marin living october 2021

MEET THE

changemakers

© 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.

The

EqWine Estate A W O R L D - C L A S S E Q U E S T R I A N & V I N E YA R D D O M A I N

P E TA L U M A , S O N O M A C O U N T Y

$ 12 , 9 5 0 , 0 0 0 w w w. E q W i n e E s t a t e . c o m

Timothy Rangel

tim.rangel@sothebyshomes.com www.tim.rangel.com 707.280.1700 DRE #1280958

Michael Fanelli

michael.fanelli@sothebysrealty.com www.agentinwinecountry.com 415.205.9117 DRE #01222197

Nick Svenson

nick@marinsfhomes.com www.MarinSFhomes.com 415.505.7674 DRE #01918616

FILM NIGHT WITH THE SF SYMPHONY TICKETS sfsymphony.org

SEP 22–23 7:30PM

SEP 24–25 7:30PM

DEC 14–15 7:30PM

THE PRINCESS BRIDE— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

APOLLO 13— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

LOVE ACTUALLY— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

JAN 7–8 7:30PM

MAR 16–17 7:30PM

BACK TO THE FUTURE— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

SKYFALL— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

MAR 18 7:30PM MAR 19 2:00PM

TOY STORY— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

DEC 16 7:30PM DEC 18 2:00PM

HOME ALONE— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

JUL 1–2 7:30PM

THE MATRIX LIVE— FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

© The Princess Bride Limited. All Rights Reserved. Apollo 13 is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Home Alone: © 1990 Twentieth Century Fox. © Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SKYFALL LICENSED BY MGM. SKYFALL © 2012 DANJAQ & MGM. SKYFALL, AND RELATED JAMES BOND INDICIA © 1962–2020 DANJAQ & MGM. SKYFALL, AND RELATED JAMES BOND TRADEMARKS ARE TRADEMARKS OF DANJAQ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Toy Story: Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved. MATRIX LIVE—film in concert is a production of EUROPEAN FILMPHILHARMONIC INSTITUTE with courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Agency of production for North America: Columbia Artists Music, LLC

lights. camera. music.

2021/22 SEASON 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

UNPARALLELED KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE

CLIENTS FOR LIFE

We are so thankful for all that Bowman Real Estate

What a wonderful experience we had working with

Group did to help us f ind our beautiful home in

Jennifer and Elliott! They made us feel conf ident that

Sonoma! Jennifer and Elliott are a wonderful team ...

the right home would be there even when we star ted

extremely professional, engaging, responsive and ver y

to

knowledgeable of the local market . They provided us

professionalism, they also introduced us to their top

with excellent guidance and a highly personalized

notch network within the real estate ecosystem so all

experience that helped us f ind the perfect home.

our needs could be met during the home purchase

Their

process. We will be clients for life!

attention

to

detail

and

impeccable

follow-

get

discouraged.

On

top

of

their

excellent

through rounded out our great adventure. We highly recommend working with The Bowman Group!

— Kristy and Bob B

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

— Haven & Reza E

PROMOTION

Innovative Living in Novato Eco-friendly, all-electric solar townhomes are now open at Hamilton Field. This is your chance to escape the city and discover a wonderful new lifestyle in beautiful Marin County.

California’s leading eco-friendly, solar builder, City Ventures, has started construction on Ascend, exciting all-electric solar townhomes that will be part of the new master planned community at Hamilton Field. In addition to residential neighborhoods, the master plan will offer business centers, parks and protected wetlands.

Located just 45 minutes from San Francisco and accessible via the SMART train, this community is unlike any other. Novato’s Hamilton Field redevelopment plan boasts 70 acres of parks and 50 acres of community facilities, including a library, gymnasium, recently renovated outdoor swimming pool, sports fields and courts, a 15,000-square-foot skate park and an outdoor amphitheater. Popular Vintage Oaks Shopping Center and Grant Avenue boutiques are minutes away.

But the real star here is the ultramodern and attractive Spanish Colonial–style Ascend townhomes featuring all the latest design touches and prices starting in the $800,000s. Choose from 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath or 4-bedroom, 3-bath layouts, each with 2-car attached garages and in-demand interior finishes such as quartz countertops, LG™ stainless steel appliance packages, keyless entry and NEST™ thermostats. Residents will also have access to a community garden, picnic area, playground and bocce ball courts.

“We really tried to tap into Novato’s iconic architecture as we curated the look and feel of Ascend,” says Phil Kerr, CEO at City Ventures. “Novato is a charming place that is oriented to many outdoor recreational areas, all conveniently interconnected by a beautifully maintained trail system.”

Info Center located at 802 State Access Road, Novato, CA 94949 | Ascend@CityVentures.com @NovatoNewHomes CityVenturesNovato.com | 415.214.5689 |

●

Brand Identity and Development ● ●

●

Logo Creation

●

Copywriting

●

Photography

Marketing Plans ●

●

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 Residence 00 Living Room

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 and Victoria Ward Park

Introducing The Park Ward Village WARD VILLAGE’S RESIDENTIAL OFFERING FEATURING MODERN INTERIORS AND STUNNING OCEAN VIEWS.

The design of The Park Ward Village pays homage to the mid-century modern architecture of Hawai‘i’s past.

That unique charm carries through to each residence, where nostalgic comforts are reimagined with a modern flair that embraces the island lifestyle. Expect open and airy spaces, carefully curated details, and coveted ocean views.

This is the life you imagined. A place where you’ll think to yourself, “only in Hawai‘i.”

ST UD I O, O N E , T WO A N D T H R E E B ED RO O M S AVAI LABL 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

Associate Editor Molly O’Brien Editorial Assistant Sydney Segal Contributing Designers Sarah Goldschadt, Madeleine Hannes, Allan Nacapuy, David Sebo Contributing Writers Keri Bridgwater, Joseph Knelman, Laura Schooling

Advertising Consultant Courtney Roberts courtney@marinlivingmagazine.com 415.297.4507

Contributing Photographers Justin Buell, 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 8. Marin Living magazine is published in Marin County by Five19Publishing Inc., Mill Valley, CA 94941. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2021.

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.

www.marinlivingmagazine.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.

Scan to explore our luxury experiences

StagsLeapWineCellars.com

@StagsLeapCASK23

@StagsLeapWineCellars

StagsLeapWineCellars 1561780 ©2021 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa, CA

table of contents. october 2021

32

86

going places.

80 new digs. spotlight marin.

22 news.

San Francisco Fleet Week makes its grand return, Marin’s annual agricultural report, the county gears up for the MVFF and more.

32 local splurges.

What you need to get your home cocktail bar up to scratch in time for the holiday season.

34 beauty.

A cult-favorite facial oil lives up to the hype.

14 october 2021 marin living.

The GFDA is changing the design industry for good.

84 land & sea.

38 eat & drink.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a 100-point wine? We have all the delicious answers.

42 local getaways.

Experience Napa’s Silverado Trail like a local.

48 take note.

Sausalito’s famed Record Plant plans to be the Abbey Road of the U.S.

The Marin Rowing Association builds strength and character.

86 voyager.

There is more to Palm Springs than midcentury modern designs — and we’ve uncovered it.

96 drawn together.

San Rafael’s ELM teaches music, academics and friendship.

from the team.

18 from the ceo.

20 from the creative director.

From left: Lance Gerber; courtesy of Marin Rowing Association; courtesy of Poet and the Bench

84

features.

50

On the Water Again Aquaculture is not only a vital part of Marin’s economy, but also an important component in the fight against climate change. Here is how local supermarkets and restaurants are leading the way.

54

Be the Change

On the Cover Steelhead trout photographed by Eric Wolfinger for Riverence Trout (www.riverence.com), a premier trout farm in the U.S. Its fish is available locally at Woodlands and Nugget markets.

16 october 2021 marin living.

Courtesy of Challenged Athletes Foundation

Meet five local changemakers who are hard at work behind the scenes to make Marin — and the planet — a better place for all of us.

How to Take the Leap to Love Innovative Match founder Cassie Zampa-Keim wants you to be the change you are looking for.

Should you leave a relationship that’s not bad but boring?

It’s difficult to leave the security of a lackluster relationship. You might think it’s better to accept a known quantity rather than venture out into the unknown. However, by staying in a relationship that doesn’t bring you joy, you miss out on possibility, which can be just as exciting as the relationship you’re eventually going to find.

How can you enjoy a first date more?

The surefire way to enjoy a first date more is to go into it without any expectations. Focus on your date and what they’re saying and how you can be good company. Once you take the pressure off, you make room for what dating should be about.

How can you update your appearance?

My advice is to make small, incremental changes first.

A fresh haircut, a manicure and pedicure, and adopting a daily skin care routine can go a long way. But by far, the best and most inexpensive update you can make to your appearance is changing your mindset to a positive one.

Optimism shows.

What can you do to become a more interesting date?

Easy! Become more interesting!

Pick up a new book, keep up to date on current events, volunteer, sightsee, cook a new dish, visit with friends, or sign up for a class.

In other words, live your life to its fullest. That way, when you’re on a date, you’ll have topics on the tip of your tongue to discuss.

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

from the ceo.

OCTOBER IS MY FAVORITE MONTH of the year. It always has been ever since the ’80s when my mom was super into the “season analysis” of beauty. I was an “Autumn” and my birthday is in October. It was meant to be. Now I’m in my mid-40s, it’s still my favorite, but this year is particularly exciting. We just received incredible news that our magazine is a finalist in Folio’s national 2021 Eddie & Ozzie Awards in the categories of City & Regional Magazine Launch and New Magazine Design. For a new title, this is amazing news! We started our publication under the most bizarre of pandemic-influenced circumstances and now we are being recognized for our work. I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for what our team has accomplished in such a short time. Did I also mention that all our founders’ birthdays are spread out over five short weeks beginning in October? Fate. And Autumn.

We are lucky to live in a community that is beautiful and whose members are so unbelievably smart. In this issue, we are exploring changemakers in Marin. Join us as we take a look at some of the very interesting people doing heroic things with their talents, like Janelle Kellman, vice mayor of Sausalito, and Mohamed Lahna, Paralympian, to name a few. When we started Marin Living, we wanted to highlight those who are truly making our community better and even smarter; it was a profound commitment to our readers, and this is how we are living up to our promise. We also present our special section, “Bay Area Designers,” honoring makers and builders who shape our community and transform our spaces into beautiful ones.

Check out architect Michael Rex and proprietor Dennis Green of Karl the Store. This fantastic group of people are living their passion and it’s contagious. Read more about them on page 67.

18 october 2021 marin living.

Speaking of smart and beautiful, our team’s trip to Jordan Winery was spectacular. Have you been? It feels like being in France. We had the rare opportunity to witness the grapes as they arrived fresh from the fields and taste them right off the truck. As you can tell, Wine County is one of our favorite places at Marin Living and we are truly lucky to be so close to the creators of the world’s best wine. The Jordan family has deep roots in Sonoma and it’s reflected in the passion they feel for making chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Also, they have goats and donkeys, and a big, beautiful garden. I’m over the moon about this place and I would go there every day if they let me.

