Marin Magazine December 2019

The for Season Giving

Contents

Features

38 A Rising Tide

Protecting Marin’s coastal lands from sea level rise.

44 All Aboard Model railroaders are a passionate bunch.

50 Marin Gives Back

Give your neighbors a friendly boost this holiday season.

60 Giving Profiles

A look at those doing good for the community.

In Marin

29 Currents

Christmas all year long, gifts that give back and more.

32 Reading List

An author gets in touch with her Native American roots.

34 Conversation Preserving Bolinas as a place to live and grow up.

Destinations

67 Go Four ski resorts that have gone for Olympic gold.

Out & About

71 Calendar

A roundup of things to do in Marin and beyond.

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

90 On the Scene

Snapshots from events in Marin and San Francisco.

Marin Home

97 Backstory

A Novato house that needed just about everything.

COLUMNS

14 Editor’s Note

Inside

Looking Back

Photographer Bill Reitzel joined writer Bernard Boo and his young son at the Just Trains show in Concord. Reitzel came back with images like the one on the cover, the contents page and in our feature, while Boo came back with a son now in love with trains.

LENNY

S.F. Ballet’s Nutcracker, Opera House, S.F.

CELEBRATE!

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Nikki Wood Editorial EDITOR

Mimi Towle

MANAGING EDITOR

Daniel Jewett

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kasia Pawlowska

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Christina Mueller

DIGITAL EDITOR

Jessica Gliddon

COPY EDITOR

Cynthia Rubin

SENIOR WRITER

Jim Wood

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bernard Boo, Mitchell Sam Rossi, Dawn Margolis Denberg, Calin Van Paris, Bekah Wright

Art

ART DIRECTOR

Rachel Gr iffiths

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Alex French

ILLUSTRATOR

Øivind Hovland

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mo DeLong, Lenny Gonzalez, Viviamn Johnson, Bill Reitzel

Administration / Web

CONTROLLER Maeve Walsh

OFFICE MANAGER Natasha Romanoff

CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER

Susan B. Noyes, Founder

Volume 15, Issue 12. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine Inc. owned by Make It Better Media LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2019. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Marin Magazine Inc. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Marin (USPS 024-898) is published monthly by Marin Magazine Inc., One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Periodicals Postage Paid at Sausalito, CA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965.

Advertising

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Debra Hershon, 415.332.4800 ext 120 | dhershon@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Michele Geoff rion Johnson ext 110 | mjohnson@marinmagazine.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Leah Bronson, ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

Lesley Cesare, ext 113 | lcesare@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR

Alex French

Regional Sales O ffices

WINE COUNTRY

Lesley Cesare | lcesare@marinmagazine.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / TAHOE

Leah Bronson | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

NEW YORK

Karen Couture, Couture Marketing | 917.821.4429 HAWAII

Debbie Anderson, Destination Marketing | 808.739.2200

Reader Services

MAILING ADDRESS

One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965 PHONE 415.332.4800 FAX 415.332.3048

SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES

subscriptions@marinmagazine.com 818.286.3111

INTERNSHIP INQUIRIES / STORY IDEAS

editorial@marinmagazine.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Rates are $12 for out-of-state subscriptions or free for California subscribers. To subscribe, manage your subscription or change your address visit marinmagazine.com/subscribe.

BULK ORDERS

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

As one of the 2.5 million powerless in the Bay Area, I floated along with the jetsam of Marin.

Leading the Charge

Last month’s power outage and other effects of the Kincade Fire resulted in several versions of this column, written at local coffee shops, and a newfound sense of community.

WRITING THIS LETTER is an honor and I don’t take this chance to connect with our readers for granted. As my monthly deadline approaches, I usually start on a few drafts as events bubble up. This month was more like a bubble bomb — with the fi res, outages and an unforgettable show of community.

Before the first flames of the Kincade Fire ignited, I was going to focus on how thrilled we were with the community participation we received for our Marin Gives Back depart ment. I love the concept of the story (what your dollar buys for a specific amount of nonprofit donation), because it details the ways almost anyone can help, regardless of their budget. Philanthropy, which means “the desire to pro mote the welfare of others,” can often feel like an activity for the wealthy, open only to those with resources like family foundations that enable them to buy a table at a fundraiser.

I don’t have a family foundation, so for years I politely dodged the various invitations like a graceful Muhammad Ali ducking and weav ing, not because I didn’t support the cause, but because I couldn’t a fford the ticket. Because of my experience, a few years ago I proposed a feature on giving back, which would describe possibilities for charitable contributions of vari ous amounts. And after four years of developing the idea with associate editor Kasia Pawlowska at the helm, we’ve found over 40 opportunities to contribute — from a $50 donation to $10,000 — and no matter what the amount, it makes a positive difference in our community.

This brings me to my second draft. For the past two years I’ve been fortunate to be a volunteer philanthropic adviser for the EACH Foundation, started by Lionel Shaw. When a larger family fund disbanded, he and his siblings were charged with creating their own. Shaw’s has been called disruptive in the world

of giving. The EACH foundation is a diverse group of 30 or so volunteers who are new to philanthropy and charged with making micro grants to groups in the Bay Area and Hawaii.

As Shaw says, the money in these foun dations is intended for the greater good. Since its inception in May of 2016, EACH has granted about $4 million to over 600 nonprofits (three times the IRS minimum mandate). I like Shaw’s approach.

My third draft involves the PG&E power outages. As one of the 2.5 million powerless in the Bay Area, I floated along with the jetsam of Marin from Starbucks to Philz to find Wi-Fi and a charge. Meanwhile small businesses strug gled, food spoiled, and yet locally spirits were generally good. I enjoyed listening to conversa tions between unlikely new friends sharing an outlet. If you were floating along with me, I’m not saying you were aimless or tossed aside, but as the days stretched on, it sure felt like our live lihoods were an afterthought.

If this month’s magazine feels a little lighter than normal, it might be because our Sausalito office was impacted (read: closed for lack of power) for several days during our ad-sales cycle. I can’t imagine the loss our restaurants or independent retailers endured. It’s hard to calculate the actual monetary loss for a small company in these circumstances. However, our losses pale in comparison to those of our neigh bors to the north. At the magazine we’ve created some online resources with info on ways to help wine country businesses get back on their feet; please check out marinmagazine/winecountry.

As we head into the holidays and into a new decade, or a new normal, as I’ve heard people say, we here at Marin Magazine wish you all a happy, healthy, fully charged holiday. Thank you for reading.

Mimi Towle, Editor

What’s Inside

THE OCTOBER KINCADE Fire showed what the effects of a changing climate might look like in California. And while wild fi res are one potential side effect, sea level rise is another. To that end, in our feature “Rising Tides,” writer Mitchell Sam Rossi explains what the effects will be in di fferent parts of Marin and what is being done about the problem. The good news is that Marin is being proactive.

Next up, and just in time for the holidays, we have a feature about model railroading. The hobby still attracts a wide range of enthusiasts who spend almost as much time on the landscapes they build around the tracks as on the trains themselves. Writer Bernard Boo

asks some of them who attended a recent show in Concord what toots their horn.

We wrap up features with our annual look at charitable giving in Marin. Our own Kasia Pawlowska consulted more than 40 organiza tions to find out just where almost $600,000 in donations would be allocated, in amounts ranging from just $50 all the way to $10,000. We hope you consider helping in any way you can.

Up front we’ve got info on the items you might need the next time the power goes out, as well as a Christmas store that keeps its lights on all year long. We have a Q&A with a Native American author who weaves cultural motifs and concepts into her stories, as well as a conversation with Bolinas Community Land Trust’s managing director, who wants to help protect her unique community. In Destinations, Bekah Wright goes for the gold to describe four former winter Olympics sites that now offer visitors top-notch skiing, sliding and relaxing.

It’s been an exciting year, and we thank you for letting Marin Magazine and its stories be a part of it. We hope you have a great holiday season and a happy New Year — we’ve got lots of great reads planned for 2020!

Daniel Jewett, Managing Editor

RIGHT ON TRACK

Although writer Bernard Boo is quick to point out that the model railroading hobby isn’t as popular as it once was, he finds it still attracts a wide range of devotees. Here are just a few who attended a recent train show in Concord and were photo graphed by Bill Reitzel.

Contributors

Bernard Boo Writer, “All Aboard” (p. 44)

What did you enjoy most about this assignment? Showing my 2-year-old son model and toy trains for the fi rst time was truly special. We had a great day together, and I can’t wait to buy him his fi rst train set.

Would you call yourself a train enthusiast? I would not — I knew very little about model railroading going into this assignment. But feeling the passion from all of the true enthusiasts I spoke to was heartwarming and inspiring, to say the least.

Where has your work appeared before? You can fi nd most of my work online. I’m a fi lm critic at PopMatters.com, and I write about video games at DenOfGeek.com.

Dawn Margolis Denberg

Writer, Backstory (p. 97)

What’s the most important piece of advice you have for someone considering a home renovation? Beware of scope creep. It’s fi ne and normal to make changes as you go, but tell your contractor you must sign off n all change orders. If you skip this step, the sticker shock when the bills come in can be daunting.

What do you feel is the biggest mistake people make when renovating? Choosing fi nishes that date quickly. Unless you plan to renovate ever y five to 10 years, stick with solid surfaces and fi xtures that exude timeless elegance.

Where has your work appeared before? Wired, San Francisco Chronicle and Napa Sonoma magazine.

What sparked your interest in this topic? As a Southern California native, I recall the ocean as a focal point of my youth. I can hardly remember a summer day I was not at the beach. In college, I studied oceanography and marine biology, so the topic was particularly relevant to my interests.

What was the most surprising takeaway from this assignment? While the impact of sea level rise may not be felt for years, I was encouraged by the number of Marin residents who are already working hard to fi nd local solutions.

Where has your work appeared before? I have written for the Los Angeles Times, Road & Track, European Car Magazine, RVing Magazine and Excellence Magazine and authored a how-to book on amateur automobile racing. I have also published various works of fiction.

Mitchell Sam Rossi Writer, “A Rising Tide” (p. 38)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! Dr. Cat and Randy Gibson

Moritz Glik

December 5th, 4-7pm

December 6th, 11-5pm

Sethi Couture

December 7th, 11-5pm

Suneera

December 14th, 11-5pm

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

WINTER OPEN STUDIOS ART MARKET AT THE ICB BUILDING IN SAUSALITO

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

December 6–8; 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; opening preview: 6–9 p.m.

480 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito, CA

More than 90 studios in one of the nation’s most creative art-work collectives will be open for the 51st Winter Open Studios. Fine artists working in various mediums will showcase new work and describe their art-making process. Light refreshments will be served. Don’t miss this family- and dog-friendly event.

Free icbartists.com

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

The

most productive

Agents

Marin County:

Realty

highly qualified

Agent Network

Platinum Group

competition when

Golden Gate Sotheby’s

CONNECT WITH US

TOP GRAM

Our top Instagram post this month is by Gianna McLaren, @gianna_ mclaren. “I took this photo after spending a wonderful afternoon out on the water. And the wonderfulness didn’t stop once I got back to shore. The houseboats look so magical with their lights twinkling in the twilight.” Want to see your photo in print? Tag us @marinmagazine with your best snap.

Top Five Online StoriesSPACES

Revamp

Have you checked out the new SPACES website? Now with its own URL and a new look, the site is easily searchable and features distinct landing pages for the SPACES podcast and popular categories like renova tions, second homes and events. Find us at spacesmag.com.

1 What’s Hot: Breakfast in Novato (September 2019) Four places to get breakfast on Grant Avenue.

2 “A Home Bathed in the Light of West Marin” (October 2019) A move away from the city presents an

opportunity to build a home that inter acts with nature.

3 Best of the County: Dining (August 2019) The top dining picks in Marin, chosen by you, the reader.

4 New in Town (November 2019) The latest things happening in Marin, includ ing the newest eats, shop openings and wellness establishments.

5 “The Starry Hollywood Career of Barbara Rush” (MVFF 2019) The actress came to the Lark Theater, received an MVFF Award and sat down for a Q&A conversation.

Nonprofits, Charities & Foundations:

Will your assets be robust in 10 years?

It’s a struggle for nonprofits that contribute so much benefit to the world! Your mission is critical, but you cannot stay in business without sustaining your endowment. And a healthy endowment depends not only on the annual donations you receive; it also requires SMART investing to maximize returns and grow your funds year in and year out.

In The Sustainable Endowment, James Demmert shares his deep knowledge of investing on behalf of foundations and nonprofits. You will learn a proven process that has weathered many financial markets over the past decades. The book details 10 principles on how nonprofits can operate successfully to ensure your endowment grows to accomplish your lofty goals.

An engaging breakdown of investment strategies for maximizing security and growth in nonprofit endowments . . . This work employs an earnest, thoughtful tone . . . clear and understandable to those outside the finance world. Even nonprofits with less substantial endowments will benefit from the organizational structures that he suggests. Kirkus Review

Have them unwrap yourbest gift yet

’Tis the season to be jolly and celebrate with friends and family gathering together for food, drink and merriment. It’s also the chance to give them something unique. Find the right gift for that special person in your life. The following pages have gift suggestions for everyone, including spouses, moms and dads, pets, kids and co-workers. Make this holiday season your best ever!

J’AMY TARR FINE OUTERWEAR Shop our Tux Cape for the holidays. Available in Black, Navy, and Charcoal. Made in San Francisco. Designed in Marin. Available exclusively at Mill Valley Studio. 415.450.9677, Mill Valley, jamytarr.com

glassybaby hand blown votives glassybaby votives come in hundreds of colors, each one with a unique name and meaning. crafted by artisan glassblowers, each one of a kind, perfect for everyone on your holiday list. 510.725.4832, Berkeley, glassybaby.com

International Orange Spa + Shop, located at Marin Country Mart, is an oasis of privacy and relaxation in a quiet 2nd floor corner of the Mart.

IO offers massage and skin care with steam rooms, saunas, a cozy lounge and a beautiful deck overlooking the Ferry Terminal and Mt. Tam. Gift Certificates are available for spa services and our retail shop. Ask us about our special holiday spa packages! 415.563.5000 ext 2, Larkspur, internationalorange.com

Treat your mind, body and soul with the gift of ONA.life. ONA, your local cannabis concierge. Couture Cannabis, delivered. 415.909.0382, ona.life, @ona.life

JOLT! Your perfect one-stop shopping for holiday gifts, stocking stuffers and something special for you! Gifts, Inspirational Artwork and Clothing! Now in two locations, San Anselmo, Redhill Shopping Center and our new store in Novato at 822 Grant Ave. Happy Holidays from JOLT! Hope to see you soon! joltgifts.com

Holiday Gift

Holiday spirit abounds in West End Nursery’s 100 year old Victorian Christmas House. Find the perfect ornamanents and unique decorations for your friends, family, and especially yourself. Get inspired! 415.454.4175, San Rafael, westendnursery.com

Spirit Rock Meditation Center, located on over 400 acres of oak woodlands in Woodacre, offers programs to fit a variety of schedules and meditation styles. Spirit Rock offers day retreats, multiday classes, silent retreats, long-term training, as well as drop-ins. Gift Certificates are a great way to share Spirit Rock with friends and loved ones. More information at www. spiritrock.org/giftcertificate. 415.488.0164, Woodacre

The Crossbody Organizer and Large Travel Wallet are among the hundreds of styles and colors from Mywalit fine leather goods of Lucca, Italy, available at Terrestra, home of the largest Mywalit selection in the USA. 415.384.8330, Mill Valley, terrestra.com

Give the ultimate gift of wellness this year at Marin’s premiere Pilates and GYROTONIC® studio. Choose gift certificates for packages of private sessions and small group classes to fit any budget. Serving all levels and all ages. 415.326.5130, Mill Valley, fitwisepilates.com

Enjoy two Cliff House favorites at home this holiday season. Bake up our famous Popovers and open a bottle of our award-winning Bloody Mary mix and you have a perfect weekend brunch! To purchase online and for more information visit cliffhouseclassic.com. 415.386.3330, San Francisco, cliffhouse.com

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

The holidays are a great time to spend a little time looking back. And what better way to do that than with a curated tour of the last 15 years of Jim Wood’s Marin Magazine column, “Looking Back.” In its pages you will see the photos and read the history that have made this one of the magazine’s most popular columns. Only $24.95. marinmagazine.com/ best-of-looking-back

The Marine Mammal Center Adopt-a-Seal® is a perfect gift for the animal lover in your life. Each symbolic adoption includes a photo and certificate, or add a plush seal! An ecofriendly gift that gives back to this Marin-based nonprofit. 415.289.7339, Marin Headlands, MarineMammalCenter.org/adopt

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

www.marincf.org 415.464.2507

Virtuo u so

Her family is her priority. Her legacy is their future. Her giving is through Virtuoso.

The modern alternative to a private foundation.

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

CHRISTMAS (ALL THE) TIME

The Holiday Shoppe in Sausalito delivers year-round cheer.

BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Looking for a seasonal ornament with more pizzazz than a run-of-themill reindeer? Why not a glitter y fi refighter or cowboy merman, or maybe a Santa bulldog? Whether it’s an unforgettable bit of kitsch or a classic Christopher Radko, whose decorations have graced the White House and homes of celebs like Oprah and Elton John, you ca n fi nd it all here, March or December. Owned and operated by husband and wife Marty and May Ra fi i for the past 25 years, the Holiday Shoppe on Bridgeway has one of the largest collections of everything Christmas in the Bay Area, including an impressive stock of San Francisco, Sausalito and Napa snow globes, which are among the best sellers.

