Marin Magazine April 2019

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Burlingame 1320 Burlingame Ave.

San Ramon 2095 San Ramon Valley Blvd.

Los Gatos 120 N. Santa Cruz

Walnut Creek 2042 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Mill Valley 258 Redwood Hwy.

Fountain Valley NOW OPEN 18228 Euclid St.

Features

48 High Times

The local origin of the term “420.”

52 Making Peace

A concrete master designs a hilltop home.

60 For Sale

Succeeding as a real estate agent isn’t as easy as you may think.

In Marin

31 Currents

Bird rescue, foraging and wildfloers.

36 Q&A

Jazz master Marcus Shelby.

38 FYI

Forest bathing can help you fi nd the calm.

42 Reading List

New work from Lisa See.

44 Conversation

Meet Marin’s new district attorney.

Destinations

77 Appellations

Discover what’s new in wine country.

80 Journey Find summer love in Québec.

Out & About

85 Calendar

A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.

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

Marin Home

107 Backstory

A renovation that grows in scope.

Editor’s

Back

For our cover this month, photographer Tim Maloney tackled the hills of Tiburon to take images of this house designed by Fu-Tung Cheng.

Tan in The Little Mermaid, War Memorial Opera House, S.F.

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Nikki Wood

EDITOR

Mimi Towle

MANAGING EDITOR

Daniel Jewett

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kasia Pawlowska

SENIOR WRITER

Jim Wood

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Christina Mueller

DIGITAL EDITOR Jessica Gliddon

COPY EDITOR

Cynthia Rubin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Robin Breuner, Eva Hagberg Fisher, Kier Holmes, Dawn Margolis Denberg, Zack Ruskin, Bekah Wright

ART DIRECTOR

Rachel Gr iffiths

PRODUCTION MANAGER Alex French

ILLUSTRATORS

Mitch Blunt, Chris Whetzel

Liz Daly, Mo DeLong, Lenny Gonzalez, Steve Kepple, Tim Maloney

Maeve Walsh

Peter Thomas

Hazel Jaramillo

B. Noyes, Founder

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I love waking up to seabirds outside my window and being tied into the planet via tides.

The Life Aquatic

Home can be a fluid concept.

PUTTING TOGETHER another homerelated issue brings to mind the joys of creating one’s own personal castle. Reading our feature story, I learned the term “oculus” as it described a peekaboo kitchen window shaped like an eye. This detail was just one stroke of brilliance in designer Fu-Tung Cheng’s work on a hillside Tiburon home. If you’d care to step into our shoes a moment, consider creating an enticing cover headline to evoke that decidedly unique project. My fi rst thought was maybe something sensationalistic like “Calling All Design Geeks: Finally a Chance to See a One-of-a-Kind Home Designed by World-Famous Concrete Master Right Here in Marin.” But as you may have noticed, a cover blurb is usually two to five words tops. So we went at it as a team and wrangled it into a more poetic rendition.

The last time we did an edition about homes, I had just sold ours, and my daughter and I were adjusting to life on a floating rental. Now, three months into our adventure, I’m hooked. I love waking up to seabirds outside my window and being tied into the planet via tides, and most of all, I love the community. Besides living next to one of my best friends, who often hosts movie nights, I’ve found my neighbors are friendly, eclectic and protective.

The dock gardens are a pleasure to walk through. At least on our dock, the plants and artwork change often. When I moved in, I walked down to the Sausalito Ferry Company to buy an array of character-inspired rubber ducks to add to the mélange. Right now there’s a duck chef, a duck surfer, a duck devil, a duck flower child and a duck princess. I like to rearrange them depending on my mood. A neighbor who’s in her 90s makes it her duty to rearrange them to her liking. This means they are often in odd poses or scattered amid the various planters.

I fi rst discovered these floating homes when I met Diane and Jerry Jampolsky, who live on Issaquah Dock. Theirs is truly

a home that just so happens to be floating: stucco walls, three floors and a roof deck that screams “write that book.” For my daughter, that scream would be “tanning station, do not disturb.” Here in Sausalito there are about 450 homes i n five fully permitted floatinghome marinas — Commodore, Kappas Marina, Yellow Ferry Harbor, Waldo Point Harbor and Varda Landing. Seattle and Portland are the only other two U.S. cities with officia l floating home communities, which is surprising to me, because it seems like the ultimate answer to rising tides.

Floating homes are not for everyone. When the storms come through, there is some rocking and rolling. If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen lots of swaying light fi xtures this winter. Bringing in groceries is an effort that calls for one of the dock-assigned shopping carts. And, for us at least, storage is a challenge.

It seems such challenges are not a deterrent for many, a s floating homes have gotten more and more expensive. When I fi rst fantasized about living this way, there were some livable options listed at $500,000 or below; today $300,000 just buys you a tear-down, or a float-away, which means you purchase the space, tow away the decrepit structure, build your own home and float it back into the space. I asked Paul Bergeron, a realtor selling a floataway opportunity on Gate 6½, what it would cost to haul out the tear-down and build a new one. He smiled. He’s been doing that kind of thing for 25 years, and he simply said I would need a flexible schedule and a passionate interest in check-writing. Got it.

So I guess I’m not the only one who imagines I can build my own aquatic safe harbor. But I’m not giving up on the dream and, in the mean time, Diane has promised to keep an eye out for any lease-to-buys that don’t need a complete overhaul. Hey Universe, I’m talking to you.

Mimi Towle, Editor

YOU’VE HEARD THE number 420 used to refer to smoking marijuana. But in 1970s San Rafael, the term was a little more underground. In fact, for a time, only five San Rafael High School kids who called themselves the Waldos knew what it meant.

Zack Ruskin talks to two of them to hear their crazy story of growing up and then watching the term go viral.

Berkeley designer and master of concrete Fu-Tung Cheng loves to push the envelope.

Eva Hagberg Fisher visits the house he designed that trips down a Tiburon hillside and features one-of-a-kind work.

We wrap up features with an honest look at working as a real estate agent in Marin. Writer

Berkeley designer and master of concrete Fu-Tung Cheng loves to push the envelope.

Robin Breuner examines how much effort it takes, what it costs to get started and your realistic chances of success.

Up front we’ve got stories on birds, blooms and ’shrooms. We also converse with Marcus Shelby, who wrote the music for Marin Theatre Company’s production of Jazz, and Lori Frugoli, who after a very close election is bringing change to the Marin DA’s office.

In Destinations we explore what’s new in wine country and what you won’t want to miss. And writer Bekah Wright explains what’s so amour d’été about a summer trip to Québec — the sense of history, cobblestone streets and river vistas are truly something to love.

Finally, we hope you’re inspired by the ideas in our home design stories. Because even if you’re not on top of a hill in Tiburon, it’s highly rewarding and fun to make a place look great.

Daniel Jewett, Managing Editor

BUDDING IDEAS

To illustrate our story on five San Rafael teens who coined the phrase that became a pot euphemism nationwide, we knew we needed strong stuff. Chris Whetzel was the guy. Here are a few early takes that got the concept rolling.

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

Contributors

ONE AMAZING NIGHT

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO

April 27, 5:30–11:30 p.m. Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall, San Rafael

Come to the One Amazing Night gala to celebrate and fundraise for 10,000 Degrees, the leading San Francisco Bay Area college success nonprofit. Enjoy delicious fare, fine wines and signature cocktails while participating in a silent auction as well as an exciting live auction. The keynote speaker will share an inspiring story of overcoming the odds to pursue her college and career dreams, and this year’s One Degree of Change honoree will also be speaking.

Zack Ruskin

Writer, “High Times” (p. 48)

What did you enjoy most about this assign ment? Reminiscing with Waldo Steve and Waldo Dave about all of the amazing hidden places we’ve each found in Marin over the years was a blast. I love that the tradition of driving around Marin and discovering cool sites has been a part of the local zeitgeist for so long.

Why were they called the Waldos? The Waldos based their name on their fondness for leaning against one particular wall at San Rafael High School where they’d often meet between classes.

Where has your work appeared before? My work has appeared locally in The San Francisco Chronicle, on KQED and in SF Weekly

Eva Hagberg Fisher

Writer, “Making Peace” (p. 52)

What feature of this house did you like the most? I loved the little oculus — it’s such a funny clever architectural nod to the idea that we always want to look both outside and inside and pay attention to what everyone else is doing.

What current design trend do you wish would die off? Design trends.

Where has your work appeared before? The New York Times, Wallpaper*, Metropolis, Tin House, The San Francisco Chronicle, Portland Monthly, T: The New York Times Style Magazine Also, as of very recently, in the pages of my debut memoir How to Be Loved

Chris Whetzel

Illustrator, “High Times” (p. 48)

COST

FIND OUT MORE

$250 415.459.4240, oneamazingnight.org

Friend us to share and view RSVP Hot Ticket photos at facebook.com/marinmagazine

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

marinmagazine.com/hotticket

What did you enjoy the most about this assignment? Researching the car and locations of the ’70s, since my family has always been into classic cars.

What’s the most challenging part of your job? Trying to fi nd a visual solution that captures the essence of the article, that solves the art director’s problem (in this case, a blank page and no image of the Waldos in the ’70s) and is a piece of art arresting enough to get the reader interested beyond the article title.

Where has your work appeared before? The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated and Rolling Stone.

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

New in Town

MARIN OPEN STUDIOS

PREVIEW GALA

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO

April 27, 5–8 p.m.

325 Town Center, Corte Madera

COST

FIND OUT MORE

Celebrate the 26th Marin Open Studios by joining art lovers, collectors and artists at the free preview gala in the Exhibition Gallery on April 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Discover new artists, or take art home from the silent auction. Enjoy small bites and beverages while previewing the artwork of over 270 participating Marin Open Studios artists. You can also pick up a tour guide to plan your Open Studios tour the first two weekends in May. Free 415.343.5667, marinopenstudios.org

Friend us to share and view RSVP Hot Ticket photos at facebook.com/marinmagazine

Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events? marinmagazine.com/hotticket

SHOP

Marin native and San Rafael resident Lee Dumler opened Full Metal Cycles on Fourth Street in San Rafael, bringing custom, American-built twowheelers and a gear shop to downtown. fullmetalcycles.com

Formerly Kathleen Dughi Jeweler is now rebranded with a new name, Moonstruck Fine Jewelry, and continues to offer the same design, repair and refurbishing services in the same downtown Mill Valley space. moonstruck finejewelry.com

Heath Ceramics’ new tableware line is bright and optimistic: matte canary yellow and electric blue-green tempered by earthy white sand . T hanks to new Heath glazing techniques, Pisces and Sunshine have a dipdyed color-block look. The collection will was launched April 1. heathceramics.com

ACTIVITIES

The long-running Camp EDMO summer program will expand its Bay Area presence with three new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and SEL

(social emotional learning) offerings in 2019, in Novato, Petaluma and Santa Rosa campedmo.org

WELLNESS

Corte Madera Town Center welcomes Modern Acupuncture , offering cosmetic and traditional versions of the therapy during mall hours. modern acupuncture.com

PETS

Whether overnight or just for the afternoon, your pet will enjoy oneon-one doggie day care at The Tail Haven Hotel & Day Lounge in San Rafael. thetailhaven.com

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

Heath Ceramics

Moonstruck Fine Jewelry

Explore Marin

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

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

#NOPLASTIC

415.461.8609 | Carey@LuxuryMarinHomes.com | luxurymarinhomes.com | BRE License #: 01323032

Carey Hagglund Condy

415.461.8609

Carey@LuxuryMarinHomes.com

LuxuryMarinHomes.com DRE 01323032

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

CONNECT WITH US

TOP GRAM

Our top Instagram post this month is by Sydney Blumenkranz, @insta_syd. “I was staying at Cavallo Point and coming back from a hike when I turned a corner and saw a beautiful portrait of the Golden Gate Bridge framed by tall eucalyptus trees against a pastel sky. As a native San Franciscan who works at SFMOMA, I was struck by how the view truly looked like a painting.” Want to see your photo in print? Tag us @marinmagazine with your best snap.

Top Five Online Stories

1 “What’s Hot: Flores” (February 2019) Elevated Mexican food comes to Corte Madera.

2 “Chris Robinson” (February 2019) The former singer for the Black Crowes finds peace in West Marin.

3 “Full Circle” (February 2019) Born in Marin, an adopted son finds his birth parents — and precious medical knowledge — practically in his backyard.

4 “David and Nic Sheff” (January 2019) The true story of a local family’s battle with addiction and its aftermath makes it to the big screen.

5 “Lyme Disease: A Biting Problem” (February 2019) Diagnosing this disease is a challenging affair. The question of how many cases we have here in Marin is complicated.

BEST

Best of the County Contest

You love Marin and you love the dining, entertainment and services you find here. Now is your chance to show these local businesses some love and vote for them in our 2019 Best of Marin County survey. And to sweeten the deal, we’ll select one lucky respondent each month to receive a $100 gift certificate good at a local restaurant. This month’s winner is Carmen Arrambide (right), who won a $100 restaurant gift card for Seafood Peddler. Will you be next? Survey runs through April. marinmagazine. com/bestofmarin2019

VOTE NOW

COUNTY 2019

I’m Hank, and this is my healing place.

An avid surfer, paddle-boarder and fisherman, 60-year old Hank Mielke was so fit, he almost skipped the checkup that saved his life! During Hank’s prostate exam, his doctor found a suspicious lump. It turned out to be a rare, aggressive prostate tumor. Marin General Hospital’s multidisciplinary team of prostate cancer specialists worked with Hank to craft a treatment plan that balanced his personal priorities with cutting-edge care. Hank underwent delicate, robotic-assisted surgery to remove his prostate, while preserving the nerves needed for continence and sexual function. The surgery was followed by carefully planned radiation and hormonal therapy. Hank describes the seamless, collaborative care he received at Marin General Hospital as “first-class treatment, all the way.” With his cancer in remission, Hank is out of the woods – and back in the water.

To read more healing stories, visit www.maringeneral.org/healing

RODEO

FOR THE BIRDS International Bird Rescue’s eff orts and how you can take part.

BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

BYRON CHIN

Brown pelican release at Fort Baker.

Seabirds in Marin face a slew of hardships, many arising from plastic in oceans, fishing line entanglement and other byproducts of human life. Fortunately, there is a group looking out for these creatures. International Bird Rescue was founded in 1971 after one of the most significant oil spills in California history with a mission to help preserve the natural world by rescuing waterbirds in crisis. The organization operates 365 days a year and took in more than 3,000 birds at its Northern California, Southern California and Alaska locations in 2018 alone. In Marin, Bird Rescue rehabilitates seabirds found along shorelines from Dillon Beach to Muir Beach. Some of the most common rescues include brown pelicans, common murres, western grebes and western gulls. The brown pelican is particularly important, as these birds have faced many challenges over the years. Recently they were removed from the federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, and in an effort to monitor their survival through reported sightings, Bird Rescue started the Blue-Banded Brown Pelican Program, in which each bird released back to nature is fitted with a lettered-and-numbered band. Sightings have greatly increased, but locals can assist the group in this and many other ways, from participating to donating. bird-rescue.org

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Become a rescuer: if you see a seabird sitting on the shore with dogs and people nearby, it likely needs protecting. You can call the Marin Humane Society at 415.883.4621 to report the bird.

• Take part in a local bird count: become a citizen scientist and contribute to knowledge about birds.

• Become an International Bird Rescue volunteer. No experience is necessary.

• Clean up litter: join a beach cleanup so birds don’t ingest or become entangled in trash or fishing equipment.

• Say no to one-use plastic containers, tableware and straws. Use refillable containers and decline straws or bring your own reusable one.

• Take a child birding to inspire the next generation of bird-lovers.

A New Look for Scout Hall

Marin’s youth are the primary beneficiary of the landmark’s latest renovations.

In a life span that’s lasted over a century, Mill Valley’s Scout Hall has seen more than a few face-lifts. Prior to renovations made by the American Legion and Mill Valley Lions Club in 1928, the building just off ast Blithedale Avenue was used variously as a French laun dry, a barn and a brothel. Following a devastating fire in 1929 on Mount Tamalpais, it served as a shelter for refugees from the blaze. Soon a newly installed board of directors began letting Scouts BSA and Girl Scout troops use the space, until the City of Mill Valley condemned the building in 1954. Another massive renova tion, in the early 1970s, was the last one until Greg Everage joined Scout Hall’s board in 2005. While the venue isn’t officially a ffi liated with Scouts BSA or Girl Scouts of the USA, Everage arrived in Mill Valley from Los Angeles eager to see his son follow in his footsteps and obtain the distinction of Eagle Scout. Hearing about Scout Hall, he decided to work to preserve one of the city’s most storied landmarks. Seven years of fundraising led to a $1.2 million renovation that was completed in 2017, with seismic retrofitting, modern plumbing and aesthetic improvements. To preserve as much of the original building as possible, workers reincorporated the old-growth redwood beams that once provided structural support into the Mountain View Avenue awning (there’s also an East Blithedale entrance). Today the space is available for myriad events and has recently hosted bar mitzvahs, yoga classes and inspirational speaker talks. Two offices in front and an industrial kitchen are rented out, with proceeds going toward renovation loan payoff nd upkeep. Perhaps most important to Everage, Scout Hall is once again a place for scounting troops to participate in activi ties, hold meetings and keep supplies, retaining its legacy as an institution Marin residents can enjoy for generations to come. scouthall.org

ZACK RUSKIN

FATAL DOSE

BY THE NUMBERS

A recent surge in fentanyl overdoses in the county has prompted an initiative to make the anti dote drug naloxone more available to the public through pharmacies. Nalox one, often marketed as Narcan, can help reverse the rise in opioid overdose deaths. “We’ve been fighting the opioid crisis for several years now, but the trend of fentanyl use among younger people is particularly alarming,” says county Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis. California law allows phar macists to hand out naloxone without a doctor’s prescription directly to people who request it — most insurance plans cover the cost of the medication. “If 100 percent of our pharmacies offered naloxone, it would be a big step,” says Dr. Jeff DeVido, chief of addiction services for the Marin County Depart ment of Health and Human Services. In 2017, DeVido trained police officers in the use of naloxone and today law enforcement officers throughout Marin carry the lifesaving medication. Some Marin schools and libraries have nalox one on site, as do certain community service organizations like San Rafael’s Marin Treatment Center and Corte Madera’s Spahr Center. marincounty.org KASIA PAWLOWSKA

20 out of 36 Marin pharmacies stock naloxone

9-plus rescued with naloxone since 2017 Fentanyl is 80–100 times stronger than morphine 3–5 OPIOID OVERDOSES PER WEEK IN MARIN

Opioids are No. 1 cause of accidental death in the county

WILDFLOWER WALKS

Beautiful Bloom

Wild flowers are one of the best things about spring and are an especially welcome reward this season in the wake of all the rains. But if hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry — there are plenty of easily accessible wild flower-oriented events and activities going on in the upcoming months. At the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito, the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (Marin CNPS) is presenting Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change, which features over 70 wild flower portraits and native landscapes by Marin City photographers Nita Winter and Rob Badger. The award-winning photographers have been capturing the allure of California for over two decades while highlighting the dangers and damages brought on by climate change, including the waning wild flower population. The show emphasizes Marin’s landscapes but also those elsewhere in the state, from Sierra alpine rock gardens to Death Valley’s desert scenery. Additional CNPS events and activi ties include a native plant pollinator garden in front of the Bay Model, two major speakers on climate change issues, naturalist-led hikes to local wild flower habitats and more. The exhibition runs April 2 through June 1 and is free and open to the public. cnpsmarin.org KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Get out and take in the dazzling array of color on one of these hikes throughout the county. Detailed maps can be found online at AllTrails, or check with Marin County Parks and Point Reyes National Seashore to join a ranger-led jaunt. alltrails.com K.P.

