marin living september 2023

Nick Svenson proudly supports Halleck Creek Ranch, a nonprofit serving people with disabilities through equine-assisted services and therapeutic horseback riding. No horse experience is necessary, and every gift will make a difference.

Ride. Volunteer. Donate.

Eric McFarland and Brad Krefman

A one-of-a kind-focus on customer service helps this duo shine.

How do you help clients enjoy their spaces?

BK: First and foremost, we listen. From there we use our creative and technical talents to interpret our client’s goals and develop a design that caters to their tastes. We help set the stage for the life stories that will play out in their home.

What is one of the most important aspects of dealing with clients?

EM: While stats and metrics are an important part of the story for any top real estate agent, I like to focus on something else entirely: the human connection. I love the social aspect of the sale and helping clients find their dream home.

Why is collaboration important?

BK: Design is not always about my personal tastes but how we can help clients best express their own style. For the creative process to work there needs to be trust. From there the vision slowly unfolds from room to room in a process that is enjoyable, collaborative and educational for all involved.

Why do clients spread the word about working with you?

EM: I like to think of the real estate process as a partnership between client and agent, a shared journey. In the end, you need an agent you can communicate with and trust to get you to the finish line.

Jenn was terrific! Professional. Went the extra mile. Good listener. Prompt replies. Funny. Knew her stuff. Creative approach to offer. Elliot helped us with contacts for updating house…painting, flooring, bathrooms. He is very knowledgeable & has solid recommendations, follows up. He is funny, too. They make a great team for their clients.

~ Tracey Green

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

JESSICA CLINE CO-FOUNDER, CEO jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com  707.302.0850

DINA GRANT CO-FOUNDER

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR dina@marinlivingmagazine.com  707.238.2030

ADVERTISING

Marketing Strategy Consultant

Tom Ferguson tom@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.902.2941

Marketing Strategy Consultant & Wine Country Specialist

Chet Klingensmith chet@marinlivingmagazine.com, 707.216.1780

Marketing Strategy Consultant, Hawaii

Meredith Low meredith@marinlivingmagazine.com, 808.388.2644

Marketing Strategy Consultant

Kim McGinnis kim@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.640.4504

Marketing Strategy Consultant & Local Business Specialist

Carrie Moler carrie@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.271.3080

Marketing Strategy Consultant Courtney Roberts courtney@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.720.3752

CASEY GILLESPIE CO-FOUNDER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

casey@marinlivingmagazine.com

DANIEL JEWETT CO-FOUNDER

EDITORIAL AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

dan@marinlivingmagazine.com

EDITORIAL Editor

Caitlin Hamer

Contributing Designers

Roberto Avalos, Madeleine Hannes, Kathryn Saffell, Britney Trezzo

Contributing Writers

Keri Bridgwater, Christina Cavallaro, Nick Czap, Casey Hatfield-Chiotti, Annie Geiser

Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin

Client Services Director

Lauren Winsett lauren@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.300.0908

86

spotlight marin.

18 news.

The annual Larkspur Wine Stroll returns; Sound Summit on Mount Tam; the first annual Plein Air Show and Paint Out hits Sausalito; and more.

32 local splurges. Cool fashion finds just in time to update your closet for fall.

34 eat & drink.

Mill Valley mainstay Paseo: A California Bistro gets a new chef — oui, oui!

38 local getaways. Downtown Napa is the place to be right now — and here’s why.

46 take note.

AI is here to stay — and it might not be as ominous as people think.

48 game changers. Maker Wine is supporting small winemakers and spotlighting why you should, too.

82

going places.

48

82 land & sea. Sit back and relax as we take you on a tour of the Aston Martin DB12.

86 voyager. Dreaming of a SoCal vacation? Here is where to book your next stay.

104 drawn together. Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr is a reallife Marin hero.

from the team.

14 from the ceo.

16 from the creative director.

Top to bottom: courtesy of the Conrad Los Angeles; Andy Morgan; courtesy of Maker Wine

World-class care. Closer than you think.

With more than 500 physicians, 53 clinics across Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, and a strategic alliance with UCSF Health, MarinHealth delivers world-class care right where you live.

Your best health has never been

“MarinHealth®” and the MarinHealth® logo are registered servicemarks of Marin General Hospital and used with permission.

FEATURES.

50

In Good Spirits

Marin-based brand Alamere Spirits was born in the pandemic and is destined for great things.

54

Life in the Fast Lane

Meet racing wunderkind Toni Breidinger — she is making history at Sonoma Raceway and beyond.

60

Everything in Harmony

Lan Jaenicke’s designs transcend seasonal fads and have turned getting dressed into a form of art.

On

the Cover Scenes from fashion designer Lan Jaenicke’s atelier. Photos by Anthony Perliss (left and middle) and Lan Jaenicke (right).

Introducing The Torii House in Mill Valley, CA. A newly-constructed oasis on a sunlit 3/4-acre lot, boasting 4,470 square feet of elegance, 5 beds, 4.5 baths and a 630-square-foot guesthouse. Nestled nearby downtown Mill Valley and Mount Tam’s trails. Market debut soon! Price upon request.

Contact Beth Brody for more information.

New Construction

Main House

5 beds | 4.5 baths

Guesthouse 1 bed | 1 bath

5,100 Sq. Ft.

Total Living Space

from the

CEO

beach cleanups, lending a hand to those in need and starting the transition into shorter days, cooler temps and the coming together of family and friends after a long summer of travel. In Marin, we’re kindred spirits creating memories that prove we’re all in this together.

Amid those rustling leaves and crisp ocean breezes, let’s not forget one thing: the return to routines. Just like the evolving landscape, our lives are cyclical. School schedules find their rhythm and a sense of normalcy and order returns. It’s a heartwarming reminder that even when the world changes, the circle of life keeps on spinning. So while we’re celebrating the grace and togetherness that define fall, let’s also embrace the joy of connection. Finding comfort in the familiar while stepping into the unknown — now that’s the real autumn adventure.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

MY FAVORITE SEASON has finally arrived. Can you feel that enchanting autumn breeze sweeping through Marin County? It’s like nature’s invitation for us fashion enthusiasts to embark on a wardrobe journey in sync with the changing scenery. I love those warm, earthy shades, snuggly textures and oh-so-cozy layers that just scream fall. And as we sip on pumpkin spice lattes and plan our apple-picking adventures, our outfits offer the same kind of familiar pleasure. From plush sweaters to this season’s must-have boots — Marinites are total pros at embracing autumn trends with aplomb. I love to be out and about this time of year taking it all in.

Autumn is our time to find the right balance of sophistication and simplicity. To me, fall has always meant all things comfort, but here in Marin it’s also about coming together as a community. Think food and wine festivals, harvest in Wine Country, warm, comforting drinks and spreading kindness like confetti. As the season unfolds, a deeper connection takes root. We’re talking about

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; www.stock.adobe.com/piai (below)

JESSICA CLINE, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

Harvest is one of the many fall activities I look forward to every year.

How can I become a better communicator when messaging new matches on dating apps?

Messaging new matches on dating apps should lead to conversations and dates, not endless messages. If you want to become a strategic communicator, follow these easy tips: don’t give out your phone number in the first message, personalize your opening message based on the other person’s profile, balance the length of your exchanges with theirs, offer to chat after a few messages, exchange phone numbers and schedule a convenient time to talk.

What’s the key to planning a fun first date?

You should’ve already spoken to each other on the phone before your date, so if you’re the one planning your first outing, you should have a general idea about what the other person likes. Most important is to pick a location that’s easy for your date to get to, in a public place and possibly a relatively short activity.

How can you set the stage for a good first date?

Make a physical and mental change before a date to set the mood. It is important to mentally get your head in the dating mindset. Start by dressing for the venue. Not too fancy, not too casual. Switch from day to date mode, even if the date is during the day. So, whether you change your outfit, take a few moments to relax, re-read their profile and start focusing on the fact that this could be your first and last date.

What should you do if there’s no chemistry on a first date?

Think about every first date as an opportunity. Even if there’s no chemistry, the person you just met can lead you to someone you do have chemistry with, maybe your future love. So make a good first impression, be generous with your time and attention by showing your date you value theirs, and stay open to new connections because they can come from where you least expect them.

Founder Cassie Zampa Keim wants to help you become a better dater.

from the

creative DIRECTOR

power. We are growing and evolving and looking forward to whatever is next on the horizon.

Now about this issue. We couldn’t be more thrilled to spotlight Bay Area native Toni Breidinger — one of auto racing’s brightest stars and a Victoria’s Secret model to boot. We also discuss all things fashion, tradition and sustainability with Lan Jaenicke, whose Jackson Square atelier is one of kind. We get a peek at the newest Aston Martin as well as a handful of SoCal hotels you will be adding to your must-visit list. May the summer’s joie de vivre carry you through the autumn!

CASEY GILLESPIE CO-FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

THE ART OF EVOLUTION

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE summer of travel, spending time with loved ones and consciously enjoying this incredible place we call home. Even after frolicking around the South of France, I was in awe coming back to Marin. It says a lot when being away from the place where you live makes you appreciate it even more when you return. But this summer wasn’t all fun and games; we were also hard at work behind the scenes. And in case you haven’t noticed — welcome to the next evolution of our aesthetic. It’s all thanks to our talented new designer Britney Trezzo (round of applause please!). It felt right to introduce our sophisticated new design in this issue — style and swagger says it all, right?

One of my favorite quotes is, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives ... It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” We have seen so much change since we launched the magazine (it was during the pandemic, after all) that adapting has become our super-

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; Douglas Friedman (below)

Plan a stay at Santa Monica’s iconic The Georgian Hotel for your next SoCal getaway.

Erin Hupp x The Caviar Co. server, available online

The McCarthy + Moe Group is a dynamic team of real estate experts who work together to provide their clients with the best possible service. They have a combined expertise in presenting and marketing homes for sale, making intelligent pricing decisions, and efficiently managing the details of every transaction. Their common thread is their relentless pursuit to deliver the best results for their clients.

Refreshingly DIFFERENT

We are a team of individuals who are unique, down to earth, funny and undeterred in delivering results for our clients. We believe each of our clients deserve a personalized experience, tailored specifically for their needs. Strength in numbers is what sets us apart from other real estate teams. We have six active agents, one full-time operations manager, over 1,500 happy clients served, and proprietary systems that provide our clients a seamless experience.

