marin living november 2021

g n i t s s y o a d i H l o H e

th r o f

© Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc., are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.

24 Townhouse-Style Units in the Heart of Sonoma County A stable investment opportunity with identified potential for increased revenue.

Proforma Cap Rate of 6.0%

$5,995,000 294 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, CA

Nick Svenson nick@marinsfhomes.com www.MarinSFhomes.com 415.505.7674 | DRE #01918616

holidays with the symphony Check out the Symphony’s full lineup of Holiday concerts sfsymphony.org/holiday Love Actually is a copyright of WT Venture LLC. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

DECEMBER 2021

Love Actually is a copyright of WT Venture LLC. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

© 1990 Twentieth Century Fox.

8

14–15

16, 18

Holiday Soul with Yolanda Adams

Love Actually— Film with Live Orchestra

Home Alone— Film with Live Orchestra

17

22

31

Holiday Gaiety

A Cool Yule Christmas— Holiday Favorites of Frank & Ella

New Year’s Eve with Darren Criss

SECOND CENTURY PARTNER

INAUGURAL PARTNER

SEASON PARTNERS

OFFICIAL AIRLINE

M O U N TA I N S TO M A R I N A S , MARIN IS OUR HOME

BOWMAN REAL E STATE GROUP is comprised of professionals specializing in negotiation, marketing, construction, design, law, and hospitality. Our diverse backgrounds enable us to focus on each aspect of the process, creating a detailoriented experience for our clients. Negotiation is the most valuable tool we bring to the table. Ever y aspect of our process has been tailored to provide our clients the best possible price and terms for their sale or purchase.

B O W M A N R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P. C O M

BowmanRealEstateGroup.com @THEBOWMANGROUP

MARIN MATTERS

Providing Marin families more of what they want

A LEGACY OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FOR GENERATIONS

IT ’S A ROLLERCOASTER

HELPED US BOTH BUY AND SELL

For anyone who has experienced the home buying

Bowman Real Estate Group helped us buy our new

process, to say it is a roller coaster is an understatement!

home and then sold our old one, both on the same

Jennifer ’s knowledge of the Marin real estate market is

block in San Anselmo.

impressive, her negotiating skills are second to none and her turnaround time responding to our questions was always immediate. Bowman Real Estate Group provided

Old house: Sold for $1,175,000 which was $277k above asking!!

New house: Bought for $1,100,00 which was only $5k above asking.

amazing customer service and always with a smile. In

But this is the shocker – the new house is way bigger,

this competitive market, we highly recommend working

and it’s only two houses down f rom the old house,

with them.

which means we paid less for a much bigger and nicer house on the ver y same block!!

— Tracey T and Lee H Jennifer and Elliott were a dream to work with – they are ver y hard workers!! They helped us coordinate ever y thing – garden clean-up, staging, painting, etc .

We’re more in love with them now than ever!

— Cherie and Mike S

BOWMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP | 415.755.1040 Team@BowmanRealEstateGroup.com DRE# 01933147

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Copywriting

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Marketing Plans ●

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Branding

Media Buying

Event Production

Creating and defining your identity is our passion. What your business needs is an aggressive marketing plan to separate you from the competition.

Now is the time to put your plan in place. We can help. Communicating and delivering your strategic message is the difference between winking in the dark and actively wooing customers to your business. Let us develop a full creative and marketing strategy for your business.

About Us We are a group of talented creative and marketing professionals who have turned decades of experience into a new Marin County media company. five19 publishing includes Marin Living magazine and five19 brandstudio.

Contact Jessica Cline at 707.302.0850 or jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com to get started.

The Park Ward Village Amenity Deck

THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN OFFERING OR SOLICITATION OF SALE IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE PROJECT IS NOT REGISTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW OR WHERE SUCH OFFERING OR SOLICITATION WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROHIBITED BY LAW. WARD VILLAGE, A MASTER PLANNED DEVELOPMENT IN HONOLULU, HAWAII, IS STILL BEING CONSTRUCTED. ANY VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF WARD VILLAGE OR THE CONDOMINIUM PROJECTS THEREIN, INCLUDING THEIR LOCATION, UNITS, COMMON ELEMENTS AND AMENITIES, MAY NOT ACCURATELY PORTRAY THE MASTER PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OR ITS CONDOMINIUM PROJECTS. ALL VISUAL DEPICTIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. THE DEVELOPER MAKES NO GUARANTEE, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER THAT THE DEVELOPMENTS, FACILITIES OR IMPROVEMENTS OR FURNISHINGS AND APPLIANCES DEPICTED WILL ULTIMATELY APPEAR AS SHOWN OR EVEN BE INCLUDED AS A PART OF WARD VILLAGE OR ANY CONDOMINIUM PROJECT THEREIN. WARD VILLAGE PROPERTIES, LLC, RB-21701. COPYRIGHT ©2020. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING.

The Park Ward Village Residence 03 Living Room

Effortless Island Living The Park Ward Village in Honolulu fosters a lifestyle focused on balance, harmony and connection.

Here, you can soak in the beauty of the island at the adjacent and surrounding parks. Indulge in your home’s modern interiors and stunning ocean views. Enjoy a collection of amenities for privacy, leisure and entertainment. Live at the center of it all, and spend more time doing what you love.

S T U D I O, O N E, T WO A N D T H R EE B ED RO O M S AVA I L A B L E INQUIRE WELCOMETOTHEPARKWV.COM | 808 400 8983 Offered by Ward Village Properties, LLC RB-21701

Jessica Cline

Casey Gillespie

CEO jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.302.0850

Creative Director casey@marinlivingmagazine.com

Dina Grant

Daniel Jewett

Advertising Director dina@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.238.2030

Executive Editor dan@marinlivingmagazine.com

ADVERTISING

EDITORIAL

Wine Country Advertising Consultant Chet Klingensmith chet@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.216.1780 Hawaii Region Advertising Consultant Meredith Low meredith@marinlivingmagazine.com 808.388.2644 Advertising Consultant Kim McGinnis kim@marinlivingmagazine.com 415.640.4504 Advertising Consultant Courtney Roberts courtney@marinlivingmagazine.com 415.297.4507

Associate Editor Molly O’Brien Editorial Assistant Sydney Segal Contributing Designers Sarah Goldschadt, Madeleine Hannes, Allan Nacapuy, David Sebo Contributing Writers Sarah Weinberg Gold, Laura Schooling Contributing Photographers Marisa Sanchez-Dunning, Rachel Weill

Client Services Manager Casey Hatfield-Chiotti chatfield@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.400.5661

Subscriptions Customer Service 818.287.2940 mlmcs@magserv.com To subscribe, manage your subscription or change your address: marinlivingmagazine.com/subscriptions

Intern Taylor Leslie Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin

Mailing Address Marin Living PO Box 2104 Mill Valley, CA 94941 Office phone: 707.302.0850

To sign up for our newsletter: marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter Marin Living magazine is delivered complimentary to residents of California.

Editorial or Press Inquiries casey@marinlivingmagazine.com, dan@marinlivingmagazine.com

Volume 2, Issue 9. Marin Living® magazine is published in Marin County by Five19Publishing, Inc., Mill Valley, CA 94941. All rights reserved. ©2021 Five19Publishing, Inc. Marin Living® is a registered trademark of Five19Publishing, Inc. Reproduction of Marin Living is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Five19Publishing, Inc. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Living is mailed 10 times a year to homes and businesses in Marin County and San Francisco.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marin Living magazine, PO Box 16895, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6895.

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table of contents. november 2021

84

82

spotlight marin.

20 news.

Annual holiday events return to the Bay Area; the beloved Lark Theater announces its soft opening; get ready for the Dipsea race, and much more.

30 eat & drink.

Marin finally has its own hard kombucha brand and it’s everything we hoped it would be.

34 local getaways.

Take in the holiday cheer at Berkeley’s vibrant Fourth Street.

12 november 2021 marin living.

There is a new electric vehicle in town and we are plugged in to all the details.

30

84 voyager.

Experience the healing power of horses at these luxury destinations.

40 take note.

92 stepping out.

going places.

76 new digs.

96 drawn together.

The Sweetwater is back with new music, eats and a communityfocused nonprofit status.

Exploring some of Marin’s fabled homes where its most famous residents lived and played.

Locals don their finest for good causes at the Marin Art and Garden Center and Jack London State Park.

San Rafael’s Salon B is bringing the community together, one gathering — and one haircut — at a time.

from the team.

16 from the ceo.

18 from the creative director.

Clockwise from top left: Fearless Photography; courtesy of ElectraMeccanica; Torrey Fox

82 land & sea.

Newton Vineyard. A unique combination of Place and Philosophy.

Founded on Spring Mountain’s steep hillsides in 1977 by Peter Newton, we continue to stay true to the ambitious quest of creating mountain wines that deliver a rare and fresh expression of the Napa Valley through unfiltered, truthful terroir expression and a deep commitment to sustainability.

Become A Part Of Our Inner Circle.

For access to avant-première wines, limited releases, bespoke experiences and members pricing on our exclusive selection, we invite you to join our wine club, The Newton Circle. With carefully curated Spring and Fall shipments, we offer three membership tiers that can be tailored to your preferences, including the option to receive red or white wines only.

Call our concierge at 707-204-7410 (Mon-Fri) or email us at wineclub@newtonvineyard.com to join.

features.

42

Long Story Short We asked locals about their most memorable holiday gatherings and they came back with tales that do not disappoint.

46

Chef Knows Best Scoma’s beloved chef Gordon Drysdale shares some of his favorite holiday recipes, and they are hot, hot, hot.

54

Cozy at Home Shop local! Our annual holiday gift guide takes center stage with one-of-a-kind items.

A scene from our holiday gift guide (candles by Diptyque). Photographed by Marisa Sanchez-Dunning/If Only Creative.

14 november 2021 marin living.

Rachel Weill

On the Cover

Servicing Marin County + Sonoma + San Francisco @ona.life City of San Rafael License No: 2018-08-ONA Bureau of Cannabis Control: C9-0000100

from the ceo.

WHEN WE DECIDED TO LAUNCH A MAGAZINE during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was about doing something we loved.

We certainly didn’t know that the pandemic would last as long as it has, but the notion of taking a risk and giving up a job that wasn’t fun or fulfilling — and the stability of a paycheck — was suddenly worth it. After all, we made it through staying at home for months on end, Zoom fatigue, the riots, the election, not seeing friends or family, and jobs that were getting weirder by the moment. What else could we possibly take before we simply said, “Let’s do it”? We are not alone. We are going through a monumental cultural change and reevaluation of priorities and I couldn’t be prouder to say Marin Living exists because of it.

Some are referring to it as the “Great Resignation” — I’m not sure what history will call it, but we are certainly a part of it.

We’ve built our company on mutual respect, recruited teammates who are talented and enjoy their freedom, and everyone has a voice in our decisions. Gone are the days of building our lives around work. We are individuals who have lives — spouses, children, grandchildren, aging parents, friends who like to travel, and a million other things that make up our individual personal lives. The key to making it work is commitment to a worthwhile cause with people you want to be around, while feeling like your needs matter. My team matters to me and I matter to them. We are in this together; my success is theirs and theirs is mine.

Speaking of success, we recently won Best Regional Magazine Launch at Folio’s Eddie and Ozzie Awards in New York City.

It’s sort of like the Emmys of the magazine publishing world, 16 november 2021 marin living.

A fantastic day out with the team at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

and wow, we are honored! Being in the winner’s circle with other first-class publications from across the country determined by judges who are experts in journalism and design feels awesome.

I chalk it up to what I’ve said all along — when you know you can do something better, you should. It’s a great feeling to think you can be good at something, but when you know you are good at something, it’s an entirely different thing altogether. We’ve built on a clear vision and are living up to it every day. Our team is extraordinary and it’s because of our collective hard work that we’ve been rewarded in many ways.

I’m grateful beyond measure. We love Marin and our magazine is full of inspiring people doing extraordinary things.

I’ve never felt more connected and happier to be living in Marin County. Here’s to living life on your terms.

Jessica Cline, CEO and Co-Founder

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; www.stock.adobe.com/New Africa

Better Together

PROMOTION

AN EYE FOR ARCHITECTURE Steven J Magner Photography is a full-service photo and video company specializing in interior design and architecture.

For more information www.stevenjmagner.com 310.499.8075

from the creative director.

