expanded our business model for peace.
And then, following the 9/11 attacks, we began our
humanitarian work in Afghanistan, which was once considered the “Garden of Central Asia.” In time, Roots of Peace helped expand Afghan exports from $250 million in 2014 to over $1.4 billion in 2020, and impacted the lives of over one million farmers and families. Today, we still employ over 100 Afghan farmers — including Afghan women — as we provide dignity for families to feed their children. One thing to note is that in Afghanistan, the grapes are never fermented due to respect for Muslim culture. Yet, it is the grapevine which represents choice — fine wine, fresh grapes or raisins — and the seeds we have in common, rather than those which separate us as humanity.
Have there been challenging aspects of Roots of Peace?
The most difficult challenge is to witness the escalation of war, and the acceleration of planting land mines, cluster munition and explosive remnants of war. Some days, I feel as though I am running against the wind. Yet, when I recently visited the minefields of Angola on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2024), I met with over 60 brave Angolan women de-miners who were risking their lives each day to remove land mines where Princess Diana had once walked in their country over 27 years ago. When I asked them why they would do such a dangerous job, they responded by looking me in the eye and saying, “We do this for our children. If we do not, who will?”
Such courage of mothers around the world gives me the inspiration to return to the minefields of the world, until we — as humanity — remove these deadly seeds of destruction and renew the face of the earth with viable agricultural seeds of life. As a cancer survivor, I realize that “Cancer is a landmine, and land mines are a cancer to the earth.” The solution is removal.
Heidi Kuhn, Roots of Peace
Enter Code: MARINPAPER when booking for a special Tasting Room offer.
Offer Valid for tastings now through September 30th, 2024
The scoop on Bay Area events
you’ll
[UPCOMING EVENTS]
PENNIES FROM HEAVEN GALA
WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Oct. 12, 2024, 5–11 p.m.
Meadow Club: 1001 Bolinas Road, Fairfax
Since 1946, SVdP has proudly provided compassionate, individualized assistance to help our less fortunate neighbors obtain food and housing. At our signature gala, peruse a silent auction, enjoy fine wines and spirits tastings, a caviar tasting, oyster bar, dinner, dancing, live auction and cigar lounge. Join in celebrating 78 years of SVdP’s achievements.
marinhumane.org/tails-by-twilight WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Join us for an evening of inspiration under the stars as we celebrate our shared commitment to animals and Marin Humane. Reception, gourmet dinner and signature cocktails, silent and live auctions and inspiring stories.
Well-behaved pooches welcome!
$275 per ticket
FIND OUT MORE STEPPING OUT TO CELEBRATE LIFE29TH ANNUAL GALA
WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE
Sept. 28, 5–11:30 p.m.
Marin Center Exhibit Hall, San Rafael
Stepping Out To Celebrate Life benefits our Breast Cancer Grants Program. The funds raised are granted to nonprofit organizations working with the underserved. The event includes a cocktail reception, auctions and a live band. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and the inspirational fashion show featuring models thriving after breast cancer. Black tie optional.
$350 per person, Sponsorships: $1,500+
tocelebratelife.org/stepping-out, 415.455.5882
Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events? Visit marinmagazine.com/arts-events/on-the-scene
STARTING A BUSINESS IN THE PANDEMIC?
HOW COMMUNITY KEPT MY BOOKSTORE AFLOAT IN DOWNTOWN SAUSALITO.
BY CHERYL POPP
The independent bookstore business today is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it is a rather daunting, daily (as in, seven days a week) labor of love.
When I opened Sausalito Books by the Bay in 2019, I knew that the way people read and buy books had changed dramatically. But I was, and remain, convinced that people still want to hold a real book in their hands. They want to browse bookshelves and connect with a live person, a knowledgeable bookseller.
Having lived in Sausalito for over 30 years, I also knew that most locals want to support small businesses that sustain their community. They don’t want big-box, chain stores. If I created an ambiance and welcoming environment, curated a captivating selection of books — they would come. What could be better than a bookshop in the center of downtown Sausalito perched right on the San Francisco Bay? Not a bad view for starters. With free parking, no less!
I knew little about owning or operating a bookstore when I opened the shop, but I did know it wasn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Unlike other retail products, the profit margin on books is low. But this venture wasn’t about money. It was my “retirement,” my gift to the community. I am a firm believer that every town needs a bookshop and is better for it.
With my business and marketing background, the pro forma we developed for the bookstore indicated that we could make ends meet. Who knew that three months after opening there would be a global pandemic?
As we know, life and business on every front came to a crashing halt in March 2020. Everyone had to catch their breath, pivot and reinvent. I won’t sugarcoat the experience. It was a rough and costly two years having just invested in building a bookstore from scratch. But it was also an opportunity to reimagine and redefine my bookshop on many fronts. This is what I did.
Not your usual bookstore
The most lucrative strategy was to diversify. We don’t just sell books. Mostly books, yes, but we also sell “sidelines” (merchandise with higher profit margins). Greeting cards, boxed notes, journals, hats, unique gifts and homeware. Sideline merchandise generates 40% of our revenue.
We sell craft beer and a carefully curated selection of wines as well as locally sourced specialty foods (olive oil, local honey, tapanades, gelato). There were no “new” beer and wine licenses to be had in certain areas, like downtown Sausalito. We had to work with a broker to buy an existing one. All costly. All worth it. We have two different ABC licenses which allow us to sell bottles for take-out and to pour wine at our events.
We are also a mini art gallery with one wall featuring a different local artist every month. And we host special events. A lot of them. These have played an important role in our ongoing survival. Quite simply, events generate foot traffic and awareness. Lots of author
Sausalito Books By The Bay
Cheryl Popp
S T. VINCENT DE PAUL
Pennies FROM Heaven
MEADOW CLUB – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024
PLATINUM PENNIES
$25,000+
Sharon Lewis — Frank and Lois Noonan
GOLDEN PENNIES
$10,000+
Harbor Point Charitable Foundation — Bruce B. Allen — Rich and Jean Gallagher — Jolson Family Foundation
Dennis Fisco and Pam Polite-Fisco — Valley Oak Wealth Management — Marin Magazine
SILVER PENNIES
$5,000+
Marin Community Foundation —Bank of Marin —Lenore Heffernan —Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation
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Kaiser Permanente — Father Paul Rossi — Wine Merchant of Showplace Square — Acrisure
Kaiser Permanente — Father Paul Rossi — Wine Merchant of Showplace Square — Acrisure
ENJOY FINE WINE TASTING BY: Peter Paul Wines — Emeritus Vineyard Lynmar Estate — Rockpile Vineyards — Duckhorn Vineyards — Franklin Son Père — Croix Estates
ENJOY LIBATIONS BY: Salt Point Canned Cocktails — Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. — Sausalito Liquor Co.
EXQUISITE DINNER WINES GENEROUSLY DONATED BY: Lynmar Estate Winery — Peter Paul Wines
FEATURING: C.P.A. Valet — Hog Island Oyster Co. — Telford’s Pipe and Cigar — The Caviar Company
MASTER OF CEREMONIES AND AUCTIONEER: Mike McGuire, California State Senator, Senate President Pro Tempore
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events, but also wine tastings, workshops, community forums on racial justice, women’s health, climate change and Native American heritage. Poetry readings and “Storytime” for toddlers. It’s all about getting people through our doors.
We also differentiate ourselves from the usual bookstore with creative merchandising and point of purchase tabletop displays. We curate themed sections of books: The Armchair Sailor, Must-Read Banned Books, Wanderlust, Pride in Print. I’m not afraid to mix genres, or fiction with non-fiction.
I have tried to create an in-store shopping experience that is one of exploration and wonder. A haven of learning and exchange.
Another competitive advantage? We ship books for free anywhere in the U.S. We will also deliver to your front door in Sausalito.
Sustaining support
Helen Abe, CIMA®, CPFA, CRPC® Senior Vice President –Financial Advisor Consulting Group
300 B Drakes Landing Road, Suite 155 Greenbrae, CA 94904
Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value
Last year, I launched a nonprofit — Literacy by the Bay — to help sustain the profit side of the business, embracing a hybrid business model for independent community bookstores that has been deployed across the country. The mastermind behind this concept was Praveen Madan at Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park. With a 501(c)3 we can offer donors a tax deduction, and these funds help underwrite our literacy programs. Literacy by the Bay is providing additional capital to keep our doors open. Isabel Allende helped launch the program last year, which we are continuously innovating.
Our Community-Supported Bookstore and Annual Membership platforms are more standard loyalty programs, offering discounts and perks, but they also helps help ensure our survival.
Engage with the community and it will engage with you, I say.
We have found great value and synergy in collaboration, partnering with local libraries (we recently hosted Amy Tan with the Mill Valley Library), as well as Sausalito and Marin City schools.
It takes a village, as they say, to keep a local independent bookstore alive.
We collaborate with local businesses and organizations like Sausalito Center for the Arts, the Spinnaker, Amour Vert, Barrel House Tavern, Sausalito Nursery School and Performing Stars of Marin.
We are also dependent upon and so appreciate our ardent supporters in our small town. We know who you are. And we are eternally grateful. You keep us going. This story isn’t over. We are about to celebrate our fifth anniversary. We have survived and are trending in the right direction based on all the “reimagining” we have done.
We will never stop selling books. But our most important “commodity?” Community.
And finally, my success — the success of any business — depends a lot on the people you hire. I am blessed to have a great staff, especially Jeff Battis, my manager and book buyer. A 25-year veteran of City Lights in San Francisco, Jeff has forgotten more than I will ever know about publishing and bookselling. He is a rare bird, a gift, an invaluable asset.
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Sausalito Books By The Bay Merchandise
HONORING MIWOK HERITAGE:
ECHOES OF AUTUMN TRADITION
"THE BIG TIME"
BY ALISON LOOMIS
“I thought I was the last one,” reflects Lucina Vidauri in her Sausalito home. A native Coast Miwok descended from Olompali, once the epicenter of Coast Miwok culture, Vidauri adds, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think, yes, they'll come back.” Her words encapsulate the recent revival of Coast Miwok culture in Marin County, a renaissance that seemed unimaginable just a few decades ago.
For nearly 4,000 years, the autumnal equinox has shaped the spirit of Marin's inhabitants. Each September, retreating fog reveals golden rolling hills and ushers in the warm harvest season. While modern Marin enjoys bountiful farmers markets, wine crushes and apple and pumpkin picking, the ancient Miwok people celebrated the autumn equinox with “The Big Time” harvest ceremonies — a tradition that endures despite historic tragedies.
Ancient Miwok life and traditions
Long before Marin became home to modern techies and 1960s hippies, prior to the shipbuilding and redwood logging eras of the early 1900s and preceding California statehood in 1850 and the Spanish missionaries from 1769 to 1833, the region remained largely untouched by outside influence. During this time, Marin was a pristine, abundant landscape, home to the ancient Miwoks, the region's First Peoples. More than 600 village sites of Coast Miwoks existed between the Bodega Bay region and southern Marin County, comprising one of the most densely populated areas in all of North America, according to Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT).
Contrary to some anthropological assumptions, the Miwok were not purely nomadic hunter-gatherers. Sky Road Webb, a Coast
Miwok from the Tomales Bay band and founding member of the Coast Miwok Tribal Council, clarifies: “Nomadic refers to having no home, which isn't true. We were territorial and tended the land for thousands of years.”
Webb explains that the Miwok were also agrarian, actively managing their environment: “Miwoks planted oak trees. Some grandmothers preferred different flavors and strains of acorn, whether black oak or live oak. They were passed down from generation to generation. We even had oak doctors for oak health.”
The local cornucopia of ancient Coast Miwoks was diverse and abundant. It included elk, deer and antelope, as well as a rich variety of seafood like kelp, crabs, clams, abalone, mussels, oysters, salmon, rockfish and waterfowl. Plant foods were equally plentiful: blue elderberries, Pacific plums, California laurel fruit, roots, nettle leaves, clover and Indian lettuce. Edible mushrooms such as chanterelles and oyster mushrooms were gathered, alongside buckeye and other flower seeds like buttercup and goldfields. But no other food was more cherished in the Miwok diet than acorns.
Each year, the Miwok community gathered for “The Big Time,” a celebration of their acorn harvest that was crucial for winter sustenance. Webb describes the process: “When acorns drop, it takes a lot of people-power. We rallied troops to gather the acorns, dry them out and store millions in granaries.” Traditionally, each family had its own acorn granary and participated in processing the ripened nuts, and the celebrations that followed.
The preparation of acorn flour was
time-consuming. “The acorns were ground into meal in bedrock mortars. Once the tannins are leached out by repeatedly rinsing the flour in fresh stream water, the flour needs to be cooked right away while it's wet,” Webb explains. “It cooks in tightly woven baskets with hot rocks… fluffs up in 4–5 minutes.” The resulting flour was used to make soup, mush or bread. Webb adds, “Some years the acorns don't do well. We'd collect buckeye nuts instead, which need to cook longer. These were our staples.”
Acorns, a native superfood, are rich in protein, carbohydrates, phytosterol fats and minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron. But for the Miwok, oak trees represented far more than nutrition. Their relationship with these trees was familial in nature, illustrated by Webb's recollection of a Miwok elder's wisdom: “When asked why the oaks were dying of Sudden Oak Death, she said it was because we were no longer taking care of them. They are dying of broken hearts.” This highlights the deep respect the Miwok people had for their natural environment, which they diligently stewarded.
“In the Big-Time ceremonies, female dancers tapped the oak trees with sticks,” Webb notes. “Similarly, shaking them for acorns to drop stimulates the trees like a massage and makes them resilient. Dead branches were also removed.” These practices, along with prescribed burns, are now being recognized as methods for maintaining forest health and potentially reducing diseases like Sudden Oak Death.
“In the Big-Time ceremonies, female dancers tapped the oak trees with sticks,” Webb notes.
“Similarly, shaking them for acorns to drop stimulates the trees like a massage and makes them resilient. Dead branches were also removed.”
Acorn Mortar Stone
Another significant autumn tradition involves cutting and
drying tule grass, which is essential for constructing traditional Miwok homes, basket weaving and crafting canoes used in trading and hunting expeditions. Trading played a vital role in Miwok life, strengthening intertribal relationships and fostering a sense of community.