"Every step of the way I felt they were working for the singular purpose of looking out for our interest."

by Caitlin Hamer

SOUNDS FROM THE CLOUDS

Sound Summit returns to the historic Mountain Theater at Mount Tamalpais on September 9 (www.soundsummit.net). Held as an annual celebration and fundraiser for Mount Tamalpais State Park by Roots & Branches Conservancy, the music festival has donated $250,000 to date, with funds recently going to the restoration of the Steep Ravine Trail. This year’s performers include Brokedown in Bakersfield (pictured above) , Sierra Ferrell and Marin’s own Vinyl.

MAKE THAT CONNECTION

Many residents are advocating for the reopening of Alto Tunnel (www.openaltotunnel.org), which would create a flat, safe, ADA-accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists. The rehabilitated train tunnel would connect Mill Valley to Corte Madera, completing the North-South Greenway. A 2010 study indicated that compared to other routes that connect these areas, Alto Tunnel is the only path that will create a mode shift resulting in traffic reduction. A petition to reopen is available to sign online, and Friends of the Alto Tunnel are hopeful that the Board of Supervisors will soon authorize an environmental assessment to address concerns of those who live near the tunnel as well as the environmental impacts and benefits of the tunnel.

Andrew Quist (top); courtesy of Don Herzog (bottom)

DISCOVER. NURTURE. CHALLENGE.

ALL ABOUT THE ANIMALS

The San Rafael Planning Commission recently approved a proposal to renovate WildCare’s wildlife hospital and education center (www.discoverwildcare.org). All buildings except for the historic Terwilliger Building will be demolished, and a new three-level modern center will be constructed. “The new facility project at WildCare stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that our actions can shape a brighter future for all living beings,” says Ellyn Weisel, WildCare’s executive director.

GALLERIES GALORE

The Reno-Sparks Convention Center will be home to the Reno Tahoe International Art Show for the second time on September 14 to 17 (www.rtiashow.com). This year’s event will have the largest indoor-outdoor presentation of sculpture of any art fair in the U.S., double the amount of galleries of last year and a First Nations, Indigenous Peoples pavilion. The show was founded by Reno-based father-daughter team Kevin O’Keefe and Briana Dolan as a way to help change the city’s ongoing narrative.

RACING FOR A CAUSE

This July, two events at Sonoma Raceway (www.sonomaraceway.com), the Ferrari Challenge and the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals drag racing weekend, helped generate $112,500 for Speedway Children’s Charities Sonoma, surpassing the amount raised last year. “This is about raising money to help those in need and that is exactly what SCC Sonoma and the Sonoma Raceway team did so successfully,” says Justin Ashley, winner of Top Fuel class at the weekend event. “I can’t wait to continue this tradition for years to come.”

Clockwise from top: Fairchild Broms Design, Jessica Fairchild & Cheryl Lentini, architects; courtesy of Sonoma Raceway; courtesy of Rita Asfour and RTIA

A piece by Rita Asfour that will be displayed at the international art show in Reno (above).

WANDER COUNTRY WINE THROUGH

Catch the last month of Little Saint’s (www.littlesainthealdsburg.com) summer wine residency with Martha Stoumen Wines (www. marthastoumen.com). The tastings of the limited production bottles will be available at Little Saint’s wine lounge in Healdsburg until September 22. Blue Note Napa’s NAPA/NOLA (www.bluenotejazz.com) returns September 23 as part of the Summer Sessions at The Meritage Resort.

The outdoor event promises a day of New Orleans–style music and food and includes performances by Galactic, Raw Oyster Cult and more. Over in Rutherford, the Mathew Bruno Rutherford Estate (pictured above, www. mathewbruno.com) is now open to the public for tastings by appointment. The estate boasts a turn-of-the-century vintage tasting room located within the historic house. Your next trip to Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection (www.aubergeresorts. com) may include an elevated yet individualized shopping spree if you stop in at the Fifth Avenue Club Napa Valley by Saks Fifth Avenue. The newly opened spot offers by-appointment personal styling and shopping in the privacy of a luxury suite.

Bob McClenahan (top); Emma K. Morris (bottom)

SIP STROLL AND

The 11th Annual Downtown Larkspur Wine Stroll (www.larkspurchamber.org) returns on September 9. The event includes live music from partner Bread & Roses Presents and the chance to explore local shops and restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great event for downtown Larkspur where wine enthusiasts gather to savor local wines, mingle with winery owners and winemakers and learn about wine club memberships,” says Audrey Shapiro, board vice president, Larkspur Chamber of Commerce.

SEPTEMBER IS FOR THE SEA

For an extra-special day in the city, the St. Regis San Francisco (www.the stregissanfrancisco.com) is offering an exclusive sailing experience on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Guests who book this package will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a two-and-a-half-hour sail on an international America’s Cup Class yacht, USA 76. Two bottles of champagne are also included. And on September 24, Waterbar (www.waterbarsf.com) will once again be hosting OysterFest. The celebration of sustainable oysters is in partnership with the Marine Mammal Center in Marin, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the organization.

(top); courtesy of ACSailingSF (bottom)

THE ROAD BEST TRAVELED!

“Working with Corey was extraordinary. He and his team were very professional and patient. They responded to all of my communications in a timely manner. Any issues that arose were dealt with in short order and I couldn’t have asked for better service. His patience, advice and connections with others to help me prep my home for sale were vital. I would recommend his company and team to anyone. Thank you Corey and Journey Real Estate for helping me sell my home!” — Stan K.

2023 America’s Best Real Estate Professionals

Top 1.5% of 1.6 Million Agents Nationwide

Corey Robinson Founder Corey@thejourneyre.com

415.858.9469

thejourneyre.com

DRE# 01783258

BY THE NUMBERS: RISING SEA LEVELS

A new study is highlighting the dangers posed to the San Francisco Bay shoreline as the sea level continues to rise and how much it will cost to address this issue. Homes, businesses, highways, sewage treatment plants and other key parts of infrastructure will need protection from sea level rise over the next generation.

$110 BILLION

ESTIMATED COST OF PROTECTION BY 2050

$90 MILLION

PROPERTY TAX HIKE APPROVED IN FOSTER CITY IN 2018 TO RAISE ITS LEVEE

10 MILES

LENGTH OF SEAWALL TO BE BUILT AROUND SFO TO PREVENT RUNWAY STORM FLOODING

2.1°F GLOBAL TEMPERATURE RISE SINCE 1880

$236 BILLION

AMOUNT OF PROPERTY AT RISK IF NOTHING IS DONE

200,000 LOCAL JOBS AT RISK EIGHT

$12

AMOUNT PER PARCEL OF ANNUAL TAX IN THE BAY AREA. APPROVED BY VOTERS IN 2016, MEASURE AA HAS ALREADY FUNDED DOZENS OF WETLANDS RESTORATION PROJECTS.

THE NUMBER OF INCHES THAT S.F. BAY HAS RISEN SINCE THE MID-1800s

4 FT ESTIMATED RISE OF THE S.F. BAY BY 2100

FIVE BILLION DOLLARS

THE AMOUNT OF MONEY CURRENTLY IN HAND FOR NECESSARY PROJECTS

THOUSAND 75 LOCAL HOUSEHOLDS AT RISK

Outdoor Warmth, All Year Round

Outdoor Warmth, All Year Round

MUCH TO DO IN MARIN

Rancho Nicasio is hosting BBQs on The Lawn on September 3, 4, 10, 17 and 24 (www.ranchonicasio.com), with live music, dinner and dancing making up each evening event. Ticket price is for admission only, but food and beverages will be available for purchase. The final days of Paint Sausalito: the First Annual Plein Air Show and Paint Out at Sausalito Center for the Arts (www.sausalito centerforthearts.org) will come to an end on September 10. The exhibit features the work of 16 renowned artists, highlighting their unique plein air styles, which refers to an artist’s ability to paint outdoors amid shifting light and cloud patterns. On Saturday, September 17, Larkspur’s Piper Park will be home to Marin Dog Fest (www.fastdogsusa.com). Held to benefit Roots of Peace, this free event features contests, prizes, a fun run and free dog massages, but an additional $15 offers access to local food through Taste of Marin.

It’s evening. Guests are socializing in your outdoor living area. The cold fog is coming in, yet your visitors remain warm, thanks to expertly-selected and optimally-placed permanent outdoor heaters.

It’s evening. Guests are socializing in your outdoor living area The cold fog is coming in, yet your visitors remain warm, thanks to expertly-selected and optimally-placed permanent outdoor heaters.

Alfresco Heating is Marin County's national patio-heating specialty company. They provide expert advice, high-quality permanent and portable gas and electric patio heaters, installation, and repair services They would love to bring warmth to your outdoor living area!

services.

Alfresco Heating is Marin County's national patio-heating specialty company They provide expert advice, high-quality permanent and portable gas and electric patio heaters, installation, and repair services They would love to bring warmth to your outdoor living area!

For a free phone consultation contact: 415-884-2880 | glow@alfresco-heating.com

For a free phone consultation contact: 415-884-2880 | glow@alfresco-heating.com

Recent 24-Gas-Patio-Heater Installation at Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluma

Recent 24-Gas-Patio-Heater Installation at Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluma

the LIST

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

By Caitlin Hamer

OPERATION JOYLAB

Tap into your playful side and get moving and grooving with Operation JoyLab; rent out its quiet clubbing system for an unforgettable event or share the love with a gift certificate. Keep an eye out for the upcoming October Speakeasy Pop-Up Silent Disco Party in collaboration with Dance Party Jenny. www.thrivegirl.com

INNOVATIVE MATCH

For more than three decades, Innovative Match founder and owner Cassie Zampa-Keim has been empowering eligible singles to live fuller lives by helping them find love and companionship. Her round-the-clock concierge-style services take the mystery out of dating and encourage dates that are as they’re meant to be: uplifting and enjoyable. www.innovative-match.com

STEPHAN-HILL JEWELRY DESIGNERS

If you want to refresh your jewelry collection, start with smaller sizes of some of Stephan-Hill’s in-house designs, which can be layered for a casual look. And add some fun to your ensembles with the jeweler’s new colored leather cord offerings, like this 18K white gold Quattro pendant by Garfolo with aquamarine and diamonds. www.stephanhill.com

FALL FASHION INTO

Autumn is officially here and it’s time to start transitioning your closet — these are some of our favorite finds.

