marin living july 2024 by marin living

outdoor ISSUE

A stunning 4,007-square-foot home in the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Swimming pool, Sport Court, three-stall horse barn, pasture, lush lawn and well-water irrigation all add to the allure of this incredible property. Contact Nick to schedule a showing. $5,250,000

JESSICA CLINE

CO-FOUNDER, CEO jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.302.0850

DINA GRANT CO-FOUNDER

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR dina@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.238.2030

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DANIEL JEWETT CO-FOUNDER

EDITORIAL AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR dan@marinlivingmagazine.com

EDITORIAL

Editor Caitlin Hamer

Contributing Designers

Roberto Avalos, Madeleine Hannes, Gregory Odendahl, Kathryn Saffell, Ronald Sequeira, Britney Trezzo

Contributing Writers Annie Geiser, Casey Hatfield-Chiotti, Joseph Knelman

Contributing Photographer Michael Lax, Jeff Lewis

Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin

Client Services Director Lauren Winsett lauren@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.300.0908

Mailing Address Marin Living PO Box 2104 Mill Valley, CA 94941

Office phone: 707.302.0850

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Marin Living magazine is delivered complimentary to residents of California. BRAN D STUDIO

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YOUR DREAM NEIGHBORHOOD ESCAPE

In the food and wine capital of North America, Four Seasons welcomes you to a bespoke luxury resort in the heart of California wine country. Our Forbes Five-Star Hotel in Calistoga is set within its own world-class vineyard. Discover innovative and seasonal cuisine at Michelin-starred Auro, holistic spa rituals at Spa Talisa and thoughtfully personalized Four Seasons service. Raise a glass to all the best in life as you soak in magnificent views of Napa Valley. 400

Every detail is considered and taken care of.

Jennifer and Elliott and their team are the best! Every detail is considered and taken care of. Their knowledge and experience resulted in an exceptional selling experience. I have no doubt the same will be true as they help us find our new home.

- Marianne W.

The value of our business is measured in the quality of the relationships we build.

14 news.

End of an era for the S.S. Point Reyes; free pool access; Gay Wine Weekend; and summer concerts galore.

26 local splurges. How to keep skin looking its best in the dry summer heat.

30 eat & drink. Soak up the warm-weather vibes at these favorite Marin restaurants.

36 local getaways. Local salons and spas that meet your summer selfcare needs.

40 take note. The first Vietnamese American principal ballet dancer got his start in Marin.

42 game changers. An AI image generator built for creatives by creatives.

82 voyager. Destinations that put the emphasis on luxury travel and dark skies.

88 drawn together. The Marin Stargazers offer the public free and dramatic views of the cosmos. from the team.

from the ceo.

from the creative director.

Top to bottom: NYC Dance Project/Ken Browar and Deborah Ory; courtesy of Piatti; Alyeska Resort

FEATURES.

44 Mountain Lodge Life

Beloved and long-practiced alpine traditions provide culture for a modern community on Mount Tamalpais.

Home on the Ranch

A historic property in West Marin has found new life thanks to one savvy investor and a host of makers and producers.

All Summer Long Photographer Michael Lax captures Marin in all its glorious splendor.

On the Cover

Photograph by Michael Lax. He says, “Golden hour sunlight filters through the verdant archway of the cypress tree tunnel in Point Reyes National Seashore.”

Jeff Lewis

Fitness Experience at FITLAB! ULTIMATE DISCOVER THE GROWTH

A collection of Marin’s best industry pros providing everything from large group classes to shared and private sessions, to Nutrition coaching. FITLAB is the fusion of Functional Training and Group Fitness, bringing you the most highly recognized and effective fitness modalities in the nation. From TRX to Les Mills formats, Yoga to Pilates, Mobility Indoor Cycle to the smartest functional fitness floor, we offer a well-rounded 360-degree boutique fitness experience. Join us now and unlock your full potential! Let our expert team guide you toward your fitness goals, whether it’s through personalized training, group sessions or access to our state-of-the-art equipment.

VISIT US AT 711 Center Boulevard in Fairfax OR CONTACT US AT memberservices@fitlabstrong.com TO KICKSTART YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY TODAY.

CEO

tions can be reset, aligning them with the rhythms of the natural world.

Each time I visit this forest I am reminded that taking time to immerse oneself in nature is not an indulgence but a necessity. The tranquility of Muir Woods restores my peace and rejuvenates me. The trails are corridors leading us back to our best selves.

To all who seek a moment of peace or a burst of inspiration, I urge you to visit Muir Woods. Let the quiet majesty of this place inspire you, as it has inspired me. In preserving and cherishing this natural wonder, we ensure that it continues to be a source of strength and serenity for generations to come. It’s one of our finest natural gifts in Marin. Here’s to finding our peace in the embrace of nature’s splendor.

JESSICA CLINE, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

A TRIBUTE TO MUIR WOODS from the

IN THE HEART OF Marin County lies a treasure that seems to define the essence of tranquility and beauty: Muir Woods National Monument. As we explore the great outdoors in this issue, I am compelled to share my profound admiration for this natural wonder.

Walking through Muir Woods, one cannot help but be awestruck by the towering redwoods that rise majestically, their canopies filtering beams of light that dance on the forest floor. The silence here is not merely the absence of noise but a profound stillness that speaks directly to the soul, and, for me, encourages introspection and renewal.

In our fast-paced world, Muir Woods offers a much-needed respite. It is here, among the ancient giants, that visitors are reminded of the enduring strength and resilience of nature. This forest not only provides a break from the bustling world but is also a source of inspiration and creativity. It’s a place where our ambi-

Muir Woods

from the

creative DIRECTOR

I love summers in Marin — day trips to Point Reyes and drives up the Sonoma Coast, picnics in the parks and cycling with my husband. The days feel slower and the weekends lazier. While we won’t be jaunting off to Europe this year, we do have trips to Lake Tahoe and Monterey planned. We are so lucky to live in a place others travel to for their summer vacations and I plan to take full advantage. Enjoy your summer and see you on the other side!

SUMMER DAZE

HELLO AND WELCOME to our “Outdoor Issue”! We made it — summer is finally here. And this issue is an ode to all things Marin: our favorite restaurants ripe for sitting outside and enjoying the warmer weather, luxurious local spas made for daycations, a look, past and present, at alpine hiking traditions on Mount Tam, and a gorgeous visual tribute by the extremely talented photographer Michael Lax. Because this issue is a double-month issue, we like to create some roundups so you have a reason to come back and revisit these pages again and again over the next two months (see pages 30 and 36) — and keep an eye on our Instagram channel where we’ll remind you all summer long where we’ll be enjoying local happy hours, brunches with friends and drivable destinations for long weekends away. This is what summer is made for, right? We’ve also tapped into a new trend: astrotourism. It is certainly an exciting way to approach a new travel destination, but don’t underestimate one local man and his telescope (read more on page 88).

CASEY GILLESPIE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER

Portrait by

Becca Teal

Batista; Michael Lax

Photographer Michael Lax’s beautiful take on West Marin’s tule elk.

spotlight marin.

END OF AN ERA

“It’s a subject I’ve been visiting since long before I got my first camera, and one that played a huge role in wanting to take professional photographs,” local photographer Matt Fraser (@mattfraser9, www.mattfraser9.com) says about the Instagram favorite S.S. Point Reyes in Inverness. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared the shipwreck with so many and to photograph it year after year, including as it sits at this very moment. Its days are numbered.”

Gay Wine Weekend , presented by Out in the Vineyard (www.outinthevine yard.com), returns July 19 to 21 for three days of LGBTQIA+ celebration in Sonoma’s wine country. The weekend’s events, which benefit Face to Face, include winemaker dinners, winery tours, drag brunch and more. An opening reception will be held for VIPs at the host hotel, Vintners Resort.

Soma Aquatics Foundation (www.somaaquatics.com) has teamed up with the Town of Corte Madera to offer free access to the Redwood High School pool this summer . Marin residents of all ages can enjoy a variety of swim programs Sundays through Thursdays. Online registration is required.

Shvetsova Yulia; courtesy of Soma Aquatics Foundation

HOME FIND A BETTER WAY

Whether you are buying or selling, Oliver is the agent you want by your side. His energy, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a force to be reckoned with in the real estate world. Begin your journey with Oliver and Find a Better Way Home.

TE S TIM ON IAL :

“We recently worked with Oliver to buy a house in San Anselmo. He was immediately responsive and quick to make appointment s for us soon after we met him He was extremely prompt in responding to our (numerous) calls, text s and emails — his consistenc y and reliabilit y were invaluable and ver y much appreciated. Oliver’s warmth and affabilit y made the whole process easy. We would recommend Oliver in a heartbeat and without any hesitation.” —

Megan W.

MUSIC FOR THE MASSES

SPLISH SPLASH

Silverado Resort (www.silverado resort.com) invites guests, members and property owners to two days of Independence Day celebrations. On the 3rd, enjoy a barbecue with live music, and on the 4th, groove to the DJ’s tunes at the pool party.

STRIKE THE RIGHT CHORD

San Francisco Symphony’s (www. sfsymphony.org) summer season

blasts off at Shoreline Amphitheatre on July 4th, followed by Stern Grove Festival on the 7th. A variety of special performances are scheduled throughout the month, and the season wraps with Justin Hurwitz conducting as La La Land plays on August 3 and 4.

SATURDAY SOUNDS

Cornerstone Sonoma’s (www.corner stonesonoma.com) annual summer

music series is in full swing, with shows lined up every Saturday through September. Enjoy food and drinks while listening to free shows from acts like Derek Irving on July 6 and Lavender Fields Band on August 10.

WINE NOT

Festival Napa Valley’ s (www.festival napavalley.org) signature annual tasting event, Taste of Napa, makes its return on July 13 at Meritage

Courtesy

Cornerstone Sonoma

JOSY THOMAS

JOANNA DRAKOS

Opposite: Cornerstone Music Series. This page from top: Phil Lesh & Friends at McNears Beach Park; Liddypudlians at San Anselmo’s Beatles in the Park.

Resort and Spa. In addition to the culinary offerings and flowing wine, Neon Velvet will put on a lively performance of contemporary hits and beloved classics.

TAVERN TUNES

HopMonk Tavern (www.hopmonk. com) in Novato is still welcoming music lovers to its Annual Cookout Concert Series. July and August boast a busy lineup of performances, with artists like Toad the Wet Sprocket on July 19 and 20 and Taj Farrant on August 30.