It’s with great appreciation that I tell you we are growing every month. Our brand studio is zooming out of orbit. We are in love with creating new campaigns and marketing strategies for our clients. We love our magazine and we love the challenge of using those same skills to focus on our clients’ creative and marketing needs. Call me to discuss further; I’ll show you how we can help your brand. There’s no place like home — thank you, Marin, for the bounty of our success.

Jessica Cline, CEO and Co-Founder

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista

Ode to Autumn

Plums from our visit to Jordan Winery’s garden; we are finalists in two Eddie and Ozzie categories this year

MARIN COUNTY SALES MARIN COUNTY SALES MARIN COUNTY SALES

McCarthy + Moe Group was recognized amongst the top 100 outstanding teams in Bay Area residential real estate sales.

McCarthy + Moe Group was recognized amongst the top 100 outstanding teams in Bay Area residential real estate sales.

McCarthy + Moe Group recognized amongst thetop-producing top 100 outstanding in Bay Area residential real estateinsales.

The Leading 100 list was represents the Bay Area’s 100 agents teams who registered outstanding performance The Leading 100 list represents the Bay Area’s 100 top-producing agents who registered outstanding performance in calendar year on dollar volume100 andtop-producing individual salesagents performance.

Thank you to our teamperformance and to our in The a Leading 100 listbased represents the sales Bay Area’s who registered outstanding a calendar year based on dollar sales volume and individual sales performance. Thank you to our team and to our wonderful clients whoon have helped play a part. and We are honored sales to have been named amongst the to best in the Bayand Area. a calendar year based dollar sales volume individual performance.

Thank you our team to our wonderful clients who have helped play a part. We are honored to have been named amongst the best in the Bay Area. wonderful clients who have helped play a part. We are honored to have been named amongst the best in the Bay Area.

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

from the creative director.

A classic cioppino dish featuring riverence trout; read more in our “On the Water Again” feature

WELCOME TO OUR OCTOBER ISSUE! And what an issue we have put together for you. Our focus is on changemakers. What is a changemaker? This is someone who is taking action to solve a social problem — people who give themselves permission to make a difference and keep trying until they actually do. This issue is chock-full of these types of incredible people.

But before I give you a sneak peek of what these pages hold, I have to mention how thrilled I am that we are well on our way to the holiday season. Finally, the time has come when we can proudly start buying pumpkins and gourds without hiding them from the neighbors (because, embarrassingly, I usually start buying them in September). Fall is my favorite time of year, perhaps because my birthday falls in this most glorious of seasons, but more likely because it’s acceptable to start eating and drinking everything pumpkin-spice flavored again — just kidding! (Not really.) And this year feels especially festive because there is a glimmer of hope that we will be able to see our loved ones in person instead of Zooming over turkey dinners and gift opening. Let’s keep our fingers and toes crossed that this year looks different than last year.

But you came here to read about this issue, right? Our “Be the Change” feature delves into the stories of five locals who are tackling pressing matters like preventing wildfires, climate change and drought, while “On the Water Again” takes a deep dive into aquaculture and the people and companies leading 20 october 2021 marin living.

the sustainability charge. We also speak to Katie Storey, a local designer and founder of Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA), an organization that is educating interior designers and making the industry more sustainable by the minute. And that is just the start! I will leave the rest for you, dear readers, to discover and enjoy.

I have been in awe of Marin since the moment I learned about the women who helped cement our place in history — the suffragettes, the environmentalists and the women who became politicians before that was even a thing. They left a legacy in the Bay Area, one that teaches us to fight for what we know to be right, and the people we spoke to this month are now carrying that torch. I wish this issue could have been novel-length because there are so many people doing amazing, life-changing work in our community. This issue is a tribute to them, too.

Casey Gillespie Creative Director and Co-Founder

Portait by Becca Teal Batista; Eric Wolfinger

Carrying the Torch

LEARN. EXPLORE. GROW.

“The Air Show returning to the skies of San Francisco will surely feel like a citywide celebration that we all deserve following a tough year with the pandemic.”

— LEWIS LOEVEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAN FRANCISCO FLEET WEEK ASSOCIATION 22 october 2021 marin living.

Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

spotlight marin.

LIVE LIFE OUTSIDE C REATE

A WELL DESIGNED SPACE AND CHANGE

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUTDOOR LIVING .

MILL VALLEY I WALNUT CREEK I BERKELEY I SAN RAMON I BURLINGAME TERRAOUTDOOR.COM

888.449.8325

I

MOUNTAIN VIEW I LOS GATOS I ROCKLIN

N AT I O N W I D E S H I P P I N G

news.

Wine Country Happenings Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley (www.fourseasons.com), Napa Valley’s first and only resort set within a working winery, is officially accepting reservations. And even if you aren’t planning an overnighter, TRUSS Restaurant + Bar

by Michelin-starred executive chef Erik Anderson is worth the drive.

The San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show (fleetweeksf.org) returns in 2021, after postponing in 2020, taking over the San Francisco skies between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz for three days from October 8 to 10. Spectators can catch a headlining performance by the world-renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron, among other jaw-dropping performances from the Navy Parachute Team, Red Bull Air Force Wingsuit Skydivers and more. Fans from around the world travel to the San Francisco Bay Area for this annual event, which supports economic development and local businesses. “San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show attracts people from all over the globe as it is renowned for being one of the world’s best,” says Jim Breen, president and CEO of The Air Show Network. “With an iconic and spectacular setting over San Francisco Bay, there is nothing else like it anywhere.”

—Molly O’Brien

24 october 2021 marin living.

The St. Regis San Francisco (www.marriott.com) just added a new “Take Flight” package, which includes a two-night stay in a luxe Metropolitan suite followed by private transportation to and from Napa Valley, a breakfast picnic, private hot air balloon ride and a private tasting experience at Napa’s newest luxury wine estate, BRION (www.brionwines.com).

Staycation, anyone? —M.O.

Merriam Vineyards, which is part of the Sonoma Wine and Food Affair

Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels (top); courtesy of Merriam Vineyards (bottom)

Fleet Week Returns

The 23rd annual Sonoma Wine and Food Affair (www.wineroad.com) returns for in-person fun from November 6 to 7 with a weekend full of fabulous wine and food tasting experiences showcasing 35 participating wineries.

Create Your Dream Home Flooring Design Center

carpet | area rugs | hardwood | laminate

555 E. Francisco Blvd | San Rafael City-Carpets.com | 415.454.4200 CSL #746886

news.

This past year presented a host of challenges, from the Covid-19 pandemic to wildfires, smoke and increasing drought, but the adaptivity of local farmers, ranchers and their workforce made for a stellar year, as noted in the recent 2020 annual Marin County Crop & Livestock Report.

“Our ag producers are used to change and having to adapt and innovate on the go,” says Agricultural Commissioner Stefan Parnay. “In the end, they are a resilient group of individuals who know how to face adversity and make the most out of an extremely difficult situation.” Here is a look at some of the numbers. —M.O.

Point Bonita Lighthouse

26 october 2021 marin living.

Over previous year 4% increase Cattle 9% increase Sheep 22% increase Organic milk 11% increase Wine grape value 31% decrease

Pay to Park?

Thinking of visiting Point Bonita Lighthouse, Rodeo Beach, Stinson Beach, Baker Beach, China Beach, Lands End Lookout, Navy Memorial or Sutro Heights? Bring your wallet, because you might have to pay for parking soon. The National Park Service’s proposed parking service fee is said to be necessary to address increased visitation demand and costs for cleaning, traffic control and repair at San Francisco and Marin locations — but there’s concern these fees may discourage visitors and increase traffic in surrounding private neighborhoods. The NPS will make a final decision after a public comment period — stay tuned. —M.O.

Dennis Anderson

By the Numbers

Total Value of All Products $101,840,000

Real Estate Done Differently Aviva Kamler’s deep Bay Area roots and extensive reach equals homeowner happiness.

AVIVA KAMLER www.avivakamler.com Aviva.Kamler@sothebys.realty 415.717.1056 DRE#: 02076186

Q avkamler

news.

Ask the Author Meet Mooncakes and Milk Bread: Sweet and Savory Recipes Inspired by Chinese Bakeries author, baker and storyteller Kristina Cho. Kristina Cho is a baker and blogger turned author of the tasty new title Mooncakes and Milk Bread (Harper Horizon, 2021). A Bay Area resident for almost a decade, Cho worked in architectural and interior design while creating her food blog, Eat Cho Food (www.eatchofood. com). She hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and says both her design background and her Midwest upbringing play into the inspiration behind her recipes and writing.

28 october 2021 marin living.

Can you tell us a little more about the book?

Mooncakes and Milk Bread is more than just a collection of recipes. It also includes background into Chinese bakery culture, interviews with bakery owners, visual step-by-step guides explaining techniques, and so many personal stories about the recipes — but also about my family.

What inspired you to start cooking?

I grew up in a very food-centric family. My grandparents immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States in the late ’60s and started working in restaurants to make a living. In this book, you will find plenty of classics from Chinese bakeries, but there are also many new recipes and flavors that are inspired by my own personal experience as a Chinese American.

Favorite recipes to create and enjoy?

It’s very hard to pick a favorite recipe from the book, but I’m currently craving the Rhubarb and Cream Cheese Buns and the Lemon Coconut Tarts.

—M.O.

The 44th Mill Valley Film Festival (www. mvff.com) takes place October 7 to 17 and features 11 days of film and film happenings — including in-person and online screenings, onstage events, parties, concerts and exclusive member events. Expect an inspiring lineup of features, documentaries, family selections and more from across the globe, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the potential Oscar nominees usually debuting at the festival. —M.O.

Courtesy of Kristina Cho (top); Tommy Lau Photography (bottom)

Grab the Popcorn, MVFF Is Back in Theaters

Distinctive Design Thoughtful Detail

SUTTON SUZUKI Architects

SuttonSuzuki.com Mill Valley CA 415 383 3139

news.

Stinson Beach

On July 13, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved an updated coastal plan — but without an environmental hazards chapter. Formally called the Local Coastal Program (LCP), the plan sets the ground rules for development in coastal areas. However, the adoption of environmental hazards policies has long been controversial, especially since property owners could face expensive mandates to prepare for sea-level rise, among other changes. “We are talking about people’s livelihoods, housing, road access, infrastructure. When policy personally affects so many it is difficult to develop and implement,” says Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, who was the only board member in support of finalizing the chapter to include with the rest of the LCP. “I see the county completing the chapter but not meeting our [approval] timeline, leaving everyone somewhat unhappy.”

—Sydney Segal

Show Me Your Art The San Francisco Fall Arts Show (sffallshow.org) is honoring its 40-year history with a virtual event. The show takes place in collaboration with InCollect from October 15 to 24 and showcase pieces from more than 50 of the top art dealers from around the world. Attendees can see an extraordinary range of fine and decorative arts representing all styles and periods. Paintings, furniture, ceramics, jewelry, rugs, books, ethnographic art, objets d’art as well as international art and antiques will be showcased. —M.O. 30 october 2021 marin living.