By Casey Gillespie

1. Part of the ProTek Dive Series 2003, this self-powered watch boasts a dependable Japanese Quartz Citizen/ Miyota 2S60 with three hand and date movement and 10-year battery, but it is the Swiss illumination that glows continuously for 25 years that screams “wow.” Available at Juliana’sFineJewelry (The Village at Corte Madera) and www.protekwatch.com, $475

2. We aren’t quite ready to let go of our ultra-comfy sweats just yet — and with Aviator Nation’s 5 Stripe

Sweatpants (shown here in navy/blue) we don’t have to. They are the perfect example of where style meets comfort. Available at Aviator Nation (Mill Valley Lumber Yard) and www.aviatornation.com, $156

3. Meet the Allbirds recently released Tree Flyer 2 running shoe (available in men’s and women’s sizes). Reimagined with more support, improved traction, increased stability and durability, and a SwiftFoam midsole, it’s the upgrade your feet have been begging

for. Available at Allbirds (The Village at Corte Madera) and www.allbirds.com, $160

4. Buck Mason is keeping the jumpsuit trend alive with its Baja Twill Utility Jumpsuit, which is part of the ever-expanding women’s line. The styling options are endless. Available at Buck Mason (568 Hayes Street, San Francisco) and www.buckmason.com, $228

5. Fall’s most versatile piece? Veronica Beard’s Philomena Sweatshirt in

navy. Pair with leggings for a pre- and post-yoga commute or with wide-legged pants for brunch. Available at Veronica Beard (Marin Country Mart) or www.veronicabeard.com, $278

6. The mini fashionista in your life is going to enjoy this Louis Louise Gulsah Cardigan in navy and cream. It will take her flawlessly from fall to winter in style. Available at Poppy Store (Marin Country Mart) and price varies by size, $130–$144

WINE & FOOD

A FRENCH TWIST

A venerable Mill Valley bistro gets a new chef and, after a few stops and starts, an infusion of fresh energy.

By Christina Cavallaro

HISTORIC PASEO BISTRO in Mill Valley is celebrating 75 years with the debut of a new executive chef who has a certain je ne sais quoi. But quoi could it be? Ooh (la la), he’s French! And yes, Chef. We’re here for it.

“Timing was unfortunate,” says Peter Choi, son of Paseo owner Ki Yong Choi, who stepped in to oversee the relaunch in May after a series of prior attempts (www.paseobistro.com). “We finally have a strong foundation with Chef. It’s exciting.” Waxing nostalgic on 75 years, he says, “It’s about the history, but also about what the future looks like. Paseo has a European vibe

and that draws a lot of people here. But it’s also about a vision of California that folks are moving toward. It’s bridging those two worlds together.”

The twinkling chef Sylvain Montassier, a French native who has almost 30 years of professional experience that ranges from France and England to San Francisco and Chicago, is now channeling his skills into beautiful, locally sourced fare. “This is the type of food I want to do right now. Simple, product-driven, very seasonal,” the chef, a graduate of France’s Culinary School of Saumur, says. “Today’s special — the veal

eat & drink.

Paseo prides itself on its locally sourced ingredients, and now with a new chef at the helm, the restaurant is seeing another culinary renaissance.

Moving on to mains, we were drawn to the housemade rigatoni with wild El Dorado County morels, especially after Chef reminded us of the true meaning of farm-to-table.

“I’m just one position in the whole. To me it’s about the farmers, because it starts with them,” Montassier says. “I don’t have nice morels if I don’t have this dude spending his day hunting for them.” Thank you, forager dude, that dish was amazing.

A week later we went back for a completely different experience. “It’s very elegant,” the striking Harry Styles–esque bloke to my left says of the bar where we sat watching him neatly pull apart (with black painted nails) a fluffy housemade parkerhouse roll with a quenelle of herb-seasoned butter.

“I just spent a half hour very happy,” he said, laughing, about the happy hour and the always free cacio e pepe popcorn we were all enjoying.

was raised in Nicasio, the spinach is from Pescadero, the polenta is from Sacramento. We are really a California bistro. We make quality food, fairly simple but ultra-seasonal. It’s really fun.”

After 75 years most folks are familiar with the sexy labyrinthine style of the place. The exposed brick, the various nookish spaces that mean you can have one kind of experience one visit and go back again for something completely new the next.

On our first visit, my partner and I were seated in the romantic Throckmorton room in front of the fireplace with light streaming through the open doors and windows all around us.

The siren song of the sea called to us for the apps. A saffron perfume wafted its way to us before we even laid eyes on the pan-seared Hokkaido scallops atop ocher-colored foam dotted with English peas from Half Moon Bay. And oysters Rockefeller, you had us at “salmon roe butter,” and then you seduced us with that wash of anise.

We balanced all the oceanic decadence with two perfectly chilled Chopin martinis with olives.

Bartender Shelly Erber, who’s been with Paseo since the Chois took it over from rocker Sammy Hagar, says, “I think this is the best iteration of it since I’ve been here. We all get along really well and Chef is awesome to work with. He loves his dog and saves bones for both of our dogs. It’s definitely a great work environment — after so many stops and starts that’s all you can ask for.”

local getaways.

ADAY OUT IN DOWNTOWN NAPA

What was once a sleepy town wine-thirsty visitors passed on their way to Napa Valley, Downtown Napa has morphed into a thriving scene all its own. A recent visit was all the proof we needed — new restaurants, cocktail lounges and tasting rooms galore. The post-pandemic boom is here and just in time for harvest. Whether you are visiting a favorite haunt or exploring somewhere completely new, Downtown Napa is the place to be right now.

By Casey Gillespie

Scala Osteria & Bar is a little slice of Southern Italy in Napa.

With

Immense Pride, We Introduce Tracey Broadman As Our New Sales Manager for the Vanguard Marin Offices.

Tracey’s impressive 22-year experience as a Licensed Broker adds significant value to our Vanguard Team. Her expertise and leadership skills will undoubtedly empower and guide our agents, helping them excel in their roles and provide exceptional service to clients.

SCALA OSTERIA & BAR

1141 FIRST STREET

www.scalaosteria.com

Another new addition to the scene, this lively eatery offers traditional Southern Italian coastal fare, while the wine list spans Mediterranean as well as Napa varieties. It’s the perfect spot to linger over a long, wine-filled lunch with friends — an idyllic Italian escape right in our backyard. And if you are looking for a late night go-to, it is open until 11.

WINE GIRL

1321 FIRST STREET, STE. A www.winegirl.com

Wine Girl is the girlie daycation experience you have been dreaming of (if Barbie went to Napa this would be her first stop). The indoor-outdoor food-and-wine experience adds an air of whimsy and downright fun in Wine Country. While the food menu isn’t extensive, there is a small selection of appetizers as well as wood-fired pizzas — and all pair nicely with a “winetail” or a glass of bubbly from the list that has wines from California and beyond. And in light of everything, a Barbie shot offered on the cocktail menu might be a non-negotiable.

THE BUNGALOW

1564 FIRST STREET

www.gentlemanfarmerwines.com

Opening this fall, the newest outpost of Gentleman Farmer (the original location is next door to the French Laundry in Yountville), The Bungalow, is sure to be an experience like no other. Open to Gentleman Farmer Wine Club Collective members and their guests, the new space will feature tastings and lunches like the ones currently offered in Yountville — think salon soirees, live music, burlesque and more. Husbands and owners Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham deliver intricate and 100 percent homemade fare — from the mustard to the terrines.

Amy Little (top); courtesy of Wine Girl; Jak Wonderly (bottom)

SOR is a very inclusive program that gets kids doing what they love to do...playing music and performing. I especially love that they work with kids/adults who have little experience and get them performing in 4 months. Which means they know how to teach and work with budding musicians in such a way that supports them to feel confident in their ability in a short amount of time! (JN)

BOOK A FREE TRIAL LESSON TODAY!

local getaways.

ARCH & TOWER

930 THIRD STREET

www.robertmondaviwinery.com

Situated in the historic Borreo Building, the recently opened Arch & Tower is an ode to the Robert Mondavi winemaking empire. Not only can visitors enjoy lauded Mondavi wines, there are also plenty of culinary experiences to be had. Try the Legend Lunch, which takes place at a communal table overlooking the Napa River. Wine Country at its finest!

THE LINCOLN

505 LINCOLN AVENUE

www.thelincolnnapa.com

The upscale American comfort food–themed diner opened this summer and chef Leo V. Varos Jr. has put a creative spin on classic favorites — including Hash Mac (hash-browns-topped mac ‘n’ cheese) and Honey Sriracha Salmon Lollipops. The space overlooks the Napa River with fire pits and lots of lawn games. Fun for the whole family.

The Lincoln, Napa’s newest gastropub, offers a glam take on traditional comfort food.

Kristen Loken (top images); Justin Lopez Photography (bottom)

local getaways.

Compline is a Downtown Napa favorite — and a stop at its Wine Shop is a must.

COMPLINE RESTAURANT

1300

FIRST STREET, STE. 312

www.complinewine.com

One of Napa’s hidden gems, Compline truly redefines farm to table. The owners and chef are passionate about supporting local farmers and producers and every bite is as fresh as the next. If you haven’t tried one of the Farm at the Table dinner series (each one spotlights a local farm) then don’t miss the Full Belly Farm dinner on September 22. And the spot’s accompanying Compline Wine Shop (located steps away), stocks a thoughtful assortment of wines from near and far — along with an inviting bar for tastings.

COMING SOON

CHISPA

www.chispabar.com

Need a break from the vino? Explore all things tequila at this bar, which will offer agave cocktails, raw seafood towers and other bar bites.

HANK’S TAKEAWAY

www.hankstakeawaynapa.com

A newly opened quick-service window offering to-go items from sister restaurants La Taberna and ZuZu as well as pantry provisions.

STATELINE ROAD SMOKEHOUSE

www.stateline-road.com

Michelin-trained chef and Kansas City native Darryl Bell is bringing homestyle barbecue (with all the fixin’s) to the Rail Arts District.