TRAIL

NATURE’S CORNER

Foraging Season

DIFFICULTY LENGTH

Ring Mountain Easy 2.7 miles

Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center Moderate 1.3 miles

Marin Headlands, Hill 88 Moderate 3.9 miles

Mount Burdell Moderate 5.2 miles

Mount Tamalpais South Side Ramble Hard 6.6 miles

Interested in mushroom foraging? We asked fungi expert Kevin Sadlier where you can find some species in Marin as well as the best times to go out. Just remember: many mushrooms are poisonous. Before consuming anything you find, consult an expert or bring your haul to the Mill Valley Public Library on the third Wednesday of the month when the Mycological Society of Marin meets. Once they’re deemed safe, here is what you might do with your finds. mycomarin.org K.P.

Season October through late November

Mid-November to early January

Grows near Bishop pine Tan oak

Culinary uses Cook the stems slowly, in soups or braises, but sauté the caps in duck fat or butter. Great in pasta, risotto and gravies.

Cook in simple preparations such as soups, chowders or rice, or marinate it in soy sauce and grill to showcase the unusual flavor and aroma.

Almost yearround with enough precipitation

Fir, tan oak Tan oak, pine (often near chanterelles)

Complements pork, chicken, rabbit, veal and quail, either in a stuffing or with a sauce.

Oak, mossy areas

Bishop pine Mulch piles and recently burned areas

Include in savory dishes that feature pork, squash, sweet potatoes or risotto or in curries.

Great with fish, in egg dishes or in soups.

Hedgehog mush rooms are excellent with meat, fish, poultry and game bird entrees. They also work in sauces, soups and sautés.

Complemented by butter and cream. Great with chicken, veal or pork.

Mushroom Porcini Boletus edulis Matsutake Tricholoma matsutake

Chanterelle Cantharellus cibarius Candy cap Lactarius camphoratus

Black trumpet Craterellus cornucopioides

Hedgehog Hydnum repandum Morel Morchella esculenta

December to late January

January to early March

March to early April April and May

As one of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty’s Top Producing Agents, Mark Millstein puts the full network of Sotheby’s resources to work for you. Combine this with over 35 years of experience, hands-on attention, honest guidance and impeccable negotiation skills, and you’ve got a real winner.

Marcus Shelby

Marcus Shelby, a resident artistic director for SFJazz, enjoys working in different mediums, exploring the creative process and the expansive, ever-changing world of music. This month, he brings musical underpinnings to the characters in Marin Theatre Company’s Jazz, based on the book by Toni Morrison. We chatted with Shelby about what music adds to the production and

Musician/ Composer

BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

You were living in Los Angeles before you decided to move to San Francisco. What inspired you to move I went to CalArts down in L.A. and studied with Charlie Haden and with James Newton. L.A. is where I found my mentor, Billy Higgins, and where I worked with my band, Black/Note. It was my birthplace, musically. I had come to the Bay Area for a few gigs over the years and I really liked it here. San Francisco offered life outside of music in terms of lifestyle and community; that was really differ ent than L.A. I saw a lot of opportunity to develop in areas I wanted to grow in, like theater and dance, and develop as a composer outside of the performance stage. I had some friends here, but it happened quickly in a sense of finding work. That made the transition smooth.

You’ve lived in the Bay Area for some 23 years now. Have you seen a shift in how people perceive jazz around here? There has been a shift in how jazz. When I first moved here, live music was everywhere. It still exists but it is not like it used to be. I came up when older musicians were more in contact with younger musicians. That was the primary way to learn culture and promote opportunities. Academia has taken its place. It’s a different way of learning the music.

3

What drew you to Toni Morrison’s book Jazz ? When I was a younger musician, it seemed every Christmas, someone would give me that book. I think they thought it was about jazz. It’s somewhat about that but more about what happened during the Great Migration. The book captures the dynamic essence of jazz and the blues, which reaches and teaches all cultures.

4

Does the production at Marin Theatre Company capture that same essence of jazz? The director and writer of this project tapped into that and found ways to highlight what Toni Morrison was doing with this story and what it means and that time period in America, which follows the history of jazz up the Mississippi to “upper Southern” places. Migration is a big theme in our story and a big part of jazz.

5

How do you, as composer of the production’s score, interweave music into a staged production? They brought me on at the very beginning of the process. Working with the writer and director to talk about how music will serve the story was critical. Timing and intuition are different onstage, so it gets refined in rehearsal. We are working with two worlds in this play — the supernatural and the real — and music will help frame that.

6

Music can be so evocative. Are there ways to identify a character or a theme through the score? Each actor will have their own sound. Some actors are more prominent — you might hear a solo instrument more than you hear the ensemble.

7

The book is set during the Jazz Age but travels throughout the South to an earlier century. What did you have to consider when composing the score to reflect the book’s and the production’s setting? The South is where the blues was born. There is an authen ticity to Mississippi Delta blues or the music out of New Orleans. New York’s influence came later — Louis Armstrong went to New York in 1924.

8

You seem equally inspired by the blues and jazz. Where do you find inspiration in Marin or the Bay Area when you need a blues or jazz refresh? An excit ing advantage of being in the Bay Area is the access to all these different creative forms. We have a premier organization here in SFJazz and the Bay Area is still strong. We adapt to changes and of course technol ogy has provided different opportunities that are not location-based. I still need to go to New York, though.

9

Giants or Dodgers? Giants. But I would love to set up a podcast to talk about the history of baseball and jazz. m

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Tree Time

Forest bathing is nature’s medicine.

BY KIER HOLMES

Forest bathing isn’t a new nudist outdoor activity. The term, from the Japanese shinrin-yoku meaning “bathing in the forest atmosphere,” was coined by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982 to describe an increasingly accepted preventive medicine technique. But centuries earlier, the profound thinkers Emerson and Thoreau promoted the benefits of walking mindfully in nature. Today the practice of taking slow, meditative, wilderness walks is catching on as a path to healing and rejuvenation.

That’s especially true here in Marin, as a growing body of research links forest bathing with therapeutic benefits like stress relief and prevention of stress-related illness. A Stanford University study found that immersion in nature can lower heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduces risk for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. With so many of us overwhelmed by hectic schedules and hooked on technology, a slow nature walk might be some of the best medicine out there.

Who takes part? Forest bathers include people of all ages, sexes, races and economic backgrounds. Most who join the Forest Bathing Club in San Francisco are curious and open-minded, founder Julia Plevin says, and their reasons range from wanting a new meditative practice to trying to trade their sel fie stick for a walking stick. Others might be battling an illness, making up for lost outdoor time or seeking an antidote to indoor office life. Plevin hosts walks around the Bay Area for everyone from venture capital partners and tech workers to yoga teachers, bookstore owners and tourists.

What should you expect? Forest bathing is not a long, strenuous hike. The walk can last two to four hours, but you take it at a very slow, leisurely pace so the body and mind can relax in a deep and di fferent way. It also doesn’t cover a lot of distance — usually only half a mile or so. “The practice of forest bathing is about non-efforting,” Plevin says. “We don’t have a destination. It’s about engaging your senses, and when all of you r five senses are engaged you are by defi nition present, not lost in your head.” The experience can vary according to leader and setting, but in general you might walk in complete silence and stop at “activation points” where you are asked to smell and taste a leaf, share observations with the group or engage in meditation or yoga. “People will come away with a new perspective, tools for connecting to nature, and a community that supports them,” Plevin says. And it’s not about snapping sel fies, she adds, so leave your cellphone at home.

Where do people forest-bathe? With Marin’s diverse wilderness — serene open spaces, towering redwoods, and a kaleidoscope of wild flowers — fi nding green spaces isn’t a problem. While forest bathing can happen in any natural environment, including the seashore and deserts, the ideal places are quiet, non-strenuous trails that include a forest canopy and meadows and where the only sounds are the wind, birdcalls and babbling brooks. “There are countless ways to connect with nature; however, the greater the

biodiversity, the greater the psychological benefits,” notes Richard Louv, co-founder of the Children and Nature Network and author of numerous nature-focused books. According to the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the county’s fi ve best forest-bathing spots are Muir Woods, Bear Valley Trail in Point Reyes, Mount Tam, the Marin Headlands and Audubon Canyon Ranch.

Who should do this? Because the practice is gentle, forest bathing is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Dr. Nooshin Razani, a pediatrician, researcher and advo cate of nature’s healing power, prescribes “nature” for her young patients and their families as an alternative healing approach at UCSF Benioff hildren’s Hospital Oakland, where she founded and directs the Center for Nature and Health.

Why should you try this? In addition to the health benefits cited above, nature immersion is linked to reduced risk for chronic disease and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. “Research suggests that direct and indirect contact with nature can help with recovery from mental fatigue and the restoration of attention, as well as help restore the brain’s ability to think,” Louv adds. “Nature is an antidote to stress — children, parents, just about everyone feels better after spending time in the natural world, even if it’s in a backyard or neighborhood park.”

How does it work? There are many plausible explanations for the benefits: green spaces promote physical activity, social interaction and exposure to vitamin D, all of which can boost health in various ways. “Earthing — or walking on the earth in bare feet or with soft-soled shoes — is proven to decrease in flammation and chronic pain,” Plevin adds. “Plus, trees emit oils called phytoncides that increase natu ral ‘killer cell’ activity [which] helps prevent cancer.” And as Louv observes, “Research, experience, and common sense suggest that our attraction to and need for natural land scapes and involvement with species other than our own is fundamental to our health, our survival and our spirit. This connection is part of our humanity.” m

We don’t have a destination. It’s about engaging your senses, and when all of your five senses are engaged you are by definition present, not lost in your head.

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Author Talk

The Island of Sea Women.

MM: What do you think makes female friendships so profound, even in the face of adversity and cultural shifts?

LS: I’m drawn to writing about female friendship because it’s unlike any other relationship we have in our lives. We expect our women friends to love us and support us, especially in times of adversity. We share the good, bad and trying parts of our lives with our friends. In fact, we’ll tell a friend something we won’t tell our mothers, our partners or our children. This is a particular kind of intimacy — and it can leave us open to the deepest betrayals.

MM: What drew you to write about Korea’s Jeju Island and the haenyeo?

LS: In many ways I feel that the haenyeo — the diving women of Jeju Island — called to me. I was sitting in my doctor’s waiting room, lea fi ng through magazines, and I came across a tiny article, just one paragraph and one small photo, about these remarkable women. I ripped it out and took it home. I hung on to the article for eight years

before I decided that now was the time to write about the haenyeo. They have a matrifocal society — a society focused on women. The women hold their breath for two minutes and dive down 60 feet (deep enough to get the bends) to harvest seafood. They are the breadwinners in their families, while their husbands take care of the children and do the cooking. In the past, [the] women would retire at age 55. Today, the youngest haenyeo is 55. I was and am amazed by their bravery and persistence, as well as by the camaraderie and sisterhood that they share with each other. It’s said that in about 15 years, this culture will be gone from the world. I felt compelled to write about them while I still could.

MM: What do you think readers, and just people in general, can learn from the div ers your characters are based on?

LS: In the past, in addition to the ordinary day-to-day hardships they faced in their work, they would dive in winter off the coast of Vladivostok. Can you imagine how cold that water must have been?

The haenyeo have the greatest ability of all human groups to withstand cold water. Second, the older generation of divers lived through incredibly dark and di fficult times: Japanese colonialism, World War II, the Korean War and then the severity and hardships of how the [politics of the] Red Scare played out on Jeju Island. Third, these women work together and live their lives together. They are literally facing life and death every day. Somehow, they are able to do this while maintaining a really good, and wry, sense of humor. We all face adversity in our lives. Sometimes we rise to the occasion and sometimes we fail.

CALIN VAN PARIS

Local Page Turners

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See (Los Angeles), Scribner, $27. Lisa See’s latest novel is set on a small Korean island where secrets abound. When two girls, best friends, come of age to work with the village’s all-female diving collective, there is plenty of adventure and danger to be found. In a tale spanning decades, See, a New York Times best-selling author, imbues her characters with a rich and riveting life that will keep readers enthralled. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera April 9, noon; $55 ticket includes book and lunch.

The Parade by Dave Eggers (Mill Valley), Knopf, $25.95 . In Dave Eggers’ novel The Parade , the story’s central location remains unnamed — all the reader knows is that 10 years of war has left this land in terrible shape. The story follows two men, at odds in their personalities and philosophies, who have been hired to finish a highway meant to serve as an armistice. Grappling with the complex idea of peace, this latest work from Eggers proves that his wealth of imagination endures unabated. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera April 5, 7 p.m.

The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell (San Francisco), Hogarth, $28 . When you can’t afford a plane ticket, the next-best option is a good read. Caine Prize winner Namwali Serpell’s sweeping, ambitious tale depicts three families plagued by a curse over the course of generations. Readers might wonder if they’ll need a passport as the story roams from India to Italy to England and the characters’ tangled fates converge in Zambia. There’s also a bit of time travel: Serpell’s novel moves expertly from 1855 to a brilliantly imagined Southern Africa of 2050. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera April 9, 7 p.m.

Swimming for Sunlight by Allie Larkin (Bay Area), Atria Books, $16.99. When aspiring cos tume designer Katie gives up everything in a divorce to make sure she and canine companion Barkimedes aren’t separated, she decides to move to Florida to live with her grandmother, Nan. She learns there’s more to Nan then she ever thought to ask about; meanwhile, Katie’s former college flame arrives in town. It’s a great spring read. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera April 24, 7 p.m.

Reviews by Book Passage Marketing Manager Zack Ruskin.

We sat down with Lisa See to discuss her new novel

www.marincf.org 415.464.2507

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Lori Frugoli

After a narrow election victory, the longtime Marin deputy district attorney is setting out to make changes in the DA’s office.

BY JIM WOOD • PHOTO BY LENNY GONZALEZ

SAYING IT WAS a close race is a big understatement. Last November, after three weeks of counting ballots once the polls closed, Lori Frugoli was named Marin’s new district attorney. The 28-year veteran of the DA’s office narrowly defeated Anna Pletcher, a Mill Valley resident and prosecutor with 10 years of experience at the U.S. Department of Justice’s office in San Francisco. With 132,000 ballots counted, Frugoli won by 386 votes — less than 0.3 percent of the total votes cast. Many observers say the difference came down to Frugoli’s prover bial “hometown advantage.”

Let’s face it, Frugoli is Marin through and through. Now 62, she came to the county at an early age and attended Mary E. Silveira Elementary School, Miller Creek Middle School, Terra Linda High and College of Marin before receiving her bachelor’s degree from nearby Sonoma State University. She was a police explorer scout, a meter maid, a police officer in San Rafael and Marin County Deputy Sheriff efore joining the Marin County District Attorney’s office in the early 1990s. After earning a law degree from Golden Gate University’s School of Law, as a Marin County deputy district attorney she prosecuted in more than 100 jury trials involving such crimes as gang violence, child molestation, elder abuse and consumer fraud.

For 38 years she’s been married to former motor cycle police officer and San Rafael city councilman Gary Frugoli, and the couple lives in Novato. O ff-duty, she rides and shows horses. Despite years of dealing with society’s worst elements, Marin’s recently elected DA has a light hearted manner and seems disinclined to take herself overly seriously. She smiles easily and laughs often.

What are the changes you hope to make in Marin’s DA office? Basically, it is to get out into the community and let people know we are here to help; our motto is “Connecting the Community to the Courthouse.” We now have a video explaining what the district attorney’s office does that I’m anxious to share with seniors’ groups, to service clubs and wherever people gather. To me, community engagement is a huge part of our job that we never really embraced before. We have victim witness advocates that help victims and a specialist who helps get restitution for the losses they have su ffered. We have a consumers’ unit that looks at instances where people feel they’ve been ripped off. And we have a group of volunteers who mediate cases where there is con fl ict. Another one of my priorities is making sure the immigrant community knows we’re here to help them; we have people available who speak Spanish and other languages. And this month, I’m involved with programs combating human trafficking and building connections that result in safe and inclusive communities for young and old.