Anouschka Schneider (top); “Sommerville Blue,” 1960, by Joseph Fiore, courtesy of SFFAS and Foster Gwin Gallery (bottom)

Sea-Level Rise Plan Update

Buyi ngors el l i nga homei nMar i n c anbeal o teas i er t hanyout hi nk.

MeetTeam OwnMar i n,Mar i nCount y’ sNo.1Real Est at et eam si nce201 5whohavepr oudl ysol dover $1 .

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local splurges.

Raising the Bar October is the kickoff for the holiday season and that means making sure your home bar is locked, stocked and ready to go.

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By Casey Gillespie

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1. Every good bartender knows to keep all your ingredients handy, and that includes the fruit for garnishes. Not to worry, with Serena and Lily’s marbleand-brass Millerton Footed Fruit Bowl, your garnishes will have a home that is both stylish and functional. Available at www.sereneandlily. com, $198

2. If your next cocktail party is in need of a conversation starter, these vintage Champagne coupes by modernist designer Russel Wright (circa 1951) are a musthave. Available at Poet and the Bench (11 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley) or www.poetand thebench.com, $133 for set of 4

32 october 2021 marin living.

3. The holidays are finally here so why not add a little glam?

Whether you are upping your hosting game or looking for a gift, Crate and Barrel’s Calder Brass Ice Bucket with Tongs is definitely a good idea. Available at Crate and Barrel (320 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera) or www. crateandbarrel.com, $79.95

4. Does your bar cart need an upgrade?

Then stop by March and pick up this exquisite Josef Hoffmann for Lobmeyr– designed crystal decanter set. We love the timelessness of the matte-frosted and hand-painted design. Available at March (3075 Sacramento Street, San Francisco) or www. marchsf.com, $1,195

5. When it comes to making cocktails, having the right tools is essential.

And as soon as we laid eyes on this chic Luxe Hanging Bar Tool Set at Curate Studio, we knew it was a winner. Holiday coacktail fun awaits.

Available at Curate Studio (562 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo) or www. curatestudio.com, $88

Courtesy of the retailers; Ben Kist

3

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beauty.

Power of the Plum

Beauty entrepreneurs Jacqueline, Allison and Elaine Taylor use plums grown on the family farm in nearby Sutter County to create their skin care brand Le Prunier, whose now cult-favorite facial oil lives up to the hype.

Le Prunier founders Allison Taylor, Jacqueline Taylor and Elaine Taylor

34 october 2021 marin living.

WHEN MODEL CHRISSY TEIGEN shared a “little secret” about one of her go-to skin care products on Instagram last year, within hours, the “magic” and still somewhat under-the-radar facial oil by Le Prunier (www.leprunier.com) sold out overnight. It also racked up a wait list in the tens of thousands. “I thought Shopify was broken, so I called Allison and said, What’s going on,” says Marin resident Jacqueline of the unexpected moment during the pandemic that catapulted their indie brand into the big time. “Being spotlighted like that was incredible –– we had a waitlist of 25,000 literally overnight –– but being a mom-and-pop operation, we knew we also faced a large task ahead to catch up,” adds Allison.

Made using a single ingredient from the family farm (the world’s largest grower of organic plums), the “from seed to serum” multipurpose oil is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and fatty acids that seem to work miracles when it comes to evening out complexions and preventing the signs of aging.

“Another wonderful aspect of Le Prunier is that it’s non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, so terrific for sensitive skin,” says Jacqueline. “I suffer from hormonal acne, and it’s always been a challenge to find products that don’t contain essential oils or fragrances, which can cause irritation. Le Prunier is powerful yet gentle and leaves my skin glowing.”

Plum oil might be a relative newcomer to the beauty market stateside, but it’s one of the best-kept skin care secrets among women across Asia. The sisters first learned about the “power of plum” after joining their father on business trips to Japan and Korea and later combining their career expertise in pre-med biopsychology, marketing and business to soft-launch Le Prunier in 2017. It quickly caught the attention of Neiman Marcus at the Indie Beauty Expo in New York and

Heidi Edwards

By Keri Bridgwater

N E AL WARD PROPERTIES PRESENTS

A S E C L U D E D E N C L AV E O F U N PA R A L L E L E D B E A U T Y & P R I VA C Y Quail Hill offers the unique opportunity to acquire one of the most significant and private properties in Marin County. An estate of this scale and grandeur will never again become available. Its architectural quality and integrity stand as a testament to owners’ desire to achieve a home set in nature that is unmatched in beauty, serenity, and peace.

Its iconic design continues to inspire and influence architects around the world today—this is the legacy of Quail Hill.

Learn more about the legacy at quailhillross.com or contact Neal Ward at 415.269.9933 or neal@compass.com.

N E A L W A R D P R O P E R T I E S . C O M D R E 0 1 0 5 2 2 8 5

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

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beauty.

was stocked in Neiman Marcus stores within the following year.

Allison explains it was a slow build at first, helping consumers learn about and understand the superfruit’s benefits, but thanks to early international distribution deals — including one with iconic department store Le Bon Marché in Paris and another with the Shinsegae Group’s glossy Hanam store in Korea — a loyal brand following was soon established in Europe and Asia.

Combining the star of Le Prunier’s principal product with an antioxi-

dant-rich ingredient derived from seaweed, the sisters just launched their second act: Plumscreen, a broad-spectrum SPF 31 made with Plum Superfruit Complex. “There are so many inherently potent properties in plums. For example, during our early research, we discovered the kernel oil is high in melanin inhibition, which helps reduce age spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation, and has a natural SPF of 10. So, creating Plumscreen felt like the natural next step,” explains Allison.

“We had a wait list of 25,000 literally overnight –– but being a mom-and-pop operation, we knew we also faced a

Heidi Edwards

large task ahead to catch up.”

It’s not just Le Prunier’s clean beauty products that pack a feelgood punch. The sisters uphold sustainable and zero-waste farming practices, too. “The plum kernels are upcycled, and we use a revolutionary filtration system called BioFiltro to help us cut down on our wastewater,” says Elaine. She adds they use bees to pollinate the crops naturally and, once the harvest is over, 2,000 goats are brought in to help eat down any excess. Having grown up near the fourth-generation family farm and helping their parents at local farmers markets, Jacqueline says that while their father took some convincing that a clean beauty product was a good business idea, their mom was very excited. “Our parents are definitely our biggest supporters,” she adds.

Clean beauty fans can shop Le Prunier at Beauty Heroes (817 Grant Avenue, Novato), Ayla (1825 Bush Street, San Francisco) and online at www.leprunier.com.

36 october 2021 marin living.

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)

eat & drink.

Offerings at Sonoma’s Immortal Estate

Cream of the Crop

What goes into the making of a 100-point wine?

We delve into Wine Country’s most perfect creations.

By Molly O’Brien

38 october 2021 marin living.

What makes a 100-point wine?

Creating a 100-point wine requires a perfect storm of internal and external factors. Both the vineyard’s location and the winemaking process impact the outcome for the final product, but ultimately the quality of the wine largely depends on the climate of the year the grapes are grown. Uncontrollable forces of nature such as wildfires and weather factors like frost affect the grape quality, and not all years will yield good wines. Also taken into consideration are soil composition where the grapes are grown, the direction the vineyard is facing and the timing of the harvest.

In terms of climate, 2018 offered nearly flawless conditions for creating the ideal vintage. There were heavy rains early in the growing season and the remainder of the season was filled with warm days and cooler nights.

This allows the grapes to mature to ideal ripeness on the vine while also retaining the acidity needed to create balanced wines that are capable of aging (an important factor on the Wine Advocate scale).

An impressive number of highscoring wines were produced throughout the Napa and Sonoma region in 2018. Now, in the fall of 2021, many of these wines are just beginning to become available for purchase.

100-Point Wine Experiences

It can be challenging to find a 100-point bottle of wine, as such wines are enthusiastically coveted by collectors, and disappear seemingly as soon as they’re available. Luckily those wanting to indulge in one of these impeccable wines can enjoy a variety of unique wine-tasting experiences

Mariana Calderon Photography

WHAT DEFINES A WINE as absolute perfection? The answer depends on whom you’re asking. There are multiple well-respected wine rating systems used in the U.S., but the most used is Robert Parker’s original scoring system favored by his Wine Advocate (www. robertparker.com). This 100-point scale applies specialized criteria for what’s considered “perfection” at the time of tasting and has become something of a wine industry standard for rating quality wine. Wines that are given a score of between 96 and 100 points are considered to be “extraordinary” and worth the effort to find. For our purposes, the recommendations and information below are based on the Wine Advocate rating system as applied to Napa Valley’s and the Sonoma region’s wines, including many from the 2018 vintage.

RESERVE US A SPOT ON THE TOP SHELF

L IC: CDPH-10003710

eat & drink.

40 october 2021 marin living.

Wineries Known for Making 100-Point Wines Alpha Omega Winery Alpha Omega (www.aowinery.com) creates artisanal wines, drawing on Old World vineyard practices combined with New World technology. Try: Alpha Omega Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Bevan Cellars The team at Bevan Cellars (www. bevancellars.com) believes the journey is just as important as the outcome when it comes to making great wines and goes to great lengths to source the best fruit that Napa and Sonoma have to offer. Try: Bevan Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dr. Crane Vineyard, Saint Helena

Cliff Lede Vineyards Cliff Lede Vineyards (www. cliffledevineyards.com) was established in 2002 by Bordeaux enthusiast Cliff Lede. Each vineyard block is named after one of his favorite rock songs or albums and is used to craft cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc. Try: Cliff Lede 2018 Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District Kapcsándy Family Winery Kapcsándy (www.kapcsandywines. com) uses vineyard management and winemaking techniques heavily influenced by French Bordeaux-style practices. Try: Kapcsándy Family Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin, State Lane Vineyard

TOR’s Black Magic, 2018

Courtesy of TOR Wines

hosted at select wineries in the Napa and Sonoma region.

Immortal Estate (www.immortal estate.com) in Sonoma offers a one-of-a-kind “100-Point Experience.”

The winery is helmed by Napa wine industry veteran and Tusk Estates (www.tuskestates.com) co-owner Tim Martin and Randy Nichols, who is developing the new Auberge Resort at Stanly Ranch property. The pair thought it would be interesting to showcase four different vintages of their prized wines at once (each valued at more than $300 per bottle), so they created a special and soon-tobe-coveted experience.

This four-bottle vertical flight includes years 2013 to 2016 of the flagship Immortal Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Two of the featured vintages — the 2013 and 2016 — have received perfect 100-point scores. The 2016 was a favorite among wine critics.

As there’s a limited amount of these wines, the intimate tastings accommodate between four and eight people at $500 per person for a 90-minute guided tasting experience and are held at an exclusive location in Napa.

TOR Black Magic Experience (torwines.com) offers another chance to catch a glimpse of the behind-thescenes magic that goes into making a 100-point wine. This full-day tour gives visitors access to the TOR 2019 Black Magic vintage, which includes the single-vineyard TOR Chardonnay, the TOR Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon and Black Magic. Also offered is a visit to three private vineyards that contribute to the making of these rare wines: Beckstoffer Dr. Crane in St. Helena and Beckstoffer To Kalon and Vine Hill Ranch vineyards in Oakville.