Gifts from Karl the Store in Sausalito

WELCOME TO OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE. Can you believe that we are nearly staring 2022 in the face? Life seems to slowly be returning to some semblance of normal, and we are lapping it up. What part of life are you most looking forward to recultivating? (I’d say the way it was pre-pandemic, but that is a misnomer.) For me, it’s travel. While most people got on the road again this summer, I stayed local and enjoyed a gloriously quiet summer in Marin. However, travel has always been an integral part of my life and the longing to explore different cities seems more intense as the holidays approach.

I spent many years in Europe during the holiday season taking in the sights and picking up gifts for friends and family here and there. So many memories: the spectacular light displays along the Champs-Elysées, the lively outdoor holiday markets in Barcelona, ducking into a cozy, festively decorated pub in Amsterdam to avoid a winter downpour, and wandering through Harrods in London trying to take it all in. I mean we don’t suffer through the holiday season in the Bay Area by any means, but I do yearn for those chilly evenings in New York City gawking at the brightly lit and fantastically decorated department store windows.

A year without the parties and annual events certainly left a gaping hole at the end of last year. However! We have been thrilled to watch the announcements of returning annual events and invites for festive gatherings begin to roll in. Admittedly, going without last year made these announcements that much more exciting.

18 november 2021 marin living.

Naturally, we wanted to share that excitement with you and where better to start than in this issue? The holidays are all about big, celebratory meals and so we spoke to local culinary legend Gordon Drysdale about some of his favorite holiday memories, and we even convinced him to share some of his personal holiday recipes. Try them out and let us know what you think. We also asked many of our local friends and neighbors to share some of their most memorable holidays and the result is everything we hoped it would be. And what would the holidays be without a gift guide? We picked some pretty great items from local businesses and retailers and we hope that you will get out and support them this season. Speaking of which, I have been thrilled to see so many people out dining at local eateries, but the industry is still suffering and those bars and restaurants are at the heart of our community. Who wants to join me for a holiday cocktail? Just name the time and place.

Casey Gillespie Creative Director and Co-Founder

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; Marisa Sanchez-Dunning/If Only Creative

Cheers to the Holidays

How to Take the Leap to Love Innovative Match founder Cassie Zampa-Keim can help you experience the mental and physical benefits of healthy relationships.

How can human connection help your health?

Health and human relationships are inextricably linked.

In general, people in loving, supportive relationships (be it good friends, companions or spouses) live healthier, longer lives and experience greater overall life satisfaction than people in unsatisfying relationships or those who are socially isolated.

Why are the holidays a good time to repair relationships?

Now is a good time to work on relationships with family and friends, checking in with those you might have drifted apart from and reinforcing bonds that were already strong. The holidays are as great time as any to give all your relationships the attention they deserve.

What is it about relationships that make people healthier?

Satisfied partners provide a constant source of support.

Couples in healthy relationships tend to take fewer risks or engage in substance abuse. Married people tend to help each other maintain healthy habits and are more likely to follow their doctors’ recommendations. I’ve found the desire to connect with a partner and the connection itself, even if platonic, helps with depression and sadness.

Do you need to be married to reap the health benefits of a relationship?

No! Strong social connections of many types make us healthier as well. You might be at a point in your life where all you really want is someone to spend time with and enjoy walks on the beach, dinner and movies.

Innovative Match, Ross | 415.259.8714 | www.innovative-match.com

spotlight marin.

“The excitement of returning to the Lark was so palpable the morning we first opened — everyone is a community here and when we come together there’s a real sense of belonging and enjoyment.”

Patrons can see Metropolitan Opera performances live from New York at the Lark Theater.

20 november 2021 marin living.

Courtesy of Metropolitan Opera

—ELLIE MEDNICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE LARK THEATER

As an experienced financial advisor, I guide the conversation around your financial decisions to help you achieve important wealth goals. I also focus on empowering women to reach new financial heights.

Why is it important to have a clear vision?

The client is the most important reason why we have a practice. What we do daily benefits the client and decisions being made are ethical and client-centric.

With this vision, it is easy to do the right thing.

How does your vision manifest in your business?

I have been successful in serving three generations of many of the families that I serve. Parents find it difficult to know when and how to have the money discussion with their children. I help to facilitate these critical conversations. This has helped many families have open communications around a topic that is sensitive, often leading to very important life transition discussions.

What separates you from the pack?

Being female separates me from the pack. Women find it easy to open up to a female financial advisor who naturally understands the situation whether they are

single, divorced or widowed. I have 30 years of experience helping women through the different life cycles and can provide comfort and guidance during each one.

How do you stay connected with the community?

Everyone, especially women, need financial literacy. My commitment is to instruct as many as I can by teaching a course on financial literacy geared for women at the local college. This class was the genesis of a focus group study from the Department of Labor several years ago. I am an authorized instructor of Wi$E UP: Financial Education for Women. I have taught for more than 15 years and will continue to do so.

What do you want people to know about you?

I want people to know that women can be just as successful as men when it comes to financial literacy.

Investing and being financially literate is possible for anyone who wants to learn. The confidence one gains can be key to building wealth and taking care of oneself.

Contact me to learn more about how I can help you reach your financial goals.

Helen Abe, CIMA®, CPFA, CRPC® Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor 300 B Drakes Landing Road, Suite 155 Greenbrae, CA 94904 (415) 445-8468 | helen.abe@rbc.com us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/helen.abe

Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value © 2021 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

21-JD-01629 (06/21)

news.

By Molly O’Brien

Hard Hats On Larkspur’s historic art deco Lark Theater (www.larktheater. net) is still undergoing construction, but some lucky guests got souvenir hard hats at the October 9 soft opening and got to see the popular Live at the Met in HD series on the big screen from the comfort of the newly refurbished theater seats. Construction will take a few more months, but in the meantime, patrons can see Metropolitan Opera performances (yes, it’s back!) live from New York at 9:55 a.m. on Saturdays and recordings at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Check the Lark’s website for the schedule; tickets are $30 for the live shows and $24 for the recorded.

The holidays are here! To celebrate, skate over to Napa Valley’s only holiday ice rink, located on the Vista Collina Resort lawn (www. meritagecollection.com/vistacollina) from now until January 2. In San Francisco, the beloved holiday tradition of GLIDE concerts (www. glide.org) returns with GLIDE Annual Holiday Jam: Still We Rise, a live and in-person benefit show on November 18 at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco.

Ten-time Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin, three-time Grammy awardee Fantastic Negrito and the GLIDE Ensemble and Change Band will all be decking the halls onstage. From November 18 to December 19, Mill Valley’s Marin Theatre Company (www.marin theatre.org) hosts the third and final installment of the Christmas at Pemberley trilogy, Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley.

Fantastic Negrito

22 november 2021 marin living.

Courtesy of Metropolitan Opera; Isaiah Frazier

Holiday Happenings

YOUR Marin Calling

Creative. Authentic.

Real Estate.

Jon DiRienzo

Founder | Principal Realtor®

jon@ech-re.com | 415.744.4161 exceptionallycoolhomes.com DRE 01354297

news.

Marin’s True Colors

On the (Virtual) Screen Curtain call. Cinema Napa Valley’s popular Napa Valley Film Festival

(www.napavalleyfilmfest.org) returns virtually from November 9 to 14. This year’s event will host a diverse collection of more than 60 features, shorts and documentaries. Films include the feature Porcupine, about a woman who puts herself up for adoption, and The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses, a documentary about the more than 80,000 wild horses on federal land. A pass for all films is $99 and a pass for the short films only is $25.

24 november 2021 marin living.

Courtesy of American Society of Botanical Artists — "Southern Magnolia" by Beverly Allen

Marin County is in full bloom.

The 24th Annual International Exhibition of Botanical Art is at The Studio at Marin Art and Garden Center (www.marin garden.org) until November 28, showcasing colorful talent from a group of international contemporary botanical artists.

This year, the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) made some tough calls, choosing just 45 artworks from a record 260 entries. Of the 42 artists, 10 are new exhibitors. Visit Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Urgent News!

We have two Urgent Care locations nearby.

Where do you go for swift medical attention if you can’t get in to see your regular doctor and it’s not quite emergency-room worthy? MarinHealth offers two options that are quick, convenient, and COVID-19 safe. ®

Don’t let a minor illness or injury turn into a major hassle. We’re here for you.

MarinHealth Urgent Care

MarinHealth Pediatric After-Hours Care

1-415-925-8865

1-415-464-1350

Accepting appointments and walk-ins Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Appointments preferred Monday – Friday, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

staffed by Emergency and Family Medicine physicians for adults and pediatric patients 3+ months

Staffed by Pediatricians, for pediatric patients only

4000 Civic Center Drive, Suite 206 San Rafael

1100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 10 Larkspur

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or need a COVID-19 test, call 1-628-336-5205.

Learn More at www.MyMarinHealth/UrgentCare “MarinHealth ” and the MarinHealth logo are registered servicemarks of Marin General Hospital and used with permission. ®

®

Connect with us

news.

A Multiuse Path Gets a Makeover The resurfacing project of the Marin Mill Valley/Sausalito Multiuse Pathway (www.parks.marincounty. org) is smoothing surface cracks, which is great news for the plethora of walkers and cyclists who use it every day. Construction will be conducted on weekdays during daytime hours, which the county hopes will have minimum impact on users. Here’s a look at this path by the numbers. The popular and scenic bayside route is the most visited destination in the Marin County parks, preserves and paths system.

Years of use 49-plus Usage 46 percent pedestrians and 54 percent cyclists

Total length 3 miles from Alto Tunnel to Gate 6 Miles repaired 1.4 Total restoration construction cost $250,000

Weekday users 2,000 Weekend users 6,000 Weekly total users 22,000 Monthly users 88,000

Pipe Up for Fresh Water It might be time for a rain dance. The Marin Municipal Water District (www.marinwater. org) recently took the plunge and approved an initial $2.2 million in contracts and $23.2 million in equipment for a $90 million proposed emergency water pipeline planned to span the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge. “The intertie would connect Marin to larger water systems on an as-needed basis, providing more resilience in light of climate change, and more ability to ensure local water supply security compatible with a safe, healthy environment,” explains Cynthia Koehler, WaterNow Alliance executive director. According to current concepts, the bridge pipeline would carry up to 15 million gallons of water for eight miles on the top deck or attached to the underside of the top deck. The water would be purchased from the Central Valley agricultural area to be used in emergency situations.

26 november 2021 marin living.

www.stock.adobe.com/XtravaganT (top) and rathchapon (bottom)

Yearly users 1,050,000

Marin Homeowner Stories It is no secret the real estate market is HOT. Hear first hand from two recent Marin sellers about their expierence selling in today’s wild market. Call the McCarthy + Moe Group to learn more about working with the Compass Concierge program.

116 Blackfield Drive,Tiburon $759,000 OVER ASKING 18 OFFERS 88 SHOWINGS

The sellers at 116 Blackfield Drive took advantage of our project management and design services along with the Compass

“I could not have found better agents to sell my property. The McCarthy + Moe Group are extremely professional, efficient and talented.” - D.P & K.C

Concierge program. A program with no out of pocket-costs.

Their home sold for $759,000 over the listing price.

• • • • • •

Painted Int/Exteior General Repairs Fixtures/Lighting Landscaping Bathroom Refresh Staging Assitance

Before

129 Pine Street, San Anselmo $571,000 OVER ASKING 11 OFFERS 147 SHOWINGS

“It was a pleasure working with the McCarthy + Moe Group. They made the sale of my home happen seamlessly from start to finish, including repairs, staging, and project management. I could not be

Before

• • • • • • •

Refinished Floors Staging General Repairs Refresh Landscpaing Moving Assitance New Carport Exterior Painting

more thrilled with the results.”

- D & D. H.

Liz McCarthy + Shenna Moe | 415.250.4929 | Team@McCarthyMoe.com | McCarthyMoe.com | DRE 01421997

news.

Marin Housing Mandate

Peak Play Performance Mountain Play’s (www.mountainplay.org) production of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot steals the spotlight as the rousing Arthurian legend is told in classic musical fashion. Talented director Zoë Swenson Graham and music director Phillip Harris reimagined this famed Broadway show to tell the tale of the legendary characters in a more intimate setting. Catch performances Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., or Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 19 at the Barn Theater in Ross. Tickets are $35 per person.

28 november 2021 marin living.

www.stock.adobe.com/a sculpies

Ten Marin County municipalities are fighting against state housing mandates, opposing the state’s directive to build 14,000-plus new homes in Marin (a 10 percent increase in housing) over the next decade. The appeals from all the opposing municipalities (San Rafael and Novato did not contest the allocations) have been denied by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG, www.abag.ca.gov) with the appeal by the unincorporated areas not heard as of press time. ABAG board member and mayor of Novato Pat Eklund was the lone voice of opposition against denying the appeals, stating she “does not support the board’s housing requirement methodology” due to a wide range of factors. “It’s going to be almost impossible for cities to achieve their numbers,” says Eklund, who cites the directive as “setting cities and counties up for failure.” A final ruling on all appeals is expected from ABAG by the end of the year.