MORIMOTO ASIA NAPA

790

MAIN STREET

www.morimotoasianapa.com

Opened last fall and situated on the riverfront, Morimoto Asia Napa is the latest addition to chef Masaharu Morimoto’s culinary empire. The menu features an eclectic take on Chef’s favorite Asian flavors. Dim sum lovers won’t want to miss the “Dim Sum Fun” lunches taking place every Saturday and Sunday throughout September. Take it from us — it does not disappoint.

MadRose Creative (top); Kentaro Terra (bottom)

Human Connection

As conversations and concerns about artificial intelligence enter the public realm, technology investor Joanne Chen argues that we have less to be worried about than we think.

By Daniel Jewett

WHEN JOANNE CHEN WAS STUDYING electrical engineering and computer science at UC Berkeley, she joined a campus competition to find a startup, study it and pitch it to a panel of venture capitalists. The panel was surprised when Chen and her teammates found and pitched a financial tech company the investors were already looking at, Mint.com (which would later be sold to Intuit for $170 million). Needless to say, Chen and her team won first prize.

“It really stuck with me because I thought ‘That was pretty easy,’ ” says Chen, who is now a general partner at Palo Alto’s Foundation Capital (www.foundationcapital. com), where she was brought in nine years ago to focus specifically on AI startup investment opportunities. “I thought maybe I should pursue this as a career.

“There is this big paradigm shift between teaching machines what to do deterministically to the machine learning and AI-based predictive model, meaning a computer can now predict, with some kind of confidence, what something might be,” she says, adding that people already use this technology every day when they receive Netflix recommendations or get a view of what traffic is going to look like when they leave their house. “The change is a massive one because most of the things that we do in life are predictive, so that opens up the ability for machines to augment or automate a lot of what we do. I think we’re going to see a dramatic shift in the world because of this technology.”

Chen says that what this will mean for other businesses remains to be seen. She thinks it’s a no-brainer that compa-

All images Spencer Brown Photo

nies would want to use something that makes their business more productive, generates more revenue or lowers costs. “If you don’t use that tool, could you still compete? I think the jury’s still out,” she says. “My guess is that every single organization 10 years from now will use machine learning to help their business in some capacity and there’s going to be new companies that are created with different business models that are built with this capability from the get-go.”

Chen says that some industries, like the legal industry, could see a whole new way of working, including ditching the hourly fee. “With generative technologies and large language models a lot of what lawyers do behind the scenes, which is very text driven, can be automated,” she says. “They

can have fewer lawyers, who are focused on customer service up front with the machine doing 80 percent of the paperwork, and then they can change the business model to not charge on an hourly basis for that.”

Foundation Capital has helped launch a lot of tech-forward companies like Netflix, Jasper (one of the first generative AI companies), Cerebras, Anyscale, Eightfold.ai and many more, but she says it’s a risky business. “There’s like a million reasons why a business might not scale so we spend a lot of time with founders to understand what they’re good at, what they’re not good at, and we can help them build their team to complement some of the things that are missing,” she says. Early on, the cost to build large language models on a per-company basis was too much for the companies to scale properly — that is, until GPT-3 came along. “When that launched in 2020 and no one noticed, we were like, ‘OK, this could be an inflection point.’ ”

Chen thinks that the reason the public is more engaged now in the topic of AI is simple: “People who do not have a Stanford degree or haven’t worked at Google as an engineer, who couldn’t maybe even spell AI before, can now manipulate an AI machine,” she says, pointing out that the technology has been in development for 70 years and has been used commercially since 2000.

So the big question: Is AI going to destroy our lives and society and is it going to replace human connection? Chen thinks such concerns are overblown and are probably obscuring the technology’s possible upsides. “Every single child will have a personalized tutor that is infinitely patient and infinitely energetic for the rest of his or her life. Every senior citizen who has a shortage of care and companionship is going to have the same thing.”

And human connection? “The AI representation of the world is still built on relatively limited data. Think of the spectrum of our emotions and experiences and facial expressions and everything that is not captured — for a machine to accurately depict a human, we’re so far away from it,” she says. “Not only will AI not replace human relationships; I think human relationships will be valued significantly more in a world where some of the other stuff can be automated.”

Hear Joanne Chen and seven other speakers talk about emerging ideas on science, AI, technology, health and the human experience September 9 at Angelico Concert Hall in San Rafael. www.tedxmarin.org

Joanne Chen (above) and with the Foundation Capital partners

MAKER WINE IS ON A MISSION to share “the why behind the wine” and, along the way, market a canned beverage that really stands apart.

Maker (www.makerwine.com) offers high-quality wines in a can from small, diverse wineries, sharing the why behind the wine through a QR code on the back — leading curious drinkers to the winemaker’s tale on the brand’s site.

This is not the sugar-filled, vague red-blend, mass-produced canned wine you’ve huffed at in the past. Maker is putting premium, sugar-free, award-winning wines in a can, making them more sustainable (100 percent recyclable and easier to ship), approachable (no more blankly staring in the wine aisle), portable (perfect pour for a picnic), and easy to finish on a weeknight (one can of Maker equals one-third a bottle of wine).

As the founders will tell you, it’s like “high-end wine slipped into something more comfortable.”

“Beyond our love of wine, we were really excited about the stories behind it,” says Sarah Hoffman, who co-founded Maker with Kendra Kawala and Zoe Victor four years ago and is eager to tell the winemakers’ backstories. “They all have unique stories that brought them to wine. But when you’re shopping at the grocery store you don’t really see that.”

The concept came to Hoffman while she was in business school at Stanford, and she shared the idea with classmate and eventual co-founder Kawala. From there, they hit the road and pitched the idea to dozens of wineries up and down the California coast.

“We would go to the wineries with Coca-Cola cans with paper taped around them to look like

By Annie Gieser

STORY TELL A TO

what the Maker cans might look like eventually,” Hoffman reminisces, sharing that they focused on smaller, wineries run by women and people of color whose products weren’t getting sold in supermarkets but had a story to tell.

Five years later and a few of those original winemakers are still partnered with Maker, seeing their leap of faith pay off. The messaging is resonating with the public as much as with winemakers: Maker was conceived to introduce people to winemakers and to do so in an ethical, sustainable way.

“The wine industry has sometimes made people feel not smart enough while they’re trying to buy or enjoy the product,” says Hoffman, referring to the snobbery sometimes associated with oenophiles. “I think wine should make you feel included.”

Maker offers a Can Club membership, but you can also order online and find the wine in local stores.” Our ultimate vision for Maker is to change wine,” says Hoffman. Changing wine, one can at a time — and that’s something to cheers to.

Clara Jones Photography

The highquality wine comes from small producers.

Marin-based Maker started with an emphasis on telling winemakers’ stories.

Learn to dance at Marin Ballet

Your first class is free!

Our experienced teachers nurture your child in an atmosphere of encouragement and fun.

• Age-appropriate dance training, using creative movement, songs, and games.

• Older students are introduced to ballet, folk, and contemporary styles.

• At least two performance opportunities per year, including Nutcracker (ages 8+)

“I am walking away with more fulfillment, resilience, adaptability, and grace than what any other afterschool activity/sport could have given me.”

- Marin Ballet Graduate

Class Schedule

Pre-Ballet Age

Ballet

Per

Students, ages 7–18, are placed into Levels by audition.

Photo: Stephanie Taubert

Photo: Sara Abushaban

in

Locally inspired Alamere Spirits creates ingredientdriven gin and vodka at its Marin craft distillery.

By Caitlin Hamer

good good spirits

On the south end of Point Reyes National Seashore’s Wildcat Beach,

On the south end of Point Reyes National Seashore’s Wildcat Beach,

the waters from Alamere Creek cascade down a 40-foot-tall cliff, creating a tide fall — a waterfall that flows directly into an ocean — that’s dazzled the scores of visitors who’ve made the challenging trek to view it. But it wasn’t just the beauty of Alamere Falls that struck a chord with two local restaurateurs as they were getting ready to launch their new business.

“We have both always been drawn to the ocean and found the name Alamere Spirits to be the perfect fit for us,” says Susannah Souvestre on how she and her husband, Olivier, landed on a name for their small batch gin and vodka distillery in Novato (www.alamerespirits.com). And the word alamere, an old French spelling that translates as “to the sea,” felt like a nice nod to Olivier’s French roots.

The Souvestres have lived in Mill Valley for about 15 years, and you may be familiar with the local restaurants they used to own, like Le Garage and L’Appart, and Zalta, which they currently run. But despite their success, a “shared but minor midlife crisis” led them to decide to branch out into this new venture.

“We are both in our 40s and felt if we didn’t open a new business during this stage of our lives,

French-Wheat Vodka

we would regret it,” Susannah says. “Olivier grew up distilling apple brandy in France with his grandfather and he always had that idea in the back of his mind throughout his career as a chef.”

While the pair officially started Alamere Spirits in 2019, the lengthy process to obtain necessary licenses as well as the time it took to receive equipment meant that they couldn’t begin distilling until early 2021. Yet in the short time they’ve been operating, they’ve already scooped up numerous awards. To name a few, they won Best in Class in the Flavored Vodka category and Double Gold for their Espelette Chili Vodka at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition saw them win a Gold Medal for their French-Wheat Vodka (made with Champagne wheat) and a Gold Medal for their London Dry Gin, which has a velvety texture thanks to California almonds.

From the citrus zests and ginger added right before distillation to the

Each of the Alamere spirits has won a top award.

espelette peppers grown in nearby Boonville, Alamere Spirits puts an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Susannah also credits her husband’s background as a chef for their success: “As with cooking, using high-quality ingredients in distilling is essential. If you cut corners in either, it will show.”

The Souvestres made sure not to cut corners when it came to equipment, either: “We use a custom handcrafted copper alembic-style still,” says Susannah. “It’s manufactured by a small company in France by a third-generation still maker.”

Alamere’s spirits can be found throughout the county at shops like Mill Valley Market and restaurants like Bungalow 44, and Susannah expressed gratitude for being able to operate small businesses in a county that loves buying local. And the Souvestres aren’t slowing down; they’re working on getting whiskey production up and running next. Given their repeated success, this is likely to be a delicious hit, too.

“As with cooking, using high quality ingredients in distilling is essential.”

“As with cooking, using high quality ingredients in distilling is essential.”

lanefast inlife the

TONI BREIDINGER IS MAKING HISTORY ON AND OFF THE RACETRACK.