Pardon the naivete, but what is the purpose of the office of district attorney? You’re not alone: many people don’t under stand our office’s mission. It will be a big part of my job to demystify and destigmatize what our office does. It’s really our job to help protect our communities, allowing them to be safe. That may sound like a police department’s job — and to a degree it is, and we work closely with police departments — but when a police department does something wrong, it’s also our job to call them out on it. Our job is to be out in the community educating people on how to prevent crimes and how not to be a victim of a crime and, when a crime does occur, to represent the victim in court. The DA’s office has a role not only in the county’s unincorporated areas, but also in each of Marin County’s towns and cities.

And how do you do that? It works like this: when a crime is committed, a police officer takes a report; that report then comes into our office and is reviewed and a determination is made as to what, if any, charges will be fi led. If the charges merit it, the crime then goes to court and my office, acting as “the People of the State of California,” represents the victim. Depending on the charges, the victim of the crime isn’t always named; rather, it is all of the people in California who are essentially “the victim” of a crime and they, represented by the DA’s office, are the ones bringing a case against the crime’s perpetrator. To achieve this, the district attorney’s office has over 80 employees and a budget of $18 million. Organization-wise, there’s myself and the two chief district attorneys who work directly with me. Then there are 27 deputy district attorneys who take the cases to court; balance of our staff re critical support sta ff, investigative sta ff, victim witness sta ff, analyst and clerical positions.

The number one crime in Marin County is driving under the influence of alcohol, or DUI.

Where does Marin stand statistically regarding crime?

The number one crime in Marin County is driving under the in fluence of alcohol, or DUI. We had over 1,200 mis demeanor DUIs in 2018 and 2017. During those years the county’s number 10 crime was domestic violence; between those two are things like public intoxication, theft, posses sion of drug paraphernalia and credit card fraud among other crimes. Around 80 percent of the county’s crimes are misdemeanors, not felonies, but presently we are pros ecuting five murder cases. So, we’re rather lucky; ours is a relatively safe district. However, there’s a reason why: there’s good law enforcement out there doing their job, and we’re doing a good job of prosecuting cases in order to cut down on recidivism.

How has crime in Marin changed? I can tell you we now spend a good portion of our time doing things that 10 years ago we didn’t do. We spend considerable time and resources working on people’s mental health and homelessness issues. The old “lock them up” days are over. Now there is a lot of social work we’re involved with and most people don’t realize that. What many on the outside don’t realize is that if this is a DUI case, and the accused pleads guilty, the case may take two hours of our time start to finish. Yet if the file is a mental health case, say something simple as trespassing or drunk in public, the case may take up to 30 hours to process. And nobody has been quantifying this allotment of time, [which is the case] not only in my office but in law enforcement too. This is important information and it is my intention to keep better track in our office to optimize the efficiency of our time and resources.

In one capacity or another, you’ve been working in Marin’s district attorney’s office for about three decades. Why after all that time did you want the top job? I thought it was time for more positive and connective changes and that I had the knowledge, experience and trust relationships established to make those changes. Going back to the 1990s, I’ve worked for four di fferent Marin district attorneys and I think having that history is a powerful tool for me moving forward. I’ve seen things that worked wonderfully and things that were not so wonderful and I’ve actually used some approaches from way back when that have worked very well.

After the election, was it agonizing for you during the vote count? You mean the waiting? My perception was that I’ve prosecuted in over 100 jury trials and the waiting for the final elec tion results was just like waiting for a final jury decision. You hear that the jury has reached a decision, so you rush to the courthouse all excited only to find the jury has another ques tion or wants more testimony. And then they call you again, and again it’s only for a question, not a verdict. I had gotten used to that, so I used it as an analogy for waiting for the final elec tion result. And it really was like waiting for a verdict, and it turned out to be a good verdict. It was well worth the wait. m

Thank you to

entire community of supporters; you are the ones who made this possible.

CHRISTOPHER B. SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER

Jennifer Coslett MacCready Henry Timnick

Marin Community Foundation City of San Rafael

Marcia Lucas Lucasfilm LTD Pacific Theaters Margaret E. Haas Hensel Phelps Construction Co. Katz Family Foundation

Bellebyron Foundation Ed and Susan Lowe The Bernard Osher Foundation Mel and Lois Tukman Dolby Laboratories Bank of Marin The Fred Gellert Family Foundation Gruber Family Foundation Don and Donna Kelleher Marin County Board of Supervisors Michael and Susan Schwartz Robert and Nanette Griswold Ken and Jackie Broad Family Fund

Autodesk, Inc. • Bank of America Foundation • Blockbuster, Inc. • Doug Carlston and Tomi Pierce

Mark Cazenave ll • Tom and Diane Durst • Sunita Dutt | Chinook Restaurant • Leonard and Robin Eber Doug and Jane Ferguson • Hambrecht & Quist • The Haydon Family | Il Davide Restaurant • Dan Heller Gerald G. Hoytt • Nancy K. Hudson • J. Patrick and Irene M. Hunt • Michael and Roxanne Klein Ellen Jane Kutten • Kathryn E. Johnson and Peter Culver • K.C. and Steve Lauck • Barbara Brown Leibert Luther Burbank Savings • Marin Airporter

Northern Trust • Pacific Telesis

Joseph and Eda Fell Pinewood Foundation • The Egan Family | Rafael Convalescent Hospital • Philip A. Schaefer Jin and Linda Zidell • Susan and Richard Idell • Beth and John Allen • Andrew and Kathleen Varlow Nancy and Rich Robbins • Macquarie Group Foundation • Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein Peter and Catherine Flaxman • Eric A. Schwartz • Bill and Mary Poland

Christopher B. and Jeannie Meg Smith

We asked you to imagine a cultural center that would be the catalyst for bringing together the riches of cinema, community, and culture.

20 years later, the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center is a beacon of cinema in downtown San Rafael.

With appreciation from the California Film Institute

High High

How a group of Marin teenagers coined pot’s most popular code name: 420.

BY ZACK RUSKIN • ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS WHETZEL

Marin County has never su ffered from a lack of celebrity residents.

Over the years figures like Metallica’s James Het field, actor Robin Williams, and novelist Isabel Allende have all lived here. Yet in addition to the writers, musicians and fi lm stars, Marin has been home to another set of famous folks. They haven’t starred in movies or written hit singles, but the five friends known as the Waldos have become counterculture phenoms, thanks to a slang term they invented as students at San Rafael High School in 1971.

Initially, the phrase “420 Louis” was a code — a reference to the time of day the Waldos would meet at a statue of chemist Louis Pasteur after school. Their agenda: to search Point Reyes for a crop of marijuana marked on a map they’d been given by a friend’s brother in the U.S. Coast Guard.

While the Waldos — Dave Reddix, Larry Schwartz, Steve Capper, Mark Gravitch and Jeff rey Noel — never found their bounty of bud, the term “420” stuck. It became an easy way to refer to marijuana without parents or teachers being the wiser, which was fantastic for the group, as smoking pot was part of nearly everything they did.

Now, almost 50 years later, Reddix and Capper are still marveling at the way their little inside joke has spread around the globe. Seated in Capper’s Sleepy Hollow home, they review the latest traces of their unexpected legacy.

Francisco, thousands gather on this date each year at Golden Gate Park’s “Hippie Hill” to light up in unison when the clock strikes 4:20 p.m. Similar celebrations large and small happen everywhere from Vancouver to Amsterdam.

No one in the group is entirely sure just how the number leapfrogged their circle to become something so massive. Reddix notes that his brother Patrick Reddix was close friends with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, even manag ing two of the musician’s side bands, which almost certainly helped: in 1990, a flier for a Dead show in Oakland made ample use of the term and found its way to the offices of High Times, which published the first article investigating the origins of the phrase.

Capper fi rst realized just how big 420 was getting when fellow Waldo Larry Schwartz phoned him in 1997. “Larry

For starters, there’s H.R. 420 — a bill recently intro duced in Congress by Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon. O fficially known as the “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act,” the legislation seeks to build on a mounting public outcry calling for cannabis to be removed from the federal Controlled Substances Act.

Capper and Reddix believe that step could help many unjustly incarcerated individuals go free, but they acknowl edge such efforts remain controversial within the larger cannabis community. “We’re not political,” Capper says. “We’re not one side or the other.”

Another recent 420 reference comes courtesy of Tesla founder Elon Musk. “It was funny to watch him get in trou ble for saying that the stock price would be evaluated at $420 a share,” Capper says. “He did it to impress his girlfriend, who likes to smoke out, and then all of a sudden he was in trouble with the [Securities and Exchange Commission].”

Musk’s misstep isn’t the biggest instance of 420 enter ing the zeitgeist. That would be the unofficial adoption of April 20 as a high holiday for marijuana worldwide. In San

called me up one day. He said, ‘Steve, it’s everywhere. There are T-shirts and hats. Everybody is capitalizing on it.’ ”

Reddix recalls hiking with Capper in the expanses of Utah and finding a tree with 420 carved into its trunk. For a time, 420 inspired a real-life Waldo Easter egg hunt: whenever one of the gang saw a graffiti tag or park bench engraving, they’d gleefully share the news.

In 1998, the Waldos contacted High Times in hopes of setting the record straight, so to speak.

Their evidence was compelling. Among the keepsakes (currently stored in a bank vault) they offered as proof of provenance was a postmarked letter from Reddix to Capper mentioning 420 in the early 1970s. There’s also a 420 fl ag a friend of the Waldos made for them in arts-and-crafts class at San Rafael High.

Reddix says the Waldos have little interest in benefiting fi nancially as 420’s creators; they just want proper credit. Besides, while the number’s improbable popularity has been a wild ride, it’s only one of countless signi fiers of the gang’s mischievous days. “It’s totally secondary,” he says. “When

Most noteworthy is the unofficial adoption of April 20 as a high holiday for marijuana.

you think about it, we didn’t get any coverage on this until 1998. That was 27 years after we created the term. That’s a long time.”

So what were the Waldos doing when not hunting reefer in Point Reyes? Most of the time, riding around in Capper’s 1966 Chevy Impala on “safaris” — impromptu escapades that more often than not involved smoking a little grass and doing something slightly insane.

“We went to all kinds of places in Marin,” Capper says. “We’d go to the Golden Gate Bridge, get high, and jump in the painters’ nets.” “We’d climb out on the girders,” Reddix explains. “Underneath there was a net in case someone was painting and they fell off. We’d go out there, get stoned, and start jumping in those nets like they were trampolines.”

Other antics: driving to Hamilton Army Air field in Novato to sprint across the runway as planes were taking off; rac ing the planes in Capper’s Impala; surprising unsuspecting

elevator riders by stopping the lift between floors and pulling apart the doors. After reading in Rolling Stone about a labora tory working with holograms near Palo Alto, Capper decided to visit it in the middle of the night. “I got fed up with a football game, so I went down there. It was like one in the morning; I pounded on the door and asked if I could see the holograms. They said, ‘Yeah! Come on in! We’d love to show you!’ ”

“Basically, we were a brotherhood of outlaw weed smok ers,” Reddix says. “We’d challenge each other every week to come up with a new, weird place to go.”

These days, 420 pops up in the Waldos’ lives in other kinds of surprising ways. Last December, Reddix’s brother Pat passed away after a battle with cancer, and beyond family, longtime friend Phil Lesh was also there during that di fficult time.

“I was there, and Pat died at exactly 4:20 p.m.,” Reddix says. “It’s on his death certificate. What are the chances of that?” m

On the right: Waldo Mark (front), Waldo Larry (middle) and Waldo Dave (back) share a joint with a non-Waldo (left) at Dominican University in San Rafael after playing Frisbee golf.

MAKING PEACE

BY EVA HAGBERG FISHER PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM MALONEY

FU-TUNG CHENG, A MASTER OF CONCRETE AND DESIGN, AGAIN TEAMS UP WITH A CLIENT FOR A PLAYFUL TIBURON HOUSE THAT FLOWS DOWN A HILL AS EASILY AS IT RENEWS OLD ASSOCIATIONS.

An abstract, fractal geometric relief is sculpted into the concrete walls as a reference to both art deco wall reliefs and the architect Carlo Scarpa. The elliptical opening was positioned so that the owners could keep an “eye” on their children.

FU-TUNG CHENG ISN’T in a hurry. The mainstay contributor to the East Bay design world, whose storefront office on San Pablo Avenue has been a hub of studies in concrete and a variety of design modes, is happy to talk about the musician David Byrne, the CIA’s penchant for recruiting at UC Berkeley when he was graduating in 1971, and his recent discovery of the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. It’s a languid approach to an interview that, 20 minutes in, has yet to address his most recent project, a house in Tiburon that trips down a hillside and works as a study in reflective planes and multiple forms of concrete, and it gets at least one writer fascinated about what, exactly, this designer is expressing with his work.

This wasn’t the first encounter for architect and client. Cheng worked with the client, a builder/developer, 15 years ago, in another lifetime for both of them. That time, personal and professional issues affected the relationship, leading to a long hiatus during which Cheng continued to explore his architectural relationship to concrete, and the client went about his life. Cheng didn’t think he was likely to find himself in the same river twice.

That was until three or four years ago, when the phone rang. The client had mellowed and was interested in having Cheng work on some interiors for his own home. Why only interiors? “I don’t trust your architecture,” the client said. (He might not have mellowed that much.) So Cheng made him an offer: he would work on retainer, design a house, and if the client didn’t like it , fi ne — they’d walk away peacefully.

Tripping down a Tiburon hillside, the house is a study in solid and void, opacity and transparency. Rich reddish concrete contrasts with windows and other concrete treatments to produce a variety of formal relationships among materials. Carlo Scarpa’s influence is felt in entryway details like the tapered treads in the staircase.

THE INTERIOR IS A STUDY IN WHAT CONCRETE CAN BE, AND THE MATERIAL SHOWS UP EVERYWHERE.

Background: Japanese ash cabinets support a custom-cast Cheng Design Geocrete concrete countertop. Open aluminum shelves bridge wall-hung Sen cabinets. Foreground: With the Golden Gate Bridge visible on the horizon, a custom stainless steel sink and solid wood countertop are fully integrated with the site-cast concrete island walls.

Top left: This fabric-formed lightweight concrete sink in the master bath was designed and fabricated at Cheng’s workshop.

Top right: Concrete is everywhere inside the home. Drama is added to a long hallway where concrete walls contain apertures backed with colorful polyurethane casts.

Cheng wasn’t surprised when the client loved the fi rst design he offered — the one they ended up going with. “There was a rationale behind the layering that he liked,” Cheng says, referring to the multiple types and colors and forms of concrete that he introduced for the house. Cheng isn’t a trained architect but a craftsman, someone who came up through the world of carpentry. A keen attention to the texture of details and walls, combined with an icon oclastic approach to spatial layout and siting, accounts for his somewhat outsider status.

That doesn’t mean Cheng doesn’t know about architec ture, though. He references Frank Lloyd Wright in discussing the compression and expansion and sense of rhythm that his

firm introduced into the house through the judicious use of hallways and parallel concrete walls, as well as the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, whose in fluence he sees in the front entrance and the way that orange and red and gray concrete seem to converse with each other. The Scarpa reference partic ularly comes through in the sequence of entry forms — tapered treads in the staircase, a warm adobe-colored wall — and the relationship between ground, pond and house. “You’re pro gressing upwards and there are these textures, and part of a rock or a tree,” Cheng says. “It was like a rock canyon.”

The interior is a study in what concrete can be, and the material shows up everywhere. A long entrance hall way is pockmarked with apertures that are backed with a

polyurethane cast, a glowing material that would fit right into a Jurassic Park set.

“It looks like a solid piece of amber that has a bug pre served in it for a billion years,” Cheng says. “But it’s not; it’s lodged into a negative space there.” The effect is that of a niche of concrete art in relief. Those translucent aper tures contrast with completely transparent ones, like the eye-shaped cut made into the concrete wall that encloses the kitchen — “so he can keep an eye on the kids,” Cheng says, not entirely joking. Playfulness abounds: in the main bathroom, the sink isn’t just a sink; it’s “a lightweight fiberreinforced [piece of] concrete that is sculpted and molded” and produced in Cheng’s shop.

Why this love for concrete? “In the 19th century, con crete was considered this miracle liquid stone,” Cheng says. His reverence for the di fferent forms the material can take comes through in conversation, and his interest in a mate rial that can change texture, strength and appearance makes sense in context of the rest of his interests.

“I have references to Scarpa, and in my own art back ground, to organic geological things,” he says. “I’ve merged them to create a tableaux.”

It’s an approach to the world that puts the first wideranging 20 minutes of our conversation into context. It’s clear that Cheng’s eyes are open, and he’s excited to show the world what he sees. m

BY ROBIN BREUNER

ILLUSTRATION BY MITCH BLUNT

WHAT A DREAM THE LIFE OF a Marin real estate agent must be. Flexible schedules, the latest German SUV … and the big commissions on those multimillion-dollar homes aren’t so bad either.

Once, I was lured by this vision of easy money. I had been a commer cial real estate agent and had an interior design background. My kids were young and still needed me nights and weekends, but I thought I could work part time and have the best of both worlds. Within a couple of years, I realized this was not a part-time job. I was working on weekends and at night, and it required full-time effort if I wanted to succeed.

Now that my kids are older, I decided to talk to a few local agents to see if 10 years later, it might be a better fit.

I started my research at the top. Tracy McLaughlin, who recently joined The Agency luxury worldwide firm, has been one of the top-producing agents both in Marin and nationally for 23 years. “Without a doubt, it is one of the most challenging jobs a person could choose,” she says right offthe bat. “It requires 24/7 availability to your clients, and it requires you being a combination money manager/therapist/ prognosticator and supreme communicator of all that is honest, even when your clients do not want to hear the truth.”