Sharla Flock (top); Bob Cullinan (bottom)

Dipsea Returns Runners take their marks as the legendary 110th Dipsea Race (www. dipsea.org) returns to the starting line Sunday, November 7.

It’s the first time in its 82-year history that this annual 7.4-mile event will take place in November. Luckily, the competition never goes out of season. Make a note: the route from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach will also have a new starting time at 8 a.m., so set your alarm — you won’t want to miss any of the fun.

Flower Power at The Ferry Building Power to the petal. Join Flower Power Happy Hour — a craft botanical workshop paired with wine — at the Ferry Building (www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com). Themes are festively seasonal, and guests will learn about centerpiece creation and wreath making (great for crafting the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner table ornament). The evening includes all supplies, guided instruction by leading Bay Area floral designer Sharla Flock and wine from the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant (to boost creativity, of course). Dates available throughout November and December; party starts at 5:30 p.m. marin living. november 2021 29

eat & drink.

Feeling Folksy

Fresh, fizzy and flavorful fermentations have popped up in Marin.

By Molly O’Brien

Torrey Fox

FOLKSY’S FIRST HARD KOMBUCHA is taking over local market shelves (and taste buds) across the county. This “booch” brand is produced by local husband-and-wife team Dylan and Anna Lundstrom. The Folksy (www.drinkfolksy. com) founders were inspired by a mutual love of kombucha and fueled by a desire to create good-for-you beverages while working with the local Marin community.

“Folksy represents how we want people to feel,” says Anna on the thinking behind the brand’s name. “Friendly, familiar

30 november 2021 marin living.

eat & drink.

Friendly, familiar and unpretentious. We’re a bunch of uncomplicated folks who value good ingredients, good scenery and good times.

and neighbors were interested in learning more and trying it but didn’t know where to find the drink. “It took a little bit longer because of delays in shipping and production due to the pandemic, but we really wanted to create a local hard kombucha brand,” says Anna. And when it comes to founding and managing a quickly growing business, even this team of two knows it takes a village to build a strong following.

“This experience has taught me the power of relationships,” says Anna. “Partnerships are super important for building your community and your product — the biggest reward of starting our own business is getting to better know the community we live in.”

She appreciates how chefs, bartenders, grocery store owners and workers alike — everyone in the county — work together toward the common goal of supporting the community and each other’s ambitions. “Just talking to other business owners about the struggles and challenges and opportunities of owning a business, it’s really rooted us in Marin,” Anna says.

Breezy Brews

Bubbling With Ideas

The brand was originally inspired by Anna’s love for nonalcoholic kombucha when she was abstaining from alcohol while pregnant with their first son. “It was delicious, and felt almost like a cocktail,” she says, “like a treat. When I went back to drinking alcohol, I discovered hard kombucha and became an evangelist for it.”

She quickly realized there was a gap in Northern California’s hard kombucha industry and knew how to fill it. Friends 32 november 2021 marin living.

Where to Buy

Sold on trying out some new sips? Folksy hasn’t made its online store debut yet, but hard kombucha lovers can find the canned drinks stocked on shelves across Marin including grocery stores like Andy’s Local Market, Driver’s Market and Mill Valley Market, as well as in restaurants like Hook Fish Co., Restaurant Picco and Madcap.

As for how well the brand has caught on, Anna says, “It’s all about making what you really believe in, something you can stand behind, and then your community will come around you.”

Cheers to that.

Torrey Fox

and unpretentious. We’re a bunch of uncomplicated folks who value good ingredients, good scenery and good times.”

By expertly pairing Dylan’s existing professional background in winemaking and Anna’s savvy business and marketing skills with a shared thirst for entrepreneurial adventure, the two successfully produced a buoyant new brew that locals are bound to start asking for by name.

Self-described as “delightfully uncomplicated,” Folksy hard kombucha is made with all organic ingredients, and it’s glutenfree, low-sugar and naturally fermented to a light 5 percent ABV (alcohol by volume).

“We’re thoughtful about our ingredients,” Anna says.

“We don’t use any concentrates or natural flavors. All of our ingredients are whole.” Flagship Folksy flavor combos include “sage, rosemary and mint” and “grapefruit and ginger” — both of which are playfully refreshing. As for new brews? Anna hints that there are some new flavors in the works that will offer a seasonal surprise.

I LEA R N SOMETH ING NEW ABOUT T HIS MAGICAL PLACE EVERY DAY I make a point of it. Because I’m so grateful to live and work here.

And because it helps me help my clients make winning decisions.

If you’re ready to buy or sell real estate anywhere in Marin — from exclusive Belvedere to eccentric Bolinas — let me help you with your decision-making. You’ll be more informed and can feel confident about your next move.

JOE HOSNI.com

JOE HOSNI

Lic. #02009324 joehosni@compass.com 415.465.4955

local getaways.

A Day Out in Berkeley

Paraíso Plant Studio

34 november 2021 marin living.

Courtesy of Paraíso Plant Studio

By Casey Gillespie

Women of Industry Celebration Honoring Exceptional Women in Business in Marin County Since 2013 the San Rafael Chamber and the Women of Industry committee have annually recognized a businesswoman demonstrating excellence in her field while significantly impacting the community and beyond. This year, we are celebrating Helen Russell, Co-founder and Executive Chair of Equator Estate Coffee and Tea, as our 2021 Women of Industry Award recipient.

Join us for this inspiring evening and: •Support Marin County women in business •Celebrate outstanding leadership •Learn more about Helen Russell’s extraordinary accomplishments A portion of the proceeds raised at the event goes towards a scholarship for one female business owner to attend the 2022-2023 San Rafael Leadership Institute, a program of the San Rafael Chamber.

Date & Time

Location

November 17, 2021 | 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.

Virtual event hosted on Zoom

Tickets

Sponsorships Available

Visit srchamber.com

Please contact lpiper@srchamber.com

srchamber.com | 415-454-4163

local getaways.

If you want to get into the holiday shopping spirit, Berkeley’s charming Fourth Street is a great place to start. During the holiday season, streets are lined with festive twinkling lights and there are plenty of places to grab a bite, a beer or coffee to keep you fueled while you find presents for everyone on your list. Independent retailers are abundant, while some of the bigger stores that haven’t set up shop in Marin — think Sur La Table, CB2 and American Giant — are a quick 30-minute drive away. Here are a few of our favorite places to find unique gifts for those special someones.

Bette’s Oceanview Diner 1807 FOURTH STREET

www.bettesdiner.com Bette’s Diner is something of a Fourth Street institution — this is comfort food at its best. All of the baked goods are made on premises (try the bran and donut muffins rolled in cinnamon sugar) and the pancakes are renowned. Arrive early for brunch or be prepared to wait; they don’t take ressies.

The Gardener 1836 FOURTH STREET

www.thegardener.com You could buy something for everyone on your list here. From gardening tools to bowls in all shapes and sizes to art and jewelry, and so much more, this treasure trove of a store is the largest of the three Bay Area locations and well worth the trip.

GoldenBug 1803 FOURTH STREET

www.goldenbugkids.com This shop stocks a little something for every kid on your list. We love the bold, floral prints and super fun holiday pajamas (those never get old). And for the budding shoe fanatic? Colors and styles galore.

Iyasare 1830 FOURTH STREET

www.iyasare-berkeley.com This Japanese restaurant alone is worth the drive to Berkeley. While they do offer the traditional favorites, try one of the house creations and get ready to be wowed. The dishes are as beautiful as they are tasty — and you are sure to fall in love with this place.

Margaret O’Leary 1832 FOURTH STREET

GoldenBug Kids

36 november 2021 marin living.

This San Francisco–based women’s fashion brand is a Bay Area staple — luxurious and gorgeous year-round. It is known for its cozy sweaters and time-

Berlin Barrientos

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local getaways.

Berkeley

Market Hall

splurge so there is a little something for everyone’s budget.

Turkish Towel Collection

Paraíso Plant Studio

www.turkishtowelcollection.com

1717 FOURTH STREET

www.paraisoplant.studio

1786 FOURTH STREET

www.markethallfoodson4th.com Have foodie friends on your list? We love the selection of artisan pastas (pasta galore!), flavored salts, locally made sauces, creative dips and lots more. This place practically begs you to make a gift basket. And need a quick snack or ready-made bake-at-home meal? They have that, too.

Melissa Joy Manning 1827 FIFTH STREET

www.melissajoymanning.com If she loves jewelry, this place is a mustvisit. Located just a block over from Fourth Street, this jeweler specializes in delicate, easy-to-wear pieces.

And prices range from affordable to 38 november 2021 marin living.

The name says it all — this is a plant addict’s paradise. Thumb not so green?

Not to worry, the expert staff and easy-to-navigate selection will give you the confidence to start planting like the urban gardener you have always wanted to be.

Ruti 1829 FOURTH STREET

www.ruti.com Launched in 2009 by Israeli American designer Ruti Zisser, the brand is rooted in the idea that all clothing should be cool, flattering and practical. Sound like a winner? Whether she works from home, likes to travel or has a sophisticated office style, the lucky lady in your life is going to love everything.

803 DELAWARE STREET

Everyone likes Turkish towels — even if they don’t know it yet. This shop has recently relocated a short walk away from Fourth Street to Delaware Street so add it to your list. Watch for the pop-up holiday sale with gifty items like towels (of course), bathrobes, soaps and more.

Zut! 1820 FOURTH STREET

www.zutonfourth.com This eatery specializes in CalifornianMediterranean cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes depending on what is in season, but you can’t go wrong with the salads, paired with a warm sandwich or on their own. And the fresh peach crisp?

To die for.

Courtesy of Visit Berkeley

less silhouettes, which are impossible not to love. Opt for cashmere, wool or cotton in bold or classic hues. Trust us, you can’t go wrong.

Want to love where you work?

We are searching for passionate sales executives like you who value the ability to express their professional opinion and enjoy working in a positive, transparent company culture. At Marin Living you will have boundless room for professional growth and will benefit from an unrivaled commission structure. We function from a place of individual strengths and team support where goals are clearly identified and celebrated. Our CRM system is state-of-the-art and we have an open-territory structure. Not to mention our casual work-from-home environment, ability to create your own schedule and unlimited vacation time. And most important, you have a love for creating marketing strategies for clients across multiple platforms and a passion for print. If this sounds like a perfect fit, send your resume to Jessica Cline and tell us how you can contribute to our success. jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com, 707.302.0850

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Jackie Greene Band

40 november 2021 marin living.

Jay Blakesberg

take note.

Sweet Sounds

The venerable Sweetwater Music Hall emerges from the pandemic with reimagined places for eating and enjoying live music and a new nonprofit arm dedicated to community.

By Daniel Jewett

WHEN MARIA HOPPE joined Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall (www.sweetwatermusichall.com) as its executive director and general manager last June, she knew she was stepping into an important role.

“When I met with the board there was a gentleman there named Rich Robbins who said to me, ‘You know, we are just stewards of this legacy, this historical landmark, and it’s our obligation to keep it going.’ And he sold me right there,” says Hoppe, who left her own artist management company to take the once-in-a-lifetime role. And joining a temporarily shuttered music venue during the pandemic offered its own set of unique opportunities, as long-held plans to renovate the music space, the outdoor restaurant and start a nonprofit could finally be realized.

Food and Drink By far the biggest renovation was to the outdoor patio, setting the stage for new executive chef Rick Hackett’s (Bocanova, MarketBar) take on food — especially the meats of Argentina — that he developed while traversing through South America.

The Rock & Rye menu adds in a bit of Creole flavor (yes, there is a gumbo) and everything features hyper-local ingredients.

“There are so many ingredients and things I’d never heard of that now we get to enjoy here all the time,” Hoppe says. “There is something for everyone on the menu, but now they have a twist with a spice or a sauce you’ve never had before.”

And the drink menu by returning bar manager Josh Fernandez also offers something a little different — cocktails named in tribute to independent music venues nationwide that are reopening after the pandemic. Popular libations include the Red on the Rocks (Red Rocks Amphitheatre) and the FeelMore (the Fillmore).

You know, we are just stewards of this legacy, this historical landmark, and it’s our obligation to keep it going.

The Performance Space The performance space also received a makeover that includes some changes Hoppe thinks people will really like.