The ancient Miwoks, known for their maritime expertise, left a lasting legacy that continues through Sausalito's seafarers. For thousands of years, these ancient people traveled long distances in tule canoes, using clam shells as currency for trade. One of the most impressive mariners and the namesake of Marin County was Miwok Chief Marin, whose knowledge of the bay's tides and currents made him valuable to Spanish missionaries; they changed his name from Huicmuse to Marino (nicknamed Marin). Miwoks navigated rough Pacific waters and the San Francisco Bay, regularly canoeing up the Delta to the San Joaquin-Mokelumne Rivers and into the vast wetlands of the Sierra foothills, where the Valley and Sierra Miwoks flourished. An estimated 25,000 Miwoks existed between Yosemite and the Marin coast prior to 1769.
A legacy of struggle and survival
Like all Native North American peoples, the Miwok bore the scars of colonization. Spanish missions disrupted their way of life, imposing forced labor and evangelization. The introduction of European diseases led to the first significant decline in native populations by more than one-third. The San Rafael Arcangel mission, founded in 1817, aimed to treat sick Indians.
After California became a U.S. state in 1850, conditions deteriorated further for native populations. The Gold Rush led to enslavement, displacement and discrimination of California's Indians. California's first governor, Peter Hardeman Burnett, infamously declared during his second State of the State Address in 1850, “That a war of extermination will continue to be waged between the races until the Indian race becomes extinct must be expected.”
As documented in "The Secret Treaties with California's Indians" from the National Archives, the U.S. Senate secretly declined to ratify 18 treaties with California tribes in 1852, thereby voiding commitments to provide land and protection for Native Americans in the state. During the 1950s, many Indian rancherias were terminated under federal policies aimed at assimilation. Despite these challenges, the Miwoks persevered. After a century of fighting, some Miwok tribes regained federal recognition in the early 2000s.
In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom made a formal public apology to California's tribal leaders for the historical violence and genocide. He stated, “We can never undo the wrongs inflicted on the peoples who have lived on this land that we now call California since time immemorial, but we can work together to build bridges, tell the truth about our past and begin to heal deep wounds.”
Contemporary renaissance and voices of tomorrow
Today, modern Coast Miwoks are experiencing a cultural resurgence, showcasing their enduring spirit and
dedication to the principles of connection and balance with their ancestral land. This revival comes after generations of displacement and cultural suppression. As Lucina Vidauri explains, “Our culture didn't survive — for seven generations. After thousands of years living peacefully, the Coast Miwoks were driven out of Marin in 20 years' time, or killed off — from disease and genocide.”
Vidauri, a court reporting assistant by day, has become a passionate educator of Miwok culture through her website, MarinMiwok.com, and its Facebook page. She inherited her father's manuscripts—1,000 pages documenting Miwok history and traditions—which she is now preparing for publication.
There were deep wounds to navigate. She describes the emotional challenges in revitalizing the community:
“Sadness and anger arose from a historical lack of respect and acknowledgment for Miwok history. Figures like Father Junipero Serra and Sir Francis Drake were commemorated with street names, schools and statues in Marin.” Serra enslaved Native Americans, while Drake was a British slave trader.
Possibly inspired by the broader social movements like Black Lives Matter, Miwok cultural events and gatherings began to see a comeback among the approximately 3,400 descendants of the ancient Miwoks, according to the last census. The Miwok Acorn Festival, which has regained its status as the most significant event of the year over the past decade, is now celebrated at various locations, including Miwok Park in Novato, Point Reyes National Seashore, Grinding Rock State Park, Sacramento and Tuolumne. These sites often feature reconstructed cha'kas — ceremonial roundhouses representing Mother Earth — as well as traditional Miwok bark-covered homes made of redwood or cedar. The festival includes traditional dances, hand games, singing and storytelling.
“Right before the pandemic, I began hosting gatherings in Marin,” Vidauri recalls. “I was amazed when nearly 100 people attended, and in San Geronimo, some of whom were mixed Coast Miwok descendants.” Participants processed feelings of grief and anger. “I suggested to them, ‘It’s time, come back!’” she emphasizes, underscoring the emotional journey of reclaiming their cultural identity. These gatherings rekindled a long-lost sense of ancient community in Marin, leading to the establishment of the Coast Miwok Tribal Council of Marin, a governance body formed under Public Law 93-638. This model of "self-determination," Webb notes, 'provides greater autonomy in governance compared to the federally recognized 'tribal sovereignty' model.' While gaming revenue can offer significant benefits to federally recognized tribes, not all California Natives identify with the casino industry. The complexities of tribal governance today, reflected in issues such as membership dis-enrollment and election disputes, reveal the diverse perspectives and unique paths each tribe navigates in preserving their heritage and autonomy.
In the recent year, the Coast Miwok Tribal Council achieved a significant milestone by raising $1 million to purchase 26 acres of ancestral land in Nicasio for Coast Miwoks. “We’re very grateful to Marin County. They helped buy the property for us to reform our village. We were scattered. Now we have blessed the land for gatherings and for our people to come back to,” Webb adds. Theresa Harlan, another Coast Miwok descendant, is pursuing historic-district status for her family’s homes and access to host native gatherings within a National
Park Service jurisdiction. Her family, the Felixes, lived at Marshall Beach and Felix Cove until they were forcibly evicted by ranchers in the 1950s. Harlan emphasizes, “This land is part of our creation story. It’s where we come from. And it’s where we need to be to continue our traditions and our culture.”
Recent developments at the state and federal levels have shown promise for tribal interests. In April 2024, California announced $107 million in grants for tribal co-stewardship and nature-based solutions, supporting buybacks of 38,000 acres of private lands once occupied by indigenous tribes. At the federal level, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary, has been instrumental in advancing tribal interests, stating, “Restoring tribal lands is not just about righting historical wrongs; it’s about empowering indigenous communities to be the stewards of their ancestral territories.”
Progress continues to be made. “Offering respect and acknowledgement to Miwoks is a new positive change,” Vidauri notes. “Many businesses are acknowledging that they are on Miwok land, which is unceded land. Curriculum in schools is changing now.”
“It’s most important to reach the children,” she says, drawing from her own experience of learning Miwok oral history from her father. Her great-great-grandfather was Chief Camillo Ynitia, the last chief of Marin and a friend of the famous Chief Marin during the missionary period.
Looking to the future, Vidauri envisions more positive cultural events and a cultural center. “I would like to have more Powwows and 'cultural days' in Sausalito and greater Marin,” she says. “We don't want to be known for the 20 years of violent turmoil
that drove us away. We want to be known for our peaceful ways and customs.”
Efforts to preserve and share Miwok culture are ongoing. Sky Road Webb contributes to this mission through his many roles: councilman of the Coastal Miwok Tribal Council, president of both the Marin American Indian Alliance (MAIA) and the Miwok Archaeological Preserve of Marin (MAPOM), and advisory board member for the Museum of the American Indian. As a master storyteller, Webb plays a crucial role in passing down Miwok traditions and knowledge to future generations.
Webb announces, “MAIA’s hird Annual Marin Powwow, which is open to the public, will be held mid-March next year in a San Rafael high school gym, featuring Powwow drum and dance, California Indian Big Time dance, Azteca Danza, Hawaiian dance, fry bread and vendors.” These events offer Miwok and non-Miwok community members, especially younger generations, opportunities to experience and appreciate Coastal Miwok culture.
The Miwok people's story is one of resilience, adaptability and revival. As we observe Native American Indian Heritage Month this November, we honor their legacy by exploring the Miwoks' rich history and ongoing contributions to the cultural and ecological fabric of Marin. Future issues will feature Miwok mythologies, diverse perspectives and detailed views of their historical tapestry and enduring legacies.
This harvest season, consider participating in native autumnal activities like the Miwok Acorn Festival or Trade Feast. We also invite readers to share what they would most like to learn about Miwok culture and history.
Miwok Council, 2024
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco Builds a Better Future for Local Families
BY KIRSTEN NEFF
ndrea Rounds stands in the kitchen of her bright three-bedroom, three-bath home in the Mount Burdell Community near downtown Novato, recalling how she felt as she dropped her twin daughters off at college two years ago. “As I bought them bedding to set them up in their dorm rooms,” says Rounds, “I thought about the fact that I couldn’t do that, that none of it would be possible if I had to pay interest on the mortgage on my home. The reason I can support my children’s education is because I have this home. Grateful does not begin to describe the feeling.”
Rounds is a single mother of three: twin girls who are 21 and a son who is 11. She works as a night nurse and parenting coach. In 2017, after years of renting and moving regularly, she read about the Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco (GSF) home ownership project on the “Novato in the Know” Facebook page. In partnership with the Marin Community Foundation and the City of Novato, Habitat GSF had purchased property on Fourth Street near downtown Novato to build Mount Burdell Place, the first multi-family development in Marin for Habitat — a neighborhood consisting of 10 three-bedroom, single-family homes. Rounds learned of the program just one day before the application period closed, but she dropped everything and spent the next day participating in a required workshop and completing an application in the Habitat for Humanity GSF office. Submitting the application allowed her to enter the lottery to have a chance to own one of the ten homes in the Mount Burdell Place development. When the results of the lottery were published online, Rounds held her breath, opened her computer and looked down the list of lottery winners until she saw that, indeed, she was the 10th of 10 people whose numbers had been drawn.
“I was in shock and so excited. We were all so excited. The kids and I drove by the location,” recalls Rounds. Next, there was another mini-lottery to determine which house the Rounds family would move into. “I’m so happy with my home,” Rounds says. “Ten homes, three different styles. Every home is beautiful — the little details, the paint colors, the orientation of the houses. Our drip systems are recycled water, and our plants are drought resistant. The houses stay cool, and we have solar. I love my solar. Every home is a greenpoint home. We were beyond lucky. These homes are green jewels.”
The Habitat for Humanity home ownership program is unique in that the homes are designed for families and ownership rather than for rental. Many affordable housing developments are tightly packed one-bedroom or studio apartments, but these homes are threebedroom homes designed to fit families. The lottery winners — families whose monthly income and life circumstances meet the criteria (working families earning between 50–120% of median area income) for Habitat’s affordable housing and homeownership program — are not required to make a down payment. Nor do they pay interest on the mortgage loan. Habitat, whose funding comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, government programs and multilateral funding institutions, covers the cost of design and construction as well as the down payment. Home owners pay the interest-free mortgage to build equity in the home, and their mortgage payment is capped so it is no more than 30% of their monthly income. Owners put in 500 hours of sweat equity, working alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers, to construct the homes.
“These 10 homes have my literal sweat and blood,” says Rounds. “We did everything. We were down on our knees, shoveling cement. We literally built our homes. It is such an amazing experience. There is something about building your own home and putting work and time
Andrea Rounds with her twin daughters
into it — it’s almost like being a parent. You invest the hard work, and you become more attached to it. You are more bonded. It is so special.”
According to statistics from Habitat GSF, 79% of new homeowners report an upward career trajectory, and 85% report improvement in their physical and mental health. Rounds describes her home, where her family has now lived for seven years, as not just a shelter, but also a physical and emotional refuge. “Before this, I was a single mom with three babies renting an apartment, with no security. They had raised the rents on us at my last apartment. I remember going in and saying to the office manager, ‘Hey, I’d like to renew for another year, but there’s no security here. I have three little children, and basically, you could kick us out any time’ and she said, ‘Yeah, basically.’ It was a feeling of powerlessness, an insecurity that feels terrible, especially when it comes down to your babies.” As it turned out, the timing of the family’s move into their Mount Burdell Place home was essential for Rounds when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “This home became my healing place as I went through treatment,” she says. “I am cancer-free now.” “People like Andie Rounds keep me grounded in the why of this work,” says Maureen Sedonaen, chief executive officer at Habitat GSF, who orchestrates the partnerships between local entities to fund the program. “You see how home ownership transforms lives. I watch people who are self-determined create a life for themselves and their families, and we get to be a part of that.” With home ownership projects underway in West Marin and Novato, Sedonaen and her Habitat GSF team, along with partners, will make
home ownership available for 92 lowand moderate-income families in Marin County. This opportunity will allow these families to gain equity and build generational wealth.
In May, Habitat GSF announced a partnership with Canal Alliance, the nonprofit social service organization in the Canal district of San Rafael. This collaboration is a critical step in addressing the lack of home ownership in the Latino community. Currently, Latino families account for only 5% of the homes owned in Marin County. The median home price in Marin is more than double the average
program awarded $7.5 million — the largest state grant in Habitat GSF history — and public and private donors supported the entitlement process. “When PG&E began talking to us about donating the undeveloped land, we knew it was an incredible opportunity, but would require tremendous planning, perseverance and coordination,” says Sedonaen. “To be where we are today is an amazing feeling.”
According to statistics from Habitat GSF, 79% of new homeowners report an upward career trajectory, and 85% report improvement in their physical and mental health.
of the rest of the state. That, coupled with a limited housing stock in the region, has led to the displacement of working families. Many of Marin’s workforce now live outside county lines. “When our clients can access affordable housing, their dreams become achievable,” says Omar Carrera, CEO of Canal Alliance. “We see countless examples of stable housing allowing for advancement toward higher education, vocational training, and more.”
Early next year, Habitat for Humanity GSF will begin construction on the 80-unit Redwood Boulevard development in northern Novato. The homes will be built on 13.6 acres of vacant land that was donated to Habitat GSF by PG&E. The City of Novato unanimously approved the project, and the State’s CalHome
Eric Lucan, a vocal proponent of the Mount Burdell Place development when he was mayor of Novato, continues to focus on affordable housing in his role as Marin County supervisor. Lucan had a front row seat as the town of Novato embraced the Redwood Boulevard project. “The median home price in Marin exceeds $1.6 million, making it nearly impossible for families to buy homes, build equity and create generational wealth,” says Lucan. The development is a keystone of Novato’s efforts to bring more affordable housing to the region as Redwood Boulevard will make up 12% of the state-mandated low-income homes and 12% of the moderate-income homes required of the city by 2031.
According to Lucan, many affordable housing developments are rental-only, built by companies from out of the area and are designed to maximize profit. “This is not that,” he says emphatically. “You will see three- and four-bedroom apartments designed for families, and built by the local community.” With 80 homes set amongst parks and courtyards, 10 acres of open space, a community garden, amphitheater, dog parks and trails, the project will provide housing for more than 300 low- and moderate-income individuals. It will be the largest homeownership-only development in the state
of California.