BY CAITLIN HAMER

“Growing up in Hillsborough we lived near Sonoma Raceway, which is where I got my start in racing,” says Breidinger, who at 24 years old is already making history. She was just 9 when her father took her and her twin sister, Annie, to a go-karting class, and for the now seasoned racer, it was love at first lap. She started practicing twice a week, then began racing locally and then nationally. When she was 15, she got in her first United States Auto Club (USAC) Midget and began racing on pavement ovals on the West Coast. Three years later, she won the championship and became the all-time winningest female in USAC history at the time with 19 wins.

That same year, in 2017, she graduated from high school and moved to North Carolina to pursue her goal of becoming a NASCAR driver. She built up her resume doing local late-model races and in 2021 finally made her NASCAR ARCA debut

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO FIND THEMSELVES ON THE PATH TO THEIR FUTURE FROM A YOUNG AGE; FOR ANTOINETTE “TONI” BREIDINGER , THAT PATH HAD MORE TWISTS THAN MOST: IT WAS A RACETRACK.

at Daytona. This year, she raced in the NASCAR Truck Series and became the highest-finishing female in a debut. But her success isn’t the only reason she’s making waves; Breidinger is NASCAR’s first Arab American female race car driver.

“I don’t really feel added pressure, more like a sense of responsibility to pave the way so other minorities have better opportunity to come up through motor sports,” she says on how she feels about her groundbreaking status. “I take a lot of pride to be able to represent in NASCAR and it’s amazing how much support I’ve received from Arab girls and women.”

She’s also received a lot of support from sponsors, something that is vital in the pay-to-play world of motor sports; without funding, you can’t race, and Breidinger isn’t the only female athlete who has struggled with being underfunded. But she’s now fortunate enough to have brands like Victoria’s Secret, Free People, FP Movement, Pit Viper, Raising Cane’s and Rootly helping her stay on the track. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, last year she added “Victoria’s Secret model” to her resume.

“It’s kind of wild because when I was younger, I used to write in my journal and dream about being a race car driver and a Victoria’s Secret model,” says Breidinger. “The fact that these two polar opposite worlds collided is so surreal.”

Breidinger is happy to see brands like Victoria’s Secret sponsoring women, and in a male-dominated field like race car driving, it’s especially important to have such high-profile support. There are other female race car drivers out there, but apart from Danica Patrick, most aren’t household names. Patrick’s career helped inspire Breidinger; seeing her success helped Breidinger feel like she could race, too. Of course, trailblazing isn’t always easy, and Breidinger does feel that women have to work harder to gain respect in the industry. Add in the fact that there are still people

The lauded race car driver is also modeling for Victoria’s Secret.

Tyler Cresser

Breidinger has garnered top-notch sponsors like Victoria’s Secret, Free People, FP Movement, Pit Viper, Raising Cane’s and Rootly.

out there who feel that women don’t belong in the sport, and it can make things tough both on the track and off it, she says.

That being said, it’s obvious that Breidinger loves what she does and is having fun doing it. You may have seen her behind the wheel of the No. 70 Hot Wheels GR86 at Sonoma Raceway this past spring in the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Cup series, and this month, she’ll be zipping around tracks across the country. You can see her in the ARCA Menards Series at Kansas Speedway on the 8th and at Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway on the 14th, and on the weekend of the 22nd, you can find her at Florida’s Sebring International Raceway in the GR Cup.

When asked what advice she has for future racers, Breidinger suggests starting simple, finding out what classes your local track has to offer and just getting seat time. “Doesn’t matter what you drive, you need to start somewhere,” she says. Unsurprisingly, she recommends go-karts, noting that it’s a great way to learn fundamentals with low risk. For herself, she’s well past the go-kart stage; she races a Toyota Camry for Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA series, a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and a GR86 for Nitro Motorsports in the GR Cup series.

Given the nature of her sport, it’s natural that Breidinger experiences a wide range of sensations on race days: excitement, anxiousness, adrenaline, happiness and stress. But there are also all the aspects she loves about racing, especially the puzzle-like details that go into winning, and how competitive it all is. “Being behind the wheel and pushing yourself and the car to the very edge is the best feeling.”

BEING BEHIND THE WHEEL AND PUSHING YOURSELF AND THE CAR TO THE VERY EDGE IS THE BEST FEELING.”

Noted for her impeccably tailored minimalist designs and refined use of natural fabrics, San Francisco–based designer Lan Jaenicke looks to the golden ratio when creating pieces for her coveted collections.

Anthony Perliss (top and middle); Lan Jaenicke (bottom)

Anthony Perliss (this page and opposite)

Designer Lan Jaenicke

Cashmere and pure silks are signature fabrics, but lambswool, cotton and linen also feature across her coveted separates collection of thoughtfully executed timeless classics: sensuous wrap skirts, sculptural blouses and diaphanous slip dresses imbued with a graceful aesthetic for women who know what makes them look and feel good.

“As a designer, I like to create simple pieces that are flattering on the body, move well and travel well, but I see my line as more of a lifestyle choice, one that allows the personality of whoever is wearing it to shine,” she says. Born in Beijing, Jaenicke moved to England for boarding school and university, but after working in New York, relocated to San Francisco, where — partly inspired by her ballerina-turned-fashion-designer mother

but already with an innate sense of aesthetics — she began creating clothing that captured her sense of beauty. In 2008, after graduating from the Academy of Art University with an MFA in fashion, merchandising and design, she launched a small line of cashmere jackets and coats — whose hallmark Stamford is still among her best sellers.

Trunk shows and pop-ups followed. As did an atelier in a historic brick-and-cast-iron building in Jackson Square. Once home to the original Ghirardelli chocolate factory, the space provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Jaenicke’s design process — it’s where she works with her team on new designs and meets clients for custom fittings and alterations — but also serves as a boutique for her ready-to-wear “quiet luxury” cashmere and linen staples.

With a main client base in San Francisco, her work draws collectors on the East Coast too, plus a handful in Europe, thanks to a collaboration with iconic French footwear brand Repetto. Jaenicke created a navy-and-black toe box ballet slipper with the shoe company (the style has sold out, but another partnership is in the works), and with her Presidio Heights lifestyle store Maison, Lan Jaenicke is currently the only Repetto retailer on the West Coast.

“I appreciate anything to do with dance and have loved these shoes since my early 20s. I used to bring so many pairs back from Paris,” she says. “They’re elegant but extremely comfortable, and I don’t want to wear anything else.” Another treasure from Maison with ties to the French capital is her signature INK fragrance, an all-base natural oil perfume that “lingers beautifully.” Developed with a Paris-based perfumer and inspired by Chinese ink, it evokes memories for her of growing up in Beijing. “The medium of ink and paper symbolizes creativity but there’s a scholarly connection between old calligraphy paintings and my childhood, especially as my father is a writer, so the scent takes me back to those days of studying and research,” she says.

Jaenicke’s heritage also informs her zero-waste approach to design. Rather than traditional tailoring — which creates shape by cutting and stitching — she often uses ribbons and ties to sculpt silhouettes instead. “Many

Caitlin Flemming (this page)

Jaenicke’s creations are inspired not only by her heritage, but also by her ballerina mother and writer father.

materials in China and Japan are handwoven, embroidered and hand-painted, so you never want to cut anything. It’s an ancient way of making clothes that can be repurposed by unstitching and creating something else in the future,” she explains. As she’s a former math major who “loves numbers and logic,” her designs are also premised on a belief in the beauty and power of the golden ratio. “Geometry is all about proportions, but so are aesthetics and beauty. How I decide to shape and construct a piece of clothing is always according to the golden ratio, a hemline in proportion to sleeve length, or the bigger picture of the silhouette.”

Similarly, materials choices also adhere to a set of strict values — only the best natural fabrics — and having “bootstrapped from the ground up with no investors” she has

complete creative control of the line, so no one can demand she go against them. “I love Japanese grosgrain silk ribbon and Japanese fabrics generally, but source local materials too, including leather from The Hide House in Napa to make my obi belts.” The cashmere is from Jaenicke’s own vertical supply with fibers woven into fabrics and custom dyed. For capsule line ShanFeng (mountain/wind in Chinese, also, the characters comprise the name Lan) she used undyed cashmere, silk, lambswool and cotton to create tops, dresses and skirts in “beautiful pure whites and creams.”

Despite working with a small team of dedicated seamstresses and tailors, Jaenicke says with fewer young people following the profession, these craftspeople are becoming harder to find, something she hopes to change with an internship. “I wanted to re-create the classical concept of an atelier — a space where apprentices can develop skills and understand the importance of creating things by hand,” she says. “It makes us much more aware and in touch with ourselves. It is an art form I’m determined to help keep alive.”

Maison Lan Jaenicke, 3307 Sacramento Street; Atelier Lan Jaenicke, 431 Jackson Street (by appointment). www.lanjaenicke.com

Anthony Perliss (far right)

beautiful living

Marin Living is thrilled to introduce you to Marin’s leading experts in beautiful living. Whether it’s enhancing personal beauty and wellness, transforming homes or finding a new dream abode, we offer an inside look at the professionals, services and products that will make your life more beautiful. These experts showcase their passion and commitment in their business practices, setting them apart in their industies.

Hossein and Leigh Bakhtiari City

Carpets

Stylish flooring options and service without the trip to the city.

What do you want people to know about your business?

We are in the midst of an extensive remodel to offer the best flooring industry products in a curated fashion, removing the clutter — making it easier than ever to choose and visualize new flooring on our in-store visualizers. Beautiful living goes hand in hand with healthy living, which is why we specialize in quality materials like wool and nylon carpets, natural fiber area rugs made of coir, sisal, seagrass, flooring made of wood, cork or linoleum. We care about the environment and are recycling carpet and cushion to keep them out of landfill.

What is it about your team that makes them a leader in your industry?

Our team are professionals in the flooring industry, collectively we have hundreds of years’ experience and have worked together as a team for decades. Everyone from our installers, office staff, warehouse people, sales team and owners attend on-going education courses so we can provide the best solutions to our customers. In addition, Marin is our community, we are the people in your neighborhood!

What unique services do you provide to help clients enjoy beautiful living?

We offer free in-home design consultations, room visualization, as well as custom rug fabrication.