THE ART OF GIVING

Grateful Giving

GO GLOBAL

Cedars, a Marin nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, sells handmade jewelry, printed cards, woven goods and fine art at Artist Within–A Cedars Gallery, in downtown San Anselmo. Everything in the store is lovingly made by the participants in Cedars’ activity and residential programs, and each sale directly supports the 100-year-old organization, with half the proceeds going to the artist who created the piece. cedarslife.org/artistwithin

Seems like climate change is on everyone’s mind these days, and Greenbrae nonprofit Cool Effect is doing something about it, with carbon-offset projects all over the globe. Support one of the projects, such as providing cleaner cookstoves for orphanages in Malawi or establishing renewable-energy wind turbines in Costa Rica, with a personalized gift certificate that doubles as a donation. cooleffect.org/gifts

SEAL OF APPROVAL

Since 1975, the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito has rescued and rehabilitated more than 23,000 animals. Back these efforts by purchasing a marine mammal “adoption package” con taining a certificate of adoption, book and plush toy; a set of stainless steel mini-straws to replace single-use plastic ones; or a volunteer-made calendar printed on recycled paper with photos of friendly marine creatures. marinemammalcenter.org

Gift ideas that can have a positive local impact. DONNA BERRY GLASS

Be Prepared

In October nearly all Marin residents and some 2.5 million people around the Bay Area were left in the dark as PG&E started implementing power outages to deenergize lines and mitigate fi re damage. The event was largely a mess but brought to light how vulnerable many of us were without power. Stock up on these basic items to make a future emergency less jarring. An extended printable version is available at fema.gov.

KASIA PAWLOWSKA

• Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Food: at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal your home for a shelter-in-place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener for food

• Local maps

• Cellphone with chargers and a backup battery

• Extra batteries

• Whistle to signal for help

Modern Family

Make it a welcome holiday season for all.

A new decade is on the horizon and the holidays are more complicated than ever. Along with the perennial issues that can drive a wedge between family members, a lot of new terms relating to sex and gender have entered everyday vernacular. Many of these may be unfamiliar or confus ing for even the well-intentioned, and while this isn’t a complete list, here are a few definitions to help navigate conversation. K.P.

Cisgender Adjective that means a person identifies with the biological sex the person had or was assigned at birth; derived from the Latin word meaning “on the same side.”

Gender binary A view of gender as consisting solely of two, opposite categories termed “male” and “female,” with no other possibilities believed valid.

Gender expression The physical manifestation of one’s gender identity through clothing, hairstyle, voice, body shape, etc. (typically referred to as masculine or feminine). Many transgender peo ple seek to make their gender expression (how they look) match their gender identity (who they feel they are) rather than their gender identified at birth.

Nonbinary Preferred umbrella term for identifying neither as exclusively male nor female, or for

all gender identities other than female/male or woman/man; used as an adjective (e.g. Jesse is a nonbinary person; a nonbinary attitude).

Queer A term for people not limited to a particular gender identity or sexual orientation, not hetero sexual in orientation and/or not self-identified as cisgender. This word has a complicated history as a reclaimed slur.

Transgender or trans spectrum An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were identified as having at birth and is unrelated to sexual orientation or bodily characteristics like anatomy, hormones or appearance.

Transition A person’s process of developing and assuming a gender expression or surgically altering the body to match that person’s gender identity.

PERFECT PRESENTS Gift giving is not easy. We all aim to give meaningful, unique and personal presents, but it’s hard to check off all those boxes. Avoid frantically overnighting uninspired items this season and instead stop by ICB Artists’ Winter Open Studios, December 6 through 8. The Sau salito collective has been welcoming visitors to its workspaces for this event since 1968, and besides meet ing the artists and getting a glimpse of their creative processes, it’s a great opportunity to nab a special something for someone. Works available for purchase will include paintings, drawings, prints, sculp ture, textiles, jewelry, photography and digital art. Here are notable numbers about the historic building and this event. icbbuilding.com K.P.

BY THE NUMBERS

Suzie Buchholz

Author Talk

MM: This book features multiple stories in multiple genres. How did you choose which genre to apply to which story?

BP: My view has been that different genres tell different kinds of stories in different kinds of ways. I look at the ideas and questions I have, and then I try to figure out what genre is most effective for getting at the specific thing I want to think about. Sometimes the genre is a scholarly essay; sometimes it’s a story; sometimes it’s a poem or a personal essay.

MM: What is the common thread that hold the various stories together?

BP: One of the threads is the mixed genre aspect itself. Over the long term, Native people have always been borrowing arts and aesthetics from other peoples, while still maintain ing their tribally distinct practices and styles. Working in various forms but inflecting them with Native characters, plots and aesthetics is a way of highlighting that tradition of adaptability. It’s the way that Native people have survived and thrived across time.

MM: How does your own heritage factor in?

BP: I placed an emphasis on Indigenous aesthetics. I’ve studied my heritage language of Nez Percé, a process that has included reading and translating a large number of stories from the original sources. And in this collection, I’ve incorporated particular motifs, concepts and formal properties — even some of the stories themselves, as intertexts — into my own stories.

MM: Why was it important to include beadworkers in the title?

BP: I wanted the title to point to the work that beadworkers, other artists and medicine people do to sustain our Native communities and the incredible strength and spiritual depth these people demonstrate in continuing to make beauty — even through, and at times because of, loss. CALIN VAN PARIS

Local Page Turners

The Beadworkers: Stories by Beth Piatote, Counterpoint LLC, $23 . Beth Piatote’s The Beadworkers incorporates Indigenous themes into a unique, compelling vision of Native life in the Americas. In this mixed-genre collection, Piatote follows a woman teaching her niece to make a pair of beaded earrings while remembering a rocky relationship; an 11-year-old girl narrating the fate of her family as they are pulled to the front line of a war; two young men contem plating deaths in their family; and a family torn apart over the fate of ancestral remains. Through her witty, dynamic prose, Piatote finds themes in family, longing and return that speak to us all. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera on Saturday, December 7, at 4 p.m.

Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond by Carla Marie Manly, Familius, $18.99 Aging Joyfully addresses the question of how a woman can embrace the changes that come with approaching age 50 and later years. Psychologist and holistic wellness expert Carla Marie Manly focuses on the blessing of getting to experience the later years and concentrates on making each day matter. Aging Joyfully has the versatility of serving as a loving guide for both an individual aging journey and the communal discovery that’s possible in book or support groups. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera on Sunday, December 1, at 1 p.m.

Alice Adams: Portrait of a Writer by Carol Sklenicka, Scribner, $35 . Alice Adams left behind a vibrant body of work that put a spotlight on the lives of women during a time when women were struggling for visibility. The characters in her stories fought with the inherent conflict of their desires: absorbed by the turbulence of love, but determined to be self-sufficient. In Alice Adams: Portrait of a Writer, biographer Carol Sklenicka conveys the drama Adams felt amid the upheavals of her time. Her meticulous research and vivid storytelling inform a fully dimensional portrait of a writer’s life and of an unstable period in American history. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera on Wednesday, December 4, at 7 p.m.

Reviews by Book Passage Marketing Assistant Meghan Lee

We sat down with professor and author Beth Piatote to discuss her new book The Beadworkers: Stories

PHOTO:

Evan Wilhelm

Bolinas Community Land Trust’s managing director on how we can help preserve community.

BY CALIN VAN PARIS • PHOTO BY LENNY GONZALEZ

“T

HE POPULATION IN Bolinas has decreased at a steep and scary rate for the last 10 years,” says Evan Wilhelm, Bolinas Community Land Trust’s 29-year-old managing director. A bevy of short-term rental sites like Airbnb have literally put Bolinas on the map — the opposite of what residents of the small coastal town, known to tear down its signage to deter tourists, wants. “Many homes that 10 years ago were either long-term rentals or owner occupied now sit empty as second homes or are used as vacation rentals, and the long-term rentals that do remain are generally small and una ffordable. Studios can easily go for $2,500. A familysize home is nearly impossible to fi nd and is typically rented for over $4,000,” says Wilhelm. “People are leaving because they can’t a fford to stay. It’s that simple.” As the housing a ffordability crisis continues to change the way life looks in the Bay Area, BCLT is coming up with creative solutions. And for her part, Wilhelm is helping the organization’s efforts to buy local properties, protecting the unique community that raised her by making it possible for people to continue to build lives in Bolinas. Here’s how she got involved, and how others can too.

How did you become active in BCLT? I moved back to Bolinas, which is my hometown. I had been gone for seven years, and so much had changed. There was constant conversation on the street about how everything was changing, and a lot of fear and sadness around rising prices and a shifting feeling of community. In response, in 2015 I, along with a few friends and my boyfriend (now husband) Blair, started holding community meetings at the Bolinas Community Center to talk through issues with a focus on fi nding solutions. We would bring a topic to the table and anyone could come and talk about the emotion around it. For example, gra ffiti on the beach walls. What’s the problem? What’s the emotion around it? How can we move forward and fi nd a middle ground? It was cool because it was a group of us who were a bit younger, and there’s such a force of the older hippie generation out here, and a lot of them were very excited to see a group of young people stepping forward to talk about community and what Bolinas means to us. From that, I heard about

the Bolinas Land Trust. Arianne Dar, who’s our executive director now, was president of the board at the time and suggested that I think about an internship with the Land Trust. There was a lot of turnover after that, and with all of that movement I ended up doing property management and we kept shifting my role — it’s always shifting. Now I’m doing a lot of PR and community work and fundraising. It’s a full-circle thing.

Has the general mission of BCLT shifted since its inception in the 1980s? The focus has always been on a ffordable hous ing and maintaining the character of the town. But because of this housing crisis and because a ffordability in the Bay Area at large has changed so much, it’s really changed what a ffordable housing means. The people who are currently struggling to stay in Bolinas now include families, as well as people who provide essential services like teachers and emergency staff nd business owners. There’s been a really big shift in the last 10 years — it seems like nearly half of the houses that used to be long-term rentals are now short-term rentals. So, the mission is the same, but the stakes feel a lot higher. It’s about keeping Bolinas a hometown and place where people grow up. A place where people are creating a life — not just passing through.

When you live on a street in a neighborhood that’s filled with empty homes, it’s not a neighborhood anymore.

What’s something that you would tell someone who’s not familiar with the housing crisis? I think it’s really important for people to understand how essential long-term residents are to the health of a place. Bolinas is a really small town. If we lose 10 kids from our school, we feel that. That means potentially that two grades are going to get put together, or a teacher will have to be moved. When water district employees can’t fi nd a place to live, that has serious consequences — that means that if you have a water issue or leak on your property, there’s no one down the road who can come fi x it right away. When you live on a street in a neighborhood that’s fi lled with empty homes, it’s not a neighborhood anymore. And for service — if the carpenters and plumbers and electricians

In

can’t live in town, someone will have to drive hours to get to you to should you have an issue. I think sometimes people look at a place like Bolinas and think, “Oh, it’s so beautiful” and a great little town to come in and out of. But the people really make this place special. And a ffordability and community ownership are essential to keeping it running. The housing crisis is a ffecting such a broad group of people, and it’s very threatening to small-town living in California. Because Bolinas is a town that

I think it’s really important for people to understand how essential long-term residents are to the health of a place. Bolinas is a really small town. If we lose 10 kids from our school, we feel that.

is a fi nite space — we’re bookended by park lands, and there’s so much amazing work that people did back in the ’70s to create these really strict rules around development, and we’re in the coastal zone — we have a real opportunity to make a di fference here. The Land Trust owning homes means that Bolinas owns homes. So, it doesn’t matter what’s happening economically — we have systems in place that allow us to be certain that there will always be places for people to live and work here and grow up here and grow old here.

What should people know about Bolinas? We aren’t just a good place to learn to surf and to lie on the beach. We are a fishing village — we have a long history of families who make their living as fishermen and supply fresh loca l fish to our county. We aren’t just some incredible farm stands, we are farmers. The first organic farms in the country were started here. Generations of families still farm in Bolinas and keep our community grounded in the earth. We are a volunteer fire department, we are small, locally owned businesses, we are a K-8 school with teachers who inspire far beyond the classroom. We are a town of hardworking, big-dreaming, fun-loving characters. We value the natural landscape, and we honor it. We have a long his tory of change and adaptation, and through

raise $2 million total (we’re already halfway there, with $1 million to go) that would be in a revolving fund. One of the issues with a ffordable housing in Bolinas is that when something comes on the market, the price is so high that by the time we have funding lined up, that house is gone. So, in an effort to have money on hand, we’re setting up a revolving fund that can be reused over and over. So, donate! Getting that fund set up will make a huge di fference in current and future projects. We’re looking for donors who would be willing to pledge for multiple years — we have longterm plans so it’s helpful to have returning donors. I hope that people understand that supporting the Land Trust is supporting the preservation of Bolinas. We need people to step up and believe in Bolinas with us. m

BY MITCHELL SAM ROSSI

ILLUSTRATION BY ØIVIND HOVLAND

What’s being done to protect Marin’s coastal lands from the effects of climate change?

With con fident strides, Stuart Siegel leads me along the muddy shore of China Camp State Park’s expansive wetlands. As the coastal resilience specialist with the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and a research professor of Earth and Climate Science a t  San Francisco State University, Siegel has walked this path countless times.

In contrast, my steps are tentative as I envi sion my next footfall will send me reeling into the muck.

We have left our cars on the edge of North San Pedro Road, the narrow passage that winds through the park. Siegel has invited me here to discuss a timely subject —  the challenges sea level rise will bring to Marin County.

This remote salt marsh and lonely road may seem inconsequential given the troublesome topic, but as Siegel points out, this back road represents the heart of the problem.

The Risks for Marin

“North San Pedro Road has a long history of flooding  during king tides,” he says, referring to the extreme high tides that arrive during the winter solstice. “When the road is underwater, it is effectively closed.” If an accident or related flooding blocks the other end of the road that continues into Central San Rafael, Siegel adds, “then Peacock Gap and the other hillside neigh borhoods become isolated. If someone needs an ambulance, it’s either wait for the flooding to recede or they’ll be requesting a helicopter.”

While the entire county’s peninsula is known for rural beauty, Marin’s scenic coastline draws the most visitors. It is, after all, a unique patch work of small harbors and seaside towns, solitary

beaches and picturesque bays. It is a place of calm estuaries and rugged headlands. Few counties in the state can claim such an interwoven relation ship with the sea.

This distinctive geography also means Marin is one of California’s most vulnerable waterfront areas when it comes to sea level rise.

Extreme high tides are not new to Marin. Like China Camp, Coyote Creek Watershed at the foot of Tamalpais Valley also su ffers from the effects of king tides. Their onset impedes tra ffic along Shoreline Highway and the north bound on-ramp to U.S. Highway 101. While these events are disruptive, they are temporary.

Melting glaciers and thermal expansion of the ocean, on the other hand, will push the Paci fic higher onto the outer coast and farther into the waters of San Francisco, San Rafael, San Pablo and Richardson bays. The increase in average tidal heights will not only transform Marin’s coastline but will signi ficantly alter its economic and social spectrum.

Thinking Ahead

“A lot of what we have been trying to do is get people to come together and plan how to solve or at least to address the problem,” says Kate Sears, county supervisor for Southern Marin’s District 3 and one of the most outspoken local advocates for climate crisis preparedness. “I think ‘solve’ is a word that has limited meaning going forward,” she adds. “But at least we are talking about mea sures we can take in a collaborative way.”

Working to involve Marin’s residents, county officials developed two community out reach programs — Bay Waterfront Adaptation and Vulnerability Evaluation (BayWAVE) and

This distinctive geography also means Marin is one of California’s most vulnerable waterfront areas when it comes to sea level rise.

Collaboration: Sea Level Marin Adaptation Response Team (C-SMART). While BayWAVE focuses on adaptations for the bay side of the county, C-SMART concentrates on strategies for our peninsula’s open coast.

To understand how rising seas will likely affect Marin, the planners aligned the coun ty’s infrastructure data with the statewide sea level study “Our Coast, Our Future” (OCOF). The OCOF program is an ongo ing collaboration between Petaluma-based Point Blue Conservation Science group, the U.S. Geological Survey and a number of other agencies. It uses various probability models to determine how sea level change will alter California’s coastal region.

From this analysis, the planners created two reports: the “Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment” for the bay side and the “Marin Ocean Coast Sea Level Rise Adaptation Report,” which focuses on uncertainties along the western coast.

Taking into account projected sea level rise and probable storm events, the reports divide the next 80 years into near-, mid- and long-term intervals. With extensive charts and diagrams, they illustrate what residents, business owners and the commuting public might expect as the ocean makes its ascent.

In the near term, a timeline from now until 2030, sea level is projected to rise between 10 and 12 inches over current tidal heights. By

midcentury, areas of Marin will likely see a 20-inch increase. For the longer term, from 2050 to the end of the century, the forecast is less certain. There are too many variables regarding how the northern glaciers will handle a continuing increase of greenhouse gases and how much water the glaciers might release. Current projections, however, point to Northern California facing sea heights of at least five feet above present-day norms.

“It is not surprising that Marin is very vul nerable,” says Chris Choo, the county’s principal planner for the public works department and project manager for BayWAVE. “And it is not vul nerable just in a couple of places. The way this county is con figured, sea level rise is going to be a permanent problem.”

Nature-Based Solutions

BayWAVE’s assessment identified several exposed communities, with some having more options for recourse than others. One of the strategies to offset sea level rise and storm surge is to restore the county’s historical wet lands. Appropriately, salt marsh areas, referred to as green infrastructure, often incorporate fabricated reef systems placed off shore to dif fuse damaging seas.

“People have described these tidal marshes as horizontal levees,” says Jeff Melby, proj ect manager for the California State Coastal Conservancy. He has spent the last five years shepherding the Hamilton Wetlands Restoration Project, a plan to reestablish one of the county’s most extensive wetlands.

With grants from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Bay Area

Governments adding to the funding, the Coastal Conservancy recently gave a $20 mil lion green light to the project, which, when complete, will renew 2,600 acres of the wet lands bordering the low-lying communities of Hamilton Field and Bel Marin Keys.

“In terms of flood protection, marshes are critical,” Melby says. “They give the water some place to go, essentially acting like a sponge. They will also reduce storm surge and destructive wave action.”

San Rafael’s Canal district is another sus ceptible area where a nature-based strategy can help. Nestled in the corridor between San Rafael Creek and U.S. Highway 101, the com munity contains a dense mix of multifamily housing and light industry, and any degree of sea level rise will be disruptive, especially since the area is already prone to high-tide events.