Supervisor Lucan, who “swung a hammer” as a volunteer at the Mount Burdell Place construction site, is looking forward to volunteering at the Redwood Boulevard site. “Maybe they will give me a job where I can’t do too much damage,” he laughs. “I would encourage people in Marin to come down and help build this development” (visit habitatgsf.org/volunteer to volunteer). Lucan believes that the fact that the homes will be built by volunteers makes the development even more relevant in Novato. “Novato is a family town, a family community. The Redwood Boulevard project creates an opportunity for people from the community to participate, volunteer and help build these homes for families.”
After seven years raising her children in her home in Mount Burdell Place, Andrea Rounds says she continues to feel amazed every day. “As a person who came from simple means, I will never take this home for granted,” she says, motioning to her surroundings. “Everyone deserves this stability. Everyone should have this opportunity to have this. Everyone deserves to have a home.”
THIS SUMMER,
Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom followed in the footsteps of countless parents: They moved to Marin for the schools.
The Newsoms’ move isn’t the typical educationmotivated relocation. They’re keeping their Sacramento home, and at least one of their four kids reportedly attends private school. Still, the move underscores an economic truth universally acknowledged: Excellent schools are one of the pillars supporting Marin’s lofty real estate values. Parents and non-parents alike consider school quality when home shopping.
“Schools are one of the top indicators of your return on investment,” says realtor April Lepito Smith. “Even if you don't have children or your children are no longer school age, people will always be drawn to areas with strong public school programming. It's just a smart investment.”
Many researchers over the years have linked school quality to property values. A 2016 Realtor.com study found that nationwide, homes in highly rated school districts cost 49% more than the national median — and 77% more than schools in low-ranked districts.
When Sam and Nicole Katsin were shopping for their first Marin home, they knew they were paying for excellent schools. Sam attended public schools in Mill Valley, and wanted his kids to attend school with neighborhood kids and make lifelong friends, like he did. They eventually found the perfect spot, and look forward to sending their girls, ages 3 and 2 months, to Hidden Valley
Elementary and eventually to Archie Williams High School. After all, Sam figures, they’re paying for it every time they pay property taxes on their San Anselmo home.
“One of the many reasons Marin County is expensive is the quality of schools,” he reasons.
But what really makes an excellent school? Parents, school boosters and real estate experts agree that the school quality that buyers are looking for runs deeper than online ratings.
Beyond test scores
When Rachael Cervantez and her husband Michael were shopping for a Novato home, they couldn't forget about their son’s educational needs. With his delivery imminent, the baby was along for the ride on every home tour and investigative neighborhood stroll.
While the Cervantezes lost out in a number of bidding wars, they are now happily settled in their Novato home, from which Benito, now 2, can eventually walk or bike to Lynwood Elementary. The school features a dual immersion program.
“We definitely wanted Spanish as a second language for him, and having the immersion school was just a massive selling point for us,” Rachael explains.
With a long line of teachers in both of their families, the Cervantez family had prioritized finding the right public school district all along. But as they searched, Rachael says she learned to look beyond test scores and school rankings.
“There's always more to the story,” Rachael says. For example, Lynwood’s test scores aren’t as high as some other Marin elementary schools. “But the reason they have lower test scores is because for the majority of their population, English is a second language.”
For Michelene Moayedi, executive director of the HeadsUp San Rafael Public Education Foundation, going beyond the published rankings meant asking around. She called the public school near her prospective home, and also talked to parents whose kids attended.
“Everyone had glowing things to say about it,” Moayedi says. Their positive feedback led her to purchase the house.
The Katsins, already familiar with
Marin schools through Sam’s family and childhood friends, couldn't take tours during the pandemic. However, simply driving by and observing helped them feel comfortable with the school in the neighborhood they eventually moved to.
“It's a kind of quiet, tucked-away, beautiful little spot. And you can see the joy of childhood there,” he says.
The extras
Moayedi says that one thing she and other parents want to know about a public school is what the kids get besides the basics of the state required curriculum.
“Parents expect art and music. They expect extracurricular activities,” she says.
Of course, with decades of cutbacks in school funding all over California, those extras are often only possible if someone subsidizes them. That’s where school foundations like HeadsUp come in.
HeadsUp provides arts enrichment, bringing music, dance and visual arts to elementary school students. They also subsidize college readiness and wellness centers for older kids, including much-needed mental health support.
“Right before finals, we do a ‘Stress Less’ event,” where high school students can pot a succulent, make a stress ball or pet a therapy dog, Moayedi says.
Bringing equity to extras
Growing up with a teacher for a mom, Lepito learned valuable insights about how public schools improve. “She always told me that it was really the parents and the community that enacted change,” Lepito recalls.
If you believe that excellence stems from the community, then it’s no surprise to see parents and other stakeholders perpetually improving Marin schools through foundations like HeadsUp.
But there's also an inherent challenge when relying on each school’s immediate community for funding: Not all parents are able to fundraise at the same level.
Whenever California reduces school funding, essential programs go out the window — especially “extras” like arts education. Foundations, often at the district level, do their best to fill that void. But while one foundation may be able to raise millions of
dollars, others struggle to raise thousands.
That dichotomy led to the 2010 founding of SchoolsRule Marin, a coalition that raises funds for all Marin school districts to support arts, literacy, health and technology programs.
“The southernmost districts had the opportunity to bring back these programs because they live in a healthy economic situation, while other districts, not by any fault of their own, just because of the diversity of their neighborhoods, have a much harder time raising these funds,” says Trisha Garlock, executive director of SchoolsRule.
While benefiting all Marin schools, SchoolsRule plays a crucial role for Novato and San Rafael schools, which serve more low-income families than other Marin districts.
“It's been a huge impact,” in San Rafael, Moayedi says. For instance, HeadsUp was originally only able to bring music classes to fourth and fifth graders. But due to increases in funding from SchoolsRule and HeadsUp’s own fundraising growth, they were able to add another grade level every year. By 2020, San Rafael students in K–5 were all enjoying music education at school.
At first, SchoolsRule distributed funds to all Marin districts on a per-student basis. But in 2022, they added the Equity Fund, allowing them to target a portion of their dollars to the districts that needed the most help.
To Garlock, who before SchoolsRule founded the Mill Valley schools foundation Kiddo!, SchoolsRule and the Equity Fund in particular are a pathway to the
way things should be for all students. “There shouldn't be high- and lowquality districts. They should all be high-quality districts,” she says.
The schools – real estate connection
SchoolsRule raises money from all kinds of businesses, all of which are invested in maintaining great public schools in Marin. However, the organization has a unique relationship with the industry that stands to gain the most from school quality: real estate.
The SchoolsRule Realtor Promotion Program solicits donations from real estate agents in exchange for joint promotions (including ads in Marin Magazine). For realtors who are consistently telling buyers about Marin’s great schools, it’s a chance to put their money where their mouth is.
Lepito, a mom of two elementary students and a San Rafael PTO member herself, is an enthusiastic participant. “(As Realtors) we get asked for a lot of sponsorships. This one was the biggest no-brainer,” she says. Not only does supporting all Marin school districts appeal to her on a personal level, Lepito sees it as a smart business move. “SchoolsRule is helping rising tides carry all boats, so everybody can benefit from the affluence and generosity of the community by having the highest level of public school education that they can. It’s a win for the community and society at large — but also for homeowners. Having really strong public schools will help maintain their property values.”
BY MATT VILLANO
The Right Place for the Right Mind
Empowering our neurodiverse
community
Zphyna Caldwell’s 18-year-old daughter Elena always has had a flair for storytelling through animation.
So when Caldwell set out to find for her autistic child an alternative school program that would serve her unique interests, she jumped at the opportunity to with Autistry Studios, a therapeutic educational organization in San Rafael.
Autistry enrolled Elena in a semester-long course that follows the Pixar Animation Studios method of storytelling, and connected her with professional animator Ken Pontac, who served as her mentor. Pontac worked one-on-one with her to improve her skills, and helped Elena create an eight-minute short film about a girl named Hazel.
“It was an incredible film and a great experience for her to make it,” said Caldwell. “She listened to someone else’s ideas, and she incorporated them into a project that was entirely her own. For her, it’s been like going to college.”
The Caldwell family’s experiences were extraordinary but not exceptional. Over the years, Marin County has developed an extensive support system to help neurodiverse families — that is, families that include an individual who is autistic, has attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or is neurodivergent in some other way. The audience for these sorts of initiatives certainly is growing; according to recent statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, and one in nine children is diagnosed with ADHD. At last check this local support system comprised more than a dozen organizations and consulting endeavors.
Many of these organizations exist outside public school districts and the Golden Gate Regional Center, which serves as a liaison between eligible families and state and federal funding for support. Often these larger institutions can be bureaucratic and challenging to work with; many of the smaller organizations alleviate that stress. In short, Marin County is a good place to be part of the neurodivergent community.
Autism to the masses
Autistry, the program where Caldwell’s daughter felt at home, is without question the most high-profile of the bunch. The endeavor is run out of a storefront on Fourth Street in downtown San Rafael. This brick-and-mortar location comprises a maker space for in-person art workshops, a small shop that sells what members make and a coffee bar to give autistic teenagers and young adults realworld experience working jobs.
Autistry also is expected to open a Double Rainbow ice cream shop by the end of 2024.
But, really, Autistry is about education. Founder Janet Lawson said the outfit’s mission is to build independent adults.
She added that Autistry staff help autistic and neurodivergent teens and adults become successfully independent by leveraging their interests and talents while creating a robust, supportive and productive community. The programs serve mostly young adults who have completed high school, though it does take kids as young as 13. As of press time, there were about 40 people enrolled. “We give these kids a safe and encouraging environment in which they can follow their passions, be themselves and figure out what’s really getting in their way,” said Lawson, who is a local marriage and family therapist. “Being neurodivergent isn’t about intelligence or intellectual ability, it’s about processing and perspective and sensory input.”
Lawson founded Autistry in 2008 after she couldn’t find worthwhile programs for her own son, who is autistic. He was 13 then, and he’s 29 now. Over the years, Autistry’s offerings have evolved, too. Today, there are four: therapeutic maker space workshops that meet once a week; a comprehensive adult program that meets five days a week; a skills adaptation program that starts at two days each week; and a program that provides transition
to adulthood support. Autistry also offers theater and animation programs, as well as reading, writing and math remedial classes. Through a partnership with the Marin Shakespeare Company, the Autistry Drama Group presented Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz earlier this year. All programs provide college support, vocational training and workplace and social space skill building. They’re all designed to help young people achieve independence. “Many autistic students haven’t had the identity-building experiences that one usually has in high school,” Lawson said. “Being part of a sports team or a drama team — anything that has to do with being with other students and testing your personality against theirs. That’s how you build.”
Without question, one of the most exciting aspects of the Autistry curriculum is the maker space, where young people can learn how to use woodworking tools and create beautiful trinkets. On any given weekday, visitors might see Autistry members working in the back. Many of the items they create, such as hand-turned wood pens and handcrafted wooden pride keychains, are for sale to the public in a modest store out front. Some of the vocational training happens on site, too. Autistry members currently work the coffee shop and will work the ice cream store when that opens, too. Lawson said most young people participate in Autistry programs for three years. Some move on to junior college or college; others get jobs in the community. Many remain involved with Autistry as mentors. “We haven’t only built a spot to teach and train people; we’ve built a community,” she said.
Advocacy and outreach
Many of the other Marin County programs designed to help neurodiverse families focus on assistance and advocacy.
One of the oldest programs in the county is Lifehouse. Founded in 1954, this organization provides services to adults with a range of disabilities. Each client has an individualized support plan, which is like an individualized education plan, only for adults. The organization employs more than 350 service providers who serve clients in both Marin and Sonoma counties. According to Jennifer Hudson, marketing and development manager, the organization enables clients to feel seen.
“We provide hope and a sense of security — a way to know that these individuals will be cared for, no matter what,” she said. “Our goal is to make [our clients] feel like they can be a productive part of society, that they have an important place in all of our communities for the rest of their lives.”
Another program is Undivided, a membership-based organization that pairs parents of neurodiverse families with individual
advocates to make their way through the overwhelming systems and institutions that characterize our nation. These advocates, dubbed “Navigators” often are former special needs parents themselves, which means they lead by example and personal experience. Navigators can help with as much or as little as the customer requests.
While Undivided is based in Los Angeles, CEO Seth Besse lives in Mill Valley, and cultivates a healthy customer base in the counties around the Bay Area. He said Undivided works to answer three questions for parents: 1) What should I be doing for my child? 2) How do I do it? 3) Who can help me along the way?
“We partner with parents and build out a roadmap for what they can accomplish to help their child,” he said. Besse added that the goal is to centralize the knowledge that every parent accumulates on their own. “Every parent spends weeks and months and years becoming an expert on how to navigate the system, then their child grows up, and the parents move on. The truth is that it’s far too much for one parent to figure out on their own.”
Other Marin County neurodiverse family support groups are smaller and more grassroots.
The Marin Center for Independent Living, for instance, provides a wide variety of services to promote the independence of people with all types of disabilities and all ages. This includes a youth advocacy group, housing assistance, peer counseling and benefits planning.
The Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center in San Rafael helps families learn how to obtain services and education for their child through collaborative work, trainings and activities.
Dedication to Special Education Parent Connections is a San Rafael-based online community for families, educators and professionals. The group meets regularly for monthly playtime sessions on Saturdays at Marindale’s accessible playground. Then, of course, there are those members of the support community who provide help with assessment and individualized education plans.
Think of these entities as hired guns available to help families on a case-by-case basis. Novato-based Arnold Advocacy, for instance, provides support and advice for families with children with special needs to more effectively navigate the educational system. EmpowerEd Psychological Services in San Rafael provides assessment, counseling and consultation services for children and adolescents, as well as assessments for adults who are experiencing challenges in their vocational settings.
Building community
No look at special needs support organizations across Marin County would be complete without spotlighting some of the groups for and by members of the neurodivergent community themselves. Specifically, these organizations help build community among neurodivergent individuals and the people who love them.
