December 2016

Marin Season

JOY

of

Stories and Inspiration for the Holidays

DECEMBER 2016

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At the end of the day you’re home.

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Searching for more ingenuity, flexibility, connection, substance, freedom, mastery, simplicity, challenge, discovery, control, joy, magic, provocation, you, in your giving?

Start Here.

Yes, joy.

Giving feels good.

Really good.

We want more people to feel that.

www.marincf.org | 415.464.2507

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‘Tis the Season for Science November 23 through January 8 The reindeer are back! Meet our Arctic friends and learn how these sturdy animals adapt to extreme conditions in this one-of-a-kind interactive experience. Plus, enjoy indoor snow flurries, music, and other festivities at our annual winter exhibit—now open every day this holiday season!

Get tickets at calacademy.org

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CONNECTING OR ESCAPING THE CHOICE IS YOURS. Few places in the Bay Area blend illustrious old-world charm with 21st-century ambition as well as Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel. For your next local retreat or day trip choose what no other Bay Area resort offers: 22 acres of stunning views of the Bay, rejuvenation at a Fairmont Spa, and tasteful indulgence of our latest culinary and beverage creations at Limewood, Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar, and Meritage. We invite you to experience for yourself why Claremont has welcomed locals in search of distinctive experiences for more than 100 years.

For reservations for Spa, restaurants or to book a stay: 510-549-3000 Visit us: www.fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley

Fairmont Spa

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Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar

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T I S’ the S E A S O N

to

S PAR K L E

Jo in u s f or t h e s e h ol i day t r unk s h ow s Gurhan

Todd Reed

Sethi Couture

December 1st, 4-8pm

December 16th, 12-5pm December 17th, 12-5pm

December 22nd, 4-8pm

80 throckmorton avenue mill valley, ca 94941 415.388.8776 w w w.sof ia jewelry.com

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Contents

DECEMB ER 2016

58

Features 48 Rail Era Remnants Passenger and freight trains once snaked across the county.

54 On the Road Why does Marin attract so many auto writers?

62 Make It Count What your donations buy.

TIM PORTER

58 William Kent’s Legacy Meet the man behind Muir Woods.

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SHE’S GOT WINGS

She’s Got Wings was created for the action-oriented woman who is not afraid to express herself. The store features wearable art designed by artist Laura Kimpton, best known for her Monumental Word Series at Burning Man. Local artist silk screen custom wearable art right in our store.

Representing brands like Om Gaia Tree, Free People, Wildfox and Warrior Within, She’s Got Wings has clothing, jewelry, crystals, design elements and more.

7 Bolinas Road, Fairfax

www.shesgotwings.com

Wednesday - Sunday 12 - 8 pm

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Contents In Marin 35 Currents Holiday plants, Christmas Tree Hill and more.

40 Q&A Musician Dave Koz. 42 Reading List David Thomson’s ode to television.

44 Conversation Steve Kinsey looks ahead.

Destinations 69 Go Ski the West.

72 Travel Buzz Holiday stays and much more.

74 Journey A cool stay in an ice hotel.

Out & About

DECEMB ER 2016

115

44

81 Calendar A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.

90 Dine An insider’s guide to restaurants and food in the Bay Area.

102 Flavor Caramel apple pie at Posie.

106 On the Scene Snapshots from events in Marin and San Francisco.

Steve Kinsey

81

Marin Home 115 Backstory Finding the perfect San Rafael Eichler.

Smuin Christmas Ballet

20 View From Marin 22 POV 154 Looking Back

After we collected all the holiday decorations we could from staff, our own Rachel Griffiths and Kasia Pawlowska spent some time coming up with the assortment you see on the cover. The image was shot at Blink Inc in Corte Madera.

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74

TIM PORTER (TOP LEFT AND RIGHT) ; CHRIS HARDY (MIDDLE); NORMA MEYER (BOTTOM)

COLUMNS

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THE DATEJUST The archetype of the modern watch has spanned generations since 1945 with its enduring functions and aesthetics.

It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.

OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 31

rolex

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oyster perpetual and datejust are

®

trademarks.

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MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nikki Wood

Editorial EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mimi Towle MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Jewett SENIOR WRITER Jim Wood ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kasia Pawlowska SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Leela Lindner COPY EDITOR Cynthia Rubin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Peter Fish, Laura Hilgers, Norma Meyer, Matthew Poole, Michael Alan Ross, Calin Van Paris

Art ART DIRECTOR Rachel Griffiths PRODUCTION MANAGER Alex French ILLUSTRATOR Laura Weiszer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mo DeLong, Tim Porter, Michael Alan Ross, Debra Tarrant, Jack Wolford

Administration / Web CONTROLLER Maeve Walsh WEB/IT MANAGER Peter Thomas DIGITAL MARKETING ASSOCIATE Max Weinberg OFFICE MANAGER Kirstie Martinelli

Volume 12, Issue 12. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Open Sky Media. All rights reserved. Copyright©2016. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Open Sky Media. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County.

Marin (USPS 024-898) is published monthly by Open Sky Media, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Periodicals Postage Paid at Sausalito, CA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965.

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MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Advertising ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Debra Hershon ext 120 | dhershon@marinmagazine.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Michele Geoffrion Johnson ext 110 | mjohnson@marinmagazine.com SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS Leah Bronson, ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com Lesley Cesare, ext 113 | lcesare@marinmagazine.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Dana Horner, ext 107 | dhorner@marinmagazine.com Kirstie Martinelli ext 100 | kmartinelli@marinmagazine.com ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Alex French

Regional Sales Offices WINE COUNTRY Lesley Cesare | lcesare@marinmagazine.com SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Leah Bronson | lbronson@marinmagazine.com NEW YORK Karen Couture, Couture Marketing | 917.821.4429 HAWAII Debbie Anderson, Destination Marketing | 808.739.2200

Reader Services MAILING ADDRESS One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965 PHONE 415.332.4800 FAX 415.332.3048 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES subscriptions@marinmagazine.com 818.286.3160 INTERNSHIP INQUIRIES / STORY IDEAS editorial@marinmagazine.com

Happy Holidays from our staff to you.

Come see us for your Pre Holiday Party Pampering, or let us bring the party to you; give us a call we handle the rest.

Gift ideas needed? Give the gift of glam, the D & D gift card is the greatest gift you never thought of.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Please send letters to editorial@marinmagazine.com.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS Rates are $12 for gift subscriptions or free for general subscribers. To subscribe, manage your subscription or change your address visit marinmagazine.com/subscribe.

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

BOOK ONLINE: www.dollsanddandy.com VALIDATED PARKING: 1 Sunnyside Ave 415.888.2092 ~ 67 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

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POV Contributors

Tim Porter Photographer, “Backstory” (p. 115) Tim Porter’s extensive work in both print and photojournalism has been featured in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, American Journalism Review and many other notable publications. He specializes in editorial, corporate, landscape and portrait photography and counts Chevron Corporation, Bioneers, Marin Symphony and the Knight Foundation as former clients. A longtime contributor to Marin Magazine, he is also the author and the photographer of Organic Marin: Recipes from Land to Table, a cookbook featuring the organic food of Marin County. See more of his work at timporter.com.

Norma Meyer Writer, “Lapland” (p. 74) Norma Meyer is a Los Angeles–based travel writer who, among other adventures, has camped with a fearsome tribe in Ecuador’s Amazon rain forest, tracked grizzlies in British Columbia and baked in a Mayan sweat lodge with a shaman. She previously spent two decades as a reporter for Copley News Service. Meyer has visited all seven continents for travel stories and photographs that have regularly appeared in the San Diego UnionTribune, the Southern California News Group papers and other publications.

Writer/Photographer, “On the Road” (p. 54) With a strong passion for all things automotive, Michael Alan Ross has created a career photographing automobiles. Inspired by his respect for the craftsmanship of car designers, Ross draws upon that influence as a narrative for his work. His images are featured in a wide range of editorial and advertising formats in the United States and Europe and he is a licensed photographer for Porsche AG. View more of Ross’ photography at michaelalanross.com.

LESLIE ORENSTEN PARKER (TOP)

Michael Alan Ross

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The Centerpiece for your Feast FRESH TO MARKET USDA CHOICE PREMIUM ANGUS BEEF STANDING RIB ROAST

If you’re cooking your own holiday meal this year, make sure to reserve your protein in advance with our meat department. Choose from traditional turkey, premium roasts, savory porchetta and more!

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View From Marin

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

T

HE HOLIDAYS JUST wouldn’t be the

same without a train running under the tree. And while we can’t offer you that, we can offer you the bigger version. Jim Wood investigates Marin’s railway history with a look at the steam, electric, passenger and freight trains that once snaked all over the county. If you know where to look, you can still see vestiges of the lines, including the right-of-way that will bring SMART here next year.

If you love trains, you also probably love cars — and we’ve got that topic covered as well.

Photographer Michael Alan Ross talks with several automotive magazine editors about why they choose to live in Marin, and he asks which cars are the best to drive on the county’s worldclass selection of twisting and turning roads.

Next up, Peter Fish introduces us to a man whose name you know but whose legacy you might not be as familiar with — William Kent. The congressman, nature lover and sharpshooter donated the land that is now known as Muir Woods in an effort to save the magnificent redwoods there.

We wrap up features with a story on giving in Marin. Kasia Pawlowska spoke

with 28 organizations and asked what your money — ranging from $50 to $10,000 — actually buys for those in need. Example: $500 can fund programs that benefit a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Petaluma for a year.

Up front we take a look back at how Christmas Tree Hill got its name, and we talk to musician Dave Koz, author David Thomson and retiring supervisor Steve Kinsey, who names some proud moments on the job and makes a few predictions for the future.

Destinations this month takes us to the hottest ski areas in the West and offers a look at the newest trends — snowcat skiing, anyone? And Norma Meyer invites us to tag along on a journey to Lapland to meet Santa Claus, reindeer and the cool residents of an ice hotel.

With stories on cars, trains, tall trees, giving back and frosty digs, it certainly feels like the holidays. We hope you enjoy the issue, the season and the New Year. We’ve got a lot of great stories lined up for 2017 that we can’t wait to share with you.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

JACK WOLFORD

(Left to right) Back row: Rachel Griffiths, Dana Horner, Kirstie Martinelli, Kasia Pawlowska, Lesley Cesare, Maeve Walsh, Debra Hershon, Dan Jewett and Michele Johnson. Seated: Alex French, Nikki Wood, Jim Wood, Mimi Towle, and Leah Bronson. Front row: Max Weinberg and Leela Lindner.

We’ve had a great year producing stories and features about all things Marin. It is our hope you’ve enjoyed the local coverage and also appreciated our special Summer Guide and Mill Valley Film Festival guide as well as our home issues. Marin is truly a special place to work and live in and we are grateful to call it home. Happy holidays from the entire Marin Magazine staff.

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THE

UNbeaten path It will find you when you’re ready.

Non-stop flights from SFO to SUN

SUNVALLEY.COM/winter

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POV

These 25 nonprofits are improving the lives of many Marin residents. BY JIM WOOD

I

T’S THE SEA SON to discuss nonprofits

The groups mentioned here serve a wide range of individuals, without narrowing focus to one specific community or area.

and the outstanding job they are doing.

The groups mentioned here serve a wide range of individuals, without narrowing focus to one specific community or area.

AGRICULTURE Marin Agricultural Land Trust, MALT, uses grants and donations to acquire development rights from ranchers and farmers. To date, nearly 50,000 acres in West Marin have been preserved. The Agriculture Institute of Marin manages the popular civic center farmers’ markets; it also educates children on healthy nutrition, and the organization intends to build a permanent market.

ANIMAL LIFE For almost 110 years, the Marin Humane Society has been headquarters for pet-related matters including licensing, adopting and caring for animals. Rescuing and rehabilitating injured mammals from local waters is the mission of the Marine Mammal Center in the Marin Headlands. “An urban wildlife hospital” is how WildCare describes itself; annually, its San Rafael facility cares for 4,000 wild animals from 200 different species.

COMMUNITY If area nonprofits have a “mother ship,” it’s the Marin Community Foundation, which distributes $65 million annually to worthy causes, most in Marin.

MarinLinks is “an incubator and sponsor of groups seeking to fill unmet community needs.” Indeed, it does that.

CULTURE On Fourth Street in San Rafael, Art Works Downtown connects artists with the community via affordable studios, art exhibits and retail sales. Once a year, Marin Open Studios invites Marin residents to visit hundreds of artists’ studios in support of the arts.

ENVIRONMENT For more than 50 years, the Marin Audubon Society has protected wildlife habitats, often buying land that’s slated for development. Simply put, the Marin Conservation League’s mission is “to preserve, protect and enhance the natural assets of Marin.” This is a vital organization.

Conservation Corps North Bay enables youths (ages 18–25) to earn a high school degree.

IN NEED Adopt-A-Family of Marin offers services providing stability for families in need, including help with rent, food, car repairs and counseling; it is highly effective.

Want to look your best? Bloom, which has a San Rafael retail store, provides complimentary wardrobes and life skills training to folks seeking self-reliance. Community Action Marin directly addresses concerns of those facing poverty in Marin. At five locations, Marin Community Clinics provide physical, dental and mental health care to more than 35,000 insured and uninsured Marin residents. At its facility in Novato and at 47 local “pantries” throughout Marin, the SF-Marin Food Bank distributes six million pounds of fresh produce and unused staples a year to people who are hungry. San Rafael’s St. Vincent de Paul Society serves nearly 300 free hot meals a day, 365 days a year.

SENIORS Throughout the Bay Area, Hospice by the Bay ensures quality of life care for the terminally-ill and those close to them.

Senior Access says more than 6,000 Marin families deal with someone suffering from memory loss, and they offer help and guidance; even a clubhouse. Encouraging the independence and well-being of older adults is the goal of Whistlestop; they do it through classes, cultural gatherings and excellent meals.

YOUTH EDUCATION The amazing 10,000 Degrees makes college scholarships available to qualified Marin students. Marin County School Volunteers matches tutors with students needing help; currently 350 adults and students volunteer in 45 Marin schools.

Thanks to SchoolsRule-Marin, in recent years local businesses have contributed close to $3 million to benefit every school in the county. Founded 120 years ago, Sunny Hills Services helps vulnerable youth and their families (2,700 in total this year) “develop healthy relationships and fulfilling lives.”

We are fortunate to have these caring and sharing nonprofits in Marin. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

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

RICHARD WHEELER

Good Deeds

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Rendering: courtesy Snøhetta and Mir

Dine, Design, and Discover Celebrate the holidays at SFMOMA. Discover artful gifts from the Museum Store and enjoy festive dining at In Situ, which the New York Times calls “the most original new restaurant in the country.” Visit sfmoma.org.

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Photo: Eric Wolfinger

Photo: courtesy Flyte

Premier Sponsors

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P R O M OT I O N

Connect

WITH US

• online Get Covered If you’ve ever thought you’d like to see your art on the cover of Marin Magazine, now is the time to get in the running: For our 11th annual cover contest, we’re seeking work from outstanding painters, illustrators and photographers who live in, show in or create images of the county. One lucky entrant will see his or her art on the May 2017 cover and featured along with the work of several finalists in a story in that issue. The deadline is March 6. To enter, go to marinmagazine.com/getcovered.

Be in the Know Wondering what’s going on this weekend?

Looking for that hot concert? Our weekly Weekend 101 newsletter has top picks and information on all kinds of local activities, dining deals and adventures you won’t want to miss. To sign up, go to marinmagazine.com/newsletters.

Preview Videos

Nikki Wood with last year’s winner, Barrie Barnett.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could join executive editor Mimi Towle on a guided tour of the newest issue of Marin Magazine? Well, now you can.

Check our Facebook page the week of the issue launch to see a short video detailing all the engaging content you’ll find inside. Go to facebook.com/marinmagazine to check it out.

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Join James Demmert as he walks you through a proven investment process that has successfully weathered many financial market conditions throughout the past three decades.

The Journey to Wealth is a profound look at the forces that move the financial markets and why most investors and conventional Wall Street strategies fail to be successful.

Whatever your investment experience or age, you'll find this an informative and entertaining read, with valuable investment insights and many fascinating sidebars, quotes, humor and illustrations.

Founder and Managing Partner of Main Street Research, LLC Available on Amazon. Please visit: www.jamesdemmert.com

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K AT H L E E N D U G H I J E W E L E R

NEW IN TOWN

HAND-FABRICATED FINE JEWELRY EXQUISITE CUSTOM DESIGNS BRIDAL

» Marin is already a great place to

live, and these new businesses are making it even more fun. Check out what’s new (or just getting better).

LIFESTYLE Laura Kimpton, creator of well-known Burning Man word sculptures, launches She’s Got Wings, a clothing line featuring recycled fabrics, available at her new storefront on Bolinas Road in Fairfax; shesgotwings.com.

1 Tan Bella, an upscale tanning salon offering spray tanning, UV bed and skin-firming red light beds, has made its way across the Golden Gate to downtown San Rafael; tanbella.com.

2

BIKES

11 B e r n a r d S t r e e t Mill Valley 415.383.0462 w w w . k at h l e e n d u g h i . c o M

One of the most recognized names in the electric bike world, Pedego, has come to Tiburon’s Main Street; pedegoelectricbikes. com. 2 CycleBar, an indoor cycling studio that offers a high-energy workout in a concert-like atmosphere, opened one of its first California locations in Novato’s Hamilton Marketplace; cyclebar.com.

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

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POV

P R O MOT I O N

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend Friend us to share RSVP Hot Ticket photos at facebook.com/marinmagazine.

[UPCOMING EVENTS] ICB WINTER OPEN STUDIOS WHEN December 2–4, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

WHERE ICB, 480 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito WHY ICB is hosting its muchYOU anticipated 48th annual Winter SHOULD Open Studios. More than 80 GO artists invite the public to view stunning art in this unique location. The art includes painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, jewelry, textiles, digital media and so much more. Come meet the artists, explore their studios, watch a demonstration, and learn about art from the masters.

This is a wonderful opportunity to discover exceptional and unique works of art in the studios where it is created.

COST Free FIND OUT icb-artists.com MORE

WINTERFEST SAUSALITO WHEN December 9–11 WHERE Winterfest Tent, Sausalito Yacht Harbor marina waterfront, Sausalito WHY December 9 is the Naughty YOU or Nice Ball featuring an SHOULD all-inclusive holiday party and GO drinks and dancing (6:30-10:30 p.m., $125). December 10 brings cookies, crafts and Kris Kringle for the kids (10 a.m.–2 p.m., free), followed by the Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade and Captain’s PostParty (5–10:30 p.m.). December 11 there’s the Jingle Bell 5K and children’s fun run along the scenic Sausalito waterfront, followed by a sumptuous runners’ brunch. Events benefit the Sausalito on the Waterfront Foundation’s educational programs for children.

COST Varies by event FIND OUT 415.289.1020, MORE winterfestsausalito.com

Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events?

Visit marinmagazine.com/hotticket for the latest.

Your Letters Protect the Fish

Dear Jim, thank you so much for your POV (“Swimming Upstream,” October) about SPAWN and its adversarial model for saving the coho salmon in San Geronimo Valley. As a 40-year resident of SG, I can assure you most residents and homeowners care just as much about saving the salmon as Todd Steiner does. We have lots of artwork and community activities that reflect our pride and commitment to this local treasure. However, instead of making it easy for people to do the right thing, SPAWN has made us the enemy instead of an ally. Instead of all the costly lawsuits against the county, if SPAWN had assisted homeowners in septic upgrades, creek restoration, concrete removal, etc., it could have been a win-win for both salmon habitat and property owners. SPAWN’s zealous all-ornothing attitude has produced unnecessary conflict. JANICE BALDWIN, SAN GERONIMO Jim Wood is entitled to his opinion on the value of SPAWN’s approach to saving Marin’s critically endangered coho salmon. Over 20 years, SPAWN has rescued 15,000 baby salmon from certain death in drying streams, increased our knowledge of where coho spawn in our watershed, provided homeowner consultations to hundreds of folks who want to live in harmony with these amazing fish, planted 100,000 native plants along degraded stream banks, and raised millions of dollars for habitat restoration and land acquisition.

And yes, SPAWN has taken the County of Marin to task for illegally approving development without the required environmental analysis to understand the impact on this beleaguered species. Each time SPAWN has sued, the courts have ruled that the county’s actions were illegal. Mr. Wood may believe that is a hindrance to the effort to restore coho salmon to Lagunitas Creek, but if the county continues to act unlawfully, how can we expect to protect the remaining habitat that the fish need to survive? SPAWN and others’ restoration efforts are an attempt to repair the historical mistakes of the past that have led the salmon to the verge of extinction. If the county continues to repeat those

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Nothing provides relief like mapping a clear course for your financial future. It’s like a massive weight has been lifted. If you’re not getting that lift from your current wealth manager, it’s time to play the field. mistakes by destroying remaining habitat, all the restoration in the world will be for naught.

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

TODD STEINER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TURTLE ISLAND RESTORATION NETWORK AND SPAWN

Jim, who really cares about coho salmon and Lagunitas Creek? We have more things to worry about than a few salmon. There is plenty of salmon to buy in all stores in Marin.

I would suggest your next article is about something that really matters to those of us in Marin. DON STENSON, VIA EMAIL

More Resources

I wanted to mention what I consider an omission from an article (“Dangerous Game”) in your September issue. This was a very powerful article, but I was surprised and concerned that Being Adept, a Marin-based nonprofit organization whose purpose is to educate middle-school students and their parents to prevent drug and alcohol use and abuse, was not cited as an organization in Marin that can “offer information and support to educate parents and teens about drug abuse prevention and treatment,” because that is exactly what we do. Thanks for your consideration of this information that is very important to the health and well-being of our Marin youth.

ALLAN GOLD, PH.D., DISTRICT PSYCHOLOGIST FOR REED DISTRICT IN TIBURON, CHAIRMAN OF BEING ADEPT

Thank you for your excellent and important coverage of teen drug use in Marin. The message cannot be repeated enough. It was quite comprehensive, but I think MarinCAMFT, Marin’s chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, deserves a mention. Many therapists like myself are interventionists and addiction specialists who can enlighten parents both in preventing and assessing a possible problem and learning what actions to take that will be effective.

BARBARA NELSON, MA, MFT, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST

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

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Have them unwrap your

best gift yet ’Tis the season to be jolly and celebrate with friends and family gathering together for food, drink and merriment.

It’s also the chance to give them something unique.

Find the right gift for that special person in your life.

The following pages have gift suggestions for everyone, including spouses, moms and dads, pets, kids, and co-workers. Make this holiday season your best ever!

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BSC Culinary Resource offers the perfect holiday gift

Holiday Gift Guide

ADVE RTI SI N G PROM OTI ON

Sofia Jewelry offers you a one stop shop for all the jewelry lovers in your life. From stacking rings to colored gemstones to silver jewelry, come in and find the perfect gift to celebrate the season! 415.388.8776, Mill Valley, sofiajewelry.com

for the outdoor chef. American-made from Lynx. Outdoor oven: LPZA Napoli Pizza Oven, Countertop or Built-In, and LMKC54 54� Mobile Kitchen Cart. 415.626.6246, San Francisco, bscculinary.com

Barbara Lawrence Fine Art Art Classes. Give the Gift Rustic Bakery specializes in handmade baked goods for the holiday season. We offer beautiful gift baskets filled with organic treats, nostalgic decorated sugar cookies, hand cut glazed spiced gingerbread tiles and delicious desserts for your holiday table. Larkspur 415.925.1556, Novato 415.878.4952, MCM 415.461.9900, rusticbakery.com

of Creativity. Fun, Informal, Stimulating and Supportive!

Barbara evaluates your individual needs and desires, developing a program that is unique to each student.

With dedication and perseverance, artistic growth is guaranteed. 415.717.1238, San Rafael, BL4art.com

Lang Antiques. One-of-a-kind antique and estate heirloom jewels are always the right gift. In our store or online, expert advice is part of the Lang shopping experience. 415.982.2213, San Francisco, langantiques.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

ADV E RT I SI NG PRO M OT I O N

The Mount Tam Collection.

Give the iconic gift of a Mt. Tam pendant to those who love Mt. Tamalpais as much as we do.

“Made in Marin” and available in yellow and white gold with diamonds or Sterling silver with white sapphires. 415.459.5808, San Rafael, stephanhill.com

In Her Shoes is an amazing boutique that has one stop shopping for all the ladies on your list. Unique European boots, stylist cashmere sweaters and scarves, hand selected jewelry, candles and more. Their merchandise is priced so you have the ability to score an exception gift that fits all budgets. 415.306.7157, San Rafael, InHerShoesMarin.com

Lucky Bumble Beauty Lounge Give the gift of beauty and pampering this year! Gift Certificates available for Eyelash Extensions, Organic Airbrush Tanning, Waxing, Makeup Application, Express Facials, Lip Plumping and more!

415.747.5309, San Rafael, luckybumble.com

Union Street Goldsmith Unique designs that fit your lifestyle. Rare colored gemstones, ancient coins, and fabulous wedding sets in hand fabricated settings.

415.776.8048, San Francisco, unionstreetgoldsmith.com

Margaret O’Leary Add some luster to your winter wardrobe with this waist-grazing dress topper. Subtle shimmer and a fluttery fit makes this the perfect piece to layer over our dainty, high-necked camisole with a swingy velvet body and satin straps. 415.388.2390, Mill Valley, margaretoleary.com

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Marin’s Hottest Sock store, featuring Stance, Hotsox, Socksmith, and pictured here, the Magic Sock! One size fits all! Your sure to find the perfect stocking stuffer at SOXalito!

415.332.3336, Sausalito, soxalito.com

Holiday Gift Guide

ADVE RTI SI N G PROM OTI ON

Adopt-a-Seal® is the gift that gives back for kids of all ages. A plush toy, book and official adoption certificate will bring a smile to the animal lover in your life, and contribute to the life-saving work of The Marine Mammal Center.

Sausalito, marinemammalcenter.org/adopt

The best party game you haven’t played yet is Codenames or its new stand-alone companion, Codenames: Pictures. Games last around fifteen minutes and you’ll have a hard time not replaying it multiple times in a sitting! 415.457.8698, San Rafael, gamescape-north.com

Poet and/the Bench now open on Locust Ave. Discover our carefully curated mix of jewelry, handcrafted goods, unique finds, art and home decor. Make it your own with custom jewelry by goldsmith Jeffrey Levin. 415.569.4383, Mill Valley, poetandthebench.com

The FolkArt Gallery The World made by Hand! Stunning artisan jewelry and the best of the world’s contemporary, vintage and antique indigenous folk and tribal crafts. We’ve spent over 25 years developing wonderful relationships with artisans and their families. 415.925.9096, San Rafael, thefolkartgallery.com

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lifestyle boutique

PEACE 800 Redwood Hwy. Ste. 216, Mill Valley, Ca. 94941 | 415.383.3223 | www.evo-spa.com Photo by Karen Wiles

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In Marin

CE L E B R AT I N G T H E PEO PL E , PL ACE S A N D C AU S E S O F T H I S U N I Q U E CO U N T Y

O Christmas Berry Local seasonal planting alternatives for your yard.

D

ECORATING THE HOUSE for the holidays is a cherished pastime

for many. But what if you could let Mother Nature do the work for you? Margaret Graham of Mostly Natives Nursery in Tomales explains that planting local fruit-bearing shrubs like wax myrtles or toyons can give your yard a festive touch. The bright-red pomes produced by the toyon have helped it earn an especially appropriate nickname — the Christmas berry. The shrub is visited by butterflies

and birds alike and has a mild, hawthorn-like scent. The benefit of this and other local vegetation is more than cosmetic. “The coastal ecosystem needs these plants,” says Graham. “All the native insects evolved to coexist with them.” This is the final nursery season for Graham and her husband Walter Earle; they are closing after 33 years and moving on to enjoy their retirement — but worry not, a new owner will open a shop under the same name in Point Reyes Station this spring. KASIA PAWLOWSKA M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 35

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In Marin / CURRENTS

Max Safavi

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VERY TOWN HAS that store, the place everyone talks about, the one swirling in rumors. For Mill Valley, it’s the Marin Oriental Rug House.