In fact, assuming it will be easy is rookies’ fi rst mistake, says Jenn Pfei ffer, a longtime Marin agent and sales manager at Zephyr Real Estate in Greenbrae. “There’s an upfront cost when you become an agent,” she points out. “You have to join national, state and local associations, you have to buy your signage and business cards, and there are marketing

costs. Some brokerages charge for training. All of that adds up. Plus, you don’t earn a salary. Some people I interview (for the fi rm) assume they will be an employee of the brokerage and all of that is provided to them. It’s not.”

Then there’s learning about contracts and legal requirements, staying up to speed through continuing education — and the endless need to market oneself. It takes a certain skill to fi nd a way to stand out in a crowded field of outgoing, enthusiastic people who are competing for the same listings and buyers. Knowing the inven tory and the story behind each sale can give you an edge, Pfei ffer notes, but a good agent essen tially must be an incredible font of knowledge, about everything from the newest laws and ordinances to permit requirements.

WSomeone starting out in the business today also needs to bring something extra to the equa tion, since there are so many realtors already established in Marin. “Become an expert in your community or the community where you wish to work,” suggests agent Bitsa Freeman of Vanguard Realty. “Know the neighborhood, what the profi les are of the buyers in your area. Understand the zoning, building and county and or city rules. Serve your local community by volunteering. Be actively engaged,” and “get out there and meet people.”

Chelsea Ialeggio, Vanguard’s sales manager, guesses the number of agents who make it after two years may be under 20 percent. That means contenders should have enough savings in the bank to live on as they establish themselves. They must have a well-defined business plan and be ready to work seven days a week, she adds, and they must not assume family and friends will be their clients. “I look at what kind of experience they have had in their previous careers and in life,” she says about hiring new agents. “I like to see how they interact with others, their ability to listen, and their expec tations about what they are getting into. I pay a lot of attention to nonverbal cues.”

In fact, around 70 percent of new agents eventually give up on the business, says Mark McLaughlin, CEO of Pacific Union, and he estimates it takes three years of intense com mitment and hard work to begin to fi nancially succeed. Right now only a small percentage of agents are doing the lion’s share of business in

Marin, he adds; as housing markets tighten and become more volatile, clients are migrating toward proven experience and skill, mak ing it even harder for newcomers to break in. (His own fi rm recently merged with Compass Realty, which also purchased Paragon late last year and Alain Pinel this year.)

McLaughlin says he looks for three core per sonality traits in every new hire his fi rm takes on: fi rst, he wants to see a “competitive stripe in their DNA.” Second, he wants to see great instincts on forthcoming trends. And third, the con fidence to marshal those assets and put them to work. “How many times have you heard someone say, ‘I had that idea three years ago,’ but they did not act?”

Redfin’s Benjamin Faber, a young agent with listings throughout Marin, exemplifies one innovative business model for the field. He started in real estate at 24, a few years after graduating from UC Santa Barbara, but wishes he’d gotten his license even sooner — to him, it’s a great business opportunity to consider while attending college.

Unlike most traditional agencies, Red fi n is highly technology-powered and markets itself as such; also, its agents are salaried employees, with benefits like health care, paid time offand parental leave. They receive bonuses based on the home’s sale or purchase price and customer satisfaction performance surveys. (A com pany blog says agents who worked at least nine months in 2017 earned about $90,000.) The upshot: the fees clients pay are typically lower than a traditional agent’s commissions. And because Red fi n agents work as part of a support team that fields customer inquiries, manages details and paperwork and streamlines the pro cess with technological tools, transactions are economical and efficient.

Basic administrative support varies among traditional real estate fi rms, but more often than not it’s up to agents to create and fund their own teams, often costing an agent a percentage of his commission. Commission “splits” between agent and broker also vary, but they aver age around 70/30 or 80/20, based on an average commission rate of 5 to 6 percent of the sale price of a home. Agents with greater seniority or productivity may get a bigger share.

Joining one of these support teams before jumping in as an agent is one way to gain experience and learn from the ground up. And every agent interviewed says it’s vital to surround yourself with top-quality mentors. Still, “no matter how many mentors or support team members you have, success is about very hard work, long hours, diligence at your craft and really caring about your clients,” Tracy McLaughlin says. In residential real estate, “trust, transparency and caring more about the client than a sale is imperative for a long-standing, successful career.” m

WHAT DOES IT COST?*

Join Local, State and National Associations Multiple Listing Service (MLS); Access Electronic Key to Enter Listings

TOTAL $2,000

Errors and Omissions Insurance

TOTAL $2,000

A-Frame Signs

TOTAL $300

Office Supplies: Laptop, Tablet, Business Cards

TOTAL Up to $2,000

MARKETING

An agent is essentially a small business owner; marketing costs depend on how much you can afford. Top agents might spend $10,000 a month on internet leads and advertising. It’s possible to spend up to several thousand dollars a month on mailings.

*Costs are approximations and may vary from brokerage to brokerage.

It requires 24/7 availability to your clients, and it requires you being a combination money manager/therapist/prognosticator and supreme communicator.

Home Renovation

Plan your next project with the experts on the following pages.

Architectural

The Bath + Beyond opened in 1986 with the idea and promise to offer the most exciting full service bath fixture and faucet showroom available anywhere. The goal was to create a completely new and different environment; a gallery of exceptional products for discerning tastes in decorative plumbing. We staffed, and continue to staff, The Bath + Beyond with the best and most qualified associates in the industry to make sure your journey into the world of decorative plumbing will be both educational and enjoyable, and of course, a journey that ends in an exceptionally good looking wet room. All the products offered by The Bath + Beyond are tested and proven for quality, true value, and aesthetic appeal - whatever your preferred style and taste.

The Bath + Beyond will have an even larger gallery of design options for you, we are proud to announce our kitchen and appliance gallery, opening late-spring.

1241

415.454.1623

Lamperti Contracting & Design supplies fine cabinetry and provides complete design/ build services, specializing in kitchens and baths. As a factory authorized dealer for Bentwood, Columbia and WoodMode cabinetry, we offer fine cabinetry for every taste and budget.

Our team of designers are experts in making the best use of your space and designing beautiful and functional environments. In addition to providing design/build services, we are also happy to work with your own building team to ensure that your cabinets are properly specified and drawn.

We understand that you face countless choices during a remodeling project, so let our designers guide you through the process and help you make those important selections.

Our designers and craftsmen take pride in our attention to detail for every phase of your project. We’d love to be part of your team.

We welcome you to stop by our showroom.

Known to many Bay Area designers and architects as PYRAM Fine French Kitchens, ARTEZIA represents our expansion that now includes two well-known Italian kitchen lines, MITON Cucine and BINOVA Italia.

“The addition of these new manufacturers,” says principal and kitchen designer Daniel Leffler, “enables us to accommodate an even wider spectrum of materials, hardware, and budgets. We’re excited about these recent developments, and are shipping new containers of products from both France and Italy.”

With a spacious showroom in the Showplace East Design Complex in San Francisco, on-staff designers at ARTEZIA will help make your vision a reality.

The ARTEZIA design team provides stunning complimentary 3D renderings to clients so they can envision their new kitchen. They will also work with your own design team, or handle the entire design-build-install process themselves. Stop by or call for more information, or to schedule a kitchen consultation.

Family owned and operated for over 30 years, they are the North Bay leader in tile installation and granite fabrication for residential remodels, new home construction and commercial jobs.

From start to finish, North Coast Tile is dedicated to working with you on accomplishing your vision.

Hundreds of granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone, limestone and onyx slabs to choose from in their acre large outdoor yard.

Inside is a beautiful boutique tile showroom offering hand selected tile lines from all over the world.

Six designers are on staff to help you achieve your vision. At North Coast Tile they are also happy to work with you and / or your Designer, Contractor and Architect.

Expertise, knowledge and trust make them the tile company that provides the solid foundation you will need to get your project started.

Kitchen above designed by Edie Chaska Design - echaskadesign.com. Photography by Tyler Chartier. Payne Construction.

Known for its artful collaborations with both established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design, Ligne Roset offers clients an entire lifestyle with which to live both boldly and beautifully via its furniture collections and decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, and textiles. In-house manufacturing allows Ligne Roset to closely supervise the entire production process and uphold the highest production standards. Matching its deeply-held belief in design through material investment and technical innovation, Ligne Roset has grown from a small business to a multinational leader in home furnishings. All the while, the company has been family-run since its inception in 1860.

Our San Francisco showroom offers a full experience of the Ligne Roset design ethos at over 6,000 sq. ft. in size, located in the heart of the Design District. And with over 22 years of experience with the Ligne Roset, owner Claudine Aubonnet-Musarra is proud to introduce the brand to newcomers. We welcome you to stop by our showroom.

Sandra Bird Designs Inc.

ALL WHITE KITCHENS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL

Designing a white kitchen is like beginning a painting with a blank canvas - the possibilities are endless.

Whether the style of home is traditional, contemporary, or transitional - expansive, family-sized or efficiently compact - the use of materials, textures and finishes is how Sandra Bird Designs creates spaces that are beautiful, functional, and unique to the individual clients and their homes. The transformation from blank canvas to an exquisite space where memorable meals are created for friends and family is evidence that all white kitchens are truly NOT created equal.

To see more examples of functional and aesthetically lovely transformations, visit www.sandrabird.com or Sandra Bird Designs on HOUZZ.com

415.927.1171 • sandrabird.com • Lic #460795

Photographers: Dennis Anderson: Top & Right, Warren Jagger: Left

Pine Street Natural Interiors

HEALTHY HOME INTERIOR DESIGN PRODUCTS

Since one of the largest contributors to indoor air pollution is home furnishings, all Pine Street Natural Interiors products are created without using harmful chemicals. Our standards of design are based on principles, which explore the effect of the built environment on human health. Knowledge of healthy products and our design experience ensures your home will nurture your mind, body and spirit.

323 Pine Street, Suite A • Sausalito, CA 415.331.9323 • pinestreetinteriors.com

1977

CA 415.456.3939

Our 30,000 square foot showroom features furniture from Lee, American Leather, Stickley as well as many small boutique companies specializing in custom furnishings.

Established in 1977 we are a family owned design showroom staffed by experienced and well trained professional designers. We stand behind everything we offer and are proud of our design expertise and talented staff.

• Int erior design

• Fur nishings

• Area Rugs

• Windo w Coverings

• Pillo ws & Accessories

We’ve been earning accolades for our interior design services as well as our showroom offerings for over forty years. We think our collections and displays are our best ever! Please come meander for inspiration, assistance and quality home furnishings.

Collier Warehouse

WINDOWS, DOORS AND SKYLIGHTS

Collier Warehouse is dedicated to providing the highest quality residential and commercial products and services for architects, contractors, homeowners, and developers. We offer competitive pricing on all of our windows, doors, skylights, and quality installation while providing top notch customer service.

Established in 1977, Collier is a Diamond Certified Company and a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). We continue to be on the cutting edge through our reputable relationships with many national window, door, storefront, skylight, and solarium manufacturers. We value the opportunity to present our clients with the best product solutions for their spaces. If you are interested in our services, please stop by our showroom or give us a call. We look forward to doing business with you.

Garage Solutions, Inc.

LIVE WELL ORGANIZED

Garage Solutions is a leader in the Garage Organization Industry. We assist our clients with designing solutions that best fit their needs and flow of the home. Whether creating that Rumpus Room, Exercise Room, Man Cave or just want to park your cars, we have a solution for you.

625 Du Bois Street, Suite H • San Rafael, CA 415.456.4474 • garagesolutions.com

90 Dorman Avenue • San Francisco, CA 415.920.9720 • colliergroup.com

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

At California Closets, we believe exceptional design transforms people’s lives. We see home as more than a place—it is a source of comfort and refuge, a space for connection and celebration. Everything we do at California Closets is rooted in our commitment to offer quality custom storage solutions that help people become better versions of themselves, with more time and space to focus on what matters most.

CUSTOM

BETTER LIVING

1716 Fourth Street

Berkeley, CA 510.775.1445

675 Townsend Street San Francisco, CA 510.775.1445 californiaclosets.com

For over forty years, California Closets has built a reputation as a leader in premium and luxury space management, delivering truly custom products and unparalleled service. We’ve helped transform spaces and allowed people to get more out of their homes—and do more in their everyday lives. And as we move forward, we will passionately continue to do this, and more.

Since the beginning, our top priority has been to focus on our customers’ needs. We’re committed to listening to the needs of every customer, working with them hand in hand, and always recognizing that it’s a true privilege to be invited into their homes and their lives.

Visit us at CaliforniaClosets.com or one of our Showrooms to schedule your complimentary design consultation.

Badeloft

MODERN. SIMPLE.

Here at Badeloft, we take a modern yet minimalistic approach to the design of our bathroom fixtures. We specialize in Stone Resin freestanding bathtubs, freestanding sinks, wallmount sinks and counter-top sinks. Our Stone Resin products are made from marble and limestone mixed with a polyester resin.

As far as bathtubs go, people are moving away from the acrylic and fiberglass tubs as they have zero heat retention. Since Badeloft products are made with natural minerals and the tubs are one-piece, solid fixtures, they have noticeably strong heat retention and will help the water inside stay warmer, longer.

Badeloft is a global brand based in Berlin, Germany. With showrooms throughout Europe and N. America, our US offices and showroom are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our products are designed in Berlin ensuring that all of our products demonstrate both practicality and modern innovation. We are confident that they will be the focal point of your new bathroom.

2829 Bridgeway, Suite 101 • Sausalito, CA 415.644.5888 or 877.892.3445 • badeloftusa.com

Architectural Design Carpets

DESIGN & INSTALLATION EXPERTS

Keeping in mind the different array of clientele, our products range from luxury one-of-a-kind statement pieces to family friendly floors. We collaborate with the Bay Area’s top interior designers and home owners to help reach their flooring vision with our vast collection of broadloom carpets, rugs, and hard surface for the past 30 years. The foundation of your home starts with us.

1111 Francisco Blvd East, Suite 3 • San Rafael, CA 415.458.1717 • architecturaldesigncarpets.com

Crome Architecture was born and raised in Marin. Since 2001 we have served our clients with a commitment to quality design and personal service. When you visit our light-filled studios, you will immediately sense that it’s a remarkable place for design. We love to guide our clients through the process of turning ideas into reality. The culture of Crome Architecture is built on more than the talent, technical rigor, and dedication of its staff, it’s built on our commitment to collaboration with each other and with our valued clients.

from the CU NAT FAMI LY

We invite you to visit our vineyard and winery in the Oak Knoll District, a diverse winegrowing appellation of Napa Valley. From these unique soils, matched with our talented winemakers, we have created truly noteworthy vintages. We look forward to sharing with you the results of our passion for farming and our focus on making flavorful wines.

THE LATEST LOCAL TRAVEL DEALS AND GETAWAYS PLUS JOURNEYS AROUND THE GLOBE

The Olea Hotel

GARAGISTE FESTIVAL

Sonoma, April 13

This festival changes location each year to give the state’s many wine areas a chance to shine: this year, it’s in Sonoma. Named for the ’90s French winemakers who popularized small-lot vins de garage , this is an event for discovering new and innovative producers. californiagaragistes.com

Celebrate Wine

JESSICA GLIDDON

CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL

Santa Barbara, July 19–20

The Central California version of this event may be the most picturesque, opening with a Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting at the old-world Carousel House and continuing with a beachside wine event featuring live bands and gourmet nibbles. californiawine festival.com/santa-barbara

AUCTION NAPA VALLEY

Napa Valley, May 29–June 3

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Napa Valley Vintners, and they’re toasting it with an exclusive charity auction where you can rub shoulders with California’s finest winemakers. auctionnapavalley.org

THE MONTEREY WINE FESTIVAL

Monterey, June 1–2

CALISTOGA FOOD AND WINE

Calistoga, May 9–11

Explore the refined wines of Calistoga with events including a VIP reception at Clos Pegase, a chef experience, a California Winegrowers Roundtable, and a culminating Grand Tasting at Solage. calistogafoodandwine.com

The 43rd celebration of this coastal region’s wines is also a salute to seafood: chowder on the first day, calamari on the second. montereywine.com

PACIFIC WINE AND FOOD CLASSIC, Newport Beach, August 17–18

A culinary festival of all things Southern California, served up along the sands of Newport Beach. pacificwineandfood.com

More Festivals

Passport to Dry Creek Valley, Cloverdale, Geyserville and Healdsburg , April 27–28 sonomacounty. com/sonoma-events/ passport-dry-creek-valley

Paso Robles Wine Festival, Paso Robles, May 16–19 pasowine.com/events/winefest

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, Anderson Valley, May 17–19 avwines.com/ pinot-noir-festival

Tiburon Peninsula Wine Festival, Tiburon, May 18 tiburonchamber.org/ tiburon-wine-festival

RoséFest, Sterling Vineyards, Calistoga, June 8 sterlingvine yards.com/en-us/events

Festival Napa Valley’s  Taste of Napa Valley, Vista Collina Resort, July 13 festivalnapavalley.org/ events-calendar-summer

San Rafael Art & Wine Festival, San Rafael, August 10 sresproductions.com/events/ san-rafael-art-and-wine-festival

Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival, Bodega Bay, August 24–25 bodegaseafoodfestival.com

Winesong Mendocino, Mendocino, September 6–7 winesong.org

Harvest on the Coast , San Luis Obispo, November 1–3 slowine.com/events/ harvest-on-the-coast.php

As one of the greatest wine regions in the world, California has a lot to celebrate, and forthcoming festivities abound

New Digs

Renovated and refreshed, these wine country spots invite staying for a night or three. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