Tor Kenward has a 40-year relationship with vineyard owners Andy Beckstoffer and the Phillips family of Vine Hill Ranch, and he is able to offer insider access to these elite sites traditionally closed to the public. Guests will either taste finished wines or barrel samples on-site at these destinations and end the day with a meal at The Charter Oak Restaurant (www.thecharteroak. com) in St. Helena, where more TOR wines will be poured.

experience

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A Day on Napa’s Silverado Trail

By Casey Gillespie

42 october 2021 marin living.

www.stock.adobe.com/ photomario1

local getaways.

local getaways.

Conn Creek 8711 SILVERADO TRAIL

www.conncreek.com Have you always wanted to be part of the annual Wine Country harvest? Well now you can. On October 24 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m., $150 per person) Conn Creek is offering the chance to “hop in the barrel and get your feet wet.” Stomp some grapes, sip some wine and indulge in harvest-inspired bites — sounds like a pretty epic way to spend an afternoon if you ask us. Established in 1973, the winery, which focuses on cabernet sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals, is one of the handful of vineyards that established Napa Valley as a premier wine-growing region, so you’ll be experiencing a little piece of Wine Country history as well.

Milliken Creek Inn 1815 SILVERADO TRAIL

www.millikencreekinn.com

Courtesy of Signorello Estate

Signorello Estate

The iconic Silverado Trail is quintessential Napa Valley.

Built in 1852 as the first road linking the towns of Napa and Calistoga, it was a busy route because of the fortune seekers in the area hunting for silver. By the late 19th century, it was the main artery linking cinnbar mines to the north and the docks of San Pablo Bay. Today, the 29-mile, two-lane road hosts a treasure trove of wineries that boast some of the best wines in the region. While many of the larger wineries are located on the adjacent Highway 29, the Silverado Trail is a quieter, more intimate experience — perfect for locals wanting to enjoy a getaway in the countryside. It’s harvest time in Wine Country and here’s a look at some don’t-miss tastings, dining experiences and stays.

This charming 11-room inn, nestled on the banks of the Napa River, has just unveiled a major upgrade that includes chic, modern decor, reimagined outdoor spaces and firepits in areas around the property meant for soaking in the bucolic atmosphere. All stays include a complimentary breakfast, a mini afternoon picnic and cordials in the evening.

Be sure and check out the property’s “Escape & Explore” special (valid all month), which offers 20 percent off of published rates.

Robert Sinskey 6320 SILVERADO TRAIL

www.robertsinskey.com Do you prefer sampling your wine with a three-course meal? Then look no further than the “Eat Drink RSV” experience ($125 per person). The seated food-and-wine event can accommodate up to eight people, and the meal is expertly prepared by the chefs in the on-site Vineyard Kitchen. While menus vary depending on the time of year you visit and what is in season, it’s always organic. And the wines? Those are organic, too. marin living. october 2021 43

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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Beautiful Marin County Landscaping MARIN LANDSCAPE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE G-LANDSCAPE-DIV.com | 415-342-5857

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.

local getaways.

Signorello Estate 4500 Silverado Trail www.signorelloestate.com One of the wineries that sustained major damage in the 2017 wildfires, Signorello is rising from the ashes.

Currently, tastings are being held in a temporary space on the property, but the winery is due to break ground on the new building very soon. Get to know the new winemaking team — 34-year-old winemaker Priyanka French along with Celia Welch and Steve Matthiasson — through the 90-minute “Estate Experience” (minimum of four people, $50 per person). The experience begins with a glass of wine and a driving tour of the vineyard followed by a seated tasting and nibbles to accompany.

Silverado Vineyards 6121 Silverado Trail www.silveradovineyards.com Any reason is a good reason to visit Silverado, but when there is a special event we sit up and take notice. Join the party on Saturday, October 16, from noon to 3 p.m. as Silverado Vineyards throws a casual release celebration for

its flagship offering, the Heritage Clone Cabernet Sauvignon, SOLO. Revelers will enjoy tapas and paella as well as a sangria made with the vineyard’s Borreo Sangiovese. Tickets are limited and the event is sure to sell out so get them while you can ($125 per person, $100 for wine club members, www.exploretock.com/ sileradovineyards). See you there!

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 5766 Silverado Trail www.stagsleapwinecellars.com This year is the 45th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris and Stag’s Leap is offering a special tasting to commemorate. When the winery’s 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon took first place at the competition, Stag’s Leap Wine cellars cemented its place in history. In honor of the great victory, the winery is offering an exclusive flight from the Legacy Collection of the S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon and features four vintages — 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 ($125 per person). Learn about the winery’s storied past and sip on some of the best cabs in the valley.

Be a Winemaker for a Day Try something different with a blending experience.

Don’t miss the Bottle Blending Day Camp at Judd’s Hill (www. juddshill.com). You will be led through a tasting and blending session culminating in hand bottling, labeling and even a tutorial on how to apply the foil capsules to the bottle. Starting at $350 for two guests, includes four bottles.

During the Oracle Blending Seminar at Miner Wines (www. minerwines.com) guests will blend all five wines in the Bordeaux family and have the opportunity to experiment with their own blend after sampling and learning about the different varietals. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours, $125 per person, available for groups of up to 10.

Kenny Kim Photography

Judd’s Hill

46 october 2021 marin living.

marin living. october 2021 47

www.stock.adobe.com/Hypervision

take note.

Right in Tune

Legendary producer Ken Caillat and his partners are bringing Sausalito’s iconic Record Plant back into service after years of neglect — only this time its mission may go beyond just recording.

By Daniel Jewett

Rachel Weill; courtesy of Record Plant (inset)

Ken Caillat at the board in Sausalito.

Grammy-winning producer/engineer Jim Gaines in Studio A at the Record Plant in the 1970s.

48 october 2021 marin living.

Rachel Weill

STEVIE NICKS WAS GETTING a little bored as the rest of Fleetwood Mac were doing overdubs for their new album on that day in 1976, so she went into a different room and started banging out chords on Sly Stone’s electric piano.

“Suddenly she came running down the hallway and burst into Studio B and says, ‘Guys, guys, stop everything, I just wrote the best song I’ve ever written,’ ” says engineer-turned-producer Ken Caillat about the recording of the classic song “Dreams” for Rumours, routinely called one of the greatest rock albums of all time. “I was sitting right there; you just get chills thinking about it.”

As he describes the scene, Caillat is pointing to the exact location where this magical moment and many more happened. Acts like Huey Lewis, Prince, Metallica and Aretha Franklin all made records at 2200 Bridgeway, home of the Record Plant.

So it makes sense that Caillat would want to save it. “I did my book signing here (Making Rumours, published in 2012) and it was just sitting here, the light bulbs were all burned out, and nobody was putting any money into it,” he says.

“And I started thinking, I’m going to get a phone call one day and hear it has burned down.”

Caillat and about 14 other partners, including film financier Frank Pollifrone, didn’t ever want to get that call, so they started trying to buy the building. They went into escrow no less than four times over the years until they finally closed on the studio in March 2020 — right before Covid-19 closed everything down.

“We started to think, are people even going to record anymore? Of course they are going to record, people can’t stop being creative,” Caillat says, “but it did take a lot of leaps of faith.”

As the crew starts getting the studio, now called the Record Factory, ready, a few choice purchases have ensured that the classic sound the building is famous for will still be possible to re-create. When the also-legendary Fantasy Studios in Berkeley went out of business in 2018, the team purchased all the old gear including control boards and more than $100,000 worth of vintage microphones. And much to Caillat’s delight, they have also made plans to purchase Neil Diamond’s vintage API engineering console, an almost exact duplicate of the one Rumours was recorded on.

But Caillat says the magic comes from more than just the equipment.

“Sausalito is such a great city; the vibe is perfect. And I don’t know what’s going on with these rooms, but they just make me feel like singing or recording something,” he says. “We’re going to try and be as good as Abbey Road. We want to be the Abbey Road of the United States.”

Frank Pollifrone agrees with that sentiment and says the whole experience, through its many highs and lows, has been life-changing. “Ken Caillat is an icon that codified the sound of my generation as a teen. So it’s difficult at times, in my head, to embrace him as someone who’s become a friend and brother — but he is and that’s very special to me.”

Caillat insists that he wants to give the musicians time to soak in that historic ambience and make a really good record. “With Rumours we had 12 months, but today the label gives you five or 10 days in the studio,” he says. “If a band can only afford a week we might say, ‘Why not take a month, and you’ll make it up to us somehow.’

You’ll start to hear the difference in the quality of stuff that comes out of here.”

The team also plans to offer tours to the public and even classes in everything from singing in tune to engineering. “I want to have kids come in and hit Mick Fleetwood’s drums and hear what a real big-time drum kit sounds like,” he says. “I want kids to go ‘Dad, I want to do that’ and the dad’s going to say, ‘Me too.’ ”

The famous giant guitar and albums made at the Record Plant.

marin living. october 2021 49

Courtesy of Sea Pantry

Sea Pantry’s Cured Kvarøy Arctic Salmon

From seaweed to shellfish, Bay Area–based efforts to advance sustainable aquaculture are on the rise.

a the W ter A g a i On

By Joseph Knelman

AROUND MARIN’S TOMALES BAY, tourists and residents alike stray off the winding Highway 1 for salty respite: a meal of oysters. Whether the mignonette-doused pit stop is at a local oyster bar or the shores of a state park, the experience is courtesy of aquaculture, the farming of seafood.

Oyster companies have operated in the area for more than a century, yet today, Bay Area innovators are re-envisioning aquaculture. Farmers and companies around San Francisco are developing new approaches to help supply seafood protein to billions of people around the world, while supporting ecosystems rather than exploiting them.

For local oyster farming, the connection between aquaculture operations and ecosystems is clear: oysters are filter feeders that can ultimately help improve water chemistry and clarity, which in turn sustains seagrass meadows, the foundation of an abundant ecosystem. Even under the pandemic’s economic hardship, Hog Island Oyster Company worked with Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) this summer to access capital by selling development rights for 250 acres of its Leali Ranch property in West Marin.

This easement, MALT’s first to support aquaculture, helps recommit Hog Island Oyster Co. to sustainability, including composting of oyster shells and seaweed, among other efforts.

Yet in some cases, aquaculture practiced without attention to sustainable methods has engendered negative news coverage for pollution and environmental harm. Just as land-based farms use methods that can either work with or against natural ecosystems and environmental health, the same goes for aquaculture, explains Jennifer Bushman, a strategic consultant on sustainable, ethical aquaculture and board member for Oceans 2050 and Sausalito’s Marine Mammal Center.

Bushman sits at the center of a global discussion on aquaculture, advomarin living. october 2021 51

n

52 october 2021 marin living.