One, Common Ground Society, is based in Santa Rosa and aims to serve individuals with disabilities and special needs of all kinds, from all over the North Bay. The group hosts a speaker series, educational programs and meet-ups for special needs families year-round.
Another, the Bay Area Autism Collective (BAAC), is based in San Francisco and serves autistic adults all over the Bay Area, including Marin. Founder and executive director Bird
Sellergren started the collective in June 2023 when they realized there weren’t many organizations specifically serving that target demographic. Today, the group serves about 150 people each month. BAAC runs a weekly online support group by and for adults and young adults with autism. The group meets every Sunday, and each session draws an average of 25 to 30 participants from all over the Bay Area. Participation is free, but registration is required.
On any given Sunday, participants might talk about managing feelings of social isolation, finding services, navigating relationship drama or the challenges of advocating for accommodations at work. BAAC runs other groups for autistic adults battling substance abuse problems, transgender adults with autism and autistic individuals who happen to also be parents. Members said they view these sessions as safe spaces to be their true selves — a rarity in a world where autistic individuals often feel the need to “mask” to fit in.
Sellergren added that the groups help combat depression; a peer-reviewed metaanalysis from 2019 indicated autistic adults are four times more likely than allistic adults to experience depression. “While I do have non-autistic relationships that are wonderful, I have found I feel safer with autistic people and it’s much less stressful in the sense that I don’t have to spend as much time wondering what the subtext is about and what they mean and what they want,” Sellergren said. “Without community, the future for us looks different.”
EMBRACING CHALLENGE WITH COURAGE AND JOY
Bay Area
Private School Guide
Saint Patrick School
Inspiring Smart Minds and Kind Hearts
Our educational environment consists of an innovative curriculum which cultivates engaged learners and encourages students to work to their full potential. Our school community fosters an enthusiasm for learning and inspires students to be critical thinkers who lead with compassion.
We believe that a partnership with parents helps our teachers motivate our children in developing their unique talents and gifts with confidence which prepares them for success in premier high schools.
We invite you to tour St. Patrick School to learn about our programs and to hear about how we partner with the parent community to educate the whole child. Together, we help our children grow to be STAR students. Skilled Learners – Thoughtful Individuals Active Christians – Responsible Citizens
120 King Street, Larkspur, CA 415.924.0501 l stpatricksmarin.org
San Domenico School
174-Year Legacy of Providing an Exceptional Education
Since 1850, San Domenico has placed exceptional education, meaning, and purpose at its core. Our rigorous curriculum supports the traditional measure of academic success, yielding high student GPAs along with entrances to top universities around the globe. However, at SD, we also believe that when students develop a deeper sense of purpose, their academic engagement increases, as do their well-being and resilience. This focus on purposedriven learning is critical in today’s world, creating the changemakers and leaders who can confidently share their voices and talents with their teachers and peers.
As Marin County’s only K-12 school, with an international boarding program for high school, we are proud to offer an exceptional education for students from all over the San Francisco Bay Area at our bucolic 515-acre campus. Our rich heritage creates an unparalleled environment for students to learn and grow.
1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA 415.258.1905 l sandomenico.org
Landmark College Success Center
Supporting Students Who Learn Differently
Four years ago, Landmark College established a Success Center in San Mateo to support neurodiverse teens, young adults, and adults with executive function and social skills development. Learning specialists meet one-on-one or in group sessions to help clients achieve goals tailored to their wants and needs. Sessions take place either in-person at their space on the campus of Stanbridge Academy or online. Individuals do not need to be enrolled in a Landmark College program to access Success Center services.
Landmark College was the first institution of higher learning exclusively dedicated to working with students who have a learning difference, including learning disabilities (like dyslexia), ADHD, autism or executive function challenges. Its flagship campus in Putney, Vermont offers an array of associate and bachelor’s degree programs, while offering unrivaled support to help neurodiverse students achieve their academic and social goals.
As the College expanded its online offerings to include dual enrollment courses for high school students and associate degrees, there was a need for “micro-campuses” that provide similar support in different time zones. The high concentration of interest in Landmark College’s programs from the California Bay Area made it a natural location to establish the first Success Center, but additional locations are being explored.
Visit the Landmark College website to download a free brochure or contact the Success Center staff to answer any questions you may have.
Archbishop Riordan High School
Archbishop Riordan High School
IMAGINE YOUR FUTURE IN PURPLE & GOLD
Imagine Your Future in Purple & Gold
Archbishop Riordan High School is dedicated to fostering the educational development of young men and women within the Catholic - Marianist tradition. Our mission is to inspire excellence across all endeavors, offering a diverse array of programs that empower every student to Think More, Do More, and Be More.
Whether your interests lie in the arts, sciences, athletics, or community service, our programs are designed to cultivate your unique talents and ambitions. Known for our commitment to innovation, rigorous academic standards, and nurturing family atmosphere, we welcome you to become a part of our vibrant community.
Archbishop Riordan High School is dedicated to fostering the educational development of young men and women within the Catholic - Marianist tradition. Our mission is to inspire excellence across all endeavors, offering a diverse array of programs that empower every student to Think More, Do More, and Be More. Whether your interests lie in the arts, sciences, athletics, or community service, our programs are designed to cultivate your unique talents and ambitions. Known for our commitment to innovation, rigorous academic standards, and nurturing family atmosphere, we welcome you to become a part of our vibrant community.
ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN HIGH SCHOOL
175 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 415.586.8200 l riordanhs.org
175 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112 Office : (415)-586-8200 www.riordanhs.org
Millennium School
It Starts in the Middle
Millennium is a stand-alone 6-8th grade all-gender independent middle school in San Francisco, CA. We focus on developing our students’ whole selves through a rigorous academic program of transdisciplinary “Quests” or classes, project-based learning and real-world experiential learning, a robust mindfulness program, and focus on developing our students’ “inner selves” through our unique SEL and advisory program, including affinity groups. Students engage in real-world expeditions, wilderness days, international and domestic travel, and week-long camping trips. They experience authentic assessment from experts in their fields, and they engage in apprenticeships with local businesses and professionals. At Millennium, our teachers are called guides. They are more than simply holders of content, they guide passage through the transformational journey that is middle school.
At Millennium, we empower students for a life of well-being.
888 Turk Street, San Francisco CA 415.992.8520 l millenniumschool.org
Chronos Academy A Gift to Give
Is your child unable to talk to classmates about deep questions?
• racing ahead of their grade level in a subject?
• devouring information on a favorite topic and begging for more?
• curious or even anxious about world events or deep crises?
• asking too many questions, answering too many questions or pretending not to know?
• finishing schoolwork too fast, too perfectly, or not at all? They may be gifted.
When a gifted child is not operating at the edge of his or her intellectual potential, they are in danger of developing a jaded self-perception, suppressing their abilities in order to fit in, experiencing mental health problems, or conflicting with teachers who are unable to accommodate them.
Chronos Academy guides bright, gifted, and driven TK-8th grade students to new heights of curiosity and connections, with nearly limitless opportunities for students to stretch into their own capacities.
Chronos Academy’s unique curriculum threads a history of diverse peoples, ideas, sciences and arts through chronological unit studies woven together week by week. Students learn about the innovators from history and join them in exploring new levels of study. Children need inspirational mentors; history provides 10,000 years of them.
Chronos Academy is a place where bright, precocious and gifted children develop their own skills to offer for the benefit of the world today. In every culture and throughout time, giftedness is a gift to give.
110 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA 415.383.2283 l chronos.academy
GATE Academy
Where gifted kids thrive!
GATE Academy is a small, fully accredited, independent, preK-8 school that has served academically gifted children for 25 years.
Gifted children have different learning needs. These include alternative curriculum delivery methods with individualized lesson plans, and grouping developmentally similar students together. To achieve this, GATE Academy clusters motivated and cognitively gifted students in small classroom groups with their social, emotional and intellectual peers, providing them with an inquiry-based, accelerated, self-paced curriculum in a school environment that celebrates them for who they are.
With inquiry-based learning, GATE students learn how to learn anything - and they learn to become creators of knowledge, rather than simply consumers of facts. GATE Academy’s unique learning environment allows its students to thrive, and become compassionate, curious and creative learners for life. Private tours are available by appointment.
1 St. Vincent Drive, San Rafael, CA 415.491.4700 l gateacademy.org
Headlands Preparatory School
Transforming the Learning Experience
Headlands Preparatory School is an award winning, WASC accredited, college preparatory school for students in grades 6 through 12. Our mission is to offer our students a transformative educational experience that helps build academic self-esteem, develop self-awareness, and nurture responsible contributors to the global community while mastering college preparatory courses.
Our one-to-one model and flexible scheduling allow students to learn at their own pace and design a schedule that supports their academic needs and personal interests. While the individual is the focal point of our learning process, we have built a strong sense of community among our students and faculty. Students form friendships based on common interests discovered through our small group electives, lunch time social clubs, community building, and service activities.
1050 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 415.944.2254 l headlandsprep.com
Winston Preparatory School - Marin County
Where Learning is Transformative
Winston Preparatory School Marin County, located in San Rafael, offers an individualized learning environment for students ages 8-21 with learning differences, such as dyslexia, nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), and executive functioning challenges (ADHD).
We believe what matters most is developing a deep understanding of how your child learns and creating the right environment to help them reach their full potential. Before they spend their first day at Winston Prep, our faculty has spent weeks designing an academic program for their specific needs. Unlike any other school, Winston Prep groups students based on their learning difficulty profile, skill level, and educational and social-emotional needs.
The innovative Focus Program is a key part of our researchbased teaching model. Expert teachers work one-to-one with students every day to address areas of greatest need, to help them develop their own understanding of how they learn, and to nurture their unique strengths towards independence.
As a result, students experience extraordinary transformations in their lives and learning. Winston Prep’s high school graduation rate is 99.7% versus 70.8% nationwide for students with learning differences. Approximately 80% of Winston graduates enroll in college versus just 33% nationwide for students with learning differences.
Join us at Winston Prep Marin County’s next Open House to learn more. Register today at www.winstonprep.edu/openhouses, or contact Pavati Zeno, Director of Admissions, at pzeno@winstonprep.edu for additional information.
1 Saint Vincent Drive, San Rafael, CA 415.993.5533 l winstonprep.edu
Marin Horizon School
What do our students have in common?
Our students are capable, curious, kind…and often passionately opinionated. They are motivated to learn, and to pursue their own academic and personal interests. They feel a deep sense of belonging among their peers and school community, so they feel comfortable engaging in conversation with the adults in the room, or asking for what they need. They’re willing to take risks. Our students think learning is fun, and kindness is cool.
Marin Horizon School is an independent, coed day school for students in Toddler through Grade 8, nestled at the foot of Mount Tamalpais in Mill Valley. We prioritize smaller class sizes to enable exceptional teacher-student relationships and individualized attention. Within our unique community, every student is seen, heard, and valued. Our curriculum inspires students to embrace challenges, think critically, and become compassionate advocates.
305 Montford Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.388.8408 l marinhorizon.org
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Transformative Education in San Francisco
Located in the heart of San Francisco, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is a private high school that offers a rigorous and innovative academic curriculum complemented by an outstanding arts program and a renowned athletics program. Our dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities ensure students receive the best education and personal growth opportunities within an inclusive Catholic community of faith.
Learning and faith are emphasized, and preparing students to become compassionate, service-oriented leaders is the goal for all. Conveniently located for North Bay families with transportation options available, SHC combines values and innovation, fostering a community where every student can thrive in the classroom and in life.
Join the SHC family and see how we shape tomorrow’s leaders. Visit us today to discover why SHC is the perfect choice for your child’s future.
1055 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 415.775.6626 l shcp.edu
Marin Primary & Middle School
connected. Be curious. Be courageous.
At Marin Primary & Middle School, we inspire joyful learning, honor each child, and build connections to empower all students to make a difference.
We believe that it’s deep connections—between students, with teachers, and with ideas—that help kids know themselves and push through boundaries in school and in life. Every day, we strengthen these connections so that our students are able to tackle new ideas and challenges, pursue goals with optimism and courage, and apply all they learn to the world they’ll inherit.
From preschool through eighth grade, we engage children in a warm academic environment that embraces growth and honors the journey of learning. Each stage of development is a building block to ensure future success in the classroom and beyond.
MP&MS sets itself apart with extensive experiential learning opportunities. Through our Specialist classes and Outdoor Education program, our students explore and develop interests and skills beyond the traditional curriculum. Students spend time in music, art, drama, library, Spanish, projects lab, physical education, and garden classes every week.
From our Treeschool program for preschoolers to field trips with primary students and overnight excursions in middle school, every student gets the privilege to experience nature and learn outside the classroom often. These diverse experiences complement and enrich the student experience at MP&MS. You will love who your child becomes at Marin Primary & Middle School!
20 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 415.924.2608 l mpms.org
BRANDEIS MARIN
Integrity. Kindness. Service.
Brandeis Marin stands proudly as a visionary hub for innovation and social impact education. Here, students are immersed in an interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum enriched by a robust arts program that fosters creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Our talented faculty and low student-to-teacher ratio provide each student with the caring individualized attention they need to develop into scholars, athletes, artists, and changemakers.
By cultivating academic excellence grounded in progressive Jewish values and a thriving community, we inspire open minds and courageous hearts, fostering tomorrow’s compassionate and impactful leaders.
If you’re seeking an exceptional community for your family and an outstanding K-8 education for your child - you belong at Brandeis Marin!
180 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 415.472.1833 l brandeismarin.org
Sterne School
Start With Strengths
Sterne School is a co-ed independent day school serving 4th–12th grade students Bay Area-wide. Sterne is an inclusive school where neurodiverse learners thrive. We offer hands-on, project-based learning, combined with a college preparatory curriculum and a full complement of student life opportunities.
Our small class sizes and integrated supports are designed to amplify each student’s strengths, and give students the opportunity to truly connect with subject matter, teachers, and peers. Our faculty helps students build academic stamina, develop executive function skills, and engage in social-emotional learning. Sterne’s vibrant, urban campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a new Performing Arts & Athletics Center. We provide competitive and recreational athletics for every grade; dozens of student clubs and affinity groups; local, national, and international experiential learning; student leadership and mentorship roles, electives, social events, and afterschool enrichment. 838 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 415.922.6081 l sterneschool.org
Saint Hilary School
Nurture Faith. Inspire Minds. Grow Hearts.