TERRAPIN STATION

Calling all Deadheads: Sunday Daydream Volumes 3 and 4 (www. sundaydaydream.com) featuring Phil Lesh & Friends is happening at McNears Beach Park in San Rafael on July 21 and August 18. The all-day festivals include music, food and fun for kids.

GOLDEN HOURS

Larkmead Vineyards (www.lark mead.com) continues its Sunset Serenade series with gatherings on July 26 and August 30. The events feature live acoustic music, current release wines and local bites, all paired with the winery’s scenic backdrop.

COME TOGETHER

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of San Anselmo’s Beatles in the Park concert (www.sananselmoarts. org) with a performance by the Liddypudlians on July 27. The show is at Creek Park and ticket proceeds go toward the San Anselmo Arts Commission.

news. by Caitlin Hamer

Alan Sheckter (above); Trevor Henley (below)

GOING GREEN

The Garden Conservancy (www.gardenconservancy.org) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the completion of the Gardens of Alcatraz project , which oversaw the rehabilitation of Alcatraz’s inmate, soldier and resident–cultivated gardens through a partnership with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service. “This project exemplifies the enduring connection between people and nature, preserving a unique cultural landscape that enriches both our environment and our heritage,” says James Brayton-Hall, president and CEO of the Garden Conservancy.

MEET YOUR NEW PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER

Dr. Lisa Santora has been appointed as Marin’s new Public Health Officer , to succeed Dr. Matt Willis upon his retirement in September (www.marinhhs.org). Prior to this appointment, Santora served as the county’s Deputy Public Health Officer. “I’ve had the privilege of working side by side with Dr. Santora for eight years, and I know we’re in excellent hands under her leadership,” says Willis. Of her plans for this new position, Santora says, “By fostering collaboration and embracing innovation, we can create a brighter, healthier and more equitable future for everyone in our county.”

Caitlin Atkinson

Alcatraz Historic Gardens

SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY

Thanks to new funding, Marin Water (www. marinwater.org) and North Marin Water District (www.nmwd.com) are both offering higher rebates for customers who have rainwater collection systems . “Just one inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof produces 600 gallons of runoff,” says Ranjiv Khush, president of the Marin Water board of directors. “After installation, customers are able to use this essentially free water to supplement their outdoor irrigation.”

PLANNING AHEAD

Marin officials have recently begun utilizing Ladris AI software, which can capture live traffic feeds and has predictive analytics, to help emergency responders better prepare for and coordinate evacuation in the event of disaster.

“Ladris provides capabilities we have wanted to implement for years, and we expect this partnership to make a significant impact on Marin’s fire and life safety readiness,” says Mark Brown, executive officer of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (www.marinwildfire.org).

the LIST

A look at special offers and new products from some of Marin’s favorite businesses.

By Caitlin Hamer

MORLEY FREDERICKS REAL ESTATE SERVICES

This full-service real estate company offers sales, leasing and property management support throughout Marin and the Bay Area, but did you know Morley Fredericks also includes professional photography for every home it manages and leases at no additional cost? That means 3D virtual tours, floor plans and still photos. Talk about making things easy. www.morleyfredericks.com

UNALOME REIKI & WELLNESS

Slow down and get your vibes right this summer with Unalome’s Ayurvedic treatments, sound baths and reiki classes. In addition to the wellness center in Sausalito, the team also has a boutique healing studio in Ross. For the budget-minded, there is a monthly low-cost Community Clinic offering reiki and massage therapy. www.unalomemarin.com

STEPHAN-HILL JEWELRY DESIGNERS

If you think your summer wardrobe is missing a certain something, we suggest adding a bit of sparkle, maybe through the San Rafael shop’s new line of Eclipse Talisman pendants. These beauties have the feelgood vibes you’ll want to embody this season and come in turquoise or lapis lazuli with gold caps that are studded with diamonds. www.stephanhill.com

At Boulevard Marin, we take immense pride in our roots. Every member of our team is either an alumnus of Marin’s public schools or a proud parent of a graduate. We understand firsthand how strong public schools foster community pride, encourage civic participation, and bring together diverse groups of people. As the founder of Boulevard Marin Real Estate, a local public school graduate, and a former trustee of the Kentfield School District, supporting public schools is deeply personal and of paramount importance to me. For over a decade, I’ve been a passionate supporter of Schools Rule Marin, championing the cause of quality education in our community. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for Marin through our unwavering support of local public schools.

SUMMER SKIN GOALS

We chatted with Dr. Roberta Del Campo, chief medical officer at S.F.’s Skin Laundry, about how to keep skin looking its best year-round and help it survive summer’s dry heat.

By Casey Gillespie

If you were to develop a year-round skin routine for maturing skin, what would that look like? As estrogen levels decrease, the effects of male sex hormones called androgens increase. Androgens increase the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, and this excess oil on the skin can mix with bacteria, dead skin and debris, clogging pores and leading to inflammation.

Estrogen is also directly related to collagen, skin lipid production and

skin hydration. Studies show that women lose collagen in their skin and hyaluronic acid levels in the body also decline, while a disruption in the skin barrier leads to a depletion of moisturizing ceramides and lipids. Combined, this all leads to a multitude of skin issues. At home you should incorporate hyaluronic acid (draws water into the skin) along with retinol (encourages skin cell turnover) into your routine. Commitment and consistency are key.

What is the safe cadence for getting laser treatments over time? This depends on the type of laser and your individual skin concerns. Not all lasers are equal but at Skin Laundry our experts will create a treatment plan and advise on how often you should come in to help achieve your personal skin care goals. To maintain healthy, glowing skin we recommend maintaining a schedule accordingly. That is why we have implemented a membership model.

Courtesy of Skin Laundry

Dee’s Organics is your one-stop shop for all your event needs. Not only can we create the menu you’ve always desired, but we are here to help with the decor, event flow and even your floral design. Let us take any event stress off your plate and transform it into the final plating you always dreamed of. Whether catering for a private party or creating tasty treats for a function with 2,500 attendees, each dish she prepares is crafted with delicious intentions. Book Your Date Today

Are there any negative effects that lasers can have on the skin if used too frequently? Laser treatment frequency is a true science as too frequent treatments can cause compounded, uncontrolled wounding, which can ultimately lead to abnormal pigmentation, increased redness or even scarring.

California summers are particularly harsh on the skin because of the dry air. How can we combat this? Make sure to hydrate and moisturize. They are not the same thing! Drink lots of water, apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin morning and night and then follow with an occlusive moisturizer to lock that hydration in. Also, try switching from a foaming cleanser to a balm or cream cleanser or micellar wipes at night so as not to strip the skin of its natural oils and upset the pH balance. In the morning, simply splash your face with water.

What ingredients should you look for when shopping for an effective sunscreen? There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays, converts them into heat and releases them from the body. Physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. Mineral sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, are mainly composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both classified as safe and effective by the FDA. Zinc oxide can protect against the entire UVA range and some UVB. Titanium dioxide can protect against UVA2 only and UVB. The Food and Drug Administration has found that only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are safe and effective, based on information currently available. Zinc oxide also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin and skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

SUN’S OUT

1. SOLARA SUNCARE

Fortune Teller Tinted Brightening Serum SPF 30, available at Beautyheroes (817 Grant Avenue, Novato), $64

2. VACATION.INC Shimmer Oil SPF 30, available at Ulta (108 Vintage Way, Novato), $38

3. SKIN LAUNDRY Sun Defense Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen, available at Skin Laundry (1870 Union Street, S.F.), $50

4. COOLA Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30, available at Nordstrom (The Village at Corte Madera), $48

Experts recommend applying sunscreen every day, especially to the face. Here are our mineral sunscreen picks that are too good to pass up. 4

PROGRAMS FEATURE :

Play-based learning

Loving, nurturing care

Culturally rich programs

Developmental curriculum

Garden of Eatin’® nature and nutrition education

SAVORING SUMMER

Where to drink and dine in Marin to soak up the summer vibes. By Caitlin Hamer

AYAWASKA HILLTOP

mouthwatering dish from Ayawaska.

Dinner with a view takes on a whole new meaning at Ayawaska (www.ayawaskasf.com). Beyond the sweeping vista of Novato from the patio, this Peruvian restaurant offers something for everyone; we’re talking vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options in addition to carnivore-pleasing appetizers and main dishes. While open for lunch and dinner, Ayawaska also recently introduced its Night Lounge Life events on Fridays and Saturdays, which is the perfect time to dive into the extensive cocktail list. 850 Lamont Avenue, Novato

BARREL HOUSE TAVERN

Barrel House Tavern (www.barrelhousetavern.com) was once home to the first ferry terminal with service to and from San Francisco, but the building has since been reimagined into a modern eatery known for its California cuisine, unique interior and waterfront views. Fresh, local seafood is the star of the menu here, with options like seafood towers and caviar recommended for anyone feeling fancy. Summer flavors abound in the all-day happy hour offerings, and the watermelon margarita is a local favorite. 660 Bridgeway, Sausalito

Courtesy of Ayawaska

Hilltop Novato

HOG ISLAND CO. — THE BOAT OYSTER BAR

Farm-to-fork doesn’t get much better than this. The Boat Oyster Bar (www.hogislandoysters. com) is a full-service cafe at Hog Island Oyster Farm where all tables are outside, just steps away from where the oysters are grown. While walk-ins are welcome on Thursdays, on Fridays through Mondays you must make reservations. The grilled oysters are a delight, especially when paired with the miso nori butter, house-made with wild seaweed harvested right off the oyster gear in Tomales Bay. 20215 Shoreline Highway, Marshall

HOOK FISH CO. AT PROOF LAB BEER GARDEN

This Mill Valley hideaway, which shares space with a beer garden and a surf shop, has infinite beach day vibes. And Hook Fish Co.’s (www.hookfishco.com) menu lives up to its name, with several thoughtfully sourced seafood choices to enjoy. Start with poke and chips, and then try to decide between classic fish options like tacos or a sandwich for your main. There’s limited seating inside, but the lively patio is where you’ll really want to sit anyway. 254 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley

PETITE LEFT BANK

If the Paris Olympics have you dreaming of jetting off to France, may we suggest the far more convenient and very much authentic Petite Left Bank (www.petiteleftbanktiburon. com) instead? Schedule yourself a mini getaway in the form of

a relaxing weekday brunch; try the moules frites, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, sip on a wild berry martini, too. Keep an eye out for the Bastille Day celebration and the Taste of Provence Wine and Food Week this summer. 1696 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon

Remy Hale (above); Leila Seppa (below)

Hog Island Co. — The Boat Oyster Bar (left); Petite Left Bank (below)

PIATTI

Nothing says summer like alfresco dining with a waterside view, which is why you’ll want to make a visit to Piatti (www.millvalley.piatti.com) this summer. Experience the authentic Italian flavors here by trying one of the spot’s homemade pastas, like the lemon ricotta ravioli, which packs savory flavor with spinach, sage brown butter and breadcrumbs to complement the citrusy notes. Toast your meal and the view with a Piatti Spritz, a refreshing cocktail of Aperol, prosecco, aromatic bitters and sparkling rosé. 625 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley

ROCKER OYSTERFELLER’S SEASIDE

Here’s one to be on the lookout for: Rocker Oysterfeller’s, the roadhouse restaurant (www. rockeroysterfellers.com) that you know and love in Valley Ford, is opening a brand-new location in Bodega Bay that makes for a perfect summer day trip. The seaside spot will be serving up the same Southern comfort food that it’s already famous for, but with some twists that favor its new locale.