Situated at the center of Tam Junction in Mill Valley, the building with its distinctive domeshaped, mosaic tile facade is unmistakable and deceiving — it belies the massive interior, which houses thousands of rugs and tapestries, 7,000 square feet of product. Original owner Taghi Rezaian opened the oldest rug store in Marin nearly half a century ago. Rezaian’s name has been in the news, as his son Jason, a journalist, was captured and held while reporting in Iran in July 2014, then released in January of this year. But that’s not the reason people talk about the store. It’s the signs. Is the place closing, as suggested by a current iteration of the signs that have been up for many years, or is it going out of business? There’s a distinction — and current owner Max Safavi knows what it is. His is one of the last Oriental rug stores in Marin.

The Abraham store in Mill Valley is out of business. So are the two San Rafael stores and the one in Tiburon as well.

Safavi has run the business at Tam Junction since 1994, but his partner, Masoud Mossabeh, owns the land. Mossabeh retired and is looking to sell the building, meaning the business at this location may close. But casual longtime observers can be forgiven for being confused. So what’s the deal? “It is not going out of business,” Safavi says. “The rug store will continue whether it is here or in a different location in Mill Valley or Strawberry.” So there you have it. therughouse.com K.P.

Youth Vote Before the November elections, Dominican University hosted the College Debate 2016 Town Hall, where students from all 50 states gathered to discuss five issues pertinent to them. Here are some concerns the country’s youngest voters want the next president to address. collegedebate16.org KATHERINE MINKIEWICZ TOPIC

LOCATION

QUOTE

Economy

Maribeth Watkins, Longwood University in Virginia

“How do you plan to address the increased cost of living, while promoting the growth of U.S. businesses?”

Education

Benjamin Van Bloem, Salisbury University in Maryland

“What is your plan to utilize education to combat the cycle of juvenile detention?”

Foreign Policy

Cadet James Sutton Durant, The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina in Charleston

“What specific circumstance would prompt the U.S. to use military resources in a foreign country and how would you utilize the nation’s military resources?”

Immigration

David Enriquez, University of Hawaii at Manoa

“What constitutional rights and protections should undocumented immigrants be granted and how will those rights and protections be guaranteed?”

Social Justice and Civil Rights

Malik James, Nazareth College in New York

“What will you do to reduce the recidivism and mass incarceration rates in communities where poverty and violence are prevalent?”

169 SEMIAUTO HANDGUNS

74 semiauto rifles 162 GUNS FROM SONOMA COUNTY

346 guns from Marin County

685 TOTAL fi earms surrendered

TIM PORTER (TOP); JACK WOLFORD (BOTTOM)

Going Out of Business?

GOODBYE, GUNS A firearm buyback day was held at police stations throughout Marin in September. The goal of programs like this — sweetened with a monetary incentive and amnesty — is to

BY THE reduce the number NUMBERS of deadly weapons owned by civilians. The September buyback saw all kinds of guns turned in by owners in Marin and many surrounding counties. “There were long rifles, shotguns, sawed-off shotguns, pistols and semiautomatic handguns,” District Attorney Edward Berberian says. Some of the more unnerving weapons included an MP5 submachine gun and a couple of AK-47s. “The MP5 is a fully automatic firearm used in the past

by Navy SEALs and clearly not a legal or appropriate firearm for the private citizen,” he adds. Here are some other figures from the buyback. marincounty.org K.P.

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In Marin / CURRENTS

Christmas Tree Hill as seen from Chapman Hill circa 1910.

Christmas Tree Hill Arguably the quaintest and most spirited neighborhood in Corte Madera, Christmas Tree Hill is also one of the oldest. Originally it was part of 136 acres gifted to Emma Catharine Pixley by her sister-in-law in the 1890s; Pixley split the land into small plots and sold them for as little as $50 each. San Francisco residents looking to build summer retreats purchased these lots on “Tank Hill” or “Little Tam,” WHAT’S IN as it was then called; many of the houses eventually became year-round homes.

A NAME It wasn’t until the late 1920s, when the first street lamps were installed along the hill’s zigzagging roads, that people noticed the triangular pattern of lights resembled a large Christmas tree. Local residents played along with that imaginative image by adding colored lightbulbs; at one time the hill was dubbed “the world’s largest Christmas tree” in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Though that festive practice ended years ago, today’s Christmas Tree Hill dwellers have modernized the tradition by placing a 200-pound steel star near the summit of the hill during the holidays. The star’s last appearance was several years ago, but many are hoping it will shine again in the future. LEELA LINDNER

11-99 Foundation

What do you get for the person who has it all? Gift cards are impersonal, cuff inks are even more obvious, but what if you could buy a get-out-of-jail-free card? For the starting price of $2,500, Californians reportedly may be able to do the next best thing. An 11-99 Foundation Membership gets you into an organization whose goal is to support families of California Highway Patrol officers in times of crisis or hardship. (In police language, “11-99” is radio code for “officer needs assistance.”) The donation is certainly for a noble cause, but it also comes with a perk in the form of a highly coveted license plate holder.

The frames are serialized, cannot be bought on their own and have inspired numerous knockoffs that can be bought online for anywhere between $200 and $1,000.

Officers deny any kind of favoritism for members, but the displayed status has been called “a license to speed” as well as “purchasing leniency” in several articles and on many online forums. chp11-99.org K.P.

Kids Rule

Volunteering in far-off ands can be an exciting and rewarding adventure. But students don’t have to travel far to make a difference. These three organizations are giving kids the chance to change their lives and those of their peers in Marin and around the country. L.L. • BEYOND DIFFERENCES School lunch can be a scary time for kids. That’s why Beyond Differences launched “No One Eats Alone,” a program ensuring that all middle-school kids have a friend to sit with when the lunch bell rings. This year more than 1,100 schools have participated in the student-led initiative, raising young people’s awareness in all 50 states.

The drive has helped kids feel included, valued and accepted by their peers, making their PB&J taste a little sweeter. beyonddifferences.org

• SCHOOLSRULE-MARIN Making sure every child in Marin has the resources needed to realize his/her full potential is SchoolsRule’s top priority. By supplying schools with books, new technology and nutritious food, this organization focuses on closing the inequality gap for the county’s kids. The money raised has gone toward funding musical instruments, materials and technology for special education classrooms and even a MakerSpace. This is definitely something to sing about. schoolsrule.org

• TRIPS FOR KIDS By providing transformative cycling experiences for underserved youth, Trips for Kids Marin helps build self-esteem, inspire healthy lifestyles and instill environmental values.

The programs range from scenic daylong trail rides to unique Earn-a-Bike workshops.

Hands-on lessons in bike mechanics and safety allow kids to earn credits toward owning their own bike and accessories — because there’s nothing like getting your first set of wheels. tripsforkidsmarin.org

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We treat more neurology patients than any other hospital in San Francisco. When you call this city home, you call CPMC your hospital.

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We care for the city that gives you more walks down memory lane.

In Marin / CURRENTS

8 QUESTIONS FOR

Dave Koz Internationally known jazz saxophonist Dave Koz is a native of Los Angeles, but has most often found his muse and inspiration in Sausalito. He’s been renting a cozy getaway home here for most of the 25 years since recording his debut solo album Saxophonist Dave Koz in 1990. During that quarter-century, he’s also been nominated for nine Grammy awards, has had nine albums reach number 1 SAUSALITO on Billboard magazine’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Koz released Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection, last year on Concord Records. He’s also back with his annual holiday tour, which kicked off the day after Thanksgiving and ends just before Christmas, when he and guests Jonathan Butler, Valerie Simpson and Kenny Lattimore appear at the City National Civic in San Jose on December 22. MARC HERSHON You recorded Dave Koz 26 years ago, but how long have you been playing saxophone? Forty years. I started when I was 13 and when my first album came out I was 27. To me this whole career has been kind of a big surprise.

2

How did you get started? My older brother had a band, which was called Randy & Company, that played weddings, bar mitzvahs and frat parties. My brother told me the only way I would get in the band was if I played the sax.

3

So your brother’s comment was what led you to pick up the sax? That and it’s just such a fascinating instrument. It’s just so sexy and complex. And it just felt right in my hands. I was going through so much crap as a 13-year-old, like most 13-year-olds, but I didn’t have the ability to talk to anyone about what was going on in my head and in my heart. The saxophone became my best friend and most trusted ally and confidant.

4

Any big realizations after a quarter-century of being at a level where you’re putting out albums and touring? The big takeaway from the 25th anniversary is that there are still people interested in hearing me play! I feel very blessed that somehow me blowing through this metal tube, this plumbing, has struck a chord with people.

5

What does Christmas music mean to you?

Growing up in America means growing up with Christmas music. And I have tremendous respect for the people who wrote the music, because these

are the same people who wrote what’s in the Great American Songbook, and that’s music that will never go out of style. Overall, it’s like musical comfort food.

6

You’ve been serving as a global ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation for more than two decades — what drew you to them?

Imagine a young kid who is in the hospital for long periods of time, a burn victim or leukemia patient — what a scary experience, not just for the child, but for the whole family. I’ve seen the smiles that Starlight puts on these kids’ faces, even for just a few moments, when they’re allowed to be a kid again.

7

How did you make your way to Sausalito? In 1994, I rented a house from architect John Marsh Davis for a year, a house that should be in the pages of Architectural Digest. After he needed it back, I bought a house on Richardson Street in Sausalito the very next day. I stayed for five years and have always maintained a place up here. But that first house that John Marsh Davis rented to me nurtured me in a way like no other place I have ever lived. It allowed me to come to terms with who I was — I came out, and it gave me the time I needed, which I’d never had before, to really just be OK with me.

8

Any place in particular that you like to hang out when you’re here? I spend a lot of time at the Buckeye Roadhouse — it’s in the top four or five places that I love in the world. We have all those hidden stairways in Sausalito and I love to walk the stairs to have lunch down at Copita or Poggio and just walk the streets. m

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In Marin / READING LIST

We sat down with San Francisco’s David Thomson to discuss his new book, Television: A Biography.

MM: What makes Television: A Biography a special project for you?

DT: I have been, for decades, a person who wrote about film, taught film and so on and so forth. But movies today are viewed rather more of the way theater was when movies first came in: a valued art, but not the central, dominant art.

For a long time now, television has taken over that dominant role. I felt I needed to sort of catch up and study television, think about it more seriously, read about it, look at a lot of old television that I remembered but hadn’t seen for a long time, and try to do a book that was a history — a survey at least — of what’s happened in television, and try to get to grips with what this has done to us as a culture.

MM: Do you think — with the amount of Hollywood actors lining up to do TV and the ever-increasing audiences — that the medium has stepped up its game?

DT: Once upon a time, movie actors did not like to do television. They thought that it was demeaning.

Now, it’s the opposite. People in

movies are really anxious to work in television, because that’s where the audience is and that’s where the most interesting and varied material is being done. I would say that in the last six months or so, though I still see a lot of movies, the two most impressive things that I have seen are the HBO series The Night Of and the ESPN documentary (not the dramatization) O.J.: Made in America.

MM: When it comes to film versus television, what do you think is the main difference?

DT: There are enormous differences. Let me just pick on one.

The movies are about concentration and attention. You go into the dark. You are monopolized by the circumstances and by a big screen.

Television is a medium that is made for doing several different things at the same time. Now, I don’t mean to say that there aren’t things on television that we do concentrate on, but it is in the nature of the medium that concentration is not required, so that concentration and attention become different things. CALIN VAN PARIS

Television: A Biography by David Thomson (San Francisco), Thames and Hudson, $34.95.

With Television, which sets out to be the first comprehensive history of the defining medium of our time, renowned critic and film historian David Thomson turns his unique powers of observation to the medium that has lately swallowed film whole. David Thomson is a film critic and author of what Sight and Sound’s readers called “the most important film book of the last 50 years” and is a frequent contributor to The New York Times and The Guardian. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera on Wednesday, December 14, 7 p.m.

Clean Soups: Simple Nourishing Recipes for Health and Vitality by Rebecca Katz (San Rafael), Ten Speed Press, $22.

In Clean Soups, author Rebecca Katz teaches readers how to incorporate wholesome stocks and soups into their everyday eating. The book includes foundational broths, blended soups and traditional healing soups, as well as a two-day cleanse. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera on Sunday, December 4, 1 p.m.

When We Rise: My Life in the Movement by Cleve Jones (San Francisco), Hachette Books, $27. By turns tender and uproarious, When We Rise is Jones’ account of his remarkable life as an LGBTQ and AIDS activist. He chronicles the heartbreak of losing countless friends to AIDS; co-founding the San Francisco AIDS Foundation; his conception of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the largest community art project in history; and the harrowing, sexy and sometimes hilarious stories of his own relationships. Appearing at Book Passage Ferry Building on Tuesday, December 6, 6 p.m.

The Forest Feast Gatherings: Simple Vegetarian Menus for Hosting Friends and Family by Erin Gleeson (Woodside), Harry N. Abrams, $35. Gleeson’s recipes have always been ideal for entertaining, but in The Forest Feast Gatherings, she offers detailed guidance on hosting casual yet thoughtful get-togethers from start to finish.

The book offers 100 new, innovative vegetarian recipes, along with some fan favorites from her blog, arranged in a series of artfully designed menus that are tailored around specific occasions and seasons. Appearing at Book Passage Ferry Building on Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m.

Reviews by Book Passage Assistant Marketing Coordinator Lianna McSwain.

LUCY GRAY

Author Talk

Local Page Turners

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In Marin / CONVERSATION

Steve Kinsey

After five terms stretching over 20 years, Marin’s 4th District supervisor reflects on the past and considers the future.

BY JIM WOOD • PHOTO BY TIM PORTER

Y

OU’VE HEA RD THE story: a builder is frustrated with county processes so he or she runs for office to change “the system.”

Versions of that tale have been told for years. But it wasn’t why designer/ builder Steve Kinsey ran for the Marin Board of Supervisors in 1996. He just thought serving in government would be a rewarding

experience and that he’d be good at it. Though he had never run for elective office, he’d been engaged in civic activities since moving to West Marin in 1978. Intrinsically optimistic and outgoing, Kinsey was a Little League coach, had worked to pass school and water bonds, and had appeared numerous times at supervisorial meetings. So he declared his candidacy.

He won that first election as well as the next

four before announcing in late 2015 that he’d be retiring after 20 years representing Marin County’s 4th District, which encompasses all of Corte Madera, most of West Marin and parts of Larkspur, San Quentin, Novato, San Rafael and Homestead Valley. In all, some 50,000 residents and about two-thirds of Marin’s landmass.

Over the years, Kinsey, now 64, has championed sustainable agriculture, watershed

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and salmon restoration, integrating various modes of transportation, and a government based on fiscal responsibility. He’s been on the California Coastal Commission for five years, the past three as its chairman, an assignment that has sent him up and down the state’s 1,100-mile coastline. His other involvements include the Marin Agriculture Land Trust (MALT), the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM).

The West Marin community of Forest Knolls is where Kinsey and his wife make their home. In his off uty-hours he enjoys biking, hiking and camping.

On January 1, you will no longer be a county supervisor and will be even freer to speak your mind. What are your thoughts on the following?

Homelessness in Marin County I think there are sites that could handle a multiservice center for the homeless. A portion of the Silveira property near where we had an honor farm in the past. Somewhere on St. Vincent’s would also work. Also, I’ve suggested that a small portion of the CanalWays, down by Target and Home Depot, is a possibility. And there are places near San Quentin State Prison, on the west side of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, or by the Smith Ranch Road Park and Ride that are possibilities. So there are places.

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) SMART’s success will depend on its ability to make quick changes once they start operating. Bicycle parking is one recent example; impacts on cars and pedestrians on city streets is another one. So it will be successful if they have an adaptive and responsive attitude once they start operating. And, they will have to come back to the electorate for more money to be able to run that program effectively over the next 20 years and beyond.

Ranching in Point Reyes That environmental lawsuit is going to take a tedious bureaucratic journey that will last at least five years, maybe 10, depending on the litigation. Ultimately, ranching will continue in the park.

So on a sunny afternoon, a few locals and I got together and dug the holes, set the two steel poles, poured the concrete in their bases and cleared away the brush.

Now there are two bus stops in Stinson Beach.

The Seminary property in South Marin This will be decided in a few years and then it will be litigated and you won’t see any change there for over a decade. The Branson School will be there only if they are very patient, but I don’t think so. I think it will take them too long to get a decision as a school; it will cost too much money.

The Martha property near Tiburon These 100or-so scenic acres will determine if Marin has enormous philanthropic pull — or not. I think that ultimately it will not be developed; rather, it will be the highest-priced open space that has ever been acquired in California.

George Lucas’ now-withdrawn film studio project at Grady Ranch I’ll be the number one cheerleader for that project if he decides to put the oar in the water. Although he’s talked about it, George hasn’t formally applied for it; he’s been distracted by where to put that damn museum. So there has been no movement on it over the past year. But I think it’s certainly a workable concept and a great gift he’s offering to Marin County.

Developing the Silveira/St. Vincent’s site Nothing will happen until the community comes to realize that portions of St. Vincent’s could be developed and provide real access to SMART, all without changing the Silveira Ranch. Until then, it will languish; it’s a piece of Marin’s 50-year future, not our 10-year future.

A permanent farmers’ market at the Civic Center It will happen. But they should start by getting the covered canopies and a few of the amenities done and then build the market hall, rather than trying to do it all at once. It’s a big chunk to raise $24 million. Better to raise $5 million today and show what they can do and raise the excitement. It’s an ideal location and the concept epitomizes Marin County.

Which are your proudest accomplishments after 20 years as a Marin supervisor? Things that stand out for me are the capital projects we completed. An example would be the Emergency Operations Center, or EOC. What we did was buy the Marin Commons building south of Lucas Valley Road near Highway 101 and turn it into a seismically sound facility that can continue to operate after Marin is hit by a big earthquake. Our previous emergency center would have collapsed in such a disaster.

This new one is set up so all communities and public agencies can work out of one safe place in the event of a major fire, flood or earthquake.

I chaired a committee to rectify that situation and my mantra, summarizing something I felt was attainable, was “a new EOC by 2003.” Well, our new EOC opened in 2013, a full decade after my “attainable” goal, and that speaks to the frustrations one faces as a passionate and dedicated elected official. By the way, our new EOC cost $85 million.

I’m also excited to have helped create primary care health clinics in the Canal, Marin City, Bolinas and Novato. And of course, I think anyone who ever drove on Sir Francis Drake through Sam Taylor Park will recognize the amazing road upgrade. That took almost a decade to achieve.

On the other end of the spectrum, and I’m not kidding here, an accomplishment I’m proud of is the three-foot concrete traffic median in the town of Inverness that I lobbied for in 2002. It went in rather quickly and ever since then the Inverness Garden Club has maintained the median’s plantings; it has slowed traffic and added charm to the town. That’s a little gem I was able to pull off.

Here’s another one: For over a year I tried to get two effective bus stops in Stinson Beach.

I brought Marin Transit directors out there and somehow they just couldn’t get it done.

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In Marin / CONVERSATION

poles, poured the concrete in their bases and cleared away the brush. Now there are two bus stops in Stinson Beach that somehow managed to beat the bureaucracy.

When you look back over 20 years, what do you consider your greatest frustrations? It’s the time and difficulty in decision-making.

For the past 40 years, hard-core conservationists and environmental activists have controlled politics in Marin. And that was a good thing. What I like to say is: there was a land use war. We battled about building out our coast as Southern California did; about having parks or allowing sprawl; about building a freeway to the Point Reyes lighthouse.

So it was a war — and we won the war. The film Rebels With a Cause really captures that spirit. But, we won the war, yet it seems that we have never sent the soldiers home. So now the war has converted to where someone in Lucas Valley Estates wants to move a chim-

So it was a war — and we won the war. The film Rebels With a Cause really captures that spirit.

Hale Mary announces the release of our first ever Chardonnay. Happy Holidays!

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ney three feet and the result is a 45-page document that went through the planning process and ultimately came before the board of supervisors for a vote — a vote to move a chimney three feet. And I finally exploded and brought reality to the process. So looking back, another thing I’m proud of is that I never had the Sierra Club’s endorsement, and that I’ve resisted the idea we had to buckle to environmental extremes — while I’ve also been committed to a more sustainable future. What I’m saying is that for a county with supposedly liberal values, we actually don’t reflect them in our process of decision-making.

The Lucas affordable housing project was an enormous example of that. We should have been rolling out the carpet because his projects are so well designed. Instead, we made a big fuss and it was summarily withdrawn. Another example is the BCDC, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, which wants literally to know what kind of shadow will be cast on the water by a suicide

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prevention barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge.

It all represents a massive loss of common sense. Fortunately, laws can change and someday, someone with common sense will say differently. Anyway, I hope so.

As a Marin supervisor, what did you see as your darkest hours? Probably it was having fellow supervisor Charles McGlashan disappear from the earth so unexpectedly when he died of heart failure in 2011; he was just 49. Then watching the decline and death of fellow supervisor Hal Brown only a year later. Then sitting for months as a board of only three — that was very difficult; nothing gets darker than that.

Do you have concerns about government in general? I do, and it applies to all politics in America, not just the regional level. Once I decided to retire, I went to probably eight highly qualified, exceptional leader-type individuals who could immediately handle this job, some with different backgrounds than myself, but ones who definitely had the leadership skills this job entails. And not one of them wanted to touch the job. I think that politics has gotten very raw and personal and many people aren’t up to having their name smacked around on a daily basis.

Also, many people think that in the Bay Area, $150,000 a year barely covers what you need to live on. And when you track it to the 60-plus hours a week of engagement, they can’t reconcile it. So that’s a definite challenge for a democratic government. On the other hand, people often rise to the occasion; I had no elective experience when I came on the board and now, 20 years later, I’m quite proud of what’s been accomplished.

Looking ahead: what are you going to do?

Once I leave office, I’ve committed to camping my way, with my partner, Jean, down to Baja and back over a six-week period. I’ll use it as a chance to relax, to be in a beautiful natural setting, to think more broadly, and to simply explore. Eventually, what I want to do is be involved as a consultant at the local or regional level in strengthening community, either in the field of transportation or in working to achieve equality in various aspects of contemporary life. m

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Y RAIL

ERA

Whether they were powered by steam, electricity or gravity, yesterday’s trains left a footprint in modern Marin. BY JIM WOOD

I

ANNE T. KENT CALIFORNIA ROOM, MARIN COUNTY FREE LIBRARY (ABOVE, OPPOSITE BOTTOM)

REMNANTS

T ’S 1916, YOU ’R E living in San Rafael and the weekend is coming up. What are you going to do? Here’s one idea: the Northwestern Pacific Railroad recently completed a line that goes north to Ukiah, Willits or Eureka. Why not take it and stay somewhere overnight? Or maybe head over to Mill Valley and ride the World’s Crookedest Railroad up to the top of Mount Tamalpais, meeting friends at the West Point Inn? Or take an interurban electric from the nearby B Street station down to Sausalito, then catch a ferry to San Francisco and watch soldiers parade down Market Street before they head off to World War I? There are lots of choices. And in Marin, in 1916, many of them involved traveling by train.

Historians say the 55 years from 1875 to 1930 were Marin’s great era of rail. Steam-powered engines departed from Tiburon and Sausalito for Eureka, 284 miles away. And by 1896, sturdy steam engines were pushing open-air cars, filled with

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THE CODONI COLLECTION (ABOVE)

tourists from all over the world, through 281 curves and over eight miles before reaching the summit of Mount Tam, then coasting down into Muir Woods.

In 1903, many rail lines were electrified, and Marin pioneered the concept of an interurban commuter electric rail system connecting (and helping to develop) Marin’s cities and towns.

So where did it all go? What still remains of those freewheeling railroad times in today’s traffic-clogged Marin County? Where are the reminders? A look at Marin’s three rail systems reveals some answers.

STEAM-POWERED RAIL SYSTEM Starting in early 1869, Marin’s first railway ran about three miles between Point San Quentin and San Rafael. But by the mid-1880s, the primary terminals for steam-powered trains were Tiburon and Sausalito, because these were port cities where ferries could then take freight and passengers on to San Francisco. All rail lines originating in Marin

Clockwise from opposite page: Picnic cars being pulled by engine 13 in 1900; interurban electric trains in downtown Sausalito in 1914; the gravity car and brakeman are ready for action in 1914.

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then headed north, either to Cazadero in coastal Sonoma County or to Eureka, pretty much following the course of the present-day Highway 101.

Today, a prominent remnant of that era is the Donahue Building, built in 1884 by rail pioneer Peter Donahue and still standing in Tiburon’s Shoreline

By 1896, sturdy steam engines were pushing open-air cars, filled with tourists from all over the world, through 281 curves and over eight miles before reaching the summit of Mount Tam. Park on Paradise Drive. This t wo-stor y gray structure was faithfully restored by the BelvedereTiburon Landmarks Society in 1985 and now houses the Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum. Downstairs is a model train layout of Tiburon as a railroad town; upstairs is an authentic 1900s depiction of the stationmaster’s living quarters. According to Phil Cassou, managing docent of the museum, “the last freight train left Tiburon on September 25, 1967.”

The route that train traveled out of Tiburon is now a popular bayfront walking and biking path aptly named Old Rail Trail. Once that route turns inland, heading toward San Rafael, the only remains of what was once a 775-foot wooden trestle and an earthen berm, built in 1884 to span a marsh, are a few weathered beams and a 600-foot berm overlooking Blackie’s Pasture and Tiburon Boulevard. Efforts are being made to reconstruct 40 feet of that old line, along with a 600-foot Trestle Trail atop the berm, to honor the area’s railroad history. The only other remnants of the line that by 1916 reached Eureka are the Cal Park Tunnel (south of San Rafael) and the Puerto Suello Tunnel (in north San Rafael); both are more than 1,100 feet long and have recently reopened to accommodate the soon-to-arrive SMART commuter trains.

While Sausalito was the terminus of an 1875-era steam train line to the coast of southern Sonoma County via Point Reyes Station — and was handling both steam and electric freight and passenger lines by 1903 — the only present-day evidence of its

Get SMART

“It was sometime in the early 2000s,” recalls Dietrich Stroeh, a Marin civic leader who’s been active in community affairs since the 1960s. “I was on the board of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District and we had this Northwestern Pacific Railroad right-of-way that was not being used.”

As Stroeh was talking with fellow board member and former mayor of San Rafael Al Boro, “suddenly I asked, ‘Why not build a new railroad on it?’ ” With that, SMART, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, was born.

When considering what kind of a “footprint” Marin’s railroading history has left on the present day, the right-of-way SMART was in essence given has to top the list. If all goes well, in spring 2017, seven two-car commuter trains will start running between downtown San Rafael and the Santa Rosa Airport, 43 miles away, with hopes that they will reduce vehicle traffic. SMART’s cars, self-powered with Cummins QSK19-R diesel engines that meet the EPA’s rigid Tier 4 guidelines, will travel a route identical to that once taken by steam locomotives. Basically, they’ll head out of San Rafael, pass through the Puerto Suello Tunnel, then make many of the same stops — Novato, Petaluma, Cotati, Santa Rosa — that the NWP did more than 100 years ago. Only the tracks and the rail bed have been changed.

So when you read that SMART — the “largest public works project in the history of either Marin or Sonoma counties,” according to general manager Farhad Mansourian — will cost an estimated $450 million, consider what the cost would have been without the benefit of a right-of-way no one knew what to do with. “It would have been astronomical,” says railroad historian Fred Codoni.

“Just think of acquiring a 25- to 50-foot strip of land that goes for 43 miles or more at today’s prices — thank God they saved it.”

COURTESY OF SMART

Rediscovering the richest remnant of all.

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UNKOWN/JACK WOLFORD

railway past is, again, a biking and walking trail.

This one connects Bridgeway in Sausalito to East Blithedale in Mill Valley. Mill Valley, San Rafael and Point Reyes Station all had stations handling passengers and freight traveling by steam-powered trains during Marin’s prime railroading days.