Fortunately, the Canal district has Tiscornia Marsh at the mouth of San Rafael Creek, the waterway that flows through the area. The marsh

has 20 acres of wetlands that will help reduce near-term flooding. Managed by the Marin Audubon Society, the renewal project recently received a grant from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, the state agency des ignated to disperse bond measure funds for wetland restoration. The Tiscornia project will raise the current earthen levee and restore an additional 10 acres of wetlands lost to decades of natural erosion.

Other Defenses

Many other Marin neighborhoods, however, are not located behind natural wetlands, or they lack waterfront topography that might lend itself to establishment of protective marshes — includ ing parts of Tiburon and Belvedere. Facing the open bay, Tiburon will need to use other methods to defend its historic Main Street area against flooding and storm surges. Belvedere Lagoon currently relies on tide gates and a pumping sys tem to protect its luxury waterfront homes. By

In the near term, a timeline from now until 2030, sea level is projected to rise between 10 and 12 inches over current tidal heights. By midcentury, areas of Marin will likely see a 20-inch increase.

midcentury it could face property loss if sea level tops its levees as they exist today.

The county’s western shores lack defenses too. While much of the coast is part of the uninhabited Point Reyes National Seashore managed by the U.S. Park Service, there are residential and recreational areas of unincor porated Marin that will fi nd the Paci fic Ocean a progressively tenacious neighbor.

Over the next 20 years, C-SMART’s report projects the long sliver of Stinson Beach and its Seadrift community could see over 200 build ings flood when sea level rise is amplified by the annual storm surge. Likewise, residents of Bolinas will need to protect their downtown buildings and beachfront properties during the same time frame. And while the long inlet of Tomales Bay may be safe from storm-generated sea waves, the mounting tide threatens numerous buildings as well as the low-lying thoroughfares of Shoreline Highway and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. These narrow roadways edge the bay and are the only means of vehicle access.

A common misconception about sea level rise is that those who live or work outside the a ffected areas will not be troubled by its consequences. In truth, whether or not one resides in the upper val leys or commutes in or out of Marin on Highway 101, nature’s reshaping of the peninsula will become a concern for everyone.

“When you start looking at 12 inches of sea level rise, you begin to see which roads are impacted,” Choo notes. “It does shut down the possibility of moving through the county, and that is not just roads for commuters. It is the transit system and our emergency vehicles.” Residents outside the flooded areas cannot assume there will always be open avenues, she says: “Everyone will be taking the back roads, so you are talking about gridlock in a way that makes it a catastrophic failure for the entire county.” If major thoroughfares are closed by tidal events, transporting goods also becomes problematic: food, medicine, fuel, construction supplies and mail will be di fficult to deliver.

And roads are not the only things that make communities vulnerable. Most sewage systems, potable-water pipes and natural gas lines run beneath county streets, as do some telephone cables. Where phone and electrical lines are strung above the motorway, the power poles sustaining them require firm ground for support.

Perhaps the most disruptive possible strat egy for adapting to sea level rise is planned

retreat. That method calls for relocation or surrender of nonessential roads and buildings. It would not be an easy policy to implement, but it could become unavoidable in some areas.

And yet: while the slow progression of sea level rise will undoubtedly change Marin’s land scape, the transformation need not be bleak.

Reason for Hope

“What is great is that Marin is ahead of the curve in thinking about this,” says Maya Hayden, a senior ecologist and program leader at Point Blue, one of the many conservation groups focusing their efforts on helping the county address envi ronmental threats.

Hayden notes that Marin’s planners are not looking to build seawalls, but instead to use nature-based options wherever possible. “They are trying to maintain the natural features and use them to benefit the shoreline as it changes with sea level rise.”

Kelly Malinowski, project manager and cli mate specialist with the Coastal Conservancy, concurs. “The green infrastructure buys us time,” she says. Relying solely on “gray” mea sures such as seawalls or tall earthen levees may seem the easy way, but those hardened struc tures would be vulnerable to constant wave action and require continual maintenance. Green infrastructure and hybrid strategies, which combine walls and nature-based bu ffers, encourage benefits like carbon sequestration, habitat enhancement and preservation of a liv ing, aesthetically pleasing seashore.

“No one wants to live in a place with a bunch of walls,” Malinowski points out. “We all want to have public access to our bays and beaches despite climate change. And I think that is where Marin’s planning is ahead of most coun ties around the bay.”

While many plans and ideas are still in the early stages, the county’s ongoing efforts reveal that Marin’s officials are not ignoring the poten tial impact of sea level rise. Instead, they are working to fi nd the best strategies to preserve this unique corner of San Francisco Bay.

Standing at the edge of the marsh where the tide is now rising through the pickleweed shrubs, Siegel sets his hands on his hips and looks across the bay. “Marin is very fortunate to have a community of organizations that are all looking at this issue,” he says. “I think, in many ways, the concentration of interest and talent here is remarkable. And that’s going to be the bellwether for fi nding solutions.” m

BY BERNARD BOO • PHOTOS BY BILL REITZEL SUBCULTURES

ABOARD

Model railroaders are a passionate bunch.

WHILE THE SCOPE of model railroading in American culture has changed, people building their own train sets are as passionate as ever. In the mid 20th century, miniature trains circled family Christmas trees, and detailed miniature railroads ran in base ments and attics across the country. In 2019, model trains have become decidedly niche; the once kid-centric hobby is now more popular with the older set.

Yet while young people today go for the fast feedback of mobile devices and video games, serious model railroad bu ff s share their enthusiasm with anyone interested, no matter their age. “Model railroading will never be as big as it was when I was young, but the community that’s here is vibrant,” Brian Hitchcock of European Train Enthusiasts’ Bay Area chapter says.

Who are they? The majority of model railroaders are retired men with enough money and space to support their sprawling layouts. Many train enthusiasts enjoy showing others their constructions, but Richard

Schoenstein of Santa Rosa prefers to keep his to himself. It’s a massive display that dominates the floor space of a warehouse on his property, and it’s mostly composed of O-scale trains running on three-rail tracks (the most common size for toy trains before the 1960s), which allow complex design. The landscapes are just as dazzling as the trains, with tiny buildings, carnivals, and base ball parks populated by countless little plastic people. At the flick of a switch, the scene springs to life, with lights, moving parts and sound effects. “It reminds me of when I was a little boy,” Schoenstein says of his setup, portions of it inspired by his hometown of Richmond.

Father-son partners Jerry and Matt Abreu, meanwhile, run the open-to-the-public Wandering Railroad, a stunning system of sleek O-scale trains winding in and out of a hilly,

MODEL TRAIN SCALES

Model trains come in a variety of lettered scales, each indicating the relative proportion to life-size trains.

Z-scale trains are tiny and toy-size, while G-scale trains are hulking versions built for garden layouts. Here’s how the ratios of model to real life break down:

Z - 1:220

N - 1:160

HO - 1:87

S - 1:64

O - 1:48

G - 1:25

picturesque scene, all built into a mobile trailer for easy transport. The Abreus hope to take Wandering Railroad to children’s hospitals, veterans’ homes and train shows around the Bay Area and beyond. “When Matt was 10 or 11, we were living in Marin County and went to a train show,” Jerry recalls. “He got wide-eyed and excited about trains, and now, here we are.”

Where are they found? With model railroading’s popularity on the wane, hobby shops have struggled, but the subculture thrives in Bay Area shops like Marin Hobby & Gift in San Anselmo and Just Trains in Concord and groups like the Carquinez Model Railroad Society and the Bay Area Model Railway Society.

When do they meet up? Large model train shows are held regionally about four times a year. The Great Train Show is coming to Cal Expo in Sacramento in January; closer to home, the Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Point Richmond draws Bay Area enthusiasts with its 10,000-square-foot space chock-full of layouts. Just Trains in Concord also hosts train shows periodically.

What do they do? Model railroading is a multifaceted craft that, apart from the beauti ful trains themselves, involves woodworking, electrical engineering and miniature landscape design. Hunting down rare model trains (which can sometimes cost thousands of dollars apiece) is part of the hobby, but most enthusiasts also cherish the long, complicated, ultimately reward ing work of building the railroads and scenes.

Why do they do it? Howard Hansen, resident model railroad expert of the recently closed Dollhouses, Trains and More in Novato, has loved trains for as long as he can remember, and he values the hobby for its hands-on aspect. “There are a lot of challenges to model railroad ing,” he says. “But it’s very ful fi lling. It’s not for people who want instant grati fication.” m

PHOTO

San Francisco–Marin

Bank

$50

BEYOND DIFFERENCES

Sends a backpack with everything a school needs to hold a No One Eats Alone Day, a student-led initia tive that encourages middle-schoolers to sit at lunch with kids they don’t know and include others who might feel left out too. The backpack con tains the curriculum, armbands, balloons, links to videos and conversation-starters, posters and more. beyonddifferences.org

AUTISTRY STUDIOS

Buys 24 spools of thread, assorted hand needles, pin cushions, seam rippers and a pair of fabric scissors for creating costumes, quilts, puppets and stu ffed animals. Gift certi ficates to a craft store are another option. autistrystudios.com

SCHURIG CENTER FOR BRAIN INJURY RECOVERY

Fully pays for a brain injury or stroke survivor to attend five weekly support group sessions for help

coping with dramatic life changes. schurigcenter.org

ALL ABOUT OWLS

Provides two owl ambassadors with a week’s worth of whole prey food (closely resembling their nat ural diet in the wild). allaboutowls.org

MARIN FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATION

Purchases a new pair of shoes, 20 pairs of socks or a backpack for a child being placed in foster care. marinfostercare.org

Beyond Differences

Beyond Differences is a student-led organization based on the belief that change for youth can only be true and lasting if the agents of that change are the youth themselves. It is the only organization singularly focused on ending social isolation. Social isolation is often the precondition to the bullying, teasing and violence that often occurs in our schools and communities.

Marin Foster Care Association

$100

NATUREBRIDGE

Provides a schol arship for one child to attend a two-and-a-halfday NatureBridge program at the Marin Headlands. Exploring trails and conducting sci ence investigations, kids connect with their peers and the environment, inspir ing stewardship of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and beyond. naturebridge.org

LIFEHOUSE AGENCY

Purchases a “step counter” for one participant in the

Wellness Program, which through out the year offers Wellness Challenges to help people meet fitness goals and lead healthier lives. lifehouseagency.org

SAN FRANCISCO–MARIN FOOD BANK

Provides enough support for volunteers to pack six home-delivered grocery bags, each with enough fruits, vegetables, pro tein, grains and other sustenance to last a food bank participant a week. sfmfoodbank.org

100MARIN

Goes toward creating a major impact gift for one of five nonprofit “nominees,” simi lar to the $37,000 recently awarded Marin Center for Independent Living at the fall giving circle event. 100marin. wildapricot.org

BUCKELEW PROGRAMS

Buys fresh food from a local farmers market to be used in cooking classes for the Marin Assisted Independent Living program. buckelew.org

100Marin

100MARIN, the county’s premier giving circle, was created by a group of local, community-minded individuals with the complementary objectives of amplifying each circle member’s overall giving impact and developing and strengthening the network of people dedicated to supporting the local nonprofit community. The giving circle concept is not new. A group of individuals commits to an annual donation schedule, then convene to hear presentations from three to five local nonprofits. At the end, a vote is conducted to determine which organization will receive the group’s pooled donations. Awareness and engagement opportunities for both the nominated charities and the nonprofit community at large are increased.

NatureBridge

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind is more than an industry-leading guide dog school; it is an enthusiastic community that serves the visually impaired. Guide Dogs for the Blind prepares highly qualified guide dogs to assist and empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. All of the services for clients are provided free of charge, including personalized training and exten sive post-graduation support, plus financial assistance for veterinary care, if needed.

$250

GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Provides a kit containing leash, puppy jacket, veterinary products and takehome dog equipment for a volunteer puppy raiser. guidedogs.com

OAK HILL SCHOOL

Invests in apps for augmentative com munication devices, broadening users’ ability to speak, communicate and build relationships. theoakhillschool.org

WILDCARE

Provides a visit from WildCare’s Nature Van, full of specimens and amazing facts about local nature and wildlife, for a classroom at any Bay Area school. discoverwildcare.org

CERES COMMUNITY PROJECT

Provides six teen leaders who completed a year of volunteering and mentoring with a new white chef’s coat bearing their name. ceresproject.org

MARIN CITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Pays for fresh produce and cooking demonstrations at the weekly Food Pharmacy, where a medical assistant can check blood pressure and patients learn to manage hypertension and heart disease though healthy foods rather than relying only on medications. marincityclinic.org

WildCare

Halleck Creek Ranch

Halleck Creek Ranch is a nonprofit agency that has helped people with disabilities live a life without barriers through therapeutic horseback riding for over 42 years. Therapeutic horseback riding is a valuable form of physical and mental therapy, as well as an effective way for people with disabilities to access wild landscapes. Situated on a 60-acre historic West Marin property, the ranch pairs gentle horses with dedicated volunteers, creating a dynamic team that carries the riders into the rugged Nicasio countryside. As one of the largest and oldest weekly therapeutic riding programs in the San Francisco Bay Area, Halleck Creek Ranch is a pioneer in the field.

EXTRAFOOD.ORG

Equips 10 ExtraFood volunteers with the tools necessary to rescue excess fresh food from Marin businesses and deliver it to local people in need. extrafood.org

HALLECK CREEK RANCH

Provides a full scholarship to a rider in need for 16 consecutive weeks of therapeutic riding. hallackcreek.org

MARIN CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Provides batterypowered radios,

$500lamps and other emergency supplies for formerly home less seniors now in a supportive housing program. marincil.org

BRIDGE THE GAP COLLEGE PREP

Funds a daily healthy meal plus transpor tation to the center’s after-school col lege prep program for one student. btgcollegeprep.org

SIDE BY SIDE

Supports enrichment activities at Side by Side’s Irene M. Hunt School, including field trips and access to the gardening and creative arts programs. sideby sideyouth.org

Side By Side

$1,000

LITTLE WISHES

Allows 10 seriously ill hospitalized Bay Area children to have a wish granted during treatment. Over 90 percent of each dollar goes directly to meeting such requests; something as simple as a Disney princess dress, Spiderman figure or cozy bedding makes a huge di fference in these kids’ quality of life. littlewishes.org

MARINARTS

Assists in outreach encouraging artists in Marin County to upload their per sonal profi le to the

Artist Directory. marinarts.org

CONNECTING AUTHORS

Gives a school a full-day author visit, including one K-2 and one grades 3-5 assembly. connectingauthors.org

RICHARDSON

BAY AUDUBON

Helps purchase important milkweed plants for migrating monarch butter fl ies. richardsonbay. audubon.org

WHISTLESTOP

One in five Marin County residents is food insecure, unsure where the

next meal is coming from. This money sponsors a volunteerdriven Meals on Wheels delivery route to provide fresh, nutritious food, regu lar check-ins and social interaction to home-bound individuals. whistlestop.org

CASA ALLEGRA COMMUNITY SERVICES

Buys a reclining chair to help reduce pressure sores, distribute weight and improve circulation for residents of the group home. casaallegra.org

Little Wishes

Little Wishes grants the immediate and ongoing little wishes of chronically and critically ill hospitalized children to help ease discomfort, provide distrac tion and bring moments of joy. What makes the program unique (and why wishes are kept little) is that a qualified child may make another wish 14 days after receiving a first wish and every 14 days thereafter. Little Wishes offers meaningful support to children who endure frequent hospitalizations or who have been in the hospital for weeks, months or even years.

Whistlestop

$2,500

MARIN HUMANE

Enables training and care of therapy dogs to brighten the lives of seniors, bereaved children or others who can benefit from the humananimal bond. marinhumane.org

MEPAN FOUNDATION

Subsidizes a researcher to attend a scienti fic conference on mito chondrial disease, meet with patients

and work toward fi nding a cure for MEPAN disease, a childhood-onset movement disorder. mepan.org

MARIN HOMELESS AID

Provides a rental deposit to move a homeless family, senior or veteran into permanent housing. marinhomelessaid.org

PNOC FOUNDATION

Allows PNOC (Paci fic Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium) to

offer state-of-the-art genomic profi ling for a child with brain cancer, helping the family and physician decide the best therapies for that child. pnocfoundation.org

BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Provides transportation for 275 students, teachers and parents to enjoy STEM learning at the museum. bayareadiscovery museum.org

Marin Homeless Aid

The concept of “home” is embedded in every huma n b eing. Marin Homeless Aid’s mission is to inspire the people of Marin County to be part of a solution for helping Marin’s homeless population that starts by putting a roof over the head of everyone who finds themselves living on the streets. Awareness of homelessness causes and cures is raised through an annual benefit concert.

Marin Humane

Syzygy Dance Project

Syzygy Dance Project is a nonprofit organization working to transform lives through dance. SDP affirms that everyone can dance — from the able-bodied to people in wheelchairs, at hospitals and under other constraining circumstances. Syzygy Dance Project offers mindful movement and dance classes to different populations including inmates, veterans, recovering addicts, chronic illness patients and the elderly. SDP uses music, sound and movement to facilitate awareness, self-exploration and change.

Artist Kai Chen at Headlands Center for the Arts

$5,000

HEADLANDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Produces a freeto-the-public, monthlong art exhibition. headlands.org

SCHOOLSRULE MARIN

Pays for a library aide’s additional hours to keep one of the high school libraries open until 7 p.m., providing a safe, quiet space for students to study and access computers. schoolsrule.org

MARINLINK

Covers a professional grant writer’s ser vices for a nonprofit for one year. marinlink.org

SYZYGY DANCE

PROJECT

Funds training of Bay Area health care professionals in using movement and dance to improve lives of elderly patients. syzygy danceproject.org

SUBVERS!VE MUSIC FOUNDATION

Helps send five students to Los Angeles College of Music’s weeklong summer program Rap & Hip Hop: Change the World. subversivegang.org

$10,000

HUNGRY OWL PROJECT

Helps install and maintain owl boxes in Marin County. hungryowls.org

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY OF MARIN

Provides everything needed to rehouse four people who have recently become homeless in Marin County. vinnies.org

HOMEWARD BOUND OF MARIN

Supports con struction of a gender-neutral bathroom at a homeless shelter for 80 adults. hbofm.org

MARIN VILLAGES

Funds emergency natural disaster “go bags” for personalized delivery to all members. marinvillages.org

YOUTH IN ARTS

Provides a visual arts program for 75 kindergartners at a low-income school. youthinarts.org

While each group is mentioned, we didn’t have enough space to describe every need; view the complete list of specifics online at marinmagazine.com/ maringivesback.