Saint Hilary School’s K- 8th grade Catholic school motto “Come Forth, Every Day” reminds our faculty, students, and parents to heed Jesus’ calling and embody our mission and pillars. We are dedicated educators who focus on creating an environment for students who experience spiritual growth through faith and service, academic excellence through a future-ready curriculum, and a compassionate community that creates a sense of belonging for all. Each Saint Hilary student experiences spiritual growth through the development of a unique friendship with God where they receive Grace needed to show compassion towards others and develop the Grit needed to overcome adversity in their lives.
Our students pursue academic excellence through a challenging curriculum that prepares them for success in life. We present our students with the best opportunities to participate in their learning using collaborative inquiry-based methods and hands- on projects. We offer our students the means to be successful through differentiated resources and instruction methods share by our phenomenal educators.
Saint Hilary graduates consistently rank within the top 10% nationally in Math and Language Arts, all while growing as engaged individuals that are ready to come forth, every day at Saint Hilary School and beyond.
765 Hilary Drive, Tiburon, CA 415.435.2224 l sainthilaryschool.org
Saint Cecilia School stceciliaschool.org • 415.731.8400
Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School sspeterpaulsf.org • 415.421.5219
San Francisco Adventist School sfasonline.org • 415.585.5550
San Francisco Day School sfday.org • 415.931.2422
San Francisco Friends School sffriendschool.org • 415.565.0400
San Francisco Montessori Academy sfmontessoriacademy.com • 415.759.5710
San Francisco University High School sfuhs.org • 415.447.3100
San Francisco Waldorf Grade School sfwaldorf.org • 415.931.2750
San Francisco Waldorf High School sfwaldorf.org • 415.431.2736
School of the Epiphany sfepiphany.org • 415.337.4030
St. Anne School stanne.com • 415.664.7977
St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception saicsf.org • 415.648.2008
St. Brendan Parish School stbrendansf.com • 415.731.2665
St. Brigid Academy saintbrigidsf.org • 415.673.4523
St. Ignatius College Prepatory School siprep.org • 415.731.7500
Sterne School sterneschool.org • 415.922.6081
The Hamlin School hamlin.org • 415.922.0300
The San Francisco School sfschool.org • 415.239.5065
Town School for Boys townschool.com • 415.921.3747
Urban School of San Francisco urbanschool.org • 415.626.2919
West Portal Lutheran School wplsf.com • 415.665.6330
CAIS, NAIS, POCIS
OTHER REGIONS
Bayhill High School bayhillhs.org • Berkeley, CA • 510.984.0599
Bentley School bentleyschool.org • Oakland, CA • 510.843.2512
Park Day School parkdayschool.org
Landmark College landmark.edu • San Mateo, CA & Putney, VT • 802.387.4767
Salesian College Preparatory salesian.com • Richmond, CA • 510.234.4433
St. John’s Northwestern Academies sjnacademies.org • Delafield,WI • 800.752.2338
The Spring Hill School thespringhillschool.org • Petaluma, CA • 707.763.9222
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
ACSI | Assoc. of Christian Schools International
AEFE | Agency for French Education Abroad (Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger)
AISAP | Assoc. of Independent School Admission Professionals
AMCSUS | Assoc. of Military Schools & Colleges of the United States
AMI | Assoc. Montessori Internationale
AMS | American Montessori Society
AWSNA | Assoc. of Waldorf Schools of North America
BADA | Bay Area Directors of Admission
CAIS | California Assoc. of Independent Schools
CIS | Council of International Schools
ELEA | Evangelical Lutheran Education Assoc.
ERB | Educational Records Bureau
FCE | Friends Council on Education
GCSDAC | General Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church
IBO | International Baccalaureate Diploma
ICG | Independent Curriculum Group
ICGS | International Coalition of Girls Schools
ISACS | Independent Schools Assoc. of the Central States
ISG | Inclusive Schools Group
ISSFBA | Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area
JSN | Jesuit Schools Network
NADSDA | North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist
NAEYC | National Assoc. For the Education of Young Children
NAGC | Young Children National Assoc. for Gifted Children
NAIS | National Assoc. of Independent Schools
Commision of Higher Education
NAMTA | North American Montessori Teachers Assoc.
NCEA | National Catholic Educational Assoc.
NCGS | National Coalition of Girls Schools
NCPSA | National Council for Private School Accreditation
NIPSA | National Independent Private Schools Assoc.
NLSA | National Lutheran School Accreditation
POCIS | People of Color in Independent Schools
TABS | The Assoc. of Boarding Schools
UMA | United Montessori Association
WASC | Western Assoc. of Schools and Colleges
WCEA | Western Catholic Educational Assoc.
WECAN | Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America
We Asked, and these local
We asked how they see Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), including how they incorporate
Marin Primary & Middle School
At MP&MS, DEIB goes hand-in-hand with our academic program. We welcome students from different backgrounds and prioritize inclusion and belonging on our campus. Teachers undergo anti-bias training and implement aspects of the Pollyanna Racial Literacy Curriculum. Alumni leave our school ready to navigate diverse environments with confidence.
Brandeis Marin
Brandeis Marin is a learning community committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment emanates from the school’s core Jewish values of kindness (Chesed), integrity (Ometz Lev) and service (Tikkun Olam), as well as honoring the dignity of every person (Kavod HaBriot).
Mount Tamalpais School
We are committed to ensuring that every member of our diverse community is seen, valued and heard. Inclusion, equity and belonging are practiced by consciously inviting each person and family to share their own experiences and perspectives. We center one of our school values, “Practice Active Inclusion.”
Headlands Prep
We prioritize creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. We celebrate diversity, ensuring that all students’ strengths and backgrounds are embraced. Through tailored curriculum and inclusive teaching practices, we promote equity and foster a community where everyone can thrive.
Mark Day School
At Mark Day School, research and our experience make it clear that a diverse and inclusive classroom and community lead to better critical thinking and perspective taking, greater creativity and better performance when facing challenges. Every student benefits. We are preparing students to serve and to lead in our increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Landmark College
Neurodiversity is diversity, and Landmark College and the Success Center recognize neurodiversity as a biological fact that refuses to separate individuals into “normal” and “abnormal” categories. Neurodiversity acknowledges that diverse minds produce new ideas. All courses, support services and social skills-building at Landmark College are built upon the value that neurodiversity is a strength.
St. Ignatius PreparatoryCollege
We strive to be a just, inclusive and Catholic, Ignatian community where everyone feels seen, heard, valued and loved. From our Magis High School Program — a support program for students historically underrepresented at SI and in higher education — to our ethnic studies curriculum, we have put structures in place to encourage cultural competency.
Lycée Français de San Francisco
We integrate DEI practices into our classrooms and various bilingual curricula by promoting cultural awareness, respecting diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment. Our curriculum includes global viewpoints and multilingual education, preparing students to be compassionate, informed global citizens. Our faculty are equipped to support and engage with a diverse student body.
Saint Hilary School
We strive to honor the virtues of dignity and solidarity in accordance with Catholic Social Teaching. As Catholics, we are called to achieve social justice, live by the teachings of Christ Jesus and build a community that embraces diversity. We must remember that all of us are made in the image and likeness of God, and as such, are to be honored, celebrated and respected.
San Domenico School
From service-learning capstone projects to social justice classes and self-reflection, we expand student understanding of DEI principles in developmentally appropriate ways. Our commitment to social, racial and environmental justice inspires students to make a positive impact by developing the skills and knowledge necessary to lead with courage, wisdom and kindness.
Private Schools Answered!
DEI practices in their classrooms and curricula. Here’s what they said.
Chronos Academy
Students of all races and backgrounds find an inclusive environment here that accommodates their learning goals. Indexed tuition ensures that no student is turned away due to lack of funds, and after-school enrichment, weekly field trips and school supplies are sponsored by the school. Chronos Academy’s curriculum celebrates all aspects of global cultures in weekly chronological unit studies.
Sterne School
We are centered in learning from everyone’s uniqueness, creating self-advocates who develop awareness, empathy, cultural competency and allyship. Sterne is proud of its role in empowering neurodivergent thinkers, and strives to meaningfully incorporate DEI practices into all aspects of our program.
Archbishop Riordan High School
Niche.com ranks Riordan among the most diverse schools in the state. This kind of student composition inherently promotes inclusion. Every day, our students, faculty and staff engage in cross-cultural interactions. We feel that our school’s organic interactions are more authentic and effective than programmatic interventions. We choose to emphasize unity and shared identity.
Millennium School
We are committed to becoming a fully anti-racist multicultural organization helping to transform society. By guiding our students to learn how to incorporate multiple viewpoints and experiences, it enables them to honor what is unique within themselves while developing the ability to affect meaningful change in the world.
Marin Horizon School
DEI isn’t a checkbox at Marin Horizon. It’s in the fabric of everything we do. Over 35% of our students identify as a person of color, and different cultures, identities and values are celebrated in our community. Diversity is purposefully embedded into our curriculum through reading materials, civic topics, current events and collaborative projects.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Inspired by the Daughters of Charity and the De La Salle Christian Brothers, our mission is to provide the finest education in an inclusive Catholic community of faith. Grounded in our mission and aligned with Catholic Social Teachings and the Gospels, our priority is to promote a sense of belonging for our students.
The Discovery School (Bay Area Discovery Museum)
Celebrating and supporting children’s unique identities is integral to TDS’s curriculum. By allowing children to pursue self-directed interests, they feel a sense of belonging within their community because each child contributes ideas, agreements and activities. The classroom library is filled with books whose characters reflect a diversity of cultures and identities.
Winston Preparatory School
We have a history of prioritizing social-emotional skill building, including the skill of Social Responsibility. Reflection practice develops students’ understanding of self and others, cultivating empathy and appreciation of varied perspectives and backgrounds, while community experience allows the opportunity to apply diversity and equity, practicing mindful inclusiveness in and out of the classroom.
Scan to read these schools’ full responses.
Introducing the Waiola Wellness Wing
Experience ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation at the Waiola Wellness Wing, part of the reimagined Diamond Head Tower at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Enjoy brand-new, spacious rooms and deluxe suites, including the luxurious Coral Reef Penthouse Suite. Enhance your stay with exclusive access to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge. Unwind at our state-of-the-art fitness center, and let your kids explore the daily adventures at the Coral Kids Club. Elevate your Waikīkī experience today.
TRAVEL
Hawai'i Calls
In addition to the pristine beach fronting the King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, many don’t realize the restored Ahu’ena Heiau is one of the most culturally signi cant in the state. King Kamehameha I died there, and it’s where his son, Liholiho (Kamehameha II) broke the ancient kapu system, including allowing men and women to eat together.
BY JEANNE COOPER
Hawaii's hidden gems for savvy savers and big spenders.
If you think Hawai‘i travel offers fewer bargains these days, you’re right. Demand remains high, post-pandemic price hikes haven’t gone away and ditching the islands’ mass-market appeal for more of a Mustique mystique is an overt strategy to reduce overtourism. Nevertheless, both travelers seeking a splurge and those craving savings can find new and notable ways to do so this fall.
HAWAI‘I ISLAND
Savers: Leave your tiny but cheery room at SCP Hilo Hotel to take a complimentary standup paddleboard across the street to Reeds Bay, or ride a loaner bike along Banyan Drive to 24-acre, Japanesestyle Lili‘uokalani Gardens. From $156, scphotel.com/hilo
Slow down for the lush oceanside foliage of the Four Mile Scenic Drive en route to Baumkuchen Farm, which flavors its German multilayered cakes with tropical fruit and offers free farm tours twice a week. baumkuchenfarm.com
On the Kona side, stay in the surprisingly upscale Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort and save on a rental car by walking to historic sights, shops and dining on Ali‘i Drive. Sign up early for its free, weekly vow renewal ceremony on the beach at sunrise. From $324, marriott.com
Splurgers: The year-old Rosewood reincarnation of beachfront Kona Village is a distinctively dreamy oasis, especially its Asaya Spa. From $1,122, rosewoodhotels.com
Plant a koa tree near Hualalai volcano’s otherwise inaccessible summit on Uluha‘o O Hualalai’s small-group cultural tour. $200, uluhao.com
KAUA‘I
Savers: Families will especially appreciate the restored vintage bungalows of the beachfront Waimea Plantation Cottages, which provide kitchens as well as quick access to Waimea’s shave ice stands and Waimea Canyon’s exhilarating views. From $339, coasthotels.com
In Kapa‘a, the ISO tucks yoga mats into its petite but chic oceanfront rooms, a short drive to East Side beaches and trails, as well as enticing food trucks and cafes. From $138, theiso.com
Adults who partake in alcohol will appreciate Hanalei Spirits’ free, thrice-weekly tour of its farm and distillery in Kilauea, including tastes of five vodka, rums and seasonal spirits; reserve online. The grounds of stately Kilohana Plantation in Lihu‘e host Koloa Rum Company, which offers free tastings six days a week by online reservation. hanaleispirits.com, koloarum.com
No reservations are needed to drop by Kauai Coffee Co. in Ele‘ele for its all-day sampling and self-guided walking tours — perfect for perking up after a drive to Waimea Canyon. kauaicoffee.com
Get free coffee and treats — along with loaner tools and gloves — when you join the cleanup crew at Lydgate Beach, every Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. kamalanius.wordpress.com
Splurgers: Rent a serene ocean-view villa at Timbers Kaua‘i in Lihu‘e and let the concierge plan distinctive excursions, including farm and birding tours right on the 450-acre resort. From $1,795, timberskauai.com
Waimea Plantation Cottages
MAUI
Savers: More than a year after the tragic fires of Lahaina, prices at many West Maui hotels remain up to a third lower than normal. Help with the area’s economic recovery and immerse yourself in free Hawaiian cultural lessons by staying at Outrigger Ka‘anapali Beach Resort. From $331, outrigger.com
From the hotel, walk to Whalers Village to patronize locally owned boutiques such as Kaialoha Supply (surfwear) and Keani Hawai‘i (jewelry), or head to Lahaina Cannery for more Maui-based shops, free hula and craft shows and the poignant, pocket-sized Lahaina Plantation Museum. whalersvillage.com, lahainacannerymall.com
Spend a Saturday morning with Maui Cultural Lands for a unique experience in a remote area of Honokowai Valley, high above Ka‘anapali. Sugarcane growers diverted the water from the ancient irrigation system that fed its former farming village, now overrun with nonnative vegetation. Bring a lunch to enjoy after a couple hours of light weeding and tales of the area’s history from mother and son coordinators Puanani and Ekolu Lindsey, who also help shuttle volunteers from Ka‘anapali. mauiculturallands.org
Splurgers: The Westin Maui Resort and Spa boasts the most dazzling series of pools and diverse, locally sourced dining outlets in Ka‘anapali, including Peter Merriman’s new Ulu Kitchen and chef-made appetizers in the Lanai, the lounge exclusive for guests in the premium Hokupa‘a Tower. From $903, marriott.com
O‘AHU
Savers: Waikiki’s best values lie a few blocks from the beach. Opened in June, Romer House Waikiki is the island’s first adults-only hotel and a sleek, art-filled transformation of a midcentury apartment building with a popular izakaya restaurant. Got kids? Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador, which opened last fall, has colorful rooms with sofabeds and suites with bunk beds, plus a sunny pool deck. From $215 and $189, respectively, romerhotels.com
All ages may attend the free, hour-long Kilohana Hula Show, presented Sunday through Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Waikiki Shell Amphitheater. Created by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, this cultural showcase also includes an artisan marketplace. The Royal Hawaiian Center also hosts free concerts and hula shows, plus hands-on cultural lessons and monthly stargazing. experiencekilohana.com, royalhawaiiancenter.com
Splurgers: Reserve early for one of 12 seats at the new weekly afternoon tea at Mugen, which begins with Laurent-Perrier bubbly and Osetra caviar and includes rare and local tea blends along with sweet and savory nibbles. $120, mugenwaikiki.com
On the North Shore, raise a glass at your secluded Ocean Bungalow at the newly rebranded Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay. From $1,998, turtlebayresort.com
Romer House
The Lanai at Westin Maui
OUT ABOUT AND
Community Ongoings
Concerts, festivals, arts and culture
Marin Magazine Best of County Party 2024
EDITED BY MIMI PINSON
CALENDAR
Film festivals, foodie fairs and theater openings.