However, due to various alterations, only Mill Valley’s depot remains recognizable as a train station today — and it functions as a bookstore, cafe and chamber of commerce headquarters.

THE MOUNT TAMALPAIS SCENIC RAILWAY Prior to the automobile and the Golden Gate Bridge, there was the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway.

Starting in 1896, it snaked from Mill Valley 8.2 miles to the 2,571-foot-high pinnacle of Mount Tam. Its steam locomotives faced backward and pushed, not pulled, open-air cars up the mountain. That way its cars couldn’t break loose and hurtle down the tracks; smoke and soot would not engulf its wellcoiffed passengers; and the trains didn’t have to turn around before heading back to Mill Valley.

In 1902, so-called Gravity Cars were added to liven up this popular tourist attraction. These were powerless four-wheeled vehicles that carried up to 30 passengers and would careen down the rails, propelled only by gravity, at up to 25 miles per hour around some corners (by company edict the limit

was 12 mph and employees were fired for exceeding it), controlled only by a brakeman who had a front-row seat. Then, in 1907, halfway up the mountainside a line was added that ran two miles down into neighboring Muir Woods, the 612-acre grove of redwoods soon deeded to the U.S. park service

by Marin Congressman William Kent.

Despite the attraction, the Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railroad ceased operating in 1930.

Its demise, most rail historians agree, was the 1925 completion of a dirt road — later to be paved and named Ridgecrest Boulevard — to Mount Tam’s summit. “Over the years, for some silly reason,” laments Fairfax’s Fred Codoni, “people liked driving up, instead of riding up.” Also, in 1929 a devastating forest fire on Mount Tam destroyed one of the line’s engines and much of its infrastructure. Late in 1930, with the onset of the Great Depression, all of the track from the World’s Crookedest Railroad was removed. According to Fred Runner, author of Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railroad, “it took one engine and 20 men to do the job in about two months.”

Yet even there remnants remain. “A case can be made that Old Railroad Grade is the most important (trail) on Mount Tamalpais,” writes Barry Spitz in Tamalpais Trails. That nearly seven-mile route to the top follows almost exactly the gradual

This page: A then and now shot of the railway area in downtown Fairfax. The Fairfax Coffee Roastery building can be seen in both.

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These were powerless four-wheeled vehicles that carried up to 30 passengers and would careen down the rails, propelled only by gravity, at up to 25 miles per hour.

A much bigger relic is West Point Inn, built in 1904 and still very much alive as a spot for hikers and bikers to rest and refresh while on Mount Tamalpais. At the top itself, about all that endures from the railway days are portions of the cement-and-stone foundation of Tamalpais Tavern, a glamorous dining, dancing and gathering spot that burned down in 1923.

However, a recently constructed Gravity Car Barn (open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.) holds a replica gravity car, 98 feet of track, and provocative exhibits, including a rare video

of the cars in action and interviews featuring the folks who dared to ride in them.

INTERURBAN ELECTRIC RAIL SYSTEM It was 1903 when most rail lines within Marin were converted to handle an interurban electric rail system. Along with New York City, Marin was among the first areas in the U.S. to operate such a network. It consisted of self-propelled cars that were more cost-efficient to operate, fumeless and powered by a notorious (and dangerous) third rail that was added to existing tracks and carried 600 volts of electricity. The cars connected all of Marin’s municipalities except Tiburon and Novato; their nexus was the still-busy San Anselmo intersection known then and now as the Hub. Today, some people insist that the electric rail vehicles of years ago, in conjunction with ferries out of Sausalito, were more efficient in moving commuters than today’s buses and ferries. At the time, people feared interurban electrics would lead to a surge in development in Marin. That didn’t happen. “At its best, the system only collected 20,000 fares, representing 10,000 people, in a single day,” writes Harre Demoro in Electric Railway Pioneer. The

ANNE T. KENT CALIFORNIA ROOM, MARIN COUNTY FREE LIBRARY/JACK WOLFORD

grade (never more than 7 percent) that the railroad took to and from the Mill Valley station.

The wide and fairly smooth path is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Not quite halfway to the top, in an area known as Double Bow Knot, a long and cracked concrete curb is the only surviving trace of Mesa Station, where gravity cars once took off or Muir Woods.

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MARIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL/JACK WOLFORD

county’s population never exceeded 45,000 during the interurbans’ days of operation, and in May 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened and people began driving their cars into the city. Marin’s last interurban electric cars ran on February 28, 1941.

The electrics also lef t plenty of traces.

The aforementioned multipurpose pathway between Sausalito and Mill Valley was a popular interurban electric route. After reaching East Blithedale, the cars would head toward Corte Madera by way of the Alto Tunnel, a 2,200-foot-long bore that is currently in disrepair, although concerted efforts are underway to reopen it as a biking and walking path.

Fr om C or t e Mader a , t he old elec t r ic line heads straight into Larkspur by way of Baltimore Park, an area that’s a treasure trove of rail relics. Drive out Alexander Avenue and you’ll cross the Holcomb (or Alexander) Bridge, built in 1922 to allow trains to pass beneath its distinctive arched concrete superstructure (there are only six like it in California). Now it sees mostly school kids and seniors passing underneath on a wide and smooth pathway.

Take a few steps north and you’ll see a concrete foundation that once anchored the interurban

electrics control tower No. 3. Glancing to your right, you’ll see a massive concrete-and-brick structure labeled “Baltimore Park Substation.”

It was an integral part of Marin’s interurban electric train system. Evidently it was too imposing to consider tearing down.

And some vestiges of Marin’s vast train system are hiding in plain sight. Continue into downtown Larkspur and check out that tileroofed low-slung building east of Magnolia Avenue across from the Lark Theater. It’s now King of Roll, a Japanese restaurant owned by a gentleman of Chinese descent who goes by the name John Wayne. Once upon a time, that was the Larkspur train station. Finally, remember how earlier we harked back to 1916 and rail’s heyday in San Rafael? Sometime after the last running of the electric interurbans in 1941, someone managed to move the Mission-style station building from B Street (where the tracks were) over to A Street, just south of Second. It’s now known as Tino’s Hair Studio, it still displays Northwestern Pacific Railroad plaques, and it’s a great place for a $20 haircut. m Historians Phil Cassou, Fred Codoni, Fred Runner and Richard Torney contributed to this article.

Opposite: A view of the line running through Ross in 1893 and how it looks now — the station building can still be seen today. This page: The Tiburon trestle area seen in 1968 and today.

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ON

ROAD Why does Marin attract so many automotive writers?

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ALAN ROSS

PHOTO CREDIT

THE

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Five years ago this month, my wife, Danielle, and

PHOTO CREDIT

I moved to Marin from Connecticut. Danielle had accepted a wine-industry job in the region, and as luck would have it, Marin ended up being the perfect location for us. I’m an automotive photographer often on assignment and my only request was that we locate ourselves near an airport.

Moving here put us within striking distance of several airports, as well as the wine country, San Francisco and one of the country’s best racetracks, Sonoma Raceway.

Shortly after the move, we finally found a free weekend to take a drive. I pointed the car in a westerly direction and we headed out with no particular destination in mind.

We had no idea what a wonderful day was about to unfold. As the hours and miles flew by, we soon became aware of what a very special place we had landed in.

Within a few months, I started to realize that some of the automotive editors I had been working with for years were now my neighbors — and not just one or two, mind you. As time went on, I found there was more of what I would call a cluster of automotive editors, writers, TV hosts and personalities who all lived right here in Marin.

I also began to recognize that one of my favorite West Marin roads, West Ridgecrest Boulevard (shown), was the exact stretch of pavement I was seeing in some of the more engaging car advertisements and car commercials. I decided to reach out to some Marin automotive journalists and ask them a few questions about their favorite roads and what car they would drive on it.

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Wild for West Marin

Jason Cammisa, senior features editor and host of Motor Trend’s video shows, has done it all.

“I’ve driven on some 60 racetracks around the world, and I do precision stunt driving as part of my normal job,” he says. “I’ve attended more than 20 driving schools. My decision to move to Marin had a lot to do with the roads — and the climate.” As with “any good parent,” he adds, “it’s my responsibility to find a place to best protect my dependents. In my case, that means my cars. Marin is the best place imaginable to preserve classic cars: the climate is mild and the roads offer plenty of room to exercise them.”

Cammisa’s typical schedule is “flying 50 hours to be on the ground for 20 hours, all to spend three hours driving the most modern, extremely high-performance, computer-controlled cars in the world.” But when he’s home in Marin, his go-to choice of transportation and thrills is the combination

The best thing is how rural the roads are while being so close to an urban core.

The Tam Man

Brian Cooley, editor-at-large for CNET. com and host of On Cars, has lived in Marin for 18 years and can sometimes be seen on the back roads in his ’67 Mercury Cougar, his ’68 Fiat 850 Coupe or his ’88 Ford Country Squire. His job has afforded him the experience of driving everything from Kias to McLarens. In fact, he’s driven more than 1,100 cars in various episodes of the show.

I asked Cooley his dream car and road. “Going up and down Mount Tamalpais in a Porsche Cayman GTS is the perfect car and road combination,” he says.

For all the pluses of driving here, he acknowledges one limiting factor: “The best thing is how rural the roads are while

PHOTO CREDIT

of Fairfax-Bolinas with one of his simple, lightweight and nimble German cars from the ’80s. “That era of car hit the sweet spot of performance, driver involvement, safety and reliability,” he says. He also wouldn’t mind tackling that same road in a Lotus Elise with the top off: “Yep, that would do it.”

Auto editors aren’t the only ones partial to Marin’s roads; television advertisers like them too, Cammisa says. “To anyone not from this area, Marin represents the intersection of impossible geographies and topography, with mountains next to cities, cows grazing on fields that end at the ocean and fog next to sunshine.”

Even if you don’t have a fast car, there’s a way to take in all the automotive eye candy you can handle: attend the event called Marin Cars and Coffee in Novato on the first Sunday of every month. “The mix of cars is jaw-dropping,” Cammisa says. “A Citroën next to a Buick Riviera, next to a Ferrari 330, next to a Volkswagen Scirocco, next to a Saab Sonett, next to a Jensen Interceptor. You’d need six museums to rival the diversity of cars you see every month.”

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being so close to an urban core. The worst thing is the bad and worsening traffic. Muir Woods, Mount Tam and many of the West Marin communities are getting overcrowded.”

Cooley’s advice for checking out the coolest local roads: “Just map out some interesting food, art and scenic stops in West Marin and then connect the dots. It’s hard to come up with a bad drive.”

Hit the Highway

D. Randy Riggs, editor-in-chief of Vintage Motorsport Magazine, gravitated to Marin 20 years ago af ter experiencing local roads on several motorcycle trips as a journalist for Cycle World magazine.

Riggs has an extensive racing background. He’s raced everything from a flat-track motorcycle to Formula Fords and vintage Listers. Working as an automotive journalist gives him the opportunity to drive all kinds of vintage road and race cars.

Riggs loves to drive the roads of Northern Marin and has several choices to do it in. His collection ranges from a 1967 Morris Minor van to a 2009 Porsche Carrera S coupe. His motorcycles include a 1967 Bultaco Metralla, a ’67 Honda 305 Super Hawk and a 2001 Honda VRF Interceptor.

He says the best way to hit the roads of Marin would be in “a 1973 Porsche Carrera RS Lightweight on Highway 1.” His favorite section of that road stretches “from San Luis Obispo north to Monterey and from Mendocino north through the Lost Coast.”

For him, another big draw of living in Northern Marin is access to Sonoma Raceway, which he considers one of the greatest racetracks around: “It offers everything for the driver and the spectator, with a very diverse schedule throughout the year, along with several open testing days and club events.”

Panoramic Perfection

Aaron Jenkins, editor for Forza: The Magazine About Ferrari, describes his driving as that of “a talented amateur, woefully short of the talent of professional racers and test drivers. There’s nothing like a few laps around Fiorano [Ferrari’s private test track near Maranello, Italy] with a Formula One world champion to make, or keep, you humble.”

When Jenkins isn’t hunkered down at his desk job in an office park, he tends to drive his Miata on what he calls the “iconic” Panoramic Highway, with its “winding road and wide-open vistas.”

“The Mazda Miata is probably the best car for just about any road in Marin,” he says. “On public roads, versus a racetrack, it’s often just as much fun to drive a slow car fast as a fast car fast, and it’s a lot safer.”

On Marin roads, where you’re just as likely to see a Porsche or even a Ferrari, he still prefers the Miata. “Lightweight sports cars offer a very different, much more engaging driving experience than regular sporty cars,” he says. m M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 57

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WILLIAM KENT’S M

PHOTO CREDIT

How a boy from Chicago fell in love with the county, saved its trees and left an endearing legacy. BY PETER FISH

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MUIR WOODS NEVER DISAPPOINTS.

S MARIN

Not in August, when you’re taking your cousins from Phoenix to see the big trees and you contend with the crowds but it’s worth it. And certainly not now, in autumn, when it’s just you and the redwoods.

You walk the trail that parallels Redwood Creek. You look at the groves of Sequoia sempervirens, which echo cathedral naves in the way they direct your eyes unerringly upward. You think of the guy the woods were named after — John Muir, the author-naturalist who taught Americans to cherish their forests and mountains.

The trail climbs a small slope toward an immense toppled tree, stretching across the forest floor for what seems like a mile. Beside the tree rests a boulder wearing a weathered metal plaque: WILLIA M KENT

PHOTO CREDIT

Who Gave These Woods And Other Natural Beauty Sites To Perpetuate Them For People Who Love The Out-of-Doors

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This page, clockwise from top left: The Kent family in October 1915; William Kent circa 1900; John Muir and Kent in 1912.

WILLIAM KENT’S CAREER and life centered around Marin.

But to get a fix on him you need to go 3,000 miles east, to the Manuscripts and Archives Room of Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University, Kent’s alma mater. Here you can sort through box after box — 85 in all — of Kent letters, Kent writings and Kent memorabilia.

He was born in Chicago in 1864, youngest son of Albert and Adaline Kent. His biography (prep school, Yale, country estate) and his photographs (patrician, handsome) make him seem old money, but he wasn’t, really. His father was a farm boy who made a bundle in Chicago, first in meatpacking, then real estate. Albert Kent was an astute businessman, but unstable: “subject to tremendous fits of depression,” his son recalled. Weary of Chicago business life, in 1871 he moved his family to the Eden he’d glimpsed on a California hunting trip: the rural expanses of Marin County.

The move changed 7-year-old William’s life. “I had been a somewhat delicate and precocious child,” he wrote later. “A change to a ranch house … was sudden and I believe beneficial.” He joined his father on hunting and fishing trips; he acquired a hunting dog, Flash, and a pony named Sting Bug. His grandson, Sherman, says that family lore fixed Kent as “a first-class if not world-class shot.” In

TIM PORTER (OPENER); ANNE T. KENT CALIFORNIA ROOM MARIN COUNTY FREE LIBRARY (THIS PAGE)

You think, Who? John Muir you’ve heard of. William Kent, no.

But William Kent is why you can admire the redwoods rising around you. It’s not true to say Kent is forgotten — his surname still dots Marin County. Yet it’s not a household word, which is a little odd, given how much he did to make the county what it is today.

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adulthood his hunting pals placed him among the 10 best in the country, after such legendary sharpshooters as Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley.

But it wasn’t just hunting Kent took to — it was the whole California outdoors. His upbringing was anything but uncivilized. The family estate, Tamalpais, which later became the nucleus of Kentfield, was, as historian Dewey Livingston notes in his book In the Heart of Marin, “a fashionable and pretty homestead.” Yet it was Marin’s canyons and mountains that drew Kent’s devotion. His memoir Reminiscences of Outdoor Life is all hiking and hunting and fishing. He also penned not-half-bad comic poems about the animals he encountered in the wild: THE MELANCHOLY COYOTE The kiote wails around the ranch His wasted youth and empty paunch The patient night must hear his pleas Until he stops to nibble fleas In his teens, Kent was semi-exiled from paradise — sent east to prep school, then Yale. He met his wife-to-be, Elizabeth Thacher, later a forceful presence in Marin life herself. After marriage they moved to Chicago, where Kent managed his father’s investments. Chicago taught him politics. It was the start of the Progressive Era — a reaction to the corrupt Gilded Age. Progressives like Kent wanted government to be transparent, efficient. He ran, successfully, for Chicago city council. He and Elizabeth had seven children: five boys, two girls.

But Marin called. William came west often to visit his parents and in 1907 moved his family permanently to the Kent estate. He threw himself into community life, among other things lobbying against the “numerous and irresponsible” saloons of San Rafael.

AND HE RESCUED the big trees. Prime lumber for growing cities, coast redwoods were being felled up and down Northern California. The clock was ticking for those in nearby Redwood Canyon, which Kent was familiar with from hunting trips. “Why don’t you buy the trees?” asked a friend. Even for Kent, the $45,000 price tag was steep. But he and Elizabeth went ahead, acquiring the canyon land near Mill Valley in 1905. “After all,” he told his wife, “if we lost all the money we had and saved these trees, it would be worthwhile, wouldn’t it?”

But the redwoods remained endangered. A local water company tried to condemn the canyon to build a reservoir.

Kent had an inspiration. The just-passed Antiquities Act of 1906 let the president set aside worthy lands as national monuments. Kent lobbied Teddy Roosevelt’s administration

to accept his gift of the trees. On January 9, 1908, 298 acres of Redwood Canyon became a national monument.

But what to call it? Kent suggested it be named for Muir, although the two men had not yet met. Roosevelt protested — the woods should honor their donor. No, Kent demurred, he had “five good, husky boys” to keep the Kent name alive. “By George! you are right,” replied T.R. Muir Woods it was, and the wilderness sage was effusive with gratitude: “This is the best tree-lovers’ monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.” Muir and Kent became friends, Kent calling him “one of the most interesting people I have ever met.”

THE GIFT OF MUIR WOODS was such a splashy act of generosity it overshadows the rest of Kent’s career. But there was much left for him to accomplish. In 1910 he ran for Congress as a Progressive Republican and won; he served two additional terms as an Independent. He sponsored the legislation that created the National Park System in 1916; on the home front he helped create the Marin Municipal Water District and pushed to set aside Mount Tamalpais as a park. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Kent became a passionate advocate for women’s suffrage. “She would get arrested,” recalls

If we lost all the money we had and saved these trees, it would be worthwhile, wouldn’t it?

Kent’s granddaughter Molly Schardt. “William had to bail her out. He would get quite cross. But when friends told him ‘Get your wife in order,’ he said ‘No, I value my independence so much I cannot infringe on hers.’ ” The Kent record is not without blemishes. Progressivism had its dark sides: Teddy Roosevelt’s imperialism, Woodrow Wilson’s prejudice against African Americans. Kent displayed a now-distasteful animus against Asian immigrants.

Within a few years, his friendship with Muir shattered over his support for the plan to build a dam in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley — a project that, a century later, still rankles lovers of national parks.

Still, when Kent died, in 1928, he was memorialized as one of the architects of Marin County, California and the nation. Says Dewey Livingston, “You get the sense that he would have been a very interesting man to know. Well-read and intelligent, but with the salt of the earth about him.”

Says Molly Schardt, “He was very much his own man.” She cites the tree in Muir Woods that carries his name. Even toppled — it fell in 2003 — it’s magnificent. But in one of the most famous redwood forests in the world, it’s a Douglas fir.

“All those redwoods around,” Schardt says. “But he said, ‘I want that tree.’ ” And that’s the tree he got. m M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 61

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PHOTO CREDIT

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THESE MARIN ORGANIZATIONS ARE IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES AND YOU CAN HELP.

BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA • ILLUSTRATIONS BY LAURA WEISZER

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nspired by recent

headlines citing Marin County

Free Library’s largest donation in history, we thought it would be a good idea to come up with a list of

more groups here in Marin who could also benefit from donations large and small. Undoubtedly, giving to charitable causes feels good. Yet some donors wonder, “Where does my money actually go?” To shine a light on this issue we spoke with 28 groups here in Marin, asking them to answer that question in concrete terms. Depending on the organization, your donation will help mitigate therapy costs or provide training, nutrition or other kinds of care. Of course, any kind of assistance — whether it’s giving money or giving time — is appreciated by these groups. For more donation information visit marinmagazine.com/givingback.

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$50

$100

Autistry Studios Buys general art supplies (paints, brushes, clay, canvas, etc.) for students with autism. autistrystudios.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Petaluma

Covers the cost of afternoon snacks at one of 15 clubhouses for one day. This branch of the national charity provides more than 70,000 meals and snacks annually. petaluma-marinbgc.org

MARIN HUMANE SOCIETY Buys two leash/harness combos so volunteers can safely walk shelter dogs. marinhumanesociety.org MARIN ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN Will provide a foster child with a birthday gift — for some children, their first birthday gift ever. marinadvocates.org

$250 EXTRAFOOD.ORG Equips five volunteers with the tools they need — delivery bags, ice packs, ExtraFood apron — to pick up donated food and deliver it to those in need. extrafood.org

Halleck Creek

Funds new water-saving irrigation pipes in the Plants Gone Wild adaptive vegetable garden. halleckcreekranch.org

BREAD AND ROSES Buys HEADLANDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS Pays for a week’s worth of food for one Artist in Residence. headlands.org

Marin Center for Independent Living Covers a lifesaving prescription for a

low-income person suffering from seizures or other serious medical affliction. marincil.org

SF-MARIN FOOD BANK Fills seven bags for those in need who are enrolled at one of the 250 pantries around Marin and San Francisco. Each bag weighs about 30 pounds and is stocked with a balance of nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

This amount helps feed three families for a week. sfmfoodbank.org

10,000 DEGREES Helps cover the cost of needed supplies like scientific calculators.

10000degrees.org

Opening the World Pays for community

bonding activities. Each year, OTW leads three to four outings that provide youth with opportunities to learn more about themselves and enjoy cultural shows they may otherwise not be exposed to (a theatrical play, a Cirque du Soleil performance, a professional sports game, barbecue, fitness activities, etc.). openingtheworld.org

STONE SOUP MARIN Funds a full home-style meal service for 60 residents at the Mill Street Center. Each meal is prepared by a team of volunteers and features nutritious and comforting fare, including dessert. stonesoupmarin.org

SINDISA SANCTUARY Will buy a healthcheck visit for an elephant. sindisasanctuary.org

one new microphone for vocalists to use when performing on location. breadandroses.org

Lifehouse Funds a

recreational activity for four people with developmental disabilities in the Lifehouse Teen Program. lifehouseagency.org SYZYGY DANCE PROJECT Provides a dance class for four veterans with limited mobility. syzygydanceproject.org

RIVER OTTER ECOLOGY PROGRAM Supports upkeep of the Bay Area Otter Spotter map for three months. riverotterecology.org

SchoolsRule Marin Buys sheet

music for a choral program. schoolsrule.org

WARM WISHES Buys five StreetPacks for needy families. Each StreetPack includes a brand-new scarf, rain poncho, hat, socks, a handmade card, and a pair of gloves for the cold winter months. warmwishes.org

WildCare Feeds a baby owl the five meals a

day it needs to grow up strong, healthy and ready to return to the wild. wildcarebayarea.org

$500

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MARIN AND PETALUMA Pays for a year of programs for one club member. petaluma-marinbgc.org

Do It For The Love

Provides four concert tickets for wish recipient, friends, family or caregivers. doitforthelove.org

OFFERINGS Pays for an entertainer with special needs to be hired to perform at an Offerings annual event. This allows the performer the chance to demonstrate gifts and talents like their peers do in the entertainment world. globalofferings.org

THE CONSCIOUS KITCHEN Covers the cost of food and a cooking teacher for one family class. consciousktichen.org WHISTLESTOP Provides fresh produce and protein sources to 160 hungry, lowincome seniors through the Brown Bag Pantry program four times a month. whistlestop.org

WildCare Allows the purchase of an incubator

to keep tiny ducklings warm and safe when they are at their smallest. wildcarebayarea.org

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$1,000 BREAD AND ROSES Pays for a Veterans Day jazz quartet performance at the VA hospital. breadandroses.org

Marin Advocates for Children

Brings The Lisa Project, an immersive, multisensory experience that gives each visitor a firsthand view of the world of child abuse, to a public place for a week. marinadvocates.org

JESSICA’S HAVEN Allows 10 special needs participants to take part in a vocational program and learn job skills by bathing the rescues, vacuuming the floors, folding towels and if they are capable, walking the dogs for one week. jessicashaven.com

STITCHIN’ FOR KIDS Covers operating expenses for the year for 362 kids. stitchinforkids.org

SchoolsRule-Marin Buys a pottery wheel for an art class. schoolsrule.org

$5,000

The Conscious Kitchen Pays for a one-week training session for new school chefs. consciousktichen.org

HALLECK CREEK Provides hay for a full year for six equine therapists. halleckcreekranch.org

$2,500

MARIN CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING Allows MCIL to install a ramp in a home to make it wheelchair accessible. A recent backyard ramp installation made it possible for a client with multiple sclerosis to go to her backyard for the first time in five years. marincil.org

Adds a class and camera site to the Hands on High School program, which gives teens the chance to learn field biology and technical skills while contributing to long-term studies on the ecosystem of river otters. If desired, the donors can have the site named after them. riverotterecology.org

$10,000+ recruit new food donors and add the necessary infrastructure to recover and deliver the new donations. extrafood.org

housing and studio space for an Artist in Residence for a month. headlands.org

MARIN HUMANE SOCIETY Purchases

MARIN CITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER Pays a month’s salary for two staff facilitators to run youth programs serving 100 middle schoolers and high school teens who live in Marin City. marincityclinic.org

Opening the World Provides

a new commercial washing machine to tackle the organization’s mountain of daily laundry. marinhumanesociety.org

RICHARDSON BAY AUDUBON CENTER Fixes trails to improve public access and create interpretive signage about the birds and plants of the sanctuary. audubon.org

Purchases LEGO educational robotic sets for five students. autistrystudios.org

RIVER OTTER ECOLOGY PROGRAM

Extrafood.org Helps ExtraFood add staff to

Headlands Center for the Arts Covers on-site

Autistry Studios

STITCHIN’ FOR KIDS Buys dolls and Hot Wheels cars for two major deliveries to five hospitals. stitchinforkids.org

Syzygy Dance Project Supports

six months of classes at a Bay Area VA facility. syzygydanceproject.org

WHISTLESTOP Allows Jackson Cafe to keep its doors open for one month, providing chef-prepared, healthy, subsidized meals to seniors and community members. Besides good nutrition, the cafe also offers an inviting setting where seniors can share a meal with others instead of eating alone. whistlestop.org

mental health and therapeutic services scholarships. Many OTW participants have suffered significant trauma in their pasts.

Individual psychotherapy for one person for a year averages $10,000. openingtheworld.org

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PROMOTION

marin gives back

Healing the Children: Marin Volunteers Healing the Children Northern California is the regional chapter of a national organization whose mission is to bring high-level specialty care to pediatric patients abroad. The group is led by Evan R. Ransom, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with practices in Marin County and San Francisco, and Jessica Richman, BSN, RN, an operating room nurse at Marin General Hospital. Local volunteers are always welcome and have been instrumental in our success.

Past mission sites have included Colombia, Thailand, and

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Ecuador. Current efforts are focused on the repair of cleft lip, cleft palate, and congenital ear deformities during an annual mission to Ica, Peru. All procedures are performed pro bono and all staff time and medical supplies are donated. Please visit us online to learn more about volunteering or to help support our upcoming trip in April, 2017.

HTCNorCal.org, SanFranciscoFacialPlasticSurgery.com 450 Sutter St., Suite 1212, San Francisco, CA 1000 S. Eliseo Dr., Suite 103, Greenbrae, CA

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PROMOTION

marin gives back

Kick Off the Holiday Season

PHOTO: CLAUDINE GOSSET

Michelle Schmitt’s 8th annual Holiday Concert benefitting Extrafood.org is on December 8th at 142 Throckmorton Theatre. Michelle Schmitt, a longtime resident & musician,

considers herself blessed both in her personal & professional life. She donates 100% of all music proceeds to people in need.