Hungry Owl Project

The Hungry Owl Project’s mission is to reduce the need for pesticides and rodenticides by encouraging natural predators through conservation of habitat, nesting boxes and education. Owls are stewards of the environment and an ambassador species. By protecting owls and their habitat we can educate future generations about the preservation of wild animals and the environment.

Youth in Arts

marin gives back

It takes the efforts of many to make Marin and the Bay Area a better place. As the holiday season begins, many in the community turn their attention to those in need and business owners are no exception. Here at Marin Magazine we would like to take a moment to recognize and highlight the philanthropic efforts of our business partners. Here are some nonprofits and business owners that are giving back to the community.

GIVING BACK LOCALLY

OUR ROOTS IN THE COMMUNITY JUST GOT DEEPER

Vanguard Properties was honored to dedicate our yearly day of service in support of Sanzuma Farm at the San Pedro Elementary School which grows food that goes directly to the San Rafael School District for healthy lunches and educates children about nutrition. Our agents cleaned up the gardens and built a much-needed green house.

Vanguard believes in supporting our community by bettering Marin through service and volunteering.

Catholic Charities Salutes The Godmothers of St. Vincent’s!

Thank you to The Godmothers for supporting Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys! Your countless hours fundraising and volunteering help provide a safe, nurturing environment where the boys can build self-esteem, improve social skills and renew trust. A program of Catholic Charities, St. Vincent’s is a 52-bed licensed Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program, annually serving up to 60 boys ages 7-18. The program also provides resources and services to families to ensure the boys return to a healthy home environment where they can continue to thrive. With services across San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties, and Catholic Charities CYO Camp in Sonoma

County, Catholic Charities creates lasting, data-driven solutions to some of the most pressing human challenges in our community – homelessness, aging in isolation, generational poverty, HIV/AIDS, inequality, and immigration to name a few.

Catholic Charities serves everyone: one person, one family, one community at a time. Learn more about how you can get involved by contacting Pat Gallagher, Chief Development O fficer at PGallagher@CatholicCharitiesSF.org

Pictured: Susan Upshaw, Iliana Milan, Patricia Grotins 415.972.1231, CatholicCharitiesSF.org, San Francisco, CA

Helping Marin’s Concussion and Stroke Survivors Thrive

Coldwell Banker REALTOR® Kim Strub supports the mission of Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery. “At Schurig Center, we believe everyone deserves to live their best life and have access to continued rehabilitation, regardless of their fi nancial ability. With a brain injury happening every 15 seconds from an accident, concussion, or stroke, there is a growing need for programs that help survivors and their families,” shares Kim.

Schurig Center is at the forefront of brain injury recovery, fi lling gaps in care with an array of services found nowhere else in our area and designed by an experienced team of professionals. Their innovative concussion services are considered a model program, recently being showcased at

conferences locally and abroad. Schurig Center is also a member of ConcussionSmart Marin, a county-wide coalition aimed at protecting Marin’s youth.

“I support Schurig Center because it matters so much to the people who need it. It’s an innovative organization that Marin is lucky to have. Please join me in supporting this criticallyneeded nonprofit. Help people not only survive, but thrive.”

Pictured: Patricia Gill, Executive Director, Kim Strub, Coldwell Banker REALTOR®, and the Clinical Team of Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery schurigcenter.org, Larkspur; kimstrub.com, Mill Valley, CA

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon Promotes Breast Reconstruction Awareness

Dr. Karen Horton is an advocate and educator for breast reconstruction after cancer treatment. She dedicates part of her practice to advanced breast reconstruction techniques for women following lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer. Dr. Horton donates her time, energy and philanthropy to San Francisco’s Breast Cancer Emergency Fund and Breast Cancer Healthline, Young Survival Coalition, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, the DIEPc Foundation and local Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) group.

Karen is honored to co-chair the upcoming American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)-supported Plastic Surgery Foundation - San Francisco fundraiser on May 8, 2020, 5-7 PM, that will raise awareness about breast reconstruction and directly provide funds to Bay Area women in need of financial assistance for reconstruction. Follow @drkarenhorton on Instagram to receive updates!

415.570.7352, drkarenhorton.com, San Francisco, CA

A Shared Vision: Marin Optometry and 10,000 Degrees marin gives back

Sharon Segal and Dr. Jean Brennan of Marin Optometry are longtime supporters of college success nonprofit 10,000 Degrees. Having worked closely with President & CEO Kim Mazzuca, they know fi rsthand of the need to help more local students to get into and succeed in college.

Marin Optometry’s practice has always been committed to serving the community, and it’s in this spirit that they give generously to 10,000 Degrees to support students from low-income backgrounds to and through college.

“I believe in educational equity, and I am a proud supporter of 10,000 Degrees. Every child in this country should have the right to attend college, and we should do everything we can to make that happen.” - Sharon Segal, Marin Optometry and Vice Chair of Resource Development, 10,000 Degrees Board of Directors

Learn more at 10000Degrees.org.

Pictured: Sharon Segal, Dr. Jean Brennan and Kim Mazzuca 415.388.8262, marinoptometry.com, Mill Valley, CA

marin gives back

WELCOME.

To a different type of cosmetic surgical experience.

Feel educated, empowered and totally supported through your entire journey - regardless of the path you choose. We specialize in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, while also performing the most innovative non-surgical procedures like NeoGraft hair restoration, BOTOX, injectible fi llers and laser resurfacing.

Giving back is important to us. Dr. Ransom leads Healing the Children Northern California whose mission is to bring high-level specialty care pro bono to pediatric patients abroad. Past mission sites have included Colombia, Thailand, Ecuador and most recently Peru.

We are proud of the work we do here, and abroad. When you are ready, please join us for a consultation.

We welcome you.

450 Sutter St., Suite 1212, San Francisco, CA

655 Redwood Hwy, South Building, Ste 250, Mill Valley, CA HTCNorCal.org ransom-md.com

Destinations

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

GO FOR THE GOLD

Places that have hosted the Olympics have a lot to offer winter sports buffs. Here are four medal-worthy spots in the great outdoors.

BY BEKAH WRIGHT

Snowboarders enjoy the lake view at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.

Destinations

FROM CROSS-COUNTRY skiing to snowboarding, there are myriad ways to enjoy fresh powder, and sliding centers are popular for icier pursuits like bobsled, skeleton and luge. Settings of past Winter Olympic Games often offer the best of both worlds. These four destinations will appeal to winter athletes of all stripes.

Whistler, British Columbia

Memories of the 2010 Winter Olympics abound here, including at Whistler Olympic Park, ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biathlon and tobogganing.

And then there’s Whistler Sliding Centre. Stand beside the track to hear the rumble of an approaching bobsled — some whiz past at nearly 80 miles an hour — or take a ride with a trained pilot.

Prefer hitting the slopes? Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Whistler has prime ski-in ski-out access. Stay in a newly renovated Alpine Suite, where the luxury digs call for cuddling fi reside and gazing at the snowcapped Rainbow Mountains.

When you’re ready to take on Blackcomb’s 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, procure any necessary gear from the on-site rental shop, then board the new 10-passenger Blackcomb Mountain Gondola. At the summit you face a decision: ski the trails there, or board Peak 2 Peak, the world’s fi rst three-cable gondola that links side-by-side Blackcomb and Whistler mountains? Stunning 360-degree views from the gondola reveal terrain with steeps, deeps, chutes and gentle rollers. Once on Blackcomb, 200 trails, three glaciers and 16 alpine bowls, all on a vertical mile drop, await.

After a day of skiing and snowboarding, unwind with a treatment at Fairmont’s Vida Spa, or swap stories with other skiers poolside in one of two outdoor barrel saunas.

Dining in Whistler is a stellar experience in itself. Two unforgettable options: The Chalet at Fairmont Whistler and Bearfoot Bistro. O ff-property on the hotel’s golf course, The Chalet is a dreamy, intimate venue where a snowflanked outdoor fi re pit beckons for predinner cocktails. Indoors, the dining room welcomes wit h fi replace views and a three-course fondue feast.

“Dazzling” best describes the Bearfoot Bistro, where executive chef Melissa Craig prepares delicious meals. Kick things off ith champagne, either at the pewter bar, with a rail designed for keeping bubbly perfectly chilled, or in the wine cellar, where guests can saber their champagne. Then enjoy the main attractions — from a personal oyster-shucker to ice cream prepared with liquid nitrogen tableside. There’s also a Ketel One Ice Room (minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit), with some 50 vodkas on ice. Parkas are required.

Other must-dos: learn about Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation cultures at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre; visit Audain Art Museum; commune with nature at Scandinave Spa Whistler; and browse the shops of pedestrian-friendly Olympic Village. whistler.com

Salt Lake City, Utah

The Salt Lake 2002 winter Olympics showcased Utah’s outstanding skiing, snowboarding and, yes, sliding sports. At the Utah Olympic Park’s sliding center, visitors can rev their adrenaline with bobsled, skeleton and luge runs under the guidance of a professional.

During the 2002 XIX Olympic Winter Games, the U.S. swept the field in snowboarding, so it’s only natural for visiting athletes to gravitate toward the slopes for half-pipes, tabletops and

kickers. Open on December 7, Deer Valley is the site where all those medals were won.

There are three runs for novice, intermediate and advanced snowboarders, plus backcountry chutes for those who want to go extreme. For guests planning to stay a while, Trail’s End Lodge has ski-in ski-out access, a saltwater swimming pool and up-to-four-bedroom accommodations.

With Utah’s 15 world-class ski resorts — Woodward Park City joins the mix this winter — there’s an abundance of excellent skiing. A favorite spot for locals, though, is Snowbird, with its 11,000-foot summit, aerial tram, 11 lifts, and 168 runs that encourage days of downhill and cross-country skiing.

For après-ski, just hitting the scene is SeventyOne, on the west side of the CliffLodge

near the Snowbird Center. This American bistro’s decor pays homage to Snowbird’s 1971 launch. Get there via the resort’s new pedestrian bridge.

Other must-dos: wander Park City’s Main Street, with a stop for cocktails at the Eating Establishment; savor a four-course dinner at Fireside Dining, accessed via snowshoe or

horse-drawn sleigh; tour the Natural History Museum of Utah; drink in the craft brewery scene; and float in the geothermal waters of Homestead Crater. skiutah.com, skicity.com

Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid, New York

The Winter Olympics have been held twice in Lake Placid, 1932 and 1980. A presence since then has been the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run, where professional drivers and brakemen can take sliding sports fans for the half-mile ride of their lives. More high-speed adventure awaits at the skeleton and luge tracks. Something to look forward to next fall is the unveiling of a 7,000-linear-square-foot mountain coaster that will follow the path of the renowned bobsled run.

There’s also the ambience unique to the Adirondack region. Sheer beauty. A great way to take it in is on the Cloudsplitter Gondola. You can also reach great heights at the Olympic Jumping Complex, where this fall a new glass-enclosed elevator was unveiled. It transports visitors to the observation deck of the 120-meter jump, with dazzling panoramas of the Adirondack High Peaks. Keep an eye out for zip-liners going extreme on four runs, with speeds reaching up to 60 mph.

The observation deck is also ideal for catch ing skiing in action. Whiteface packs in a lot of variety, with 283 skiable acres, 86 trails, 11 lifts and a 3,430-foot vertical drop. Freestyle, cross-country, snowboarding, biathlon — there’s all that and even speed skating on the Oval Track or Mirror Lake in Lake Placid.

Visitors have multiple accommodation options at Whiteface, including Lake Placid Lodge or Whiteface Lodge. Just six miles out of town, The Point at Saranac Lake is an intimate resort, where winter activities include private cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, curling and ice fi shing on Upper Saranac Lake. The Saturday snow barbecues are not to be missed.

Other must-dos: hiking High Gorge Falls; fl y-fi shing on the Ausable River; river-rafting the Hudson River Gorge; and window-shopping in charming downtown Lake Placid. whiteface.com

Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, California

The Winter Olympics came to Squaw Valley in 1960. The resort, now known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, has been a favorite with skiers and snowboarders ever since.

Last season saw nine months of snow at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. This year new offerings — lifts, events, activities, dining and bars — help visitors make the most of every moment on the powder. Don’t miss the Treeline Cirque chairlift; the $10 million detachable quad chair zooms up to Sherwood Ridge in just five minutes.

Treeline Cirque is arriving just in time, as next year the U.S. Freestyle Moguls National Championships happens March 19 to 22. A nod to Squaw Valley’s Olympic past, the event will see mogul skiers competing on the historic Red Dog trail. Some U.S. Olympians will be showing off heir skills as they look to add more titles to their resumes.

Thrills are in store for visiting skiers with Alpenglow Expeditions’ new backcountry skiing option, taking guests by special permission on single-run tours of the area encompassing the Tram Ridge zone beyond Broken Arrow. Three-hour snowshoe tours through Shirley Canyon are also on tap.

After a day of snowboarding and skiing, the place for making après-ski memories here is the Tram Car Bar on the Olympic House deck. The restored ’70s-era Squaw Valley tram cabin will feature cocktails at the ready, as well as views of Tram Face in the background and the Aerial Tram zipping past. A threeminute walk away is Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn, with its own views of the Sierra Nevadas. squawalpine.com m

*Please note: many activities and venues are sea sonal. Check in advance to make sure venues are open and activities available during your visit.

Clockwise from top: Peak 2 Peak gondola at Whistler; Alpenglow Expeditions' snowshoeing Squaw; bobsled adventure at Lake Placid.

A Christmas Carol

THEATER

THRU DEC 1 Champions of Magic Five illusion ists take the stage with interactive magic, an impossible escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, and a see-it-tobelieve-it levitation. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). broadwaysf.com

THRU DEC 8 Mother of the Maid Joan of Arc’s epic tale is seen through the eyes of her mother, Isabelle, who confronts a mother’s fear and faith as she watches her head strong daughter change history. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). marintheatre.org

THRU DEC 8 Testmatch Colonialism, gender

Calendar

and power pull apart two cricket teams in India and England in this time-traveling tale. Strand Theater (SF). act-sf.org

THRU DEC 22 She Loves Me Georg, Amalia and their co-workers at the perfumery remind us that the important thing in life is to take care of the people you

love. Barn Theatre (Ross). ross valleyplayers.com

THRU DEC 24 A Christmas Carol The Dickens classic, com plete with spooky ghosts, makes a sea sonally appropriate appearance to speak to all the Scrooges out there. Geary Theater (SF). act.sf.org

THRU DEC 29 Construction Site on Christmas Night Bulldozer, Excavator, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck and Crane are busy working to build a big new home for the fi re trucks before Christmas. Will they fi nish in time? Bay Area Children’s Theatre (SF). bactheatre.org

THRU MAY 17 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child The exclusive West Coast premiere of the eighth story in the Harry Potter series. Curran Theatre (SF). harrypotteron stage.com

DEC 1–22 The Golden Girls Live This drag parody focuses on the Christmas episodes of the original, starring Heklina as Dorothy and Holotta Tymes as Sophia. Victoria Theatre (SF). victoria theatre.org

DEC 3–29 Summer: The Donna Summer Musical From gospel choir to dance floor diva, this is the story of a girl from Boston who became a voice for a generation. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). broadwaysf.com

DEC 4–22 Scrooge in Love Set in the year after the events of the Dickens story, this tale fi nds Scrooge look ing for his lost love Belle and revisiting his ghostly friends. Gateway Theatre (SF). 42ndstreetmoon.org

DEC 6–8 Broadway Holiday Spectacular

The show that has it all, with dance numbers, show tunes and modern twists on some of the world’s most uplifting and cherished songs. Luther Burbank Center (Santa Rosa). broadway holidayshow.com

KEVIN BERNE

THEATER / COMEDY / MUSIC / MUSEUMS / EVENTS / FILM / TALKS EDITED BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

DEC 21 Sister’s Christmas Catechism

From the author of Late Nite Catechism comes this retelling of the Nativity story that seeks to answer a question: What ever happened to the Magi’s gold? Showcase Theater (San Rafael). marin center.org

DEC 31 Beach Blanket

Babylon After 17,216 shows, they of the giant wigs and signature hats will hang up their sparkly shoes and satin pants with two fi nal curtain calls on New Year’s Eve. beach blanketbabylon.com

DANCE

THRU DEC 8 The Velveteen Rabbit The transformative power of love brings a beloved pet rabbit to life in this classic story from Margery Williams. Yerba Buena Center (SF). odc.dance

DEC 4–8 Rock & Mortar

The all-woman cast takes the idea of the ancestral village, a space that protects and isolates, and turns it into a site for artistic excavation and sociopolitical and spiritual inquiry. Z Space (SF). epiphanydance.org

DEC 7–8 Nutcracker

Marin’s own Stapleton Ballet throws down the sugarplum gauntlet with glittering snow, a Mouse Queen, and a sparkling tree that grows to over 40 feet. Marin Veterans’ Auditorium (San Rafael). marin center.org

DEC 7–22 Nutcracker

Sweets For those seeking a shorter version of the holiday favorite,

this show from the Mark Foehringer Dance Project clocks in at under an hour. The Cowell Theater (SF). mfdpsf.org

DEC 11–29 Nutcracker

San Francisco Ballet honors its place in Nutcracker history as the home of the Tchaikovsky ballet’s American debut in 1944 with 75 days of special events culminating in these performances. War Memorial Opera House (SF). sfballet.org

DEC 12–23 The Christmas Ballet

Act One’s Classical Christmas features Smuin dancers costumed in snow-white ensembles and gives way to the second act’s Cool Christmas with a red-hot costume change, modern numbers and a 42-foot-long feather boa. Yerba Buena Center (SF). smuinballet.org

COMEDY

DEC 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Crazy Funny Asians Comedy Showcase Inspired by the hit movie, this show celebrates the Bay Area’s Asian American culture with laughs and a comedy line-up of local favorites. Neck of the Woods (SF). neck ofthewoodssf.com

DEC 1 The Jewelry Box In this prequel to Not a Genuine Black Man, actor-playwright Brian Copeland recounts two weeks of his youth when he took to Oakland’s streets to buy his mom the perfect Christmas gift. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). marin center.org

Helgi Tomasson

DEC 4 Filthier and Merrier John Waters, the legendar y fi lm maker and raconteur, tackles Christmas like a damaged Saint Nick, querying: Is Prancer the only gay reindeer? and Has Santa ever been nude? for the perverted pious among us. Great American Music Hall (SF). slimspresents.com

DEC 1 Holigays are

Here The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus with special guest Velocity Handbell Ensemble returns with holiday favorites and a new arrangement of their beloved Silent Night Freight & Salvage (SF). sfgmc.org

DEC 10–11 India.Arie

DEC 15 Rainbow Girls

This eclectic North Bay–based women’s trio weaves together lyrical harmony and guitar into themes of the human experience. Hopmonk (Sebastopol). hopmonk.com

DEC 1 Russian Chamber Orchestra Bucking the holiday trend, this small ensemble plays Prokofiev’s suite from Romeo and Juliet as well as works by Beethoven and Mozart. Mt. Tam United Methodist (Mill Valley). russian chamberorch.org

The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s pow erhouse harmonies join with those of the Grammy-winning R&B artist and the San Francisco Symphony for a performance of soul, jazz and Christmas clas sics. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). sfsymphony.org

DEC 11, 13–14

Nutcracker & Other Holiday Favorites

CHRISTINA MUELLER

Helgi Tomasson, San Francisco Ballet’s artistic director and principal choreographer, is celebrating his 35th year with the company, while the group is also celebrating the 75th year of staging Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. The Reykjavik native and George Balanchine protégé discusses his role.