“I think it’s a beautiful space and I know that most musicians also feel that way about the venue,” Hoppe says, adding that she is excited to see what talent buyer Aaron “AJ” Johnson will do now that he can finally spread his booking wings post-shutdown. “We want to obviously show the proper respect to the original genres of the venue, and the history of this place,” Hoppe says. “But we are interested in also spreading out a little bit with some younger acts, adding some modern psychedelic rock, more straight-up rock, and maybe even a little more singer-songwriter music.”

The Nonprofit The idea to create a nonprofit at Sweetwater had been around for a while, but had to be put on the back burner during the pandemic. But now that the Sweetwater Arts Fund, a nonprofit that operates as an entity separate from the music and restaurant side, is created it can finally fulfill the mission to “promote arts education, specifically music in the community in the greater Bay Area.”

And when the Sweetwater opened for live music again in September, one of the first concerts presented was a performance by Mill Valley’s Wow! Music Studios featuring young students in its program who were thrilled to take the stage for the first time. The program will partner with Sweetwater and another Mill Valley school called Helix, which supports children with differing degrees of autism, to offer additional music education events and concerts in the future.

Hoppe says many more diverse events and programs are on the horizon. One example was a concert put on last month in conjunction with the Mill Valley Film Festival for the film Song for Cesar. In that documentary co-writers and co-directors Andres Alegria and Abel Sanchez honor activist and labor leader Cesar Chavez and celebrate the songs that uplifted Latino farmworkers who otherwise felt invisible and unheard.

“The part that’s really important to Sweetwater Musical Arts is, in conjunction with the film festival, reaching out to school-age kids, and doing educational events around the film,” Hoppe says. “We have groups of high school students who are currently taking social justice classes coming to have a Q&A with Abel Sanchez to talk about the film, the music and the movement. And that, to us, is the perfect combination of arts and education.” marin living. november 2021 41

LONG STORY SH ORT We asked locals about some of their most unforgettable holiday memories — happy, cringeworthy or otherwise. Let’s join them for a walk down memory lane.

www.stock.adobe.com/madiwaso

By Marin Living Editors

42 november 2021 marin living.

“I had just finished a year of study in France working on and receiving a Master Chef diploma, and I arrived back home in early November just in time for Thanksgiving. I was so jazzed about the holidays and all of my new cooking skills that I invited 12 of my favorite friends and family members for Thanksgiving dinner in hopes of wowing them. I pulled out all the stops and cooked for days, but I was most excited about the roasted butternut squash ravioli, drizzled with brown butter, and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts and crisp sage. And my guests were so excited about them also, so excited that they ate so many ravioli — some even indulged in seconds — that no one ate the roast turkey, chestnut stuffing, mashed olive-oil potatoes, roasted vegetables, spiced cranberry sauce and homemade pies! Let’s put it this way, I had a lot of leftovers that day, and I was smart enough never to serve pasta as a first course on Thanksgiving again.”

—JOANNE WEIR, chef, managing partner at Copita, PBS TV host

“It was my first Thanksgiving after being married and we offered to host both sets of relatives in our new home.

It was the first time I’d ever made a full Thanksgiving dinner and I had been planning for a month and cooking for days. The table was set perfectly, the food was laid out beautifully to ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’. Just as we all sat down at the table a transformer blew and every light on our street and in the neighborhood went out. I ran around gathering and lighting every candle I had.

Surrounded by candlelight everything was so beautiful and we were able to really focus on what was important, our good fortune of all being together. Each person individually called me in the days following telling me it was the best Thanksgiving they had ever had. Success!”

—HEATHER HARDCASTLE,

chef and founder, Flour Craft Bakery “When I was a little girl, as we were opening presents on Christmas Eve with our immediate family, my father would ask us a series of questions. Some of the questions included, ‘What are you thankful for? What do you hope to get

for Christmas?’ Among the seven of us in our family, we would fight over the microphone. But the best part was that we all listened to what we each wanted the previous year. Which always made us laugh about how we each changed and grew.”

—KARA GOLDIN,

founder and CEO, Hint Inc. “Every year in December and leading up to Christmas Day, the elf on the shelf comes to visit us. The elf flies around from spot to spot and sometimes settles in some very unique locations, but usually he likes to land in places that are high up. One day, the elf decided to land in a spot that was at eye level and one of my boys asked, ‘Mom, why does the elf on the shelf have a bar code attached to it?’ ” —CAROLINE PACULA,

fine art photographer, Caroline Pacula Prints

“Our Christmas dinners were chaos.

A jovial mix of family and friends where holiday traditions were played loose. One particular Christmas, my Aunt Mollie, then 95 years old, insisted on contributing to the dining table.

How could my mother exclude her?

Papyrus records show families going to war for less. Thus, Mollie prepared mashed potatoes. She arrived with her CorningWare filled. My mother took the offering and asked about the pepper. ‘Pepper?’ Mollie questioned. ‘I didn’t use pepper.” My mother stared blankly into the bowl. Black flakes, like sprinkles on a doughnut. If not pepper, then what? She pushed the bowl into my hands — do something. To this day, my stumble and the explosion of mashed potatoes across the floor remains a family legend.”

—MITCHELL SAM ROSSI,

writer

“Growing up in a multicultural family, my favorite holiday tradition was each Christmas Eve day when the Mexican-American side of my family gathered for a ‘tamalada,’ a tamale-making party. I loved this family gathering so much that I featured it in my latest children’s picture book May Your Life be Delisioso (Cameron Kids/Abrams). In this story Abuela shows her granddaughter, Rosie, how to make tamales and also imparts some wishes about how to have a delicious life. This tradition is all about family, storytelling, heritage, and of course, the joy of feasting on those delicious tamales!”

—MICHAEL GENHART, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and picture book author

“I didn’t expect I’d end up having a large holiday feast when I booked a trip to India over Thanksgiving to see a friend. I brought a can of pumpkin puree, though, just in case. But as my friend waited for me at the airport, she met a stranger-turned-friend who then invited us to his sister’s wedding a few days later — on Thanksgiving! And so a large feast we had, filled with pav bhaji, pakora and savory samosas, as well as Indian families who welcomed us warmly. And, of course, an unopened can of pumpkin puree.”

—ERIN RIDLEY,

PRMRY Extra Virgin Olive Oil co-founder

“My father-in-law was an avid game hunter. He and my mother-in-law returned from an otherwise unsuccessful trip with his first snow goose, which had flown over them just as they were packing up. He asked me to cook it for him. He was more of a father to me than my biological one, and I wanted to make it memorable. I served the breasts seared on fresh greens, made confit from the legs as an appetizer, created a sweet potato hash, and roasted the bones for a consommé. He talked about that holiday meal for the rest of his life.”

—THANE KREINER,

Marin Agriculture Land Trust CEO

marin living. november 2021 43

“At the time I was living in a VW van during a one-year surf trip across Australia with my best friend from college. I was surfing on Christmas Eve at Cactus Beach — some of the sharkiest waters in South Australia — catching some of the best waves of my life. The waves got big really quick, and I took a nosedive onto the reef, which cut my foot down to the bone. I ended up in the hospital because I had a staph infection with a red line going up my leg and spent Christmas Day hooked up to an IV. I am thankful I didn’t lose my foot and grateful to be alive.”

—MIKE RALLS, founder and CEO,

Addictive Coffee Roasters “As a founding member/keyboardist of the groove band Vinyl (formed in Mill Valley in ’95), we had the great honor of playing the original Sweetwater on Throckmorton Avenue many times over. Our annual “Black Wed” party the night before Thanksgiving became a tradition (now 25 years running) as did Vinyl Sweetwater shows on New Year’s Eve. In 2005 we were booked on NYE at Sweetwater but first played a December 30 show in Reno. The next morning we woke up to a major storm — Interstate 80 was closed and, as we crammed in our breakfast, we realized we were screwed. We started out at 9 a.m. by driving south, but immediately encountered flooding and detoured East through Virginia City. We were now two hours farther away from our destination.

Somehow, we made it to Lake Tahoe as they closed Highway 50 behind us.

With chains on we crawled around the unplowed lake roads. I remember that at some point the road cleared and we actually got a speeding ticket! We finally made it to the 101 around 9:30 p.m. I think we got to Sweetwater at 10:45 p.m.

We loaded in as fast as possible, played a few songs and went right into the NYE countdown. We ended up having a great show — the crowd was pumped. The power went out just as we finished. It was one of the craziest travel days ever — a 13-and-a-half-hour drive. We had never been so glad to make it to a gig or to be back home in Marin.”

—JONATHAN KORTY,

musician/producer/ fisherman-at-large

44 november 2021 marin living.

“In December 2020, our nonprofit announced that if we exceeded our year-end fundraising goal, I’d wear a grape costume at our farmers markets. And we did! After a difficult year, it was fun to make people smile around the holidays at my own expense when I wished everyone a ‘Grape New Year’! ” —ANDY NAJA-RIESE, CEO, Agricultural Institute of Marin

“One of my happiest holiday experiences was New Year’s Eve the night of the millennium. I was pregnant with my second child. We gathered with friends and family on a snowy night at my husband’s tiny family cabin deep in the forest near Big Sky, Montana, playing games and singing songs around a roaring outdoor fire while giant snowflakes fell. Being in the quiet but formidable presence of Mother Nature in winter, surrounded by loved ones, was the perfect way to welcome a new century.”

—MERRIAM SAUNDERS,

LMFT, psychotherapist and author “I had just graduated from San Jose State in 1987 and I landed a job working for a tech company in Redwood City. It was Christmastime so my mother prepared a leftover lunch.

And it wasn’t any ordinary PB&J American lunch. This was as ethnic an Italian Christmas specialty as anyone could ever find. It’s called baccala, which is a salted cured codfish, reconstituted overnight with water and baked in tomato sauce with garlic and onions.

When warmed up, this meal has just the right elements you’d need to clear a building within minutes. And, warmed in the company kitchen microwave, it was more like a sarin gas release in a subway. Suffice it to say the fish stench permeated the entire building and my colleagues acted as if anthrax was just released. From then on, a new policy was implemented, ‘No funky leftovers allowed in the kitchen!’ I somehow escaped the blame.”

—FRANK POLLIFRONE,

chief marketing officer and co-founder, The Record Factory, Sausalito

“Some of the happiest holiday memories occurred on our farm at our grandparents’ home. All of the family members would arrive from near and far, and the cousins would have an absolute blast together. We had a special kids’ table where all of the children ate on the side porch and we’d hatch a plan to scare the parents or the oldest cousins, which was never successful. Later, we’d play outside with the ranch dogs, take turns riding the horses, and get chased by my grandma’s chickens. Our parents would exchange the latest stories about their kids and we’d end the evening with lots of family pictures.”

—JACQUELINE TAYLOR,

co-founder of Le Prunier “I remember one year my sister, Jacque, prepared a beautiful vegan dessert for Christmas and our family drove to our relatives’ home that evening. Unfortunately, when we arrived someone forgot to close the car door (likely due to the excitement of seeing everyone). When we noticed the car door was open an hour later, we went back out to find the family dog had devoured the vegan tart that was also forgotten in the car. My sister was not too pleased, but hey, at least we knew it was a tasty dessert!”

—ALLISON TAYLOR,

co-founder of Le Prunier “One year, all of the kids wanted to help trim the tree. Unfortunately, I prefer glass ornaments and the little ones dropped and broke about 40 percent of them. But the kids were adorable regardless. Another year, the dogs got overly excited and knocked the Christmas tree over, taking out like 10 percent more of the ornaments. Luckily, I also enjoy ornament shopping and have been gifted many ornaments since.”

—ALLISON TRYK, Floramye founder

www.stock.adobe.com/madiwaso

marin living. november 2021 45

CHEF

From dinner service at talk-of-the-town restaurants to family holiday parties, chef Gordon Drysdale has mastered the recipe for hosting a successful gathering.

By Sarah Weinberg Gold Photographs by Rachel Weill

KNOWS

BEST 46 november 2021 marin living.

GORDON DRYSDALE’S regular customer isn’t the high-profile politico

type; the chef’s Northern California restaurants tend to attract a different crowd.

But on New Year’s Day several years back, he found himself catering to exactly that demographic— D.C. bigwigs. Hundreds of them. Drysdale, his wife and their sons were in Alexandria, Virginia, celebrating the holidays with his sister, brother-in-law and their kids. For the January 1 party, they needed a snack to serve. “They enjoy food, but ...” Drysdale pauses. “My sister does not like to cook.”

Which is how the chef found himself in charge of truffled toasted cheese sandwiches, slowly spelling P’tit Basque over the phone to his shopping sister and brother-in-law before showing them how to grate the cheese, add truffle butter to slices of bread and toast everything on little electric griddles, then repeat the process tens of times.