1 THE OLEA HOTEL Like so many other North Bay places, Glen Ellen’s Olea Hotel was not immune to the destruction of the 2017 wildfires. But new life has been breathed into the hotel, which opened around the turn of the 20th century as Larinie’s French Resort. Named after the surrounding olive trees, the Olea has been thoroughly upgraded, with a new pool and hot tub, fresh landscaping and a reimagined fire pit area amid towering oaks, ideal for evening wine-sipping. In the 15 guest rooms the vibe is airy, modern and luxurious, with crisp white linens, plantation shut ters and heated bathroom floors. Tucked into the hillside, the hotel is steps from Glen Ellen’s restau rants and wineries, but guests get plenty of perks tempting them to hang on site: besides a two-course breakfast and an extensive break fast buffet, there’s complimentary wine in the lobby plus a weekly tasting held in partnership with a nearby vintner. oleahotel.com

2 WINE COUNTRY INN

A classic just got a boost. The Wine Country Inn, opened in 1975 as Napa Valley’s first bed-and-breakfast (they own the coveted URL winecountryinn. com), is literally in the heart of the valley and has been a popular getaway for decades. A two-year refresh, finished this spring, includes a complete update of amenities and public spaces and renovation of all 29 guest rooms and suites plus, for the five roomy cottages, fireplaces, living rooms and patios. But if you loved the spot before, not to worry: they kept the complimentary full breakfast (complete with daily quiche special), weekend wine tastings, hot tub and heated pool. winecountryinn.com

3 BRANNAN COTTAGE INN

Samuel Brannan, California’s first millionaire and the founder of Calistoga, is commemorated with numerous street signs and buildings bearing his name. Among the most prominent is the Brannan Cottage Inn, one of the first Calistoga sites to make the National Register of Historic Places. Opened to the public in 1862, the inn was once one of 15 cottages at Brannan’s hot springs resort and is the property’s last remaining structure still in its original location. Restored with award-winning results in 2014, it will be seeing more upgrades in coming months: a new general store will display historical mem orabilia along with food and other merchandise, and all six guest rooms will have king beds, smart tablets and keyless locks. The changes are slated for completion by end of summer.

brannancottageinn.com

THE MATHESON COMES TO HEALDSBURG

Celebrated chef Dustin Valette, with Michelin credentials, Napa Valley cachet and a stint as Charlie Palmer’s executive chef under his belt, is forging ahead with a new project in his hometown. He’ll be turning a historic building on Healdsburg Plaza into a mixed-commercial space, with a 98-seat restaurant called The Matheson on the main floor and an alfresco din ing spot called Roof 106 on the roof. It’s personal for the fourthgeneration Healdsburg resident: this is the same space where Valette’s great-grandfather Honore operated a bakery 100 years ago, and Valette’s brother Aaron Garzini is a co-developer on the project. It’s safe to say these ambitious plans have cre ated quite a bit of buzz in town. thematheson.com J.G.

With the St. Lawrence River in the foreground, the Historic District of Old Quebec features the 126-year-old Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and the 210-foot Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec.

Québec

This bastion of French Canadian culture is a ticket to summer love.

BY BEKAH WRIGHT

Charming cobblestone streets. Dreamy river vistas. A metropolis with a happening arts, culture and festival scene. Zip line–friendly waterfalls. Idyllic farmlands for miles. Turns out, all the elements from this summer vacation fantasy list exist in one location: Quebec City, the 400-year-old birthplace of French North America. Plan a summer getaway to Quebec’s bilingual-speaking (French/English) capital city and what awaits? Amour d’été : summer love.

The place to begin this amour: within the ancient stone walls of the Historic District of Old Quebec, the only forti fied city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Holding sway above the city is the regal, 126-year-old Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec), the most photographed hotel in the world. This grande dame, located on the Promenade des Gouverneurs and the boardwalk known as Terrasse Du fferin, is romance epitomized.

“Enchanting” best describes Château Frontenac’s 611 rooms and suites, which are both elegant and cozy. Several specialty rooms

Destinations

Holding sway above the city is the regal, 126-year-old Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world.

are named after famous guests who fell in love with the towering icon over the years, among them Justin Trudeau, Queen Elizabeth II and Céline Dion. Yes, the history here is rich (there’s even a historic exhibition to peruse), and there are equally resplendent views, featuring the city’s distinctive skyline and the St. Lawrence River. You’l l fi nd windows on unforgettable landscapes at the hotel’s Bistro Le Sam, where a table overlooking the St. Lawrence at sunset comes with a view of dazzling colors reflected on the water.

Twilight strolls along the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk with its green-and-white-canopied gazebos are magical. Grab an ice cream cone and canoodle on a bench near the river. Wander farther and it’s not uncommon to encounter street performances, from fi re jugglers on unicycles to chanteuses charming couples into dancing cheek-to-cheek.

Québécois (pronounced kebekwa) are passionate about music, something they share with visitors through their annual Le Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ), Canada’s largest music festival. This 11-day event in July (this year July 4–14) has been going strong since 1968. During FEQ, a party-like atmosphere prevails, with pop-up presentations, art installations and concerts.

FEQ provides a great excuse for noshing at sidewalk cafes, as certain streets become pedestrian-only at night. One great place for kicking back and watching grooving concertgoers is Chez Boulay – Bistro Boréal (chezboulay.com) on Rue St-Jean. The Nordicbased fare by chefs Jean Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand is seasonally inspired, wit h flavors speci fic to the region.

Soon, though, music wil l fi nd even lingering diners gravitating toward stages. Jazz, blues, hip-hop, rock — with 10 di fferent venues and 2,500 performances by both emerging and established artists, there’s something for everyone. The crown jewel is the Bell Stage, where the likes of Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and Bruno Mars have rocked out on the historic Plains of Abraham (ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/en) battlefild.

If You Go

GETTING THERE Connecting flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) are avail able on Air Canada, United and Delta.

GETTING AROUND Lyft, Uber and taxis are available in Quebec City; from the airport to the Historic District of Old Quebec takes about 40 minutes.

Once you’re in town, many attractions can be reached on foot or the Quebec City DoubleDecker Hop On/Hop Off Bus (toursvieux quebec.com/en/for fait/double-decker).

Extremely useful for getting from areas like Old Port to Historic Old Quebec is the Funiculaire du VieuxQuébec (funiculaire.ca).

Note: During FEQ, street closures make routes unpredictable, and hail ing a taxi or ride-share is more difficult right after a big concert ends.

For venturing out to Montmorency Falls Park or Île d’Orléans, consider renting a car from Enterprise, Hertz or Avis. Many hotel concierges can book a rental convenient to where you’re staying.

From the Plains of Abraham you can explore other Quebec City attractions, including the museums and gardens on the Plains themselves and the nearby 1899-constructed La Citadelle de Québec (lacitadelle.qc.ca/en) atop Cap-aux-Diamants. For further exposure to local arts and culture, the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec (funiculaire. ca) can whisk you to spots that reveal even more.

You can also learn through immersion by staying in a museum hotel, such as the Auberge Saint-Antoine (saint-antoine.com) in the city’s Old Port. The Relais & Châteaux property’s three historic buildings, built on an archaeological site, contain displays of recovered rare artifacts, both in an exhibition space and right outside all 95 rooms and suites. For dinner, head to Chez Mu ff y, set inside an 1822 maritime warehouse. The stone walls and wooden beams will appeal to history bu ffs, while the terrace is for farm-to-fork dining and reveling in the sun.

Just steps from the Auberge’s front door, the Musée de la Civilisation (mcq.org/en) has natural history knowledge to offer. A new exhibition to catch is Curiosities of the Natural World, which, in addition to 200 pieces on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, has some objects unique to Quebec: a beluga skeleton, fossils from the Miguasha Heritage Site and Mont Saint-Hilaire minerals.

Just outside, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Quebec’s founder Samuel de Champlain, past Place Royale and its Notre-Dame-desVictoires (North America’s oldest stone church; ndvsf.weconnect.com), along with a mural depicting four centuries of local history. Quartier Petit-Champlain’s shops and galleries are fun to investigate, too.

At Old Port, hop aboard the AM L Louis Jolliet (croisieresaml.com), where you can see endless panoramas and hear stories about Quebec from a guide in historic garb. On summer nights (Wednesdays and Saturdays, July 31–August 24) the sky comes alive a s fi reworks light up “La Vieille Capitale.”

Clockwise from top left: Taking the stage at Le Festival d’été de Québec; shopping at Rue de Petit Champlain; enjoy wines and liqueurs at Cassis Monna & Filles; the historic Auberge Saint-Antoine.

The boat ride also reveals two nearby places to explore the outdoors: At Montmorency Falls Park (sepaq.com), minutes from downtown, you can take in the majestic 272-foot waterfall by cable car, suspended bridge, hiking, three di fferent ferrata (protected climbing) routes, or even by soaring past on a 985-foot zip line. And a quick drive over the Pont de l’Île suspension bridge leads to Île d’Orléans (tourisme. iledorleans.com/en), the city’s agricultural mainstay. Here, indulging in fresh-from-the-fields produce is a must. Cassis Monna & Filles (cassismonna.com/en), a 40-acre farm renowned for black currants, produces 50,000 bottles of black currant wines and liqueurs each year; at lunch on the terrace of its restaurant La Monnaguette, you can imbibe a crème de cassis–flavored Monsieur Martini created by mixologist Patrice Plante. Afterward, get a black currant–vanilla ice cream “softie” to go.

It’s easy to feel swept away by Île d’Orléans’ sweet country lanes, particularly where they sidle up to the St. Lawrence with its hypnotically bobbing kayaks and sailboats. Then your gaze falls on Quebec City, and its staggering beauty elicits a gasp. Oui, c’est l’amour d’été. m

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: YVES TESSIER, TESSIMA; VILLE DE QUÉBEC; AUBERGE SAINT-ANTOINE

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS IN MARIN COUNTY!

$15,000 DOCTORATE SPONSORS

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County of Marin

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Professional Program Insurance Brokerage

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Sonoma County Office of Education

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$5,000 BACHELORS SPONSORS

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$2,500 SCHOLAR SPONSORS

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College of Marin

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Dr. Denise M. Lucy & Dr. Françoise O. Lepage Jean Ludwick & Doug Major Claudia & Ethan Moeller

Toby & Susan Mumford

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Confirmed sponsors as of 2/27/19

Calendar

The Met: Die Walküre

THEATER

THRU MAY 19 The Jungle Named for the makeshift home of thousands of immi grants and refugees in Calais, France, from January to October 2016, this play is a reminder of a massive human rights crisis that stoked fears about

dangers of mass migra tion. Curran (SF). 415.358.1220, sfcurran.com

APR 6 A Night of Shakespeare Shorts

This celebration of the Bard’s plays takes the form of a competition for the title of best scene of the evening. Shakespeare-savvy

judges from Marin Shakespeare, San Francisco Shakespeare and ACT will adjudicate, but guests can decide for themselves and have a slice of Shakespearian birthday cake. Phoenix Theater (Petaluma). 707.287.1766, petaluma shakespeare.org

APR 12–28 Scott &

Zelda: The Beautiful Fools In 1939, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, embark on a whirlwind trip to Cuba to try and repair their fractured marriage. Barn Theater (Ross). 415.456.9555, ross valleyplayers.com

APR 16–MAY 12 Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Charlie Bucket and four other children win admission to the myste rious chocolate factory, where Willy Wonka serves as their guide to an epic adventure. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

APR 17–MAY 12 Vanity Fair Ambitious Becky Sharp is as determined as ever to attain status in this new produc tion based on William Makepeace Thackeray’s 19th-century novel. Playwright Kate Hamill reinvigorates Ms. Sharp with a spirit that is decidedly 21st century. Geary Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

THRU APR 20 Yoga Play When apparel giant Jojomon is hit with a scandal, new CEO Joan stakes everything on a plan to recover the company’s earnings and reputation. San

Francisco Playhouse (SF). 415.677.9596, sfplayhouse.org

APR 25–MAY 19 Jazz Adapted from Toni Morrison’s novel set in 1926 Harlem, this production explores themes of revenge and unforgiveable acts. Underscored by Bay Area musician Marcus Shelby. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5200, marin theatre.org

APR 26–28 An Evening with C.S. Lewis Spend time in the living room of the author of The Screwtape Letters and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as he recalls his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien, the near abandon ment of The Narnia Chronicles, and the American woman who turned his life upside down. Marines’ Memorial Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

THEATER

/ EVENTS / FILM / TALKS EDITED BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

DANCE

APR 4–6 Bellwether Dance Project

Featuring works by artistic director Amy Foley and guest chore ographer Robert Moses, the San Francisco–based troupe presents Let Slip the Witches (SF). 415.549.8519, odc.dance

APR 11–13 Unraveled

The world premiere by the Alyssandra Katherine Dance Project blends move ment with spoken word, exploring stories of dependency and addic tion. ODC Theater (SF). 415.863.9834, odc.dance

APR 19–24 The Little Mermaid

This ballet version of the story by Hans Christian Andersen about a mer maid heroine explores the divergent worlds of serene underwater life and the flamboy ant lives of humans with mature themes and subject matter (not recommended for children under 12). War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.865.2000, sfballet.org

APR 19–27 The Wait Room

The world premiere of this site-specifi, appa ratus-based dance installation from Flyaway Productions honors women who have an incarcerated loved one, while explor ing the ideas of waiting and weighting. Empty lot opposite Civic Center/UN Plaza (SF). 415.672.4111, flyaway productions.com

APR 26–JUN 1 Dance

Series 02 and Best of Smuin nspired by the 385-mile protest wall of women in India on New Year’s Day 2019, Smuin

Ballet celebrates the end of its 25th season with a groundbreaking work from Amy Seiwert, along with the return of Michael Smuin’s favorites. YBCA Theater (SF). 415.912.1899, smuinballet.org

COMEDY

APR 5

Marincomedyshow presents Don Friesen Straight off is onehour Showtime special Ask Your Mom, Friesen captures the absurdi ties of parenting and the ironies of marriage in his many characters, parodies and voices. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.473.7000, marincenter.org

APR 18 Great American Sh*t Show An eve ning of laughing and thinking with Brian Copeland and Charlie Varon as they explore life in the age of Trump. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincenter.org

APR 20 Marc Cordes

In this one-man show, journey along with Cordes, a.k.a. the Spouse Whisperer, as he discusses “love at fi rst sight,” “’til death do us part,” and other marriage tropes. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.578.3856, marinarts.org

APR 25 Andy Borowitz

Known for his longrunning satirical “Borowitz Report” now found in the New Yorker, Borowitz brings his acute observations and searing wit to a live audience. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.7000, marincenter.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019

ALASDAIR NEALE, CONDUCTOR OLIVER HERBERT, CELLO

MOZART: OVERTURE TO THE MAGIC FLUTE ELGAR: CELLO CONCERTO BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONY NO. 3 EROICA

Renée Harcourt

The Blame Sally vocalist and guitarist talks about her band.

Known for its emotionally evocative songwriting and genre-busting sound (country-pop ballads and rock ’n’ roll barn burners are performed in equal measure), Blame Sally plays at the Osher Marin JCC this month. We spoke with vocalist and gui tarist Renée Harcourt about the longevity of this girl-group-plus-one-guy band. April 6, Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). jccsf.org

You raised your daughter in Mill Valley before moving to Sebastopol. Why the change of scenery? My partner, Karen, and I decided to buy a place together with a bit of land.

How did the band first come together? I moved to Marin in 1990. That year, I met Monica [Pasqual] at a songwriting competition. Monica was putting out a solo CD and asked me, Pam [Delgado] and Jeri [Jones] to be in her backup band. We spent a lot of time at Monica’s apartment in the Haight, rehearsing and drinking wine and eating great food. It’s ironic that the project we did for fun had the most success.

To what do you attribute the band’s longevity? Musically speaking, we all write and we all sing lead and we are all instrumentalists. That’s unusual in a band. And you can’t really get bored with the material because it is so diverse. Plus, we all acknowledge that we are better together than any of us is on our own.

What are your favorite songs to perform? One of our most requested songs is “Orange.” I wrote it for my daughter when she was 9. It suits her. It suits her personality but everyone can relate to it. Another song I like is “All Rise.” I wrote it when I was going through cancer in 2006.

Any advice for young musicians? I would always advise young people to follow their hearts and their passion but warn them about the difficulty of the music business.