What brought you to the San Francisco Ballet? It was unexpected. At the time (1985), I was a principal dancer at the New York City Ballet. Lew Christianson (who founded the San Francisco Ballet in 1933) asked me to take a look. I had not planned to be a director; but I thought it was a wonderful fit.

How do you keep ballet fresh for both new fans and fans who have been coming to the ballet for years? In San Francisco, I sought to bring in choreographers from outside and train dancers a bit differently for what was important for me in their dancing. You must know classical technique but challenge the form and make some inroads to have a more contemporary way of looking at ballet.

How has Nutcracker changed during your tenure? Choreographers all use the same vocabulary, the same keyboard. I interpret the keyboard or the vocab ulary a bit differently with my own style or feeling. The production changes but the story stays the same.

What is a highlight from your years with the company? A very important milestone was when I staged Swan Lake in 1988. People took notice of the company around the country.

What should fans of Nutcracker look for this year? We’ve invited former “Claras” and student performers from the past 75 years to fill the hall on opening night; there will be free commemorative program books; and we are setting up snowfalls and twinkling lights outside of the Opera House.

DEC 22 Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show XXVII Comedians Arthur Gaus, Mari Magaloni, Michael Bossier, Johnny Steele, Will Durst and Debi Durst bid the insan ity and inanity of 2019 goodbye. Hopmonk (Novato). hopmonk.com

DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Comedy Showcase Celebration Spend a few hours in between dinner and the ball drop laughing at life in this chill, conveniently timed show, or hang out for the countdown with bubbly and the stand-up comics. Kanbar Center (San Rafael). marinjcc.org

DEC 31 Stand-up Comedy Competition Laugh away the old and laugh in the new with Kabir “Kabeezy” Singh of Amazon Prime’s Inside Jokes. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). marincenter.org

MUSIC

THRU DEC 7 Hansel and Gretel Fans of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales and their updated Disney versions will appreciate this ren dition in a magical, fairy-fi lled forest where a candy house sits qui etly amid the trees. War Memorial Opera House (SF). sfopera.com

DEC 5 Andrea Bocelli

The award-winning Italian singer kicks off his 2019–20 tour in his fi rst-ever appearance in the City by the Bay when he shares the stage with the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus. Chase Center (SF). chasecenter.com

DEC 5 Chamber Music

An intimate, holidaythemed show by Mill Valley Philharmonic. Homestead Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). mill valleyphilharmonic.org

DEC 7 Wintersongs

This harmonic showcase features a program from Kitka and celebrates Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions and seasonal rituals. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). marinjcc.org

DEC 8 Black Flag The SoCal hardcore punk band with driving rock rhythms pairs up with the Dickies and the Linecutters for this show. Slim’s (SF). slimspresents.com

The Mill Valley Philharmonic pulls double duty to present Hutchinson’s A Carol Symphony, excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, and Tchaikovsky’s Suite from Nutcracker, as well as other holiday favor ites. First Presbyterian Church (San Rafael). millvalley philharmonic.org

DEC 13 Academy of Ancient Music Joined by soprano Rowan Pierce and trumpeter David Blackadder, this British troupe known for early music plays joyful tunes of the sea son, including works by Clarke, Handel, Corelli and Purcell. First Congregational Church (Berkeley). sfems.org

DEC 13–14 Messiah

Ragnar Bohlin conducts the San Francisco Symphony for Handel’s seasonal ode with soprano Lauren Snou ffer. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). sfsymphony.org

DEC 15 Holly Jolly Pops

Santa Rosa’s prominent arts organizations join local vocalists Ned Ri fken and Clairdee in this holiday-themed collaboration. Luther Burbank Center (Santa Rosa). lutherburbank center.org

DEC 16 Pete Yorn First recognized for the number one single, “Life on a Chain,” the soulful American singer returns in support of his new album, Caretakers. Great American Music Hall (SF). slimspresents.com

DEC 17 Ariana Grande The multiplatinum Grammy winner stops by on her “Sweetener” world tour. Chase Center (SF). chase center.com

DEC 17 Holiday Pops

Concert The Marin Symphony plays holiday-inspired tunes complete with orchestra, chorus and children’s cho rus. Marin Veterans’ Auditorium (San Rafael). marin center.org

DEC 21 ’Tis the Season…Sharing Traditions The adult choruses of Singers Marin and youth cho ruses from Stapleton School of Performing Arts ring in the season. St. Vincent’s School (San Rafael). singers marin.org

DEC 22 A Holiday Tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas Marin’s own Jason Crosby and the Bay Area’s Magic In the Other honor the musician and the TV special that made him a household name by playing not only the entire album but a full

set of Guaraldi’s holi day magic. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). sweetwatermusic hall.com

DEC 30–31 Portugal. The Man Calling it A Night to Regret, the indie-pop singers of Feel It Still crash the old year into the new, with Chicano Batman. Fox Theater (Oakland). thefoxoakland.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN Bay Area Discovery Museum The interactive, STEM-focused space encourages tots, toddlers and older children to play, learn and engage their senses and explore their world (Sausalito). bayarea discoverymuseum.org

Bolinas Museum The unfettered creativity of Inverness residents

Sheila Bryant (cloth appliqué, embroidery) and Mort Linder (handforged 120-gauge-steel hats) is on display in the exhibition Skill & Wit through December 29 (Bolinas). bolinas museum.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Winter Solstice This juried show delves into the moody ambience and spiritual significance of the shortest days of the year, through December 22 (Novato). marinmoca.org

The Museum of the American Indian

Thousands of Native American regional and cultural items are displayed, with a focus

on Marin and Sonoma (Novato). marin indian.com

BAY AREA Asian Art Museum Lost at Sea: Art Recovered from Shipwrecks From 12th-century stone reliefs recovered from the floor of the Arabia Sea to blue-and-white ceramics lifted from the South China Sea, this exhibition looks at the works that survived ship wrecks and the times in which the objects were made. Through March 22 (SF). asianart.org

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive Hinges: Sakaki Hyakusen and the Birth of Nanga Painting The firt North American exhibition focused on the work and legacy of the influential apanese

artist who established Japan’s Nanga school of painting in the 18th cen tury, through February 2 (Berkeley). bampfa.org

California Academy of Sciences Skin This new exhibit explores the color-changing, toughyet-fragile, ever-evolving epidermis of humans and other creatures, through January 20 (SF). calacademy.org

Charles M. Schulz Museum Hidden Treasures: Unseen Originals from the Collection Enjoy a new look at classic favorites through new acqusitions and treasures that have yet to be displayed, through May 25 (Santa Rosa). schulz museum.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped The firt major museum survey of the work of Davis-based sculptor Annabeth Rosen, a pio neer in contemporary ceramics whose works are often described as theatrical, through January 19 (SF). thecjm.org

de Young Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963–1983 Organized by London’s Tate Modern, this exhibit looks at issues of race and identity, through March 15 (SF). deyoung.famsf.org

di Rosa Viola Frey: Center Stage Known for her larger-than-life figuratie ceramic sculp tures, the Bay Area artist

had a career spanning fie decades and worked in a range of media, through December 29 (Napa). dirosaart.org

Exploratorium Kaleidoscope Artist Karina Smigla-Bobinski devised an eight-foot light table that invites you to manipulate lay ers of inks and generate dynamic images that bring motion energy into view, December 6–January 20 (SF). exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor

Selections from the Achenbach Vault Drawn mainly from the collection of artistillustrated books, some of the 115,000 works on paper kept at the museum are presented, through March 15 (SF). legionofhono.famsf.org

Sweet Harmony

The music scene in Marin goes beyond rock bands. Take the Marin Barbershop Chorus. Founded in 1954, the a cappella group is the longest-performing male chorus in the county, one of only 12 in Marin. Approximately 30 singers rehearse in San Anselmo throughout the year, but the all-male group is always looking for new members. For the uninitiated: barbershop singing is in four-part harmony. Upcoming concerts include “Sweet Dreamz,” a selection of popular songs performed in the group’s signature style, on November 24 at the Showcase Theater in San Rafael. marinbarbershopchorus.org KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Museum of the African Diaspora Rashaad

Newsome The New York artist explores video works inspired by vogue, a dance phenomenon that emerged from Harlem’s queer ballroom scene, through March 1 (SF). moadsf.org

Museum of Craft and Design Survival Architecture and the Art of Resilience Both large and portable interactive architectural installations, mod els, photography and drawings look at how we might retrofit ou built world to adapt to increased uncertainty, December 19–May 3 (SF). sfmcd.org

SFMOMA Far Out: Suits, Habs and Labs for Outer Space This exhibit examines how both applied and theoretical design can advance new models for life beyond Earth, with real and con ceptual ideas for space

suits, habitats and labo ratories and a selection of films and visual art through January 20 (SF). sfmoma.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Bingo: The Life and Art of Bernice Bing The San Francisco native reclaims the style of abstract expressionism and redefines its ties t non-Western philoso phies, through January 5 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum A Powerful Force: Working to End Homelessness

Through Art Featuring original works created by youth experienc ing homelessness, this exhibit is open to the public to help foster community engagement, through January 6 (SF). waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Leading-edge contemporary art and cultural programs that

support societal move ment are the emphasis of this center (SF). ybca.org

EVENTS

THRU DEC 22 The Great Dickens Christmas Fair During weekends, this immer sive adventure land takes visitors on a deep dive into a London Charles Dickens would recog nize, complete with historically appropriate costumes, foods, games, streets and dance halls. Cow Palace (Daly City). dickensfair.com

THRU JAN 5 Night Bloom The Conservatory of Flowers lights up its iconic facade and infuses its interior landscape with sound. Conservatory of Flowers (SF). conservato ryofflowers.org

THRU JAN 12 Amaluna The latest show from Cirque du Soleil is a celebration of love and

a tribute to the voices of women from Tony Award–winning direc tor Diane Paulus. Big Top at Oracle Park (SF). cirquedusoleil.com

DEC 2 The Nancy Pelosi Way In her new book, The Nancy Pelosi Way: Advice on Success, Leadership, and Politics from America’s Most Powerful Woman, political strategist and daughter Christine Pelosi shares what she learned firt hand from her mom and, oh, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Taube Family Auditorium (SF). commonwealthclub.org

DEC 4 Food, Farms and Art Hosted by the Agricultural Institute of Marin, this display features work by local artists who are passion ate about local food and farming. Proceeds from the opening night recep tion go toward launching the Center for Food and Agriculture, a dynamic public space that will house Marin’s new state-of-the-art farmers market. Marin Center Bartolini Gallery (San Rafael). marincenter.org

DEC 5 Jingle & Mingle

With design from de Gournay, dim sum by Tru Gourmet, live music from DJ Umami and a silent auction, this adult cocktail party kicks off the seaso in true Bay Area style while supporting edu cational opportunities for homeless children. Fort Mason (SF). childrenofshelters.org

DEC 5 Michelle Schmitt’s Holiday Benefit Concer t Some of the Bay Area’s best musicians come together in a benefit to aid th organization Little

Wishes’ support of children who endure frequent hospitaliza tions. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). throckmortontheatre.org

DEC 6 Holiday Lights

Light the tree and sing holiday classics with the Golden Gate Carolers, then make a lantern and use its glow to take a guided or impromptu forest walk. Presidio (SF). presido.gov

DEC 6–8 ICB Artists

Winter Open Studios

View artwork and chat with Bay Area makers who work in painting, drawing, printing, sculp ture and other mediums. ICB Building (Sausalito). icb-artists.com

DEC 7 Blue Jean Ball A gala for kids, parents, grandparents and their friends, inspired by the upcoming exhibition Levi Strauss: A History of American Style, which explores the Jewish immigration story of the famous blues man and his role in develop ing an iconic American style. Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF). thecjm.org

DEC 7 Craft Fair What would the holidays be without a bevy of Bay Area elves and the glass, ceramics, knitwear and other goodies they craft in their workshops? Mill Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). cityofmillvalley.org

DEC 7 Moon and Stars

Come study constel lations, the face of the moon and other wonders of the night sky with binoculars, a spotting scope and telescopes and star stories around the campfire. NatureBride Golden Gate (Sausalito). naturebridge.org

DEC 7–8 Muir Beach Holiday Fair Beer, wine, coffee and tea will b served on the beach view balcony but the real action is inside where wreaths, ornaments, handblown glass and holiday knick-knacks are to be had, including handmade quilts from Muir Beach Quilters and stainless steel water bottles and mugs that help fund the Muir Beach Fire Department. Muir Beach Community Center (Muir Beach). muirbeachartsfair.com

DEC 7 Novato Tree Lighting Santa and his elves will be on hand along with live music, arts and crafts and plenty of food and drink at this annual community event. City Hall (Novato). downtownnnovato.com

DEC 7–8 Indoor Antique French Market The monthly market cel ebrates the holidays with over 70 vendor booths and a seasonal theme. Marin Center Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). frenchmarketmarin.com

DEC 8 Girls Who Run the World Addressing early-stage entrepre neurs age 12 and up, Robyn Sue Fisher (Smitten Ice Cream), Jane Marie Chen (Embrace) and Tina Sharkey (Brandless) discuss breaking down barriers while building their businesses. Kanbar Hall (SF). jccsf.org

DEC 8 Krampus Crosscountry 5K/10K The central European horned half-goat, halfdemon (Krampus) will be on hand to hunt for treasure and enjoy a pre-race brew fest for all participants. Ecology. Presidio (SF). sasquatchracing.com

DEC 8 Winterfest The town of Mill Valley cel ebrates the chill in the air with food and holiday entertainment, including a visit from Mr. Claus, a tree-lighting ceremony, and a station for dona tions of canned food to the SF-Marin Food Bank, coats and jackets to One Warm Coat, and unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots and Performing Stars of Marin. Depot Plaza (Mill Valley). enjoymillvalley.com

DEC 10 U.S. Poet

Laureate Joy Harjo A member of the Mvskoke/ Creek Nation who made history this year when she became the firt Native American poet to hold the honor, the author of Soul Talk tells an American story of tradition and loss, reckoning and

myth-making. Kanbar Hall (SF). jccsf.org

DEC 12 Ibram X. Kendi

The historian and longrunning staff writer a The New Yorker reener gizes the conversation about racial justice in America and explores what an antiracist soci ety might look like as he discusses his new est book, How to Be an Antiracist, with Jelani Cobb. Sydney Goldstein Theater (SF). cityarts.net

DEC 13 Singles TGIF Party Celebrate Friday the 13th at this sea sonally-themed mixer designed for adults, with games and prizes. Bogie’s Too (San Rafael). thepartyhotline.com

DEC 14 Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks Part of Sausalito’s

weekend-long Winterfest celebra tion, this annual sight of lighted boats sailing along the shoreline is come one, come all, though reserved seats with guaranteed views can be had. Gabrielson Park (Sausalito). winterfestsausalito.com

DEC 22 Pop-Up Glowing Hanukkah Party Wear your favorite light-up clothing and accessories to this First Night of Hanukkah party to light candles, enjoy live music, make crafts, play games and eat tasty treats.

Ghirardelli Square (SF). jccsf.org

FILM

DEC 5 Precious Guru

With vivid insight into the life, times, and legacy

of “the second Buddha,” Padmasambhava, the 8th-century Indian yogi who carried Buddhism over the Himalayas into Tibet, this documentary looks at why dark times boost the potential for transformation. Rafael Theater (San Rafael). rafaelfilm.cafilm.o

DEC 6 Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ In this version starring Ramon Navarro, a wealthy young man reduced to slavery must survive to find hi beloved mother and sister in a journey that includes ship-wrecks, an encounter with Christ and, of course, a legendary chariot race. Mechanics Institute (SF). milibrary.org

DEC 8, 15 Deconstructing the Beatles Music expert

and lecturer Scott Freiman digs deep over consecutive weekends on Abbey Road, sides one and two. Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). rafaelfilm.cafilm.o

DEC 15 Nutcracker Watch rising star solo ist Margarita Shrainer as Marie and principal dancer Semyon Chudin as the Nutcracker Prince dance to Tchaikovsky’s score in a production by the Bolshoi Ballet. Lark Theater (Larkspur). larktheater.net

DEC 15, 29 The Winter’s Tale Recorded live at London’s Garrick Theatre, this perfor mance of Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy features Judi Dench as Paulina and Kenneth Branagh as Leontes. rafaelfilm.cafilm.o

DEC 17–18 Love, Actually Contemporary London is the setting for the beloved Christmas film that weves together differen stories, screened with live accompaniment by the San Francisco Symphony. Davies Symphony hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

All listings are correct at the time of printing. Please be aware that events may occasionally be canceled or postponed. We always suggest contacting the promoter or venue to confirm details haven’t changed since publication.