Think more steak and seafood options, local beers and of course, all the barbecued and raw oysters you can dream of. 595 Highway 1, Bodega Bay

WATERSHED

Housed in Mill Valley’s original sawmill building, Watershed’s (www.watershedmv.com) rustic cuisine is guided by what’s available from our local bounty. Many dishes

are smoked and grilled over a woodburning fire — peak summertime flavors. Go for a surf and turf–inspired meal by starting with smoked trout dip and following up with a woodfire grilled burger made with Stemple Creek beef and a house-made bun. Grab a seat outside and settle in for people-watching while you eat. 129 Miller Avenue, Ste. 500, Mill Valley

A sun-soaked Italian feast at Piatti

A Career that Calls

Crys Oblenda Rohmer, MSN, RN

For Crys Rohmer, taking care of others is in her DNA. Growing up in the Philippines, Crys comes from a long line of doctors, nurses and caregivers. Crys’ upbringing created a roadmap and inspired her calling to help others, thus bringing her to Lifehouse in 2013. Here she ensures that the most vulnerable people with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD) in the Intermediate Care Facilitiy Program (ICF) are cared for, and have the opportunity for joy in their daily lives.

Crys is a Registered Nurse and has been the Manager for the ICF programs at Lifehouse for nine years. She left in 2017 for a coveted position working with Doctors Without Borders, but couldn’t stay away from her Lifehouse family for long. She returned to California after just one year abroad. Family is truly how Crys thinks of the people she supports and her team of direct support staff (DSP) at Nova House.

Supporting individuals in the ICF program is particularly complex since many of the clients are non-verbal and/or wheelchair bound. Crys talks about the keen eye needed by her team of DSPs to recognize environmental influences on the individuals they support on a daily basis. This helps them support their client’s overall mood, well-being and enables them to provide the very best level of care. This is often difficult to discover from someone who is non-verbal and possibly the most difficult part of supporting people in the ICF program. This involves “listening” to what the need is, not just “hearing” it, and then taking action.

Crys leads her team by example, consistently demonstrating how she cares for them and the people they support. She reflects deeply and continuously on how to maintain vibrancy and harmony at Nova House. Staff and the individuals supported are learning and growing together, playing an essential role in each other’s lives. Crys believes that when you approach support and care in this way, it doesn’t feel like work because you have truly invested in the person you are helping.

For 70 years Lifehouse has been dedicated to ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are accepted, have a place in our community and are able to lead full lives.

International Orange’s relaxation area overlooks the Larkspur Ferry terminal and bay.

SUMMER SPA STAYCATION

Enjoy Marin’s summer months by indulging in a little self-care at our local salons and spas.

By Casey Gillespie

AT-HOME INDULGENCE: PERSIMMON

Sometimes the best self-care takes place right in the comfort of your home — which is where Persimmon comes in. This concierge beauty service allows you to book a treatment for yourself or for a group (hello, girls’ night!) through the app or online and a licensed practitioner will arrive at your home, administer the treatment and then leave you to relax and enjoy the results. The service offers a number of treatments ranging from Botox to filler to hair PRP. Seriously, it’s that easy. Check their website for local events where you can pop in during an allotted time and receive specified treatments (it usually comes with perks as well). www.persimmon.life

ZERO-EFFORT GORGEOUS HAIR: SALON B BLOW DRY BAR

Anyone else find blow-drying your own hair in the midst of the summer heat a torturous task? Well then you are going

to love Salon B’s new Blow Dry Bar. Open on Mondays and Tuesdays, the San Rafael salon has appointments for a professional luxury blowout that will last for up to a week (or longer) and they cater to all hair textures. “Our clients truly enjoy a good blow-dry — it’s like a mini spa treatment that nurtures and beautifies, making people feel great,” says co-owner Bishlam Bullock. We couldn’t agree more. And if you have never visited Salon B before, the highly curated retail area is the one-stop shop you have been looking for. Whether it is to restock on the salon’s proprietary hair products or to pick up a gift for someone special, it will be hard to leave empty-handed. www.salonbsanrafael.com

THERAPEUTIC PAMPERING: INTERNATIONAL ORANGE

Whether you are suffering from aches and pains or your body just needs a little TLC after your grueling pre-vacation

Buell

•Jaclyn Beltram, Marin Sanitary Service

•Philip Buckley, City of San Rafael

•Nathaniel Cartwright, Poppy Bank

•Janelle Cavanagh, Marin Community Foundation

•Peggy Clark, Marin Sanitary Service

•Mimi Cunningham, The Party Queen

•Karol Dailey, College of Marin

•Lorena Fontanelli, Heritage Bank of Commerce

•Quinn Gardner, City of San Rafael

•Chris Hess, City of San Rafael

•Peter Hsu, Bank of Marin

•Magda Loczi, Marin Sanitary Service

•Alex Ma, Dominican University of California

•

•Heather Martinez, Water Components & Building Supply, Inc.

•Richard Martinez, Canal Alliance

•Kristie McCall, Vivalon

•Sara Moseley, Marin Independent Journal

•Chelsey Perez, College of Marin

•Karen Shelar, County of Marin

•Yalawnda Taylor, Bank of Marin

•Sarah Tipple, San Rafael Business

Improvement District

•Seamus Tomkins, West Marin Community Services

•Carolyn Tucker, HomeWell Care Services

•Apryl Uncapher, Native Water Systems

•Bianca Vivas, MarinHealth

workout schedule, booking a therapeutic massage at Larkspur’s International Orange is just what the doctor ordered. Expressly tailored to your needs, the integrative massage can include various techniques like deep tissue, shiatsu, stretching, joint mobilization and breath work. This isn’t the type of treatment that will make you fall asleep; it is the type of bodywork that can ease chronic tension and help with recovery. For the ultimate in self-care, book the 90-minute treatment. You won’t regret it. www.internationalorange.com

HIGH-TECH SELF-CARE: MICHELE HOLMES STUDIO

Michele Holmes, the queen of gorgeous eyebrows, has recently opened a skin care clinic adjacent to the Corte Madera studio called The Secret Knock. Our recommendation? The Ultimate Facial. The treatment includes a deep cleanse, luxurious serums, extractions and massage, but your standard facial this is not — expect negative pressure–diamond tip microdermabrasion, microcurrent and LED light with negative ion mist. You will see an immediate difference in your toned facial muscles, tightened skin, glowing complexion and visually stimulated collagen production. This might just be the perfect pre-vacation glow-up. www.micheleholmesstudio.com

LUXURY DAYCATION: FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES NAPA VALLEY

Sometimes you just need a day to yourself — well, let’s be honest, sometimes you need a day to yourself while enjoying a healthy dose of luxurious pampering. We support that! From the moment you pull up to the Four Seasons Napa your troubles start to melt away. Arrive early and enjoy the Spa Garden whirlpool or relax pre-treatment in the steam room. If you have never tried an oxygen facial, the 80-minute Oxygenating Botanical Facial at Spa Talisa is pure luxury (we love that they use locally made LIV + GRACE Skincare). Post-treatment book lunch at TRUSS Restaurant or the seasonal Amalfi Garden and enjoy a glass of wine while overlooking Calistoga. It doesn’t get better. www.fourseasons.com/napavalley

Michelle Holmes Studio has expanded into skin care (above); the Four Seasons’ Napa Spa Garden (below).

Sarah Davis (top); courtesy of the Four Seasons Napa Valley

A Place for Uniquely Rewarding

Events

Our team will ensure your next event is welcoming, memorable and full of flavor. We can help you host a morning seminar, all-day meeting, team-building activities in our kitchen or a special occasion. You’ll experience caring service and a range of delightful menu options.

The Key Room also helps fulfill a larger purpose in the community as a social enterprise of Homeward Bound of Marin.

Reserve dates and learn more at thekeyroom.com

“ ” Their caring and attentive service made us feel like royalty... Our guests couldn’t stop

raving about the scrumptious offerings.

— MATT R.

THE DANCE OF LIFE

From humble beginnings in Marin dance organizations, John Lam made it to the upper echelon of the professional ballet world.

By Daniel Jewett

NYC Dance Project: Ken Browar and Deborah Ory

Lam worked his way up, becoming the first Vietnamese American principal dancer in history in a major ballet company.

PROFESSIONAL BALLET dancer

John Lam grew up in a poor household in San Rafael’s Canal District where the family — his parents were refugees from Vietnam — leaned heavily on community childcare services. When he was 4, something happened that changed his life forever.

That something was a visit from Performing Stars of Marin to the childcare center, with an offer of free dance lessons. For a hyperactive, shy kid, dancing was the perfect outlet — until he started getting teased. Lam quit for a day, but Performing Stars executive director Felecia Gaston wasn’t having it and took him to see male dancers perform with S.F. Ballet. “I realized ‘oh, so there are other men and boys that dance,’ ” Lam says. “So I decided to come back and there was something about it, the music and everything that I loved and I stuck with it.”

Lam found the dance studio to be a safe place that allowed him to “speak without vocalizing.” He says his parents weren’t very involved in his dance choices and there was no one forcing him to do it — he was self-driven. “It wasn’t the North American boxed-in support where every parent goes to every child’s game,” he says, adding that he holds no resentments about it. “That’s not our culture. And that’s fine.”