Schmitt is involved with organizations that make a difference and has devoted 27 years helping women in recovery as well.

Michelle is a wife, mother & also a new grandmother. Along with best friend Heidi Krahling (owner/chef at Insalatas & Marinitas), Michelle has joined the family at ExtraFood.

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org. They deliver food to nonprofits serving Marin’s most vulnerable people. W hen asked why she gets involved, Schmitt says that giving back what has so generously been given to her is the most important principle in her life. “I’m very grateful for my life & any impact I can make, big or small, makes me happy & my life more meaningful”. Go to michelleschmitt.com for more info.

Pictured: Heidi Krahling and Michelle Schmitt Michelleschmitt.com , San Anselmo, CA

11/7/16 3:53 PM

Get the Inside Scoop Marin’s Weekend 101 e-newsletter Be the first in the know about all things Marin.

Events Parties Shopping Concerts Fundraisers Book signings Wine tastings Fashion shows Movie premieres And more!

marinmagazine.com/newsletters

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Destinations

T H E L AT E ST LO C A L T R AV E L D E A L S A N D G E TAWAYS PLU S J O U R N E YS A RO U N D T H E G LO B E Heavenly Mountain Resort offers stunning Lake Tahoe views.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WEST Wax those skis and boards and head to the slopes.

BY MATTHEW POOLE

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T’S A M A ZING W H AT a difference a few extra feet of snow can

make. Thanks to the El Niño–induced abundance of snowfall last year, numerous ski resorts in the western U.S. were able to focus less on snowmaking and more on new ways to play in the powder — from new fat-tire biking programs in Sun Valley to new après-ski festivities in Tahoe and new Utah snowcat skiing operations offering access to thousands of acres of untracked powder.

It’s also going to be a banner season for World Cup ski fans, with a total of 16 Audi FIS Ski World Cup events scheduled to take place in the U.S. for the 2016–17 race season — the second highest ever — including a stop at Squaw Valley for the first time in two decades.

Here’s a roundup of what’s new in some of our favorite ski towns.

• Utah Adventure

This image: Snowcat skiing in Park City, Utah.

Opposite, clockwise from top left: A sleigh ride in Sun Valley, Idaho; New Year’s Eve in Squaw Valley; whiteglove package at Beaver Creek, Colorado.

It appears the trend for 2016–17 ski season in Utah isn’t new lifts, it’s no lifts. Opening this season, Whisper Ridge Cat Skiing in Ogden Valley features custom-built PistenBully snowcats offering access to 30,000 acres of private terrain, plus first-descent helicopter drops and a mountaintop luxury yurt village with wood-fired hot tubs and chef-prepared meals.

“It’s great to see the Utah ski industry thriving so well,” says Paul Marshall, director of communications for Ski Utah. “Last year we had a record-breaking season with 4.5 million visitors. We’ve invested millions of dollars on new improvements and amenities across the state this year.”

At northern Utah’s Powder Mountain Resort the focus is on accessing every square foot of the 7,000 acres of the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” via a pay-per-ride Lightning Ridge Snowcat experience, a Powder Country Shuttle system (make your own tracks down mountain, ride the shuttle back up), and virtually line-free lifts — ticket sales are capped at just 2,000 per day.

Even Park City climbed on the cat skiing bandwagon with the launch of Park City Powder Cats & Heli-Ski, providing powder hounds access to more than 40,000 private acres. “We only have two ski resorts in Park City: Park City Mountain and Deer Valley,” says Dan Howard, director of communication for the Park City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “But one of them is the biggest ski area in the United States with more than 7,300 skiable acres, and the other is the highest rated in the United States. Combine this with the best nightlife, restaurants and lodging in Utah, and this little city offers an embarrassment of riches.”

REBEKAH STEVENS

Destinations / GO

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• Sun Valley, Idaho

Celebrating its 80th birthday this year, Sun Valley Resort has 2,000 acres of superb terrain. With flights from SFO, it’s a breeze to get here, and if you book your lodging through the resort it includes free shuttle service from the airport. “Once you’re in town, most everything’s within walking distance,” says resort public relations manager Kelli Lusk, “and the complimentary Mountain Rides bus service means you don’t need to rent a car to get around.”

New this year at Sun Valley is rental of fat bikes for riding on the snow. It takes some getting used to — sort of like riding on wet leaves — but quickly becomes addictive and kids love it. Other resort programs you’ll appreciate are the Lift Ticket Exchange that lets you use one day of your three-day pass toward non-ski activities — sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, spa discounts — and the Unbeaten Path Package, offering more than 25 percent savings on lodging and lift tickets and free skiing for kids under 12.

• Beaver Creek, Colorado

For those with deep pockets, Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado this year offers the new White Glove Winter Vacation, with first-class airfare, private helicopter transportation to your exclusive Trappers Cabin nestled among the aspen groves, private chef and ski guide, and first tracks on the mountain — all for a paltry $50,000.

Even if you forgo the white-glove treatment, Beaver Creek is a treat. With 1,800 acres of skiable terrain, 25 lifts and 150 different trails, you’ll rarely wait in line more than a few minutes, even on weekends. It’s so well designed and accessible that the Birds of Prey Men’s World Cup is hosted here every year.

Beaver Creek’s après-ski scene is another great reason to vacation here. At the base of the resort at the Village Plaza, you can relax with a Peppermint Patty cocktail and free chocolate chip cookies — they bake 495,000 cookies here each year — while watching lederhosen-wearing Helmut Fricker blow his alpenhorn. It’s all just crazy romantic, and great for families too.

• Lake Tahoe, California

Following the longest ski season in a decade last year after 41 feet of snowfall, Tahoe’s ski areas are ready for a repeat. The big news this season is the return of Alpine World Cup ski racing to Squaw Valley for the first time in 20 years. “Tickets to the grandstand for the event sold out in 15 minutes,” says Liesl Kenney, public relations manager at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. “But there’s plenty of free viewing areas, and the March 9–12 event also includes concerts, fireworks and some epic après-ski parties.”

Not to be outshone, Heavenly’s Unbuckle at Tamarack is now ranked the No. 1 aprèsski party in North America by Forbes. Go-go dancers, DJs, drinking, dancing, giveaways, and half-priced drinks and apps keep the fun going long after the lifts have closed. And be sure to check out the new DJ Cat, a retrofitted grooming machine that’s been converted into a 52-speaker mobile DJ station.

It’s going to be another great ski season, so get out there and have fun. m M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 71

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Destinations / TRAVEL BUZZ

’Tis the Season

With so much happening in San Francisco this month you might want to enjoy the day and stay the night. We took on the tough job of checking out the latest in new digs along with updated traditional standbys. MIMI TOWLE LOCATION, LOCATION Celebrating its seventh hotel opening on the West Coast, Pineapple Hospitality’s The Alise San Francisco at 580 Geary Street is offering a winter holiday rate of $149. Choose from one of four room types — including corner Drama Queen suites and Celebrity Kings — at this hip new 93-room getaway located just below Union Square and only steps away from theaters and shopping. Take some time to hang out in the eclectic lobby, where you can try your hand at the bright red baby grand piano. thealise.com

URBAN OASIS A longtime fixture on California Street, the 393-room Stanford Court Hotel, built on the site of Leland Stanford’s former home, has been a beacon of luxury for visitors from around the globe for more than a century.

Along with the debut of the new “Happy Dog” program, which as the name implies encourages guests to bring their four-legged friends, the hotel is offering a “Bike the Bridge” adventure package to work off ll those holiday treats. Rates start at $239. stanfordcourt.com HIGH LIFE Rising above the Financial District, Loews Regency San Francisco joined the Loews chain in 2015. It is perched on the top 11 floors of 222 Sansome Street, the third-tallest building in the city.

During the weekends, guests enjoy wines and nibbles with the sweeping views from the expansive Sky Deck on the 40th floor. While there, check out the “Serenity Spa Package,” which includes a trip to the on-site spa, starting at $349. loewshotels.com 72 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 M A R I N

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For the Love of Elephants

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HIS PA ST SEPTEMBER, Sausalito’s Sarah Shaw, founder of Sindisa Sanctuary in Healdsburg, made the 24-hour journey from Sausalito to Nepal to visit with Asian elephants. Why? To expand her knowledge of the 6,000-pound creatures that will soon call Sonoma County home. With the land acquired and nonprofit status achieved, the goal is to raise the money and secure the necessary permits to convert the 125-acre Sindisa property to a wildlife sanctuary for retired performance elephants along with other rescue animals including alpacas, dogs and horses. During her 10-day experience of trekking through leech-infested waters in Asia, she learned something most of us will never master, the art of the elephant pedicure. “Foot infection is actually the number-one killer of elephants,” says Shaw. Treating it in captivity “is absolutely essential for their life because once the infection spreads to the bone TRAVEL WITH there is no cure and it will eventually lead to their euthanasia.”

PURPOSE Osteomyelitis, as it is called, is a relatively new disease that became prevalent with the practice of chaining captive elephants to posts so they’re forced to stand in their own feces and urine for hours at a time. During Shaw’s stay, she spent much of her time filing, trimming and checking the pachyderms’ feet for bacteria. She first became interested in elephants after reading Daphne Sheldrick’s autobiography Love, Life, and Elephants, which inspired her to travel to Africa to get involved in anti-poaching campaigns. “I wanted to make a difference but realized the best way I could do that was by helping to create local campaigns and efforts here,” Shaw says. Her sanctuary is scheduled to open in spring 2018, but if you are thinking of adding a pachyderm to your family, here are some facts you should probably know. sindisasanctuary.org LEELA LINDNER

HIGHER LOVE Marin-based artist Laura Kimpton is adding a little virtue to Sin City with the unveiling of her largerthan-life installation “Love” at The Venetian Las Vegas. Part of her Monumental Word series, this 5,100-pound art piece covered in perforated birdshaped stamps spells LOVE in steel ruby-red letters that rise 12 feet tall and span 36 feet across. Kimpton is known for her mixed-media installations and sculptures that have appeared at Burning Man and the Life Is Beautiful festival in downtown Las Vegas.

“Love is about being free to love who you want, the way you want,” she says. “The bird stamps in the letters represent being able to follow your dreams, which is the message that I hope will inspire people as they interact with the piece.” It remains to be seen what effects this art may have in the Marriage Capital of the World. The sculpture will remain at The Venetian until September 2017. venetian.com L.L.

• Elephants don’t like bees. In fact, they’re terrified of them.

• They are the only mammals that can’t jump.

• Elephants are incredibly intelligent and emotional creatures. They can cry, play and laugh.

• The largest elephant on record was an adult male African elephant. He weighed about 24,000 pounds and was 13 feet tall at the shoulder.

• Elephants can live to be over 70 years old.

• Elephants have a highly developed brain that is the largest seen in land mammals.

All Aboard

Looking for some day-trip family fun?

Hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a musical and interactive journey to Santa’s Workshop in Yountville.

While the adults enjoy wine, little ones can sip on hot chocolate, nibble on cookies and search for stuffed bears to return to the workshop. Starting at $55. winetrain.com M.T. M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 73

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Destinations / JOURNEY

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Lapland A Finnish ice hotel and a Santa add flavor to a wild wintry adventure. BY NORMA MEYER

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Destinations / JOURNEY

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Opening spread: Reindeer are common in the winter wonderland of Lapland.

This page: The entrance to the SnowCastle.

Opposite, clockwise from top: A SnowHotel room includes “villagers” as your roommates; eat your food before it gets cold in the SnowRestaurant; a court jester and an ice knight in the SnowCastle.

my beanie-clad head and gloved hands through the holes of a Middle Ages torture device chiseled from solid seas.

OK, so I’m biding time because a “mummy bag” awaits in my nippy room. Hours before, along with 15 other anxious guests, I attended the 9 p.m. safety brrrr-iefing for slumbering in the castle’s SnowHotel. Mostly I remember “it’s hard to breathe in minus 5 Celsius” (that’s 23 degrees Fahrenheit) and “keep your face covered,” which I’m pretty sure makes it even harder to breathe.

I’m on a wondrous, sometimes wacky winter adventure in Finnish Lapland, a remote Nordic region where ubiquitous reindeer outnumber people and real-life snow-globe forests bewitchingly blanket 70 percent of the terrain. Nowhere on earth can you do all that I will do here. Besides snoozing in the SnowHotel, I cruise aboard a thundering icebreaker ship and don a survival suit to exhilaratingly float among ice hunks in deathly cold seas.

Moving on to the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus,” I schmooze with jolly St. Nick, get blessed by a spunky

Everything Is Snow

The first stop is Kemi, a welcoming 22,000-person hamlet touting “the largest snow fort in the world.” Ever since its Guinness record–nabbing debut in 1996 — its outer walls spanned more than two-thirds of a mile — the SnowCastle annually is remade with a different design, size and theme after melting each spring. Rebuilt every December entirely with ice and snow from the adjacent frozen Gulf of Bothnia, the architectural marvel looms from January to April, is kept at a frigid 23 degrees inside, and includes the SnowRestaurant, SnowHotel and SnowChapel, an ultracool venue to exchange wedding bands crafted from ice and kiss the purple-lipped bride.

Obviously, the master sculptors from Russia, China and Latvia who elaborately embellished this year’s 65,000-square-foot polar palace had a quirky sense of humor. My cave-shaped SnowHotel room is supposed to be the castle laundry.

Everything is snow, including “wet” garments drying on a rod, a washboard and tub and my bed’s playful backdrop, a life-size nobleman and mistress amorously embracing behind a curtain, just a glimpse of them sticking out. Straight across the room, a scowling old busybody peeks out her door at the groping couple (and me). Eight of the 21 hotel rooms are occupied this quiet night; I wonder who bunks alongside the snowy chambermaid giving a snowy naked princess a bath.

My ghostly breath fogs up my windowless lair as I follow bedtime instructions (a claustrophobe’s nightmare).

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KEMI TOURISM (TOP); NORMA MEYER (MIDDLE, BOTTOM)

I crunch in boots alone at night through the subfreezing medieval-themed SnowCastle, its cavernous glistening white hall lined with fantastical icy creatures.

indigenous shaman smack-dab on the Arctic Circle, overnight in a Northern Lights–positioned glass igloo and pilot a runaway reindeer.

VISITROVANIEMI (OPENER); NORMA MEYER (ABOVE)

Y FROZEN-STIFF COMPA NIONS include a monstrous fanged werewolf, a cross-eyed bare-chested butcher wielding a huge ax and the Grim Reaper lurking amid gravestones. Sweet dreams. I’m getting ready to go to sleep here entombed in snow.

Way up in northernmost Finland, I crunch in boots alone at night through the subfreezing medieval-themed SnowCastle, its cavernous glistening white hall lined with fantastical icy creatures. Earlier, bundled diners devoured lingonberry-dolloped fillet of reindeer served in steaming foil on ice tables in the castle’s 200-reindeer-fur-seat SnowRestaurant. But day visitors are all gone and the turreted frosty kingdom is now closed to the public. Making it more bone-chilling, a soundtrack still echoes: swords clink during battle, excited horses neigh, humans scream.

Surely a vodka cranberry–filled ice kuksa would stave off ypothermia, but the only “person” at the deserted ice bar is a beer mug–gripping crystal-clear knight made of ice. After he gives me the cold shoulder, I amusedly stick

The trick is not to wear too much because your body gets overheated and sweats. I plop on the fur-draped mattress, hurriedly peel off y puffy snowsuit and layers down to my thermal underwear, hat and socks, lie flat, wiggle into a fleece-lined body bag, then, over that sack, shimmy nose-deep into an Arctic-worthy sleeping bag and throw its hood over half my face. Gasp. My outer clothes, so they won’t crack when I put them on in the morning, are tucked between my double-zipped sleeping-bagged self and the bed. I. Can’t. Move.

I’m sure my travel mate Marilyn, who chose not to play Popsicle, is sawing logs in her thawed and heated hotel room.

There is dead silence. Except for the explosive thumpthumping of my heart. Finally I slowly, calmly drift into Neverland. For much of an incredibly novel night, this ice queen sleeps like a bear.

KEMI TOURISM (TOP); NORMA MEYER (MIDDLE, BOTTOM)

VISITROVANIEMI (OPENER); NORMA MEYER (ABOVE)

Like a Penguin

The next day in Kemi, we do a snowmobile safari, racing across the shimmering iced Gulf of Bothnia, part of the Baltic Sea. The stark white infinity is spellbinding. When we stop, a cherry picker hoists us up to the icebreaker Sampo, a retired Finnish government ship billed as the only one of its kind in the world that takes tourists out on trips.

Constructed in 1960, the powerful Sampo plowed through frozen waters to clear lanes for cargo vessels for 25 years.

Aboard the black-hulled ship, we feel its 7 million pounds of steel grind ice slabs into slush. But the highlight comes after the Sampo creates a swimming hole and brave passengers don clumsy head-to-toe rubber suits that the crew would have used in the 1960s to survive killer-cold seas if they had to abandon ship. We all hilariously resemble bright-orange Gumbys as we waddle down and slip into M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 77

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Destinations / JOURNEY

IF YOU GO Get information about the SnowCastle and Sampo icebreaker at Kemi’s official site, visitkemi.fi. The 2017 castle, opening January 21, will celebrate Finland’s 100 years of independence. SnowHotel rates, including breakfast, start at 210 euros (about $236) a night for a single, 320 euros (about $360) for a double.

PHOTO CREDIT

Learn about Santa’s Village and Arctic Glass Igloos at visitrovaniemi.fi. Nightly rates in glass igloos, including breakfast, start at 399 euros (approximately $450).

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inky waters, the suits so buoyant we instantly float on our backs. I serenely bob among jagged blocks of ice and it is extraordinary, like being a penguin, adrift in unending pure-white frozen seas.

And then, the icing on the cake — so to speak. Around sunset, before hopping back on our snowmobiles, we catch Finland’s blue moment, a bedazzling phenomenon that envelops the glacial landscape in ethereal shades of blue.

Snow flurries swirl in the morning as we ride a train two hours to Lapland’s capital, Rovaniemi, burned to the ground by German troops during World War II and rebuilt in the shape of a reindeer head with antlers.

NORMA MEYER (ALL IMAGES); VISITROVANIEMI (IGLOO)

Dash Away

Again, we zoom off n snowmobiles, this time to find a real reindeer on a farm on the mystical Arctic Circle, where an indigenous Sami shaman named Janne leads us into a Lappish tepee. The elfin reindeer-herder wears a traditional embroidered red hat with four drooping blue points symbolizing directions of the wind.

“Are you bad? Ah, on the Arctic Circle I can take away bad spirits,” he hoots, shaking a bell-ringing rabbit-foot amulet. “Hay-lay! Hay-lay!” To kill any negative juju, he takes soot from the flaming fire pit and presses two black fingerprints on my forehead.

“We believe, in Lapland, if you come back on earth, you will come back as a reindeer.”

No thank you. I’ve seen a lot of reindeer burgers and reindeer-topped pizza on menus here.

Soon I get a quickie reindeer-driving lesson and we’re off, me grasping the reins, Marilyn praying, with antlered Esko gliding our wooden sleigh through a gorgeous pine forest doused in virgin snow. As many as 240,000 reindeer live in Lapland — they are all semi-domesticated and owned by people — and Janne says it takes years to train one to pull a sleigh. Esko, a freethinker, stops to gnaw on tree trunks, periodically veers off rail and at the very end, goes rogue. In an apparent bolt for freedom, he darts to the side with us in tow, bangs our sleigh into the sleigh ahead and then sails us over that sleigh. I channel Santa, uttering Santa shrieks. Wanna-be Rudolph is quickly cornered.

Santa Every Day

In Santa’s official hometown, Rovaniemi, it only makes sense to sit down with the guy for a bit. I join the chatty white-bearded headliner where he meets admirers 365 days a year, next to a world map and wrapped presents in his log cabin “office” in touristed Santa Claus Village. (A Finnish radio broadcaster in 1927 first revealed that Santa lived in Lapland; since his home is a guarded secret, he opened his office here in 1985.)

“To see a little sparkle in the eyes of an 86-year-old with dementia, that’s what’s important,” Father Christmas tenderly says. He mentions that many Western children want “a new iPhone or earphone or nose phone, whatever.”

Right outside, visitors physically straddle the Arctic Circle before entering Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, an official post office handling and answering the benevolent big guy’s mail — more than 17 million letters from 198 countries since 1985. It is a heartwarming depot staffed by elves and stuffed with goodwill, such as a quarter-milelong letter from 2,110 schoolkids in Romania and a note from two Polish brothers scrawled on birch tree skin.

Santa receives about a half-million letters a year, some simply addressed to “Magical Lapland.”

As many as 240,000 reindeer live in Lapland and Janne says it takes years to train one to pull a sleigh.

“It’s a very emotional place,” says head elf Katja Tervonen. “Adults write the saddest letters pouring out all their feelings about losing a job or about illness.”

On display are various gifts sent to Mr. Claus (night goggles, barber set) and hundreds of pacifiers mailed by youngsters for baby reindeer. “Children also send carrots for the reindeer but they’re not so fresh by the time they get here from Indonesia,” Katja confides.

Snowflakes on the Roof

My last night, near Rovaniemi in the powdered-sugar wilderness, I check into a balmy spacious glass igloo with a motorized bed I can position to see the famed aurora borealis (Northern Lights), said to be visible in Lapland up to 200 days a year. The igloos are on the same property as another splendid ice lodge, the Arctic SnowHotel, boasting the only “snow sauna” of its kind in the world.

This is why, wrapped in a towel, alone, inside a closet-size, snow-walled, snow-ceilinged ice chamber, I ooze puddles of sweat. The point is to ladle water onto hot rocks to engulf yourself in intense thick steam — I can’t see a thing — until an attendant pounds on the door to get you out after 15 minutes because the sauna is melting and needs to refreeze.

Jelly-legged, toxin-purged and back in the glass igloo, I entrancingly watch steady snowflakes dissolve on the seethrough heated roof. Without clear skies, the “aurora alarm” in the room will not sound to wake me for a light show. But it doesn’t matter. Lapland has been a winter fairy tale. The next morning, as I wait to board a Finnair jet in Rovaniemi, I half-expect Donner and Blitzen to fly me back to California.

And that might actually be a possibility: a sign overhead reads “Santa’s Official Home Airport.” m

Opposite, clockwise from top left: A snowmobile excursion reveals the vastness of the frozen Baltic Sea; the Sampo icebreaker; Santa greets visitors year-round in his office; Arctic Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi; survival suit ice swimming in the frozen Baltic Sea.

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MARIN MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL COVER ART CONTEST

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ATTENTION ARTISTS: Enter the 11th Annual Cover Art Contest.

WINNERS: Winners are from the following categories: painting, photography and illustration.

EXPOSURE: The winner will be featured on the cover of the May 2017 issue.

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Out & About C A L E N DA R / O N T H E S CE N E / D I N E

THEATER

A Christmas Carol

LISTING ON PAGE 82

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Calendar

THRU DEC 11 The King and I The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical transports audiences to 1860s Bangkok, where the King of Siam and British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens develop an unexpected relationship. Golden Gate Theatre (SF).

888.746.1799, shnsf.com

THRU DEC 18 Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley Young bookworm Mary Bennet spends the holiday with her recently wed sisters, Jane and Elizabeth, and meets the eligible Arthur de Bourgh in this seasonal continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley).

with timeless melodies, seasonal choreography and much more.

Showcase Theater (San Rafael). paamarin.com

THRU DEC 31 The Lion King Visit the Serengeti with Disney’s muchacclaimed Broadway musical. Your favorite characters — and their favorite songs — are enlivened by unique and colorful costumes and dramatic sets.

Orpheum Theatre (SF).

888.746.1799, shnsf.com

DEC 7–24 Scrooge in Love Everyone’s favorite humbug, Ebenezer Scrooge, stars in this follow-up to A Christmas Carol. One year after three ghosts changed his life, his old friends and some new ones are back to help him find his lost love, Belle. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

415.388.5200, marintheatre.org THRU DEC 24 A Christmas Carol Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he journeys to Christmas past, present and future in an effort to understand the love and benevolence associated with the holiday season.

A.C.T.’s classic retelling features well-loved

DEC 3–4 Performing Arts Academy of Marin’s Holiday Spectacular Dance, theater and song converge for an evening of holiday cheer. Performers ages 4 to 17 — as well as members of PAAM’s Alta Vista Dance Company — put you in the spirit

DEC 15 Brian Copeland’s Jewelry Box Comedian Brian Copeland portrays his younger self, his grandmother and others as he shares the story of his childhood quest to earn the money to buy his mother a Christmas present.

Showcase Theater (San Rafael). marincounty.org THRU DEC 18 East 14th Comedian Don Reed presents his autobiographical solo show.

Set in 1970s Oakland, the first installment of Reed’s coming-of-age trilogy boasts harsh truths lightened up with laughs. The Marsh (SF).

415.282.3055, themarsh.org

songs, unique sets and colorful era costumes.

A.C.T.’s Geary Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

THRU DEC 31 Beach Blanket Babylon Holiday Extravaganza San Francisco’s classically quirky evening of pop culture spoofs, spirited songs and enormous hats takes a seasonal turn featuring Christmas carols, a yuletide hat and more.

Club Fugazi (SF).

415.421.4222, beach blanketbabylon.com

COMEDY

THEATER

E D I T E D B Y C A L I N VA N PA R I S

DEC 8–18 Next Time, I’ll Take the Stairs Jenny McAllister and 13th Floor present an original play about three adult siblings who find their way into a mysterious world.

Joe Goode Annex (SF).

415.561.6565, joegoode.org

DANCE THRU DEC 11 The Velveteen Rabbit ODC co-artistic director KT Nelson’s now-classic interpretation of Margery Williams’ beloved children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit returns to Yerba Buena Center for the Arts for

JOAN MARCUS

T H E AT E R / CO M E DY / M U S I C / G A L L E R I E S / M U S E U M S / E V E N T S / F I L M

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its 30th season. YBCA (SF). 415.978.2787, odcdance.org

to hip-hop. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). marincenter.org

DEC 4 Beyond the Land of Sweets This holiday alternative to The Nutcracker presents favorite dances from the classic ballet along with winter traditions from a variety of other cultures. Herbst Theatre (SF). presidiodance.org

DEC 17 Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop Marin Dance Theatre presents a full-length children’s ballet centering on Sophie, a kindly toy maker, and her magical journey through faraway lands populated by snow princesses, dancing dolls and more. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). marincenter.org

DEC 10–11 Marin Ballet: Nutcracker Marin Ballet presents its rendition of the classic tale complete with Victorian costumes, larger-than-life sets and the excitement of more than 200 dancers prepared to spread holiday cheer to children and adults of all ages. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). marincenter.org DEC 10–29 Nutcracker Dream with Clara as she encounters sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers alongside her Nutcracker Prince — the classic ballet is a lovely way to get into the holiday spirit. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.865.2000, sfballet.org DEC 15–24 The Christmas Ballet From tap and ballet to swing and beyond, dancers welcome the holidays in fun fashion, with classical and cool elements designed to enchant and envelop audiences. YBCA (SF). 415.912.1899, smuinballet.org DEC 17 Dance with Sherry Studio presents The TapCracker Take a break from ballet with a funny, quirky, jazzy riff on The Nutcracker with moves ranging from tap

COMEDY TUESDAYS Tuesday Night Comedy Funnies An evening of hilarity. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley).

415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org THURSDAYS Mort Sahl, Legendary Social Satirist Join Mort Sahl as he takes the stage to deliver a show filled with his legendary take-no-prisoners wit, through December 29. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley).

415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

Dream Circle

Jelly Jam Time

Juice and Jelly

JimBo Trout

December 10 December 11

December 17 & 18 January 7

DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Stand-Up Comedy Show Laugh in the new year with five comedians, dinner, drinks and a hilarious countdown.

Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). marinjcc.org DEC 31 Paula Poundstone Funny girl Paula Poundstone welcomes the new year with her wry, intelligent humor and of course, plenty of laughs.