Eat & Drink

What’s Hot

Hearth and Soul

When temperatures drop, there’s no better place to enjoy festive food and drink than next to a cozy fireplace. And Marin has no shortage of fireside dining. Here are spots with holiday specials worth checking out this season. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know.

BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Nick’s Cove This popular Marshall destination has many fireside seat ing options, each with a distinct vibe. But whether you’re bundled up in the boat shack or next to the hearth or the woodburning stove, the menu choices will warm you up even more. New chef Kua Speer’s cooking makes ample use of winter veg gies from Nick’s on-site garden called the Croft, including beets, chicories, broccoli, kale and turnips. The bar offers classic hot buttered rum and eggnog along with creations like the Forbidden Fruit: house-made Granny Smith apple puree, egg whites, walnut bitters, St. George pear eau-de-vie brandy, and lemon and cinnamon. nickscove.com

Hilltop 1892 “Hilltop prides itself on our for tunate position in the

world,” says owner Erick Hendricks, who takes full advantage of bounty from local fisheries, creamer ies, wineries, ranches and farms to create the his toric Novato restaurant’s California country menu. “I enjoy telling people no one is as lucky as our chefs and customers to have these products right out our back door — neither Manhattan nor Paris have it better than the Marinites.” No argument there. Taste what Hendricks is talking about in everything from filet mignon with wild mushrooms to the sig nature Snowball in Hell dessert. hilltop1892.com

Buckeye Roadhouse

The river-rock fireplace at this Mill Valley perennial favorite is larger than life, towering over guests; its orange glow

beckons to all. That hospitable backdrop works well for both families and date nights — you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place for a night by the fire. buckeyeroadhouse.com

Left Bank Brasserie

In operation for a quarter of a century now, this Parisian-style brasserie in Larkspur, opened by James Beard Award–winning chef Roland Passot, contin ues to deliver. A simple, seasonally changing elegant menu exudes the sensibility of the Rive Gauche and is best enjoyed around the mas sive fireplace. Holiday dishes are featured for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, including filet mignon, lobster tail, duck and the restaurant’s tra ditional Yule Log dessert. leftbank.com

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

Nick’s Cove

Hilltop 1892

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian

“Benissimo” means “really, really good” in Italian. Aside from the daily 4 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour, the menu

offers a large selection of pizza, pasta and large plates, like cioppino, fresh fi shes of the day, T-bone steaks and the signature Benissimo Burger or portobello burger. Specials include all-day happy hour on Mondays, no-corkage Tuesdays, Wednesday night martinis and live music on Thursdays.

415.927.2316, benissimos.com

s $$$ S D º

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian

The Italian-inspired pizzeria utilizes Northern California’s bounty of seasonal ingredients and showcases local microbreweries and wine country’s boutique varietals. The menu includes appetizers, sal ads of organic produce when available, pastas, local free-range poultry and meats, desserts and Neapolitan-style pizzas with house-made mozzarella. Wine half off n Mondays. 1544 Redwood Highway, 415.924.3021, bocapizzeria.com

s $$ Í C LD º

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

CAFE VERDE California

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

b $ Í BLD º

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

MOSELEY’S SPORTS & SPIRITS American Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley opened this sports bar with 11 fl at-screen TVs, a beer garden wit h fi re pit, and bar games galore. Food is available until midnight and includes pizza from business partner Karen Goldberg, fresh sandos and salads, and pregame snacks like wings and sweet potato fries. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.704.7437, moseleysmarin.com

s $$ S Í

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

ZINZ WINE BAR

California Zinz is an upscale wine bar, retail store and art gallery with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere, an eclectic array of boutique wines and craft beer, and light appetizers. The quaint neighborhood space also holds events and happy hours. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, zinzwinebar.com

b $$ Í º

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

Created by four friends wanting to showcase seasonal fare in a relaxing, intimate environment, this

cozy one-room eatery offers locally brewed beer, small-production wines and seasonal food along with a view of Bolinas Park through the floor-to-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com

b $$ S Í D º

BAREFOOT CAFE

American Chef Tony Senehi prepares fresh California dishes with local organic ingredients from sustainable sources. A popular brunch spot, this quaint restaurant in the heart of Fairfax serves locals and tourists everything from eggs Benedict to panna cotta dessert. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.460.2160, barefootcafe.com

b $$ S BLD

THE HUMMINGBIRD

American This New Orleans–style res taurant serves up creole staples like fried chicken and wa ffles, shrimp and grits, po’boys, gumbo and

beignets. Opt for the spicy syrup or homemade hot sauce to get that Cajun kick. Cash only. 57 Broadway Blvd, 415.457.9866

b $$ S BL BR

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

SPLIT ROCK TAP & WHEEL American The former Fairfax Cyclery space, which had been operating as just a bike shop, has been recon figured and now also serves food and an

assortment of beers. Menu items include pizzas, sandwiches, and snacks like citrus marinated olives or house-made pickles. Beers on tap are almost all exclusively local favorites. 2020 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.721.7644, splitrock tapandwheel.com

b $$ LD

THE LODGE American

From the owners of S.F.’s Big Swingin’ Cycles comes this rider-friendly stop along Fairfax’s main drag. With a menu designed to power you up, The Lodge features all-American eats like a breakfast burrito stu ffed with eggs, spinach and salsa; share plates like a sausage board served with Lodge tots and slaw; and pour-over coffee and draft beer for riders and hikers alike. 1573 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, 415.991.5625, thelodgefairfax.com

b $$ BLD

VILLAGE SAKE

Japanese Lucky for Fairfax, beloved former Sushi Ran chef Scott Whitman has opened an izakaya, a Japanesestyle community pub, on Bolinas Road. In the compact space, you’ll 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

WAY STATION

American Barbecue from a food truck trailer embedded into the wall is the main attraction at this mechanic’s shop turned eatery, where tall sliding windows frame washed concrete floors that lead to a craft beer garden with fi re pit. The ’cue gets all the love here, but salads, flatbread pizzas, and a wide selection of tapped and bottled beers plus wines round out the menu. 2001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.300.3099, way stationmarin.com

b $ S Í LD

LARKSPUR

BACKSTAGE California Nestled in downtown Larkspur, Backstage is a comfortable, sociable setting for wine tasting and light appetizers. Flights of exclusive picks from small-scale California vineyards bring wine country closer to Marin. Happy hour Tuesday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m. 295 Magnolia Ave, 415.898.6778, back stagewines.com

b $$ º

DON ANTONIO Italian Antonio Volpicelli, of Don Antonio in Tiburon, has opened a second location in Larkspur. Choose from standbys like gorgonzola gnocchi, veal parmesan and carbonara and an extensive wine list, all served either inside or out on the spacious patio. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, don antoniomarin.com

b $$ Í LD

FARM HOUSE LOCAL California This downtown Larkspur gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere, both indoors and on the covered patio. The seasonal menu, inspired by American classics, includes biscuits and gravy; a “BLAT” (with avocado) sandwich; and a daily flu ff y omelet stu ffed with local meats, vegetables and artisanal cheeses. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577, farmhouselocal.com

b $$ S Í BL

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

GIA RISTORANTE Italian Chef Stefano Guasco offers a menu of simple, authentic dishes with a modern twist from central Italy’s Lazio region.

286 Magnolia Ave, 415.891.3979, giarestaurant.net

b $$ Í LD

Lox and Bagel Platter at Daily Driver, S.F.

LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French

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

507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

s $$$ S

open-face tartines and Instagram-ready pastries. Menu changes weekly. 250B Magnolia Ave, 415.891.8395

$ L

C LD BR

PERRY’S American Perry’s on Magnolia has the quintesssentially American fare, bustling bar and warm personality the San Fancisco original has always been famous for. Along with three separate dining rooms in a historic building, there’ss outdoor dining on the patio and in the redwood grove. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch on weekends and holidays; valet parking in the evenings. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877, perryssf.com

s $$$ Í

R’NOH THAI Thai This cozy place by the Corte Madera Creek has a reputation for clean and tasty dishes. From curries and Thai barbecue to noodle dishes and the classic tom ka (coconut lemongrass soup), R’Noh is bound to satisfy your Thai cravings. For an indulgent treat, try the fried sweet potato appetizer.

1000 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.0599, rnohthai.com

b $$ S Í

º

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

POSIE American This hip artisan ice cream shop opened by Kyle Caporicci, former pastry chef of Michelinstarred Commis, is making a name for itself with seasonal fl avors, homemade gluten-free cones and vegan ice cream. For lunch you’l l fi nd meticulously prepared

ROMA SF Italian Ovalshaped pizza, fried rice balls, burrata with artichoke hearts, and pasta with fresh pear and Gorgonzola are just a few of the dishes that reflect the regional Roman ingredients and style of this sister restaurant to the San Francisco original. In Marin, look for fresh seafood pastas on the day’s specials menu, too. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.896.4002, romasf.com

b $$ LD

RUSTIC BAKERY

California The home grown bakery is known and loved the world over: 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

SHAKE SHACK

American Burgers and shakes are the name of the game at the second Bay Area outpost of the New York burger restaurant. Californiasourced Angus beef is amped up with white cheddar cheese, pick les and smoked garlic aioli on a potato bun and the only-in-Marin Mount Tam Graham and Larks-brr shakes are perfect for sipping on the bi-level patio. Marin Country Mart, 1401 Larkspur Landing Circle, 628.212.2050, shakeshack.com

$$ S Í LD

MILL VALLEY

BOL SUPERFOOD CAFE

Vegan/Vegetarian Snugged into the Mill Valley Lumber Yard, this small storefront boasts an array of bowls and smoothies packed with vibrantly-hued nutritious ingredients like acai, spirulina and activated charcoal. A bright blue Indigo bowl gets its color from blue algae while Gold pops with house made oatmylk and turmeric, both perfect for eating outside in the yard. Mill Valley Lumber Yard, Ste 803, boloflove.com

$$ S Í BL

BOO KOO Asian This locally owned restaurant creates healthy meals that blend equal parts California fresh with Southeast Asian–inspired street food. Boo Koo offers a vibrant bar with wines and kombucha on tap as well as one of the best craft beer offerings in town. Vegan, GF and vegetarian-friendly menu. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com

b $ Í LD

BOOTJACK WOOD

FIRED California Re-branded to more accurately reflect the expanded, ingredientdriven menu from chef Kyle Swain, the former Pizza Molina still serves its renowned pizza s fi red in the old Alan Scott oven. A fresh menu of salads such as a red beet salad and a kidfriendly white cheddar mac ’n’ cheese are now available alongside wood-fi red meats like a half-chicken or pork ribs. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, pizzamolina.com

b $$ S B

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, buck eyeroadhouse.com

s $$ C LD BR

BUNGALOW 44

American One of Mill Valley’s neighborhood hot spots, featuring contempo rary California comfort food, signature cock tails, 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

FLOUR CRAFT BAKERY

American The brain child of pastry chef Heather Hardcastle, this second location, in the bright and airy renovated Lumber Yard, offers not only gluten-free baked goods but sandwiches, salads and takeout. The fi rst location is in San Anselmo. 129 Miller Ave, 415.384.8244, flourcraftbakery.com

b $$ S Í BL

GRAVITY TAVERN American Updated with ingredients to reflect modern tastes, American classics like grilled chicken Waldorf salad with pickled grapes, lobster roll with toasted challah and veggie slaw, and a land and sea pasta with house made egg pasta, pork belly and crab may have also been familiar fare for passengers of the gravity car for which this saloon was named. 38 Miller Ave, 415.888.2108, gravity tavern.com

s $$$ Í 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

PIATTI RISTORANTE AND BAR Italian The staff rides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Get a table by the window or on the outdoor deck for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Peruse the impressive selection of Italian wines to accompany your rustic seasonal meal. 625 Redwood Highway, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

s $$ S Í C LD BR

PIAZZA D’ANGELO Italian Family owned for over 35 years, Piazza D’Angelo evokes a traditional trattoria dining experience. Enjoy a variety of house-made pastas, meat and seafood dishes, wood-fi red pizzas, and gluten-free offerings with organic and locally sourced ingredients. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

s $$ S Í C LD BR º

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

PRABH INDIAN KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Dhindsa family, this restaurant emphasizes healthy, organic,sustainable eating in choices like chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic naan foods, with options for the vegan and gluten-free. At lunch, the thali menu lets you try several Indian dishes at once.

24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabhindian kitchen.com

b $$ S Í LD

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

591 Redwood Highway, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com

b $$ S LD

SHORELINE COFFEE SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a funky diner with a 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

SUPER DUPER American If a burger is what you are after, the one served here on a sesame seed bun is juicy, beefy and cooked medium. You can also get a veggie or chicken burger with all the toppings, a sustainable/ local pedigree for the meat and compostable packaging. A side of fries and an organic shake or soft-serve cone from Straus Family Creamery makes it a meal, right? 430 Miller Ave, 415.380.8555, superduperburgers.com

b $$ S Í LD

TAM TAM RAMEN Asian Ramen, bao sliders, wonton nachos and pan-fried gyoza are made fresh to order, with sushi and salads from Whole Foods and Urban Remedy available in the grab-and-go cooler. If you’re dining in, an array of sake, beer and wine rounds out the menu. 745 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.3900, genjiweb.com

$$ LD

TAMALPIE Italian Owner Karen Goldberg designed this restaurant with a large group seating area, indoor and outdoor fi replaces, and a small casual bar. The food is Italian home cooking with the daily modern inspiration of locally sourced seasonal ingredients found in the salads, house-made pastas and

crispy Neapolitan-style pizza, with a selection of beer and wine to match. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpie pizza.com

s $$ S Í C LD º

URBAN REMEDY

American This is a popular spot for organic and non-GMO coldpressed juices, snacks and ready-to-eat meals, plenty of gluten-free, grain-free, and lowglycemic-index choices, and even raw desserts. Try the namesake salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 15 E Blithedale Ave, 415.383.5300, urbanremedy.com

$$ Í BLD

VASCO Italian Whether at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate dining experience in this one-room trattoria. Try one of the pasta dishes or thin-crust wood-fi red pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343, vasco millvalley.com

s $$ S D

WATERSHED California

Gather round the fi repit in front of the restaurant or hang out at the long bar for a pre-dinner glass of wine before sampling one of the many dishes curated to reflect the bounty of Marin. The Stemple Creek Ranch burger and fresh pastas are matched with a bevy of simply prepared, easy to share dishes (like spicy rock cod lettuce cups or lamb riblets) that reflect chef Kyle Swain’s careful sourcing and focus on local fl avor. 129 Miller Ave, 415.888.2406, water shedmv.com

b $$$ LD

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

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

NOVATO

BACON American

Known for their Honey Bee Bacon coated with honey, cayenne and a bit of sugar, this aptly named spot sneaks porcine goodness into its morning menu of Benedicts and frittatas as well as lunchtime favorites of salads and burgers. But really, the Millionaire’s Bacon and the Monte Cristo Twinkies are musttry’s. 1516 Grant Ave, 415.892.9900, bacon novato.com

$$ S BL

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

DR. INSOMNIAC’S American Holding down a lively corner of Grant Ave since 1993, this morning hot spot got its name from the house brand of super-charged coffee beans. The expansive menu features every thing from breakfast burritos to shakes, smoothies and coffee drinks including soup, sandwiches and salads at lunch. 800 Grant Ave, 415.246.7347, drinsomniacs.com

$ S Í BL BR

GRAZIE American Dark, wood-paneled walls and wide windows frame a wide room and sun-splashed terrace where an Italian-American menu of pasta, panini and sandwiches have allday appeal. Locals love the brunch menu. 823 Grant Ave, 415.897.5181, grazie-restaurant.com

s $$ S Í BLD BR

HILLTOP 1892 California In a historic country estate in Novato with sweep ing views, enjoy classic favorites with a California fl air. There’s a private banquet room for special events. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com

s $$$ S Í C LD BR º

SAN ANSELMO

BAAN THAI CUISINE Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, this restaurant is committed to serving fresh, local and seasonal food. Warm up with the tom kha soup or stave off he heat with a lychee iced tea. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470, baanthaimarin.com b $$ LD

COMFORTS CAFE

American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. A large 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

CREEKSIDE PIZZA & TAP ROOM American Under the direc tion of chef Janet Abrahamson, Creekside serves American-style artisan pizza (vegan and gluten-free options available) and organic salads, along with an extensive selection of craft beer on tap and Northern California wines. There’s a daily happy hour, a big-screen TV and a banquet room available by reservation. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450, creeksidesa.com

b $$ S C D º

CUCINA SA Italian Cucina SA 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 woodfi red pizzas, homemade pastas, modern takes on Italian classics and lots of vegetarian, gluten-free options and now a full bar.