Recognizing that Lam had a talent and a passion to dance without fear, Marin Ballet artistic director Cynthia Lucas recommend he go to Canada’s National Ballet School, in Toronto (Marin Ballet also helped with a scholarship), where he was accepted at age 14. From there Lam’s first male role model, Mikko Nissinen, who knew the young phenom from his days directing Marin Ballet and had just become artistic director of Boston Ballet, recommended Lam join up. His mom agreed, saying it is best to go somewhere where someone knows you, and Lam worked his way up, becoming the first Vietnamese American principal dancer in history to dance in a major ballet company.

But before any of that, Lam, returning home to his parents at the age of 20, had to tell them he was gay and engaged to a man 20 years his senior. “It was a hard thing for them to understand at first,” Lam says, explaining that it was a learning curve for his parents. “But they did come to our wedding and I’m very, very thankful to have parents that love me for who I am.”

Now, after 20 years of dancing at Boston Ballet, Lam has called it quits, performing

his last show in May. “I’m in a place right now where I am at the top of my physical game and I want to leave the organization at the top,” he says, adding that ballet dancing is very hard on the body. “It doesn’t mean I’m retiring from dance; I’m going to be dictating what I want to do now.”

Beyond all the accolades from his peers at the ballet, there were a few other VIPs in attendance that made his grand finale even more special: Felecia Gaston, and his parents, who had never seen him dance professionally. “Afterward I asked my mother and father ‘How do you feel? Because this must have been a very epic situation for you to experience,’ ” Lam recalls. “My father said ‘I didn’t know that you were a big deal’ and my mother said ‘I’m just so proud of you that you were able to do this all alone.’ ” For Lam that was the highlight of the evening.

But this isn’t the end: watch for more from Lam, including a nonprofit called LamDanceWorks, a position as an associate professor of dance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, a role in a new Amazon Prime show called Etoile, and a memoir. Clearly not even retirement can slow John Lam down.

IT’S ELECTRIC

It’s AI, but not like you have ever seen it before. By Annie Gieser

WHOEVER SAYS AI will ruin creativity has never heard of Visual Electric (www.visualelectric.com). The image generator platform was built by creatives for creatives. “It’s designed to help give form to the vision in your mind’s eye … or lead you to something even better,” says the company’s mission statement.

Two of the founders, Marinites Colin Dunn and Adam Menges, come from a tenured career in design, and the third, Zach Stiggelbout, comes from AI and software engineering. Dunn’s idea for Visual Electric first came to him while he was leading design at Universe and realizing a lot of his team used generative AI in their work, but none of the existing tools were optimized for the creative process.

“When you look at state-of-the-art AI tools, most of them are chat-based (like ChatGPT),” says Dunn. “As designers, we all felt that design soft-

ware wants to be on an infinite canvas, it wants to be a messy, open-ended workspace where you can follow your ideas, explore, spread out. We wanted to build a product designed around how the creative process works, and was intuitive and natural for designers to use.”

Visual Electric looks nothing like the other AI platforms out there. It’s all imagery-focused, with an Inspo page akin to an Instagram explore page or Pinterest board. “Inspiration in particular seemed really important in a design tool because it is so core to the design process,” Menges adds.

When Visual Electric first launched, the founders were handpicking the generated images to showcase on Inspo. But now, with hundreds of thousands of members, users create profiles to show off their own generated work and can follow other creative people who inspire them, making each user’s page unique.

“That seemed like a really cool opportunity to help people discover and learn from each other. That’s a big piece of it — AI is so new that everyone is figuring this out together,” says

Dunn. “I think the community aspect is really helpful for figuring out, What makes a great prompt? Or how do you use all of these tools to create something unique and different?”

Because of this philosophy, Visual Electric has become an online community of creative individuals, navigating the best ways to utilize AI as an assistant to their processes. Where a lot of the world is shouting against the use of AI in the creative field, here are creatives themselves cheering it on.

“We’ve had filmmakers, writers, game designers, graphic designers — a huge range of different creative professionals using the product,” says Dunn, mentioning a writer who used Visual Electric to help her visualize the fictional world she wrote about.

“Anytime somebody uses the thing you made in ways you could never have imagined is a very exciting experience.”

The future of AI changes seemingly daily, typically in unexpected ways.

Visual Electric is ready to be a part of that change, looking toward a more colorful, creative future.

Visual Electric is an AI tool created by creatives for creatives.

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Sarah Wagner Rayburn

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A 1921 copy of Trails, a publication the California Alpine Club still prints today (left); the Tourist Club’s original 1917 clubhouse with alpine chalet details (below); the Sun Trail leads to the Tourist Club, passing by ocean views, before arriving at the club above Muir Woods (opposite).

Mountain Lodge Life

BELOVED AND LONG-PRACTICED ALPINE TRADITIONS PROVIDE CULTURE FOR A MODERN COMMUNITY ON MOUNT TAMALPAIS.

By Joseph Knelman // Photographs by Michael Lax

Above Mill Valley, the Sun Trail diverges from the Dipsea, skirting a ridgeline of quaking grass, California poppies and ocean views. Most folks, en route to Stinson Beach, bypass this turnoff and the Tourist Club, which is nestled into the mountainside at the trail’s end. Those who spot the dark brown chalet with carved balcony balusters, green window trim and painted flower designs might briefly experience disorientation: Am I on Mount Tam or in the Alps?

In the Tourist Club’s library (www.touristclubsf.org), an original room in the 1917 structure, Gareth Loy, the club’s historian, is at ease among the hand-painted alpine land-

scape murals adorning the walls — from the Matterhorn to Half Dome — and the black-and-white photos of the group’s founders. “These guys were serious alpinists and they had come over to help San Francisco rebuild [after the 1906 earthquake],” says Loy of the founders. Along with many immigrants from the Alps region of Europe, they were among those spending weekends in Marin’s familiar mountain landscapes at the turn of the century, bringing along alpine activities, traditions and community that continue to the present day.

A year after the San Francisco Tourist Club’s establishment in 1912, the California Alpine Club (CAC) was

Clockwise from above: an auxiliary cabin at the CAC’s Alpine Lodge with rooms for overnighters; Gareth Loy among historical artifacts in the Tourist Club library; portrait of Alois Rohrauer, past president of Naturfreunde in Austria. Opposite: The Tourist Club grounds includes the 1917 clubhouse, a dining hall and a dance platform, among other structures.

established, later building its Alpine Lodge on a property purchased in 1925 just a bit farther up the ridge. The Mountain Home Inn (www.mtnhomeinn.com) in the same area is also from a legacy of alpine sensibilities, started by a Swiss-German couple who had an eye for the perfect mountain location in 1912. “The owners camped all around. They wanted a place where the views and the weather were optimum,” says Susan Cunningham, owner of the inn.

These organizations and lodges gave rise to communities centered around Mount Tam: “like-minded people in terms of getting outdoors and having this lodge,” says Steve Quarles, CAC historian. As people did nearly a century ago, groups of hikers still abscond to the Alpine Lodge after a foggy-day excursion to Muir Woods, gathering for coffee and conversation around the lodge’s fireplace. “In general, the purpose of the club hasn’t really changed over the years,” says Quarles. Both the Alpine Lodge and Tourist Club offer overnight lodging to members and carry on numerous social traditions, such as an annual New Year’s hike and meal. Likewise, the Mountain Home Inn, which has long served as a gathering place on the mountain hosts a locals’ night on Wednesdays.

As Marin developed, these alpine groups kept Mount Tam as their central focus, contributing to Marin’s robust access to protected nature. For the S.F. Tourist Club, “Berg frei,” the slogan of the Nature Friends parent organization established in 1890s Austria, still inspires the club’s ethos and commitment to experiences in the outdoors. “Berg frei,

which roughly translates as ‘the mountains must be free,’ has been our cry ever since,” says Loy. The CAC has also rallied around access to nature throughout its history. “As a club member you become more aware of the efforts that it took to preserve some of these lands for our use today, and I think our members were pretty good advocates for that,” says Quarles. While its original members contributed to maintenance of nascent trails, many current members are involved with the conservation efforts of OneTam (www. onetam.org). In addition, the club’s philanthropic foundation provides grants for outdoor education, trail maintenance and conservation, advancing long-standing ideals.

Even today, the alpine traditions and mountain culture of yesteryear open a connection with local history, community and a respect for the mountain. “The history, the relationship to the mountain, it should never be lost,” says Cunningham, who features numerous historical photos and paintings in the Mountain Home Inn. In much the same way as a century ago, an evening on the deck at the inn (with an order of bratwurst, surely), attending one of the Tourist Club’s annual fests or even joining one of the organizations are moments that transcend time.

With a dunkel lager on the table, Loy looks out from the Tourist Club’s deck, admiring the redwoods below and mountain peaks on the horizon. Stepping outside the bustle of everyday life in Marin, he considers Mount Tam: “There is also the need for this to exist, for us to have complete lives.”

Home on Ranchthe

Photographs by Jeff Lewis

A historic property in West Marin has found new life thanks to one savvy investor and a host of makers and producers.

By Amber Turpin

The history of Black Mountain Ranch in West Marin is fascinating, to say the least. While James Black was said to be one of the richest men in Marin County in the 1800s, intrigue, fortune, romance, family disputes and tragedy pepper the tale of the Black/Burdell family. And while the history of the ranch is interesting, the geology is even more so, its soils influenced by a Jurassic-period volcano that used to sit on the Farallon tectonic plate. Today, the Black Mountain story is unfolding with a positive, creative and progressive slant, bringing together individuals who care for the planet and this special property.

“I leased the ranch about five years ago, then bought it,” explains owner Marcel Houtzager. “It’s a big project with a lot of buildings that need a lot of care. I’m not a rancher or farmer myself, but I have really strong tenants that are really good at what they do. My job is to support them, and support the whole thing by having agri-

tourism activities.” He adds that the majority of farms and ranches in the United States are actually supported by nonfarm income because the costs are so high. “We are just at the beginning [of establishing more agritourism programming] right now, and we find in West Marin there are lots of ranches that do similar things,” Houtzager says.

The concept of agritourism is nothing new, but the practice is necessary to diversify the structure and financial success of an entity such as Black Mountain Ranch and it also offers valuable insight for visitors. “Ecoand agritourism are important to educate people on how to make purchasing decisions that are good for the health of humans and the planet, and the activity of eco- and agritourism is also necessary to support agriculture financially,” says Houtzager.

A fund manager by day, Houtzager says his passion is actually in the arts. “The love of art came first and it led to owning some

Black Mountain Ranch owner Marcel Houtzager; the ranch’s alpacas (inset)

art studios in Sausalito and then to owning the ranch,” he says. “My love of agriculture was always latent. I am a U.S. naturalized citizen and used to be a Dutch citizen, but I got sucked into it after buying the ranch.”

Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) works to put agriculture easements on ranches and farms and were the ones who initially pointed Houtzager to Black Mountain. He now sits on the MALT advisory committee.

The ranch is huge, larger than Golden Gate Park, and incredibly diverse, with two major creeks (Nicasio and Lagunitas) running across it, a 1,240-foot mountain, deep canyons and a wide spectrum of flora and fauna. Houtzager is very interested in protecting all of that and supports a roster of tenants that do the same, including a business that grows fabric dyes and works with another ranch tenant that raises sheep and

alpaca for wool to make products. There are also a cattle ranch, two vegetable farms, an artist studio, a lavender garden, and more. Houtzager calls some of these folks “local celebrities,” and for good reason.

Rebecca Burgess, founder of Fibershed (www.fibershed.org), is a pioneer in the farmto-closet movement and one of the anchor tenants at the ranch. She teaches big-name fashion brands how to green up their supply chains and her name has even been mentioned as a potential future secretary of agriculture for California.

Molly Meyerson owns Little Wing Farm (www.littlewingfarm.com), the larger of two organic farms at the ranch, cultivating a diverse mix of produce, flowers and even quail eggs. She also sits on the board of MALT.

Loren Poncia is a fourth-generation cattle rancher and keeps about one-third of

Eco- and agritourism are important to educate people on how to make purchasing decisions that are good for the health of humans and the planet.”

his Black Angus beef cattle at Black Mountain Ranch. His home property is Stemple Creek Ranch, which is well known and regarded in the culinary world.

Allison Reilly is a sheep and alpaca shepherd and fashion designer and what Houtzager calls “the living embodiment of what Fibershed is trying to promote,” which is locally grown wool, processed in the region and turned into very high-quality and durable fashion items that are actually worth mending (instead of just being thrown away when damaged) and then can eventually be returned to the earth via compost.

Ido Yoshimoto, arborist and prolific artist, has his studio at the ranch and has shown locally as well as in Tokyo.

These tenants coexist in harmony on the property, working on their own projects and creations while Houtzager pushes forward with upgrades to the facilities. There is a newly updated event kitchen, which was basically

an old shack, now turned into a modern space with concrete, glass and wood accents. Across the way is a historic barn that has undergone major reconstruction. Local contractor Harlan Honda (East Peak Building) is overseeing the work under his dad’s Marin Master Builders company, and he remarks that it has not been an easy task. Honda is impressed with Houtzager’s vision and says, “He’s really helping support the people who are out here.”

While the ranch is not open to the public, it is available for booking a photo shoot or event, exploring on a MALT hike or for educational visits through Food & Farm Tours. You can also purchase Black Mountain–grown produce at the Little Wing Farm stand and participate in a Fibershed workshop.

For more information on the rich history of Black Mountain Ranch and for updates on upcoming events and activities, check out www.blackmountainranch.info or Instagram @blackmountain_ranch.

Black Mountain Ranch is larger than Golden Gate Park and incredibly diverse, with two major creeks (Nicasio and Lagunitas) running across it, a 1,240-foot mountain, deep canyons and a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.

To see more of Jeff Lewis’ work and purchase locally handcrafted prints, visit www.landESCAPEvisuals.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER

MICHAEL LAX CAPTURES

MARIN IN ALL ITS GREEN, GLORIOUS SPLENDOR.

all long SUMMER

PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS BY

MICHAEL LAX

Located at the western tip of the Point Reyes Peninsula, the South Beach Overlook offers a sweeping vista of the rugged Pacific coastline. The towering cliffs curve in a way that almost perfectly mirrors the waves hitting the shore, creating an artful pattern in the landscape. It’s a mesmerizing scene to watch unfold along the 30-mile stretch of beach.

A roadside view of the route to the Point Reyes Headlands, a prominent landform that juts out about 10 miles into the Pacific Ocean. The sun-flecked grasses and ocean mist were a magnetizing combination perfectly representing spring beauty.

Inset left: Nothing transports you away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco as much as witnessing the majestic tule elk roaming freely throughout Point Reyes National Seashore. I was fortunate enough to catch them at sunset, silhouetted against the backdrop of green, rolling hills.

Lush greens transform Chimney Rock into a scene reminiscent of the Irish coast. I spent hours atop the peninsula’s cliffs, exploring different vantage points while listening to the barks of lounging elephant seals on the beaches below.

Inset right: Meet Rey, my best friend, assistant and occasional model. She has never met a beach she didn’t love, even with South Beach’s gusting ocean spray blowing her fur.

MICHAEL LAX IS A LANDSCAPE AND LIFESTYLE SAN FRANCISCO–BASED PHOTOGRAPHER AND COUNTS GOOGLE, JEEP AND POLESTAR AMONG HIS CLIENTS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH HIM OR BUYING A PRINT, CONTACT HIM VIA INSTAGRAM @MICHAELLAXPHOTO OR VISIT WWW.MICHAELLAX.COM.

Community Minded

Organic to the Core Since 1969

Good Earth is an independent natural and organic grocer, proudly serving Marin since 1969. From our early days on 123 Bolinas Road to today, we’ve remained committed to advocating for a healthier and more sustainable food system, and providing our community with the highest quality organic food available. With locations in both Fairfax and Mill Valley, Good Earth offers the largest selection of organic takeout in Marin, as well as a carefully curated mix of products from pantry staples and bulk goods, to artisan cheese and 100 percent organic produce.

www.genatural.com

questions@genatural.com

Fairfax | 720 Center Blvd.

Fairfax, CA 94930

415.454.0123

Mill Valley | 210 Flamingo Rd. Mill Valley, CA 94941 | 415.383.0123

Marin County Real Estate Experts

Bowman Real Estate Group is a team of highly specialized agents working together as a united force to get you the best possible price for your home. Exceeding expectations professionally and personally beyond the initial transaction through building relationships.

Bowman Real Estate Group

Jennifer Bowman, Elliott Fink and Kris Rockwell

www.bowmanrealestategroup.com team@bowmanrealestategroup.com 415.755.1040

Visionaries

Marin Living is thrilled to feature the Bay Area’s most influential leaders and businesses. These people and companies epitomize what being a visionary means in their respective fields. This advertorial feature showcases our partners and their business and how they set themselves apart as true leaders and innovators in their industries.

CASSIE ZAMPA-KEIM // INNOVATIVE MATCH

This matchmaker is constantly breaking new ground in her industry.

How are you disrupting your industry?

I’ve always believed it’s helpful to keep my finger on the pulse of changes and trends in the dating industry, which is why I’m still here after more than 30 years in the business. I coach my clients on many subjects, including overcoming their dating fears. I prepare them mentally for their dates, protect them by vetting matches, advise them on how to respond to messages, listen to their feedback after their dates, and continue to support and guide their dating life until they meet their next relationship partner.

What separates you from the pack?

Time. I have been in this industry full-time for over three decades. I’m also not a nine-to-five dating expert because dating isn’t a nine-to-five prospect. I understand my clients may need me for last-minute advice. I’m the office, and I’m always open.

What’s the most exciting innovation you have come up with?

The pandemic was instrumental in opening up a new world of singles who lived farther away. My message: Don’t be fixated on proximity if you have the flexibility and the lifestyle to travel.

Why is living and working in the Bay Area so special?

Singles in the Bay Area are among the luckiest in my opinion because of how many great dating options they have.

From hiking, city dining and walks along the beach at sunset to wine tasting or a drive down the coast, the places to go for a date are endless.

INNOVATIVE MATCH WEST COAST 415.259.8714 www.innovative-match.com /@innovativematch

Creating tranquil designs and expertly staged properties.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

At The Still Collective, we’re not just thoughtful designers; we’re a full-service staging and project management company, complemented by our very own home decor haven: STILL. From creating tranquil designs to expertly staging properties, we ensure every detail is meticulously managed and executed. Our comprehensive approach guarantees a seamless experience, whether you’re selling a property or transforming a space into your dream space.

What is unique about your business that sets it apart from others?

Centered on the concept of slow living, we specialize in crafting mindful and intentional experiences that transform spaces into the sanctuary you’ve envisioned. Distinguished by our soulful California aesthetic, we frequently partner with local artists, craftsmen and designers to instill homes with meaningful transformations.

How are you disrupting your industry? Our disruption of the industry is driven by our pursuit of growth and expansion for exciting new opportunities in Marin. We continuously seek new opportunities, always saying “yes” to innovative ideas and ways to grow our brand. This proactive mindset allows us to elevate other creatives in the area, growing our presence and footprint through new offerings and expanding our retail locations.

Does your business have a unique history in the Bay Area?

At The Still Collective, we are excited to introduce several new services designed to enhance your experience and streamline the process of transforming your space. Our talented interior design team now offers curated, custom designs without the wait. These design furnishings are tailored to your specific space and needs with our California cool design choices, allowing you to quickly transform your home into a tranquil haven and complete with options for order management, installation and styling. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or your entire home, our custom designs ensure a seamless and stylish update as we partner with unique, vintage and local vendors to transform your space in as little as six weeks.

LORI SPERLING AND ASHLEY RUIZ // THE STILL COLLECTIVE, LLC

ALEX LYKIARDOPOULOS & GREG ROSE // LOST BOYS CONSTRUCTION

Expert building and construction with a deep knowledge of forgotten techniques.

What is it about your team that makes them trailblazers?

We have had the advantage and good fortune of having been mentored by exceptional craftsmen in the trade which has given us an edge in the industry.

How are you boldly paving the way in your industry?

Our keen attention to detail and a high level of scrutiny combined with a creative eye offers a superior finished product.

What makes you so effective at customer relations?

Our down-to-earth and honest approach to communicating with clients directly makes us relatable and easy to work with.

Are you doing anything new to inspire the next generation of trailblazers?

We are reviving and utilizing old and forgotten trade secrets and techniques that are seldom used in the industry today — specifically, the use of Japanese-style joints, woodturning and fine chisel work.

What trailblazing services do you offer?

We will do what most in our field are scared to. We appreciate our client’s vision and are not afraid to take risks creatively.

How are you disrupting your industry?

Many industries, particularly construction, are grossly guilty of a “throw away” mentality. We are excited to renovate, reuse and reinvent using vintage and salvaged materials as well as using lost and forgotten methods of building.