City Carpets

555 Francisco Boulevard E, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.726.2882 | leigh@city-carpets.com www.city-carpets.com | CSL #746886 /citycarpetsc1 /citycarpets

Chris and Kim Clarke

Celebrations of Marin

Make

What unique services do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living? Our unique line of chairs, tables and dishware include rustic farm tables, worldly bistro chairs and elegant dinnerware to elevate your event from ordinary to extraordinary. Our clients can add on extra services like set up and breakdown to enhance their experience and leave the heavy lifting to our team.

How are you helping clients feel good about themselves?

We understand that each client wants to put their best foot forward when hosting guests and we help our clients feel confi-

dent that they’ve ordered high-quality, beautiful equipment that’s been tested for durability and cleanliness.

How are you staying ahead of the competition?

Our use of technology allows for seamless customer experience — we offer online ordering and real-time updates.

What do you want people to know about your business?

Fall and winter are some of the busiest times of year for the events industry. We are ready to help our clients host all their festivities through the end of the year.

Photos by Amy Thompson Photography (upper left, right), The Edges Photography (bottom left)

Anne Grey Vivalon

A new Healthy Aging Campus offers even more to Marin seniors.

What unique services do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living?

Vivalon understands that helping our aging community enjoy beautiful living is a community responsibility. We offer home-delivered meals, social activities, educational programs and transportation to ensure Marin’s seniors can connect with their community and the essential services that matter to them. With the grand opening of our new Healthy Aging Campus in downtown San Rafael in early 2024, we aim to do even more.

How are you disrupting your industry and thinking outside the box?

Marin is rapidly aging faster than any other county in the Bay Area. By 2030, one in three individuals here will be 60 or older, with the fastest-growing segment being people over 85. This Healthy Aging Campus will be the first blended center for older adults combining healthy aging programs and affordable housing in the North Bay.

How are you helping clients feel good about themselves?

Vivalon’s new Healthy Aging Campus is set to become a central gathering place for all of Marin’s older adults and their families — a sanctuary where they can engage, learn, participate, enjoy a meal and create meaningful connections with others.

Vivalon

999 Third Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.456.9062

communications@vivalon.org

vivalon.org/open

@VivalonMarin

Henry Hautau Compass

Helping clients navigate the ultra-competitive housing market.

How are you staying ahead of the competition?

My deep connections with the Marin Community, 10-plus years as a local realtor and my previous life as an 18-year Wall Street fixed-income salesperson, together offer a unique combination of experiences that I bring to the table to help my clients successfully navigate this ultra-competitive housing market we find ourselves in.

How are you helping clients feel good about themselves?

I love the challenge of working with clients to help them prepare and stage their home — showcasing it in the best possible light and maximizing their return via the sale price. With buyers, I am cognizant that some are completely new to the process and others possess considerable experience. Tailoring my approach and advice to each is important in developing trust to ensure a positive experience.

What makes your team a leader in your industry?

We take a personalized approach to each client, taking the time to understand their unique needs and desires. We are with clients every step of the way, negotiating on their behalf, providing guidance and support from the initial meeting to the moment they post the “sold” sign or move into their dream home.

Compass

Henry Hautau

1305 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 415.225.7495

henryhautau21@gmail.com

www.henryhautau.com

@TeamHautau | Lic: #01782252

David Kasten

Creative Energy

Celebrating 47 years of elevating comfort and wellness in Marin.

What unique products do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living?

We offer an array of products designed to enhance your relaxation and comfort, including hot tubs, swim spas, fireplaces, and soon, cold plunges.

What makes your team a leader in your industry?

Experience. We have been locally family-owned-and-operated since 1976. We have won numerous awards over the decades, and continue to achieve a high level of customer and contractor satisfaction.

How are you staying ahead of the competition?

We distinguish ourselves by keeping all aspects of our operations in-house. Unlike competitors who outsource, we ensure a smooth process with complete responsibility, backed by insurance and skilled experts.

How are you thinking outside the box?

We continuously seek new ways to enhance the Bay Area lifestyle. By introducing cold plunges and partnering with the world’s largest sauna manufacturer through our hot tub brand, we continue to broaden our offerings. While phone calls will always remain the main way to interact, we’ve invested significantly in a texting service for convenient customer communication.

Creative Energy

415.472.7727

Marin Showroom: 4100 Redwood Highway, San Rafael, CA 94903 relax@creativeenergy.com www.creativeenergy.com

Bobby London

Men’s Luxury Apparel & Accessories

Looking your best means a more confident you.

What is it about your products that makes them a great choice for clients?

All of the brands Bobby London carries are very high quality and niche; plus we are either the exclusive or one of the only retailers in the Bay Area (or even the US). These include established brands like Jack Victor and newer ones such as Patrick Assaraf. We are very selective and buy only the best pieces. Our apparel and accessories will help men look great and tastefully unique.

What’s the most interesting new innovation that you offer?

The ability to create custom dress shirts for customers without physically measuring them. It’s all done through laser technology and a tablet.

Have you introduced new products in your industry?

We will be introducing several luxury and premium brands to the SF market, such as Patrick Assaraf, Robert Barakett, Ace Rivington, Giammarco Saviano and Tsubota Pearl. We have our own amazing in-house brands, too, such as Mission Atelier, Purser, American Oak, Pure Consciousness and Zen and the Art of Motorcycles that will be sold exclusively in our brick-and-mortar and online stores.

Why is good design important?

I truly believe in the mantra “look good, feel good,” which helps attract positive experiences to you.

Bobby London

2120 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

917.796.0547 | @bobbylondonsf

bobby@bobbylondonsf.com www.bobbylondonsf.com

Clipper Yacht Harbor

KC Pedersen

Helping people enjoy our beautiful resource.

How are you helping people enjoy beautiful living?

Our goal here is to get people on the water. The bay is one of the premier boating locations on the planet, people come from all around the world to see it. We have all seen the bay from the land, but being on the water provides a whole new perspective. We want to help facilitate that. Sausalito is a special area being in Richardson Bay, which is a protected area making it great for first-time sailors.

How are you changing the game in your industry?

We are unique here at Clipper being the only full-service marina in Marin. Our team is always looking ahead to what new products or services can be offered at our location. We are here to make boating simple and fun. We offer everything your boat will need on site.

What’s new at the harbor?

We are now in the process of replacing our existing wood docks with a stateof-the-art docking system through Bellingham Marine. We are installing the second electric boat charger in the Bay Area, wanting to be a leader and encourager for that industry.

Kara Warrin

Golden Gate Sotheby’s / Applegarth+Warrin Team

A full-service real estate team that always puts the client first.

What unique services do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living?

Beautiful living begins with a home — and way of life — that inspires you. I’ve been helping my clients find their inspiration in Marin for over 20 years.

What makes your team a leader in your industry?

With over $120 million in sales in 2022, we were again the No. 1 team for Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty in Marin County. Our team’s market knowledge is unrivaled, having sold more than 500 homes and $2 billion worth of real estate.

How are you helping clients feel good about themselves?

Buyers and sellers turn to us after asking themselves one key question: Who can do the most for me? My background in interior design helps me guide my clients through the home preparation process to maximize the value and potential of their home. I provide unparalleled service beyond client expectations at every price point.

How are you staying ahead of the competition?

We provide our clients with unmatched opportunities and advantages thanks to our globally connected brand and deep roots in our local Marin market.

Golden Gate Sotheby’s Applegarth+Warrin Team

100 Tiburon Boulevard, Mill Valley, CA 94941 415.407.7979

kara@aw-marin.com | www.aw-marin.com

/karawarrinsothebys.marin

/applegarthwarrinmarin

Lic. #01882747

Libby Wood

Senior

Helping seniors feel comfortable in their new spaces.

What unique services do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living? Senior move management is a new type of business. So many people I meet tell me that they wish they had known that existed when they were going through a difficult transition either for themselves or for family members. We fill the need for people who need or want some help with their complicated projects: downsizing, moving or just getting organized.

What makes your team a leader in your industry?

Our satisfaction comes from relieving the stress that our clients are under and

getting them past the “overwhelmed” state. We absolutely love seeing the smiles on the faces of our clients when the project is done and they settle into their new spaces.

How are you helping clients feel good about themselves?

Being comfortable in their own home is a very important factor in how people feel about themselves, and we help them get there. We do that without judgement and without rushing or nagging. We focus on the client’s needs, wants, and goals. Taking the time to do that right is critical to our success.

Angela DeSalvo

Transformational Soul Work

Feel revitalized and reconnected to yourself.

How are you helping clients feel good about themselves?

Even the most capable professional woman can struggle with overthinking, overworking and burnout. People might see her as superwoman, even as she feels she is about to collapse, waking up every day feeling inundated by life instead of excited about her day. Well, I’m an expert and published author of Soul Warrior. I am an intuitive guide and executive coach who helps you off the ledge of overwhelm and into a life of clarity and renewed enthusiasm. You learn skills for staying clear and confident and how to reconnect with your life force energy. Your newfound clarity manifests itself as a more enjoyable and prosperous life.

What do you want people to know about your business?

I am also a Spiritual Medium helping people connect to their departed loved ones which brings peace and closure.

Transformational Soul Work | Novato

415.640.7198 | angela@angeladesalvo.net | www.angeladesalvo.net

@transformationalsoulwork @angelacdesalvo

Moonstone

Skin & Body Care

Advanced

What unique services do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living?

We focus on helping our clients experience healthy skin care by providing alternative and natural solutions. This includes high-quality skin care products, relaxing facials and advanced holistic treatments like dermaplaning, microcurrent and JetPlasma to ensure they feel beautiful inside and out.

How are you helping clients feel good about themselves?

Our team is continually training in the latest advanced technology and products in skin care, ensuring our clients have access to game-changing treatments that improve the health and appearance of their skin. Our clients have reported amazing results from our advanced treatments.

Moonstone Skin & Body Care

1129 First Street, Novato, CA 94945 | 415.898.0426 www.moonstoneskincare.com | @moonstoneskincare

Archive Modern Homes

Neil Henk and Todd Fischer

A different and more effective approach to home building.

What unique services do you provide to help your clients enjoy beautiful living?

We are masters of design+build. Our founders are a graduate of SCIArc, and expert high-end builders. They integrate project phases seamlessly from design through permitting, consider every detail of the final build, and even fabricate custom finishes, furniture, stained glass … a one-stop shop. Archive Modern Homes focuses on clients and their desires. We delight in co-creating beauty that enhances daily lives.