“My brother-in-law, Steve, who had probably never held a spatula in his life, was just bursting with pride when he figured out that he himself, alone, could make truffled toasted cheese sandwiches,” Drysdale says with a laugh. “To see all these people who are so not in my world coming up to Steve saying ‘Oh, these sandwiches are amazing’ tickled me so much.”

Now those sandwiches remain a standby at that annual party, Drysdale’s attendance optional. It’s fitting that one of his favorite entertaining memories resulted in a tradition he’s no longer even a part of. Drysdale is very much of the “teach a man to fish” school, ever ready to share tips on how to make any event a success. And he has plenty of practice, having opened, headed or revitalized nearly a dozen restaurants in his decades-long career.

Spoiler alert: It’s not just the food that matters.

“For me, a great experience in a restaurant or home comes from lighting, attractive lighting,” Drysdale says. It all goes back to Auguste Escoffier, he explains. The famed French chef allegedly once said if women look beautiful in your restaurant,

it will always be full. At home, Drysdale and his wife have landed on a soft orange glow as their signature hue. Little orange bulbs are peppered across the yard, and you’ll find some inside the house.

The music is important, too. Drysdale has been making tunes with this, that or the other instrument for decades; about once a month he hosts a music night under the big Meyer lemon tree in his backyard, and his bandmates are regulars at other casual get-togethers he arranges. But he always considers the crowd’s taste: since “music is essential for setting the tone for the experience to come,” he says, “if you’ve got a bunch of upbeat and lively people and you’re playing Bach concertos,” it might not go over so well.

And that’s what it all boils down to. “People want connection. People want comfort,” he says. Drysdale always tries to stack his invite lists with people who’ll mesh on different levels, to promote easy conversation. When everything comes together, it’s nothing short of magic. “I can recall the moment at Gordon’s House of Fine Eats about eight or nine months after we opened,” he says. “We had a fantastic band playing up on the mezzanine, the lighting was perfect, the food coming out was perfect, the roar of people enjoying themselves was perfect. I thought, ‘There, I did it. I’ve been striving to hit this kind of moment my entire life.’ ” Bustling restaurant or intimate gathering at home, those are the times you never forget. marin living. november 2021 47

A few recipes from Gordon’s personal holiday collection to help make your holiday gatherings as warm and memorable.

Balsamic Braised Short Ribs Serves 8

“Braised short ribs — it’s a dish I frequently make on Christmas Eve,” Drysdale says, “with truffled mashed potatoes and wild mushroom ragout on top.” The extra touch: “Add truffle oil, and I like to add truffle salt as well, to your taste. The best truffle oil/salt I have found comes from Connie Green’s amazing Wine Forest Foods out of Napa.” (www.wineforest.com) Ingredients 8 beef chuck flap portions (4 to 5 pounds) 1½ quarts (from about two, 28-ounce cans) chopped canned San Marzano tomatoes 1½ quarts medium diced onions 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh rosemary leaves ¾ cup balsamic vinegar 1½ quarts good chicken stock 2 bay leaves To Make 1. Lightly salt the short ribs and let sit out for a couple of hours, to come up to room temperature.

2. Measure out 1½ quarts’ worth of San Marzano tomatoes and reserve the rest for other uses.

3. When meat is room temperature, pat it dry and sear it in smoking oil. Caramelize well, but be careful; the meat burns easily. When beef is nicely browned on all sides, place in a roasting pan and set aside.

4. Wipe out the dirty oil from the searing pan, but avoid scrubbing the pan unless it is terribly burned; the caramelization will add flavor to the braise.

5. Heat fresh oil to smoking and caramelize onions. When nice and brown, add the garlic and rosemary and let cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar, chicken stock and tomatoes, bring to a boil, then add seared beef.

6. Bring all the ingredients in the pan to a final boil, cover and cook in a 275° F oven with no fan on for 2½ to 3½ hours; meat should be very tender when pierced with a knife, but not falling apart (that would be overcooked). Remove meat from the hot liquid to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

7. Strain the braising liquid and set over a medium flame.

When the mixture starts to boil, lower heat to a slow boil.

Fat will start to accumulate; skim that off and strain into a tall, clear container, discarding foam and burnt particles but saving the clean fat.

8. Reduce the braising liquid in the pan by about one-third — it should be full-flavored and tasty; if not, continue to reduce, but take care not to let it get too salty. Meanwhile, place reserved clean fat in a small pot and heat. When hot, add a small amount of flour and stir with a whisk to incorporate.

Continue adding flour bit by bit until the fat-flour mix resembles wet sand. At this point cook over low-to-medium heat for 5 more minutes to make a roux.

9. When the braising liquid is tasty and the roux is cooked, keep the liquid hot over a low-to-medium flame, stir a small 48 november 2021 marin living.

amount of the roux into the liquid and let cook 1 to 2 minutes.

Continue to stir in more roux bit by bit until the sauce is the texture of a nice gravy. Cook for 5 more minutes and strain through a fine strainer (a bouillon strainer if you have one).

10. If you’re preparing this dish a day ahead (the ideal method), pour cleaned (thickened and strained) sauce over short ribs and chill uncovered until completely cold. When ready to serve the short ribs, slice, cover with more sauce, bring to a boil and heat over low heat until the meat is hot.

Butternut Ravioli With Sage and Brown Butter Sauce Serves 8

“This is my butternut squash ravioli with a brown butter sauce with a fall salad on top. I buy wonton skins if I can find them so no one has to roll anything out (but lasagna sheets will do).

Kind of a hack way of doing it that yields a really nice result, and it’s kind of a showstopper.”

Ingredients thin lasagna sheets or wonton skins ravioli filling (recipe below) egg wash (beaten whole egg with a little touch of water) brown butter sauce (recipe below) sliced fresh sage leaves lemon zest wild arugula toasted chopped pecans chopped dried cranberries aged balsamic extra-virgin olive oil To Make 1. Open lasagna sheets or wontons package and cover them with a lightly moistened tea towel.

2. Lay out 6 of the skins (or lasagna sheets cut into 3-inch squares) and place a spoonful of filling in the middle of each.

With a clean paintbrush, place a half-inch rim of egg wash around the perimeter. Place a fresh skin on top and press down around the edges, leaving one little spot open in each to let excess air escape, then press down that edge as well.

Seal the edges with light pressure from the tines of a fork.

3. Lay out the ravioli one layer deep and either freeze or cover with a lightly moistened tea towel until ready to serve.

4. Place a large pot of heavily salted water over a high flame and bring to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook until the edges are tender; then, with a skimmer or slotted spoon, carefully remove from the water onto a tray lined with another towel.

5. Gently toss the hot ravioli with a bit of the warm brown butter sauce, place them on a plate, then sprinkle with thin ribbons of fresh sage and fresh lemon zest (use a microplaner to make these if you have one).

6. Top with the salad of wild arugula, toasted pecans and dried cranberries tossed with aged balsamic and extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.

Balsamic braised short ribs

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Brussels sprouts salad

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Butternut ravioli with sage and brown butter sauce

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Butternut Squash Ravioli Filling Ingredients 6 cups roasted butternut or other full-flavored squash 6 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese rice oil, for moistening salt and fresh black pepper to taste To Make 1. Peel the butternut squash, slice it thin, toss with a little rice oil, salt and pepper and roast in a 350° F degree oven with the fan on (if your oven has one) until the thickest pieces are tender. A little deepening of color is OK, but don’t let it get too dark.

2. Let the squash cool to room temperature; then either place in a food processor and process until smooth or mash by hand with a handheld blender or potato masher.

3. Add ricotta and process or mash to thoroughly mix. Season to taste and either utilize or refrigerate immediately.

Brown Butter Ravioli Sauce Ingredients 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ¾ cup sauvignon blanc or other crisp white wine ½ cup minced shallots 1 pound cold butter, cut in pieces 1 pound frozen browned butter (see instructions below), cut in pieces 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from roughly 2 lemons) To Make 1. Place lemon juice, wine and shallots in a small pot, bring to a boil and turn down to medium high. Reduce to a syrup.

2. Over medium heat, add cold, unsalted butter, several pieces at a time, whisking continuously (being sure to add new butter before old butter completely melts into sauce).

When the cold, unsalted butter is gone, continue with cold browned butter.

To make browned butter: Place cold unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat and cook, swirling occasionally, until color starts to show. Continue cooking until butter looks brown but not burned, pour into a metal pie tin or storage pan and place in the freezer. Wrap in plastic wrap once it’s frozen and store in freezer for up to several weeks.

3. When all butter is melted, remove pan from heat, whisk in lemon zest, adjust seasonings and hold sauce for service bain marie (covered, over warm water, to keep sauce from “breaking” or separating). Use a thermos preheated with hot water if you have one.

Brussels Sprouts Salad Serves 4–6

“Thanksgiving is held at chef Bob Helstrom’s house and every year, my responsibility is a vegetable,” Drysdale says. “I had a very popular dish at Gordon’s House of Fine Eats called warm Brussels sprouts salad. Probably the most popular thing I’ve ever made. In the 20-something years since we first created the recipe, there have been literally millions of orders of this. It’s a signature dish. It’s a challenging dish, but so rewarding when you get it right.”

Ingredients Salad: ½ pound slab bacon 2 tablespoons rice oil, plus 3 tablespoons for salad 2 medium onions, peeled and sliced 6 slices country-style bread, crusts removed, torn in ½-inch squares 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 6 large eggs 3 to 4 pounds brussels sprouts (about 40 good-size sprouts) Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 large clove garlic, minced 1 large shallot, minced 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves ½ cup rice oil (or other neutral vegetable oil) 1. Early in the day, prepare the mise en place: cut bacon into half-inch squares and cook over low heat until almost crisp, drain off most of the fat and reserve. Heat 2 tablespoons of the rice oil until just smoking and cook sliced onions over medium-high heat until golden brown. Drain and set aside.

Toss cubed bread with extra-virgin olive oil and toast in a 300° F oven until golden brown and crispy (about 20 to 25 minutes). Let cool to room temperature and set aside. Cover the eggs with cold water, bring to scald, and let sit in scalding water for 9 to 10 minutes, until yolk is firm but a little undercooked. Run cold water over eggs to stop cooking, peel, and cut into eighths. Cover and put in the refrigerator.

2. Also early in the day, prepare your vinaigrette: soak the garlic, shallots and thyme in the vinegar for 45 minutes and then slowly whisk in the ½ cup rice oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and reserve, covered, for service.

3. While soaking and cooking the other items, clean the sprouts.

Remove the first few dark leaves and discard. Cut off the stems and separate out the leaves one by one (this is not particularly fun). When you get to the light green center and can’t pull off the leaves you are done — you can save the heart for other uses.

4. To cook the salad (finally!): in a large sauté pan heat remaining 3 tablespoons of rice oil until almost smoking and add leaves. Toss until wilted (about 3 minutes), season with salt and pepper, then add reserved onions and bacon and warm a little more until hot. When hot, add well-stirred vinaigrette, toss to distribute and taste for seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, add croutons and eggs, toss and serve.

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www.ifonly-creative.com

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Whether you are shopping for friends and family or buying a little something special for yourself, these gifts are sure to bring joy this holiday season.

Photographed by Marisa Sanchez-Dunning/ If Only Creative

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By Casey Gillespie

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Add a little light with these luxurious favorites. Diptyque 190g limited-edition holiday candles in biscuit and sapin, $78 each, available at Diptyque Marin (2009 Larkspur Landing Circle, Unit 18B) and www.diptyqueparis.com

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Perfect for anyone who tends to spend way too much time staring at digital devices.

Caddis Eye Appliances blue light blockers, D28 Reading Glasses in bullet coffee, $95, available at www.caddislife.com marin living. november 2021 57

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Just add a crackling fire and holiday tunes to bring more hygge into your life.

Heath Ceramics studio mug in dawn, $53, and rim mini plate in dawn, $28, available at Heath Ceramics, 400 Gate Five Road, Sausalito, and www.heathceramics.com.

Pendleton 64-by-80-inch Silver Bark blanket, $269, available at Pendleton (103 Corte Madera Town Center) and www.pendleton-usa.com

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Selenite is thought to have properties of purification, protection and positive energy, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list. Pollen and Wool selenite bundle, $65, available at Pollen and Wool (211 Corte Madera Town Center)

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Still wondering what to get for the man who has everything? We found just the thing. The Karl the Store Pig & Hen Sharp Simon Leather bracelet in cognac, $109, and Pig & Hen Bombay Barry bracelet in navy and sand, $99, available at Karl the Store (1201 Bridgeway, Sausalito) and www.karlthestore.com

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Timeless pieces for the holiday season and beyond.