Eric Wolfinger, courtesy of Pacific Catch

Pacific Catch’s Blue Ocean Mariculture kanpachi tiradito with crispy quinoa

Blue Evolution Foods

A Kodiak Kelp Company worker harvesting sugar kelp

cating for practices that can improve food security and help regenerate ocean ecosystems that have faced unprecedented decline. Just off the coast of Northern California, kelp forests collapsed in size by more than 90 percent just between 2014 and 2016.

Bushman envisions how sustainable aquaculture, such as seaweed farms, could help rebuild the vital habitat and function of these ecosystems while producing nutritious food.

In fact, Bay Area–based Blue Evolution, a leading company in seaweed farming, has put sustainable, regenerative seaweed aquaculture into practice with operations in Mexico and Alaska.

“Focusing on food initially, we set about building a supply chain in Baja Mexico with seed, farms, processing and finished products,” says Beau Perry, founder and CEO of Blue Evolution.

Today these products include kelp puree (versatile for cooking and good in everything from smoothies to salsas), popcorns and pastas.

Blue Evolution is also seeing the ecological benefits of its operations in addressing issues of ocean acidification and habitat loss in Alaska: “For example, farms are observing herring spawns on the crops in spring. And we see numerous juveniles of many species hatching and rearing within the farms. We’re working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local conservation groups to establish the science and understand cause and effect between

our farms and the local ecosystem,” says Perry.

While Perry dreams of growing seaweed around California, his home, he notes that prohibitive economic and political challenges still exist. It is these types of barriers that Bushman hopes to help aquaculture overcome in the near future. For the time being, however, organizations on the West Coast continue to contribute to improved aquaculture practices through innovation: the Monterey Bay Aquarium is building policy and standards into its Seafood Watch program; San Francisco’s TwoXSea and McFarland Springs Trout Farm are developing a non-fish-meal, plantbased feed and in-river trout farming system; Riverence Trout is drawing on a spring water, land-based system near the Rocky Mountains, meeting industry sustainability standards and partnering with James Beard Foundation’s sustainability program; Santa Cruz’s Scoot Science is building a next-level fish farming data insights platform; and Google’s Tidal project is using underwater cameras to track fish health and improve farming strategies.

Bushman also sees access via local supermarkets and restaurants as an important way for the community to engage with sustainable food systems.

She has worked with Whole Foods supplier Kvarøy Arctic, a sustainable farming operation above the Arctic Circle in Norway, to meet “some of the most stringent fish and seafood

policies in the world,” says Bushman of the producer. “From the technology that they utilize to monitor animal welfare, to feed models that include microalgae from Bay Area company Corbion, this family is changing an industry that has traditionally been viewed as unsustainable.”

Likewise, dining out offers moments to engage with ethical aquaculture without leaving Marin. Among the local restaurants that feature sustainably raised fish are Fish in Sausalito and San Francisco–based Pacific Catch restaurants (there is also a location in Corte Madera), where Bushman is the director of sustainability. “We are committed to monthly audits to make sure our sourcing is sustainable, and we work with trusted suppliers that adhere to our standards on what we allow and what we won’t allow,” says Tom Hanson, president and COO at Pacific Catch.

That commitment results in a dynamic selection that is dependent on realities of ocean health and access to sustainable fisheries and fish farms.

“We’re not afraid to take a popular item off the menu if we cannot source it thoughtfully and sustainably,” Hanson says. “Mahi mahi was one of our most popular items. About five years ago the mahi stocks were being depleted so we took it off our menu.”

While a somewhat complex combination of technology, operations and consumer interest will continue to drive the feasibility of sustainable aquaculture, Bushman says it simply: “Eat more seaweed.” marin living. october 2021 53

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Changemakers are people who identify a social

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that problem and don’t stop until they make an

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problem, then decide to do the work to help solve

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marin living. october 2021 55 Created by Oksana Latysheva from the Noun Project

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This page, Justin Buell; previous spread, from top left, BomSymbols; il Capitano; Dooder; AliWijaya; Majo Puterka; b farias; Marco Galtarossa; Andreas Vögele; Jean-Philippe Cabaroc; Ananth; Misbahul Munir; Oksana Latysheva; Artdabana@Design, all from the Noun Project

Cynthia Koehler AS MARIN FACES exceptional drought conditions, conversations are turning to once far-fetched solutions ranging from construction of a pipeline across the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge to desalination plants. Helping make sense of it all and lead the county through mounting water issues is Cynthia Koehler, president of Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) board of directors.

“If I’ve had a role at the board, it has been to spur the district toward innovation,” says Koehler. First elected to the MMWD board in 2005, she has guided Marin through water challenges by putting efficiency and conservation measures in place, an approach that has successfully reduced water demand to below projected needs.

Koehler’s perspective is rooted in protecting the functioning of Marin’s unique Mount Tamalpais watershed. Her work on pesticide bans and greenhouse gas emission targets has brought renewed attention to the connection between local ecology and water resources. “I think I’ve always had the view that a solution that brings us prosperity, future security, reliability and resilience has got to be one that is in harmony with a sustainable environmental health,” she says.

Water has long buoyed Koehler’s career from wilderness canoe guide to positions at law firms, Save the Bay, and the Environmental Defense Fund. Leading at the national level, she currently serves on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Financial Advisory Board. As co-founder/executive director of the WaterNow Alliance, she also works with towns and utilities across the country to develop holistic water systems that consider factors like gray water, rainwater and efficient water use. Her work closer to home has garnered the accolades of the Bay Institute (2013 Bay Hero Award) and the Marin Conservation League (2011 Ted Wellman Water Award).

As Koehler looks to the future, she is championing community connections to the watershed. “I feel that we have more to do here, but that we’ve really shifted MMWD as more of a community partner,” she says. In this vein, she credits the MMWD team for recent work on audits, rebates and “Drought Drive Ups” to distribute water-saving kits that directly impact conservation.

While present-day conditions are increasingly dire, Koehler remains resolute in her commitment to policymaking and innovation, bringing her immense expertise to Marin and beyond: “I feel this is solvable, this is doable, and in the face of everything that is so hard right now, having that sense of possibility and purpose is energizing.” —Joseph Knelman

Created by BomSymbols from the Noun Project

Superpower: A water resources champion for Marin and beyond

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Superpower: A Paralympian medalist who cycles, swims and runs to victory

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WHEN HE WAS GROWING up in Casablanca, Morocco, all Mohamed Lahna wanted to do was join the soccer games that the other kids were always playing in his neighborhood. But playing soccer was very difficult for Lahna due to a disability he was born with called proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) that left him without a femur on his right side and without hip sockets. He got around the problem by playing on crutches, but the other children were not always kind.

“I just wanted to be like the other kids, but if we lost a game, they would start insulting me and my disability and sometimes I would go home crying,” Lahna says. But his mother wasn’t having any of it and would send him right back out. “ ‘Go fight for yourself,’ she would say. She was pushing me to build that personality and be able to ignore those insults.”

That inner strength paid off. At age 24 Lahna received his first prosthesis, and a whole new world of sports — and a dream of becoming a Paralympian — opened up. He started cycling in 500-kilometer events, crossed the Atlas Mountains and became very curious about triathlons. But while swimming and cycling were no problem for him, doctors advised against running because of Lahna’s lack of hip sockets. Moving to the Bay Area in 2009 to go to college and discovering the San Francisco branch of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF, www.challengedathletes.org) changed all that.

Lahna soon attended a CAF triathlon camp, where he saw a girl like him running and asked her about it. “She told me, ‘I think you can run because I have the same condition as you,’” he says. A year later, Lahna applied for a grant through CAF and got a racing prosthesis. “It’s a sense of freedom that I never, ever had before; I’m finally running with my hands free,” he says. “I can go anywhere; I can run anywhere.” And run he did, earning a bronze medal in triathlon for Morocco in the 2016 Rio Paralympics with coaching, travel and equipment help from CAF — an organization that routinely sends a large number of athletes to the Paralympics (Lahana just returned from competing in cycling in the 2020 Tokyo games). “I’m so grateful for the Challenged Athletes Foundation because it changed my life completely,” he says, adding that he advises kids and their families all over the world who have PFFD. “We do this because we love sports. We want to show the world that we are just as good as the able-bodied.” —Daniel Jewett

Courtesy of Challenged Athletes Foundation

Mohamed Lahna

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Nora Stratton Designs, www.sffoto.com

Janelle Kellman JANELLE KELLMAN IS AN ACTIVIST, community leader, environmental lawyer, lifelong athlete and fierce fighter raising awareness for climate change. It’s no surprise that this real-life superwoman was elected to Sausalito’s city council with a record number of votes and is currently powering through her term as the city’s vice mayor during her first year in office.

At work, Kellman (www.janellekellman.com) oversees the resolving of this diverse community’s most urgent challenges, such as protecting Sausalito’s waterfront, the area’s local businesses and Marinship artists. “My background lends itself to doing interdisciplinary work across environmental issues, and I enjoy doing work for my community,” she says.

Kellman earned her undergraduate degree at Yale before moving to Oxford for her master’s in environmental management. She then worked in Washington, D.C., studying the links between environmental degradation and national security issues. Kellman attended law school at Stanford and was entranced with the beauty of the university’s outdoor campus.

She says it felt as if she was going to school at a national park, which fueled her desire to protect these delicate landscapes in the face of climate change.

She decided it was time to take action, and she was wellequipped for politics. “Something I enjoyed about running for office was how many people I got to talk to and hearing their stories to better understand what types of resources and assets that we have here. I see my role as tapping into those assets in order to do better things for our community.”

Kellman is currently working with the Center for Sea Rise Solutions (www.searisesolutions.org), which uses communication and cutting-edge technology to fight to protect coastal communities (such as Sausalito) from sea-level rise and flooding. “I felt as we were evolving and issues were changing around climate, more needed to be done about rising seas, and disaster preparedness as it relates to fires and evacuation risk,” she says. Kellman is proud of the tools and the talent in her Marin community and is confident that individuals will partner with her in working toward solving climate issues.

“People here are at the cutting edge of their industries,” she says. “They’re thought leaders, novelists, artists — you can get into a conversation with somebody as you’re waiting for coffee only to discover they solved a huge issue you didn’t even know existed.” —Molly O’Brien

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Superpower: Protecting her community from sea-level rise

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Superpower: Building a better future for Marinites with developmental disabilities

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WHEN ERIN UESUGI came across the opportunity to help Lifehouse build its new headquarters in San Rafael, she felt compelled to get involved. Her involvement with the Lifehouse project (www.lifehouseagency.org) was a personal endeavor, as her daughter Sophie is a client of the organization and her husband, Doug, serves on the board. The nonprofit is a lifeline for many, and the organization works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. Uesugi, a Berkeley native, attended UC Berkeley and after graduating moved to Japan to study and pursue a career in architecture.

She has worked on projects both in the U.S. and abroad, and this experience left her in an ideal position to help.

“Lifehouse has been one of the most fulfilling projects, and I don’t just say that,” she reflects. “Any time you can do a project that is so profoundly changing or affecting the client in how they work or live, it is so gratifying and rewarding.”

Uesugi designed the new Lifehouse building space pro bono and oversaw the entire 18-month project. With her professional expertise and guidance, the team created a layout that both was functional and would accommodate the future of Lifehouse’s growing staff and services.