Fall approaches, but the fun isn’t over yet, with foodie fairs, theater openings and neighborhood festivals all coming this September.
September Fairs & Festivals
SEPT 7 Sound Summit This scenic music festival from the top of Mount Tam is headlined by Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile & the Violators. soundsummit.net
SEPT 14–15 Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival Art, music and community convene amongst the redwoods at this yearly festival in the heart of Mill Valley. mvfaf.org
SEPT 15 San Rafael PorchFest It’s the ultimate neighborhood party at Gerstle Park for this afternoon of live music. sanrafaelporchfest.com
SEPT 21 Oktoberfest The first of a few Oktoberfest celebrations coming to Marin this fall, Tam Valley Community Center gets the festivities started with games, food, music and beer. tamcsd.org/oktoberfest
Sound Summit
San Rafael PorchFest
COMEDY
SEPT 13 Gina Stahl-Haven Trek Wine hosts this Novato talent along with four other local comics. Maybe you’ve seen Gina on America’s Got Talent, in 2019’s SF Comedy Competition or at the Safeway on Diablo and Redwood. marincomedyshow.com
SEPT 21 SF Stand-up Comedy Competition Finals Five stand-ups go head-to-head for a title that has been won by comics like Dana Carvey and the late Robin Williams. Despite the competition name referencing SF, the finals happen at the Marin Center in San Rafael. sanfranciscocomedycompetition.org
ARTS, THEATER AND LECTURES
SEPT 6–27 Un Ballo in Maschera SF Opera opens its 2024–2025 season with Verdi and its Opera Ball on Sept. 6. Never been to the opera? Score a ticket for $10 with the “Opera for the Bay” program, available to those who haven’t visited SF Opera in the last three years. sfopera.com
SEPT 7 Opera in the Amphitheater One day of free opera pops up at Novato’s Hamilton Amphitheater for a familyfriendly event spreading the love of the art with arias and activities al fresco. savehamiltontheater.org
SEPT 13–OCT 13 Crossing Delancey The Barn Theater and Ross Valley Players begin their 95th season with a charming romantic comedy about an NYC woman torn between a celebrated author and humble pickle vendor. rossvalleyplayers.com
SEPT 12–OCT 6 Nunsense A group of down-on-their-luck sisters put on a variety show to raise money for their order in this musical comedy, which opens Novato Theater Company’s 2024–2025 season. novatotheatercompany.org
A New Hope. A New Home.
After 44 years on Ritter Street, Ritter Center is poised to make a transformative move to a new home at 800 A Street, San Rafael, in spring 2025.
"This new building will enable Ritter Center to expand their services to reach many more people and to have a remarkable place that can serve as a beacon of hope and dignity."
—Rhea Suh, President & CEO, Marin Community Foundation
Discover how you can get involved in our Capital Campaign and create a lasting legacy of hope and healing in our community.
SEPT 12–OCT 6 Private Lives For an evening in the city, try ACT’s rendition of Noël Coward’s 1930 comedy about tangled divorcés who re-encounter on their respective honeymoons with new spouses. act-sf.org
SEPT 30 Author Talk: Laura Dave Mill Valley Public Library hosts a discussion with novelist Laura Dave, author of bestseller “The Last Thing He Told Me,” about her new novel, “The Night We Lost Him.” millvalleylibrary.org
FILM
SEPT 19–22 Bolinas Film Festival Not just film screenings and discussions (though there are plenty of fabulous ones on the schedule), the second annual Bolinas Film Festival promises add-on immersive experiences like farm tours, table reads and nature excursions, plus its opening gala. bolinasfilmfestival.com
SEPT 28–NOV 2 Italian Film Festival Che bello! This nearly 50-year-old Marin tradition screens Italian films across six Saturdays at Dominican University’s Angelico Hall. Films will be in Italian, with English subtitles. italianfilm.com
MUSIC
SEPT 12 Rock the Block Novato: End of Summer Edition Downtown Novato is still basking in the late-summer sun with this block party and town concert. Enjoy an evening of food, drinks and dancing set to the music Wonderbread 5. downtownnovato.com
SEPT 25 SF Symphony Opening This gala heralds the beginning of another season for SF Symphony, and a consequential one
at that. It’s the last year to see conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen at the helm, and at this event he’ll conduct the orchestra and special guest, pianist Lang Lang. sfsymphony.org
SEPT 28–29 Portola Music Fest Did you get your tickets? This EDM fest on Pier 80 may be sold out, but waitlist passes are still available to see artists like Rufus du Soul, Jessie Ware and more dance-worthy performances. portolamusicfestival.com
MUSEUMS
SEPT 4–9 Voyage of Europa Clipper: Exploring an Alien Ocean Explore
Jupiter’s fourth-largest moon through this pop-up exhibit at the Academy of Sciences, plus a NASA scientist explains the agency’s upcoming mission to Europa in a Sept. 9 lecture. calacademy.org
THROUGH SEPT 28 Northern California
Open MarinMOCA hosts its inaugural open-call exhibition showing 102 works by NorCal artists. Keep tabs on pieces you like and you might be able to bid on them at the ART FWD auction and party on Sept. 28. marinmoca.org
OPENS SEPT 27 Hallyu! The Korean Wave K-pop, K-drama and fashion by Korean designers all appear in this Asian Art
Autumn Moon Festival
Museum exhibit about the dominance and roots of South Korean pop culture in the 21st century. asianart.org
OUTDOOR FUN
SEPT 8 Run Tiburon Lace up for a 5K or 10K to benefit UCSF’s cancer research and clinics, all along idyllic views of the bay from Tiburon’s waterfront. runtiburon.com
SEPT 21 Fairfax Town Picnic Pack a basket and roll out your blanket for this town-wide gathering at Contratti Ball Field with a big dose of community and sunshine. townoffairfax.org
SEPT 21 California Coastal Cleanup Day It’s the 40th anniversary of this day built for giving back to our environment. Why not go and enjoy a day at the beach? Cleanups are happening all around Marin, on ocean and bay shorelines. coastal.ca.gov
African Arts Festival
ORGANIC ORGANIC CORE CORE to
SEPT 7 African Arts Festival The Yerba Buena Gardens fill with music and dance from regions all around Africa and diasporic communities for this familyfriendly festival. ybgfestival.org
SEPT 14–15 Autumn Moon Festival A harvest festival with 3,000 years of history, this tradition packs Chinatown’s Grant Avenue with dancers, activities and food — including many, many mooncakes. moonfestival.org
SEPT 15 Edible Garden Embark on a culinary journey of fresh, local creations. With food, drink, music and an auction wrapped up into one night, this fabulous evening helps keep the Marin Art and Garden Center free to the public. maringarden.org
SEPT 18 Marin Senior Fair Forget your 80s. Embrace the ’60s with this “Flower Power”-themed party for seniors and their caregivers. Free admission, transportation and even professional glamor shots await at the Marin Center. 2024.marinseniorfair.org
SEPT 21 SF Cheese Festival It’s the creme de la triple creme of California cheese at this yearly festival at the SF Ferry Building. Mingle with fellow cheese fiends, nibble on choice fromage and learn from specialists who run the creameries. sfcheesefest.com
SEPTT 21 Hops & Vines Stroll Marin’s craft beer and fine wines get the spotlight at this walk through downtown San Rafael. With an empty glass and brewery map in hand, take a happy hoppy journey around the Fourth Street corridor’s fine establishments. downtownsanrafael.org
Edible Garden
WHAT’S HOT
BY EMMA ROBERTSON
Hot spots beyond Marin
Let’s enjoy the last bit of summer weather by checking out these Bay Area hot spots featured in our Foodie Friday newsletter. Cultural fusion, avor innovation and an experience you can hold onto.
Banán
San Francisco
Craving something sweet without the guilt? Banán’s all about that — made from whipped banana with natural flavoring, you can get a taste of Hawaii and curb that craving all in one go. Try liliko’i (passionfruit) or chocolate haupia coconut-meets-chocolate-custard, to name just a couple. 3862 24th St, San Francisco, 415.872.7956; banan.co
Mochiko Mochi Pizza
South Bay
Get your pizza fix in with a unique twist — a fusion between Italian and Asian cuisine with a menu that you’ll struggle to pick just one pizza from. Menu items include their new Spam pizza, chicken curry or even classic pepperoni. 448 University Ave, Palo Alto, 650.502.2688; mochipizza.com
9 Julio Empanada Kitchen
East Bay
This restaurant is your one-stop shop for experiencing authentic Latin American cuisine without needing to hop on a plane. Their menu includes plenty of staple favorites and seasonal options to look forward to. Each plate is sourced from local, farm-fresh ingredients. 5239 Claremont Ave, Ste. A, Oakland, 510.698.9535; 9julio.com
Scan QR code or visit marinclinic.org to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Our Clinics offer high quality, low-cost care for Marin County’s medical, dental and behavioral health needs.
Medical doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners serve all members of the community, regardless of insurance status. Uninsured patients can receive help in enrolling in an insurance plan or may be eligible to pay on a sliding fee scale.
Our Clinics Offer the Following Healthcare Services:
Medical: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
Behavioral Health: Psychotherapy and Psychiatric Services, Recovery and Addiction, Complex Care and Case Management, Coping and Support
“This is the cleanest, kindest, most efficient clinic I have ever been to! The staff is genuine, heartfelt, warm, and still professional. I cannot thank you enough for what you’re doing for the community. From the warm welcoming design, the staff that actually cares (and it shows), the incredible array of services, the short wait times, the cleanliness...all of it.
Thank you for giving me the courage and the ability to actually trust the healthcare industry again.” —Anonymous Patient
CORTE MADERA
Burmatown Asian
Though the menu remains largely the same (that tea leaf salad! Those bao!) at the new location down the street from the original, the addition of a grill boosts the menu with dishes like kalbi ribs or smoked salmon collars. A long bar on one side of the room serves wine and beer and the front windows slide open for easy access to a large patio. 18 Tamalpais Ave, 415.985.5060; burmatown.com
$ BB
Flores Mexican
With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and avors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around
gluten-free masa. The daily-made tortillas are a highlight. 301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145; oressf.com
HH BB
Marin Joe’s Italian
A mainstay for over 50 years for a reason: the menu calls to you with garlic bread, a calamari sandwich and mesquite-grilled prime rib. Sautéed classics of the ItalianAmerican canon as well as oysters doré and pastas have withstood the test of time. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081; marinjoesrestaurant. com
Zinz Wine Bar Californian
Locals pop by the petite wine bar for its cozy atmosphere and an eclectic array of boutique wines and craft beer, all available for takeout.
A short menu of prosciutto-wrapped dates, charcuterie and cheese boards is perfect for enjoying during a Friday night tasting event. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466; zinzwinebar.com
HH$
FAIRFAX
Fradelizio’s Italian
Sorella Ca e Italian Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella serves fresh Italian with a northern influnce. Favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli, pollo alla Sorella and the garlic bread. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520; sorellaca e.com
HH $ BB
A perennial neighborhood gem, the cozy space welcomes all with daily specials (salmon, line-caught in Bolinas, with a golden beet and arugula salad, house made Meyer lemon fettuccine with salmon and asparagus) and a wine by the barrel program. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618; fradelizios.com
out front. 302 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.785.4233; gotts.com
Guesthouse Californian
Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco, heads up the kitchen, partnering with restaurateur Dustin Sullivan on this 110-seat space. Look for well-executed California cuisine with weekly specials like Prime Rib on Mondays and fried chicken on Sundays, plus killer cocktails — the Sunburn and Easy Money are local favorites. 850 College Ave, Kent eld, 415.419.5101; guesthousemarin.com
HH
Half Day Cafe
American
HH $ BB
GREENBRAE/ KENTFIELD
Gott’s Roadside
American
At its only Marin outpost, Gott’s features the signature California-inspired dishes the restaurant is known for (burgers — regular, ahi and Impossible — shakes, salads and fries) as well as a 30-foot-long pine table for community-style eating and an expansive patio
and espresso drinks are coming soon. 860 College Ave, Kent eld; 415.747.8668; riorockacaicafe.com
Sweetgreen
Californian
No matter if your order is one of the signature plant-forward warm bowls like curry cauli ower, a super green goddess salad or chicken pesto parm (if meat is a must), all are packaged in a sustainable ready-to-go packaging that makes it easy to enjoy a fast and fresh meal inside, on the umbrellashaded patio, or to-go.