Nourse Theatre (SF).

415.392.4400

Ball drop at noon!

Museum closes at 2 p.m.

DEC 31 Best of the San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition End 2016 on a comedic

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Out & About / CALENDAR acclaimed holiday program features seasonal music from a wide variety of Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions — think Slavic folk carols and Baltic pagan incantations.

Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). marinjcc.org

SPOTLIGHT

Dance Away

S

Soul Ska kicks off the New Year in style.

OUL SKA IS a high-energy 10-piece group that delivers a fresh

take on classic Jamaican/UK ska. If the Wailers, Madness and the Specials speak to you, Soul Ska likely will as well.

The players, who include many Marin locals, are from groups such as Vinyl, Monophonics, El Radio Fantastique, Albino!, The Right Time and more. Come check out Jonathan Korty on keys, Lex Razon on drums, Ryan Scott on trumpet, Gardner Goezte on guitar, Tommy O’Mahoney on bass, Liz Larson on trombone, Patrick Byers on baritone sax plus the trio of Sean “Stymie” Sharp, Jethro Jeremiah and Noelle Glory on vocals as they bring down the house on New Year’s Eve at 19 Broadway in Fairfax.

19broadway.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA

note with this annual stand-up competition. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). marincounty.org

MUSIC THRU DEC 4 Madama Butterfly Giacomo Puccini’s heartbreaking opera set in Nagasaki and centering on wartime love and betrayal. War Memorial Opera House (SF).

415.864.3334, sfopera.com THRU DEC 6 Aida Radames, an Egyptian military hero, falls in love with Ethiopian slave Aida in this epic opera by Giuseppe Verdi. War Memorial Opera House (SF).

415.864.3334, sfopera.com

DEC 11 Musae Choral group Musae presents Bridge of Song, which features works from Baltic composers — Rautavaara, Tormis, Legeti and more are included. Old St. Hilary’s (Tiburon).

415.435.1853, land markssociety.com DEC 13 Marin Symphony Holiday Pops Hear beloved seasonal pop classics, traditional carols and favorite holiday movie themes performed by the orchestra and adult and children’s choruses.

Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). marin symphony.org

holiday songs performed to danceable and nostalgic effect.

The annual show benefits ExtraFood.org, with 100 percent of proceeds helping to end hunger in Marin. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley).

415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

DEC 14–16 Handel’s Messiah The American Bach Choir and a quartet of vocalists come together for an evening of selections from Handel, performed in a sacred setting. Grace Cathedral (SF). americanbach.org

DEC 4 Quartet San Francisco The Grammywinning quartet performs selections from a variety of genres including jazz, pop, funk, gypsy swing and more. (Marin). musicamarin.org

DEC 9–10 Mayflower Choral Society Ignite your holiday spirits with the 55-voice Mayflower Chorus, plus soloists and ensembles, as they perform seasonal songs with rich harmonies. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). marincounty.org

DEC 16–18 The Snowman with the San Francisco Symphony The Academy Award– nominated short film The Snowman is augmented by a live score played by the San Francisco Symphony.

Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

DEC 8 Michelle Schmitt Holiday Benefit Concert Join Michelle Schmitt and her band for an evening of well-loved

DEC 10 Kitka Wintersongs Celebrate wintertime with Kitka, a women’s vocal ensemble. The group’s

DEC 4 Deck the Hall Bring the whole family for a seasonal concert featuring holiday selections presented by orchestra members and guest artists. After the show, enjoy a post-concert party with crafts and refreshments.

Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

DEC 17–18 Mendelssohn’s Elijah Join Marin Oratorio for a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s

choral masterpiece Elijah, with renowned baritone Hadleigh Adams performing the title role. College of Marin (Kentfield).

415.485.9385, marinoratorio.org DEC 21–24 A Charlie Brown Christmas — Live! Live actors, an animated backdrop and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed by the San Francisco Symphony bring television classic A Charlie Brown Christmas to life this season.

Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org DEC 24 The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Tour Three-time Grammy winner Brian Setzer and his 18-piece band come to San Francisco for their 13th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour featuring music from the group’s four bestselling holiday albums.

The Warfield (SF).

415.345.0900, the warfieldtheatre.com DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration with Jan Krakowski, Tituss Burgess and the San Francisco Symphony Jane Krakowski and Tituss Burgess (of 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, respectively) come together for a New Year’s Eve show augmented by the San Francisco Symphony.

Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

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

Art Works Downtown Small Works Exhibition A selection of small works — and a great opportunity to stock up on holiday gifts, through December 31. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael.

415.451.8119, artworks downtown.org Bartolini Gallery Inspired Images A special exhibit featuring more than 100 members of the Marin Photography Club.

Marin Civic Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincenter.org Bolinas Gallery An eclectic collection of contemporary art. 52 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 415.868.0782, bolinas-gallery.com Bubble Street Featuring genres of fantastic art, imaginary realism, neo-Victorian and steampunk. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.339.0506, bubblestreetgallery.com Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden Works by Claudia Chapline, Jim Garmhausen, Etta Deikman and others. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach.

415.868.2308, cchapline.com Desta Gallery A collection of contemporary art and specialty organic teas. 417 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.524.8932, destagallery.com di Rosa Based on a True Story: Highlights from the di Rosa Collection Art and encounters from di Rosa’s own history, through spring 2017.

5200 Carneros Hwy, Napa. 707.226.5991, dirosaart.org

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Falkirk Cultural Center New works, December 30. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael.

415.485.3328, falkirk culturalcenter.org Fine Art Etc. Featuring a collection of sculptures and paintings by artists from Northern California and around the world.

686 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.1107, fineart tc.com Gallery Route One Will Thoms: Messing Around Sixteen small paintings by the artist, through December 11. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes.

415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org Marin Society of Artists Annual Members Show A collection of works

by Marin Society of Artists members in a show back for its 89th year, through December 1. 1515 Third St, San Rafael. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyof artists.org Masterworks Kids’ Art Studio Youth art classes. 305B Montecito Drive, Corte Madera.

415.945.7945, master workskidsart.com O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Art of the Spirit A juried exhibition, December 1–22. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org Petri’s Fine Arts Featuring contemporary works in various mediums. 690 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.2626, petrisfineart .com Robert Allen Fine Art Group Exhibition Abstract works on canvas, December 1–January 27. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito.

415.331.2800, robert allenfineart.co

Announcing a special holiday benefit concert for ExtraFood.org Sponsored by BMW San Francisco

Thursday, December 8th at 8pm 142 Throckmorton Theatre Mill Valley, California

Robert Beck Gallery Early California and contemporary plein air paintings. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org Robert Green Fine Arts John Grillo 1946–2012 Works on paper, through January 31. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfineart .com Roberta English Art by Cheung Lee, Mayumi Oda, Li Huayi, Ju Ming and Toko Shinoda.

1615 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.2975, robertaenglish.com Rock Hill Gallery Botanicals Works

by Kristin Jakobs, through December 1.

145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon. 415.435.9108, ccctiburon.net

Featuring:

Ricky Fataar George Marinelli Marc Levine Michael Spriggs Lewis Patzner Graham Patzner

Room Art Gallery Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters; the largest collection of Picasso, Chagall and others in Marin County. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com Rustic Bakery California Colors Oil paintings by Laura Culver, through January 31. 2017 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur. 415.461.9900, rusticbakery.com Seager Gray Gallery Cathy Rose: Lost and Found A collection of figurati e sculptures from the artist, through December 31. 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Advance tickets available at The Box Office at 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley or www.142throckmortontheatre.org General Admission (7:30pm): $25 VIP Reception (6:45pm): $100 (includes reception by Heidi Krahling/Insalata’s, special seating & new CD) For more info: www.michelleschmitt.com 100% of event proceeds go to ExtraFood.org

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Out & About / CALENDAR Smith Andersen North Photographs by Gerald Ratto, through Dec 23.

20 Greenfield ve, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smithandersen north.com Studio 4 Art Work by local artists, classes and workshops with materials included.

1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net The Blissful Gallery Oils, watercolors and prints by painter Emmeline Craig. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, emmelinecraig.com Zener Schon Contemporary Art Contemporary works in various mediums by Eric Zener, Paige Smith, JD Wilson and others.

23 Sunnyside Ave, 415.738.8505, zener schongallery.com

SAN FRANCISCO ArtHaus The Lake Art by John Wood.

411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Caldwell Snyder Gallery Ongoing work. 341 Sutter St, 415-392-2299, caldwellsnyder.com California Historical Society Vintage: Wine, Beer, and Spirits Labels from the Kemble Collections on Western Printing and Publishing A series of labels produced by the era-defining Lehmann Printing and Lithographing Company of San Francisco, December 10–April 16.

678 Mission Street, SF,

415.357.1848, california historicalsociety.org Fouladi Projects New paintings by Omar Chacon, through December 17. 1803 Market St, 415.621.2535, fouladiprojects.com George Lawson Gallery I Dreamt Bees Made Sweet Honey From My Past Failures Paintings by various artists, through December 17. 315 Potrero Ave, 415.703.4400, georgelawson gallery.com Gregory Lind Gallery Works by Dannielle Tegeder, through December 23. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com Meyerovich Gallery Work from modern and

contemporary masters.

251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com Pier 24 Photography Collected Art from the Pilara Foundation collection, through January 31. Pier 24, 415.512.7424, pier24.org Rena Bransten Projects Works by national and international contemporary artists. 1639 Market St, 415.982.3292, renabransten gallery.com San Francisco Art Institute The Proposal Works by Jill Magid, through December 10.

800 Chestnut Street, 415.771.7020, sfai.edu Thomas Reynolds Gallery Pieces by contemporary painters, most addressing the

intersection of realism and abstraction. 2291 Pine St, 415.441.4093, thomasreynolds.com

MUSEUMS MARIN Bay Area Discovery Museum Imagine, create and transform while exploring the unique museum’s ongoing exhibits (Sausalito).

415.339.3900, bay kidsmuseum.org Bolinas Museum Bounty: Fine Food Production in Coastal Marin from 1834 to the 21st Century A selection of maps, local photographs and farm equipment celebrating our unique agricultural landscape, through December 31 (Bolinas).

415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin Museum of the American Indian Braving Two Worlds Works by contemporary Native American artists, through December 18 (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Fall National Juried Exhibition A sampling of contemporary art on a national scale, through December 4 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA Asian Art Museum Koki Tanaka: Potters and Poets Artist Koki Tanaka explores the art of creative collaborations, through February 14 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

Are you ONE of us?

At 10,000 Degrees®, our mission has become a movement. We’ve helped over 20,000 students from low-income backgrounds earn college degrees. Join us and become ONE DEGREE of change in the lives of these amazing young people. Together we can change the world, one degree at a time.

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10000degrees.org/iamonedegree

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California Academy of Sciences ’Tis the Season for Science This annual exhibit showcases the science behind the festive season, through January 8. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org Conservatory of Flowers Butterflies and Blooms A beautiful and intimate cottage garden aflutter with hundreds of butterflies, through January 7 (SF).

415.831.2090, conserva toryofflowers.org

Fog Lift by Laura Culver at Rustic Bakery, Larkspur

Contemporary Jewish Museum From Generation to Generation: Inherited Memory and Contemporary Art Work by more than 25 artists centering on memories that are not their own,

December 9 -11

through April 2 (SF).

415.655.7800, thecjm.org de Young Frank Stella: A Retrospective The first comprehensive U.S. exhibition of Frank Stella’s work since 1970, through February 26 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org Exploratorium Ongoing interactive exhibits exploring science, art and human perception (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu Legion of Honor The Brothers Le Nain: Painters of 17th-Century France Works by Antoice and Louis Le Nain, through January 29 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.famsf.org

Museum of Craft and Design Reflections Works by Marianne Lettieri, through January 22 (SF).

415.773.0303, sfmcd.org Oakland Museum of California All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50 In honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panthers, a contemporary view of the party, through February 12 (Oakland).

510.318.8400, museumca.org SFMOMA Japanese Photography from Postwar to Now An exhibition of nearly 200 Japanese photographs, through March 12 (SF).

415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

On The Waterfront

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Out & About / CALENDAR Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Pairings: 16 Artists Creatively Combined Artworks — like the area’s food and wine — are brought together to create surprising and harmonious combinations, through December 31 (Sonoma). svma.org The Walt Disney Family Museum Wish Upon a Star: The Art of Pinocchio A neverbefore-seen glimpse of the artistic process of one of Disney’s most influential animated films, through January 9 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Space Program: Europa Sculptural works by Tom Sachs and his team of astronauts, through

January 15 (SF).

415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

creations. Various locations (Sausalito).

415.331.9900, sausalito gingerbread.com

THRU DEC 18 The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party Step back into Victoria-era London to celebrate the season in true Dickensian fashion. The lively streets are complete with holiday carolers, pleasant aromas, one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts and even Fezziwig’s dance hall. Cow Palace (SF). dickensfair.com

DEC 2 Jack London Square Lights Up Take a trip to the Oakland waterfront for an annual lighting of a 55-foot Mount Shasta fir — 5,000 white lights, 600 ornaments, a bevy of treats and a visit from Santa himself will make this a night to remember. Jack London Square (Oakland).

510.645.9292, jack londonsquare.com

DEC 1–31 Gingerbread House Tour Grab a map from the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce and make your way around town to check out a variety of magical, baked

DEC 2–4 ICB Winter Open Studios Now in its 48th year, ICB’s annual event invites art-lovers to go inside the studios where more than 100 painters, sculptors, jewelers, photographers and more create their

Progressive Pastures beef rib eye, tomato confit, black olive potatoes

work. ICB (Sausalito). icb-artists.com DEC 3 Contemporary Jewish Museum Family Gala This year’s gala — themed “An Evening of Elements” — celebrates art and family. Build sand sculptures in the desert, create a new universe and dive into the sea with the museum’s unique interactive art. Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF).

415.655.7800, thecjm.org DEC 3 Landmarks Holiday Art and Craft Sale This popular holiday fair nestled in the historic farm cottage is filled with art and crafts from local artists, with gift options ranging from jewelry to art to

seasonal spices.

Landmarks Art and Garden Center (Tiburon).

415.847.4209, land markssociety.com DEC 3–4 Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Muir Beach while browsing through amazing artwork and colorful crafts from more than 30 local artists hailing from Marin and throughout the Bay Area. Returning this year are booths featuring junior artisans, as well as the seasonal creations of the Holiday Ornament Extravaganza.

Community Center (Muir Beach). muir beachartsfair.com

DEC 4 Mill Valley Winterfest Back for its 21st year, Winterfest brings the classic appeal of a white Christmas to Mill Valley. Bring the family for a day of holiday fun that includes local food, live entertainment, the famous snow slide and — of course — a visit from Santa himself. Depot Plaza (Mill Valley). 415.388.9700, enjoymillvalley.com DEC 4 Santa Visits Nick’s Cove Santa Claus arrives by water sleigh at this special opportunity for waterfront holiday photos.

Nick’s Cove (Marshall).

415.663.1033, nickscove.com DEC 5 An Evening on the Stage Join the San Francisco Opera

Mateo Granados: Chef, owner

A town built by inspired craftspeople and visionaries. Join us in Healdsburg and discover why we’re the tastemaker of Sonoma wine country.

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Guild in honoring opera patron and former chairman of the board Franklin P. Johnson at this unique black-tie gala dinner set on the stage at the War Memorial Opera House. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.565.3204, sfoperaguild.com DEC 5 Weis Foundation for Children Holiday Heroes Extravaganza Kids of all ages will have the exclusive opportunity to meet local athletes, gain rare access to the San Francisco Giants’ dugout and batting tunnels and enjoy ballpark fare during this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. AT&T Park (SF). 650.321.4142, holidayheroes.org

DEC 9–11 Sausalito Winterfest A full weekend of holiday events including a gala, lighted boat parade and pancake breakfast.

Waterfront (Sausalito). winterfest sausalito.com DEC 10–11 The Marin Indoor Antique Market Christmas Show Shop for unique gifts in this old-fashioned collective featuring more than 70 booths of antiques and collectibles. Highlights include Native American art, antique jewelry, vintage toys and more. Marin Center Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.383.2252, goldengateshows.com

FILM DEC 18–24 The Nutcracker Allow yourself to be transported into the land of The Nutcracker — as performed by the Bolshoi Ballet — from the comfort of your Larkspur theater seat. Lark Theater (Larkspur).

415.924.5111, larktheater.net

NATURE WALKS & TALKS THRU JAN 16 Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square Take a break from holiday shopping with a skate around the ice rink in Union Square, with views of Macy’s iconic window display, the Union Square Christmas tree and more. Union Square

(SF). unionsquare icerink.com THRU DEC 24 Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios Enjoy this free, self-guided tour through 100 professional artisan workshops and galleries. Various locations (Berkeley).

510.845.2612, berkeley artisans.com DEC 2 Coach Steve Kerr Six-time NBA champion and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr joins Roy Eisenhardt for a sports-centric chat.

Tickets benefit the Warriors Community Foundation, which works to help underserved youth.

Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

DEC 3 Mount Burdell Night Photography Join ranger/photographer Mike Warner on an evening stroll with a focus on taking longexposure photographs.

Mount Burdell Preserve (Novato). 415.473.2816, marincountyparks.org DEC 5 Truth and Beauty in Astronomy Visualization Join Frank Summers of the Space Telescope Science Institute and learn how Hubble images and data are used to create compelling educational materials, planetarium shows and more. California Academy of Sciences (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

DEC 15 One Tam: Wildlife Picture Index Project Training and Cataloging Join One Tam and become a “community scientist” learning to maintain wildlife cameras and help to process photos. Civic Center (San Rafael). onetam.org DEC 29 Nature for Kids: Indian Tree Learn about Marin’s seasonal animal habitats as the whole family hunts for wildlife. Don’t forget your lunch. Vineyard Road trailhead (Novato). 415.893.9508, marincountyparks.org

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Dine A N I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E T O R E S TA U R A N T S A N D G O O D F O O D I N T H E B AY A R E A

E DITE D BY MIMI TOWLE

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

Latkes with Salmon Pastrami

• BLACK CAT American Grit meets glam at this jazzy supper club in the Tenderloin with a focus on modern American fare. Chef Ryan Cantwell of Zuni and Chez Panisse puts forward a savory small plates menu featuring items like latkes topped with shallot cream and salmon pastrami and a Devil’s Gulch rabbit pot pie. Sip timeless cocktails while listening to live music in the downstairs lounge. 400 Eddy St, 415.358.1999, blackcatsf.com s $$ ∞ D º

IL FORNAIO Italian This upscale Italian restaurant franchise’s menu offers, aside from the pizzas and pastas, a variety of salads and carb-free entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com s $$ s ∞ C LD BR MARIN JOE’S Italian This Marin mainstay has been around for over 50 years. Choose from a menu of soups, salads, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and a plethora of pasta options. For a fun addition to your dining experience, order the Caesar salad — the

server will prepare the dressing at your table.

Enjoy a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar.

1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marin joesrestaurant.com s $$ s C LD PACIFIC CATCH Pan-Asian The menu features freshly caught items and Pacific Riminspired small or main plates, including wasabi bowls filled with white or brown rice, veggies and a choice of chicken, beef or fish (cooked or raw). Pacific Catch is modeled after the Paia Fish House on Maui, down to the chalkboard menu and Hawaiian music. 133 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch com s $$ s ∞ C LD º PIG IN A PICKLE American Fresh local ingredients and the highest-quality brisket, pork, ribs and chicken comprise the menu of this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted to represent the best barbecue regions, from Memphis to South Carolina. House-made pickles, buns and sausages will keep you coming back. 341 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.891.3265, pig inapicklebbq.com b $$$ s ∞ BLD

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THE COUNTER California/American Customers can build their own salads and burgers with fresh ingredients. Burgers are made with allnatural Angus beef, turkey, chicken or bison. Gluten-free options and a vegan veggie burger are available. The restaurant also has patio seating, an airy kick-back vibe, and a popular happy hour (give the adult milkshake a try!). 201 Corte Madera Town Ctr 415.924.7000, thecounterburger.com s $$ s ∞ LD º THREE BIRDS WINE BAR California This oneroom bar and wine shop features more than 20 options by the glass and a selection of bottles to take home. Enjoy an array of cheese and charcuterie in addition to other bar snacks in the comfortable lounge.

207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, three birdswinebar.com b $$ ∞ º

FAIRFAX 123 BOLINAS California Created by four friends wanting to showcase seasonal fare in a relaxing, intimate environment, this cozy, one-room eatery offers locally brewed beer, small-production wines and seasonal food along with the view of Bolinas Park through the floorto-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com b $$ s ∞ D º BAREFOOT CAFE American Chef Tony Senehi prepares fresh Californian dishes made with local, organic ingredients, from sustainable sources. A popular

brunch location, neighbors and tourists come to this quaint restaurant in the heart of Fairfax for everything from their eggs benedict to panna cotta dessert. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.460.2160, barefootcafe.com b $$ s BLD IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American Choose from an extensive beer list, and enjoy your selection with an ale-braised barbecue pork sandwich, prawn tacos or the house-ground chicken bacon cheeseburger. 765 Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com b $$ s ∞ C LD º VILLAGE SAKE Japanese Lucky for Fairfax, beloved former Sushi Ran chef Scott Whitman and talented Marin-based restaurateur partners have opened an Izakaya — a Japanese style community pub — on Bolinas Street. In this compact space you’ll find maki rolls and skewers, plus sake and craft beers.

Closed Tuesdays.

19 Bolinas Road, 415.521.5790, villagesake.com b $$$ ∞ D

LARKSPUR DON ANTONIO Italian Antonio Volpicelli, of Don Antonio in Tiburon, has taken over the old Fabrizio space and filled it with more traditional Italian cuisine. The menu offers an assortment of classic dishes like orgonzola gnocchi, veal parmesan, carbonara and an extensive wine list. Guests are welcome to enjoy any one of these items on

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Grades K-8: January 7 Grades 9-12: December 3 www.sandomenico.org | 415.258.1900

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Lettuce Cups at Kitti’s Place, Sausalito

the spacious outdoor patio. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, amalfi ristorantelarkspur.com b $$ ∞ LD BELCAMPO MEAT CO. American The goods at this meatery are delivered from the certified-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture management.

Try the classic grilled items, like the roasted tri-tip sandwich or the sloppy joe. Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.com b $$ ∞ LD BR EMPORIO RULLI Italian Renowned for its Northern Italian specialties and treats, the Larkspur location (there are three others) is a favored spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet treat.

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

FARM HOUSE LOCAL California This downtown Larkspur gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere — both inside and outside on the covered patio. The seasonal menu follows what is fresh and local with dishes such as fluffy omelets stuffed with local meats, cheeses and vegetables. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577, farm houselocal.com b $$ s ∞ BL FARMSHOP California Located in the Marin Country Mart since 2013, Farmshop Marin has quickly become a top spot here in the county. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Marin Country Mart, 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.755.6700, farmshopca.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning French cuisine and a lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot

on Magnolia Avenue rates high with locals.

Those with a small appetite (or budget) can opt for happy hour appetizers (4 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, Monday to Friday), most priced under $6. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR MARIN BREWING CO. American Grab a cold beer made on site and pair it with fish ’n’ chips — in this case fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce — or another item from the all-American menu.

Marin Country Mart, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com b $$ s ∞ LD º PERRY’S American The San Francisco mainstay has opened another new location, this time across the bridge in Larkspur, bringing with it its wide selection of salads,

PICCO California Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour) that keep patrons coming back. Pizzeria Picco next door is famous for its wood-fired pizzas, wine selection and softserve Straus Family Creamery ice cream.

320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com s $$$ s ∞ C D POSIE Dessert This hip artisan ice cream shop opened by Kyle Caporicci, former pasty chef of Michelinstarred Commis, is making a name for itself with its seasonal flavors and homemade glutenfree cones. For lunch, meticulously prepared open-faced tartines and Instagram ready pastries are featured.

Menu changes weekly, closed Mondays.

250B Magnolia Ave, 415.891.8395 $L RUSTIC BAKERY California This homegrown bakery is known and loved the world over. In fact, Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Bakery flatbread and crostini when

he visited the United States in 2015. Bread that’s baked fresh each morning in addition to granola, cookies, muffins and croissants make this a local staple. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556; 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900; rusticbakery.com b $$ s ∞ BLD BR

MILL VALLEY BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after 142 Throckmorton comedy nights. Menu includes Niman flatiron steak, braised beef brisket risotto and classic burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com s $$$ ∞ LD BR º BOO KOO Asian Authentic Asian street food for $10 or less.

The restaurant offers options for every eater—vegans, glutenfrees, vegetarians and carnivores. Popular items include chicken pho, vegan summer rolls, pad thai and five-spice pork satay, all made with organic, locally sourced veggies and proteins. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com b $ s ∞ LD BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and Chili-Lime “Brick” Chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s.

The warm, dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a

light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com s $$ C LD BR BUNGALOW 44 American One of Mill Valley’s neighborhood hot spots, featuring contemporary California comfort food, signature cocktails, fine wine, and one-dollar oysters from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com s $$$ s ∞ C D EL PASEO American This award-wining eatery in the heart of downtown Mill Valley has been voted most romantic restaurant in Northern California.

Built from Mount Tam railroad ties and brick in 1947, El Paseo was restored by owner Sammy Hagar in 2009.

The menu offers classic Californian cuisine that’s generously influenced by Spain and an extensive wine list.

17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseomillvalley.com b $$$ ∞ C D FRANTOIO RISTORANTE Italian This 6,000-squarefoot eatery is centered around the in-house olive press, which produces a special blend popular with locals. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room.

The popular weekday happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com s $$$ ∞ C LD º GRILLY’S Mexican Grilly’s is an easy and delicious stop. Pick up a couple burritos and the much-loved chicken taco salad and

DEBRA TARRANT

steaks and comfort favorites like French onion soup. Replacing the Lark Creek Inn, the skylights bring in plenty of natural light and an expanded bar is ideal for sipping the restaurant’s famed bloody mary’s. Valet parking is offered and brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays.

234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877, perryssf.com s $$ LD º

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you have a lunch or dinner to please the whole family. 493 Miller Ave, 415.381.3278, grillys.com b $ s ∞ C BLD BR HARMONY Chinese Enjoy a lighter take on Chinese at this restaurant, nestled in the Strawberry Village.

The barbecue pork bun is filled with housemade roasted meat in a savory sauce, and fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea.

Be sure to check out the weekday lunch special for an excellent deal.

Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmony restaurantgroup.com b $$ s LD JOE’S TACO LOUNGE Mexican Joe’s serves up fish tacos, burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, tofu tostada and crab tostadas. Colorful interior and quick service make this a fun, easy stop.

If there are too many unsupervised kids for a peaceful meal, takeout is easy too. If you stay, grab a selection of hot sauce bottles from the wall and find your perfect match. 382 Miller Ave, 415.383. 8164, joestacolounge.com b $$ s ∞ BLD LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or booth here can take awhile. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait staff s also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224, laginestramv.com s $$ s D

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

625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com s $$ s ∞ C LD BR PRABH INDIAN KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Dhindsa family, this restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food, including gluten-free and vegan options. Dishes include chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic nan. Try the thali menu (offered at lunch), a selection of several Indian dishes served at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabhindiankitchen.com b $$ s ∞ LD MOLINA California Focusing on woodfired, California coastal cuisine, the menu features items cooked in the famed Alan Scott oven and selected from Marin County’s farmers’ markets, including shellfish, oysters, rabbit, pig, quail and cattle. Both the menu and the music change nightly. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, molinarestaurant.com b $$$ ∞ D BR PIAZZA D’ANGELO Italian It’s always a party at this longstanding hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, or make some new friends at

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Red Trout Salad

the bar. The menu is known for creative, seasonal dishes like the stuffed veal loin with wild mushrooms and house-made mozzarella. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com s $$ s ∞ C LD BR º PIZZA ANTICA Italian This Italianinspired restaurant in Strawberry Village offers much more than impeccably prepared thin-crust pizzas.