510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942, cucina-sa.com

s $$ S Í LD º

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

Tonkotsu Ramen at Uchiwa Ramen, San Rafael

INSALATA’S

Mediterranean Awardwinning chef Heidi Krahling’s restaurant features delicious, soulful Mediterranean fare, as well as food-to-go at a counter inside. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com

s $$$ S C LD BR

JILLIE’S WINE BAR

Californian A rotating list of more than 20 globally-sourced and Californian wines and a few beers are on tap at owner Jill CordovaHolt’s eponymously named bar and retail shop in the Red Hill Shopping Center. Savor small bites like a cheese and charcuterie board or black tru ffle potato chips while sipping in the lounge, at the bar or one of the indoor/ outdoor tables. 906 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.521.5500, jillieswine.com

b $$ Í LD

TACO JANE’S Mexican Taco Jane’s full bar features a robust tequila and mezcal selection. Its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, fi sh tacos and vegetarian options. Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created using charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis. Live music Thursdays, enclosed patio seating all year round, weekday happy hour 4:30 to 6 p.m. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com

s $$ S Í LD BR

THE HUB American

pastas and salads are the ticket here, along wit h fl ame-roasted lemon chicken wings, for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Gluten-free pizza crust is available. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com

b $$ S Í LD º

FLATIRON American

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

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

SUSHI 69 Japanese Opened in 2001 in San Anselmo, Sushi 69 has been a favorite for locals looking to get thei r fi ll of no-frills sushi. The owner hails from Japan and has created an extensive menu featur ing traditional tempura and the popular Hiro’s roll (spicy tuna with avocado, salmon and ponzu sauce wrapped in sushi rice). 69 Center Blvd, 415.459.6969, shallwego69.com

b $$$ Í D

The delicious burgers and fries, like the #1 Hub Burger with white cheddar and special sauce, and seasonal focus at the former Farm Burger in the Red Hill Shopping Center haven’t changed, but the addition of an array of big salads like Thai spinach and keto cobb necessitated a rebrand ing. The chicken burger with sriracha-chile mayo is a new fave. 882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.785.4802, hubsananselmo.com

b $$ Í LD

VALENTI & CO. Italian

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

b $$$ D

SAN RAFAEL

AMICI’S EAST COAST PIZZERIA California A wide array of thin-crust pizzas, freshly made

ARIZMENDI BAKERY California A workerowned bakery cafe, Arzimendi prides itself on high-quality local ingredients. Visit any time of day for coffee and pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and thin-crust artisan sourdough pizza. 1002 Fourth St, 415.456.4093, arizmendisan rafael.com

$ S Í BLD BR

BOGIE’S TOO American Relocated from the Civic Center to downtown San Rafael after 29 years, this second coming of Bogie’s highlights breakfast, brunch and lunch. Free range, organic eggs anchor a breakfast and lunch menu of omelets, sandwiches and salads that Humphrey Bogart himself might recognize. 1335 Fourth St, 415.492.1530, bogies too.com

b $$ S BL BR

BOIADEIRUS STEAK

Brazilian The picanha is the signature cut at this Brazilian-style steak house where gauchos carrying grilled meats on long swords cruise the room, offering portions of up to 10 meats. A huge salad bar offers everything from fei joada and potato salad to yucca and deviled eggs. 925 Fourth St, 628.253.5854, boiadeirus.com

s $$$ S LD

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

IL DAVIDE Italian

The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible, and there’s a vast selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass. A private party dining room accommo dates up to 45. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net

s $$$ S Í C LD

LA TOSCANA

RISTORANTE & BAR

Italian Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana has completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation, transform ing an already popular San Rafael gathering spot into a place for any occasion. The menu features classics like gnocchi and carbonara and an ample selection of wine. 3751 Redwood Highway, 415.492.9100, ristorante latoscana.com

s $$$ S Í C LD º

LAVIER CUSINE

Mexican Free-range meat and fresh seafood are the focus at this all-organic eatery run by Gabriela and her

Carne Asada Fries at Brew Coop, S.F.

husband Guillermo, who hails from Yucatán. Try the popular pu ff y fi sh tacos with slaw and black beans. Brunch is served on weekends until 2 p.m. 1025 C St, 415.295.7990, lavier latinfusion.com

b $$ S LD BR º

LE 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 Nestled centrally on Lincoln Avenue, 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, Los Moles’ menu includes enmo ladas, tacos, pollo al horno, carne asada , fl an and much more. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday night for all-you-caneat tacos. 912 Lincoln Ave, 415.453.5850, losmoles.com

s $$ LD BR º

MAGNOLIA PARK KITCHEN American

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

MCINNIS PARK GOLF CLUB RESTAURANT

American Grab a meal prepared by chef Chris Harman before or after hitting the driving range (or even without picking up a club). Outdoor seating is popular, as is the full bar, with a selection of premium Scotches, small-batch bourbons and more than 50 wines from California vine yards. McInnis Park, 415.491.5959, mcinnis parkgolfcenter.com

s $$$ Í C LD

MICHAEL’S SOURDOUGH

American The bread is made on site and is said to have magical qualities. It better as it is the only holder for the overstu ffed wonders served at this Best of the County winner. Fans return over and over to the San Rafael and Novato locations for their faves, ordered by number, then swoon over the huge sandos piled with meat, cheese and enough shredded lettuce to ooze out the sides and onto your lap,. 999 Andersen Drive, Ste. 165, 415.485.0964, michaelssourdough sanrafael.com

$$ S Í BL

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

PHO VIET Vietnamese Of course you come for the namesake bowl of hearty soup with clear broth, beef, noodles and vegetables at this Best of the County winner. But the family-style

favorite tucked behind a carpet store on an industrial stretch of Francisco Boulevard beckons with beautiful plates of pork chops with broken steamed rice and fried eggs as well as the fresh spring and imperial rolls. 555 E. Francisco Blvd, Ste. 22, San Rafael, 415.455.8063, phoviet marin.com b $$ LD

POND FARM BREWING American The new microbrewery in the West End from husband and wife team Trevor and Stephanie Martens has a rotating list of beers on tap from brewer Trevor, pop-up food from local businesses in the beer garden, and snacks at the bar. Stein parking is

available. 1848 Fourth St, 415.524.8709, pond farmbrewing.com

b $ Í D

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

REVEL & ROOST

Californian The sunflower-bedecked tables hint at the Spanish and French flavors to come from the seasonally driven, locally sourced menu at this corner spot in downtown San Rafael. Artichoke salad with grilled radicchio casts an eye to Italy

while a diver scallop with red curry and Thai basil looks far beyond the Mediterranean.

901 B St, San Rafael, 415.870.9946, revel roostkitchen.com

b $$ S LD

SAN RAFAEL JOE’S

Italian A Marin institution famous for sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. The dining room, with a friendly atmosphere and seating for 240, is great for large parties, and the roast sirloin of beef and Fettuccine Joe’s are sure to please. 931 Fourth St, 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 eating. 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 dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, sol foodrestaurant.com

$$ S BLD

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

TAM COMMONS TAP ROOM & KITCHEN American Pub grub like karaage “popcorn” chicken, French bread pizza, and big meaty plates of ribs and tritip with all the fi xin’s defi ne the menu from chef Chris Lyon at this brewpub in a National Historic Landmark building in downtown San Rafael. A pull from one of the 34 taps yields a hand-crafted beer, cider or kombucha from local and global breweries. 1300 Fourth St, 415.521.5770, tam commons.com

b $$ 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

URBAN REMEDY

American Now serv ing delicious organic, non-GMO cold-pressed juices, smoothies, snacks and bowls, including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free and low-glycemic-index choices, this place opened in 2013 as the fi rst of many Bay Area locations. Raw desserts round things out. Try the vegan Caesar or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 1904 Fourth St, 415.786.8011, urban remedy.com

$$ Í BLD

VIN ANTICO American Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal

market-inspired cuisine like stoneoven-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

YET WAH Chinese Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to bright ness), this beloved mainstay has a traditional Chinese menu and daily dim sum. Expect live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.com

s $$ S Í LD

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

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

Grilled Calamari at Revel & Roost, San Rafael

dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, enjoyavatars.com

b $$ S LD

BAR BOCCE American

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

s $$ S Í LD

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 $$ S Í LD BR

F3/FAST FOOD FRANCAIS French

Owned and operated by the owners of Le Garage, F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner featuring “Frenchi fied” American comfort food. A rotating menu includes items like the Quack burger (duck con fit, black pepper chèvre, lettuce and red onion marmalade). Enjoy with a side of Brussels sprout chips or pommes dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com

s $$ S Í LD BR

FISH Seafood The ulti mate place for freshly caught fare. Order the fi sh tacos, ceviche and a bottle of wine and take in the bay views on the open-air deck. Casual; bring a hat on sunny days. 350 Harbor Drive, 415.331.3474, 331fish.com

b $$$ S 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

MURRAY CIRCLE

American Cavallo Point’s acclaimed restaurant features local seasonal fare by executive chef Justin Everett, with pairings from an extensive wine list and tempting desserts. Stop by Farley Bar for cocktails with a view. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com

s $$$ S Í C BLD BR

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

SAUSALITO EQUATOR

American The transition of Cibo to Sausalito Equator means the coffee menu expanded to include Equator’s iconic drinks like the shakerato (coffee shaken with cream) while the locally-sourced salads, sandwiches, soups and housemade pastries (try the croissant or cream cheese Danish) are here to stay. 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.2426, equator coffes.com/sausalito

$$ S Í BL

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

s $$ S Í C LD º

SCOMA’S OF SAUSALITO Italian Sausalito’s oldest seafood house. Scoma’s boat, berthed at Pier 47, fi shes seasonally and is approved for salmon and Dungeness crab, resulting in fresh catches year-round. The menu regularly features whole crabs, chowders and grilled fih. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomas sausalito.com

s $$ C LD

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

VITALITY BOWLS

California Hydrating acai, graviola (a.k.a. soursop fruit) and other nutritional powerhouses are at the heart of this superfood cafe in Sausalito’s Gateway Center. Look for bowls and smoothies like The Hulk (powered by broccoli, naturally) and an organic coffee bar with pour-over coffee, kombucha and drinks like a pitaya latte. 100 Donahue St, 415.729.9795, vitality bowls.com

$$ S BLD

TIBURON

CAFFE ACRI Italian The well-lit corner cafe in Tiburon is a go-to for bikers, city commut ers and locals. Diners

wil l fi nd Italian roast espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries and eggs for breakfast and a selection of soups, salads and paninis for lunch. 1 Main St, 415.435.8515, caffeacri.com

b $$ Í BLD

MILANO Italian

Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this family-owned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. Favorites like the cheesy garlic bread and pesto keep customers coming back.

1 Blackfield Drive, 415.388.9100, italian restaurantin tiburonca.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

SALT & PEPPER

American With its hardwood floors and blue-checkered table cloths, the sun-fi lled one-room restaurant is an area favorite. Scallops, rib-eye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce are some of the popular choices. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594

b $$ S Í LD

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

American Reopened after an extensive remodel, Sam’s boathouse feel and boat tie-ups are intact, and

spi ff y white umbrellas and deck chairs line the waterfront patio. Allday cocktails remain a fi xture as does the signature cioppino, while offerings like crab toast, a roaming oyster cart and a raw bar reflect the menu’s enduring sea food focus. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, sams cafe.com

s $$$ S Í C LD BR º

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

TIBURON TAVERN California The atmo sphere here is enhanced by two outdoor patios, two indoor fi replaces and fresh flowers. Happy hour is 3 to 6:30 p.m. every day. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, lodge attiburon.com

s $$ S Í C BLD BR º

WAYPOINT PIZZA

Pizza Family-friendly, with cooked-to-order gourmet pies, slices, fresh salads and, for sports fans, a largescreen TV. Order online for quick pickup or delivery. 15 Main St, 415.435.3440, waypointpizza.com

b $$ S C LD BR

WEST MARIN

NICK’S COVE American

This coastal escape is now famous for barbecued local oys ters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails incorpo rating homegrown 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

OSTERIA STELLINA

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

b $$ S LD

SAN FRANCISCO /EAST BAY

CLIFF HOUSE California

Great food, beauti ful view and lots of history — what else could you want? An award-winning wine list? They have that too. Besides the popular Sunday bu ffet brunch, Cliff ouse features local, organic, sustainable ingredients and seafood on its everyday menu. 1090 Point Lobos, 415.386.3330, cliffhouse.com

s $$ S BLD

DAILY DRIVER

American The team that owns Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery in West Marin brings cheesemaking to the city at this all-in-one creamery, bagel shop and coffee roastery in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood. The sea sonal menu leans into the build-your-own concept wit h fi xings of house gravlax, egg salad and pastrami with a quark (a tangy, mild and creamy cheese) bowl and a few salads to keep

things lively. 2535 Third St, 415.852.3535, daily driver.com

b $$$ S BL

EPIC STEAK American

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

s $$$ Í LD º

ESPETUS CHURRASCARIA

Brazilian This steak house boasts a tasting menu of 14 meat courses grilled with the traditional Brazilian method. Patrons control the pace of the pri x fi xe experience with colored signal cards. 1686 Market St, 415.552.8792, espetus.com

s $$$ S C LD

MERCHANT ROOTS

American Merchant Roots serves many roles: its specialty food store and wine shop, casual eatery, and fi ne-dining restaurant. During the day it offers pastries, sandwiches, salads, pasta that’s made on site, cheese, and charcuterie. By night the space turns into The Table at Merchant Roots, an intimate dinner experience featuring a rotating themed tasting menu. 1365 Fillmore St, 530.574.7365,merchant roots.com

b $$$ 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. 1944 Union St, 415.922.9022, perryssf.com

s $$ S Í C D º

PIKANHAS BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Brazilian This all-you-can-eat steakhouse offers dif ferent cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken that are slowly cooked with special grills to preserve all the natural juices and fl avors (Point Richmond). 25 W Richmond Ave, 510.237.7585, pikanhas steakhouse.com

b $$ S LD

KEY TO SYMBOLS

$ $$ $$$ S

THE BREW COOP American At San Francisco’s fi rst-ever self-pour taproom patrons use provided RFID cards as they select from the 26 beers, ciders and wine that are available — pours cost between 50 to 80 cents per ounce and your choices are added to your card. A robust menu of sharable bar snacks like street tacos, carne asada fries, fried chicken and wings plus seven big screen televisions make this a prime spot to catch a game. 819 Valencia St, thebrewcoop.com

b $$ D º

Full bar

Wine and beer Inexpensive (entrees $10 or less) Moderate (up to $20) Expensive ($20 and over) Kid-friendly

BLD BR

Outdoor seating

Private party room Breakfast, lunch, dinner Brunch Happy hour s

These listings are not intended to be a full review of the business, rather a quick guide to some of the most popular restaurants in the county. For more restaurant listings, visit us online at marinmagazine.com/dine

PROMOTION

Consistently voted “Best of Marin,” Comforts offers finecity and home-style food. Our menus change frequently to reflet what is fresh, local and in season. We offer breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, as well as take-out and catering services. The holidays are around the corner - let Comforts provide you with an easy and delicious holiday feast! For more information, contact Comforts Catering.

COMFORTS

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

Pizza Antica combines the centuries-old traditions of Italian cooking with California’s freshest and finet ingredients, creating a unique style of pizzeria in a class of its own.

PIZZA ANTICA

800 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 415.383.0600 pizzaantica.com

Fruit Forward

Holiday foods should bring happiness. At their best they are indulgences to share with loved ones or to savor solo at home when the chill outside actually does seem frightful. It is in this spirit that we bring you a look at three of the Bay Area’s most enticing fruitcakes. A slice served with a dram of brandy or a cup of hot cider will warm the cockles of even the grinchiest of hearts.

BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

ROBERT LAMBERT

FRUITCAKES

After 40 years in Marin, Robert Lambert relocated to Glen Ellen in 2016, but his one-of-a-kind fruitcakes sell out as quickly as ever. They’re beloved for transformative details like Brazil nuts hand-cut to resemble marbles, glacéed red cherries (“that necessary bane of all fruitcakes,” Lambert says) and handmade blood orange syrup. But regulars know it is Lambert’s citrus that sets these cakes apart. Look for Lisbon lemon peel to replace the Meyer lemon in the white cake and a selection of aged cakes this year. robertlambert.com

Selby’s

INSALATA’S HOLIDAY STOLLEN

At Insalata’s in San Anselmo, Gerhard Epke, Insalata’s former pastry chef, prepared his dad’s recipe, sprinkling the dough with golden raisins, cranberries, candied orange and lemon peel and marzipan, then rolling it in melted butter and sugar. Though Epke has retired, chef-owner Heidi Krahling continues the tradition, and stollen, wrapped in a bow-tied bag, will be available once December arrives. “Give us a call and we will set one aside for you,” she says. insalatas.com

JUNE TAYLOR COMPANY CHRISTMAS CAKE

Candying her own citrus peels, soaking home-dried grapes in port from Prager Winery in St. Helena and brandy from St. George Spirits in Alameda, grinding fresh spices, and washing the finished cakes in 20-year-old plum brandy are just a few of the steps Berkeley’s June Taylor takes to ensure her eponymous Christmas cake is celebration worthy. “The cake is, in spirit, a celebration cake. It is eaten post-harvest, a way to share wealth with your neighbor and community and celebrate another year of harvest and survival,” Taylor says. junetaylorjams.com

It is eaten postharvest, a way to share wealth with your neighbor and community and celebrate another year of harvest and survival.

On the Scene

ROSS VALLEY WOMEN’S LEAGUE

The league raised more than $380,000 for Adopt A Family of Marin at its October 5 “Bonsoir Monaco” gala held at Peacock Gap.

MO DELONG (ANGELS BY THE BAY); BEN DAVIDSON (MARINMOCA); SCOTT WALL (ROSS VALLEY)

Sally Buehler and Hank Simmonds

Sen. Mike McGuire and Kathleen Woodcock

• MARINMOCA The public was invited to a September 21 opening reception for the contemporary museum’s 50 Faces exhibition featuring mosaic artwork from the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Italy.

• ANGELS BY THE BAY This October 5 event at the Meadow Club in Fairfax celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Marin Center for Independent Living and offered guests wine, tequila tastings, oysters, auctions and dancing.

Romeo Agbayani, Saskia Russell, Kristi Heikkinen and Jaz Rahul

Noel Stubblefield, Alex Cowley, Lisa Roth Wasden, Roxanne Najafi, Lori Docherty, Rosanna Chenette and Raquel Feese

Susan Schneider Williams, Debora Franco and Diane Schneider

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

• MILLEY AWARDS DINNER The 31st annual awards dinner took place October 20 at the Mill Valley Community Center, where 250 people came to dine and acknowledge this year’s honorees.

JIM

• MARIN CASA More than 200 guests attended the October 17 event at the Mill Valley Community Center for a night of dinner, auctions and youth speakers.

Riccardo Benavides, Heide Betz and Patrick O’Sullivan

Steve Isaacs, Susan McQuiad, Michael Pasha and Debra Delaney

Patti Flynn-Boston, Phil Pastuhov and Paula Reynolds

Dart and Esther Cherk

Phil Pastuhov, Karen Benke, Lorin Rowan, Bob Burton and Robert Holmes

TO SEE MORE EVENT PHOTOS VISIT MARINMAGAZINE.COM/HOTTICKET

Marin Matters

LOCAL PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Rock with Heart

Longtime Marinite Sammy Hagar leapt to fame as lead singer of Van Halen, but his restaurant success is what first fueled his philanthropic pursuits.