Pendleton 64-by-80-inch Crescent Bay blanket, $269, and men’s Shetland washable wool crewneck sweater, $99.50, available at Pendleton (103 Corte Madera Town Center) and www.pendleton-usa.com

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The holidays are made for family game days and nights, and Toy Crazy has the ultimate selection — this is our new favorite.

Front Porch Classics Shutthe-Box, $24.99, available at Toy Crazy (2211 Larkspur Landing Circle) and www.gotoycrazy.com

Designed by Mill Valley influencer Chantelle PaigeMulligan (@ChantellePaige), these matching mommyand-me separates (matching joggers also available) are a no-brainer. Senna Case Rayne pullover, $36, available at www.sennacase.com

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medical, health + beauty innovators This month Marin Living magazine honors the Bay Area’s top medical, health, wellness and beauty Innovators. Join us as we take an insider’s look at the people and businesses who are making a significant impact in the Bay Area through the state-of-the-art practices and products. These are the foremost trailblazers in their respective fields and they are leading the charge in medical, health, wellness and beauty innovation.

PROMOTION

medical, health + beauty innovators

Chris Bacchi, M.D. Marin Medical Aesthetics has new treatments to ensure you look your best this holiday season.

Do you offer any new and innovative procedures that would be great for patients to get right now?

We are proud to be the first medical practice in Marin to offer services with Obagi’s novel Skintrinsiq device. Our protocol allows for a comfortable, no downtime, yet effective high-tech facial. Treatment involves both extractions and customized product infusion into the skin. Marin Medical Aesthetics’ regimen utilizes both red and blue light therapy and our medical aesthetician can provide corrective and rejuvenating benefits in a single session.

We recommend getting this service monthly during the holiday season to look and feel your best.

Why should clients consider you for their next procedure or visit?

Our mommy makeover is nonsurgical and comprehensive. We welcome new moms as well as women that have been moms for years. We know how busy moms can be, so we pride ourselves on a one-stop shopping approach.

What do you want people to know about your business?

We are thrilled to announce our plans to move and grow as we relocate to beautiful downtown San Anselmo.

We are under construction at 100 Sir Francis Drake. Look for our new location in the new year!

Marin Medical Aesthetics | 807 D Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 | 415.785.4604 marinmedicaloffice@gmail.com | www.marinmedicalaesthetics.com | @marinmedical.aesthetics

medical, health + beauty innovators

PROMOTION

Dr. Cat and Randy Gibson LAc 9 CORNERS Med-Cryo-Spa uses science to produce exceptional results.

What is it that makes you a medical, health and wellness expert?

For 23 years we have delivered over 100,000 successful treatments to our wonderful clients. Our areas of expertise include weight loss, pain relief, sleep disorders, stress reduction, allergy relief, performance, vitality and longevity.

What are you doing now that is unique in your health and wellness approach?

We are next generation health care.

Our hi-touch, hi-tech treatments activate the body in desired directions from the inside-out and outside-in. Clients receive sciencebased, custom programs combining acupuncture and massage, with cryo therapies, infrared saunas, bio coding and nutraceuticals.

Results are exceptional.

What are you doing that nobody else is?

Our preeminent Lean & Clean Programs help clients get leaner while reducing damaged cells, toxins and inflammation in just a few weeks. Clients are looking and feeling younger than they have in years. It’s exciting to see and hear their success stories.

What new innovation do you offer?

We are first in Marin to deliver next-level body sculpting using the Pagani T-Shock with Static Pad system from Italy. It’s the ultimate noninvasive, socially distanced and painless treatment to evenly melt away fat and cellulite.

9 CORNERS Med-Cryo-Spa 208 Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, Suite K29 Novato, CA 94945 415.209.9600 www.9corners.com

medical, health + beauty innovators

Howard Kornfeld, M.D., and Associates Recovery Without Walls is focusing on their clients’ relationship to alcohol during the holidays.

What is it about you that makes you a medical expert?

I am board certified in three specialties with decades of experience in the treatment of alcohol problems, addictions and pain conditions.

The phrase “recovery without walls” describes a philosophy unencumbered by either reductionist thinking or the need for the walls of a residential facility. We have maintained this open mind toward alcohol issues, treat most patients privately in our office, and utilize the best “rehabs” when needed.

What is your emphasis with problem drinking and overall health?

As we come out of the pandemic and enter the holidays, many people are finding that their relationship to alcohol has changed with more consumption than before, and this is especially true for women. Targeted medication, psychotherapy, and peer support are often essential to restore balance and reduce the physical and emotional distress associated with withdrawal, anxiety, insomnia, compulsive behaviors and depression.

We are on the cutting edge of introducing medication strategies years ahead of other practices in the region.

Howard Kornfeld Recovery Without Walls 3 Madrona Street, Mill Valley, CA 94941 415.383.2949 office@recoveryww.com www.recoveryww.com

PROMOTION

medical, health + beauty innovators

PROMOTION

John Krueger JK Medicare Solutions matches Medicare plans to your current health and budget needs.

What is the most common mistake people make when it comes to Medicare?

All too often, people enroll in Medicare and then just “let it ride” from year to year. The fact is that our health and needs along with premiums, plans and prescriptions can change significantly as we age. It’s important to review your coverage annually to make sure it is meeting the needs of both your health and budget. I provide a free comprehensive review.

How do you help someone approaching age 65 navigate the Medicare maze and enrollment process?

My focus is on education. I provide a Medicare 101 seminar to help clients understand Medicare (Parts A,B,C & D). I listen to and understand an individual’s needs and budget so we can narrow down the options. Together we complete the complimentary Medicare enrollment process.

John Krueger | www.JKmedicaresolutions.com jkmedicaresolutions@gmail.com | 510.918.2191 | Lic #0D83351

Kim Manley and Bonnie Campbell KM Herbals offers gentle botanical skincare, inspired by family.

What is your unique approach to beauty that sets you apart in the industry?

As a mother, I was first inspired to make gentle formulas for my daughter, Bonnie. Now a mother-daughter team, we seek to share the revolutionary power of botanicals with our community by promoting self-care as a step toward self-love.

What are you doing in business that nobody else is?

In contrast to most skin care brands, all our products are handcrafted with care, locally. We grow and harvest herbs from our on-site permaculture garden for our botanical personal care line, allowing us to put hands-on intention and care into every step of the formulation process.

KM Herbals Skincare | 707.878.2980 | shop@kmherbals.com www.kmherbals.com | @kmherbals

medical, health + beauty innovators

PROMOTION

Kevin Perrott , Ph.D., CEO OpenCures is a new kind of company that allows clients to scientifically track their health.

What is it about you that makes you a health expert?

Becoming a cancer survivor pushed me to get a Ph.D. studying aging at the Buck Institute where I learned the power of science to optimize health and created OpenCures.

What is your unique approach to health and that sets you apart?

OpenCures helps nonscientists access scientific tools to optimize health. For instance, the ProdromeScan is an inexpensive “smog check” that uses mass spectrometry to measure hundreds of health biomarkers in a small blood sample with any non-optimal levels easily modifiable. We have other offerings for self-directed health researchers, including a personal CryoBank, cutting-edge supplements, functional testing and online software to help share results and biospecimens to accelerate development of cures for disease.

OpenCures | 823 B Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 415.500.1377 | kevin@opencures.org | www.opencures.org

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For more information, contact Dina Grant, advertising director, at dina@marinlivingmagazine.com, 707.238.2030.

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

www.marinlivingmagazine.com

wine, dine + gifting In the December issue, Marin Living magazine will showcase the Bay Area’s wineries, retailers and restaurants that offer holiday ideas and solutions for gifting and entertaining.

This special section will provide readers an inside look at local products, services and retailers, and what sets them apart in their industry. These pages allow our partners to tell their stories in their own voices, and offer readers a look at holiday dining and gifting ideas. Our readers enjoy the best wineries, restaurants and local gift purveyors, and this is the perfect place to reach them. We will enhance your exposure by promoting your profile in our newsletter, through a sponsored article on our website and on social media.

PROMOTION

Community Minded

What Matters Most in Real Estate The nuances of real estate are numerous and knowing each one is what sets a great agent apart from the rest. Nick Svenson brings his intimate knowledge of the buyer pool, timing, design, marketable characteristics and pricing to the table in a way that is easy to understand and act on. By leaving no stone unturned, buyers and sellers are sure to be very well positioned in the market. Nick Svenson has used this approach to become a top producer in the business and is currently one of the top 15 agents in Marin County.

Nick Svenson | nick@marinsfhomes.com www.marinsfhomes.com | 415.505.7674 DRE #01918616

Let’s Go Get Your Home Beyond being real estate professionals, we’re community members, family people and friends who are on a continuous adventure to enjoy everything around the Bay Area. You can often find us dining around town, having picnics in the park, hiking Mount Tamalpais, driving out to Tomales Bay for oysters, and drinking really good wine from our neighbors in Napa and Sonoma Counties. As Marin natives, we have a different view of what it means to live in Marin. The unique benefits of living in the region, with its unmatched natural beauty and wealth of outdoor opportunities, allows us to help our buyers and sellers achieve their goals and the lifestyle they desire. At Own Marin, we’re as passionate about the Marin lifestyle as we are about helping you create your own. www.ownmarin.com | @ownmarin info@ownmarin.com | 415.737.5663 DRE #01478074

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Five star customer service.

It’s what I’m known for.

The quality of your home environment has never been more important.

I always enjoy helping my clients find homes that enhance the quality of their lives and make lucrative sales that maximize the value of their properties. I’d be honored to help you discover your place in Marin.

«««««

“I loved her no pressure attitude with a willingness to go the extra mile to find the right property.”

“Her focused marketing efforts brought us multiple offers within days.”

“She has been simply phenomenal, well beyond even our highest hopes or expectations.”

SOLD

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GREENBRAE

KENTFIELD

CORTE MADERA

GREENBRAE

415.302.7173 Susanvl.com DRE#: 01323865

Now open as a Funeral Home!

All of your needs at one location On-Site Crematory Natural Green Burial & Traditional Crypts & Niches Chapel & Reception Center Pre-Planning Available A Member of the Community Since 1960

We use Recycled Water.

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COA377-CR206-FD2295

Payment Plans Available — Pre-Arrangement Planning for Future Funeral Expenses and Cemetery Property

415.897.9609 | www.valleymemorialpark.com 650 Bugeia Lane, Novato, CA 94945 info@valleymemorialpark.com /valleymemorialpark

@valleymemorialpark

going places.

Discover stunning Marin homes with a history, luxury equine retreats and learn more about the newest EV you are seeing around town.

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Miravel Arizona Resort & Spa’s equine experience

James Baigrie

Real Horsepower

C R E AT E Y O U R D R E A M O U T D O O R L I V I N G S PA C E Modern Era specializes in the installation, maintenance, renovation, and design of interlocking paving for your driveway, walkway/ pathway, outside living area, and more.

SPECIALTY SERVICES: driveway | walkway | patio | pool deck concrete deck overlay | sitting and retaining wall | artificial grass installation pergolas and gazebos | outdoor kitchen fire pit | water features

LUCAS TARSO SILVA (CEO) | 415.250.9700 | WWW.MODERNERADEVELOPERS.COM | LT@MODERNERADEVELOPERS.COM

What is your unique approach to health that sets you apart in the industry?

Aldersly’s approach is unique because our Memory Care Center is focusing on “What remains is more important than what is lost.”

Gilbert Carrasco, Executive Director For 100 years Aldersly Retirement Community has provided the ultimate in memory care.

What do you want people to know about your business?

Aldersly is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in San Rafael by hosting several events in 2022 and we invite the Marin community to join us.

What is it about you and your business that makes you a medical health expert?

Aldersly trains our memory support care partners to provide excellent resident-centered care, helping residents do as much as possible and providing them with a sense of control and feeling of success.

What are you doing in business that nobody else is?

Aldersly is embracing innovative technology like circadian lighting, virtual reality and even voice/video assistants, improving the well-being of residents, particularly those living with memory loss or dementia.

A L D E R S LY R E T I R E M E N T C O M M U N I T Y, 326 M I S S I O N A V E N U E , S A N R A F A E L , C A 94901 4 1 5 . 4 53. 7 425

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R A C H E L K A LO I A N @ A L D E R S LY. O R G

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W W W. A L D E R S LY I N B LO O M . O R G

new digs.

1 Fawn Ridge, Fairfax

A look at some of Marin and Wine Country’s storied residents and the places they called home.