284 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae; 415.874.0012; sweetgreen.com
LARKSPUR
Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including co ee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual daytime meal inside or out on the patio. 848 College Ave, Kent eld, 415.459.0291; halfdaycafe.net
$BB
Rio Rock Açai Café Smoothies
Açai bowls, like the Carmen Miranda with cacao nibs and peanut butter, and smoothies (don’t miss the Popeye with almond butter and spinach) are at the heart of an all-day café that serves up sandwiches (chicken pesto panini, lox bagel) and pastas, too. Boba
Left Bank Restaurant French
This Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, bar or in the elegant main dining room with a huge replace, it’s a fun experience. The menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331; leftbank.com
Perry’s American
Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor dining options. It’s bar is a perennial best
The Joinery, Sausalito
of the county winner. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877; perryssf.com
BB
Pizzeria Picco Pizza
This family-friendly parlor next door to Picco o ers Californiain uenced Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven. Fresh mozzarella is pulled in-house and the menu also features organic salads, antipasti and Straus Dairy softserve ice cream. Heated outdoor seating is available. 316 Magnolia Ave, 415.945.8900; pizzeriapicco.com
$
R’noh Thai Thai
This cozy place with a patio by the Corte Madera Creek has a reputation for fresh avors. It’s all here, from curries and Thai barbecue to noodle dishes and the classic tom kha (coconut lemongrass soup). For an indulgent treat, try the fried sweet potato appetizer. 1000 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.0599; rnohthai. com
$
Rustic Bakery
Californian
The Marin-grown bakery is known and loved the world over.
Organic bread and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups make this a staple. 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900 and 1139 Magnolia Ave; 415.925.1556; rusticbakery.com
$
MILL VALLEY
Bungalow 44
American
The bustling bar is ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order of the house’s famous kickin’ fried chicken. The one-dollar happy hour oyster program still operates from 5–6 p.m., Monday–Thursday and the heated outdoor patio is a town hot spot. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500; bungalow44.com
Floodwater
Californian
Order a handcrafted “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the long 20 seat bar and watch the game on ve huge 4K TVs while noshing on pork belly steamed buns, or dive into Shorty’s Tall Reuben. The patio features multiple re pits. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545; flodwatermv.com
HH $
Gravity Tavern
American
With ingredients suited to reflet modern tastes, American classics like grilled chicken Waldorf salad with pickled grapes, lobster roll with toasted challah and veggie slaw, and a land and sea pasta with housemade egg pasta, pork belly and crab, may have also been familiar fare for passengers of the Mt. Tam gravity car for which this saloon was named. 38 Miller Ave, 415.888.2108; gravitytavern.com
BB HH
Harmony Chinese
A warm, inviting place to enjoy classical and innovative Cantonese fare with the house specialty, hand crafted dim sum. Local favorites include savory Peking duck with steamed tea buns, juicy Shanghai dumplings and unique bites like minced lamb with radicchio cups. The famous signature beef is a de nite must.
401 Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300; harmonyrestaurant group.com
Hook Fish Co Seafood
The wood-ceilinged dining room feels like a boat’s galley and the spot’s popular outdoor beer garden adjacent to Mill Valley’s Proof Lab at Tam Junction has 13 taps, but the draw at this counter-service joint is the seafood. The transparent supply chain means you can enjoy the poke, sh and chips or sh tacos knowing where and on what boat your meal came from.
254 Shoreline Hwy; hook shco.com
Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian
A replace lounge and open format concept invites lingering over refreshed menu items such as house made ravioli with lemon cream and citrus gremolata, roasted mushroom pizza with taleggio fonduta and black tru e oil or roasted salmon with artichokes and Calabrian chili.
625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525; piatti.com
Tamalpie Italian
With views of Mt. Tam from the covered, heated patio, this spot known for its local sourcing also features two replaces and a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine and beer. The di erence is in the dough, small batch, housemade and gluten-free.
477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437; tamalpiepizzeria.com
Watershed Californian
Gather ’round the re pit in front of the restaurant at the Lumber Yard or hang out at the long bar for a predinner glass of wine before sampling one of the many dishes curated to reflet the bounty of Marin. The Stemple Creek Ranch burger and fresh pastas are matched with a bevy of simply prepared, easy to share dishes.
129 Miller Ave, 415.888.2406; watershed.com
NOVATO
Perry’s American
Epic burgers and cocktails, excellent service, signature blueand-white gingham tablecloths — expect all of those and more here at Perry’s northernmost location. 224 Alameda Del Prado, 415.506.4212; perryssf.com
BB
The Speakeasy American
In addition to the 10 beers on tap, cocktails range from the 1920s to the 2020s. A shareable, tapas-style
menu includes grilled maitake mushrooms, escargot and mini street tacos. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793; thespeakeasynovato. com HH$
Toast American
With outdoor dining and spacious inside seating at Hamilton Marketplace, large parties, families and everyone else dives in on comfort food favorites like corned beef hash, buttermilk pancakes and at dinner, chicken schnitzel and shrimp scampi. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144; toastnovato.com
$
Trailhead American Order breakfast, shareable snacks, paninis, salads, and Equator co ee drinks at the counter before grabbing a seat on the all-day café’s shaded patio. The baked goat
cheese is a standout and pairs with the 10 local beers and two wines available on tap or from the craft can program. 127 San Marin Dr, 415.493.6902; trailheadnovato.com
$
SAN ANSELMO ROSS
The Baan Thai Cuisine Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh avors and just the right amount of sweet heat. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470; baanthaimarin.com
Comforts Cafe
American
Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stu ed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ ank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840; comfortscafe.com
$ BB
Creekside Pizza & Tap Room American
A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, avorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside o ers plentiful glutenfree and vegan options too. Their copper bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free
beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450; creeksidesa.com
Cucina sa Italian Open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner six nights a week, come by for homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood- red pizzas that strike a balance between southern Italy and Northern California. Don’t skip the happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, either! 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942; cucina-sa.com
Flour Craft Bakery American
Along with artisan gluten-free and an assortment of vegan pastries, breads and special-occasion cakes, this petite cafe serves a lunch menu
Perry’s on Magnolia, Larkspur
of so-called fancy toast and big green salads with seasonal air. 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100; florcraftbakery.com
$BB
Madcap Californian
Chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary art- lled space is known for its urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu, available as a tasting menu, incorporates seafood and Japanese techniques in colorful dishes like trout with baby bok choy, purple daikon and dashi that are bold, balanced and bright. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898; madcapmarin.com
BB BB
Marché Californian
Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space, Marché’s owners
Darren and Alicia Banks focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, and house made gnocchi with shiitakes is Californian all the way. 23 Ross Common, Ross; 415.925.9200; marchemarin.com
N
Marinitas Mexican
This sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to ourish as a bastion of creative Mexican and Central and South American cuisine. Not your typical south-ofthe-border spot, they serve up top-notch margaritas and Latin lusciousness. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900; marinitas.com
HH $ BB
Taco Jane’s
Mexican
The full bar features plentiful tequila and mezcal selections and its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, sh tacos and vegetarian options. Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created from charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis. Enclosed patio seating is available year round. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562; tacojanes.com
Valenti & Co.
Italian
The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti’s famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800; valentico.com
SAN RAFAEL
Cafe Arrivederci
Italian
Located in the heart of San Rafael for the past 27 years! Chef Tito is proud to serve fresh homemade pastas and dishes from all over Italy. Visit the expansive dining room, full bar, garden patio and private rooms for parties and events. 11 G St, 415.453.6427; cafearrivederci.com
Cafe del Soul
Californian
Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in Tam Junction and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. 1408 Fourth St, 415.457.5400; cafedelsoul.net $
Red Rooster Brick
Oven American
aioli has a dedicated following and the Boston clam chowder might just convince a few New Englanders to relocate. 901 B St., 415.234.8414; redroosterbrick oven.com
$ N HH $ BB HH $ BB
Roasted in the brick oven, then brushed with sweet and spicy garlic sauce, Red Rooster wings are a must-order at an allday Italian American restaurant with a sprinkling of Asian avors. A thin crust pizza pulled from the brick oven is available at breakfast, too (glutenfree crust is available), and a changing menu of daily o erings. The buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich with house made chipotle
Vin Antico American Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal market-inspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked atbreads, handmade pastas and organic salads, all innovatively prepared. Black sesame-crusted tuna is classic, even better with an Il Capo negroni. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600; vinantico.com BB N
SAUSALITO
Angelino Restaurant
Italian
Multiple generations of the Ancona family create an authentic Italian eatery with
handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti that has showcased the cuisine of the Campania regionfor more than 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225; angelino restaurant.com
Fish Seafood
It has been said that this restaurant and sh market launched the sustainable seafood movement, making it the ultimate place for freshly caught, unobjectionable fare. Order any of the day’s o erings — the menu changes — daily but usually has a variation of sh tacos, ceviche and grilled sh. 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474; 331 sh.com
Kitti’s Place Thai
This home-style family-run restaurant has been in town for over 20 years. It features Californiainspired favorites like lettuce cups stu ed
rotisserie chicken and other hearty, seasonal fare. 300 Turney St, 415.766.8999; joineryca.com
The Spinnaker Seafood
Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations like a classic shrimp Louie salad or linguini with clams. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco.
with chicken and almonds, soft spring rolls and a curried turkey burger. A patio out front gets midday sun. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390; kittisplace.com
$
Poggio Italian
Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingrdients.
777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771; poggiotrattoria.com
BB
The Joinery American
This large waterfront restaurant features a broad patio whose big salads and shareable plates make it a destination for families and other groups. Order at the front, then grab a seat to enjoy the craft beer, Joinery or Impossible burger,
city commuters, and locals. Diners will nd Italian roast espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries, and eggs for breakfast and a selection of soups, salads and paninis for lunch. A market stacked with pantry items and coffee operates inside the café and outdoor dining is available. 1 Main St, 415.435.8515; ca eeacri.com
$ BB
The Caprice Californian
The Bungalow Kitchen Californian
A lively social lounge and restaurant from chef Michael Mina and Brent Bolthouse boasts epic views and a menu of seasonal California fare executed by chef Harrison Chernick — crispy Liberty duck wings glazed with Grand Marnier and black pepper, cavatelli cacio e pepe with black tru es, jalapeño shrimp toast — at night. Brunch cocktails pair with sweet potato pancakes and hot chicken and wa es on weekends while the upstairs lounge boasts late-night service (until 12 a.m.), a billiards table, a gas-powered replace, and a live DJ on weekends. 5 Main St, 415.366.4088; bungalowkitchen.com
Ca e Acri Italian
The well-lit corner cafe in downtown Tiburon is a go-to for bikers,
Expansive bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel. The revamped menu of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in let mignon, Colorado lamb chops) and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore), also features classic cocktails and a wine list that leans towards American, Italian and French o erings. Complimentary evening valet provided. 2000 Paradise Drive, 415.435.3400; thecaprice.com
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The Caviar Co American Belvedere resident Petra Bergstein expanded her San Francisco-based business with a downtown shop and restaurant dedicated to the briny delicacy. Caviar ights, along with Champagne by the glass or bottle and small plates like grilled cheese with tru es, are available to enjoy in their tasting room or to take home. 46A Main Street, Tiburon; 415.889.5168; info.thecaviarco.com
Bungalow 44, Mill Valley
At Ross Cottage Nursery School, we focus on giving your little one a true sense of belonging, confidence, and compassion for others. Children who attend are thoroughly prepared for kindergarten.
For the last 14 years, our small groupsize allows us to give each child individual attention which greatly helps instill our goals for them.
We believe a seamless combination of both structure and free-play is an essential part of our curriculum, implementing routines to improve children’s sense of security, while also allowing creativity and fun with free-play.
Please contact us to schedule a tour.
Luna Blu Italian
Executive chef Renzo Azzarello serves Sicilian seafood and homemade pastas with a Californian touch. The seasonal menu incorporates fresh and organic produce, local naturally grown meat and poultry from small farms. The restaurant complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. A recent expansion tripled the size of the patio to accommodate more diners. In 2014, diners voted Luna Blu one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America. 35 Main St, 415.789.5844; lunablurestaurant.com
Malibu Farm
Californian
The latest SoCal-toNorCal culinary import to Tiburon features a home-grown and sustainable ethos, in
dishes like fennelrubbed boneless half chicken and soyginger hanger steak. The menu leans into seafood–there are ample choices for caviar, salmon, oysters and other ocean treats–as well as vegan or gluten-free reimaginings. Look for a pork belly taco with a jicama wrap, yuzu butternut squash linguine with za’atar coconut cream and pizza with a zucchini crust plus the more familiar lobster roll on a hot dog bun. 9 Main St, Tiburon; malibu-farm.com
Petite
Left Bank
French
A smaller version of the Larkspur original features an all-day menu of French bistro classics. A notable wine list, artisan craft cocktail menu, and spirit-free beverages round out the lively experience. Open daily for lunch and
restaurant is an area favorite for classic American fare. From morning’s Bloody Mary and eggs Benedict through lunch’s clams bouillabaisse and hamburger to dinner’s crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce and skirt steak tacos, the best dishes taste even better at a table on the patio watching the world go by. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594; saltandpeppertiburon. com
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Sam’s Anchor Cafe American
Squalo Vino Wine
dinner, with weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and daily morning co ee and pastry service coming soon. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon; 415.910.1010; petiteleftbanktiburon.com
$ N
Rustic Bakery
Californian
This location of the beloved bakery is a block from Tiburon’s main street and o ers the same menu as the other locations in Novato and Larkspur, as well as outdoor dining. Enjoy a wide array of fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastries on the boardwalk. 1550 Tiburon Blvd, 415.797.6123; rusticbakery.com
$
Salt & Pepper
American
With its hardwood oors and blue-checkered tablecloths, the sun- lled, one-room
Sam’s boathouse feel and boat tie-ups with boatside service are part of its charm but most come for the spi y white umbrellas and deck chairs on the expansive waterfront patio. All-day cocktails remain a xture as does the signature cioppino, while o erings like crab toast, a roaming oyster cart, and a raw bar re ect the menu’s enduring seafood focus. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527; samscafe.com
Servino Ristorante
Italian Chef and 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 Ark Row, Servino also prides itself on its extensive sustainable seafood program and deep Italian wine list. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676; servino.com
Bar American Fifteen wines by the glass, 90 by the bottle and a handful of local beers are available at an intimate wine bar and wine shop. Look for rare and hard-to nd bottles to enjoy onsite at one of the bistro tables or from a comfy, velvet-lined club chair or to go. Cheeseboards featuring Rustic Bakery crackers and Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam and a “ sh and chips’ plate with caviar from nearby The Caviar Company are on hand. 34 Main St, Tiburon; 415.889.5585; squalovino.com
Tiburon Tavern Californian
Food service at the Lodge at Tiburon is in the hands of Luna Blu’s Renzo and Crystal Azzarello who run the Tiburon Tavern bar, restaurant and other on-site eating opportunities. Executive chef Selvin Vicente is on board to handle the ow from breakfast and brunch through dinner. The wide patio is in service, too. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.3133; lodgeattiburon.com
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WEST MARIN
Side Street
Kitchen American
The ne-casual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, and pork-belly BLTs as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves
gluten-free beer. The cozy patio is shaded and dog-friendly. 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303; sidestreet-prs.com
$BB
Station House
Cafe American
Known for their house made popovers, this cozy cafe is also recognized for fresh oysters, grass-fed burgers, and an “everything fresh, local and homegrown” ethos. Dining in the garden is as popular on weekdays as on the weekends. 11285 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1515; stationhousecafe.com
$BB
Fish, Sausalito
Cucina sa is open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week! Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday 11:30AM to 3 PM, brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30AM to 3 PM, and dinner is Tuesday through Sunday from 5PM to 9 PM. Outside dining on our bridge and parklet. Hope that you can join us soon! Please call for larger parties or special requests.