She also relied on personal and professional relationships, reaching out to former corporate clients asking for donations or help to significantly trim down expenses.

Uesugi was able to acquire everything from fabrics to light fixtures to carpet and plastic laminate via donation or for a reduced cost — and Nancy Dow Moody, president and CEO of Lifehouse, acknowledges Uesugi’s generosity and long-lasting contribution to the community and to Lifehouse.

“She is a true example of the spirit of Lifehouse,” says Moody. “It was an enormous project that Erin enthusiastically embraced. Her pro bono services totaled more than $280,000.

Additionally, using her connections, the furniture donation and the discount she was able to obtain on finishes totaled more than $400,000.”

It’s very clear that the relationship is symbiotic and that both Uesugi’s family and the Lifehouse family will reap the benefits for decades to come. “My daughter now lives in Novato in one of their supported living homes,” says Uesugi.

“We’re so grateful, and I cannot tell you the positive changes it’s made in our lives, and in hers — it’s been a win-win. We give to them, but we get back so much more.” —Molly O’Brien

Courtesy of Erin Uesugi

Erin Uesugi

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Superpower: A vintner who is working to prevent wildfires and the destruction they cause

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“WE’RE NOT EXPECTING [a bad fire season in Napa], but we’re fearful that it could be as bad — and it could even be worse — than the last four or five years. We are in an unprecedented drought … The wildlands that haven’t yet burned are drier than they have been in decades. If a fire were to break out, and we couldn’t stop it immediately, it has the potential of being devastating.”

Rick Jones and his wife were sleeping soundly when the Glass Fire broke out last September; they evacuated within a half hour, only able to see the glow of flames against the night sky. While the family’s home was spared, their 10 acres of vines joined a large number of other vineyards that also suffered damage. And so began Jones’ yearlong effort to figure out how to lessen the effect of wildfires on lives and businesses in time for Napa’s next fire season, which is now upon us.

When Jones retired to Napa in 1992, he didn’t anticipate entering the grape-growing business, let alone the need to prepare for fires coming through his property. “And that’s the reality that many, many people in Napa came to realize,” he says. “That this is no longer somebody else’s problem. This is all of our problems.”

In addition to being the owner and proprietor of Jones Family Vineyards (www.joneswine.com), Jones acts as chairman of the Fire Prevention and Mitigation Committee of the Napa Valley Vintners, made up of 50 wineries (the Napa Valley Vintners includes 550 wineries). With the urging of the Vintners, the county has already allocated more than $15 million over the next five years for reducing fuel loads (they are asking for a total of $43 million) and, in turn, the intensity of fires in the wildlands. “We don’t have all the answers, but we’re going to be working with a variety of conservancy organizations too,” he says, “and then make sure that Napa has a long-term plan for the right balance between fire resistance and water conservation.”

According to Jones, fire mitigation is a multifaceted effort that everyone can partake in. Property owners should build and landscape with fire-resistant materials like stucco and gravel; Napa could use more firefighting resources, even beyond the new volunteers and dedicated helicopters recently acquired; fire insurance rates don’t reflect real risks.

“I’ve been very pleased with the success that we’ve had in many of these areas in the space of nine months or so. We are getting traction, and there’s more to do. But we’ve done a lot,” Jones says. “Napa is a safer place going into this fire season than it was going into last.” —Sydney Segal

Suzanne Becker Bronk

Rick Jones

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PROMOTION

Community Minded Jewelry Designs with Cabochons, the Oldest Gemstone Cut Stephan-Hill Jewelry Designers has been a Bay Area favorite for over 40 Years. They feature a carefully curated collection of exciting European designer jewelry and gemstones. They also design and craft their own iconic California Collection and Italian-inspired Garfolo Collection. Stephan-Hill has just completed a new distinctive Cabochon Collection with autumnal-toned gemstones such as apricot moonstones, cat’s eye Siberian green jade and mango green moonstones.

Stephan-Hill Jewelry Designers 1226 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.459.5808 | stephanhill.com

Picture Perfect Living As a California-based photographer and filmmaker, working with interior designers, homebuilders, architects and design firms, I’ve found my passion in capturing interior design and architecture. My process is centered around accurately capturing my client’s vision and I look forward to continuing to photograph the spaces in which my clients work and live their dreams.

Steven J. Magner | Marin County Photo steven@marincountyphoto.com www.marincountyphoto.com | @marincountyphoto

Providing Comfort During Your Time of Need Locally owned Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home has served the community for over 60 years. When you have lost a loved one, the staff provides compassionate, dignified and affordable care. We take pride in our responsibility to lighten your burden as you take the first steps toward healing. As a full-service facility, we can handle all your needs at one location including funeral services, cremations on-site, traditional or natural green burial and a reception center for events. From the first hour to funeral, burial and celebration of life we will be there for you and your family.

Valley Memorial Park | 650 Bugeia Lane, Novato, CA 94945 415.897.9609 | www.valleymemorialpark.com / valleymemorialpark | @valleymemorialpark FD #2295

www.stock.adobe.com/elnariz

Bay Area Design Marin Living magazine honors the Bay Area’s top designers, architects, contractors, realtors and home goods providers who have their fingers on the pulse of what’s current and new in design.

This advertorial feature provides you an inside look at design industry leaders and showcases what sets them apart. Join in as we spotlight their unique talents, projects and merchandise.

PROMOTION bay area design

Lei Ann Werner Let The Werner Group use their years of experience to maximize the value of your home.

What is it about you or your business that makes you a great choice for clients?

I treat my clients as if they were family and manage their transaction as if it were my own. I maintain contact with them often, checking in on their families and jobs, celebrating milestones and providing resources and advice. Most of my clients become good friends as the years go by, and we often do multiple transactions.

What sets your approach as a realtor apart in promoting superior home design and landscape to maximize appeal and value?

I have seen countless homes in the 30-plus years I’ve been in the business.

Due to this experience, I have the ability to view a home and instantly visualize the improvements that can be made to create maximum value.

People who are considering selling their property are weighing the benefits of making design improvements and upgrades. Why is this important?

I am a firm believer that buyers are keenly interested in homes that are turnkey. Creating a product that will be appreciated by multiple demographics will increase a seller’s chance of receiving their highest price.

The Werner Group Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty 415.710.0117 l.werner@ggsir.com DRE #00994572

PROMOTION bay area design

Hopscotch Interactive (pool house image)

Michael Rex Michael Rex Architects designs spaces that create beauty and joy.

Have you seen any new design trends?

Since the state adopted the new law last year, everyone seems to now want an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Nearly every one of our projects includes an ADU. While they are small, we have ways to make them feel large and wonderful.

Opening interior spaces widely to the outdoors, with large sliding doors, is another element in high demand.

How are you designing environments people will love?

When people ask what we do, I tell them as architects, we design beauty and create joy. It really says it all. When you find yourself in a beautiful environment, particularly a space that is meaningful

to you personally, you feel content and happy. We design architecture that has timeless integrity and good proportions, that honors the site and expresses its virtues, that balances a cozy feeling with spaciousness.

What separates Michael Rex Architects from other design firms?

With over 35 years of experience and a staff who has been working together for an average of 17 years, we have the experience and skill to plan a project well, so it goes smoothly. We are known to be a strong advocate for our clients, providing the necessary leadership to guide them through the complex planning process.

Michael Rex Architects, Ltd. | 1750 Bridgeway, B211, Sausalito, CA 94965 | 415.331.1400 www.michaelrexarchitects.com | rex@michaelrexarchitects.com

PROMOTION bay area design

Holly Hollenbeck HSH Interiors has a wide range of talented creatives on staff ready to meet clients’ every need.

What is it about you that makes you a great choice for clients?

I have been in this industry for a long time, over 20 years. Over that time, I have had the opportunity to refine my creative voice, build a network of talented artists, makers and vendors, and craft my design team. I think I have a good eye for emerging trends, while still remaining grounded in timeless design. Our clients have run the gamut — busy families, tech execs, pro athletes, artists — each with different needs, which we at HSH Interiors have been able to meet.

What sets your business apart from others?

We have two fully staffed offices, one in San Francisco and the other in Lake Tahoe, so we are able to meet clients wherever they live. Our team has a wide breadth of experience and specialties, some with fine art backgrounds, some who come from remodeling, furniture design and the commercial world, so any project that comes up, we have someone wellequipped to design and manage it.

Do you have a unique or notable history in the Bay Area?

I am a Bay Area native, having grown up in Orinda, and I have lived in San Francisco and Marin since graduating from college, so I’ve been immersed all my life in the creativity, open-mindedness and historical architecture that makes our city so exceptional.

HSH Interiors | 415.702.6460 www.hsh-interiors.com Offices in San Francisco + Lake Tahoe @hshinteriors

PROMOTION bay area design

Jon Grabham, Gabrielle Tsingaris and David Grabham Let G Design and G Family Construction use their experience to get your dream project right the first time.

What is it about you or your business that makes you a great choice for clients?

Our award-winning company has been building beautiful homes in the Bay Area for 20 years. We are proud of our family-owned business and work hard to understand our clients’ needs from the start, aiming to deliver a project that will surpass their expectations.

Our extensive experience designing, remodeling and building new homes has made us experts in the field.

What sets you apart in home design, landscape and architecture?

Our team of high-end companies — G Design, G Family Construction and G Landscape — each do excellent work independently, but most notably it is our ability to collaborate together and plan ahead that saves our clients time and money by getting it right the first time.

Do you or your business have a unique or notable history in the Bay Area?

We are a family of six kids who grew up here in Marin. Our father founded Grabham Family Construction over 40 years ago.

G Design & G Family Construction 1112 2nd Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 www.gdesignpro.com www.gfamilyconstruction.com @gdesign.pro

Siblings and Owners Jon Grabham, Gabrielle Tsingaris and David Grabham

PROMOTION bay area design

Victor Mezhvinsky FORMA Construction uses knowledge and experience to create (and maintain) distinctive spaces for discerning clients.

What is it about you that makes you a great choice for clients?

In addition to our fine craft and attention to detail, we build relationships. We spend time getting to know our clients. We are building more than just homes; our projects become the base of a families’ greatest memories. Understanding each client’s needs, goals and working styles ensures an amazing project and an enjoyable process.

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

Technology. What sets us apart is our training and investment into software platforms like Procore. We have more data to ensure a smoother and more accurate project for each client.

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

Our special projects and maintenance team was started in the early days of the pandemic. We felt the market was missing a comprehensive service provider for smaller projects that met our standards of communication, ethics and proactive care for which we are known. FORMA now builds a comprehensive Owner Maintenance Manual for each home we complete.

FORMA Construction 135 S Park Street San Francisco, CA 94107 415.322.8702 victor@formagc.com www.formagc.com | @formagc

PROMOTION bay area design

Leigh Bakhtiari City Carpets has the experience, inventory and team to make your design dreams come true.

What is it about you or your business that makes you a great choice for potential clients?

We have the personal touch of a mom-and-pop store, but the depth of products, amazing warranties and pricing only available through a nationwide co-op.