MUSIC

APR 4 Portland Cello Project This alt-classi cal ensemble explores, you guessed it, all things cello, this time in a performance of Radiohead’s dystopian opus OK Computer, played in its entirety. JCCSF Kanbar Hall (SF). 415.292.1200, jccsf.org

APR 7 Amy Wigton and Friends Original rock and folk songs interspersed with fresh covers will keep you moving with tunes by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell. Fenix (San Rafael). 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

APR 11–14 Emanuel Ax The distinguished pianist brings his renowned improvisa tion to Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

APR 13 Buddy Guy Fresh off is Grammy best-blues-album win for Born to Play Guitar, the 81-yearold legendary blues guitarist returns to San Francisco with a fresh album, The Blues Is Alive and Well, and fresh energy. Masonic (SF). 415.776.7457, sfmasonic.com

APR 20 Soul Ska Goes to Memphis 4/20 Party DJ Adam Twelve (Biggs Happiness Sound) adds a new element to the classic ska stylings of Soul Ska, with a touch of the laid-back spirit that infuses 420. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

APR 21 Old St. Hilary’s Concerts Presented by Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society. Old St. Hilary’s church launches into spring with “Journey into Spring with Two Violins and Piano,” classical favorites from Mozart, Franck and Sarasate, with additional concerts scheduled through July. 415.435.1853, landmarkssociety.com

APR 27–28

Masterworks 4: Fearless Opening with Mozart’s The Magic Flute and closing with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica,” the Marin Symphony goes rogue through the middle with a cornerstone of solo cello repertoire, Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.7000, marincenter.org

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Hands-On Harley-Davidson Families are given an opportunity to learn about STEM in action against the backdrop of a replica HarleyDavidson—and even hit a (simulated) open road, through May 5 (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykids museum.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Viola

Frey: Her Self Mounted 15 years after Frey’s death, this exhibit traces the artist’s career with a focus on self-portraits in multiple mediums. From drawings to oil paintings to ceramics, the show presents a more personal view of the artist and includes

her work gloves and boots too, through April 21 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

The Museum of the American Indian Native Expressions

Featuring the works of Becky Olvera Schultz, whose art is inspired by peoples indigenous to the Americas, the exhibit includes clay and mixed-media masks, rawhide shields and other works by this well-known California artist, through June 28 (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

BAY AREA Asian Art Museum

Lifting Barbells Artist Kim Heecheon uses letters from his girlfriend, images of Seoul and data from his late father’s smart watch to come to terms with his father’s death, through May 12 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive Ink, Paper, Silk: One Hundred Years of Collecting Japanese Art A selection from BAMPFA’s Japanese art collection, featuring woodblock prints, lacquerware and more, through April 14 (Berkeley). 510.642.0808, bampfa.org

California Academy of Sciences Giants of Land and Sea Discover the forces that make Northern California a place unlike anywhere else. Step inside an immersive fog room, feel a jolt in an earthquake simulator, and explore marine mammal skeletons and models (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Charles M. Schulz Museum Peace, Love, and Woodstock The smallest, dare we say flightiet, Peanuts character gets his own exhibition exploring all things Woodstock, from namesake to nest. Through September 8 (Santa Rosa). 707.579.4452, schulzmuseum.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Predicting the Past: Zohar Studios, the Lost Years Arranged by L.A.-based artist Stephen Berkman, this exhibition of photography and environmental installations examines the New York City work of 19th-century Jewish immigrant photographer Shimmel Zohar, through July 7 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Matt Mullican: Between Sign and Subject Using color to map fie worlds of his own creation, Matt Mullican showcases a personal cosmology represented by 50 works across collage, video, sculpture and other mediums, through January 26, 2020 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoungfamsf.org

di Rosa Reopening after sustaining extensive fire damae in October 2017, this home to a permanent collection of notable works by Northern California artists is holding a community open studio event open to all ages, April 6 (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosaart.org

Exploratorium Explorables: Electricity Using squishy circuits (play dough’s saline character is a natural conductor of

electricity), explore salty and sugary doughs and their circuit power to build sculptures that light up, April 20 (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor

The Future of the Past: Mummies and Medicine Examine two 2,600-year-old Egyptian mummies via a virtual interactive dissection table, as well as amulets and tomb furnishings, through April 7 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionof honor.famsf.org

Museum of the African Diaspora Black Refractions The museum is taken over by highlights from the Studio Museum in Harlem, through April 14 (SF). 415.358.7200, moadsf.org

Museum of Craft and Design Material

Domestication The process of physical repetition in weaving, knitting and other fibebased techniques is revealed via the works of six contemporary artists who investigate the notion of craftwork as women’s work, through July 14 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Queer California: Untold Stories Experience social activism, push past mainstream narratives, and share personal history through the participatory gallery in this major exhibition about California’s LGBTQ+ history and culture, through August 11 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

SFMOMA The Sea Ranch: Architecture, Environment and Idealism A full-scale architectural replica of the Sea Ranch, a beacon of modernism on the Northern California coast, anchors an exhibit focusing on the vision and the reality of this community, through April 28 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Richard Shaw and Wanxin Zhang

An exhibit of recent clay works by two Bay Area artists, touching on exploration of the cultural exchange between China and the West, through April 7 (Sonoma). 707.939.7862, svma.org

11:25 AM

The JCCSF Katz Snyder Gallery People, Paper Power: Building Community Through the Tenderloin Times This exhibit explores the collective power, amplified by the neighborhood newspaper, of the diverse voices — Khmer, Laotian, Vietnamese and others — that call the Tenderloin home, through April 30 (SF). 415.292.1200, jccsf.org

EVENTS

THRU MAY 15 Immigrant Yarn Project

Celebrate the diverse citizenry of the United States at the nation’s largest crowdsourced art installation, featuring thousands of yarn-based art pieces by over 600 contributors from California to

Maine and everywhere in between. Fort Point (SF). immigrant yarnproject.org

APR 2–JUNE 1 Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change

This special exhibition on California’s wild flowers features photographs by Nita Winter and Rob Badger and addresses the effects of climate change on a universal emblem of beauty. Bay Model Visitor Center (Sausalito). 650.608.1274, cnpsmarin.org

APR 7 Family A.R.T.S. Day This annual event celebrates young Sonoma artists with a student exhibition, art-making stations, refreshments and a

special midday performance by the Valley Vibes Orchestra. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (Sonoma). 707.939.7862, svma.org

APR 13 Great Chefs and Wineries Enjoy wine and food from more than 50 local establishments, all benefiing Lifehouse. Peacock Gap (San Rafael). 415.526.5300, greatchefsand wineries.org

APR 13 The Garagiste Wine Festival Taste micro-production (1,500 cases or less) wines from 40 vintners in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi and the Sierra Foothills, and stay for a tasting seminar on the new West Sonoma Coast AVA. Sonoma Veterans

Second Annual

Building (Sonoma). garagistefestival.com

APR 14 Outdoor Antique French Market

Peruse booths laden with vintage clothing, retro and antique furniture, art and garden decor. Marin Center Parking lot (San Rafael). 415.383.2252, thefrenchmarket marin.com

APR 18 TEDxMarin: The Future of Democracy

Legal scholar Lawrence Lessig digs into what causes the corruption at the heart of American politics, with special guest Will Durst. Angelico Hall at Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.785.8873, tedxmarin.org

APR 27 Carnaval San Francisco Competition

The Bay Area’s most talented samba, salsa, cumbia, bachata, merengue, mambo, cha cha cha, tango, bomba, plena, jive, rumba and soca dancers are invited to compete for the titles of Carnaval King, Queen, and Drag.

Winners will become the official ambassadors for Carnaval San Francisco 2019. Mission High School (SF). car navalsanfrancisco.org

APR 27 Marin Open Studios Preview Gala

Enjoy small bites and discover new work from more than 270 artists.

Town Center (Corte Madera). 415.343.5667, marinopenstudios.org

APR 27 One Amazing Night Speakers, food,

wine and cocktails all benefiting 10,000 Degrees make this a night to remember.

Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.459.4240, oneamazingnight.org

APR 27 Spring Fling

From guided hikes and goat milking to live musical performances and nature crafts, this daylong event connects children to nature and celebrates the glorious green pastures emblem atic of spring in Marin.

Slide Ranch (Muir Beach) 415.717.7410, slideranch.org

APR 27–MAY 27 Decorator Showcase

With proceeds ben efiting the fi nancial aid program of San Francisco University High School, this annual event tasks 45

designers with remod eling each of this San Francisco manse’s 45 rooms. Le Petit Trianon (SF). 415.447.5830, decoratorshowcase.org

FILM

APR 3 The Met: Die Walküre See this installment of the second opera in Wagner’s monumental Ring cycle from your theater seat. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, lark theater.net

APR 10–23 San Francisco International Film Festival From an opening-night party to dancing on the fi nal night, experience the magic of fi lm. Castro Theatre (SF). 415.561.5000, sffi lm.org

APR 13 Circles In this lauded documentary, Hurricane Katrina survivor and pioneer of the restorative justice movement Eric Butler relocates to Oakland, where he works to counsel vulnerable teens in Richmond; discussion and Q&A with Butler to follow. Rafael Theater (San Rafael). 415.454.5813, rafael fi lm.ca fi lm.org

APR 18 Monty Python’s Life of Brian For one night only, celebrate the 40th anniversary of this politically incorrect satire from the acclaimed British comedy troupe. Rafael Theater (San Rafael). 415.454.5813, rafael fi lm.ca fi lm.org

WALKS/TALKS

APR 8 Destiny Beyond Earth: Interstellar Travel and Immortality Dr. Michio Kaku, the co-founder of string field theor, explores the scientific possibility of moving the human experience to outer space. Sydney Goldstein Theater (San Francisco). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

APR 16 Window on the Work: Jazz With a focus on the production, design, casting, and rehearsal process, this month’s program looks at Marin Theatre Company’s Jazz. Mill Valley Public Library (Mill Valley). 415.389.4292, millvalleylibrary.org

Eat & Drink

Cucina SA Raises the Bar

There’s no question that parks and recreation centers are key to neighborhoods and strong com munities, but there’s another place that really brings people together — the watering hole. And San Anselmo just got a new one. Cucina SA, which has been in business for 20 years, recently ren ovated and expanded its space to include a full bar that seats 30 with an upstairs mezzanine area that will eventually become a lounge. Along with two dining rooms, a private dining option and outdoor tables on the adjacent bridge, the restaurant is a solid bet for casual after-work drinks or hosting large parties. The menu has wood-fi red pizzas, homemade pastas, modern takes on Italian classics and lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options. On the drink side, you’l l fi nd wines, beers and a full cocktail menu with house specialties like the Cucina Cosmo. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

WHO Owner Donna Seymour

WHAT The San Anselmo restaurant gets a new full bar

WHERE 510 San Anselmo Avenue, 415.454.2942, cucina-sa.com

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

Polpettini

Cucina Cosmo

Linguine con Vongole

CORTE MADERA

BURMATOWN Asian

The small home-style Asian fusion restaurant

offers fresh, light meals like tea leaf salad and basil shrimp stir-fry, as well as curries, coconut rice and chili-garlic green beans. Extra heat optional. Prepare for a short wait if dining in, or order for takeout.

60 Corte Madera Ave, 415.945.9096, burma town.com

b $$ S D

FLORES Mexican With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and fl avors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around masa. The daily-made tortillas are featured in dishes such as duck con fit enchiladas, Dungeness crab tostadas, and chili-braised beef short ribs. There’s a full bar to boot. 301

Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, 415.500.5145, floressf.com

s $$$ S C LD BR º

IL FORNAIO Italian

Aside from pizzas and pastas, this upscaleItalian franchise serves a variety of salads and carb-free entrées. 223

Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

s $$ S Í C LD BR

MARIN JOE’S Italian

A Marin mainstay for over 50 years, with a menu of soups, salads, seafood, mesquitegrilled or sautéed meats and a plethora of pasta options. To add to your dining experience, order the table-side prepared Caesar salad. Not looking for a meal? Enjoy a drink and hear

local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Drive, 415.924.2081, marin joesrestaurant.com

s $$ S C LD

WORLD WRAPPS

California Owners Keith Cox and Matt Blair have revamped this “fast food” joint to feature healthy and fl avorful items like a Hawaiian poke wrap and a tahini tofu summer roll that’s vegan-friendly. Exotic housemade beverages include boba tea, mango lassi and Vietnamese iced coffee. 208 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3663, worldwrapps.com

$ S Í LD

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 a view of Bolinas Park through the floor-to-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com

b $$ S Í D º

GRILLY’S Mexican

If you’re looking for a quick, fresh meal, Grilly’s is an easy and delicious stop. Pick up a couple burritos and the much-loved chicken taco salad and you have a lunch or dinner to please the whole family. 1 Bolinas Ave, 415.457.6171, grillys.com

$ S Í C BLD

IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American

Pair your pick from the extensive beer list with an ale-braised barbecue

pork sandwich, shrimp tacos or the houseground-chicken bacon cheeseburger. 765 Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com

b $$ S Í C LD º

SORELLA CAFFE Italian

Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sister” in Italian, serves fresh Italian with a northern in fluence. Customer favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and Pollo alla Sorella. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padano cheese. Stop by for live music on weekends and every second and fourth Thursday of the month. 107 Bolinas Road, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.com

b $$$ S D

VILLAGE SAKE

Japanese Lucky for Fairfax, beloved former Sushi Ran chef Scott Whitman has opened an izakaya, a

Japanese-style com munity pub, on Bolinas Road. In the compact space, you’l l fi nd sushi and skewers, salads and small plates, plus great sake and craft beers. The daily wait list opens online at 5 p.m. 19 Bolinas Road, 415.521.5790, villagesake.com

b $$$ Í D

GREENBRAE

GOTT’S ROADSIDE

American The restaurant’s fi rst Marin outpost features the signature Californiainspired dishes Gott’s is renowned for as well as a roll-up garage door that brings the outside in when weather permits and a 30-footlong pine table for community-style eat ing. 302 Bon Air Center, 415.785.4233, gotts.com

b $$ S Í BLD

JASON’S California Head to Jason’s for seafood dishes with

an Asian and Italian fl air. Try the fi sherman stew or miso-glazed Chilean sea bass. 300 Drakes Landing Road, 415.925.0808, jasons restaurant.com

s $$$ S Í C LD

KENTFIELD

GUESTHOUSE

American Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco has returned with Guesthouse. Rogers is heading up the kitchen in the Kent field eatery, and has partnered with well-known mixologist Dustin Sullivan to open this 110-seat space. Look for menu classics such as mini lobster rolls or kurobuta pork chops with crispy pota toes. 850 College Ave, 415.419.5101, guest housemarin.com

s $$$ D

HALF DAY CAFE

American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large

open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including coffee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual meal inside or out on the patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com

b $$ S Í BL BR

LARKSPUR

FARMSHOP American Located in the Marin Country Mart since 2013, Farmshop Marin has quickly become a top spot here in the county. Indoor and out door seating available. Marin Country Mart, 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.755.6700, farmshopca.com

s $$$ S Í C LD BR

LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French

This authentically classic brasserie has been serving the Larkspur community for more

Citrus and Avocado Chop Salad at Gott’s Roadside, Greenbrae

Out & About / DINE

than two decades. Whether on the patio, at the European-style bar or in the casually elegant main dining room, it’s a fun and French experience. 7 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

s $$$ S Í C LD BR

PICCO California

Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour) that keep attracting return visits. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com

s $$$ S Í C D

PIZZERIA PICCO

Pizza This upscale parlor offers Californiain fluenced Neapolitan pizzas, cooked in a wood-burning pizza

oven. Fresh mozzarella is pulled in-house and the menu also features organic salads, a daily soup and Straus Dairy soft-serve ice cream. 316 Magnolia Ave, 415.945.8900, pizzeriapicco.com

b $$ S Í LD º

RUSTIC BAKERY

California The home grown bakery is known and loved the world over: Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Baker y fl atbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015. Organic bread, croissants and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch make Rustic a local staple. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556; Marin Country Mart,

2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900, rusticbakery.com

b $$ S Í BLD BR

MILL VALLEY

BUCKEYE

ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and ChiliLime “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, conversa tions or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Highway, 415.331.2600, buckeye roadhouse.com

s $$ C LD BR

BUNGALOW 44 American One of Mill Valley’s

neighborhood hot spots, featuring contemporary California comfort food, signature cocktails, fi ne wine, and one-dollar oysters from 5 to 6 p.m. every day. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

s $$$ S Í C D

CAFE DEL SOUL California Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in both Tam Valley and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. A casual lunch spot and great for takeout, Cafe del Soul also serves smoothies and pressed juices. 247 Shoreline Highway, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net

$ S Í LD

GRILLY’S Mexican \ Grilly’s is an easy and delicious stop. Pick up a couple burritos and the much-loved chicken taco salad and you have a lunch or dinner to please the whole family. 493 Miller Ave, 415.381.3278, grillys.com

b $ S Í C BLD BR

HARMONY Chinese

Enjoy a lighter take on Chinese at this restaurant, nestled in Strawberry Village. The barbecue pork bun is fi lled with house-made roasted meat in a savory sauce, and signature prawns are wok seared with scallions. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea and be sure to check out the weekday takeout lunch special. 401 Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurant group.com

b $$ S LD

INDIA PALACE Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite with the takeout crowd; eating on site is also a treat. 707 Redwood Highway, 415.388.3350, india palacemillvalley.com

b $$ S LD

JOE’S TACO LOUNGE

Mexican Joe’s serves up fi sh tacos, burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, tofu tostada and crab tostadas. A 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 fi nd your perfect match. 382 Miller Ave, 415.383. 8164, joestacolounge.com

b $$ S Í BLD

PIZZA ANTICA Italian

Besides its popular thin-crust pizzas, this Strawberry Village restaurant serves seasonal dishes like Tuscan fried chicken with spicy honey, burrata with crushed sweet peas and toasted focaccia, and ricotta gnocchi with sun-dried tomato cream. 800 Redwood Highway, 415.383.0600, pizzaantica.com

b $$ S LD BR º

PIZZA MOLINA Pizza

One of Mill Valley’s favorite pizzerias is back with a distinctly family-friendly, casual vibe. Patrons ca n fi nd their favorite California wines and beers on tap along with a robust pizza menu that incudes gluten-free and vegan options. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, pizza molina.com

b $$ S Í D

PLAYA Mexican Drawing inspiration from travels and the fresh , fl avorful 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 $$ Í D

SHORELINE COFFEE

SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a funky diner with a small-town feel. Check out the mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare. 221 Shoreline Highway, 415.388.9085, shoreline coffeeshop.com

b $$ S Í 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, solfood restaurant.com

$$ S BLD

TAMALPIE Italian Owner Karen Goldberg designed Tamalpie with a large group seating area, indoor and out door fi replaces, and a small casual bar. The food is Italian home cooking with the daily inspiration of locally sourced ingredients for the salads, housemade pastas and crispy pizza, with a selection of beer and wine to match. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpie pizza.com

s $$ S Í C LD º

Chef’s Choice Sushi at Shiro Kuma, San Rafael

Serving interior designers, architects, homeowners and celebrities with exceptional rugs and old world customer service for over 4 decades.

Services include custom rug design and production, expert cleaning, repair, restoration, resizing and appraisals. We buy, sell, accept consignments and consider trade on select rugs and weavings

Richard “Alexander” offers you access to the world’s finest sources of rugs, Kilims, weavings and tapestries; ranging from antique, vintage, modern.