CUCINA SA
510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.2942 cucina-sa.com
COMFORTS
BY DONNA BERRY GLASS
ON SCENE THE
Marin Magazine's Best of the County Celebrated in Sausalito
More than 300 people celebrated Marin Magazine's 2024 Best of the County winners party on August 9 in Sausalito. A good time was had by all whilst mingling, watching the sunset over Mount Tam and enjoying delicious food and drink. A big thanks to our sponsors: Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, J Vineyards and Winery, Local Motion, Orin Swift, Kunst Painting Co, Jyzen and Batiste Rhum. Partners included Stacy Scott Catering, West Coast Good Times, 38 North, Prismic Photography, Porsche Marin, Documattarian and Berg Holdings. A portion of ticket sales proceeds are being donated to SF-Marin Food Bank, the Bay Area organization who makes a difference for families struggling with feeding their families.
1 Marin Magazine team; 2 Mark Cavagnero, Urban Carmel, Gary Scheuenstuhl; 3 Peter Kasten, Jim Wood, Sylvia Singh; 4 Readers' Choice Best Gym Evexia crew; 5 Stephanie Koehler, Kevin Blum ; 6 Margaret Walsh, Cheryl Popp; 7 Evan and Kristen Cropper; 8 Rich Singer, Danielle Hall; 9 Jacquelyn Hanley of Porsche Marin; 10 Je rey Levin and Bonnie Powers; 11 Amy Plumb, Jamie Grenough, Neptune Bangdel and Olga Trofymets
Springtime
at the Redwoods Raises Funds
for Memory Care
The Redwoods, an affordable senior living community in Mill Valley, held its Springtime at the Redwoods: A Celebration of Mothers benefit on May 16 on its beautiful grounds. wo hundred supporters attended and raised $240,000 towards the nonprofits new memory care center. Photos: Fred Larson
Community Action Marin’s Step Up Marin! Honors Triumphs of Those it Serves
On May 17, more than 100 Marin residents, advocates, elected officials, staff and volunteers gathered to champion Communi Action Marin’s vision at Step Up Marin! The evening, held at the Las Palmas Children’s Center in Novato, celebrated the achievements of those it serves, featured keynote speaker Johnathan Logan and raised $40,000 to further its mission of equity for all in the county. More $160,000 was raised towards the nonprofits mission. Photos: courtesy of Community Action Marin
1 May 6 Event Fund-A-Need; 2 Stephanie Moulton-Peters, Vera Meislin, Penny Wright; 3 Christian Mills, Andrea Flynn and Kendra Pollack; 4 J. Hunter Moore, CEO
Dipsea Capital Supports Annual Dipsea Race Foundation Awards Dinner
The annual Dipsea Race Foundation awards dinner, sponsored in part by Dipsea Capital, LLC, was held at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito on June 7. The event’s 150 attendees were treated to spectacular views of boats passing by as they dined on a delicious steak and seafood buffet. A highlight was the presenttion of eight $5,000 scholarships to Marin high school students, along with recognition of Norman Pease as a Dipsea Hall of Fame runner. Kristine Michie, a Dipsea Race runner and member of the foundation’s board of directors, was the lively and engaging emcee. Photos: Gary Ferber
Marin Community Clinics’ Summer Solstice Raises Nearly $135,000 for Equitable Healthcare
Two hundred like-minded supporters of accessible healthcare in the county gathered in the lush gardens of Inn Marin on June 19 for Marin Community Clinics’ annual Summer Solstice Celebration. It was an evening of music, delicious food by Stacy Scott Catering and crafting of DIY flower bouquets — along with recognition of the nonprofits esteemed community health champions: Susannah Clark and Susan and Dennis Gilardi. Photos: Chris Constantine
1 Max Dunmire, Lucy Bodle, Drew Markovich, Ana Levaggi, Trinity Chancellor, David Grijalba and Matisse Buckley; 2 Norman Pease and Edda Stickle; 3 Dave Albee and Edda Stickle
1 Diane Henderson, Laura Armor, Suzie Golt; 2 Eric Lucan, Dennis Gilardi, Susan Gilardi, Susannah Clark, Maureen Parton and Gary Ragghianti
MARIN HOME
Balancing Act
A 1910 Craftsman in Mill Valley is thoughtfully renovated to marry traditional and modern design.
BY LOTUS ABRAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC RORER
Custom built-in storage illuminated by antique brassdouble sconces from Visual Comfort frames the entrance from the family room to the dining room.
IN LATE 2022, ready to embark on their next stage in life, city dwellers Katelyn and Mark felt the lure of Mill Valley, and a 1910 Craftsman spurred them to pack their bags. “We absolutely love the location — in the heart of downtown Mill Valley, surrounded by the redwoods, with views of Mt Tam,” Katelyn says. The 2,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, three-bath home is split on two levels: The upstairs encompasses two bedrooms (one of which now serves as an office), two living spaces, the dining room, a full bathroom and the kitchen. Downstairs, three more bedrooms and two bathrooms complete the layout. The spacious backyard, by downtown Mill Valley standards, sealed the deal.
Another big draw for Katelyn and Mark was the historic nature of home, however the white-on-white interior, bereft of period details, felt characterless to the new homeowners. Eager to
revitalize the home, they sought the expertise of Corine Maggio, principal at Mill Valley-based CM Natural Designs. “It didn’t feel like an old house anymore; it was like a lot of the charm had been sucked out of it,” Maggio says.
While the homeowners aimed to celebrate the house’s heritage, they also appreciate modern design. Maggio incorporated both traditional and modern elements in the renovation, as well as the rich jewel-tone palette the couple favors. “The big goal with this project was to find a balance,” she explains. “One way we did that was to add paneling and millwork throughout, softening the amount of white with creamy tones, and incorporating modern lighting and furniture.”
The first task the team tackled was to reimagine the all-white kitchen. To improve the functionality of the space, they reoriented the island and replaced one wall of cabinetry entirely. Lower
Top photo: A 1960s inspired bar cart from Soho Home. Left: the living room features a new gas replace clad in Verde Levanto marble. Above: Traditional details in the powder room include beadboard painted in a deep blackberry shade, oral Osborne & Little wallpaper and brass hardware.
cabinets and part of the new wall of cabinets were painted in a deep teal shade, while upper cabinets were painted creamy white; one cabinet features wire mesh panels and piano-hinge hardware, providing attractive and accessible storage. Completing the design are the new custom copper hood; the quartz countertop, which extends vertically to form a seamless backsplash; and accents including corbels on the island, antique brass fixtures and drawer pulls, and modern leather Celerie Kemble pendants.
The dining room received an elegant upgrade as well, with floor-to-ceiling paneling painted in the same buttery hue used in the kitchen. Blending references from different eras, Maggio then outfitted the space with a modern chandelier, velvet-upholstered dining chairs, and a 1960s-inspired bar cart, all from SoHo Home; a classic marble-topped Eero Saarinen pedestal table; an antique-finish Uttermost mirror; and traditionally framed vintage floral illustrations completed the space.
The family room reads mostly modern, with a new custom wood bookcase framing the entrance to the dining room, softly illuminated by antique brass double sconces from Visual Comfort, and a modular RH sofa. The solid marble coffee table with fluted legs
from McGee & Co. adds “a bit of drama,” Maggio says. In contrast, the guest bathroom leans traditional, with beadboard painted in a deep blackberry shade, floral Osborne & Little wallpaper, a clawfoot tub, Waterworks washstand and brass details throughout. “It evokes more of the character of the time period of when the house was built,” Maggio says.
In the living room, an organic-shaped Eternity Modern black concrete table and deep green velvet SoHo Home sofa are set against the backdrop of a gas fireplace clad in Verde Levanto marble. “Believe it or not, the fireplace was never there,” Maggio says, “It just felt like this room needed a fireplace.” Meanwhile, Mark’s “Mad Men” inspired office is an intentional departure from the rest of the home, painted black from floor to ceiling, furnished with a cowhide rug and Eames lounge chair, and an abundance of plants.
The renovation is complete, and the aesthetic now complements the character of the house, while each room makes a distinct statement with a blend of traditional and modern. “Mark’s favorite room is his office because of the moody design and natural light — it’s his plant haven,” Katelyn says. “My favorite room is the family room. I love how the built-in bookshelves turned out, how cozy and warm it is, and the view into the dining room and trees outside.”
In the kitchen, cabinets painted in contrasting deep teal and creamy white shades are complemented by a custom copper hood, quartz countertop and backsplash and leather Celerie Kemble pendants.
$11,900,000
Situated on a prestigious street, this craftsman home offers sophistication, privacy, and serenity. Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Sausalito, and Mt. Tamalpais.
The combined living and dining room features vaulted ceilings and expansive waterside windows, inviting the stunning views indoors. The chef’s kitchen, with a sunny breakfast nook, overlooks endless vistas. Outdoors, multiple patios, a forever pool, and lush gardens with fruit trees and flowers provide perfect entertaining spaces.
The separate guest cottage, with a European sauna and elegant flow to the pool and grounds, offers an idyllic setting for extended family, friends, or an au pair. Close to downtown Tiburon, Ark Row, waterfront dining, wine tasting, theater, and the Ferry, this is a truly unique offering!
415.310.0236
c.jampolsky@ggsir.com Lic.# 01946785
415.308.5126
Exceptional Belvedere Island View Estate!
Whether maximizing the value of your home or finding the home of your dreams, our Marin agents provide incomparable service at all price points. We’re locally rooted, globally connected, and leading our industry.
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415.847.1166
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ITALIANATE ESTATE
UPPERRD COM
UPPERRD COM
LOOKING BACK
Was It the Start of Something Big?
BY JIM WOOD
Tracing 45 Years of Firsts by Bay Area Women in Politics
CAN IT BE SAID that it all started the night of Nov. 3, 1992? That’s when Barbara Boxer, who’d served on the Marin County Board of Supervisors from 1978 to 1982 — and was its female president — was elected a U.S. Senator from California. Re-elected on that night was Dianne Feinstein, who had previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors — and in 1970 was its first female president. Then in 1978, following the assassination of George Moscone, Feinstein was named mayor of San Francisco, the first female to ever hold that office.
After losing a race to become California’s first female governor, in a special election early in 1992, Feinstein was elected to become California’s first female U.S. senator. And in the Marin Independent Journal photo at left, both Feinstein and Boxer appear, as they became the first pair of female senators representing any state at the same time in U.S. history.
Meanwhile, a Bay Area political novice named Nancy Pelosi had been rising through the ranks of Democratic politics, and in 1987 she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Her rise continued, and in 2001 she was elected House minority whip and, in 2002, House minority leader, becoming the first
woman in either party to hold these posts in either chamber of the U.S. Congress. Then in 2006, to no one’s surprise, Pelosi was elected Speaker of the House, U.S. history’s first female to hold that office and, as a result, she became second in the presidential line of succession; the first female to ever attain that ranking along with being the highest ranking female in U.S. history.
Speaker Pelosi held such lofty status until 2024; that’s when another Bay Area female politician, Oakland-born Kamala Harris, displaced Pelosi by being elected not only the nation’s first female vice president, which is first in the presidential line of succession, but also becoming the first African American and first Asian American vice president and the highest ranking female official in U.S. history. And wouldn’t you know that prior to serving as America’s first female vice president, Harris had been elected the first female and first African American attorney general in California’s history.
Now Harris is the Democratic candidate for president with recent polls showing she has a 50/50 chance of becoming the first woman president of the United States of America.
So think about it; did that impressive progression of firsts attained by Bay Area female politicians start in the early 1980s when Barbara Boxer was elected the first female president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors?
SAM FRANCIS
An exceptional and unique body of work from the Sam Francis Foundation
Bay-Area born abstract expressionist painter Sam Francis (1923-1994) is regarded as one of the 20th century’s leading interpreters of light and color. During his lifetime Francis maintained studios in Bern, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo, making him the rst post WWII American painter whose reach was truly international. Sam Francis' works have been widely exhibited internationally for 75 years and his work is held in permanent collections of every encyclopedic modern art museum in the world.
Robert Green Fine Arts, established 1969, exhibits primarily painterly, abstract expressive work by painters that thoroughly take advantage of the sensually evocative nature of color and form.