LOST BOYS CONSTRUCTION

415.488.5665 Info@lostboys-constructions.com

MICHAEL REX // MICHAEL REX ARCHITECTS, LTD.

An architect dedicated to giving clients beautiful environments.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

We can imagine what could be that is not there, something wonderful.

How does your team’s vision manifest itself in your business practice?

Working together with our clients, we design beauty and create joy.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business?

You must know where you are going to plan a way to get there.

How are you thinking outside the box?

We move the bar by setting a high standard for design, graphics and well-detailed plans.

What separates your business from the pack?

We are strong advocates for our clients. We have a reputation for quality work. We can get the most challenging projects approved.

Does your business have a notable history in the Bay Area?

We have been designing beautiful homes for over 40 years. Half our team

has been working together for over 20 years. Experience matters.

What new innovation do you offer? With 3D modeling, near photo-real rendering and virtual reality technology, our clients can visually “walk through” our designs.

1750 Bridgeway, Ste. B211, Sausalito, CA 94965

415.331.1400

hello@michaelrexarchitects.com www.michaelrexarchitects.com

MICHAEL REX ARCHITECTS, LTD.

JEFF JUNGSTEN // JUNGSTEN CONSTRUCTION

This firm places a emphasis on preconstruction and collaboration.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

Our team stands at the forefront of the construction industry, distinguished as visionaries who are reshaping the landscape with innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies. We blend creativity with practicality, always pushing the boundaries to deliver sustainable, efficient and aesthetically superior homes. Our commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking mindset ensures that we not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate and drive the future trends of the construction industry.

How are you thinking outside the box?

A clear way is that we focus on preconstruction, which creates a paradigm shift in the positioning for a project. We are often the first contact for a client or design team which creates a very high level of trust and collaboration up front. By building a team around a specific project and client well ahead of a design we create

a collaborative focus around the client that streamlines the design process in ways not seen before. The value add from this is without question what sets us apart from others.

What separates your business from the pack?

Our client-centric approach and focus on preconstruction and collaboration from the inception of a project sets us apart. That coupled with our deep experience in the industry, and our focus on industry leading sustainability practices and our ability to produce a very high level of quality makes us very unique. Our preconstruction and entitlement processes are known specifically for their efficiency and results.

JUNGSTEN CONSTRUCTION

65 Mitchell Boulevard, Ste. 100, San Rafael, CA 94903 Info@Jungsten.com 415.381.3162 www.jungsten.com

DR. FAYE JAMALI // BELLE MARIN AESTHETIC MEDICINE

This concierge medspa is at the forefront technological advancements.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

Dr. Jamali and our highly trained staff offer a personalized experience tailored to meet the unique needs of every client. Whether you are new to aesthetics or a seasoned pro, our philosophy remains unwavering: “we will meet you where you are.”

How does your team’s vision manifest itself in your business practice?

Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine is led by Dr. Faye Jamali, who envisioned a concierge medspa offering today’s leading services. The end result of her vision is Belle Marin — an elegant space complete with state-of-the-art aesthetic care. We offer the newest noninvasive technologies to create a customized plan for each patient. Dr. Jamali strives to meet the needs of patients with the most innovative treatments available on the market.

What separates your business from the pack?

What sets us apart is not just our dedication to client satisfaction, but also our steadfast commitment to staying at the forefront of technology.

What new products do you offer?

We are very excited about the Secret Pro device that features unique treatment options for skin resurfacing and deep remodeling to address aging concerns. Using a combination therapy of Micronee-

dling with Radio Frequency and CO2 laser, the effects of this innovative treatment are profound and lasting. We are also offering our O2 Glow facial using Intraceuticals Oxygen. This innovative facial treatment infuses oxygen, vitamins and antioxidants deep into your skin, promoting a youthful glow from within.

BELLE MARIN

AESTHETIC MEDICINE

250 E Blithedale Avenue, Ste. B, Mill Valley, CA 94941 415.887.8718

hello@bellemarin.com

PETRA HIGBY // THE CAVIAR CO.

Get to know caviar and in a comfortable setting.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

At The Caviar Co., our team is driven by a passion for reimagining the way people experience caviar. We are committed to making this luxury food more accessible and engaging by hosting tasting events, large and small, where education is the focus and the nuances of each type are highlighted. By looking ahead at market trends and continuously seeking creative ways to delight our customers, we embody visionary leadership in the industry.

How does your team’s vision manifest itself in your business practice?

Our vision is to be the leading purveyor of premium caviar, known for quality, consistency and as a lifestyle brand. This vision guides every aspect of our business, from sourcing the best caviar to collaborating with top chefs and hosting unique events. Our strategy involves maintaining high standards, fostering strong relationships with our partners and continuously exploring new avenues to bring exceptional experiences to our customers.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business?

A clear vision provides direction and purpose. It ensures that every decision we make aligns with our long-term goals and values. For The Caviar Co., our vision keeps us focused on delivering unparalleled quality and creating memorable experiences. It also inspires our team to strive for excellence and stay ahead of the curve.

How are you disrupting your industry? We are disrupting the traditional caviar market by bringing innovative experiences directly to our customers. Whether it’s through unique collaborations with household names like Pringles, high-end designers like Harwell Godfrey and Houses & Parties, or one of the very exciting projects we’ll announce in the coming months, we’re always looking for ways to make caviar more accessible.

THE CAVIAR CO. 415.889.5168

46A Main St, Tiburon, CA 94920 www.thecaviarco.com

MARK HADFIELD AND MATTHEW BARTLETT // PERSIMMON.LIFE

Innovative, concierge in-home medical aesthetics treatments.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

Persimmon is disrupting the medspa market with our innovative business model of concierge, in-home medical aesthetics treatments. We’re able to do this at-scale as we have proprietary software engineering, and we think differently about service delivery. Clients love the experience of in-home service, and our providers (nurses) love having a flexible schedule for parttime work with the ability to earn meaningful income outside of an ER or hospital.

How does your team’s vision manifest itself in your business practice?

The medical aesthetics market is fairly antiquated. Persimmon offers a fresh approach with everything we do, from the in-home services we offer, to how we train our providers to deliver hospitality, to our proprietary software which delivers a best-in-class customer experience.

How are you disrupting your industry?

Our business model of in-home service is completely new to medical aesthetics. We’re simultaneously offering nurses an opportunity that didn’t exist until now and consumers the experience that only a small few had access to previously.

What separates your business from the pack?

The quality of our employees and our active curation of company culture are the main differentiating factors. From the beginning, all our full-time people have had ownership in the company.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business?

This market (like many) is changing rapidly. Great change also brings great opportunity if you move fast and adapt.

PERSIMMON.LIFE

100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Ste. 115, Larkspur, CA 94939

info@persimmon.life www.persimmon.life /@persimmon.life

CHRIS

DORMAN AIA // DORMAN ASSOCIATES, INC.

Collaborating with clients to bring them the very best design.

How do you see your team as visionaries?

We like to define “visionary” as the realization of someone’s dream. We know the best designs are a collaboration with the client, rather than one that is imposed by the designer. We find great pleasure in sharing an idea with our clients that meets all their needs yet exceeds all expectations. From there, we fine tune things with the client’s input, sculpting the initial design into a beautiful and unique design for them.

What sets your team apart?

Time and again, our clients tell us they chose us because we listened to them about what they wanted and needed, when other designers have told them to wipe the slate clean and start over. Ultimately, our vision as designers is not about imposing our ideas but about crafting a collaborative journey that brings our clients’ dreams to life.

How do you express your vision?

Our expertise lies in creating a threedimensional structure that contains what

the client understands best, their own lives and how they live them. In that, they are the experts. We find ways to introduce our clients to new concepts about space, materials and flow between indoors and out.

Do you have any examples of this?

A few years ago, a client came to us wanting to build a new house with beautiful views, yet help shield themselves from the hot summer sun. After long discussions, it was clear that using a modern design featuring flat roofs and a large wrap-around porch would optimize the view while offering additional light with clerestory windows. The large sliding doors lead to a covered patio on the house’s north side, offering a shaded seating area during the hot summer days. The collaboration took time but was incredibly rewarding.

cd@dormanassociates.com www.dormanassociates.com

CARMEN CARR // ENGEL & VOLKERS

Experience and love of outdoors set this Lake Tahoe - Truckee advisor apart.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business?

I truly believe having a clear vision will determine my success. Clarity allows me to identify the specific steps to take to reach my goals in business as well as in my personal endeavors. Life provides a plethora of options, while having options can be beneficial, it also can be overwhelming and distracting. Focus is the key.

What separates you from the pack?

I love the outdoors and love sharing it with my clients. I have been offering a monthly local guided hike since 2006. My clients love getting to know our beautiful backyard and I am thrilled to share it with them. A bonus is that my clients get to meet other people on the hike.

Do you have a unique history in the Bay Area?

I have fantastic connections in the Bay Area. Most of my clients come from here and own a second home in Tahoe. Having lived in the Lake Tahoe area since 1986, I have witnessed its transformation and evolving real estate trends. My extensive experience enables me to effectively advise and support clients in making informed decisions.

What new service do you offer?

I take pride in being a good listener and effectively navigating the real estate process. Accessible and eager to serve, I offer local expertise and market knowledge. With access to numerous reliable local service providers, I assist clients in preparing their homes for sale. For absentee owners, I manage and coordinate the entire process.

CARMEN CARR

Engel & Völkers Truckee Tahoe 530.448.1643 carmencarr@engelvoelkers.com www.carmencarr.evrealestate.com DRE #01399136

THERA BUTTARO // SONOMA COAST LIVING REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Knowing what buyers want is everything. It’s all about the views.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business? Having a clear vision means you focus. You focus and double check everything that might come at you, be sent to you, emailed or offered. Vision and focus keep you out of trouble and on-track.

How are you disrupting your industry? I decided several years ago to oversee my own destiny — I know what I need to do to not get distracted. I started our hands-on vacation rental business 30 years ago. I know this is the gold standard in providing property management with short-term income for clients. We have a staff of cleaners who know each property, who know the owners and who clean and care for it.

What separates your business from the pack? I don’t compromise on a standard of professionalism and quality of care for clients. Being kind, respectful, but honest above all. We use social media to share the new BB&B homes we have ready to book and update the new listings. Renters become property owners and need management for short-term rental income.