How are you disrupting your industry?

Tell Your Story

October 2023 — Bay Area Design

This is your exclusive invitation to join us in celebrating the best of Bay Area Design. This advertorial feature is dedicated to showcasing the top designers, architects, realtors and home goods providers. By taking part in this feature, it’s your chance to shine, sharing what makes you and your business exceptional. Our readers, who are as passionate about design as you are, are eager to learn more about you.

We’ll create a custom profile using your own words and images — an authentic representation of your vision. But that’s not all. Your profile will take the spotlight in front of our 17,000 engaged email subscribers through our newsletter and you’ll get a year-long linked article on our website. We’ll also equip you with branded assets to share across your social media platforms. Additionally, we’ll celebrate all the participants of our Bay Area Design advertorial at an exclusive event. This is your moment to become part of a community that celebrates design excellence and continuous innovation.

Contact Jessica Cline for more info

jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com

follow us on social @marinlivingmag + subscribe to our newsletter at www.marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter

www.marinlivingmagazine.com

going places.

TRAVEL IN STYLE

Say hello to the hotels you won’t want to miss on your next SoCal getaway; cruising the Côte d’Azur in the newest Aston Martin; Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr is still making history right here in Marin.

recently refurbished Lafayette Hotel.

The pool area at San Diego’s

Star OF THE Show

Aston Martin’s new DB12 is big on ferocious power and even bigger on mystique.

By Nick Czap

DESPITE ITS REPUTATION as a locale for hiding wealth, Monaco excels at flaunting it, principally by means of pricey personal conveyances. As such, the minuscule country is home to an extraordinary concentration of ultra-luxury and high-performance automobiles, which slink and shriek along its streets, day and night, in an endless, exhibitionist parade.

Long accustomed to the show, Monaco’s residents barely bat an eyebrow, but heads were turning, and

conspicuously so, on a morning in late May as I cut along Av. Princesse Grace in the latest incarnation of Aston Martin’s vaunted DB series, the DB12.

Why all the attention? There was the unmistakable grille, of course, more voracious than ever, the better to cool a new twin turbo V8 power plant 30 percent more potent than that of its predecessor, the DB11. And there was the muted but menacing growl from the pipes, and a body as chiseled as it is sleek, a virtuosic balance of force

All images by Max Earey

and finesse. But there’s a more fundamental reason that Aston Martin’s super tourer makes such an impression against a backdrop of automotive excess, which is that the DB12 is blessed with a quality known as mystique, and in a battle with bling and flash, mystique wins every time.

I hadn’t come to the Riviera for a contest, though. I’d come to drive, and after a second espresso at a cafe round the corner from Hotel Metropole, it was into the Alps for a deep draught of precisely the sort of driving the DB12 was built for.

And while I was smitten with the coupe at first glance, by the time I’d ascended 3,000 feet into the Préalpes d’Azur, just past the village of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, I was feeling a far deeper connection.

There was a delicious physical connectedness to be sure, from a perfectly weighted wheel clad in satiny Oxford Tan leather to a 16-way adjustable Sport Plus seat holding me close in the curves to a magnificently firm brake pedal transmitting an almost telepathic level of feedback from the DB12’s carbon ceramic rotors.

But there was an emotional resonance as well, for in their wizardry, Aston Martin’s engineers had imbued the DB12 not only with immense speed (60 miles an hour in under 3.6 seconds and a maximum velocity of 202 mph), but with a vivid sense of eagerness, which, combined with its ferocious sound, makes it feel wonderfully, wildly alive. And if it’s true all living things have a soul, then this is why, whipping along Route de Castellane, arm’s-length from a low stone barrier and a 1,000-foot drop, I felt not alone in the heights, but in the company of a kindred spirit.

Aston Martin’s DB12 can reach 60 miles an hour in under 3.6 seconds and a maximum velocity of 202 mph.

As I began my descent, the sky turned from blue to slate, the clouds unleashing a deluge, the road now a river. An alarming scenario in a lesser car, but no cause for concern in the DB12, whose bespoke Bi-Compound Technology Michelins clung to the wetness, utterly unfazed. I found myself relishing rather than cringing at the abyssal views from Route Gréolières, a sinewy line in the rock face carved by a deity’s finger. Pairing

my Astell&Kern music player with the DB12, I cued up a favorite album by Sébastien Tellier. A slow, insistent beat poured from the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. It was a song about Biarritz, summer, suntans and love. The Bay of Biscay was a long way away, but I was closing in on Nice, where the sea is especially blue, and if you swim far enough from shore, you can see mountains.

The DB12’s twin turbo V8 power plant is 30 percent more powerful than the DB11’s.

SO COOL IN SoCal

These hotels and resorts showcase why Southern California is still one of the most stylish destinations in the U.S.

By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti

ONE COULD ARGUE THAT Southern

California has set the standard for luxury hospitality for more than a century. As more and more people ventured west during the 1800s and discovered the mild climate, citrus groves and soft, sandy beaches lapped by blue waters, grand European-inspired hotels and resorts were built rapidly to meet the demand. The glittery glow of Hollywood only heightened interest in the region — and that has never really faded, says hotelier Avi Brosh. Brosh, an avid equestrian

who grew up on the East Coast and attended Boston University, decided to establish his hospitality company, Palisociety, in Southern California. He opened his first East Coast–preppy-meets–SoCal–style hotel in West Hollywood in 2008, and the brand has since expanded with properties everywhere from San Francisco to a new hotel in San Diego.

“We tried to bring in San Diego’s casual, effortless sense of place. Southern California is where we started and where we’ll always draw our inspiration,” says Brosh.

Competition is stiff, and hotels continue to reinvent themselves. Here are six stunning new or newly renovated hotels that showcase what makes Southern California history, lifestyle and style so intriguing.

LOS ANGELES CONTEMPORARY LINES

There are now more reasons to leave the beaches in Santa Monica and the stylish shopping in West Hollywood to explore Downtown L.A.’s museums, restaurants and sophisticated hotels like The Conrad (from $356 per night; www.hilton.com). It opened last summer in a Frank Gehry–designed tower that is part of The Grand LA, a shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The structure, an example of West Coast modernism, is inspired by natural forms. Guest rooms are the opposite of cookie-cutter boxes — there are 27 room types, from corner units with balconies and freestanding tubs to spacious suites. There are no

The Conrad is a perfect example of West Coast modernism.

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?

bad views; many rooms overlook the glimmering Walt Disney Concert Hall. Gehry selected London-based Tara Bernerd & Partners to do the interior design, and the team has created spaces that feel natural and modern with linen wall coverings, floor-to-ceiling windows and details like leather drawer handles.

SO WES ANDERSON

Santa Monica’s iconic The Georgian Hotel (from $700 per night; www.thegeorgian.com), where celebrities like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were frequent guests, was featured in the book Accidentally Wes Anderson in 2017. While many hotels might claim to epitomize the director’s cinematic style, few do so with such aplomb. The hotel development company BLVD, behind L.A. hotels like Ace

Hotel DTLA, bought the 1933 landmark in 2020 and embarked on a significant overhaul. Guests walk on a Havana deco–inspired floor as they cross into the historic lobby with high ceilings, art deco chandeliers and decorative reliefs. Topiaries flank the Sunset Terrace, covered with a navy-striped awning. The Library is a fully stocked study with modern bestsellers and vintage books highlighting the history of art and culture in Los Angeles.

voyager.

for Conrad Los Angeles (top); Douglas Friedman (bottom)

Liberty Wealth Management is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the Firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the Firm has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations. Given the inherent uncertainties and risks associated with forward-looking statements, actual events and results may differ materially from those contemplated.

SAN DIEGO PREPPY MEETS COASTAL

Brosh and the Palisociety design team control the design of each hotel in the Palisociety portfolio. Palihotel San Diego (from $225 per night; www.palisociety.com), the largest Palisociety hotel in Southern California, with 122 rooms, is the reimagining of the 1912 Hotel St. James in the lively Gaslamp Quarter. The design team preserved original details like tin ceilings in the lobby, the grand marble staircase, the original floor tile and the elevator, one of the fastest in the world when it was built. Designers have paid homage

to San Diego with details like a deep blue color in the lobby, whale tail door knockers on guest room doors and nautical stripes. Inspired by a classic French brasserie, the restaurant specializes in expertly mixed cocktails and impeccably cooked steaks.

and reimagined it as a city within a city, harkening back to its heyday, but with contemporary features.

HIPSTER HAVEN

San Diego’s Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club (from $299 per night; www. lafayettehotelsd.com) was built in 1946 when Hollywood A-listers like Ava Gardner, Lana Turner and Bob Hope would regularly cruise down the 101 to San Diego to decompress. At

the half-acre Colonial-style property they could swim in the Olympic-size swimming pool and sip martinis. As the century went on, the Lafayette lost some of its luster. San Diego–based hospitality group CH Projects — behind many of San Diego’s most cinematic bars and restaurants — purchased the hotel three years ago

Open since June, it has a lobby inspired by grand European hotels, with mirrors and an atrium. The 141 rooms have custom linens and in-room bar setups. There are seven distinct culinary venues, including a historical re-creation of a 1940s Worcester lunch car; a bowling alley and cocktail bar; and a Mexican-inspired restaurant and agave bar with a 110-year-old historic altar salvaged from a Mexican church. “We like environments that are independently operated and designed, so you can feel the heart and soul of the people behind the project,” says CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli.

Courtesy of Palisociety (above); Haley Hill Photography (below)

voyager.

The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club’s pool has received a face-lift and has become a local hot spot.

Honor nonprofits and nominees at the Fall 2023 Celebration of Philanthropy!

Produced by Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership

Thursday, October 5th, 6 PM to 8 PM Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center

100MARIN

Building a culture of philanthropy in Marin County

100MARIN is Marin County’s premier members only giving circle, founded in 2015 with a vision to make a lasting impact on our community. Join us in this meaningful journey of collective giving and experience the joy of making a difference.

CONNECT TODAY!

Scan the QR code to learn more, become a Member or Sponsor, and attend the Annual Event on October 5th!