By Molly O’Brien

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Olga Soboleva

House of Stars

BUY LOCAL Every time you shop, you can choose to support regenerative, sustainable local agriculture. malt.org/buy-local

KARL The Store A place where you’ll find that unique holiday gift — every item has a story.

Opening KARL in 2017 gave Dennis Green the opportunity to bring his vision to life and open a local shop with global appeal.

Uniquely curated furniture, rugs, art, clothing, home goods and even homemade pies are available. Everything in the store is for sale and everything has a story. This is a place where locals can stop by to visit and chat, and people from out of town feel welcome.

1201 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 www.karlthestore.com | 415.729.9009

THROUGHOUT THE PAST CENTURY, Marin County has harbored an impressive number of extraordinary residents.

Cooking legend Julia Child, talented musicians like Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin and Tony Bennett. Even film legends Marilyn Monroe, George Lucas and, of course, the unforgettable Robin Williams have called the region home.

Most of the towns in the county date back to the late 19th century, once serving as luxurious vacation getaways for wealthy San Franciscans who wanted a piece of Marin’s sunny scenic vistas and an escape from the city’s chilly summer fog. Whether it’s the gorgeous weather, proximity to both the city and Wine Country, or simply the beauty of the land itself, people have always flocked to Marin, and these historic homes have hosted some seriously fabulous figures. And the best part? These fabled homes are available now.

An Estate Worth Fawning Over 1 Fawn Ridge, Fairfax www.1fawnridge.com $3,780,000

This iconic-five bedroom, four-bath abode dates seven-plus decades back to 1947, having originally been built as a family home for generations of wealthy San Francisco seed company operators. Rumor has it that at one point, a mysterious organized crime figure owned the property and hosted glamorous Gatsby-esque gala affairs there, which Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe would frequently attend. The house was completely rebuilt from the foundation up in 1991 after a 1989 fire.

There’s a clear sense of magic enveloping these grounds, which no doubt enticed and kept the attention of the visiting fabled Hollywood couple and other glitterati. However, post-Marilyn days, this property has been revamped to feel sleeker with more modern touches. A few awe-inspiring details include the large skylight that runs along the length of the upstairs, an attached au pair unit with a separate entrance, a giant outdoor stone fireplace, a historic cobbled driveway and walkways, and all the modern high-tech must-haves.

Downstairs, this mansion is equipped with an excavated “fallout shelter” (only one of three in Marin) outfitted with a water tank, escape hatch, ventilated air and intercom system, storage cabinets and bunk beds — a flawless setup perfect for escaping a raid by an enemy crime organization. Listing agent: Jennifer Bowman, 415.755.1040, jennifer@bowmanrealestategroup.com

Winning the Curb Appeal Competition 1976 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen www.glenellenranch.com $8,500,000

Surrounded by natural beauty and breathtaking vistas, the Smothers House is an extraordinary 125-acre compound proudly perched in the heart of scenic Jack London wine country, just minutes away from Jack London State Historic Park. This custom-crafted residence has multiple covered verandas ideal for entertaining, a solar-heated pool, putting green, barn with live

Open Homes Photography

1976 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen

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Papapietro Perry Winery specializes in small lots of handcrafted, single-vineyard designate Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Our mission is to assist you in enjoying one of life’s greatest pleasures, the union of good food, good wine and good friends.

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( 4 1 5 ) 3 2 3 - 0 8 1 4 | M a r i n l i fe @ D i p s e a re a l t y. c o m | @ d i p s e a re a l t y | D RE # 0 1 8 6 2 0 8 9

new digs.

20 Westgate Drive, San Rafael

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West Really Is Best

20 Westgate Drive, San Rafael www.cbhometour.com/20-Westgate-DriveSan-Rafael-CA-94903/index.html $5,500,000 This rare modern masterpiece of a residence is situated on a picturesque one-acre lot, having been designed by internationally renowned architect-turned-professional-painter James Shay (www.jamesshay.com). A legend in the art and architecture worlds, Shay has designed numerous notable commercial and residential modernist projects in the western United States and Asia for three decades.

In the mid-’90s Shay took a step back from architecture to focus on his artwork. Today, he regularly has one-person shows and is represented by numerous well-known galleries across the U.S. Elements of Shay’s artistic talent and architectural expertise can be felt throughout this gorgeous San Rafael home.

The open, spacious floor plan offers 5,056 square feet and plenty of indoor-outdoor spaces to enjoy the manicured landscaping and open space that the property enjoys. Architectural highlights include towering arched steel roofs, soaring ceilings, sleek glass walls and a glass-enclosed 500-squarefoot state-of-the-art kitchen with 23-foot-high ceilings. There are four bedrooms, four baths, a chef’s kitchen, a generously sized pool, and, of course, that outdoor area made for basking in the sunshine. Listing agent: Susan Ferrington, 415.519.3240, sferrington11@gmail.com

Aerial Canvas

and workspaces as well as a four-car garage — so it comes as no surprise this ranch once served as the beloved homestead of talented musician, actor and comedy icon, Tom Smothers.

Smothers is best known as half of the musical comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, alongside his brother Dick. The two performed on TV shows in the late 1950s and early 1960s and later had their own program, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, before it was barred from television due to its controversially liberal viewpoints.

As a civil rights activist and someone who fought against TV censorship in the ’60s, Smothers made friends with fellow activists such as John Lennon. He even played guitar on Lennon’s single “Give Peace a Chance” and was namechecked in the lyrics.

But there’s no funny business at this house. The one-of-akind three-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath residence is set on nearly 125 acres with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and large windows to capture the sweeping views of the hills. There are also two barns and two ponds on the property, as well as plenty of room for horses and other farm animals.

Smothers most likely felt safe and secluded here as the property is naturally sheltered by a grove of mature oaks, olive trees and authentic rock walls, while also offering access to nearby nature (including a 23-acre cabernet sauvignon vineyard) and historic Wine Country towns.

Listing agents: Tina Shone, 707.799.7556, tina@shonegroup. com; Evan Shone, 707.328.9288, evan@shonegroup.com

D R E A M S D O CO M E T R U E

HIGH-END CONSTRUCTION & A REPUTATION YOU CAN TRUST G FA M I LYCO N S T R U C T I O N . co m | 4 1 5 - 4 4 4 - 0 5 7 3

The Jewel Box of Marin

Belinda Wickwire Jewelry is a gem of a store located in beautiful, historic downtown San Anselmo.

A finely curated collection of contemporary, antique and vintage jewels await you in this treasure trove where every piece of jewelry has a story to tell.

Belinda loves to mix the old with the new, taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary.

Visit us for a truly unique shopping experience.

526 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo, CA 94960 (415) 785-7519 belinda@belindawickwirejewelry.com @belindawickwirejewelry

land & sea.

In the SOLO Seat The SOLO is a single-seater electric vehicle that gives convenience and eco-consciousness lead billing, a trusted sidekick for commutes, errands, and all the times you find yourself solo on the road.

By Laura Schooling

82 november 2021 marin living.

HOW MANY TIMES have you commuted to work with nothing but an extra-large tumbler of coffee for cargo?

When you think that, according to the U.S. census 76 percent of Americans drive their own vehicle to work, leaving three or more empty seats in each car — that’s a lot of wasted energy, even for electric vehicles, let alone gas-powered ones.

Especially for people commuting into a city center, transportation choices are often few and imperfect. The SOLO from ElectraMeccanica (www.electrameccanica.com) aims to change that with a single-seater electric vehicle that is built on a motorcycle chassis — like a tricycle for adults. But, you know, an enviable, eco-conscious, tech-forward tricycle.

With a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 80 mph, it satisfies the basic requirements of most commuters. Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection, torque-limiting control, roll bar, power steering and brakes are included key safety measures and are especially welcome for highway drivers. Air conditioning, a Bluetooth entertainment system, and HOV access provide the comfortable and convenient drive that you’d expect from an EV. The kicker is the $18,500

All images courtesy of ElectraMeccanica

The SOLO EV is Marin’s newest electric car alternative.

price tag, which means you can do a good thing without going into overdraft.

Typically, commuters have two choices: jump in the car or take public transportation. Driving can be expensive and wasteful, and public transportation often leaves commuters with more distance to travel from the bus, ferry or train to their job, which led to the birth of the micro-mobility industry (e.g., scooters on every corner). The SOLO flips the eco-commuter paradigm, allowing commuters to drive entirely from A to B without the wasteful byproducts of using a full-size vehicle. CEO Kevin Pavlov says, “We’re creating a unique category that combines the advantages of micro-mobility and the safety and comfort of a passenger car.”

ElectraMeccanica opted for a retail sales model — a la Tesla — rather than the traditional dealership structure.

The first SOLO EV retail location opened at the end of 2019 in Westfield Century City and 20 locations are now open across the Western U.S., including one in the Village at Corte Madera. Customers can go online to schedule a test drive and reserve a SOLO EV, which started being delivered to customers last month. Though the company is staying quiet on notable names on the reserve list, one could speculate that many famous eco warriors have reserved a spot. A glance at the company’s institutional investors list

reveals titans of industry: State Street, Morgan Stanley and Susquehanna, among others.

The cute little commuter car that could has origins in an unlikely locale — Turin, Italy. ElectraMeccanica’s parent company, InterMeccanica, was birthed by Frank Reisner, who gained notoriety for building custom sports cars. In the ’70s Frank and his brother Henry moved to Los Angeles and later Vancouver, where they built replicas of arguably the world’s most beautiful car — the Porsche 356. Decades later, they teamed up with Jerry Kroll, an early adopter and investor in electric vehicle technology, and together created the first iteration of the SOLO in 2016. Now the SOLO seems to, well, be picking up speed. Global sales are very much a part of the sales strategy (especially Asia and Europe), but it’s building momentum by focusing on the eco-conscious markets in the Western U.S. Team ElectraMeccanica haven’t laid aside their custom-car roots. Consumers can already reserve an eRoadster from the company, based on the Porsche 356, and it’s currently projected to be delivered in 2023. Pavlov says, “It’s for anyone that prefers the efficiency and sustainability of all-electric vehicles but still enjoys the nostalgia of a vintagelooking sports car.”

Whether it’s function or fashion you’re after, there is a test drive in your future.

The SOLO EV is a singleseater electric vehicle that is built on a motorcycle chassis.

marin living. november 2021 83

voyager.

Unbridled Retreat at The Alisal

Fearless Photography (this page); Lori Faith/Photography by Faith (opposite)

Riding the trail at Unbridled Retreats at The Alisal

The Mane Event

From equine meditation to happy hour with a herd, horse experiences are the new wellness craze and have tremendous healing benefits.

By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti

marin living. november 2021 85

voyager.

THERE’S NO DENYING THE BOND between horses and humans runs deep. There’s evidence ancient people began stabling and riding horses more than 6,000 years ago, and, one could argue, no animal has been more key to our survival.

Horses have been used in war, hunting, as a means of transportation and for companionship.

As prey animals, horses survive through being alert, intuitive and sensitive to their surroundings. As a result, experts insist, they’re among the most intelligent and empathetic creatures on earth.

While using horses for therapy is not a new practice, it’s become more mainstream in the last five years. Practitioners and wellness resorts offer activities where clients get out of the saddle and onto the ground to interact with horses in more meaningful ways than a typical trail ride or lesson.

Experiences like a horse painting exercise or an emotional one-on-one coaching session in a round pen can help heal fear and trauma, even spark creativity.

According to Devon Combs, founder of the Coloradobased Unbridled Retreats program for women, it’s natural to fear a 1,200-pound being. Still, when humans let down their guard and show vulnerability, horses almost always respond kindly. “A yoga mat’s not giving you feedback, but a horse can,” she says.

Here are four ways to experience the healing power of horses, from a day trip to Sonoma to a family-friendly program at a pastoral Central California resort.

Miraval Arizona

At Miraval Arizona’s (from $1,009 a night per person; equine experiences from $105; www.miravalarizona.com) picturesque Purple Sage Ranch, surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and the coral-tinged Catalina Mountains, guests are greeted by friendly, free-roaming horses. A pioneer in incorporating horses and wellness, the renowned destination spa outside Tucson has offered equine experiences for 25 years.

The program has evolved over the decades, and in all activities, horses have “a voice and a choice,” says Miraval

Arizona Equine Program Manager Lucinda Vette, a lifelong horse lover who realized she needed to make a career change after working as a stressed-out attorney.

“Horses invite us to face our fears, to connect with our deepest joys and sorrows and to feel it all,” says Vette. While classes are scheduled, most take place without restraints and encourage interacting with horses in their natural state.