The seasonal dishes are created with local ingredients and include chopped salads, housemade pastas, and meat, fish and fowl entrees, such as the Tuscan fried chicken and roasted pork chop. 800 Redwood Hwy, 415.383.0600, pizzaantica.com b $$ s LD BR º PLAYA Mexican Drawing inspiration from travels and the fresh, flavorful cuisine served on the playa, Peter Schumacher

and Bill and Vanessa Higgins, have developed a menu that blends locally sourced, organic and sustainable ingredients with a bar highlighting a selection of exceptional tequilas and mezcals.

41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.384.8871, playamv.com s $$ ∞ D PRABH INDIAN KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Dhindsa family, this restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food, including gluten-free and vegan options. Dishes include chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic nan. Try the thali menu (offered at lunch), a selection of several Indian dishes served at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabhindiankitchen.com b $$ s ∞ LD

ROBATA GRILL AND SUSHI Japanese Robata translates as “by the fireside”; fittingly, food here can be cooked on an open fire and served in appetizer-size portions to pass around the table. Or simply order your own sushi or entree from the menu.

591 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com b $$ s LD SHORELINE COFFEE SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a funky diner with a smalltown feel. Check out the mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085 b $$ s ∞ BL BR SOL FOOD Puerto Rican This Marin favorite has opened in Mill Valley, still serving up everyone’s favorite Puerto Rican cuisine.

The line can get long, but the food is well

worth it. 401 Miller Ave, 415.380.1986, solfoodrestaurant.com $$ s ∞ BLD SWEETWATER MUSIC HALL CAFE American Located at the entrance of Sweetwater Music Hall, the cafe is dedicated to the FLOSS philosophy: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu includes brown-butter scrambled eggs on avocado toast, crispy chicken sliders with gingery cabbage slaw and vegan Thai spring rolls with sweet-and-sour sauce.

19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com s $$ s ∞ BLD BR º TAMALPIE Italian Owner Karen Goldberg designed this restaurant with a large group seating area, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a small casual bar.

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

615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444, theplela.com s $$ s ∞ LD URBAN REMEDY Juice With a selection of juices, snacks and bowls including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free, and low-glycemic-index options, this is a popular stop. Raw desserts round things out. Try the namesake salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 15 E Blithedale Ave, 415.383.5300, urbanremedy.com $$ ∞ BLD VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience in this one-room trattoria. Try one of the pasta dishes or thincrust wood-fired pizzas.

106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343, vasco millvalley.com s $$ s D

NOVATO CHIANTI CUCINA Italian This cozy eatery features an array of Italian and American choices, including a long list of pastas; try the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Edgar DeLon. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314, chiantinovato.com b $$$ s ∞ D º HILLTOP 1892 California In a historic country estate in Novato with sweeping views, enjoy classic favorites with a California flair.

There’s a private banquet room for special events. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º RICKEY’S RESTAURANT & BAR American Besides a full-service restaurant and bar (with banquet and meeting rooms), this comfort food bastion offers poolside dining and a garden patio overlooking green lawns. 250 Entrada Dr, 415.883.9477, rickeysrestaurant.com s $$ s ∞ C D º RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic pastries, breads, salads and sandwiches are on the menu here, including daily seasonal specials.

Try the Marin Melt — Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes Toma cheeses grilled on honey whole wheat, served with dressed baby greens and crisp apple slices. 1407 Grant Ave, 415.878.4952, rusticbakery.com b $$ s ∞ BLD BR THE SPEAKEASY American There’s nothing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking

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

The food is Italian home cooking with the daily modern inspiration of locally sourced seasonal ingredients found in the salads, house-made pastas and crispy Neapolitan style pizza, with a selection of beer and wine to match. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpiepizza.com s $$ s ∞ C LD

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back and watching the game, and the Speakeasy provides you with just that.

In addition to the 10 beers on tap, you can go beyond traditional pub grub with treats like a deconstructed salmon salad. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793, thespeakeasynovato.com s $$ LD BR º

SAN ANSELMO BAAN THAI CUISINE Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, this restaurant is committed to bringing their customers fresh, local and seasonal food.

Warm up with the tom kha soup or stave off he heat with a lychee iced tea. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470, baanthaimarin.com b $$ LD COMFORTS CAFE American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.

A large take-out section offers fresh bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and even entrees for dinner at home. Besides the famous and popular Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, flavorful scrambles, Chicken Okasan ( nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans) and wonton soup.

335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com b $$ s ∞ BL BR FLOUR CRAFT BAKERY California The artisan pastries, fresh bread, desserts, specialoccasion cakes and lunch items are all gluten- and peanut-free, with dairy-free and vegan options available.

Customer favorites include the cacao nib and walnut coffee cake, flourless hazelnut fudge brownies, and the signature granolas. 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100, flourcraftbakery.com $ s ∞ BL INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with delicious produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com s $$$ s C LD BR MARINITAS Mexican The sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to flourish as a center for creative Latin cuisine in Marin. It may not be as low-priced as most local Mexican restaurants, but this is not your typical southof-the-border spot. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net s $$ s LD BR

S

s t a e r T g n i l k r a p

r life! u o y n i s e v o L for the Strawberry Village 800 Redwood Hwy Frontage Rd, #614 Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 389-9300 Certified Gemologist

American Gem Society

PIZZALINA Italian Pizzas are handmade and cooked in a wood oven; other classic Italian items include shrimp risotto and a burrata antipasto dish. Menus change daily according to the seasonal markets but always feature salads, antipastos, house-made pastas and main dishes.

914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.256.9780, pizzalina.com b $$ s ∞ LD º TACO JANE’S Mexican Named after the owner’s mother, this casual, colorful place welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade

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Out & About / DINE agave margarita or grilled plantains with crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com s $$ s ∞ LD BR VALENTI & CO. Italian This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients.

A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen.

337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com b $$$ D

Aging Solutions, Inc.

SAN RAFAEL

Care Coordinators Advisors



Advocates

John, Michael and Joey Hoeber, Owners and Brothers, Body Kinetics, LLC

You’re invited

to experience the difference in a family owned and inviting neighborhood health club.

We believe in an integrated approach to your health and well-being. Not only are muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance emphasized in our approach, we also highlight the importance of nutrition, mindfulness, and rest and recovery. We focus on these aspects of wellness within a supportive community.

We want to be your fitness partner for life!

Mill Valley 415.380.8787 www.bodykinetics.com

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San Rafael 415.457.2639

Est.1990

Health Club

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Novato 415.895.5965

AMICI’S EAST COAST PIZZERIA California A wide array of thin-crust pizzas, freshly made pastas and salads are the ticket here, along with flame-roasted lemon chicken wings, for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Gluten-free pizza crust is available. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com b $$ s ∞ LD º BEST LIL’ PORKHOUSE American For a selection of authentic Southern appetizers, smoked ribs, pulled pork, outstanding wings, sliders and homemade barbecue sauce, head to this barbecue joint just off Highway 101. The vibe is honky-tonk and the bar boasts two pool tables and several televisions always tuned into the latest sporting events. Opt for a “Stina,” the famous pomegranate/jalapeño margarita. 2042 Fourth St, 415.457.7675, bestlilporkhouse.com s $$ s C LD BR º

GREEN CHILE KITCHEN Mexican Don’t let the name fool you; while green chilies are present on the menu, many other varieties are also featured. From the organic, house made, blue corn tortillas to the red chile chicken wings, this restaurant located in downtown San Rafael offers a cornucopia of hues and flavors. 1335 Fourth St, 415.521.5691, greenchilekitchen.com b $$ s LD FENIX California An intimate live-music venue in the heart of downtown San Rafael, Fenix features globally inspired California cuisine with a Southern French twist. Dishes like fried green tomatoes or 72-hour sous-vide short ribs, accompanied by a glass from the extensive wine list, define the experience. 919 Fourth St, 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com s $$$ s C BLD BR º FLATIRON American The remodeled Flatiron is where refined American bar food lives happily in its ideal environment – among a bevy of craft beers.

Owned by the Strickers, a husband and wife duo, this polished sports bar offers food like chili lime cauliflower, classic sandwiches, as well as truffle and waffle fries in a space that also features classic arcade games. 724 B St, 415.453.4318, flatironsanrafael.com s $$ LD º LA TOSCANA RISTORANTE & BAR Italian Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana has completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation,

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transforming an already popular San Rafael gathering spot into a place for any occasion. The menu features classics like gnocchi and carbonara and an ample selection of wine. 3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100, ristorantelatoscana.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD º LAVIER CUSINE Latin Fusion Free-range meat and fresh seafood is the focus at this authentic Latin fusion eatery in San Rafael run by Gabriela and her husband Guillermo who hails from Yucatan. Try the plantain and panko crusted cheese sticks to start and follow that with the popular puffy fish tacos with slaw and black beans. Brunch is served on weekends until 2 p.m. 1025 C St, 415.295.7990, lavier latinfusion.com b $$ s LD BR º LE CHALET BASQUE French This family-style place features dishes inspired by the Basque regions of France and Spain, like frog legs in a garlic butter and lemon sauce, a veal calf liver sauté and sweetbreads with port wine sauce and mushrooms. On a warm night, enjoy alfresco dining on the patio. 405 North San Pedro Rd, 415.479.1070, chaletbasque.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD LE COMPTOIR French The owners of San Francisco’s Gamine have opened their second restaurant, this time in the heart of San Rafael. The bistro serves up traditional French favorites like beef cheeks bourguignon and onion soup gratinée in a chic and cozy setting. If you’re planning to go, call

ahead. 1301 Fourth St, 415.454.5454, lecomptoirsr.com b $$ ∞ C D LOS MOLES Mexican Nestled right in the middle of Lincoln Avenue, Los Moles offers traditional pueblo Mexican cuisine, with — you guessed it — a variety of different moles to enhance your dish. Offering brunch, lunch, dinner and party options, Los Moles’ menu includes enmoladas, tacos, pollo al horno, carne asada, flan and much more. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday night for all you can eat tacos. 912 Lincoln Ave, 415.453.5850, losmoles.com s $$ LD BR º LOTUS CUISINE OF INDIA RESTAURANT Indian Lotus serves up organic North Indian cuisine with many vegan and vegetarian options. The restaurant is a certified green business with an energy-efficient kitchen and features a retractable rooftop and exotic interior decor with casual pink-tablecloth settings. The reasonably priced dishes are made with local, nonGMO and gluten-free ingredients. 704 Fourth St, 415.456.5808, lotusrestaurant.com b $$ s C LD MAGNOLIA PARK KITCHEN American This American bistro features lots of farm-fresh salads and sandwiches to choose from. The outdoor patio is well suited for sipping a glass of wine or enjoying a signature fried chicken bomb sandwich. 1016 Court St, 415.521.5591, magnolia parkkitchen.com b $$ ∞ C BL

Happy Holidays Special occasion updos Make up applications Lash extensions Hair extensions Gift certificates available Open 7 days a week Mill Valley 415.388.0988 Union Street 415.409.1500 www.milvali.com M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 97

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Out & About / DINE 415.456.2425, sanrafaeljoe.com s $$ s LD º SOL FOOD Puerto Rican Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes just like the ones owners Sol Hernandez grew up eating. Favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and fried plantains, but anything tastes good with a dash of the signature hot sauce, also for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, sol foodrestaurant.com $$ s ∞ BLD

Cubano at Magnolia Park Kitchen, San Rafael

MCINNIS PARK GOLF CLUB RESTAURANT American Grab a meal prepared by chef Chris Harman before or after hitting the driving range (or even without picking up a club). Outdoor seating is popular, as is the full bar, with a selection of premium Scotches, small-batch bourbons and more than 50 wines from California vineyards. McInnis Park, 415.491.5959, mcinnis parkgolfcenter.com s $$$ ∞ C LD MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won first place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his For the Love of Mushroom pizza —sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce and a red wine reduction atop a fresh crust.

Be sure to try other unique pies, like the spicy Three Beer pizza and the clam and garlic.

101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberrystreetpizza sanrafael.com b $$ s PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT American The dinner menu has a large selection — tortilla soup to wild mushroom raviolis — but it’s the Sunday brunch that will please the kids; try the Panama Waffle with bananas, warm chocolate sauce and whipped cream, plus a pitcher of “make-your-own” mimosas for the adults.

The tropical garden is a prime spot for peoplewatching. 4 Bayview St, 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com b $$$ ∞ C LD BR º

RANGE CAFE American With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns, the Range Cafe is the perfect place for comforting American classics with an elegant twist. This inviting lunchtime cafe with its ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net s $$ s ∞ C BLD º SAN RAFAEL JOE’S Italian A Marin institution famous for sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947.

The dining room, with a friendly atmosphere and seating for 240, is great for large parties, and the roast sirloin of beef and Fettuccine Joe’s are sure to please. 931 Fourth St,

STATE ROOM BREWERY American Formerly the Broken Drum, State Room Brewery has ditched the pizza house vibe in favor of an elegant 1930s-era stateroom.

Many beers are made on-site and all drafts are available in sizes from half pints to takehome growlers; beer flights are also available. The gastropub’s menu, created by Chef Ed Vigil, changes seasonally and includes grass-fed beef short ribs and sashimi grade tuna poke. 1132 Fourth St, 415.295.7929, stateroombrewery.com s $$ LD SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular Fourth Street sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience is rewarded with tasty and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 816 Fourth St, 415.721.0392, sushitodaifor.net b $$ s LD

TAJ OF MARIN Indian Both North and South Indian cuisine is offered here, including the $8.95 lunch special and dinners that include goat curry, spinach, lentils and tandoori. 909 Fourth St, 415.459.9555, tajofmarin.com b $$ s LD TERRAPIN CROSSROADS American This waterfront restaurant and music venue presents fresh food and local talent. The menu includes salads, savory dishes and wood-fired pizzas plus a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Come for the food, stay for the music.

100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapin crossroads.net s $$ ∞ C D BR º THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD American A favorite with both the kids and the foodie set, this charming eatery serves food like Mom used to make. Drop by for eggs Benedict, tuna melts, coffee and some of the best milkshakes around. 817 Fourth St, 415.259.0182, theresaand-johnnys.com b $$ s ∞ BL BR TOMATINA Italian Tomatina takes a modern approach to traditional Italian recipes. Offering housemade pasta, pizzas and signature piadine: fresh, hot flatbreads topped with cool salads, ready to fold and eat.

5800 Northgate Mall, 415.479.3200, tomatina.com s $$ s ∞ LD º URBAN REMEDY Juice With delicious juices, snacks and bowls including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free,

and low-glycemic-index choices, this is a popular spot. Raw desserts round things out. Try the namesake salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 1904 Fourth St, 415.786.8011, urbanremedy.com $$ ∞ BLD VIN ANTICO American Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal marketinspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked flatbreads, handmade pastas and organic salads, all innovatively prepared. The kitchen is open to the dining room and there’s a full bar with artisan cocktails. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600, vinantico.com s $$ s C LD º YET WAH Chinese Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved mainstay has a traditional Chinese menu and daily dim sum.

Expect live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.com s $$ s ∞ LD

SAUSALITO ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian An authentic Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti, showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for over 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelino restaurant.com s $$$ s BLD BAR BOCCE American Food just tastes better on a bayside patio with fire pits and a bocce

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For additional information go to trestletrail.org; ph: 415-435-185

All tax deductible donations will be sent the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation, Box 2 Tiburon, CA 94920. TPF is a 50-1c3.

We will gladly talk it over with you in person or on the phone Please keep the copy to 25 words or les

Need help on wording?

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Name(s) for membership in the Spike Soci

Donor Spike Category (check one): ❏ Gold - $900 ❏ Silver - $600 ❏ Bronze - $300

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Donor Tie Wording _________________

Donor Spike _______________________

Donor Tie _________________________

) ______________________

Email ____________________________

Donation Amount __________________

Name(s) __________________________

I/WE want to be a part of Tiburon Peninsula’s railroad history!

TRESTLE TRAIL DONOR APPLICATI

F3/FAST FOOD crispy calamari, honeyand weekly specials. is a small but popular FRANCAIS French glazed walnut prawn 3001 Bridgeway, space, so arrive early Owned and operated or lemon chicken.

415.331.0390, or be prepared for a by the owners of Le Staying in? Feng kittisplace.com wait. 1311 Bridgeway, Garage, F3 serves Nian delivery availb $$ s ∞ LD 415.331.3034, light brunch, lunch and able. 2650 Bridgeway, house-restaurants.com dinner featuring 415.331.5300, LE GARAGE French $$ s BL “Frenchified” American fengnian.com Escape the tourist comfort food. A rotatb $$ s LD crush for an indulgent MURRAY CIRCLE ing menu includes meal right on the water.

American Cavallo items like the Luxe FISH. Seafood The ultiThe atmosphere is aniPoint’s acclaimed burger (Diestel turmate place for freshly mated with light French restaurant features key, brie, lettuce and a caught fare. Order the music (à la Amélie), local seasonal fare by Postage fried egg topped with fish tacos, ceviche and and the much-adored executive chef Justin Tiburon, CA 94920 truffle aioli). Enjoy a bottle of wine and croque-monsieur is Everett, with pairings BARREL HOUSE COPITA Mexican Chef with a side of Brussels take in the bay views under $10. Indoor from an extensive wine TAVERN California Joanne Weir serves sprout chips or pomon the open-air deck. or outdoor seating. list and tempting desStop by Barrel House up Mexican fare in the mes dauphines (tater Casual; bring cash (lots 85 Liberty Ship Way, serts. Stop by Farley for great local food heart of Sausalito. The ____________________________________________________ tots). 39 Caledonia St, of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.332.5625, Bar for cocktails with a enhanced by fantastic ever-changing menu 415.887.9047, eatf3.com 415.331.3474, legaragebistro view. 601 Murray Circle, bay and city views. The is gluten-free, and the ____________________________________________________ s $$ s ∞ LD BR 331fish.com sausalito.com 415.339.4750, relaxed urban setting in-house tequila bar b $$$ s ∞ LD b $$$ s ∞ BLD BR cavallopoint.com is a perfect match for offers over 100 varieties FENG NIAN Chinese s $$$ s ∞ C BLD BR the barrel-aged cockand fantastic ____________________________________________________ cocktails.

This spacious popular KITTI’S PLACE Thai/ LIGHTHOUSE American tails. 660 Bridgeway, Dine at the bar or on ____________________________________________________ hangout has served up California This homeA great spot to grab a NAPA VALLEY BURGER 415.729.9593, the outdoor patio for wonton soup, pot stickstyle family restaurant classic breakfast — the COMPANY American barrelhousetavern.com great people-watching. ers and daily specials has been in Sausalito fruit pancakes, omelets Incorporating local, s $$$ s ∞ LD º 739 Bridgeway, for nearly two decades.

20 years and features and Danish-influenced all-natural and organic 415.331.7400, For an indulgent treat, likeof lettuce dishes will| make you a produce and meats, CIBO Cafe Located in a copitarestaurant.com Trestle Trail - Walk Your Railroad History -favorites Think Your Future trestletrail.org order the Szechwan cups, soft spring rolls return customer. This this burger joint historic brick building s $$ s ∞ LD BR

Phone (

ball court. Order one on Sausalito’s main of the sourdough bread drag, this is a great pizzas and a glass of place to a sip a quick cup wine and you’ll see of coffee outdoors. The why this casual eatery, menu offers tarts, croisoverseen by Robert sants, cookies, paninis Price of Buckeye and and soups. Every dish is Bungalow 44, has made from scratch with become a local favorlocal and seasonal prodite. 1250 Bridgeway, ucts. 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, 415.331.2426, TPF / Trestle cibosausalito.com Trail barbocce.com PO Box 210 $$ s ∞ BL s $$ s ∞ LD

GIFT WRAPPED DONOR TIES AND SPIKES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

To Old Rail Trail, Blackie’s Pasture

TRESTLE TRAIL

Turnaround Area Viewing Benches Donor Tie with Bronze Plaque*

Historic Trestle Timbers Tiburon Blvd.

Historic NWPR Rail Exhibit

TRESTLE TRAIL AT BLACKIE’S PASTURE — A TIBURON PENINSULA FOUNDATION PROJECT Donor Ties, shown above, will be embedded along the new Trestle Trail slated to begin construction in 2017. Each tie will feature a bronze plaque inscribed with a memorial, a favorite quote or a message to the future of the donor’s choosing. The phrase on each

plaque will last and be seen by all who walk the trail for years to come. A Donor Tie represents a $2,000 tax deductible donation to the construction of Trestle Trail. Beautifully gift wrapped Donor Ties (symbolic) and Spikes make meaningful and lasting holiday gifts.

TRESTLETRAIL.ORG OR PHONE 415.435.1853 • CONSTRUCTION STARTS IN SPRING 2017

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Out & About / DINE serves up gourmet patties, fries, root beer floats and more. With outdoor and indoor tables, the space can accommodate up to 100 people. 670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454, napavalleyburger company.com s $$ s ∞ L

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

Private dining rooms above the restaurant can accommodate larger parties (10 to 150 guests). 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND BAR California/Mexican Chef/owner Sean Saylor uses fresh local ingredients and seafood to create a distinctively Cabo combination of California and Mexican cuisine. Serving more than 200 varieties of tequilas that are even better when enjoyed in the private Cabo Wabo room named for (and approved by) Mill Valley’s own tequila master, Sammy Hagar.

2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylors restaurantandbar.com s $$ s ∞ C LD º

SCOMA’S OF SAUSALITO Italian The Scoma’s boat fishes seasonally, going out from Pier 47 and is approved for salmon and Dungeness crab resulting in fresh catches year-round.

The menu regularly features whole crabs, chowders, grilled fish and house specialties. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomas sausalito.com s $$ C LD SEAFOOD PEDDLER RESTAURANT AND FISH MARKET Seafood The fish is bought daily from local fisherman and recipes are adjusted to incorporate the freshest catch. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com s $$$ s ∞ LD BR º SEAHORSE Italian The spacious dining area, accompanied by a dance floor and stage, make Seahorse ideal for celebrations large and small. Enjoy a modern twist on classic Tuscan coastal cuisine while grooving to the nightly live music and entertainment. 305 Harbor Dr, 415.331.2899, sausalitoseahorse.com b $$$ ∞ C LD BR º SUSHI RAN Japanese Sample innovative small plates before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake.

Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com s $$ ∞ LD

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

Italian cuisine in a quaint setting.

Traditional selections include chicken piccata, organic roasted rack of lamb and house-made pesto. 114 Main St, 415.435.0400, donantoniotrattoria.com b $$ D

TOMMY’S WOK Chinese Fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes fulfill the Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in and great takeout for a night at home. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.332.5818, tommyswok.com b $$ s ∞ LD

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

Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.

5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD º

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

TIBURON CAPRICE California Book the private party room for large groups or just relax in this romantic dinner spot.

Take advantage of the restaurant’s wellpriced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss prime rib Mondays.

2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com s $$$ D DON ANTONIO TRATTORIA Italian Located in Tiburon’s Ark Row, this trattoria serves authentic

LUNA BLU Sicilian Executive chef Renzo Azzarello and his wife, Crystal, serve English afternoon tea (a special service by reservation only). The menu changes daily, incorporating seasonal, fresh and organic produce. The restaurant has partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. In 2014 diners voted Luna Blu one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America. 35 Main St, 415.789.5844 s $$$ s ∞ LD MILANO Italian Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this familyowned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. Favorites like the cheesy garlic bread and pesto keep customers coming back. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100 s $$ s ∞ LD

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NEW MORNING CAFE American Sit outside or in at this casual cafe.

On a sunny morning, the place is filled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch is served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315 s ∞ BL RUSTIC BAKERY California The newest location of this beloved bakery offers the same menu as the other locations as well as outdoor dining. Enjoy a wide selection of fresh salads, sandwiches and pastries on the boardwalk. 1550 Tiburon Blvd, 415.797.6123, rusticbakery.com b $$ s C BLD BR SALT & PEPPER American This sunfilled one-room restaurant, featuring hardwood floors and blue-checkered tablecloths, is an area favorite. Popular items include scallops, ribeye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594 b s ∞ LD SERVINO RISTORANTE Italian Chef and owner Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on the bay in Tiburon, Servino also prides itself on itsextensive sustainable seafood program. Savor la dolce vita on the waterfront patio. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º

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

WEST MARIN NICK’S COVE American Nick’s Cove offers a coastal escape on Tomales Bay, serving famous barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails using home-grown ingredients. Large windows in the 130seat restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. (Marshall).

23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR OSTERIA STELLINA California Whether it’s to cap off a ay of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and features local, organic ingredients. If you’re up for something unusual, try the goat shoulder, a hit with both tourists and locals (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com b $$ s LD PARKSIDE CAFE American Perfect for a sit-down alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach.

Beautiful patio garden seating, ocean views, and private wood-fired dinners make this café a relaxing retreat. If you’re on the go, check out the new market and bakery. Choose from an Admissions_Grad_MM_Ad_Sq_CLThorne_2016.indd 1

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Out & About / FLAVOR

RECIPE

Salted Caramel Apple Pie YIELDS THREE 5-INCH MINI PIES

Ingredients 2½ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 2V cups sugar 1V cups chilled butter ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup cold water ½ cup and 1½ teaspoon heavy cream L cup butter ¼ cup cornstarch ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 5 apples, cut into 16 slices and then halved (32 slices per apple) 1 egg

Larkspur’s newest ice cream shop is the real deal.

OCA L, A RTISA NA L, ORGA NIC, farm-to-table — these terms get thrown around so often they begin to lose meaning, but not for the chef and owner of Posie, Kyle Caporicci.

After working in some of the Bay Area’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants over the last decade, including Commis in Oakland and Campton Place in San Francisco, he decided it was time to build something of his own. Surprised at the overwhelming number of gourmet scoop shops that rely on premade ice cream base, Caporicci set out to create completely organic ice cream. “Many places may use organic base and then mix in commercially sourced ingredients like Oreos or cornflakes,” Caporicci says. At Posie, opened this past summer, everything from cookies to biscuits to the cobbler added to ice cream bases is organic and made in-house. The bases are also pasteurized on site. “Pasteurizing is time-consuming and tedious, but doing it in the shop allows a lot of creative control to adjust the base for every flavor,” he adds.

If a flavor showcases a naturally bitter ingredient, more sugar is added to the base to counteract it.

If alcohol (like bourbon) is featured in an ice cream, the cream is increased to perfect the consistency. Aside from ice cream, Posie also offers lunch options and desserts. Here, Caporicci shares the recipe for a holiday-ready dessert. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

DEBRA TARRANT

L

Made From Scratch

To Prepare For pie dough 1 Pour flour, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 2 tablespoons of the sugar into food processor. Pulse to mix. 2 Add the chilled cubed butter to processor. Pulse. 3 Add vinegar and ¼ cup water; pulse until incorporated but still crumbly.

4 On a cutting board, knead dough into a log shape. 5 Refrigerate at least 2 hours. For salted caramel 1 Put 1 cup of the sugar in a bowl, add ¼ cup water, and mix by hand until consistency resembles wet sand. Pour into pot. 2 Cook at medium heat until sugar turns amber color.

3 Slowly and carefully add all the cream to heated sugar. 4 While stirring, add L cup butter slowly until it’s fully melted. 5 Add ½ teaspoon salt. 6 Pour into container and refrigerate.

For apple filling 1 Mix 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and pinch of salt in a bowl and toss with apple slices. Let sit 30 minutes. To assemble 1 Prepare an egg wash using 1 egg. 2 Preheat oven to 400°F. 3 Cut pie dough log into 6 even pieces. 4 Roll out each piece and line your trio of 5-inch pie tins with 3 of the pieces (1 each).

5 Fill each tin with heaping amounts of the apple filling. 6 Add a generous scoop of salted caramel to each pie. 7 Add the top pieces of the dough to each pie. Crimp the bottoms and tops together.

8 Cut an X on the top of each pie for venting.

Paint tops with egg wash. 9 Bake for 15 minutes.