1 El Paseo Lane, Mill Valley, CA 415.384.8261 • 415.309.3045

rhabib@alexandersrugs.com alexandersrugs.com

Out & About / DINE

WEST COAST WINE

CHEESE California

Focused on small production winemakers, the wine menu features a bottle list with over 300 selections, wines by the glass that change weekly as well as California, Oregon and Washington beers on draft and by the bottle. A rotating cheese and charcuterie menu, served with bread from San Francisco’s Jane Bakery, is also offered. 31 Sunnyside Ave, 415.758.3408, westcoastsf.com

b $$ D

this classic restaurant include bigeye tuna poke, Dungeness crab cakes, mac ’n’ cheese croquettes and duck-fat fries. From the woodburning grill there’s fresh fi sh, shrimp and dry-aged ribeye.

On Tuesdays wine is half off 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com

s $$$ S Í C LD º

RUSTIC BAKERY

NOVATO

BESO BISTRO AND WINE BAR California

This Hamiton Field bistro highlights locally sourced organic produce, fresh sustainable seafood, and pastureraised and free-range meat. Wine lovers can embrace their inner Dionysus — Beso offers more than 20 selections by the glass and more than 50 by the bottle.

502 S Palm Drive, besobistro.com

b $$ Í LD

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian

Enjoy authentic pizza prepared with fresh mozzarella made in house and tomatoes imported from Italy, or go for a grilled rosemary chicken sandwich or the braised beef short rib pappardelle. Weekly specials include half off all wines by the bottle on Wednesdays and half off raft beers on Thursdays. 454 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.2302, bocapizzeria.com

b $$ S Í C LD

BOCA TAVERN American Bring a date here or celebrate a special event. Favorites at

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 Í BLD BR

ROSS

MARCHE AUX FLEURS

French A local favorite known for cuisine showcasing locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats pre pared with an artisan’s touch, accompanied by a lengthy wine and beer list (bacon, wine and beer are available for sale). Thursday night is hamburger night; requesting your burger with your reservation is recommended (quantities are limited). 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheaux fleurs restaurant.com

b $$ S Í D

SAN ANSELMO

COMFORTS CAFE American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio

Dr. Jaqueline ChanDr. Todd Maderis

Dr. Sheila Wagner Sandy Kleiman

Dr. Hillary Fredrickson

Dr. Sally LaMont

and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. A large takeout section offers fresh bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and even entrees for dinner at home.

Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stu ffed pecan-crusted French toast , fl avorful scrambles, Chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans) and wonton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com

b $$ S Í BL BR

FLOUR CRAFT BAKERY

American Along with artisan gluten-free pastries, breads and special-occasion cakes, this place serves lunch, with dairy-free and vegan choices available. Customer favorites include oatmeal choco late chip cookies, decadent cinnamon rolls, flourless hazelnut brownies and the bakery’s signature granola 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100, flour craftbakery.com

$ S Í BL

L’APPART RESTO

French Savor a range of French and local favorites or a $36 three-course pri x fi xe menu in an energetic yet sophisticated setting. There’s live music on Thursdays; dinner Monday to Saturday; lunch and brunch Friday to Sunday. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com

b $$ S Í LD BR

MADCAP California

Chef Ron Siegel has opened his fi rst solo venture in a contemporary art-fi lled space with an urban edge. The

vegetable-centric menu incorporates seafood and local ingredients, fusing California and Japanese cuisines in colorful dishes that are bold, balanced and bright. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, madcapmarin.com

b $$$ D

M.H. BREAD AND BUTTER California

A one-stop shop for everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread, with a seasonal brunch menu. Highquality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. 101 San Anselmo Ave, 415.755.4575, mhbreadandbutter.com

b $$ S Í BL BR

PIZZALINA Italian

Along with handmade pizzas baked in a wood oven, you’l l fi nd classic shrimp risotto and a caprese salad with mozzarella di bufala. Menus change daily according to seasonal markets but always include salads, antipastos, house-made pastas and main dishes. Outdoor dining available. 914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.256.9780, pizzalina.com

b $$ S Í LD º

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

Marin Open Studios

May 4-5 and May 11-12 11-6pm

ICB,

Sausalito

bibby@bibbyart.com (415) 309-4152

LOTUS CUISINE OF INDIA RESTAURANT

Indian A “Best of Marin” poll winner since 1999, family-owned and -operated Lotus serves up organic North Indian cuisine with many vegan and vegetarian options. It is a certi fied green business with an energy-efficient kitchen and features a retractable rooftop and exotic interior decor. The reasonably priced dishes are made with local, non-GMO and gluten-free ingre dients. 704 Fourth St, 415.456.5808, lotusrestaurant.com

b $$ S C LD

MAGNOLIA PARK KITCHEN American

SAN GERONIMO

TWO BIRD CAFE

California This roadside cafe has it all, including fresh fi sh and goodies from the garden. These guys were doing local and sustainable before it was cool. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and live music. 625 San Geronimo Valley Drive, 415.488.0105, twobirdcafe.com

b $$$ Í BLD

SAN RAFAEL

FENIX California An intimate live-music venue in the heart of downtown San Rafael, Fenix features inspired California cuisine with a Southern French twist. Executive chef Lorenzo Villacampa brings a world of expertise, having worked at the Dubai InterContinental Hotel and the Gloria Plaza Hotel in Beijing. 919 Fourth St, 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

s $$ S C D BR º

Mexican and Japanese. Rocketroll offers every thing from a spicy tuna rice bowl to yellow fi n or salmon sashimi “sushi burritos.” Smoothies like the avocado fresher round out the menu. 1109 Fourth St, 415.866.0537

$ LD

SAN RAFAEL JOE’S

dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, sol foodrestaurant.com

$$ S BLD

FLATIRON American

The remodeled Flatiron is where refi ned American bar food lives happily in its ideal environment — with a bevy of craft beers. Owned by the Strickers, a husband-and-wife duo, this polished sports bar serves noshes like chili lime cauli flower, classic sandwiches, and tru ffle and wa ffle fries in a space that also features classic arcade games. 724 B St, 415.453.4318, flatironsanrafael.com

s $$ LD º

LE CHALET BASQUE

French This familystyle 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 Road, 415.479.1070, chaletbasque.com

s $$$ S Í 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 $$ Í C D

LOS MOLES Mexican Los Moles offers traditional pueblo Mexican cuisine, with — you guessed it — a variety of di fferent moles to enhance your dish. O ffering brunch, lunch, dinner and party options, the menu includes enmoladas, tacos, pollo al horno, fl an and more. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday night for all-you-caneat tacos. 912 Lincoln Ave, 415.453.5850, losmoles.com

s $$ LD BR º

This American bistro features lots of farm-fresh salads and sandwiches to choose from. The outdoor patio is well suited to sipping a glass of wine or enjoying a signature fried chicken bomb sandwich. 1016 Court St, 415.521.5591, magnolia parkkitchen.com

b $$ Í C BL

RANGE CAFE American

The cuisine is local, seasonal, made with naturally raised ingredients and served in a casual, comfortable and refi ned setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns. An inviting cafe at lunch with ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Drive, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net

s $$ S Í C BLD º

ROCKET ROLL

Japanese There are plenty of fusion restaurants around, but not many that blend

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, 415.456.2425, sanrafaeljoe.com

s $$ S C LD º

SHIRO KUMA Japanese Shiro Kuma, which means polar bear, takes its inspiration from chef Yasuo Shigeyoshi’s childhood in a small rural town in the south of Japan and offers traditional-style sushi and wagyu A5 and Kobe beef to cook over ishiyaki grilling stones. Popular weekly specials include hama chi jalapeño and the omakase (chef’s choice) dinner. 1518 Fourth St, 415.295.7464, sushishiro kuma.com

b $$ S LD

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 eat i ng. Favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and other fried plantain dishes, but anything tastes good with a dash of the signature hot sauce, also for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad

STATE ROOM American Formerly the Broken Drum, State Room Brewery has ditched the diner vibe in favor of a modern gastropub. All draft beers are made on site and are available in sizes from half-pints to take-home growlers; beer fl ights are also available. The menu, created by Alex Stricker and Andrew Toy, changes seasonally and includes a burrata cheese BLT and sashimi-grade tuna poke. 1132 Fourth St, 415.295.7929, state roombrewery.com

s $$ Í LD º

TERRAPIN CROSSROADS

American This water front restaurant and music venue presents fresh food and local talent. The menu offers salads, savory dishes and wood-fi red pizzas plus a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Come for the food, stay for the music. 100 Yacht Club Drive, 415.524.2773, terrapin crossroads.net

s $$ Í C D BR º

UCHIWA RAMEN Japanese When own ers Benson Yang and Kevin Fong decided to open Marin’s fi rst ramen shop in 2014, they weren’t sure what to expect. Three years later, Uchiwa remains loved by ramen enthusiasts for its rich broths, fresh noodles and wide assortment of appetizers. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. 821 B St, 415.991.3693, uchiwaramen.com

b $$ LD

Steamed Dumplings at Harmony, Mill Valley

VIN ANTICO American Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal marketinspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked fl atbreads, 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

VN NOODLE & GRILL

Vietnamese Located in Montecito Plaza, the restaurant has a robust menu of standard Vietnamese fare, including a wide selection of rice plates, pho and of course, iced coffe. 421 Third St, 415.306.8299 $$ S C LD

WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT Caribbean Owner/chef Bill Higgins serves tapas, sangria and reasonably priced organic dishes. The CaliforniaCaribbean lunch and dinner cuisine blends local farm-fresh ingredients with Latin fl avors. Be sure to try the popula r fi sh tacos, Cuban “cigars” and chocolate bread pud ding. Available for parties and special gatherings, plus a back patio for alfresco dining. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz

b $$ S Í C LD º

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Authentic Italian eatery with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti, showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for more than 20 years. 621 Bridgeway,

415.331.5225, angelino restaurant.com

s $$$ S BLD

ARAWAN THAI Thai This Sausalito favorite serves up popular dishes like prawn arawan with yellow curry as well as $10 lunch specials. 47 Caledonia St, 415.729.9395

b $$ LD

AURORA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA Italian Novato’s Auror a fi nally has a counterpart in southern Marin. Traditional Italian food, a full bar and friendly service make it a great option for families, groups, dates and sports fans, who can keep up-to-date on the game via fl at-screen TV. 300 Valley St, 415.339.8930, aurora ristorantesausalito.com

b $$ S Í C LD

AVATAR’S Indian If you’re on the hunt for innovative Indian fare, head to Avatar’s. Sip masala chai sweetened with brown sugar in this casual one-room restaurant, ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, enjoyavatars.com

b $$ S LD

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

$$ S Í BL

COPITA Mexican Co-owner Joanne Weir, along with chef

Daniel Tellez, presents fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito. The ever-changing menu is 100 percent glutenfree, and the in-house tequila bar serves over 100 varieties and fantastic cocktails. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watch ing. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400, copita restaurant.com

s

produce, meat and fi sh available, along with an extensive artisan pasta selection. Live music Tue-Sun. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, osteriadivino.com

b $$ S Í C BLD BR º

DARIO’S RESTAURANT

Italian Dario’s, a 40-year-old pizza joint in Sausalito, has updated the menu with a Mediterranea n fl air. In addition to the thincrust pizzas, you can now order items like lamb meatballs, chicken shawarma and falafel wraps. 2829 Bridgeway, 415.332.6636, darios sausalito.com

b $$ Í LD

JOINERY American

This waterfront res taurant features craft beer, burgers, rotisserie chicken and other hearty, seasonal fare in a communal setting, with outdoor seating and great views. 300 Turney St, 415.766.8999, joineryca.com

b $$ Í LD

KITTI’S PLACE Thai

This home-style family restaurant has been in Sausalito 20 years and features favorites like lettuce cups, soft spring rolls and weekly specials. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com

b $$ S Í LD

OSTERIA DIVINO Italian Osteria Divino offers authentic Florentine cooking inspired by the fi nest local, organic, seasonal

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, poggio tratoria.com

s $$$ S Í C BLD

SALITO’S CRAB HOUSE & PRIME RIB Seafood

Large decks overlooking the water, with an all-day menu, located in the historic Zack’s by the Bay old spot. Ability to accommodate large parties; parking on site. 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, salitos crabhouse.com

s $$$ S Í C LD º

SEAFOOD PEDDLER RESTAURANT AND FISH MARKET Seafood The fi sh is bought daily from loca l fi shers, who are also restaurant patrons. Recipes are adjusted to incorporate the freshest catch. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com

s $$$ S Í 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 cooking while grooving to the nightly live music. 305 Harbor Drive, 415.331.2899, sausalitoseahorse.com

b $$$ Í C LD BR º

SUSHI RAN Japanese

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

s $$ Í LD

THE TRIDENT Seafood

Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoein for date night. The restaurant, a famous 1970s hangout, is now known for supporting local farmers, fi shers and organic food producers. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, the tridentsausalito.com

s $$$ S Í LD BR º

TIBURON

LUNA BLU Italian Executive chef Renzo Azzarello serves Sicilian seafood and homemade pastas with a Californian touch. The seasonal menu incorporates fresh and organic produce, local naturally grown meat and poultry from small farms. The restaurant complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. 35 Main St, 415.789.5844, lunablurestaurant.com

s $$ S Í LD

RUSTIC BAKERY

California This location of the beloved bakery offers the same menu as the other locations in Novato and Larkspur, as well as outdoor dining. Enjoy a wide array of fresh salads, sandwiches and pastries on the boardwalk. 1550 Tiburon Blvd, 415.797.6123, rustic bakery.com

b $$ S Í BLD BR

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 its extensive sustainable seafood program. Savor la dolce vita on the waterfront patio. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

s $$$ S Í C LD BR º

WEST MARIN

NICK’S COVE American

This coastal escape is now famous for barbecued local oys ters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails with local ingredients. Large windows in the 120seat restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island (Marshall). 23240 Highway 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com

s $$$ S Í C LD BR

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-fi red dinners make this cafe a relaxing retreat. Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com

s $$$ S Í C BLD

PERRY’S American

This Union Street institution with an Embarcadero location is famous for classic American food, personable service and a bustling bar. Signature

dishes include Cobb salad, prime steaks, Eggs Blackstone and of course, the burger. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch weekends and holidays. 1944 Union St, 415.922.9022, perryssf.com

s $$ S Í C D º

SIDE STREET KITCHEN

American Opened a few blocks down in the former Pine Cone Diner, this fast-casual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright (formerly of Tavern at Lark Creek) serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, smoked oysters and pork-belly BLTs as well as vegetarian fare (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St,

415.663.0303, sidestreet-prs.com b $$ S Í LD º

SIR & STAR AT THE OLEMA California

The historic inn has reopened as a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a delicious yet a ffordable menu. Try the house-made bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stu ffed quail, then come back and work your way through the ever-changing menu (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.1034, sirandstar.com b $$$ Í C D

KEY TO SYMBOLS

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Marin Matters

LOCAL PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Bill Bullock

The real estate mogul shares his thoughts on success and giving back.

BY SUSAN NOYES

BILL BULLOCK, PRESIDENT, CEO and co-owner of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty (GGS), is widely perceived to be one of the most successful realtors in Northern California. He grew the smal l fi rm he launched in 1991, with partner Olivia Decker, into its current behemoth form, with numerous offices and 500 agents in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, the East Bay and Silicon Valley — all while representing his own clients. With partners Lydia and Magda Sarkissian, his annual sales average is over $100 million.

But few know Bullock’s “up by his bootstraps” backstory. Soft- spoken, impeccably groomed, Bullock is that rare individual in his field — a man of few words.

Bullock grew up the second of five sons raised in McArthur, a tiny town in southeastern Ohio. “Most of my friends lived in shacks with dir t floors and no electricity,” he recalls during our interview in the Vault, a luxurious, high-tech reconverted bank vault in GGS’s Tiburon office. It provides a sharp contrast to the environs of his youth.

His family was only slightly better off han the others. “My dad was the last of the oldtime country doctors — often paid in trade or not at all.” By age 10, Bullock was cutting grass and shoveling snow to earn money. By age 12, before 7 a.m. every day, he was cleaning, restocking and opening the local pharmacy.

Summer employment meant manual labor 12 hours per day, six days per week, in one dangerous location after another, includ ing coal mines, sawmills and construction sites. T hat work ethic later helped him earn his Ohio University degree.

“ I didn’t stay long in the coal mine, though,” Bullock admits. “It scared the hell out of me down there.”

Long work hours didn’t keep him from occa sionally having fun. One Saturday Bullock got off ork early, drove to Lancaster for a few beers and ended up in jail following a bar brawl. “I had to beg my way out of that jail on Monday morn ing to get myself back to work,” he says.

A lthough anti–Vietnam War sentiment was peaking when he graduated in 1968, Bullock volunteered for the Marines.

His aptitude with large organizations didn’t translate well into the corporate world he joined next, as a trainer of Wells Fargo employees in California. “I’m much better suited to be an entrepreneur than to be a corporate employee,” he says with a grin.

He found the perfect employment fit when he joined Coldwell Banker in Greenbrae as a realtor in 1982. He learned early on what and how to communicate with homeowners: “People want to know what their home is worth.” He mailed easy-to-understand

information about home prices to all county residents in his territory, and they thought of hi m fi rst when they were ready to sell.

“ But people have no idea how hard this business is, either,” he notes. “Agents have to be willing to work every night, every weekend, every holiday. They don’t get to keep as much of each sale as people think, either. Expenses are high and there is a constant downward pressure on fees, upward pressure on commission splits.” The recent consolidation of real estate fi rms in the county and advent of an entirely new business model with Compass increases that pressure too.