Some offerings include horse painting (guests use the side of a horse as their canvas), equine meditation where clients are invited to emulate a horse’s mindful presence; and the private or semiprivate Cadenced Connection class. While on a horse, guests will learn to guide and communicate — all without reins — and achieve physical, emotional and psychological balance.

“When we learn to listen to horses, it is really about hearing ourselves more deeply,” Vette adds.

Unbridled Retreats

Unbridled Retreats (from $2,995 per person for a shared room; www.unbridledretreats.com) founder Combs, who struggled with eating disorders and depression during her teens, says equine therapy saved her life. Combs grew up around horses, but it was a one-way street; she showed them to get a blue ribbon. At a treatment center in Arizona that offered equine therapy, a therapist welcomed Combs into a round pen with a horse loose in the middle. Combs strutted in confidently, and the horse turned away.

“The therapist said, ‘Stop trying so hard; stop trying to control the situation. Just breathe,’ ” recalls Combs. She began crying uncontrollably. The horse locked eyes with her, walked toward her and put his head against her chest.

“When I was messy and imperfect. That’s when the horse connected,” says Combs. At the deeply immersive threeand four-night retreats she offers, she’s seen moments like this play out time and again. “This is for people who want something with emotional healing, transformation and fun,” says Combs.

Retreats take place at partner resorts such as the family-owned White Stallion Ranch near Tucson, an authentic “dude ranch” where activities might include rounding up cattle, Santa Barbara’s Alisal Guest Ranch, which has cottages and suites with stone fireplaces and luxurious linens, and starting in 2022, the adults-only Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii.

Guests can participate in hands-on group activities, one-on-one coaching, line dancing and social hour, and horseback riding (although entirely optional). Combs says whatever you learn on the ground can be taken into the saddle as well. The next Unbridled Retreat takes place February 17 through 20 at White Stallion Ranch.

Unbridled Retreat at The Alisal

86 november 2021 marin living.

Helping people feel joy again after the trauma of the last two years is part of Carmel Valley Ranch’s new Equine Experiences program’s mission (from $325 a night; equine experiences from $135; www.carmelvalleyranch.com). Launched this past June and led by Robert G. Magnelli, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist known as “the Horseman,” and his wife Nancy, a pediatric nurse, several programs are offered daily.

Courtesy of The Alisal

Carmel Valley Ranch

James Baigrie

The pool area at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

marin living. november 2021 87

voyager.

In “Getting to Know the Herd,” children and adults observe how horses socialize and interact, then make a nutritious treat out of carrots and apples to present to the ranch’s five friendly therapy horses, Valentina, Bella, Diva, Vincenzo and Geronimo, before departing. During the 21-and-over “Equines and Wine,” guests let their worries dissolve while spending time with the herd, glass of robust red wine in hand. Ranch guests often choose to hike up to the hilltop barn and corral, with views of green rolling hills blanketed with organic gardens and vineyards. Magnelli earned his certification from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association in 2003 and has helped thousands of children, teens and adults find new emotional health tools through working with horses. He marvels at how guests often arrive hesitant and standoffish but leave grinning from ear to ear.

“There’s science behind it all,” says Magnelli, who points to research out of HeartMath Institute near Santa Cruz that shows a horse’s electromagnetic field is five to 10 times the size of a human’s.

“Being with animals, dogs, cats, horses, is healing, period.

Our heart rate diminishes, but horses have greater power,” Magnelli says.

Equi-Sense

Marin residents can schedule a healing horse-centered day trip in Sonoma with Equi-Sense (hour-long sessions from $0 to $150 on a sliding scale; www.equi-sense.org) for a closerto-home option. Equi-Sense offers horse therapy sessions for 88 november 2021 marin living.

individuals and groups at pretty farms throughout Sonoma County such as Giddy Up Ranch in Santa Rosa and Hillcrest Farms in Occidental. In this aviary sanctuary, five rescued cockatoos and a parrot mingle with goats and equines.

Erica Tom, the director of Native American Studies at Sonoma State University, founded Equi-Sense in 2018; she’s had a passion for horses since she was young and even studied the positive impacts working with horses has had on prisoners and police officers. Her business has doubled in the last year as the pandemic has taken a toll on mental health and wellbeing. She serves a diverse clientele, from first responders to foster children and everyone in between.

“Some clients come specifically to process trauma, while others may be interested in learning more about horses, and ultimately, themselves,” says Tom. Tom’s horse Indigo was rescued with the support of a sponsor after a family could no longer keep her. The American Paint with one blue eye and one brown eye is uniquely suited to her therapeutic role. Whether working with a small child or the elderly, Tom says, she is protective and drops her head low to watch over them.

“She’s had hard times in her life, too. It feels like an honor that she is still open and willing to connect with people. She has the biggest heart,” Tom says, adding that she also hopes to bring a wild mustang she’s working with into the program eventually. Sessions are different for everyone and might include grooming, deep breathing and body language, and riding.

Stephanie Russo

Equine Experiences at Carmel Valley Ranch

Autumn is Golden!

Celebrate Autumn with teardrop cabochon earrings in yellow gold with amber tones of rutilated quartz along with multi-strand Italian wire collars and our house brand Garfolo - Lira© slider-pendants in 18K gold with channel-set diamonds.

New curated designer jewelry has arrived!

FALL SALE continues through the month of November.

1226 Fourth Street • San Rafael, CA • 415.459.5808 • www.stephanhill.com

Celebrating the Beauty of Organic

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN SPRE ADING A MESSAGE OF UNIVERSAL LOVE . > VISIT US > POSE IN FRONT OF OUR MURAL > ENTER THE COLORING COMPETITION > TA KE A PI C > TAG U S O N IN S TA #madewithlovemural #pinkbearmural @poetandthebench

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11 TH RO CK MO R TO N AV E M I LL VA LLE Y

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BUTTERCUP HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS H O L I D AY H O M E D E C O R A N D A C O L L E C T I O N O F G I F T S F O R T H E W H O L E FA M I LY At Buttercup Home, we have curated a beautiful and thoughtful collection for the holiday season.

Table settings and centerpieces, tabletop and tree trimmings, and gorgeous furniture pieces to accent any room. Our wide array of holiday gifts will cover the men, children and women in your lives.

Come see us Wednesday through Sunday at 366 Ignacio Boulevard in Novato’s Pacheco Plaza Center.

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For more information, contact Jessica Cline at jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com, 707.302.0850 follow us on social @marinlivingmag + subscribe to our newsletter at www.marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter

WKND FEST Saturday, November 6th | 11a - 4p 20+ retail vendors food & coffee live music kids activities raffle prizes free admission dog-friendly

www.marinlivingmagazine.com 5400 old redwood hwy, petaluma, ca 94954

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stepping out.

Roaring Twenties On September 25, Jack London State Historic Park came alive with Charmian’s Wild Call, a semiannual gala and fundraising event that gave an affectionate nod to Jack London’s wife, Charmian. More than 320 guests attended the 1920s-themed event, which raised $550,000 for the nonprofit Jack London Park Partners. Liz Fisher, gala chair, said, “Their love for the park was beautifully expressed in their attendance and support.”

Lynne Anderson-Day, Michael Day and Andrea Espina with performers

Michelle Heston, Matt Leffert and Emily Charrier and the evening’s performers

92 november 2021 marin living.

The Kenwood Winery gang: Marcus Woods, Aldo Barrios, Zeke Neeley, Cecilia Buckenham-Baines and Katrin Taylor

Snap Fiesta (left); Hiromi Yoshida (all others)

Dancers from Gregangelo’s Velocity Entertainment gave a lively performance

stepping out.

Autumn Blooming On Friday, September 17, the Marin Art and Garden Center celebrated the start of autumn with the much-anticipated Harvest Dinner Fundraiser. With 165 attendees — traveling from all over Marin and San Francisco to attend — and $100,000 raised in support of the public programs, the event was a smashing success.

Irene and Peter Tabet

Drew Altizer Photography

Emma Norris and Josh Norris

Robert Beadle, Sally Buehler and Hank Simmonds

Javier Soltero, Emily Morris and Michael Del Balso

marin living. november 2021 93

All About the Pies Pies are rarely the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table spread, but at Dee’s Organic Catering we put pies center stage. This holiday season, we will be baking made-fromscratch pumpkin, apple and pecan pies for your next holiday feast. Gluten-free crust options are available so everyone at your table can enjoy and indulge. Preordering begins November 1. Make sure to order yours quickly since they sell out every year. We are still taking reservations for Covid-safe holiday parties. Give us a call and let us help plan your next holiday festivity. All pies will be pick-up–only from our downtown San Rafael location beginning Monday, November 22. Place your order through our website or reach out on Facebook (Dee’s Organic Catering) or Instagram (@deesorganics).

1545 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 www.deesorganic.com | 415.484.3491

Help During the Holidays There is help out there.

Here are some local mental health resources.

In Local Suicide Prevention Hotline 415.499.1100 MarinHealth Behavioral Health (www.mymarinhealth.org) or 415.925.8808 County of Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (www.marinhhs.org) Access and Assessment Line 888.818.1115 Crisis Stabilization Unit 415.473.6666 Mobile Crisis Response Team 415.473.6392 National Suicide Prevention Line (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) or 800.273.8255

www.marinlivingmagazine.com

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834-916 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

San Anselmo www.redhillshoppingcenter.com @redhillshoppingcenter

drawn together.

I seemed to be naturally gifted in certain aspects, and

Amy and Bishlam Bullock

A Cut Above San Rafael’s Salon B is a welcoming place for people of all genders and races — and all hair types — to come to feel safe, secure and connected to community.

By Daniel Jewett FOR BISHLAM BULLOCK, who grew up in Marin City, the path to becoming a local salon owner, a certified master colorist and stylist, and a community leader began almost by accident.

As he was walking by a beauty school on Fourth Street in San Rafael, an instructor noticed him peeking in the door. “I had never thought about being a hairdresser or doing hair,” Bullock says. “But an instructor saw me and said, ‘You know what? I think you’d be a great hairdresser.’ ” She followed that up by telling Bullock that the county was offering regional occupational scholarships.

96 november 2021 marin living.

Bullock decided to take advantage of the opportunity and began his education in all things hair. “I seemed to be naturally gifted in certain aspects, and loved the social part of it,” he says. He used the scholarship to complete beauty school and earned his license, soon finding himself immersed in a new world at one of the “biggest and fanciest” salons in San Francisco, diPietro Todd.

But it wasn’t a perfect fit. “I’m an African American guy learning how to do mostly Caucasian and Asian hair and not doing any Black hair at all, and I wasn’t feeling super great about myself.”

Bullock learned as much as he could there and then moved on to Shylocks of Fifth Avenue in San Rafael, where he got a deeper understanding of hair color, and started enrolling in elite education programs at Redken in New York, TONI&GUY in Texas and Wella in Los Angeles. After a few years of “getting my feet wet and trying to figure out who I was going to be in the industry,” Bullock opened a small salon on Fourth Street in San Rafael in 2008, met his wife, Amy, helped put her through beauty school and eventually moved across the street to a bigger space that Salon B (www.salonbsanrafael.com) occupies today.

It was in this location, which Bullock and his wife helped design, that new skills and a real sense of community began to develop. The first step was to take advantage of their streetfacing storefront to offer more retail and even the salon’s own hair care line. But they didn’t just feature their own products.

“We were getting inspired by going to makers fairs around the Bay Area and we decided to bring some of them into the salon,” Bullock says. “We also decided to have a little makers fair right at the salon and it was a big hit, attracting 200 people.”

During the pandemic Bullock and his wife also got more involved in political movements after the murder of George Floyd and other Black and brown people, and Bullock began connecting with others, inspiring them to vote and speaking out, including at a protest in front of the San Rafael police station. “It was the first time that I kind of spoke out loud, as a community person and as a business person, and spoke my truth about how it is to live, work and own a business as an African American person in San Rafael,” he says.

And in the end, it is speaking truth and offering a safe place to do it that means the most to Bullock and his wife.

“We’ve always been helping people in the community, always been striving to be a safe space for everyone — rich, poor, Black, white, Asian, Latino, it doesn’t matter,” Bullock says. “If you’re a good person and honest and straightforward, you’ll get the same when you come to Salon B.”

Melissa McArdle

loved the social part of it.

ART IS EVERYTHING.

Now showing: Joel Amit Here Comes the Sun Painted Metal Wall Sculpture 59 x 59 in 150 x 150 cm

Three San Francisco locations: 239 Grant Avenue 950 Mason Street (The Fairmont Hotel) 315 Grant Avenue (coming soon) 415.323.4080, www.gefenfineart.com

CELEBRATING OUR HISTORY. CONTINUING THE LEGACY.

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

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