Lower oven to 350°F and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes or until top is dark golden brown and caramel is bubbling out of the top.

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array of organic, locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD RANCHO NICASIO American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab cakes to garlic-rosemary lamb medallions, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week.

Be sure to stop in for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m.

Monday to Friday. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º SAND DOLLAR American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year. Enjoy live music along with barbecued local oysters and New England clam chowder. The sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson).

3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com s $$ s ∞ LD SIR & STAR AT THE OLEMA California The historic inn has reopened as a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a delicious yet affordable menu. Try the house-made bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stuffed quail, then come back and work your way through the entire menu — most items are $20 or less (Olema).

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO /EAST BAY AQ RESTAURANT & BAR California AQ takes seasonal to a new level, not only adapting the menu but also transforming the decor of the entire venue to match the weather outside. 1085 Mission St, 415.341.9000, aq-sf.com s $$$ ∞ D BENU Asian/French Plan on a formal and sophisticated evening.

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

Wish I could skip the ‘‘ shopping crowds this season!’’

Beauty. Simplicity. Creativity.

The elegance of clean, modern design.

Free gift-wrapping. Attentive, experienced sales staff.

All this plus thousands of handcrafted designer gifts for your home and tabletop, wearable art, jewelry, and much more await you at Terrestra in downtown Mill Valley. Featuring the largest-in-USA selection of fine leather goods from Mywalit of Lucca, Italy.

Wish granted.

30 MILLER AVENUE ON DEPOT PLAZA ■ 1-888-808-GIFT

BOULI BAR American/ Mediterranean Head to Boulettes Larder’s new bar and dining room for the savory flavors of spicy lamb, feta and mint or the bittersweetness of salad topped with barberries, bulgur and pomegranate, all in a setting with handsome wood tables and an open kitchen. The dining room can be reserved for parties of up to 24 on request. The views of the Bay Bridge punctuate an unmistakably San Francisco setting. 1 Ferry Building, 415.399.1155, bouletteslarder.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD BR

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BOXING ROOM Cajun The Southern comfort of Louisiana, updated to fit the polished elegance of the city. Indulge in authentic Cajunstyle eats and fresh California seafood. 399 Grove St, 415.430.6590, boxingroom.com s $$$ s LD BR º

match, the endless pizza choices and flavorful pasta and meat selections here will more than satisfy your appetite and take you back in time to the mobster days of the 1920s. 641 Vallejo St, 415.986.8998, sfcapos.com s $$$ s ∞ D º

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

CLIFF HOUSE California Great food, beautiful view and lots of history — what else could you want? An awardwinning wine list?

They have that too. Not only does Cliff ouse boast a popular Sunday champagne brunch, it also focuses on local, organic, sustainable ingredients and seafood on its everyday menu. 1090 Point Lobos, 415.386.3330, cliffhouse.c s $$ s BLD

CAPO’S CHICAGO Italian If you’re craving classic Chicago-style Italian and a venue to

DABBA Indian Inspired by the Indian-Mexican restaurant Avatar’s in Mill Valley, this latest twist on the concept comes from tech entrepreneur Andy Mercy and former French Laundry and Spruce chef, Walter Abrams.

Applying Abrams’ precision, palate and creativity to global culinary traditions, Dabba offers worldly flavors “wrapped in a California state of mind.” 71 Stevenson St, 415.236.3984, dabba.com b $$ ∞ LD EPIC STEAK American An upscale meat lover’s mecca with a sophisticated atmosphere, Epic Steak’s bayside location delivers on all fronts. Professional

service, choice cuts of prime rib and chocolate souffles are among the things that keep patrons coming back.

An upstairs bar is also a happy hour favorite.

369 Embarcadero, 415.369.9955, epicsteak.com s $$$ ∞ LD º ESPETUS CHURRASCARIA Brazilian This steakhouse boasts a tasting menu of 14 meat courses grilled in the traditional Brazilian method. Patrons control the pace of the prix fixe experience with colored signal cards. 1686 Market St, 415.552.8792, espetus.com s $$$ s C LD HAKKASAN Chinese The rich-flavored

slow-braised beef and the crispy duck salad are popular at this San Francisco destination.

Private dining rooms are offered: the Jade Room complete with lazy Susan and the larger Dragon Room for cocktail parties or dinners. 1 Kearny St, 415.829.8148, hakkasan.com s $$$ C LD LA FOLIE French Chef Roland Passot serves critically acclaimed fare in this intimate, family-run restaurant located in Russian Hill but the menu highlights ingredients from farms in Marin and Sonoma and all along the Pacific Coast and the greater Northwest. 2316 Polk St, 415.776.5577, lafolie.com s $$$ D

MAYBECK’S American BIX and Fog City alums Erik Lowe and Aaron Toensing serve inventive American standards like St. Louis–style toasted raviolis and green chileapple pie with a cheddar cheese crust. The chefs explore regional culinary traditions and translate them into a Northern Californian lexicon as evidenced by their playful menu and a Negroni-centered bar. 3213 Scott St, 415.939.2726, maybecks.com s $$ C D MICHAEL MINA Japanese/French Michael Mina has clearly mastered the fine line between award-winning art and Alaskan halibut. Each brilliantly crafted dish

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gives diners a delicate blend of flavors that add up to a distinctive, luxurious dining experience. 252 California St, 415.397.9222, michaelmina.net s $$$ LD NAMU GAJI Asian/ California A clean and natural design in a streamlined setting, where housemade shiitake mushroom dumplings and succulent grilled beef tongue are among the many options to discover.

499 Dolores St, 415.431.6268, namusf.com s $$ s LD BR º NOPA California The easy California menu shows off oasted chicken and pork chops, with a bouquet of appetizers to set the

mood. Although this S.F. destination is busy almost every night (a good sign), the wait at the legendary bar is half the fun. 560 Divisadero St, 415.864.8643, nopasf.com s D BR PERRY’S American Perry’s, for over 45 years an institution on Union Street in San Francisco, is known for its classic American food, its warm personable service and its bustling bar. Signature dishes include traditional Cobb salad, prime steaks and, of course, the renowned hamburger. Perry’s also serves a weekend brunch. Hotel Griffon, 155 Steuart St, 415.495.6500, perryssf.com s $$ s ∞ C D º

PIKANHAS BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Steakhouse This all-you-can-eat steakhouse located in Point Richmond offers different cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken that are slowly cooked with special grills to preserve all the natural juices and flavors.

25 W. Richmond Ave, Richmond 510.237.7585, pikanhassteak house.com b $$ s LD RICE PAPER SCISSORS Vietnamese At this Mission District spot with a pop-up sibling, try the popular grilled steak bahn mi on one of the bright red stools and stay warm with a pot of tea. 1710 Mission St, 415.878.6657, ricepaperscissors.com $$ s ∞ LD

RICH TABLE California A bright, relaxed environment for savoring fresh ingredients grown only feet from the kitchen, creative and quirky cocktails and California wine. 199 Gough St, 415.355.9085, richtablesf.com s $$$ D SESSIONS AT THE PRESIDIO American Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge, this restaurant has serious ties to Marin.

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

Drive, 415.655.9413, sessionssf.com s $$ ∞ LD STATE BIRD PROVISIONS American With a wide variety of choices, from fresh local seafood to spicy kimchi yuba to savory pancakes,

not to mention a full range of poultry, this uncommon dim sum– style setup features a little bit of everything.

1529 Fillmore St, 415.795.1272, statebirdsf.com b $$ s D

KEY TO SYMBOLS s b $ $$ $$$ s ∞ C BLD BR º

Full bar Wine and beer Inexpensive ($10 or less per entree) Moderate (up to $20) Expensive ($20 and over) Kid-friendly Outdoor seating Private party room Seating: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Brunch Happy hour

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

Bustle & Twine

Intimate or Grand • Informal or Lavish The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap is the

Premier Destination for Weddings in Marin

The Perfect Setting to say “I Do”

333 Biscayne Drive • San Rafael, CA 94901-1599 415-453-4910 • www.peacockgapclubhouse.com

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On the Scene

S N A P S H OT S F R O M S P EC I A L E V E N T S I N M A R I N A N D S A N F R A N C I S CO

E D I T E D B Y DA N I E L J E W E T T

Christopher B. and Jeannie Smith

Zoë Elton, Justin Hurwitz, Damien Chazelle, Emma Stone and Mark Fishkin

Amy Adams

• MVFF OPENING NIGHT GALA Actresses Emma Stone and Amy Adams were in attendance for the Mill Valley Film Festival’s opening night gala October 6 at Marin Country Mart.

Zara Babitzke, Chuck MacLellan, Frida Sakhi Javed and Kate MacLellan

• MOCA MUSEUM AND AHO MURAL RECEPTION This special event for AHO on August 8 celebrated homeless youth transformation through the creation of murals that give them the opportunity to share their stories.

Pat Monahan, Sara Agah and Michael Franti

DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY (MVFF, ROCKERS BALL)

• ROCKERS BALL The first ever Do It For the Love ball was hosted by Michael Franti and raised more than $350,000 on September 21 at the Fairmont San Francisco.

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Peter and Kim Popjevalo and Franko Salvatore

Chris DeNike and Tor Stahl

Deborah, Jonathan and Olivia Parker

Katie and Salde Ezzeddine

Pamela Bleier and Gary Vanacker

Lois Scheinberg and Cyd Gardner

• MVFF GUIDE PARTY Marin Magazine celebrated its third annual guide with drinks, appetizers and special guests October 13 at Mill Valley’s Seager Gray Gallery, followed by a screening of The Architect by director Jonathan Parker.

MO DELONG (MVFF GUIDE PARTY); HERMAN PRIVETTE (MV FALL ARTS)

• BEYOND THE BOOK BASH The seventh annual event held September 30 at the Throckmorton Theatre raised more than $80,000 for library programs and featured luminaries such as Sammy Hagar, David Talbot and Michael Krasny.

Debra Schwartz and Bill Hoppin

Lynn Brinton, Michael Krasny and Eileen Hansen

• MILL VALLEY FALL ARTS FESTIVAL Attendees enjoyed works from more than 130 local and national artists, as well as live music and children’s entertainment September 17–18 at Mill Valley’s Old Mill Park.

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• DECKER BULLOCK SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY The Lark Theater played host to the real estate firm on October 3 as it increased brand awareness by screening 14 short films celebrating its agents.

Sammy and Kari Hagar, Deborah Goldman and Bill Lampl

Kevin Dwyer, Lydia Sarkissian, Bill Bullock and Magdalena Sarkissian

• KIDDO! CONCERT Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Bob Weir and Vic Johnson played an acoustic concert benefiting the organization September 19 at the Sweetwater Music Hall.

Cindy Rome Sundberg, Haley Rome and Robert Sundberg

Gail and Craig Womack

PATTY SPINKS (STEPPING OUT)

• STEPPING OUT FASHION SHOW More than 500 attended and more than $350,000 was raised September 24 at Marin Center, all benefiting To Celebrate Life’s cancer grants program.

TO SEE MORE EVENT PHOTOS VISIT MARINMAGAZINE.COM/HOTTICKET 108 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 M A R I N

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ADVERTISING PR O MOTIO N

DINE out

EALS DEALS ON M

Deals on Meals Enjoy local restaurants and save 30 percent on meals. Check out the participating restaurants in our “Deals on Meals” section and experience big

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

Dine local — save big time!

Serving Marin County since 1954, Marin Joe’s offers award-winning food, a full bar, live music and a classic ambience. Known for our Italian cuisine, we also serve up fan favorites: steak, cheeseburger and table-side Caesar salad. We have a festive banquet room available for parties.

In Japanese, Robata means “by the fireside” and refers to the grill-style cooking of northern Japanese fishermen. Our menu offers traditional as well as contemporary fare. Over 25 premium sakes. Come see why we’ve been Marin’s favorite Japanese restaurant for over 30 years.

Marin Joe’s 1585 Casa Buena Drive Corte Madera, CA

Robata Grill & Sushi 591 Redwood Hwy. Mill Valley, CA

415.924.2081 marinjoesrestaurant.com

415.381.8400 robatagrill.com

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

Sitting atop the Bay with unobstructed views, Scoma’s delights with incredibly fresh, creative food and warm, personal service. We offer steaming whole crabs, hearty chowders, clams, perfectly grilled fish and specialties. Seasonal offerings and perennial favorites keep the menu as lively as the daily catch.

RangeCafe Bar and Grill 333 Biscayne Drive San Rafael, CA

Scoma’s Sausalito 588 Bridgeway Sausalito, CA

bar and grill

415.454.6450 rangecafe.net

415.332.9551 scomassausalito.com

GO TO MARINMAGAZINE.COM/DINEOUT AND SAVE 30 PERCENT ON MEALS

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Clothing, Jewelry, Handbags, Accessories & Gifts

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FEATURING:

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With a portion of profits benefiting the Global Fund for Women, In Her Shoes proves that looking good and doing good don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

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EMBELLISH handcrafted accessories 560 San Anselmo Avenue | San Anselmo, California

Handmade and CustomJewelry 415.747.8876 www.embellishmarin.com Mention “Marin Magazine” for 20% off any item.

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Barbara Westwood© Family Heirloom Ring™ with diamonds & Garfolo© 18k Veneto™ earrings with Rhodolite garnets & diamonds.

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Silvia Poloto, Urban Ore, 2016, photo: Don Felton Almac Camera

For sales and art-placement services, visit sfmoma.org/artists-gallery

100 ARTISTS

Marin’s Original Reclaimed Wood Company www.blacksfarmwood.com San Rafael Showroom

By Appointment 415.454.8312

icb-artists.com 480 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito, CA

Open 11am-6pm. Free parking. Elevator access.

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“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.”

– Unknown

Best wishes this holiday season from the Marin Opes Team!

Jeff Smith

Karen Burrous

Mortgages

Nolan Misitano

Investments

Erin Whalen

Kelly Fitzpatrick

Advice

415.526.4460 | 1100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 108 Larkspur, CA 94939 | opesmarin.com Opes Advisors is licensed by the CA Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License #4150089, CA Bureau of Real Estate 01458652, loans will be made pursuant to the Residential Mortgage Lending Act, CO Registration Regulated by the Division of Real Estate, Idaho MBL8530, Montana Mortgage Lender License #235584, Oregon ML4902, Washington CL1178435, Wyoming #2667 and NMLS 235584. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Opes Advisors is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Advisors: Jeff Smith NMLS 237059, Karen Burrous NMLS 285939. © 2016 Opes Advisors, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Marin Home FRO M TO U R S A N D M A K EOV E R S TO D ECO R AT IV E D E TA I L S A N D R E A LTO R I N S I G H T S

The modern, opaque glass door lends an updated touch to this renovated home.

NATURAL FIT Boston transplants fi d a San Rafael Eichler that satisfies all the items on their wish list.

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

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Marin Home / BACKSTORY

R

IGHT NEXT TO the front door of Taryn Forrelli and Mark Elliott’s San Rafael home, there’s a cutout in the covered outdoor entryway, which allows a soaring evergreen to shoot through. It’s a fitting welcome, as both Forrelli and Elliott work in the natural products industry and fell in love with the home, in part, because of its openness to the landscape.

“Our lives are very much about being in touch with nature,” Forrelli says.

In fact, that’s partly why they moved. The couple, who are both cyclists and hikers, were living in Boston with their two children when Forelli, a naturopathic physician by training, was offered a job at a vitamin company startup in San Francisco. “We were tired of the cold weather,” she says, “and it was time for a change.”

After facing the sticker shock of Marin home prices, though, they decided to rent for a while, living first in Corte Madera and then San Anselmo. When their second lease ended earlier this year, they decided to buy. On their wish list? An aesthetically interesting home that was move-in ready, in a good school district.

So they threw the kids in the car one Sunday and took a tour of open houses, including this renovated Eichler. When Forrelli walked in, she was struck by how tranquil it seemed. Her first thought: “This actually feels good.”

Their realtor, Debbie Bernier, thought so too. “I was really surprised to find an Eichler in this condition, on a flat lot, in the Dixie school district, in this price range,” she says.

Forrelli, who reads design magazines in her leisure time, found that the house, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and many

sliding-glass doors, was a fitting backdrop for her style, a mix of midcentury modern, artistic and, of course, natural. In the living room, for example, beneath the classic Eichler beamed ceiling, she’s combined a gray Design Within Reach sectional couch with a “Dune” rug by Liora Manne (“It looked like sand to me,” Forrelli says) and vibrant cubist-style paintings

by Douglas Theralson and Marlina Vera.

But her favorite room in the house is the master bedroom, which has glass doors and is anchored by a slatted palm-wood platform bed, above which Forrelli has hung a wonderfully simple piece of cream-and-black fabric.

The windows have no curtains, so the couple wakes to a view of the hills. “I love this house’s feeling of peace and openness,” says Forrelli, “and the way it allows me to bring the elements of nature in.” m

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Opposite page: The kitchen features copper chairs from Blu Dot and a Hans Wegner table, as well as access to the outdoors. This page, clockwise from top left: The master bedroom, with white oak floors and palm-wood platform bed; the living room, with couch and shibori-dyed pillows; the Forrelli-Elliott family; the glasstiled backsplash in the kitchen; a child’s bedroom.

THE DETAILS WHERE THEY PURCHASED The Terra Linda neighborhood of San Rafael WHAT THEY BOUGHT A renovated, three-bedroom Eichler LISTING AGENT For sale by owner SELLING AGENT Debbie Bernier, Pacific Union and Christie’s International Real Estate THE STATS Price per square foot for homes in the neighborhood: $582–$741

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Marin Home / NEIGHBORHOODS

WHERE THEY LIVE

Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

101

MILL VALLEY

Scott Valley

Marin’s diverse geography includes everything from urban area to seashore, freeways to mountains. This month we look at Mill Valley’s Scott Valley. DEBRA TARRANT

WALKABILITY SCORE This location has a Walk Score of 31 out of 100, which is considered mostly car dependent. Most errands require a vehicle.

HIGHEST-PRICE HOME SALE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS $2,800,000 LOWEST-PRICE HOME SALE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS $499,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mill Valley School District includes Edna Maguire Elementary School (K–5) and Mill Valley Middle School (6–8). Older kids go to Tamalpais High School.

NEAREST RETAIL SHOPPING Downtown Mill Valley and Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur.

Darin Delagnes

NEAREST GROCERY SHOPPING The Alto Center at 773 E. Blithedale has all the basics: Whole Foods Market, CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks, UPS Store, a nail salon and the Mill Valley Post Office.

Home prices provided by estately.com.

DEBRA TARRANT

When we were kids, the open space gave us the opportunity to explore and enjoy the outdoors. We rode our bikes and skateboards, built forts and played ball on Midhill Drive.

HOMES The first homes here were built in the mid-1960s.

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HOME IS WHERE Love resides, Memories are created, Friends always welcome, Holidays are celebrated.

The Bowman Group Celebrating Relationships

TheBowmanGroupMarin.com

415.717.8950 BRE# 1933147

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS Celebrating the magic of Marin.

Marin County San Francisco Wine Country Palm Springs

vanguardproperties.com BRE # 01392561

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WE FOUND OUR DRE AM HOME IN MARIN. LE T US HELP YOU FIND OR SELL YOURS. The Costa Group delivers home listing and sales experience with hands-on availability, to elevate your Real Estate sale or purchase and bring you home.

YOUR HOME AWAITS Profit from The Costa Group’s 30+ years combined experience as a top-producing Real Estate team ranked in the Top 1% of San Francisco area Realtors. From THE CITY to THE COUNTY, experience our extraordinary service; involvement and concern for you and your lifestyle; and commitment to bringing you the best value for your home.

Franck Costa & Sara Werner Costa SAN FRANCISCO & MARIN REAL ESTATE

415.730.2604 www.thecostagroup.com info@thecostagroup.com BRE# 01853603 | BRE# 01772972 r e a l

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//

Alain Pinel Realtors®

WE’RE LOCAL TIB U RO N

$3,995,000

2457 Mar East Street | 6bd/4.5ba H. Carter/C. DeRouen | 415.730.9445 2457MarEast.com

MILL VA L L EY

$2,750,000

13 Daffodil Lane | 4bd/3.5ba JoAnne Berlin | 415.847.0301 13Daffodil.com

MILL VA L L EY

$2,408,000

848 Lovell Avenue | 4bd/2ba Kristine Tiret | 415.310.0269 848LovellAve.com

SA N R A FA E L

$3,900,000

40 Fairway Drive | 5bd/6.5ba John Adlam | 415.515.4779 40FairwayDr.com

M ILL VA LLEY

$2,750,000

3 Heron Drive | 3bd/3.5ba Dennis Naranche | 415.496.2927 3HeronDrive.com

M ILL VA LLEY

$1,795,000

61 Monte Cimas Avenue | 4bd/2ba Kathleen Delehanty | 415.755.8300 61MonteCimas.com

M IL L VAL L EY

$2,795,000

477 Summit Avenue | 5bd/3.5ba Margritha Fliegauf | 415.999.7310 477SummitMillValley.com

SA N GERON I M O

$2,500,000

48 W Nicasio Road | 4bd/3.5ba Donna Goldman | 415.509.2427 48WNicasio.com

G REEN B R AE

$1,650,000

57 Paseo Way | 4bd/2.5ba Camille & David Jampolsky | 415.308.5126 57PaseoWay.com

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APR.COM

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Over 30 Offices Serving The Bay Area Including 6 Offices in Marin County 415.755.1111

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Alain Pinel Realtors®

WE’RE GLOBAL MA RBE L L A , S PA I N

P ROV IDE N C IA LE S , T U R K S & C A IC O S

I B I Z A, S PAI N

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: DEXY $18,000,000

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: QOWB $12,500,000

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: PISY $5,850,000

VIC TO RI A , BC , C A N A DA

M Y KO N O S , G R E E C E

SA N TA AN A, COSTA R I CA

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: ADLY $5,526,757

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: FEXY $2,415,989

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: TVSW $2,295,000

AUC KL A N D , N EW ZE A L A N D

PA R A DIS E WAT E R S , AU ST R A LIA

RUVIGLIANA, SWITZERLAND

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: HZZY PRICE UPON REQUEST

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: SENT PRICE UPON REQUEST

LuxuryPortfolio.com | WEB ID: CMVT PRICE UPON REQUEST

APR.COM

Over 30 Offices Serving The Bay Area Including 6 Offices in Marin County 415.755.1111

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11/7/16 9:08 AM

437+/-Acres For Sale in Nicasio

Mike Hood

MtZionRanch-Nicasio.com

415.710.9976 mike@mhood.com mhood.com

One of the most rare and sought-after parcels in Marin County is now available for sale. 437+/pristine acres, bordering Skywalker Properties, offers a multitude of uses for the discerning buyer. Only an approximete 40 minute drive from San Francisco, the access is seamless and the views are incomparable. Enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Downtown SF skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Tamalpais and Marin County Ridgelines. Stunning, conceptual plans for an exclusive family compound included in sale. Old growth redwood groves, seasonal creeks, meadows and abundant wildlife can also be found throughout the property. Trail and open space combine for the perfect recreation destination for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Other potential uses include an equestrian property/estate, agricultural, vineyard, or executive retreat.

Offered at $8,998,000

Zach Trailer

650.906.8008 ztrailer@zachtrailer.com ZachTrailer.com

Casa Suenos

Casa Suenos

187 DIPSEA ROAD, SEADRIFT LAGOON 187 DIPSEA ROAD, SEADRIFT LAGOON

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n the tranquil waters of the Seadrift n the tranquil waters of the Seadrift Lagoon rests a double-wide lagoon house Lagoon rests a double-wide lagoon house affectionately called “Casa Suenos”. This home is affectionately called “Casa Suenos”. This home is the perfect Seadrift retreat. The home features 120 the perfect Seadrift retreat. The home features 120 feet of waterfront decks perfect for preparing for feet of waterfront decks perfect for preparing for paddle boarding. There is a guest house completely paddle boarding. There is a guest house completely separated from the main house with kitchenette separated from the main house with kitchenette too. Wonderfully beachy and casual, this is the too. Wonderfully beachy and casual, this is the summer house that you get to enjoy year round. summer house that you get to enjoy year round.

OFFERED AT $3,995,000 OFFERED AT $3,995,000

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APR.COM

Sands of Happiness ds of Happiness

14 FRANCISCO PATIO, STINSON BEACH ISCO PATIO, STINSON BEACH

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n a quiet cul-de-sac, just 35 minutes from et cul-de-sac, just 35 minutes from San Francisco, is one of the most charming ncisco, is one of the most charming and dramatic beach houses. This quintessential beach houses. This quintessential beach cottage/compound is a seductive blend ge/compound is a seductive blend of sand, wood, charm and privacy. The elevated d, charm and privacy. The elevated master bedroom will provide all the tranquility om will provide all the tranquility needed to melt away stress. The home is tastefully lt away stress. The home is tastefully decorated to provide relaxed living that only the provide relaxed living that only the beach provides. Life is better at the beach! es. Life is better at the beach!

OFFERED AT $2,995,000

OFFERED AT $2,995,000

Casa Suenos Casa Suenos 187 DIPSEA ROAD, SEADRIFT LAGOON

187 DIPSEA ROAD, SEADRIFT LAGOON

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n the tranquil waters of the Seadrift n the tranquil waters of the Lagoon Seadriftrests a double-wide lagoon house Lagoon rests a double-wide affectionately lagoon housecalled “Casa Suenos”. This home is affectionately called “Casa Suenos”.the This homeSeadrift is perfect retreat. The home features 120 the perfect Seadrift retreat. The home 120 feetfeatures of waterfront decks perfect for preparing for feet of waterfront decks perfect forpaddle preparing for There is a guest house completely boarding. paddle boarding. There is a guest house completely separated from the main house with kitchenette separated from the main house with kitchenette too.

Wonderfully beachy and casual, this is the too. Wonderfully beachy and casual, this house is the that you get to enjoy year round. summer summer house that you get to enjoy year round.

OFFERED AT $3,995,000 OFFERED AT $3,995,000

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Arts and Cr afts Bungalow Arts and Cr afts Bungalow

Sands of Happiness ds of Happiness 14 FRANCISCO PATIO, STINSON BEACH

ISCO PATIO, STINSON BEACH

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n a quiet cul-de-sac, just 35 minutes from et cul-de-sac, just 35 minutes San from Francisco, is one of the most charming ncisco, is one of the most charmingbeach houses. This quintessential and dramatic beach houses. This beach quintessential cottage/compound is a seductive blend ge/compound is a seductive of sand, blend wood, charm and privacy. The elevated d, charm and privacy.master The elevated bedroom will provide all the tranquility om will provide all the tranquility needed to melt away stress. The home is tastefully lt away stress. The home is tastefully decorated to provide relaxed living that only the provide relaxed livingbeach that only the Life is better at the beach! provides. es. Life is better at the beach!

OFFERED AT $2,995,000

OFFERED AT $2,995,000

124 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 M A R I N ABRU ATHL E NR A NCY BUT LER A H N A N CSCYon v e n i e n t ly L o c at e d i n S t i n s on B e ac h

e n t ly L o c at e d i n S t i n s on B e ac h (415) 86 8- 0717 | o c e a n ic r e a lt y.c om 86 8- 0717 | o c e a n ic r e a lt y.c om AlainPinel_1216_FNL.indd 124

c a l br e # 01258 8 8 8

c a l br e # 01258 8 8 8

7 CALLE DEL RESACA, STINSON BEACH 7 CALLE DEL RESACA, STINSON BEACH

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lassic Arts and Crafts style beach house and just lassic Arts and Crafts style beach house and just a few houses back from the sand. The house a few houses back from the sand. The house was built in 1997 on a 4,800 square foot lot. There is was built in 1997 on a 4,800 square foot lot. There is mahogany and wainscoting throughout with an airy mahogany and wainscoting throughout with an airy and open upstairs master suite. There are white water and open upstairs master suite. There are white water ocean views from the upstairs. This beach house is ocean views from the upstairs. This beach house is SARAH NANCY BUTLER spacious with 3 bed and 2 (415) bath868-0717 (2 bed and bath on | DRE2#01258888 spacious with 3 bed and 2 bath (2 bed and 2 bath on tax records).There is a gentle transition from inside Conveniently Located in Stinson Beach tax records).There is a gentle transition from inside to outside hot tub retreat and garden.