SONOMA COAST LIVING REAL ESTATE SERVICES

575 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923

707.849.5241

thera@sonomacoastliving.realestate www.sonomacoastliving.com

DRE: #00610278

Does your business have a unique history in the Bay Area? We moved to Bodega Bay because my husband and I loved the seashore and the Pacific Ocean. We decided how we could have a business here and have that sustain us. We treasure the clientele we built through the years.

Any changes to the business? I hired Chris Bowland over four years ago to manage and run my vacation home rental business. He looked at the industry and knew we needed online booking. That made us able to make more bookings with fewer people and make fewer mistakes. We are doing more bookings in each month with less than half of the office staff.

JENNIFER BOWMAN, ELLIOTT FINK AND KRIS ROCKWELL // BOWMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP

The team and experts you need to achieve real estate success.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

We are a team of highly specialized agents working together as a united force to get you the best possible price for your home. We exceed expectations professionally and personally beyond the initial transaction through building relationships.

How does your team’s vision manifest itself in your business practice?

At Bowman Real Estate Group our strengths are negotiation and access to a highly experienced, tight-knit community of lenders, tradespeople, legal experts and financial experts. More than working in parallel, our all-star team truly collaborates to achieve success for clients.

How are you thinking outside the box?

Our clients get much more than a real estate agent. We have built a team of highly specialized individuals who have vast experience with real estate transactions and services. Our combined backgrounds include marketing, design, construction, project management, law, hospitality, development, psychology and competitive sports.

Does your business have a notable history in the Bay Area?

Continuing the legacy of the Bowman Real Estate Group as a second-generation topproducing realtor in Marin County, we are committed to upholding the esteemed reputation of the Bowman Group within the real estate community. Our dedication to excellence and passion for serving clients with integrity are at the core of our approach. Whether you’re buying, selling or investing, we are ready to exceed your expectations.

BOWMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP

1118 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 94939 415.755.1040

team@bowmanrealestategroup.com www.bowmanrealestategroup.com

ARCHIVE MODERN HOMES // NEIL HENK AND TODD FISCHER

Disrupting the construction industry with a design-build approach.

What makes your team visionaries in your field? We are determined to shift the design and construction industry to an integrated approach. The traditional process (design first, bid out to contractors, then start building) is slow and dysfunctional. I know how to make design-build operate more effectively. I am a graduate of SCIArc and have been designing for 20 years. Todd has been building for over 30 years in a variety of environments. We have complete confidence in our team and know we can take on any kind of residential project. We can design, or build, or design and build. With our in-field expertise, we support the integrity of the architectural plan and help balance schedules and budgets.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business? When you are very clear on the end-goal, you can be flexible in the path you take to achieve it. With designbuild, the project can evolve with the client. At least 10 percent of design calls that take the project from good to great are made in the field. This process allows us to create beauty that is inherent to the client’s function and environment.

What new innovation do you offer? We are a one-stop shop. We get the ball rolling with a permit set, start building and continue designing as we encounter opportunities in the field. Our process is responsive and organic.

How does your team’s vision and strategy manifest itself in your business practice? We don’t go for trends or conventions. We bring together clients’ desires, site conditions, local environment and economic context, and build fast and well. We prioritize the partnership with each client and focus on the one project.

354 Grandview Avenue, Novato CA 94945

415.309.7314

neil@archivemodern.com www.archivemodern.com

ARCHIVE MODERN HOMES

MARGIE WOODS, M.A. // LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL STUDIO

Take the time to connect with yourself.

LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL STUDIO

310.614.1445

mw@margiewoods.com www.margiewoods.com /@language_of_the_soul_studio

Your path toward a healthy,

UNALOME, REIKI & WELLNESS

Ross & Sausalito 415.430.5813 unalomemarin@gmail.com www.unalomemarin.com @unalomemarin @jenniferbrinnreiki

What makes you a visionary?

My art workshops are special. While you’ll certainly learn a lot of great techniques, the deeper focus is on using the creative practice to slow down and connect with yourself. Creating pretty art often happens, but that’s not the goal. My workshops are about tapping into the healing powers of art. It’s a journey of self-discovery and self-connection, where the process is more important than the outcome.

What makes your approach different?

My approach to teaching art workshops is unique. I prioritize the emotional and therapeutic aspects of making art, focusing on helping my students connect with themselves rather than only creating aesthetically pleasing pieces. By emphasizing the healing powers of art and encouraging a slower, more mindful process, I guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This innovative approach transforms art from mere techniques into a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being.

What makes you a Visionary in your field?

Working with a healing modality like Reiki not only clears energetic pathways, but also increases vitality and resilience which can often accelerate a person’s path to healing and well-being.

How does your vision manifest itself in your business practice?

In order to practice reiki, we also have to be reiki. As practitioners, we maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle so we can remain clear channels for this healing energy. When you walk into our healing centers, you really feel the entire place infused with positive energy.

How are you thinking outside the box?

We love creating opportunities for people to sample our work. We’ve teamed up with Metta Yoga in Corte Madera to offer a monthly Reiki & Restorative Yoga class. We also offer a monthly low-cost Community Reiki Clinic.

KELSAY ELIZABETH MYERS // DIALOGICAL PERSONA HEALING ARTS

For bold hearts on the road to transformation, embodiment and self-expression.

What makes you a visionary in your field?

Dialogical Persona is a sacred space I often consider a portal because I allow each client to enter an alternate world and become a mythic version of themselves. Often, it is the first time they are allowed to be any and all things they choose. I consider it visionary because I give them a place to try on all of these aspects with me as a witness, guide and mirror for their highest visions, and both of us become visionaries through the embodiment of these dialogues.

How does your vision manifest itself in your business practice?

The mission of my work is the transformation, embodiment and authentic expression of who people are, so they can have more personal power, confidence and trust. In focusing on inner healing and personal wellness using the mythic self, I help my clients to actually become their future visions in the present using mindfulness, reflective writing, self-portrait drawing and vision-based practices.

DIALOGICAL PERSONA HEALING ARTS kelsay@dialogicalpersona.com www.dialogicalpersona.com

/@dialogicalpersona /dialogicalpersona

MARTINE

LANGSAM // IAT, WTS-CERTIFIED TRICHOLOGIST

The science behind a healthy hair and scalp.

How are you thinking outside the box? I think outside the box by looking at all the possible factors for hair and scalp issues: lifestyle, stress, nutrient deficiencies, medications, environmental factors and more. I examine the hair and scalp looking for signs and symptoms and work holistically to correct underlying causes, strengthen the hair root and grow thicker stronger hair.

What separates you from the pack?

I am a certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist with many year’s experience working with hair and studying the science of the hair. I know hair inside and out, the cosmetic products made for the hair, medications made to treat alopecias, the reasons for hair damage, thinning and hair loss, and the science behind it all.

Do you have a unique history in the Bay Area?

I am a Marinite, born and raised in Marin County. I have worked in the beauty field since 1985.

MARTINE LANGSAM, IAT TRICHOLOGY CLINIC

880 Las Gallinas Avenue, Ste. 4, San Rafael, CA 94903

415.453.9792

martinelangsam@gmail.com www.martinelangsam.com

AMY FITZGERALD AND KELLY KONIS // SILVERWORK STUDIOS

Learn to make your own jewelry.

What innovative new service do you offer? We believe everybody can be creative! We developed a guided jewelry-making workshop that gives complete beginners the opportunity to be a jewelry designer in a real studio. In a two-hour workshop, learn to solder metal and make your own jewelry.

We curated the workshop experience to be fun, challenging and deeply satisfying, and you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry you’ve designed yourself. We also offer jewelry-making parties at the studio, remote pop-ups and camps.

What are you doing to stay connected?

We launched “ReJewel”, a community initiative to upcycle and reimagine donated jewelry to benefit MarinArts, the nonprofit supporting the arts in Marin. Donated jewelry will be reimagined by the Silverwork staff, students and volunteers. A collection of fabulous, “rejeweled” pieces will be sold at our studios and a gala benefiting MarinArts.

SILVERWORK STUDIOS

Northgate Mall, San Rafael hello@silverworkstudios.com www.silverworkstudios.com 415.471.7874

TOM BRIGHAM // VELERO CONSTRUCTION

This team wants you to love your space.

What makes your team visionaries in your field?

We offer a specialized building and remodeling experience with a strong focus on communication and integrity. Our company does high-end residential projects in San Francisco and Marin and we are proud to hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

How does your team’s vision manifest itself in your business practice?

There can be a lot of complexity to large projects, and we feel that open and honest communication is paramount.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business?

The most enjoyable part of what we do is when the client is delighted with their new living space.

What separates your business from the pack? Quality work and willingness to go the extra mile for the client.

VELERO CONSTRUCTION

2816 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 415.854.8081 info@veleroconstruction.com www.veleroconstruction.com

CAMILA BOLEAS // MILONGA EVENTS

The best eating and dining events, right in your dining room.

MILONGA EVENTS

707.367.5131

milongaevents@gmail.com

www.milonga-events.com

What makes your team visionaries in your field? What makes us visionaries is the fact that we work with top level chefs and mixologists to bring a high-end, intimate and customized experience to each event. We focus on small-size events to make each bite and sip feel like the best dining night out you ever have, in your dining room.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business?

Because we don’t mass produce events. We craft unforgettable experiences. You will see a Michelin Star chef cook in your kitchen for your 60th birthday celebration. You will cheer with your closest friends and family to an amazing, customized cocktail with your name that matches your personality and the vibe of the event — and yes, it also pairs perfectly with the five-star meal your about to have.

What new innovation do you offer?

Our star product is the Chef Dinner: A unique and intimate culinary experience for your closest friends and family in a comfortable, private setting.

ROXANNE ALBIN, MBA // APPLIED FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Exceptional customer service no matter what size business you have.

Why is it important to have a clear vision for your business? A clear vision will guide you to where you want to go and what you are aspiring to accomplish. By having clarity on one’s vision, one can determine short- and long-term goals. Visions provide direction and insight on what a company should be doing. It is the cornerstone of a successful and sustainable business.

What separates your business from the pack? One factor that separates us from the pack is that we serve nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as individuals. We find this gives us an advantage as we are well versed in a variety of diverse types of businesses. Most businesses target one sector or the other and not both.

Why do clients keep coming back? We aim to provide exceptional customer service to all our clients no matter what size of business they have. We do not just provide generic services; we become a partner in your business journey, offering insights and strategies that are customized to your business.