Sammy Hagar and his wife, Kari, started the Hagar Family Foundation after selling 80 percent of his tequila and restaurants brand, Cabo Wabo, for $80 million in 2007. Hagar owns Caba Wabo Cantina, Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill and Sammy’s Red Rocker Bar and Grill, and he still earns money performing live. All of these ventures fuel the foundation’s activities, ensuring it continues to make an impact.

Hagar and his wife believe in keeping their support local and are determined to have every dollar make a significant difference. “We look for things that are grassroots, so we know that when we give a dollar to somebody, it goes right

SUSAN NOYES

from food banks, so his philanthropy efforts are personal. As often as possible, he meets with families and sta ffs of the food banks he helps support. “You shouldn’t just write a check,” he says, but give love, time and connection too. “Love is a weird thing. You feel it when you give it. But it doesn’t work when you’re giving just to get love.”

When a friend of Hagar’s was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he started contributing to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where groundbreaking research is helping to reduce trauma and mortality rates for babies born with brain tumors. His foundation has donated $100,000 to underwrite the cost of two research assistants.

But Hagar soon realized he could do even more to support causes by doing what he loves — playing music. So he launched the annual Acoustic-4-A-Cure concert at the Fillmore in 2014, underwriting all expenses. The concert sells out in minutes every year, with 100 percent of ticket sales going to further the foundation’s work. As more fun is had, money is raised: that’s strategic giving.

Dine with a Cause

Sammy Hagar isn’t the only one in the food world work ing to help those in need. There are many Bay Area restauranteurs, chefs, food business entrepreneurs and others in the culinary sphere that are changing the world through what we eat. From reducing carbon emissions (large scale food production is responsible for 17 percent of the total carbon emissions worldwide) to redistributing food that might otherwise be thrown out, the Bay Area culinary community is lead ing the way when it comes to changing how we eat. Here’s a list of Bay Area chefs and food producers that are making a difference in our community. For more, go to marinmagazine.com/fooddrink. CHRISTINA MUELLER

1 Dominique Crenn, Atelier Crenn

2 Alice Waters, Chez Panisse

3 Meg and Zach Adelman, Navitas Organics

4 Marv Zauderer, ExtraFood

into their pocket,” he says. “Children and families in need are our priorities.” The couple donates to food banks in every community where Hagar performs. “Most provide at least three meals for every donated dollar,” he says. “We love those numbers.”

As the youngest of four children raised by a single mother, Hagar grew up with holiday hams and turkeys

One of Hagar’s guiding principles is “start in your own backyard.” To that end, the Hagars give generously throughout the Bay Area to concerns including the UCSF Foundation, Kiddo!, Home Away from Homelessness, Homeward Bound of Marin, Marin County Parks, Old Mill School PTA, The Second Opinion, Little Kids Rock, A Touch of Understanding Inc., Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley Association of Volunteer Firefighters, Mill Valley Library Foundation, Mill Valley Philharmonic and the John Muir Health Foundation.

Hagar’s giving exudes the meaning of the word philanthropy: “love of humanity.” Hopefully, his example inspires others too. m

5 Kenny Beslov and Rocky Burns, TwoXSea

6 Bentley Hall, Good Eggs

7 Sean Wittenberg and Brian Boches, Safe Catch

8 Birgit Cameron, Patagonia Provisions

9 Anthony Myint and Karen Liebowitz, Mission Chinese, The Perennial, The Perennial Food Institute

10 Laurence Jossel, NoPa

11 Albert Straus, Straus Family Creamery

12 Lisa and Loren Poncia, Stemple Creek

13 Dan Kurzrock, Regrained

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 waide and passionate philanthropist, she has also served on many boards.

Order Your Copy Today

Take a curated tour of the last 15 years of Jim Wood’s Marin Magazine column, “Looking Back.”

FROM TOURS AND MAKEOVERS TO DECORATIVE DETAILS AND REALTOR INSIGHTS

ROUGHING IT

A

BY

DAVID THORN AND Karter Klumpyan share a love of travel. They lived two years in Australia and another four in London, with plenty of time carved out for vacations in Paris, Norway and New Zealand. If Klumpyan had his way, they’d still be abroad. David, however, felt compelled to return to the States to be closer to his extended family. So this jet-setting couple packed up their Notting Hil l flat and agreed to resettle in the Bay Area and purchase their fi rst home. “We were sick of city living by this point,” says Thorn, “so Marin made sense.”

Initially, they focused on Southern Marin, as it would minimize Klumpyan’s city commute. Like so many before them, they fell madly in love with Mill Valley, but they backed off ue to sticker shock and ever-escalating bidding wars. “The market was just too hot,” Thorn says.

On a whim, Thorn went to see a house in Novato. “It had a real hippie vibe to it,” he recalls. While they contemplated its pros and

cons, another buyer pounced, putting in an offer before the couple could get to yes. Fortunately for them, the deal fell apart, and they got a sec ond chance at the place they now call home.

The three-bedroom, two-bath hillside house was in rough shape. Even so, they moved into it right away, simultaneously plotting a complete redesign. “It felt like we were back in college,” Thorn says with a laugh. “Most of the light switches didn’t work and all the appliances were slowly dying.” Still, they toughed it out, putting their faith in Eric Sundborg and his family-owned construction company Marin Kitchen Works to help them turn a dated home into what can best be described as a contemporary treehouse

The to-do list was enormous, including all new mechanical systems and lighting. Nearly every surface needed updating. The results included a new and expanded kitchen, large walk-in closet for the master bedroom, and the addition of an adjacent laundry room. “We also gutted the existing bathrooms and

added a third one to the lower level for guests,” Thorn says. They ripped up the old parquet floors and installed luxury vinyl planking, which mimics the look of wood but needs far less upkeep. Then, rather than dump parquet in the land fi ll, the couple salvaged as many pieces as possible and used them to create a feature wall in Klumpyan’s home office.

Living amid the construction was infeasible; fortunately, they were able to stay at a friend’s place for six months while construction began, then move into their house with a punch list of tasks still to complete. At press time there was one more window to replace; next, they’ll tackle the home’s exterior, with plans to paint and replace siding, stain the decks, and maybe add a container pool.

Is this the forever home? “Hard to say,” Thorn admits. “But we have no intention of leaving any time soon.” m

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

THE DETAILS

WHERE THEY PURCHASED The Black Point neighborhood of Novato

WHAT THEY BOUGHT A threebedroom, two-bath (now three-bath) contemporary

LISTING AGENT Missy Crowe, Golden Gate Sotheby’

SELLING AGENT Deirdre Evershed, Golden Gate Sotheby’

STATS Price per square foot for homes in the neighborhood: $485

Opener: An openconcept living space. Opposite: High ceilings open up the space. This page, clockwise from top left: A sublime master bedroom; the reimagined kitchen; an accent wall made from repurposed parquet flooring; the master shower features fiberglass wallpaper; Klumpyan and Thorn enjoying fruit from the yard.

Grow Better

How to avoid common gardening mistakes.

While the activity of gardening is all about the journey — a series of discoveries mixed with frustrating struggles — most gardeners wouldn’t mind a little guidance on how to pre vent disappointments and the wasted time, water or money involved. Here are ways to sidestep pitfalls and see more success.

BY KIER HOLMES

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Mistake: Not researching how large specific plants ultimately grow and whether they are invasive, deciduous or evergreen, deer-proof or frost- and draughttolerant.

Solution: Read labels, ask nursery professionals and do online research before buying plants.

FROM THE GROUND UP

Mistake: Buying a fully grown plant.

Solution: Impatience can backfire: plants often grow faster and wind up healthier if you start cultivating when they’re small.

EYE THE PRICE

Mistake: Underestimating gardening costs. Solution: When you’re starting a landscape project, make sure you have a reasonable budget.

PLOT IT OUT

Mistake: Not having a garden plan. Solution: Don’t wing it. Decide on a specific theme or look, take measurements and sketch out your design on paper before heading to the nursery.

EMBRACE IRRIGATION

Mistake: Thinking you can hand-water everything. Solution: Invest in a water-saving drip irrigation system with a smart controller.

TONE DOWN

Mistake: Going for a cacophony of colors. Solution: Pick a limited palette and stick to it: start with a three-color design, perhaps with white-flowering plants as an accent, and just one or two potting container styles.

GIVE SPACE

Mistake: Ignoring spacing suggestions on the label, to speed up the look of lush growth. Crowding your plants limits air circulation, inviting disease; you may wind up pruning the victims.

Solution: Allow your plants enough breathing room.

Cover Represented by STEPHANIE BREIER

with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are

Brokerage fully supports the

of the

and the

and the

Banker Global Luxury logo are

owned by

Corte

Jerry

Photo:

Ideally situated on a lush,

showcases commanding, far reaching vistas of the stunning San Francisco skyline,

Angel Island and surrounding hillsides. Watch sunrise and moonrise, San Francisco ferries, yachts and cargo ships daily from

beautiful interiors or from the elegant landscaped terraced gardens and view decks. Adjacent to one of the many walking paths to the village, a

promenade along the bay, waterside cafes, boutiques and a sailing Mecca!

Avril Couris, Realtor

415.828.9495 | avecouris@gmail.com CalBRE #00589046

Marcus Robinson, Senior Marketing Consultant

415.381.7688 | marcuserobinson@gmail.com

MarcusRobinson.com | CalBRE #00609415

The Wright-Mulligan Team

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

Happy Holidays!

A Special Thank You to all of our clients for making 2019 a successful and rewarding year. We are looking forward to working with you in the New Year. Please think of us if you are considering making a move in 2020!

Falla Associates FallaAssociates@ggsir.com 902 Irwin Street San Rafael, CA 94901

Alva Falla 415.518.1930

Jennifer Falla Firkins 415.602.5768

Janice

Love Where You Live.

Handling purchases, sales, and exchanges for families, investors, and developers.

Estates, multigenerational properties, luxury homes, and investments.

Marin for generations. Real estate broker, attorney, entrepreneur/investor.

Happy Holidays!

Alexander V. Choulos

415.601.7609 av.choulos@ggsir.com

Broker Associate Lic.# 01969799 GoldenGateLuxuryHomes.com

Photo by Clint Graves

Adopt A Family OF MARIN

Live the Real San Francisco “Vibe” on Nob Hill

1350 California St., #206, San Francisco

Move right into this newly remodeled crisp and contemporary 2 bedroom, 2 bath Nob Hill condominium. Located in a beautifully maintained building with garage parking, storage, a private deck overlooking the garden patio and adjacent historic and iconic San Francisco neighborhood homes. Live right in the middle of the real San Francisco “vibe” in one of SF’s most exclusive neighborhoods, just a stroll away from cable car lines and the area’s most interesting restaurants, shops and galleries. Also convenient to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and direct transportation to downtown and the Silicon Valley bus services.

Vicki Buckle

415.497.0044

Licensed Associate Broker v.buckle@ggsir.com GoldenGateSIR.com Lic.# 01141500

Adopt A Family of Marin prevents homelessness and provides stability for families in crisis. I’m honored to support this local organization with funds from each transaction and enjoy providing gifts for a family through the holiday program.

Tammy Wilks Kornfeld

415.279.9362

t.kornfeld@ggsir.com

MarinGreatHomes.com Lic.# 01459526

Helping my wonderful friends and clients accomplish their real estate goals remains a joy and privilege.

Warmest wishes for a holiday season full of love and good cheer, $1,198,000

Helping Clients Live the Marin, Wine Country, and San Francisco Dream for Over 25 Years!

The embracing views from the San Francisco skyline through the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito Harbor and Mt. Tamalpais abound from this contemporary hilltop home high above Tiburon. Carefully sited on a 17,000± square foot, gently sloping parcel, the two-level home features vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and multiple balconies and terraces perfect for entertaining and indoor/outdoor living in one of Marin’s most desirable enclaves.

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

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

parcels and selected 190 Gilmartin Drive for its one-of-a-kind setting and unobstructed, panoramic views.

Sarkissian 415.517.7720

Lic .# 01159670

Bullock 415.384.4000 bb@ggsir.com Lic .# 00837358

Sarkissian 415.847.7913

Lic .# 02028978

UNMATCHED EXPERTISE. BESPOKE EXPERIENCE.

WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS.

Engel & Völkers evokes a real estate experience with the utmost competence, exclusive expertise and passion for all that we do. Handcrafted attention to every detail and meticulous white-glove service is what each and every one of our clients deserves. It’s our standard of service that truly sets Engel & Völkers apart.

Engel & Völkers can only be as good and successful as its advisors. We concentrate our efforts on hiring the best and fostering their development on an ongoing basis. We are extremely proud that our managers and advisors give rise to such an open, pleasant, warm and respectful culture. We live by our core values: passion, competence and exclusivity.

And we are proud of being a part of the large Engel & Völkers family. Would you like to join us?

marincounty.evrealestate.com

SAUSALITO

539 BRIDGEWAY SAUSALITO, CA 94965

+1 415 887-9925

KENTFIELD

636 COLLEGE AVE KENTFIELD, CA 94904 +1 415 847-4904

NOW OPEN • SAN ANSELMO

850 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960 +1 415 675-1263

FAIRFAX

44 BOLINAS ROAD FAIRFAX, CA 94930 +1 415 870-4411

MILL VALLEY

206 E BLITHEDALE AVE

MILL VALLEY, CA 94941 +1 415 634-5577

BREATHTAKING & TIMELESS

150 OAK VIEW DRIVE • SAN RAFAEL

$1,750,000 • 3 BEDROOMS • 2.5 BATHS • 2,538 SQFT • 0.50 ± ACRES

Perfect archetype of organic architecture, maintaining the appearance of having simply developed out of its natural setting. Wall to ceiling windows capture morning and afternoon light while embracing the magical treescape of distinguished California Oaks. The half acre grounds offer meandering paths, view settings and ample space for both quiet meditation and outdoor entertaining.

DANIELLE SALK & JURG SPOERRY +1 415 250-5361 DRE# 01279207 • +1 415 246-2835 DRE# 01384394

39 FOREST LANE • SAN RAFAEL

$547,900 • 2 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHS • 984 SQFT • 0.09 ± ACRES

Wonderful place to live! Meadows Terra Linda has beautifully well kept landscaping throughout the 20 acre complex, tennis court, club house, and three pools. No unit above or below and no common wall. Large deck off living room that overlooks the park-like lawn, porch off master. Tile bathrooms with granite in hall bath. Laminate flooring in main part of home, bamboo in kitchen.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS +1 541 205-1460 DRE# 02066457

©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principals of the Fair Housing Act. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is crrently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

Thank you so much for coming out to the Grand Opening of Vanguard Properties Tiburon.

DREAMS

TOGETHER, WE BUILT A HOME!

The success of our business affords us the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of people all over our planet. Most recently we were able to fund the building of a home for a family in Guatemala, with the help of Home for a Home. www.homeforahome.org

At each closing, we make a donation to fund the construction of homes for families in critical need. With these donations we are building homes in the poorest areas of Guatemala. The donations we’ve made toward funding the construction of the home are listed below and in honor of each of our 2019 clients and their home’s purchase or sale. So far this year we’ve completed one whole home and we’re halfway through funding a second.

We are so grateful and could not do this without the help of our wonderful clients. Together, We Are Turning Hopes Into Homes.

1 Hillgirt Ave, Ross | 10 Westwood Dr, San Rafael | 108 Courtright Rd, San Rafael | 109 Oak Ave, Kentfield

11630 Barnett Valley Rd, Sebastapol | 15 Carolina Ave, San Anselmo | 171 Cobblestone Dr, San Rafael

175 Elm Ave, Larkspur | 2 Woodhue Lane, Corte Madera | 2 Yolo St, Corte Madera | 207 Acacia Lane, Alamo

22 Oakcrest Dr, San Rafael | 343 Prospect Dr, San Rafael | 351 Laverne Ave, Mill Valley

395 Pinewood Dr, San Rafael | 408 Meadow Way, San Geronimo | 5 Aries Lane, Novato | 8 Central Dr, Mill Valley

832 S Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae | 836 S Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae | 838 S Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae

9 Carolina Ave, San Anselmo

Providing Marin families more of what they want

Step Counter

If visiting the Point Reyes Lighthouse seems demanding now, think back 160 years.

BY JIM WOOD

IF YOU’VE BEEN out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse you know it’s a long haul. Once you reach Inverness, there’s still a 20-mile drive on a nar row road, then a mile walk, followed by 308 steps (check out the above photo) down to where the lighthouse sits on a ledge 600 feet above the Pacific. But if it’s a trek now, consider what it was like in the late 1860s, when the Point Reyes Light Station, the structure’s official name, was being built. The 1,032 delicate glass prisms for the lighthouse’s Fresnel (fray-nel ) lens, along with the intricate rotating mechanism, were fashioned in France and shipped by steamer around Cape Horn and up to San Francisco. Then, along with sections of the cast-iron tower, the many packages were sent by sailing ship to West Marin’s Drakes Bay, loaded unto ox-drawn carts, and hauled three miles to the tip of the Point Reyes peninsula. From there, it took crews six weeks to get all the parts down to the ledge where the station was being built (and we moan about 308 steps that take, maybe, 20 minutes). On December 1, 1870, Point Reyes Light Station first shone forth, 24 miles out to sea. According to the National Park Service, which now oversees the light station, this was possible because of the 1823 invention of the Fresnel lens, which intensi fies a light source by magnifying it through crystal prisms into concentrated beams. The Point Reyes lens, divided into 24 individual panels, cast 24 individual beams radiating out like a giant wagon wheel; rotation of the lens created the lighthouse’s distinctive pattern of one flash ever y five seconds. m

CIRCA 1930s

It took crews six weeks to get all the parts down to the ledge where the station was being built.

Maximize the value of your home.

Compass Concierge

faster and

painting to

home with

upfront costs and

Get

STRATEGIC STAGING

FRESH PAINT