What sets you apart in the home and design industry?

We prefer quality over quantity; our sales team has been together for over 20 years. How many stores can say that?

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

We got ahead of the supply chain fiasco and brought in ample inventory for the fall so that our clients are not having to wait on many products.

What sets you and your business apart from others?

We pride ourselves on staying up to date with trends, having the best quality products, well-trained staff and outstanding installers.

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

Waterproof hardwood is big right now, as are custom carpets and area rugs.

City Carpets 555 E. Francisco Boulevard San Rafael, CA 94901 415.454.4200 | info@city-carpets.com www.city-carpets.com | @citycarpetsc1 /citycarpets

Clockwise from top left: Hossein Bakhtiari, John Stuenkel (with Lincoln the dog), Avo Hajinian, Nicole Elam and Leigh Bakhtiari

PROMOTION bay area design

Tim Moran Presidio Classics offers window shades that are hand-woven from the highest quality fibers.

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

As a manufacturer of natural-fiber custom window shades, we work directly with design professionals to create the best offering and value for their clients.

What sets your business apart in home and design?

Our shades are hand-woven by artisans with decades of experience producing the highest quality design.

People spent a lot of time at home this past year, are many choosing this time to do remodels and upgrades?

The design industry has been really busy this past year or so. People working from home are depending on design professionals more than ever to make their homes beautiful.

Presidio Classics | 2938 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 | 415.429.8960 | tim@presidioclassics.com www.presidioclassics.com | @presidioclassics

Haley and Fay Kenney Twenty Five Company personalizes designs while building lasting relationships.

What is it about you or your business that makes you a great choice for clients?

We are a family-owned-and-operated business, always ready to welcome clients into our collaborative, interactive showroom. Our complimentary design services are available to all clients, by appointment or impromptu.

What sets you apart in home and design?

Our designers are prepared to navigate clients through the vast options of materials, trends and timeless design that create the integral aesthetic for your surroundings.

Twenty Five Company | 7049 Redwood Boulevard, Ste 105, Novato, CA 94945 | 415.899.7475 | fay@twentyfivecompany.com www.twentyfivecompany.com | @twenty.fivecompany

PROMOTION bay area design

Daniel Macdonald AIA Let Daniel Macdonald AIA Architects navigate the way to a successful project.

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

We have 30 years of experience with very diversified project types. From private residences to multifamily, medical office, wineries, mixed-use, shopping centers and more. Our knowledge of different jurisdictions helps us navigate the way to successful project completion.

What sets your business apart from others?

We practice “Appropriate Design”; considering climate, site constraints, budget, function, zoning issues, neighborhood and beauty. Our long-term clients such as Bank of Marin and Marin Health speak to our commitment to quality.

Daniel Macdonald AIA Architects | 1500 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 | 415.899.0050 | dmaia@dmaia.com www.dmaia.com | /daniel-macdonald-aia-architects

Dennis Green KARL the store offers products and a personal connection you won’t find anywhere else.

How does your vision and strategy manifest itself in your business?

I have always been a student of great design because of my parents’ influence. My vision is to have curated items in the store that are examples of enduring design. The strategy is to attract customers that appreciate timeless design and want to shop the store for unique products.

Why is living in the bay area so special?

My family feels blessed to live in such a special place. We are surrounded by nature and a hike on a trail or a walk by the ocean helps relieve the stress that fills all our lives. Sausalito is a magical community and I thank my lucky stars to be here.

KARL the store | 1201 Bridgeway, Ste. C, Sausalito, CA 94965 415.729.9009 | www.karlthestore.com

PROMOTION bay area design

Candice Truempert-Lee DesignCandy Interiors combines natural interior design with white-glove service.

What are your core design principles?

I focus on bespoke design, personalized service, handcrafted pieces, natural materials and vintage elements. I am communication-and process-driven and use my 20-plus years of experience to co-create the initial concept with my clients and bring the design to life through the final touches.

What sets your approach apart from others?

I blend the laid-back, indoor-outdoor Californian style with my European background, curating vintage elements with contemporary pieces to create an exciting tension. My designs have a strong focus on wellness in the home, promoting chemical-free materials and artisanal, one-off pieces that are trendless and endure the test of time.

DesignCandy Interiors | candice@designcandyinteriors.com 619.200.0529 | www.designcandyinteriors.com | @designcandy

Meghan Evans Buttercup Home brings the fun back to home design.

What is it about you or your business that makes you a great choice for clients?

My group of designers and support staff are a collaborative group that makes the design process fun and manageable without being overwhelming.

How can your business approach help clients love their home or office?

We listen to our clients’ needs and wants for their homes and bring that to life in a way that exceeds their expectations.

What are you doing to stay connected with the local community?

We continue to have local events and offerings to support and show love toward our local community.

Buttercup Home | 366 Ignacio Boulevard, Novato, CA 94949 415.419.1212 | mevans@buttercupbend.com www.buttercuphomestyling.com

PROMOTION bay area design

Mitchell Gately Bella Notte Linens offers handcrafted designs that are perfect for family.

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

Bella Notte Linens have been designed, cut, sewn and small-batch-dyed right here in Marin since 1996. Our machine-washable home textiles and color palette offer designs for all styles. Meant to be lived in and loved by the entire family, Bella Notte offers luxe designs for bedrooms, nurseries, living areas, offices and guest spaces.

What new service do you offer?

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Medical, Health + Beauty Innovators Marin Living magazine will honor the Bay Area’s top medical, health and beauty Innovators in the November issue. This feature will provide readers with an inside look at the people and businesses that have made a significant impact in the Bay Area through the state-of-the-art practices, treatments and products they have brought to their respective fields. Our readers want to know who is leading the charge in innovation, and this is the perfect place to reach them.

Whether you’re a physician, cosmetic provider or purveyor of healthy solutions for the mind or body, our readers want to know what makes you a pioneer in your field. Marin Living will enhance your exposure with a sponsored article on our website, newsletter promotion and social media posts.

For more information contact Jessica Cline, 707.302.0850

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going places.

Sweet Autumn

Laure Joliet

Meet the Marin Rowing Association; a look at the S.F. organization with its sights set on changing the design industry; fall is glorious in Palm Springs.

4 Saints, Palm Springs

marin living. october 2021 79

new digs.

A San Francisco project by GFDA founder Katie Storey.

The design industry is leading a green revolution one project at a time thanks to GFDA, a local trade organization that is providing much-needed education and resources.

By Laura Schooling 80 october 2021 marin living.

Helynn Ospina

Design’s Social Influence

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Keeping as many architectural details as possible, Storey incorporates local artisans and reclaimed pieces.

If we can wear masks and stop hugging our loved ones, we can certainly change the way we design, build and consume.

on how their projects impact the planet. “It’s not about being perfect,” Storey insists. “That’s not the goal.

But there is a real desire to do better and we can enable that.” There is increasingly more information out there to help people choose sustainable, low-toxicity items for the home, but it’s much harder to know what to do with items that are on their way out. “Bathtubs, sinks, hardware, even countertops can be salvaged. There are places for almost every item to go.”

We’ve been living through a pandemic, and as awful as it’s been, it’s shown us how adaptable we are. The climate disaster is a moment that we have to meet. If we can wear masks and stop hugging our loved ones, we can certainly change the way we design, build and consume.”

Do Your Part

Though GFDA is a trade organization, consumers can take an active part in how their design projects are managed.

Three questions consumers should ask design professionals: Are you sourcing sustainable and low-toxicity materials and furnishings?

Are you able to find recycled, upcycled and antique items?

How do you dispose of items to keep them out of the landfill?

Helynn Ospina

“DESIGN AND BUILD professionals have a lot of influence over the decisions that are made in people’s homes,” says Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA) founder Katie Storey (www.thegfda. com). “We’re focused on providing the design industry with the right resources so that we can reduce waste by 50 percent in five years.” In less than two years the organization has onboarded more than 200 firms — contractors, interior designers, architects and manufacturers — providing them with education and support to aid in the real-life daily challenges of the trade.

Storey, a Bay Area interior designer (www.storeydesign.co) who launched GFDA because she was fed up with the waste she saw firsthand, is feeling generally optimistic about the industry.

She believes most people want to do the right thing; it’s just a matter of education and resources. “If you think about how hard it can be just to recycle at home and how the rules are different county to county — now apply that to large-scale construction projects,” she says. GFDA aims to help alleviate the confusion.

When one of GFDA’s members was refurbishing the buildings of a school district, the company was asked to install new furniture across numerous campuses.

This left the contractor with buildings full of used furniture to dispose of. “Nobody wants to see hundreds of pieces of furniture end up in the landfill,” says Storey.

“We were able to connect the contractor with a local furniture reseller who came out and gave them a bid within 24 hours.”

Instead of paying thousands to dump the unwanted items into the landfill, the contractor only had to pay a few hundred and the material found a new home.

“That’s real cost savings to the client, and a win for the planet,” says Storey.

GFDA was founded in the Bay Area and is rolling out local chapters across the country. Denver and Boulder opened this February, and new ones are opening in Minneapolis, Seattle and Nashville in the fall. The local nature of the organization enables GFDA to secure specific, regional resources for their members. They’re not about preaching for people to go green; they are making real-world connections with resellers, charitable organizations and sustainable suppliers.

Storey believes design professionals have an outsize influence

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land & sea.

Water World

The Marin Rowing Association is all about community and teamwork, but some of the best moments are when the boat is silently gliding through the water.

By Daniel Jewett

MRA offers individual rowing shells where each rower has two sculling oars.

84 october 2021 marin living.

land & sea.

ANYONE WHO KNOWS Marin sports, especially water sports, knows about the Marin Rowing Association (www. marinrowing.org). And those who know it know it has a reputation for winning at the highest level, its members and teams taking championships and even Olympic medals. But executive director and San Anselmo resident Sandy Armstrong says that “cutthroat” competitive reputation belies the reality.

“The truth is that it’s very engaging. We embrace the kids to be good human beings, be really good athletes, train smart, train hard and look toward doing things really well,” Armstrong says. The association was founded in 1968 and now serves some 260 adults, 150 competitive high school athletes and hundreds more kids who attend annual summer camps at the Greenbrae-based facility. “We are trying to do those things better than others, but to also enjoy that process and make sure it is really soul building, physically building and team and leadership building.”

Armstrong, like many of the association’s rowers, fell in love with the sport while in high school, in her case while going to Redwood High School. “In my sophomore year I had friends that were rowing and I went to learn about it. The coach called me later that evening saying, ‘Hey, we would love to have you be a part of the team and you have to be at practice at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow,’ ” she says. “And I just loved it; it’s the reason that I am still in it.”

While she was in college in the mid-’80s at S.F. State, her high school rowing coach tracked her down and asked her to start a masters program with the association. A pivotal moment came a few years later when Armstrong was hired as a rowing coach at UC Berkeley and was cleaning out her office at Marin Rowing. “I thought to myself, ‘What do you really want?

What are you doing?’ And at that moment, I chose to stay with

high school girls’ coaching,” she says. “There is just something about watching a young adult grow between the ages of 13 and 18 and to know you somehow had a hand in that.”