APPLIED FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

PO Box 687, Petaluma, CA 94952

415.246.1461

roxannealbin@appliedfinancialservices.com www.appliedfinancialservices.com

SEPTEMBER ISSUE: Beautiful Living

We will honor the local experts who define Beautiful Living in Marin Living’s September issue. Whether it’s personal beauty, sprucing up your home or finding a brand new abode, this advertorial feature provides readers with an inside look at the experts, services and products that contribute to living a beautiful life. How these professionals and their teams conduct business exemplifies their passion, commitment and love for what they do and you and your business can be a part of it.

Marin Living will provide a marketing support campaign with a sponsored article on our website for one year, newsletter-sponsored promotion to 16,000 opted-in subscribers and social media posts.

Your Marin County Real Estate Experts

With over 40 years of experience we have a deep understanding of the Marin County Market and know how to showcase homes to their full potential. Whether buying or selling, our expertise ensures you get the best results. Let

going places.

STAR POWER

Stargazing is becoming more and more popular with locals as well as at luxury travel destinations worldwide.

and offers world-class stargazing.

Courtesy

Sheldon Chalet is located in Denali National Park, accessible only by helicopter,

STAR TOURS

This new travel trend is out of this world, here are four ways to experience it firsthand.

By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti

THE YEAR 2024 may forever be known as the year we gained a new appreciation for the night sky. I’ll never forget doing a new moon meditation and sound bathing session at the Hôtel Swexan in Dallas before watching the moon eclipse the sun’s face from the Saint-Tropez–inspired rooftop. Seeing a sunny afternoon turn into a 360-degree sunset, then an inky nighttime sky and then back again within minutes left me awestruck.

From the total solar eclipse in April to the northern lights display in the contiguous U.S. in May caused by a rare solar storm, celestial events are dazzling Americans and sparking curiosity. Marin residents interested in astrotourism — travel to see celestial objects and events — have many upcoming opportunities, such as meteor showers, supermoons and partial eclipses. All are chances to feel more connected with the universe and ourselves.

A Beginner-Friendly Meteor Shower

Meteor showers are clouds of debris, often the size of pebbles, left in the path of a comet. The earth passes through these trails each year (it’s possible to see about 30 meteor showers annually). Even though they’re tiny, when the fragments collide with our atmosphere they create fiery streaks. Amateur astronomers can experience the wonder of a meteor shower during the Perseid meteor shower from August 12 to 13. Warm summer weather enables sky-watchers to view them comfortably at night; sometimes, stargazers can see meteors as early as 10 p.m. This year, the Perseids will coincide with a first quarter moon, making for excellent viewing once the moon sets around midnight.

A Dark Sky Park, Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park will offer optimal conditions for

Bailey Made

watching the Perseids. Night Sky Telescope ranger programs are available at the visitors center in the summer.

WHERE TO STAY:

Five Under Canvas camps, known for safari tent accommodations and resort amenities, have been officially recognized as the world’s first Dark Sky–certified resorts. These include Zion, Grand Canyon, Moab, Lake Powell–Grand Staircase and the Bryce Canyon location. DarkSky International is an organization dedicated to protecting

communities and wildlife from the negative impacts of light pollution.

At Under Canvas Bryce Canyon (from $299 per night; www.undercanvas.com/camps/ bryce-canyon), where a juniper forest surrounds tents, guests can sleep under star-filled skies in a Stargazer Tent with a viewing window above the king-size bed and roast marshmallows for s’mores at nightly fires.

Clear Sky Resorts (from $525 per night; www.brycecanyon.clearsky resorts.com) is opening a luxury

glamping resort near Bryce Canyon with accommodations in glass domes in early August.

A Joint Cosmic Event

Lunar eclipses happen when the Earth is between a full moon and the sun; its shadow is cast on the moon’s surface, dimming it and sometimes turning it red.

On September 17 in North America, a partial lunar eclipse will coincide with a “harvest” supermoon when the moon reaches

View of the Milky Way from Under Canvas Bryce Canyon (opposite); Clear Sky Resorts (this image)

its closest point to Earth. A small portion of the moon will darken as it passes into Earth’s shadow. While not as dramatic as a solar eclipse, this event, visible throughout most of North America, should be captivating.

Mesa Verde National Park, designated the 100th International Dark Sky Park in 2021, has extremely low light pollution and the perfect conditions for star and eclipse viewing. Seeing the event against the backdrop of sandstone cliff dwellings will be like stepping back to the time of the ancient Puebloans.

WHERE TO STAY: Fifteen miles inside Mesa Verde National Park, Far View Lodge (from $150 per night; www.visitmesaverde.com)

feels removed from civilization. Guest rooms have no TVs and limited cell service, but simple, yet stylish Western decor and balconies for wildlife and star viewing. Ranger-led stargazing programs help educate guests on how to get the best vantage points for astronomical events at all hours, from just after moonrise to before moonset.

The Northern Lights Peak

The sun switches its magnetic poles every 11 years — this period, known as solar maximum, results in increased solar activity. The trillions of tons of hot hydrogen gas being ejected from the corona fly into space and interact with our atmosphere, increasing the

The stunning grounds at Alyeska Resort

chance of dramatic northern and southern lights or auroras.

This year, travelers can seize a strong chance to see the northern lights in places like Finland, Iceland and Alaska, where aurora season begins in September.

WHERE TO STAY: At Alyeska Resort (from $249 per night; www.alyeskaresort.com), 40 minutes from Anchorage in Girdwood, guests don’t have to fret about missing the dramatic show; the Aurora Concierge will

John Kreye

call guests when the northern lights are dancing in the night sky. The upscale lodge also offers easy access to miles and miles of mountain hiking and a Nordic spa where hydrotherapy sessions are best at twilight.

Sheldon Chalet (from $32,000 per night for up to four guests, with a three-night minimum; www.sheldonchalet. com) in Denali National Park, accessible only by helicopter, offers world-class stargazing and the most surreal aurora borealis viewing experience. At 6,000 feet and with virtually zero light pollution, Sheldon Chalet’s thin troposphere allows guests to see the most vivid shooting stars and clearest views of the blue, purple and green colors of the aurora borealis bouncing

off glaciers and mountain peaks. Expert guides educate guests about the northern lights and constellations.

A Fiery Eclipse in South America

On October 2, South America will experience an annular solar eclipse, which casts an eerie glow. During an annular eclipse, the new moon moves before the sun but leaves a ring of sun visible around the edges, creating a halo effect. This is why it’s known as a “ring of fire” eclipse. It will cross over Argentina and Chile (called the astronomical capital of the world) including UNESCO-protected Easter Island. The destination, known for its monumental statues, offers mystery and natural beauty.

WHERE TO STAY: Kuoda

Travel (www.kuodatravel.com) offers custom itineraries for astrotourism enthusiasts in South America, like astrophotography trips in Bolivia and stargazing in the Atacama Desert. For the annular eclipse, travel designers can arrange a trek in Patagonia National Park or a more luxurious getaway to Easter Island. There, guests can stay at the all-inclusive Explora Lodge Rapa Nui (from $1,070 per night with a three-night minimum; www. explora.com). The five-star Nayara Hangaroa (from $472 per night; www.nayarahangaroa. com), with a swimming pool overlooking the ocean and curved guest rooms inspired by ancient caves, also has some eclipse availability.

Five-star resort Nayara Hangaroa

Start

The California Collection

Why do we live here and what do we love about it? These iconic pendants in 14k gold with diamond accents and Sterling silver with white sapphires remind us of the places and landmarks that are so special. The Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, Stinson Beach and Muir Woods to name a few. All are unique to this region and admired by all. Why not collect them all?

SMALL WORLD, BIG UNIVERSE

The Marin Stargazers offer the public free glimpses into the cosmos through high-resolution telescopes.

By Daniel Jewett

IN MAY OF 2021 Dan Smiley thought he’d drop a note on Nextdoor to see if any neighbors wanted to join him for a night sky viewing through one of his telescopes. More than 100 people responded.

So he set up at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot and marveled as about 60 people actually showed up along with a few other telescope-toting astronomers he didn’t know. “I discovered that there was a pent-up interest and enthusiasm for astronomy and stargazing,” Smiley says. “I found that people just have a natural curiosity, but they don’t always have an outlet or way to access it.”

And with that, Marin Stargazers was born. Smiley, who grew up in Mill Valley, had a “telescope” as a kid (it was more of a toy, he says) and loved looking at the stars back when there was much less light pollution in Marin. In his 20s he became more serious — bought some better gear — and traveled around California and Oregon

seeking out dark skies. Now retired, the vice president of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers has more time to enjoy his hobby and share it with others.

The Stargazers and their dozen volunteers set up events for schools and the National Park Service, Mount Tamalpais State Park and Marin County Parks and enjoy an ongoing partnership with Marin County Open Space, but they are open to working with anyone. The Stargazers have also placed telescope kits at the Mill Valley and San Anselmo libraries, for borrowers to check out. But sometimes it’s just as simple as Smiley setting up a telescope and seeing who walks by: “I set up in Larkspur, just kitty-corner from Picco restaurant, and people who were out and about on a nice evening came by and looked at the moon and Jupiter.”

Smiley has a range of telescopes from about a three-inch refractor up to a 12-inch reflecting telescope, but he says he usually brings his eight-inch Dobsonian reflecting telescope to gatherings because it is portable and

allows the viewer to see a lot of detail on the moon and the planets. “We can see things in our own galaxy, but we can also look outside it,” he says. “Up to as far as 50 or 60 million light-years away, really quite vast distances.”

Smiley says the public doesn’t need any experience to participate, just curiosity and a warm jacket — many participants have never looked through a telescope before. “They can be completely amazed at their first look at the moon or at Saturn. And often, their first reaction is, ‘oh my gosh, that can’t be real,’ ” Smiley says. “It doesn’t seem real to them, which is actually something that we love to hear because it means that we’re getting people to experience something that they’ve never experienced before.”

Upcoming events: Astronomy Night on August 31 at Stafford Lake Park, Novato, and a public star party at Mount Tamalpais State Park on October 5. Visit the Stargazers on Facebook to see upcoming events or join the mailing list by emailing marinstargazers@gmail.com.

Marin County Parks

A stargazing event on Mount Burdell in May.

Building Bridges and Boosting ROI

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Trust us to be your strategic partner, focused on managing your property and maximizing your returns while staying rooted in the present, all with an eye on tomorrow’s possibilities.

Secure a reservation to taste iconic Napa Valley wines and soak in stunning views of the famous S.L.V. and FAY vineyards set against the backdrop of the Stags Leap Palisades. Rooted in Legend.

Leap Wine Cellars, Napa, CA