“ We’re in a service business,” Bullock says, where EQ (emotional intelligence) is as important as IQ and a good agent (and a good boss) has to be knowledgeable, thoughtful and a talented problem solver. “You are only as good as your last sale,” he adds. “One of the biggest traps is losing humility, becoming arrogant.”

A fter 700 transactions over 37 years, Bullock also knows there is no such thing as an easy sale. “The good realtors make it look easy,” he explains, “but there is always a moment in every transaction where it’s either going to go forward or fail.”

Bullock describes his fi rm’s community service with as much enthusiasm as he describes his personal support for his favorite cause: WildCare. GGS supports Cycle for Sight: a Rotary Ride for Veterans and Bullock is proud that Nick Cooper, a former GGS agent who grew up in Marin, founded Home For A Home, a Bay Area nonprofit that builds homes people in Guatemala. Nationally, Sotheby’s also supports New Story, which provides a ffordable homes. m

Susan B. Noyes is the founder and chief visionary officer of Make It Better Media Group, as well as the founder of Make It Better Foundation’s Philanthropy Awards. A mother of six, former Sidley Austin labor lawyer and U.S. Congressional aide and passionate philanthropist, she has also served on many boards.

CLAUDINE AUBONNET-MUSARRA, OWNER AT LIGNE ROSET

Ligne Roset offers consumers an entire lifestyle in which to live both boldly and beautifully. Furniture collections, decorative accessories, lighting, rugs and textiles represent the best in contemporary design. This French company has been family-run since 1860 and its design creativity is what sets it apart from all others.

How long have you worked with the Ligne Roset brand?. I have spent 22 years with Ligne Roset, and it is very exciting to own this beautiful, new 6,000-square-foot showroom in its wonderful location within the city’s Design District, catering to both trade designers and design-savvy consumers.

What is your competitive edge?

Along with the best contemporary designed furniture, we also offer expert customization for residential projects as well as hospitality and contract work to the architecture and design community. We are proud to introduce the brand to newcomers and the showroom is also easily accessible with good street parking.

Does Ligne Roset practice any environmental standards in manufacturing its furniture? Yes, our clean manufacturing method means that Ligne Roset furniture and upholstery do not give off toxic gases and were built with UV acrylic varnishes that require no solvents. A strong commitment to sustainability allows us to be on the cutting edge of eco-friendly design.

LIGNE ROSET 150 DE HARO STREET, SUITE E, SAN FRANCISCO, 415.777.1030, CLAUDINE@LIGNEROSETSF.COM, LIGNEROSETSF.COM

Learn

Have Fun

local fashion moguls,

capture the ‘big picture’ of what it means to have a fashion degree.

Marin Home

FROM TOURS AND MAKEOVERS TO DECORATIVE DETAILS AND REALTOR INSIGHTS

The new floor plan of this extensive remodel radically improved the form and function of the hillside home.

EXPANDING SCOPE

Sometimes, bigger than expected leads to better.

BY DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG • PHOTOS BY LIZ DALY

IN 2004 JENNY WOLFE and her husband, Nolan Zail, moved out of a rental in San Francisco and settled with their two young children into thei r fi rst home together in the hills above Mill Valley. “It had been renovated relatively recently,” Wolfe says. “But it had more of a cottage vibe — yellow on the outside with a white picket fence.” While the house was generously sized, the con figuration wasn’t stellar. “We had this tiny kitchen off n the corner,” Wolfe recalls. “And a beautiful view, with no real place to gather as a family and appreciate it.”

Despite its quirks, the couple loved their home. But as the years passed, and after having a third child in 2007, the couple periodically considered looking for a place with a better floor plan. Ultimately, though, they decided reworking their existing space made more fi nancial sense.

They teamed up with interior designer Jennifer Tidwell of Piper Sage Design and

architect Ann Bool of Ann Bool Design + Planning, intending to keep the project modest. But as Zail and Wolfe talked more about their family’s needs, it slowly morphed into something bigger.

“Once we got started,” Wolfe says, “it just made more sense to expand the scope.”

In the end, they went for an ambitious list of renovations, including razing non-load-bearing walls on the main floor, vaulting the ceilings, relocating the kitchen and carving a front foyer from an existing bedroom and laundry room. They also excavated existing storage space to create an expansive master suite. “I was worried that a below-grade room would feel like a dun geon,” Wolfe says, “but it turned out great.”

The family’s now open-concept kitchen features custom cabinets and premium appliances, including a Rocket Espresso machine. “This was Nolan’s purchase,” Wolfe says. “He said, ‘Before you spend more on furniture, I want to splurge on a machine that makes

a really good cup of coffee.’ ” For her, the six-burner Thermador stove with a builtin griddle and double ovens was the most coveted upgrade.

The home’s new focal point: an expansive main deck accessed through a set of La Cantina bifold doors, new outdoor furniture by Restoration Hardware and a gas-plumbed fi re pit by Solus.

Of course, living with construction wasn’t easy: they stayed on site the first month and then rented near downtown for nine months. “It was fun for a while living in a location where the kids’ friends were always dropping by,” Wolfe says. When their own house was borderline hab itable again, they piled back in and watched the crew finish up for another two months.

“It took a lot to get to this point,” Wolfe says, “but it was 100 percent worth it.” m

For column consideration, please send photos and a description to dawn@marinmagazine.com.

Opposite: A dreamy new kitchen. This page, clockwise from top: Fewer walls equals more opportunities for family interactions; new front entry; the master bathroom; four of five members of the Wolfe/Zail family.

THE DETAILS

WHERE THEY LIVE The Homestead Valley Neighborhood in Mill Valley

WHAT THEY OWN A 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath contemporary

CONTRACTOR McDermott Construction of San Bruno

ARCHITECT A nn Bool Design + Planning of San Rafael

INTERIOR DESIGNER Jennifer Tidwell of Piper Sage Design

FAVORITE DETAIL Wolfe: “Our new deck. If it’s not raining, I’m usually out there.”

Flight Plan

Attracting birds enhances your garden.

BY KIER HOLMES

Marin is fortunate to have multitudes of migrating and resident birds. Mild weather, myriad microclimates and diverse wooded vegetation attract a variety of winged friends that can be spotted and admired year-round. Birds are also beneficial for pollina tion, pest control and wildlife con servation. Here are ways to create an avian-friendly yard.

I SPY Look for Allen’s hummingbird, Nuttall’s woodpecker, wrens, California towhee, California quail and mourning doves.

HYDRATION STATION Provide a source of fresh, clean water for birds to bathe in and drink from.

FIT THE BILL Certain birds have a beak that needs a specific kind of feeder. Visit your local plant nursery and read feeder labels to determine which crea tures you can attract. Clean your feeders

occasionally to prevent possible disease from spreading from one bird to another.

SEEDING PLAN

Promote biodiversity by planting lots of different flowers and plants that bloom and go to seed at different times. Also let some seed heads dry on your flowers to provide winter food. Purple coneflower, sunflowers, California rose and California sage are popular with birds.

CAT BURGLERS Protect winged creatures from

prowling cats by placing feeders high off the ground. Also provide perches and roosts to help birds find safety or a place to rest.

GIVE A HOOT Owl boxes can be an environmentally friendly way to control rodents. Consider purchasing one from Marin County’s The Hungry Owl Project.

COVER COMFORT Birds like to feel protected. Make sure your garden has some spots that are vegetated and not exposed.

AVIAN BUFFET Provide a variety of snacks to draw diverse birds. Research tastes: for example, goldfinches prefer thistle seed, most perching birds like black oil sunflower seeds and woodpeckers favor suet.

ON GUARD Not sur prisingly, rodents and squirrels enjoy the same food that birds do, so get a feeder that has safeguards against intruders and place it out of their reach. Keep the area under feeders clean to discourage unwanted visitors.

HILL

This elegant luxury residence is perfectly sited on a gated and private, nearly acre estate with sweeping lawns, pool, generous guesthouse, and a carriage house with recreation room. Enjoy expansive views of Richardson Bay, Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge.

ALSO

70 MORNING SUN AVENUE | MILL VALLEY | Offered at $1,795,000

regarding

We are thrilled to represent this beautiful Cal Green designed project in San Rafael. From the honed marble in the gourmet kitchen to the custom solid wood doors throughout, quality shines through in every aspect of this rare new build. Featuring a generous master, two ensuite bedrooms, and an office, there is room for everyone in this stylish home. Located moments from vibrant downtown San Rafael, open space and the commuter corridor.

www.90Fair.com

ELEGANT ROSS ESTATE

Warmth and style, combined with privacy and serenity, await you in this stunning traditional home. Drive through the gate and be prepared to be mesmerized. Volume, light and well-designed space make this a home perfect for casual or formal entertaining. Two family rooms, office and lovely grounds featuring a pool and views add to the charm. Situated on approximately 1.4 acres. www.8UpperRoadWest.com

Exclusively represented by

Karen Z. Hardesty | 415.265.3344 kzhardesty@vanguardmarin.com DRE#

Chelsea E. Ialeggio |

BURLINGAME GREENBRAE NOE VALLEY PACIFIC HEIGHTS

POTRERO HILL UPPER MARKET WEST PORTAL

Steve Hanson

#02000922

415.608.2004

Sarah Hanson

sarah.hanson@cbnorcal.com

CalDRE #01989016

BRIDGING THE GAP FROM PASSIONS TO PROPERTY

We’re here for you. From a small boutique shop in Europe to more than 800 shops and 11,000 advisors worldwide, we deliver quality service and personal attention to the clients who welcome us. Wherever you find beautiful properties, premium service, and extraordinary living, you will find Engel & Völkers, the world leader in luxury real estate.

Monica Yazbek +1 (415) 480-9424

Marin Manager Monica.Yazbek@evusa.com 539 Bridgeway, Sausalito, California 94965 sausalito.evusa.com DRE# 02063023

Elegant Staging + Strategic Pricing + Luxury Brand

Broker Associate

t.dreyer@ggsir.com tomdreyer.goldengatesir.com Lic.# 01143533

Presenting Le Chateau Tiburon, one of Marin County’s grand estates, for those desiring unparalleled world-class views, the utmost in privacy and the finest that life has to offer. Located in Tiburon’s most prestigious neighborhood, this stunning home is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac at the summit of Gilmartin Drive, combining exquisite design with an ideal setting. As one of the first homes in the neighborhood, the builders had their choice of parcels and selected 190 Gilmartin Drive for its one-of-a-kind setting and unobstructed, panoramic views. In addition to breathtaking views from almost every room, this opulent property enjoys an effortless indoor/outdoor flow out to expansive patios, lush gardens and an inviting pool, making it perfect for entertaining. Over the years, Le Chateau Tiburon has hosted many grand-scale events in addition to intimate family gatherings with guests mesmerized by the drama of the twinkling lights of the San Francisco skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The vantage point for fireworks viewing is unrivaled. The home was specifically designed to take full advantage of these impressive bridge-to-bridge views offering grand rooms including a formal living room and dining room, 8 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, including an au pair suite with a private entry and 3 additional family rooms. Two of the 8 bedrooms are luxurious master suites with 3 additional en-suite bedrooms. The Designer Showcase kitchen opens out to an expansive wrap-around terrace with panoramic views.

A TRUE BELVEDERE

Waterfront living, captivating views, classic architecture and elegance define this ultraprime residence on the western shore of Belvedere. Designed by renowned architect Warren Callister, the stately home exemplifies the ‘Belvedere’, with approximately 9,500 sq. ft. of living space including guest quarters, for a total of six bedrooms plus nursery, five bathrooms and three half-baths. Unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline dazzle from nearly every room. Endless vistas create the ultimate backdrop for refined interior spaces, including the large formal living and dining rooms with direct access to view-side terraces through French doors, the intimate library with fireplace, and the top-level master suite with dual bathrooms and dressing rooms and a private terrace. Five fireplaces, a three-car enclosed garage with parking for seven vehicles, three level lawns and the pride of owning one of Belvedere’s finest homes add to the allure of the distinguished trophy estate. Lydia Sarkissian 415.517.7720 l.sarkissian@ggsir.com

.# 01159670 Magda Sarkissian 415.847.7913

02028978

master suite with its own entry area leading

There is

bedroom with kitchen and enclosed terrace, providing privacy for guests or an au-pair.

with direct access to the courtyard and two additional bedrooms

The Collaborative

powered by Compass

Covering Marin and Wine Country, The Collaborative is a seasoned group of Compass veterans who have come together to leverage their collective experience to provide exceptional service for all your real estate goals. Clients experience stellar results and a professionally managed transaction every step of the way. Handled with integrity, insight and creativity. thecollaborativemarin.com

Lori Docherty

415.254.7016

lori.docherty@compass.com

DRE 01370723

Sharon Faccinto 415.272.3799

sharon.faccinto@compass.com

DRE 01036478

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

David Grega

415.515.2218

david.grega@compass.com

DRE 01110757

Sharon Kramlich

415.609.4473

sharon.kramlich@compass.com

DRE 01184449

Lynn Reid 415.559.2814

lynn.reid@compass.com DRE 01164587

Steve Sekhon 415.480.4562 steve.sekhon@compass.com DRE 01843478

Glen Williams 415.465.4423

glen.williams@compass.com DRE 01910513

415.515.2218 grega@compass.com DRE 01110757

Sharon Faccinto 415.272.3799 sharon.faccinto@compass.com DRE 01036478

Helping families find their place in Marin.

Seasoned Realtor and Marin mom, this former urbanite helps families make the move across the bridge, expertly navigating niche neighborhoods, top schools and headache-free commutes with ease. A reputable resource and proven partner, there’s no better agent to help your family find their forever home.

Lori Docherty 415.254.7016 lori.docherty@compass.com loridocherty.com DRE 01370723

"Lori was phenomenal! She always made us feel like we were her only client, was always available and gave us experienced advice. She stuck with us through a long, drawn out process to find our dream home. I cannot recommend her more highly."

— Lauren and Sean, Marin Homebuyers

Lynn Reid 415.559.2814

lynn.reid@compass.com DRE 01164587

Glen Williams

415.465.4423

glen.williams@compass.com DRE 01910513

275 Round Hill Road, Tiburon 3 Bed 4.5 Bath $3,845,000

275 Round Hill Road is an exquisite gated home on one of Tiburon’s most desirable streets. With a panoramic bridge to bridge view, this home takes full advantage of the topography of the area. There are dramatic,

ceilings, breathtaking vistas, and landscaped gardens for morning coffees or evening drinks. A sunsoaked swimming pool adds to the resort-like feel.

23 Terra Linda Drive, San Rafael

4 Bed 2.5 Bath $1,285,000

This home is located on a prime lot on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable Dixie School District. The retreat-like, back yard is bathed in sun and backs up to open space, creating a peaceful retreat from the bustle of daily life. From the moment you enter this remodeled, single level house, you will feel at home. The spacious, gourmet kitchen is a delight to work in. The bedrooms are spacious and the bathrooms have been updated. What strikes you most about this house is that it is a truly wonderful place to live, You have sun, privacy, access to open space outside your fence and yet you are part of the vibrant Terra Linda community.

Lynn Reid 415.559.2814 lynn.reid@compass.com DRE 01164587

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

• 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, charming Belvedere residence, set in a peaceful and private setting

• Fabulous guest studio with full bathroom and picturesque bay views

• Exudes character and charm while offering sweeping views across the bay, San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Mount Tamalpais

• Situated on a large sunny lot featuring a sparkling pool and expansive deck ideal for relaxation or entertaining family and friends

• The gracious and private master suite is on the main level, offering stunning bay views, gas start fireplace, walk-in closet, and a sitting room/office

• Detached 2 car garage at the street level

• Conveniently located on the West side of Belvedere Island with easy access to Belvedere Park, yacht clubs, downtown Tiburon shops, restaurants, waterfront pathways, and San Francisco Ferry

• This extraordinary gated estate was built in 2007; A phenomenal renovation was completed in 2017

• Beautifully sited on approximately 1.6 +/- acres of land offering expansive bay and bridge views

• The residence with approx 5800 +/- sqft, is generous in scale with every room boasting high ceilings, natural sunlight and serene water views

• The dramatic foyer leads you to a stately living room with stunning bay views, volume ceilings, a woodburning fireplace with gas start, recessed lighting, and multiple french doors opening to the inviting terrace

• The gourmet chef’s kitchen was newly updated featuring quartz countertops, peninsula seating for four, a granite center island, and high-end stainless steel appliances

• This exceptional Tiburon estate offers sheer luxury, stylish living, and tranquil relaxation in a prime location, located in the sought after Reed School District (school bus stop at the end of the street)

Compass

Design matters.

design

where

Downtown Marshall

The Northwestern Pacific Railroad lasted until 1930; now California’s Highway 1 travels much the same route

BY JIM WOOD

IN THIS CIRCA 1915 postcard, the gable-roofed building at the far left is the Northwestern Pacific Railroad’s Marshall depot, accord ing to West Marin historian Dewey Livingston. Originally named the North Paci fic Coast Railroad, the narrow-gauge (36 inches between rails) line ran from Sausalito through the Ross and San Geronimo valleys and then through Point Reyes Station, Marshall and Tomales, all in Marin County, before terminating at Cazadero, in Sonoma County north of the Russian River. The almost 60-mile line was completed in the late 1870s and carried passengers, lumber, dairy products and produce until it was abandoned, in sections, between 1930 and 1941. Next to the depot, the tall white structure is the Shields General Merchandise store, which later became the Marshall Tavern. “That building is currently being worked on for a bed-and-breakfast,” says Terry Sawyer, co-founder and vice president of Hog Island Oyster Company. “Our popular Hog Island Oyster Farm is in the old Salmina General Store, which is the blurry building farthest to the right.” Today, California Highway 1 follows most of the course of the old railroad track, with Marshall located midway between Point Reyes Station and Tomales in West Marin. m

CIRCA

The almost 60-mile line was completed in the late 1870s.