Gourmet food & premiere wines from Il Davide

ORANGE COUNTY FOR MAXIMALISTS

Newport Beach is known for its beaches and beautiful harbor, but the brand-new Pendry Newport Beach (from $395 per night; www.pendry.com) feels more like a sophisticated city hotel than a beach retreat. The 295 guest rooms, including

114 suites, designed by Studio Munge, Italo-Canadian designer Alessandro Munge’s conceptual architecture, landscaping and interior design firm, have couches and lounge chairs that are the colors of green olives, while silver accents like mirrored lamps and black-and-white carpets grace the suites. Green is a prominent feature

throughout the hotel, and tall palm trees and other foliage surround the expansive pool deck and add to the vibe.

The hotel is also the home of The Elwood Club, a modern members’ club in a private wing that Studio Munge also designed. The Entertainment Room bar resembles a piece of jewelry with its champagne brass and metal canopy.

Guests at Pendry Newport Beach will enjoy a decidedly urban vibe in the hotel’s newest SoCal location; the Pendry’s pool is a destination in itself (above).

voyager.

SURF LODGE MEETS POSITANO

Part of the Auric Road Collection, a boutique hotel group known for considered properties like the Korakia in Palm Springs, Hotel Joaquin (from $478 per night; www.hoteljoaquin.com) in Laguna Beach, which opened in 2018, is a seaside stay that stands out in SoCal. It’s neither a sprawling beach resort nor a surf-side motel. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired adults-only hideaway that feels current and timeless at the same time. Rooms have vinyl record players instead of television sets, as well as one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, while the bathrooms boast

Courtesy of Hotel Joaquin

Laguna Beach’s Hotel Joaquin imparts a timeless quality that will make guests feel instantly at home.

hand-cut tile and brass fixtures. Public spaces like the lobby and restaurant Saline open onto terraces that cascade down to a pristine pool deck. The property’s crisp white walls, curated art and ocean and island views (Catalina Island can be seen from some vantage points) could almost trick you into thinking you’re on the Amalfi Coast.

Tina Newkirk

Tina Newkirk

‘A Career That’s a Calling’

‘A Career That’s a Calling’

The mantra at Lifehouse is ‘A Full Life’. It is woven into the fabric of the important work that they do every day; improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our community by providing a lifetime of compassionate support in an atmosphere of respect, inspiration, and purpose.

The mantra at Lifehouse is ‘A Full Life’. It is woven into the fabric of the important work that they do every day; improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our community by providing a lifetime of compassionate support in an atmosphere of respect, inspiration, and purpose.

At the center of this critical and complex care are the Direct Support Professionals that ensure people with I/DD are safe, healthy and have the opportunity to lead a life that they aspire to live. A job that takes patience, and acceptance. One must be open-minded and prepared to navigate unique circumstances.

At the center of this critical and complex care are the Direct Support Professionals that ensure people with I/DD are safe, healthy and have the opportunity to lead a life that they aspire to live. A job that takes patience, and acceptance. One must be open-minded and prepared to navigate unique circumstances.

Meet Tina Newkirk. Over her 34 years at Lifehouse she has dedicated her life to making sure that the individuals with I/DD she supports are seen, heard and guided on their journey to meet their own dreams. Some of those relationships have spanned her entire career with the organziation, like Lily who Tina describes as having a great sense of humor, is clever and creative. This also includes the 14 individuals that participate in a support group at the Del Ganado apartments that she facilitated for many years.

Meet Tina Newkirk. Over her 34 years at Lifehouse she has dedicated her life to making sure that the individuals with I/DD she supports are seen, heard and guided on their journey to meet their own dreams. Some of those relationships have spanned her entire career with the organziation, like Lily who Tina describes as having a great sense of humor, is clever and creative. This also includes the 14 individuals that participate in a support group at the Del Ganado apartments that she facilitated for many years.

When asked about her calling to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities Tina responded, “Lifehouse is my home away from home. It’s hard to put into words where the calling comes from since I have such a deep gratitude for being able to do the work that I do. I’m rewarded every week with an overwhelming sense of warmth and pride. For all of our differences, our feelings are ultimately the thing that connects us all and makes us human. Right?”

When asked about her calling to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities Tina responded, “Lifehouse is my home away from home. It’s hard to put into words where the calling comes from since I have such a deep gratitude for being able to do the work that I do. I’m rewarded every week with an overwhelming sense of warmth and pride. For all of our differences, our feelings are ultimately the thing that connects us all and makes us human. Right?”

For almost 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.

For almost 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.

Learning to cook can transform a future.

There was so much that I gained from Fresh Starts. It all came together there. It was life-changing for me.

Teaching people to cook leads to more than just better meals at Fresh Starts Culinary Academy. As a program of Homeward Bound of Marin, Fresh Starts helps people stir up opportunities to overcome barriers like poverty or lack of housing. Hands-on training provides core skills that help graduates launch careers in restaurants, markets, schools, hospitals and cafes. You can support these new futures with a gift at hbofm.org/donate.

Together we can reach the goal of “ending homelessness with training, housing and hope.”

hbofm.org/donate

Photo by Paige Green

— JANIN HARMON, A 2018 GRADUATE AND NOW EXECUTIVE CHEF AT MARY ISAAK CENTER IN PETALUMA

Rita Asfour

Lee Munsell

Ron Chee

Kerri Warner

Zoe Dufour

With thoughtfully designed townhomes and spacious single- family residences, The Strand reflects the coastal essence of and blends seamlessly with Marin County’s natural beauty. Imagine waking up to breathtaking marina views and feeling the gentle sea breeze on your face—all from your front door.

Community Minded

Finding Homes for Creatures Great and Small

Born and raised in Mill Valley, Beth isn’t your average top-producing real estate agent. She’s a mastermind behind the scenes, working tirelessly to build up her community and help furry friends find their forever homes. Partnering with the Marin Humane Society, Beth has made it her mission to put the hard-to-place rescue pups in front of folks that may not have been looking to adopt in the first place. If that wasn’t enough, Beth is also the brains behind the Pups on the Plaza adoption event with the Milo Foundation. One thing’s for sure, when it comes to finding homes, Beth is a firm believer that this includes all creatures great and small.

Beth Brody | 415.987.2384 beth.brody@compass.com | www.onlyinmillvalley.com

Downtown Larkspur Wine Stroll

The 11th annual Downtown Larkspur Wine Stroll is Saturday, September 9 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Taste delicious wines and meet the purveyors of Northern California wineries. Stroll Magnolia Avenue shops and restaurants in downtown Larkspur, enjoy live music and a sense of community on a beautiful fall Saturday. Purchase tickets online. $50 in advance, $60 day of. Proceeds benefit the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce, working to unite the individuals, businesses and local leaders of Larkspur, Greenbrae and Kentfield.

www.larkspurchamber.org

Create Your Story at Verandah in Novato

At Verandah, it’s easy to discover the seamless connection between you and nature, where you’re surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Embrace a lifestyle that balances invigorating activities with moments of relaxation — both within your home and beyond. Step outside to the majestic sunrise on your rooftop deck overlooking Rush Creek Preserve’s rolling hills. Whether you start your day with an invigorating yoga session or a good book, the rooftop deck is your sanctuary. As evening falls, gather your cherished friends for a sunset get-together filled with delightful cocktails and a charcuterie board. Explore the stunning townhomes at Verandah today!

A Culinary Fundraiser

Enjoy a unique, roaming culinary adventure with delicious cuisine and libations from local restaurants and wineries, plus botanical cocktails from our Garden—all set to live music. Truly an unforgettable night that will be filled with surprises!

maringarden.org/ediblegarden

Scan here for tickets

Media Sponsor

drawn together.

Coming OUT

The namesake of Marin’s Spahr Center has lived a life of liberation, service and challenge during a time of great change for the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ community.

By Daniel Jewett

FOR SAN FRANCISCO’S Rev. Dr. Jane “Janie” Spahr, being forced to resign as the executive director of the Oakland Council of Presbyterian Churches in the 1970s for coming out as a lesbian may have been one of the best things that ever happened to her. A new liberated life awaited.

“It was wonderful; it was incredible to be there,” Spahr says about next joining the staff of the Metropolitan Community Church, which served gay and lesbian people in the Castro — but a darkness was looming. “For just a moment, it was so fabulous to be queer and all these wonderful services we had, and then HIV hit.”

As Spahr and others began the sad ritual of burying their friends, the need for some sort of community center became obvious and a small group turned their eyes to Marin. “We said

‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could offer support to our folks?’ It was a scary time for people coming out,” she says, adding that she had the support of her former husband and his wife and her own children, who helped her accept who she was. “I’ve lost jobs three times over being lesbian, so it’s OK. I’d rather have my integrity.”

Spahr went around to several churches in Marin, as everybody knew her, but nobody would give her meeting space — until she visited Westminster Presbyterian in Tiburon and they said, Which room would you like? “And so what happened is, because a lot of our people had to come in through the door of a church, they saw that there were supportive people in faith communities. And this one was really supportive,” Spahr says. Soon there were youth groups, lesbian groups, gay groups, bisexual groups, even groups for lesbian and gay parents and then the spouses of those parents. The need for support and community was overwhelming, Spahr says.

During that time, she held a meeting at the College of Marin, thinking maybe only a handful would come, but instead

75 showed up from as far north as Mendocino and as far south as the city. “And when they saw one another, when these LGBTQ youth saw one another, it was just unbelievable,” she says. “It was incredible.”

In 2016 the center Spahr started and had served as executive director of for more than 10 years, then called the Spectrum Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns, merged with the Marin AIDS Project to become the Spahr Center (www. thespahrcenter.org), a moniker that came as a great honor to its namesake. “Never in my life did I think I’d get to see my granddaughter and my little grandson cutting the ribbon with me and that we would have had the chance to have a center and have a safe place for our people to be,” she says.

About the center, now based in Corte Madera, Spahr adds, “It became a community. And now they’ve got grandparents’ groups, and parents’ groups and youth groups about kids that are nonbinary and genderqueer, and whatever it is. I just say we add more letters, because that’s the wonder, that’s the great thing.”

Courtesy of Jane Spahr

Jane Spahr (middle) at a 1993 march on Washington, D.C.

Continuing The Legacy

Since 1970, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has showcased Napa Valley’s amazing wines to the world. Join us for an experience to enjoy our acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon from our historic estate vineyards and continue the legacy.

©2023 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa, CA