The Highway, yard is 3470 Shoreline to outside hot tub retreat and garden. The yard is Stinson Beach, CA 94970, completely fenced and the propertyoceanicrealty.com has a great completely fenced and the property has a great vacation rental history.

Specializing in Sales, vacation rental history.

Vacation Rentals, and Property OFFERED AT $2,400,000 Management in Stinson Beach.

OFFERED AT $2,400,000

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SpECi ALiziNg S p E C i Arts ALiziNg and Cr afts iBungalow N SA L E S , Arts and Cr afts iBungalow N SA L E S , 7 CALLE DEL RESACA, VA CSTINSON A T i o N R EBEACH N TA L S , 7 CALLE DEL RESACA, BEACH VA CSTINSON AT i o N R E N TA L S , lassic Arts and Crafts style&beach just p R ohouse p E R Tand Y p R ohouse p E R Tand Y just lassic Arts and Crafts style&beach a few houses back from the sand.

The house M A NAgE M E N T i N MA N Asand. g E M EThe N T house iN a few houses back from the was built in 1997 on a 4,800 square foot lot. There is 11/7/16

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9:08 AM

NEW HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

Jill Friedlander

Or a refi to ring in the new year?

Marian Jung

NMLS# 282311 415-506-0200

NMLS# 304076 415-602-3689

Judy Stern

R. Scott Webster

Vincent Ferrer

Jorge Almaguer

NMLS# 299111 415-518-2205

Regional Manager NMLS# 238323 415-524-0778

Whatever 2017 has in store for you, we’re ready to listen carefully and earn your business, day in and day out, securing the best loan we can for you.

Curt Humphrey

Cassie Penn

NMLS# 1017849 415-385-9044

NMLS# 236751 415-328-0068

NMLS# 332375 415-524-0780

NMLS# 340379 415-968-6074

Season’s greetings – call or visit us soon!

415-755-4466 www.allwestern.com 851 IRWIN AVENUE #100, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901

NMLS# 985336

BEST WISHES FOR 2017 FAMILY JOY LAUGHTER LOVE

May all of your holiday season indicators be “off-the-charts!”

REFLECTION PEACE FUN

300 DRAKES LANDING ROAD, SUITE 120

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415.805.2900

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GREENBRAE, CA 94904

|

PA R A G O N - R E . C O M

M A R I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 125

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I needed a place to stop and smell the roses.

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NEW LISTINGS

1 2 3 4

RECENT SALES

107 J STREET

SAN RAFAEL

$2,995,000

91 FERNWOOD

SAN RAFAEL

$3,950,000

24 HEARTWOOD COURT SAN RAFAEL

$999,000

114 INEZ PLACE

MILL VALLEY

$7,800,000

5 6 7 8

15 CORINTHIAN CT. #32 TIBURON

$1,030,000

148 ROUNDTREE BLVD.

SAN RAFAEL

$535,000

203 BUTTERFIELD RD.

SAN ANSELMO $1,050,000

1171 BUTTERFIELD RD.

SAN ANSELMO $1,495,000

300 DRAKES LANDING RD., ST.120 GREENBRAE, CA 94904 PARAGON-RE.COM 415.805.2900

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THINK DYNAMIC & TENACIOUS Think Zephyr.

Highly competitive and nuanced, the Bay Area real estate market can be both challenging and rewarding. Zephyr turns local clients into successful home sellers, buyers and investors.

ZephyrRE.com

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SHAWN MERCER

HOLLY WELCH

THE FACES YOU KNOW NOW AT ZEPHYR 350 Bon Air Center #100 Greenbrae, CA 94904 415.496.2600 • ZephyrRE.com

TRISH KENNEY

DIANA MONTEMAYOR

JOE BARTON

IRYNA FOEHR

MANY THANKS

TO MY WONDERFUL CLIENTS! Enjoy this holiday season with your family and friends.

Beverly Shwert REALTOR®

LIC# 01342441

415.297.7811 bev@searchmarinhomes.com searchmarinhomes.com

GREENBRAE 350 Bon Air Center #100

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NOE VALLEY 4040 24th Street

PACIFIC HEIGHTS 2523 California Street

POTRERO HILL 1542 20th Street

UPPER MARKET 2282 Market Street

WEST PORTAL 215 West Portal Avenue

11/7/16 11:30 AM

COMING SOON...

460-9

is a l

outdo

ENGEL & VÖLKERS SAUSALITO

SAUSALITO

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415-872-7729

SAN FRANCISCO •

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PA R K C I T Y

SANFRANCISCO@EVUSA.COM

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NEWPORT BEACH •

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TOD

TRUCKEE

SANFRANCISCO.EVUSA.COM

5 8 2 C A S T R O S T R E E T, S A N F R A N C I S C O , C A 9 4 1 1 4

SAUS TODD

©2016 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principals of the Fair Housing Act. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

©2016 Eng broker, thi

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10/28/16 1:16 PM

OWN A 23+ ACRE RANCH FOR LESS THAN A SAN FRANCISCO STUDIO 460-975 Janesville Grade, Janesville, CA 96114: Tucked away in its own valley in the northeastern Sierras, this Spanish Colonial ranch is a legacy property just one hour away from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. The property features a horse barn, pastures, pond, outdoor living space, and plenty of water rights. The home was remodeled in 2013 and is of fered at $772,000.

TODD DISBROW S A U S A L I T O • S A N F R A N C I S C O • PA R K C I T Y • N E W P O R T B E A C H • L A K E TA H O E T O D D D I S B R O W • 7 7 5 - 8 3 0 - 3 7 3 5 • T O D D . D I S B R O W @ E V U S A . C O M • NV# 0052350 CA# 01799502 real estate

©2016 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principals of the Fair Housing Act. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

EngelVolkers_1216_FNL.indd 3

10/31/16 9:58 AM

Enjoy the Views from Point Tiburon Bayside Rarely available three bedrooms and two and one half bath, tastefully remodeled Point Tiburon Bayside Condo with San Francisco, Bay & Golden Gate Bridge views. Just blocks from downtown Tiburon, shops, ferry, restaurants, theater & yacht club. The community features a saltwater pool/spa. This is the finest in Tiburon living.

Offered At $3,495,000

C Jay Key (415) 699-5747

Tiburon Luxury with Amazing Views Breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, Corinthian Yacht Harbor, downtown Tiburon and San Francisco Yacht Harbor. Recently transformed, this rare and unique home was originally zoned R-2, a legal non-conforming duplex.

This single family home, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with additional attic space, is on Mar West just steps from downtown Tiburon. www.1731MarWest.com

Offered At $2,100,000

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Lyndasue Johnson (415) 515-7010

Costa Del Sausalito Hills & bay views; private drive, and cul-de-sac location; minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge & the charming seaport town of Sausalito, this home has been rebuilt from the foundation up; Approx. $1.6M invested in new foundation; use of green sensitive materials, appliances & systems; hi-end, water filtration system; skylights; expansive wraparound decking; spacious guest suite with deck; additional bonus room with 1/2 bath.

Offered At 2,595,000

Glenn Roberts (415) 516-5782

Privacy & Views from Custom Marin Estate One of a kind, home on almost 4 acres, with private road and gate. The main level has a large kitchen, formal dining and living rooms, 3BR/3BA. Downstairs: 2BR/2BA, one with a sauna; + den/office, large family room with fireplace and a large kitchen. The house on both levels is surrounded with beautiful decking; the back yard includes a pool with a gorgeous gazebo, & meandering trails. www.2415LagunaVistaDr.com

Offered At $1,995,000

Katie Wigington (415) 827-3626

11/8/16 1:07 PM

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West Corte Madera Hidden Valley Home Spacious home in rarely available Hidden Valley area of West Corte Madera. Large, light filled two story three bedroom, two and one-half bath home with stunning views of San Francisco and Mt. Tam. Verdant views from living areas and decks.

Updated kitchen and dining area, family room and office den area, fireplace in living room, wine cellar and additional storage on lower level. Spacious master suite and two car garage. Minutes to shopping mall and downtown Larkspur.

Offered At $1,825,000

John Arthun (415) 233-1704

Fabulous Fairfax View Home

Architecturally designed and built in 2005, this five bedroom, four bathroom, 3500± square foot home sits on almost two serene acres, minutes from downtown Fairfax and close to the Meadow Country Club. The home features lovely indoor/ outdoor living, wonderful panoramic vistas, chef’s kitchen, luxurious master suite, marble baths, cozy office and koi pond.

on 3626

Offered At $1,580,000

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Stunning City and Serene Hillside Views Stunning San Francisco and bay views from this luxury contemporary home. Enjoy the beautiful view from the spacious living room with a fireplace. The chef’s kitchen features granite counters, a farm sink, a Viking gas range, and a center island. The master suite with city views features a spa bathroom.

Two more bedrooms open to a patio & a lawn area. Award winning schools. Close to the ferry, transportation, downtown, restaurants and shopping. Two-car garage.

Offered At $1,599,000

C.Jay Key (415) 699-5747

Kentfield’s Coveted Murray Park

Ray Bakowski (415) 608-7806

Traditional home with three bedrooms and three baths, plus loft/den in Kentfield’s Murray Park. Approximately 3,000 sq.ft. of living space in this expansive home ready for a new owner to inspire with their finishing touches. Indoor/outdoor living with large front deck and great view of Mt. Tam and the surrounding hills. Terraced back yard with hot tub. “Tiny House” outbuilding great for craft, hobby, or guest space.

Offered At $1,499,000

Paul Cingolani (415) 726-9630

10/31/16 10:19 AM

Architecturally Inspired Noe Valley Modern

$4,150,000

1408Douglass.com

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Tiburon’s Magnificent Mediterranean

$7,950,000

12TaraHillRd.com

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Mastering the Art of Being Connected ExpectGreatHomes.com

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$

Clint Massey-Blake 415.717.2010 clint@sir.com

11/2/16 9:03 6:08 AM PM 11/7/16

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Quail Pond Estate—Enchanting Horseshoe Hill, Bolinas The Farmhouse style house stands solid, commanding without imposing. Nestled elegantly into the land.

What do you hear? The bark of sea lions? Grandbabies mimicking the coo of quails?

Your obligations melt away. Not because you’re ignoring them, but because they are no longer yours.

Your role is to breathe. Your role is to meld with the rhythms of the earth.

Four bedrooms, three baths, private, hidden circular driveway, two story, tall ceilings, chef’s kitchen, separate art studio, office, one-car garage, ten acres of unobstructed views, five of which is zoned agriculture/ equestrian with the possibility to build a single family residence, vernal pond, and old growth oak trees.

330HorseshoeHill.com

$5,495,000

Cristina di Grazia

415.710.1048

cristina@cristinadigrazia.com CristinadiGrazia.com

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11/2/16 9:03 6:02 AM PM 11/7/16

136 Margarita Dr, San Rafael $3,400,000 114% of List Price 136Margarita.com

129 Ross Valley Dr, San Rafael $1,695,000 100% of List Price 129RossValley.com

21 Oak Pl, Belvedere 95% of List Price

$3,037,500 Represented Buyer

35 Spring Rd, Kentfield 112% of List Price

$2,800,000 35SpringRoad.com

Thank you to the most generous and wonderful clients for making 2016 a success!

I am truly honored to have worked with each of you.

Wishing you a holiday season of joy and peace!

345 Riviera Dr, San Rafael $1,675,000 102% of List Price Represented Buyer

247 Elizabeth Way, San Rafael $1,650,000 97% of List Price MustSeeSanRafael.com

71 Robinhood Dr, San Rafael $1,425,000 102% of List Price 71RobinHood.com

364 Riviera Dr, San Rafael $1,775,000 100% of List Price Represented Buyer

127 Peacock Dr, San Rafael $1,490,000 99% of List Price Represented Buyer

18 Foss Ave, San Anselmo 101% of List Price

$1,303,000 18Foss.com

195 Morning Sun Ave, Mill Valley $1,235,000 124% of List Price 195MorningSun.com

2 Tomahawk Ct, Novato 111% of List Price

$1,000,000 2Tomahawk.com

H

Photo not available at press time 8 Hillside Avenue, Kentfield 98% of List Price

$910,000 8Hillside.com

830 SFD, #12, Kentfield $640,000 107% of List Price KentfieldCondo.com

31 Morning Sun Ave, Mill Valley In Escrow 31MorningSun.com

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6 Grande Paseo, San Rafael $659,000 Just Listed 6GrandePaseo.com

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For more information, visit ChristineChristiansen.com

Christine Christiansen, MBA

415.259.7133

Southern Novato 2/1 Condo Active

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$389,000

M a

christine@sothebysrealty.com ChristineChristiansen.com

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Stellar Coastal Estate—Bolinas

$5,450,000

Hidden just over a rise, on the ridge running down to the shore, and secluded at a secret lane’s end, sits a wonderfully engaging West Marin property on about 14 acres. It’s the only one in a small neighborhood known as Dogtown to capture ocean views and San Francisco’s twinkling nighttime lights in the distance. A shingled custom home, guest quarters, and stable are complemented by extensive grounds, native habitat, and abundant wildlife. This extremely private setting is surrounded by some of the most magnificent parkland anywhere, and is less than an hour’s drive north from the Golden Gate Bridge. 5745StateRoute1.com

B.G. Bates

More West Marin sales than any other agent over the last 20 years.

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415.706.1026

bg.bates@sothebysrealty.com BGBates.com

11/2/16 9:03 5:50 AM PM 11/7/16

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Premier New Construction in Ross Just one step into the dramatic entryway of this extraordinary new construction residence, you’ll know you’ve entered a very special place. In every corner, exceptional designer details await. From the inspiring custom designed outdoor living areas to the fiercely edited mix of beauty and practicality inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by top of the line finishes and impeccable craftsmanship, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered and beautifully executed. Five bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths. 63LaurelGrove.com $8,995,000

Jenny Mattson

415.786.6183

jennifer.mattson@sir.com

Welcome Home for the Holidays!

Thank you to all my clients who made a move in 2016 for the privilege of working with you.

B

316 Richardson, Mill Valley Represented Buyers

3334 Clay Street, San Francisco Represented Buyers

209 H Street, San Rafael Represented Sellers

Deborah Cole 415.497.9975

424 Pine Street, Sausalito Represented Sellers

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99 Lyford 45, Tiburon Representing Sellers

deborah@sothebysrealty.com MarinHomesforSale.net Member Top Agent Network

11/2/16 9:03 5:59 AM PM 11/7/16

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Classic Coastal Retreat with Modern Finishes.

3

BEDS

2

BATHS

Stinson Beach

$5,150,000

298Seadrift.com

Coming Soon: 3/4 Acre Highlands Lot with Panoramic Views.

The Sherfey Group 3605 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, California Cell | 415.203.2648 Office | 415.868.9200 sherfeygroup@deckerbullocksir.com

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11/2/16 9:04 5:54 AM PM 11/7/16

Volum e

2015

m in ea

Team in T ra #1

ions • # act 2T ns

Wishing All a Happy Holiday Season!

A Special Thank You to all of our past clients for making 2016 a successful and rewarding year. We are looking forward to working with you in the New Year. Please think of us if you are considering making a move in 2017!

Jennifer Falla Firkins

Alva Falla

415.602.5768

415.518.1930

jennifer.firkins@sir.com

alva.falla@sir.com

Janice Guehring 415.717.9636

janice.guehring@sir.com

Falla Associates 902 Irwin Street at 3rd, San Rafael, CA 94901

Providing extraordinary luxury service at all price points.

H y p Hap

! s y a oli d

Iconic Point Reyes | Offered at $3,500,000

701CstPointReyes.com Rick Trono

415.515.1117

rick.trono@sothebysrealty.com LivingMarin.com

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★★★★★

★★★★★

See My Five-Star Reviews and Over 400 Local Sales on Zillow

See My Five-Star Reviews on Yelp

Thank You to All My Valued Clients for Another Successful Year.

I had the Pleasure of Representing the Buyer or Seller or Both on the Following: 127 Hill Drive Kentfield $4,554,000

46 Blossom Drive San Rafael $780,000

1982 Benton Lane Novato $815,000

315 1st Street San Rafael $860,000

143 Buckelew Street Sausalito $759,000

303 Wickham Drive Mill Valley $1,188,000

66 Creek Road Fairfax $938,000

337 Marin Avenue Mill Valley $1,251,625

7 Newport Landing Novato $875,000

20 Oxford Avenue Mill Valley $2,350,000

38 Don Timoteo Sonoma $1,550,000

61 Pixley Avenue Corte Madera $408,000

65 Sunshine Avenue Sausalito $2,925,000

12 Kenrick Avenue San Anselmo $870,000

69 Via La Paz Greenbrae $1,388,000

64 Lucky Drive Corte Madera $829,000

116 Peralta Avenue Mill Valley $1,075,000

70 Corte Toluca Greenbrae $1,400,000

1219 W. California Ave. Mill Valley $1,750,000

Specializing in Unique Properties and Fixer Uppers Ted Strodder

Text or call 415.377.5222 ted@gomarin.com Visit GoMarin.com or MarinFixerUppers.com for more information

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Radhi Ahern Luxury Property Specialist

Scott Kalmbach Luxury Property Specialist

Contact 415.531.2981 Radhi@ahern-kalmbach.com License #01411471

Contact 415.350.7911 Scott@ahern-kalmbach.com License #01795204

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R E A L E S TAT E D O N E D I F F E R E N T LY

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Thank you for making me one of the top agents in Marin County for 2016!

As anticipated, the real estate market is beginning to level off. “Calming, normalizing, balancing” are a few of the

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terms the economists who predicted this new cycle have used, and these positive monikers do sound better than “frothy and frenzy” which is how many described our market last year! After 7-8 years of declining inventory year over year, (which resulted in lower sales in 2016 due to lack of inventory) we are finally seeing more homes on market. A consequence of the slight rise in inventory is also a lengthening in days on market. Below are some of the gorgeous properties I had the pleasure of working with in 2016. We are lucky to live in beautiful and vibrant Marin County, with our proximity to San Francisco and a very healthy economy.

79 Bolsa, Mill Valley $1,725,000

410 Monte Vista, MillValley $1,660,000

30 Amicita, Mill Valley $1,820,000

98 Marinita, San Rafael $2,100,000

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949 W California, Mill Valley $1,635,000

303 Melrose, Mill Valley $1,688,000

17 Oak, Belvedere $3,150,000

432 Laverne, Mill Valley $2,925,000

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1 Thalia, Mill Valley $1,585,000

141 Taylor, Tiburon $5,250,000

181 Buena Vista, Mill Valley $1,655,000

76 Buena Vista, Mill Valley $1,795,000

Let me help you with Real Estate in 2017!

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Kathleen Clifford Luxury Property Specialist 415.314.6466 kathleen@kathleencliffordrealestate.com MakingMarinHome.com

License #01321467

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At the close of another successful year, we gratefully pause to wish you a warm and happy Holiday Season ON MARKET - JUST LISTED

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JUST LISTED - 82 Saint Thomas Way, Tiburon - 3BR/2.5BA - Offered at $2,695,000 - www.82SaintThomas.com

Recent Activity FOR SALE OFF MARKET

Tiburon hill top estate with stunning views. Call for details.

SOLD

154 Trinidad Drive, Tiburon

FOR SALE

331 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon

SOLD

65 Rock Road, Kentfield

SOLD

17 W. Shore Road, Belvedere

Offered at $3,350,000

SOLD

4 Saba Lane, Tiburon

SOLD

170 Saint Thomas Way, Tiburon

SOLD

572 San Pedro Cove, San Rafael

Penny Wright-Mulligan With Much Appreciation To My Talented Team Haley Wright and Jill Jackson

415.601.8191 penny@pacunion.com pennywrightmulligan.com License# 01495932

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Sharon Kramlich L U X U R Y P R OP E RT Y S P E C I A L I S T

A deep appreciation and a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to my clients & friends who have made 2016 an inspiring, insightful and fulfilling year! For more info please visit www.sharonkramlich.com

JU Lo loo firs of ww

SO Pr on be flo ww

“Since 1993 I have proudly provided outstanding service to 100’s of clients and distinguished myself by generating 80% of my business from past client referrals.”

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Sharon Kramlich

415.609.4473 skramlich@pacunion.com www.SharonKramlich.com 37 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley License #01184449

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Debbie Bernier | Luxury Property Specialist

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JUST LISTED | 23 Meadow Ridge Drive, Corte Madera | $1,950,000 Located in The Estates of Madera Del Presidio, this gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home is ideal for those looking to be close to shopping, schools, hiking & biking trails. Highly sought-after floor plan boasts a first-floor master suite with sweeping views of Ring Mountain. Pride of ownership shows in every detail of this home, from the professionally landscaped yard, to the high-end appliances in the chef’s kitchen. www.23MeadowRidge.com

SOLD OFF MARKET | 556 Northern Avenue, Mill Valley Proudly represented the sellers in the sale of this exquisite Mid-Century Modern Mill Valley Retreat. Nestled on a large, level lot among giant redwood and palm trees with plenty of sun and privacy, this home offers the best of Marin County living. This home has been meticulously remodeled with-high end finishes including a floor-to-ceiling Heath ceramic-tiled fireplace. www.556NorthernAve.com

Debbie Bernier

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473 om om lley 449

415.272.4916

debbie.bernier@pacunion.com License #01932321 MarinPropertyAddict.com

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Located in one of the most coveted areas of Mill Valley, near the Dipsea Steps, Old Mill Park, Old Mill School and downtown Mill Valley, 175 Cascade Drive offers privacy, serenity and community access to everything this vibrant town has to offer. The 4,260 sq ft, 4 bedroom & 4.5 bath custom Craftsman was built in 1999 and features high ceilings, state of the art technology, beautiful wood work and architectural details and a fantastic indooroutdoor connection.

175 CASCADE DRIVE, MILL VALLEY | EXCLUSIVELY LISTED FOR $3,995,000 | WWW.175CASCADEDRIVE.COM

Carey Hagglund Condy Luxury Property Specialist

MARIN LIVING

415.461.8609 Carey@LuxuryMarinHomes.com www.LuxuryMarinHomes.com License# 01323032

BEYOND THE FOUR WALLS

To all of our friends, family and clients,

Happy Holidays!

Thank you for making 2016 a wonderful year.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2017!

Specializing in Marin Luxury Homes, International Real Estate, Local and Worldwide Relocation Services

Cristina Hale

Candy Grippi

CalBRE #01959530

CalBRE #00685646

Realtor® 415.302.6722 cristina.hale@cbnorcal.com

International Broker 415.250.9154 cgrippi@cbnorcal.com

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THIS IS HOME This is where holiday lights are strung, gifts are lovingly wrapped and the smell of warm gingerbread fills the house.

From our homes to yours, wishing you and your loved ones every joy of the holiday season.

Coldwell Banker. Where Home Begins.

ColdwellBankerHomes.com PreviewsAdvantage.com

For the expert real estate representation you deserve, contact your local Coldwell Banker office today.

Greenbrae | 415.461.3000, 415.461.2020 Larkspur | 415.927.3002 Mill Valley | 415.384.0667, 415.388.5060 Novato | 415.897.3000

californiahome.me |

/cbcalifornia |

/cb_california |

/cbcalifornia |

San Anselmo | 415.721.1005 San Rafael | 415.456.3000 Tiburon | 415.435.1000

/coldwellbanker

©2016 Coldwell Banker. Coldwell Banker®, Previews® and Previews International® are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304.

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Bill Johnson

415.302.5690 bill@gothomes.com CalBRE #00688853

45 BOSQUE AVENUE FAIRFAX $2,195,000

Impeccably Designed Custom Home

This exhilarating and exquisite 4BR/3.5BA modern home situated in a tranquil, natural setting was designed to meet exacting “green” standards in 2007. A sun drenched retreat in a grove of redwoods, with a gracious open floorplan, elegant and natural touches, vaulted ceilings and indoor/outdoor living.

©2016 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker has not and will not verify this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304.

Rose Capurro

415.690.6762 rose.capurro@cbnorcal.com | marinrose.com Cal BRE #01911774

2 BADGER COURT NOVATO $1,625,000

Elegance Wrapped in Natural Beauty

This 5BR/3.5BA home is set on one of the most beautiful cul-desacs in Marin. Peaceful, gracious, and picturesque best describe this setting. With approx 3600 sq ft, and over 1/2 an acre, you’ll have ample opportunity to relax or entertain. Enjoy lemonade pool side. Prepare meals in the gourmet kitchen. Watch a movie or shoot pool in the bonus room. This is “that something special.” ©2016 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker has not and will not verify this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304.

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Kimberly Strub

415.218.4255 kstrub@cbnorcal.com KimStrub.com

Thank you to my clients for the trust you put in me in 2016. I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

CalBRE #01402651

Dream Lot with Plans in Mill Valley

445 MOLINO AVENUE, MILL VALLEY I $849,000 I 445MOLINO.COM

This view lot includes approved plans for gorgeous 4 BR/3 BA home with level patio, play area and gated entry. Designed for indoor-outdoor living with great space and flow. Build and enjoy! ©2016 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker has not and will not verify this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304.

Tom Cannon

415.871.5556 Tom.Cannon@cbnorcal.com CalBRE #01114451

31 GIRARD AVENUE SAUSALITO $3,350,000

A Rare Home of Distinction

A rare find, this beautiful family home is just minutes walking to downtown and ferry. It features sunny spacious rooms, including bedrooms with peeks of the Bay, formal dining and living rooms, large library, and hallways, and a cathedral-ceiling great room overlooking a mostly flat half acre park-like garden with two terraces, swimming pool, lawn, year-around creek, and two outbuildings. ©2016 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker has not and will not verify this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304.

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Looking Back

DATED 1921

A Christmas Gift

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OR CHRISTM A S OF 1921, Marin County received a big storm that left Mount Tamalpais covered in snow and the city of Belvedere with broken homes and a battered-down fence. In the above photo, taken in late December 1921, you see Mount Tam overlooking the scene. The barely above water strip of land with dozens of telephone poles in the background is today’s San Rafael Avenue, and the road in the foreground, that’s Beach Road. The two-story buildings at the far right and far left in the photo not only survived the storm but are both still standing. But why does this place look so different now? Well, up until the late 1930s

this area was a bay, a large bay. But then, according to Pictorial History of Belvedere, “Developer Harry Allen, owner of the Belvedere Land Company, got the grand idea to fill most of it in, creating fingers of land.”

And today the completed design includes 234 homes priced in the multimillions and 30 deluxe duplexes, all of which are surrounded by 66 acres of placid water. However, in the late 1940s, following World War II, when Allen first started asking $5,000 for a lagoon-front home site, there was considerable sales resistance. According to the book, many a lookie-loo said, “Who’d ever want to live in a mudflat?” as he or she walked away in a huff. m

Developer Harry Allen, owner of the Belvedere Land Company, got the grand idea to fill most of it in, creating fingers of land.

COURTESY OF BELVEDERE-TIBURON LANDMARKS SOCIETY

A storm left Mount Tamalpais in snow and Belvedere battered but with prospects of better things to come. BY JIM WOOD

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Live Luxuriously

McGuire.com

77 Olema Bolinas Road, Bolinas | Offered at $9,500,000 | TheSeaDragonEstate.com | Glen Williams 415.465.4423

MARIN | SAN FRANCISCO | PENINSULA | EAST BAY | WINE COUNTRY | GLOBAL

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE

11/7/16 12:11 PM

PA L M W H I T E ( D E TA I L ) | 6 0 X 1 2 0 I N C H E S | O I L O N C A N VA S

M AT T R O G E R S RECENT PAINTINGS | DECEMBER 2016

341 SUTTER STREET | SAN FRANCISCO | 415.392.2299 1 3 2 8 M A I N S T R E E T | S T. H E L E N A | 7 0 7. 2 0 0 . 5 0 5 0 CALDWELLSNYDER.COM

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