And the activity, which can involve sweep rowing teams of eight, four, or two person shells, many guided by a coxswain, is the ultimate team sport in terms of everyone having to be on exactly the same page. Armstrong describes it as like playing golf with seven of your best friends, and your goal is to hit the ball at the same time, the same distance, swing after swing after swing.

“The sport is very physically demanding, you are sprinting the whole way, it is exhausting,” she says. “There are these moments, as I tell the kids, that you’re asked the question: What are you going to do next? And are you going to commit?

Or are you going to back off? And it is a choice and a decision and you mentally have to work your way through that.”

She says that’s why there is such camaraderie in the sport and why people are so proud to have made it through high school and collegiate rowing. That mental toughness translates into schoolwork, or working in an office or working under a boss and knowing when to lead or follow, she says. “There are organizations and businesses that seek rowers, because they know what kind of person they’re going to get.”

But at the end of the day the sport is about having fun and being on the water, Armstrong points out. “You have this camaraderie. You know, we are just this huge family here,” she says, adding that there is something captivating about the beauty of a sunrise or sunset row. “It’s quiet and peaceful with seals popping up out of the water. When you are rowing, it’s just the sound of breathing in synchronicity and the sound of the boat moving through the water. And you are with your friends.”

All images: courtesy of Marin Rowing Association

An MRA women’s eight-plus team at a national championship in Sarasota, Florida. From left: coxswain Marco Gianinni, Claire Brockman, Juliette Lermusiaux and Ellie Sutro.

marin living. october 2021 85

Casa Cody’s relaxing pool area.

86 october 2021 marin living.

This page and opposite: Lance Gerber

voyager.

Casa Cody

More Than Midcentury A short flight from the Bay Area, Palm Springs surprises with a deep history and a contemporary, sophisticated side.

By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti marin living. october 2021 87

voyager.

Casa Cody

88 october 2021 marin living.

tainside (and where Albert Einstein, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were guests), and Carey Grant’s former estate, now Copley’s restaurant. In the shadow of the San Jacinto Mountains, visitors may stumble upon everything from desert Craftsman homes to Spanish Colonial Revival–style cottages.

Palm Springs continues to evolve with sleek contemporary architecture, like the seven-story Kimpton Rowan Hotel that opened in 2017, and sophisticated retreats with an emphasis on wellness and refined cuisine rather than overserved pool parties.

Here’s where to experience a different side of Palm Springs, olivetopped martinis still included.

Where to Stay The property where Harriet Cody — cousin of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody — and her husband settled is now Casa Cody (from $189 a night; www.casa cody.com), the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs. It reopened in April 2021 following a yearlong restoration and renovation project. Accommodations are in four historic hacienda-style cottages and the 1950s Apache Lodge transplanted from the Francis Crocker estate. Interiors are old-world Mediterranean with glazed Moroccan tile, dark wood, coral velvet and Otomi-patterned pillows for contemporary flair. The hotel’s complimentary

Josh Cho Photography

When you think Palm Springs, simple lines, Nelson bubble lamps and plenty of white concrete probably come to mind. No destination lays claim to the midcentury modern aesthetic quite like the desert oasis just under two hours east of Los Angeles: Palm Springs has the largest concentration of preserved midcentury modern architecture in the world. But the history is deeper and the architecture more diverse. Hollywood pioneers began building homes in Palm Springs in the early 1900s, and many of these jewels remain preserved as luxury boutique hotels and restaurants like the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn (www. thewillowspalmsprings.com), a romantic Mediterranean villa that hugs the moun-

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“Rituals” programming includes Saturday morning yoga, poolside evening tea and citrus picking on the spot’s one-and-a-half lush acres.

Award-winning designer and hotelier Chris Pardo (his other design projects include ARRIVE hotel and the Scandinavian-inspired Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey) designed the Fleur Noire Hôtel (from $185 a night; www.fleurnoirehotel.com), opening in the city’s Uptown Design District in a month. Twenty-one

casitas and suites will showcase Georgia O’Keeffe –reminiscent oversize desert flower murals hand-painted by muralist Louise Jones and accent walls with muted garden flower wallpaper. The focus on botany continues outside, where a common area is beautifully lined with native palo fierro trees.

The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs (from $329, www.avalon hotel.com/palm-springs) Spanish-style studios, suites and bungalows have been a Hollywood playground since

the 1930s, and the current look draws inspiration from the opulent but comfortable Hollywood Regency style that was popular during that period. Accommodations, featuring gas-burning fireplaces and metallic and glass accents, are surrounded by citrus trees, gardens and three secluded pools. Wellness seekers will be pleased with the complimentary yoga and meditation classes on offer, as well as tai chi and Integral Life coaching. Estrella Spa has nervous

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For a Midcentury Fix Midcentury modern design in Palm Springs is beloved for a reason. Here’s where to experience the best of the best.

Holiday House, a 28-room adults-only boutique hotel near downtown, opened in 1951.

After a renovation, interiors offer refreshed midcentury style with Gio Ponti–inspired tile work, David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein artworks and a calming blue and white color scheme. www.holidayhouseps.com Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs opened in November 2020 and combines streamlined midcentury style with a laid-back island feel. The hotel’s two cabanaflanked swimming pools with views of the mountains are Palm Springs perfection. www.margaritavilleresorts.com Mr. Lyons is a dark, retro steakhouse with a twist. Order small plates with produce from small farms and ethically raised meats like Creekstone Farms filet mignon. www.mrlyonsps.com

system–calming massages with CBD-infused oils and oxygen facials.

While under different ownership, the same globe-trotting couple, Doug and Josie Smith, whose other projects include renovating a horse farm in Portugal and a plantation in New Orleans, are behind two of the chicest and most distinctive hotels in Palm Springs. The adults-only Sparrows Lodge (from $329 a night; www.sparrowslodge.com) is a 1950s motel-turned-rustic-modern retreat.

Twenty quiet guest rooms (there are no televisions) have redwood furniture, horse trough bathtubs and hand-poured concrete floors inlaid with pebbles. At

92 october 2021 marin living.

the Smith-designed Korakia Pensione (from $359, www.korakia.com) guests might feel transported to Tangier with Moroccan daybeds and lanterns scattered throughout the property; even Moroccan tea is served each afternoon.

Book the Moroccan Villa, Scottish painter Gordon Coutts’ 1920s hideaway, where Rudolph Valentino, Errol Flynn and Winston Churchill hobnobbed, for a truly transportive escape.

Where to Eat Workshop Kitchen & Bar (www.work shoppalmsprings.com), a James Beard Award winner for design, masters the chic industrial aesthetic in the 1920s-era

Sunnylands, the winter home of the late Walter and Leonore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage, has reopened to the public for historic home tours, self-guided outdoor audio walks of the gardens and birding with advance tickets. Architect A. Quincy Jones designed the midcentury modern masterpiece. www.sunnylands.org

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The Parker Palm Springs, designed by Jonathan Adler, captures the whimsy of the 1960s with its mix of more earthy and ornate elements like a wall of macramé owls and the sculptural gold stools in the hotel’s Mini Bar. Slip into the dimly lit Counter Reformation wine and tapas bar for plates of melt-in-your-mouth Jamón ibérico. www.parkerpalmsprings.com

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El Paseo building with cathedral-height ceilings and brutalist booths. A former University of San Francisco student, chef Michael Beckman offers a marketdriven menu with dishes like scarlet runner beans with pork jowl and tomato confit and king salmon with sweet corn.

Bar Cecil (www.barcecil.com) pays homage to 20th-century bon vivant Cecil Beaton. The bar and restaurant have a jewel box of a dining room with English wallpapers, warm woods and brass finishes. The menu offers bistro fare, such as steak frites, and dishes for high rollers such as Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova caviar service and the Fifty Dollar Martini: Beluga Gold vodka, a deviled egg and pickled onion.

Rooster + the Pig (www.rooster andthepig.com) draws a loyal local crowd each evening for flavorful Vietnamese small plates like shrimp and mango rolls and pork belly fried rice.

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Closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic, 4 Saints (www.4saintspalm springs.com) reopened in August atop the Kimpton, Palm Springs’ tallest building, with a new executive chef.

Ysaac Ramirez was born in California, but refined his skills in the South and has introduced a sophisticated menu including dishes like an aged Flannery New York strip with celery root and garlic blossom and Marsh Hen Mill cornbread with pecans and crispy chicken skin. The restaurant boasts the city’s best mountain and Coachella Valley views and cocktail classics like briny dirty martinis.

Where to Shop At the Uptown Design District, fashion lovers peruse Candice Held (www.candiceheld.com) for ’70s-style body-skimming slip dresses and floaty maxis made out of imported Italian

fabrics and silk scarves. A textile designer, Held designs each print in Palm Springs except the vintage Hermès scarves she uses to fashion the chicest of tunics.

Inspired by New York, the light-filled Elizabeth & Prince (www.elizabethand prince.com) boutique sells sophisticated, edgy attire that works in the desert and the big city, like lacy white frocks and tailored camo pants.

In the Shops at Thirteen Forty Five, Soukie Modern (www.soukiemodern. com), co-owned by Pot of Rugs founder Taib Lotfi and Los Angeles talent agency owner Kenya Knight, celebrates the similarities between Palm Springs and Marrakech (desert climates and iconic architecture, to name a few). The modern bazaar sells vintage Moroccan rugs and wedding blankets as well as towels, bags and decorative candles.

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4 Saints

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drawn together.

Breaking Barriers San Rafael’s Enriching Lives through Music is giving more kids than ever the gift of musical education.

By Daniel Jewett

FOR JANE KRAMER, a Ph.D. working in an adolescent health policy research position at UCSF, the third time really was a charm. After three attempts to secure a Time Out grant from Vassar College in which recipients are encouraged to “pursue a passion and/or take a risk,” the college finally selected her, on the condition that she drop her idea for a music school and simply focus on her childhood love of playing the oboe.

“It turned out to be the biggest gift of all because I spent a full year playing my oboe and traveling to study with some of the best oboists in the country,” she says. And in the end, that experience led her right back to where she started, ready to leave her research position and start a small music school for underserved youth in the Canal district, not far from her Larkspur home. “I was really centered in my own musicianship again, and able to do it.”

96 october 2021 marin living.

So in 2008, Kramer bought 15 recorder instruments and opened Enriching Lives through Music (ELM, www.elm program.org) in San Rafael, a program inspired by the Miami Fine Arts Conservatory, an accessible and inclusive school of the arts that she had attended as a child. The program requires a serious commitment from the students and their families: three days of practice a week after school plus Saturdays for the entirety of their childhood — and nearly all stay with it.

“It gives them a chance to get academic scholarship and feel that they are really excellent at something,” Kramer says.

“By the time they are in high school they’re phenomenal musicians and most of them become the lead in their orchestra band in school.”

ELM is modeled after El Sistema, a program started in Venezuela in 1975 by composer and conductor Jose Antonio Abreu that has gone on to offer free music education to some 800,000 in-need students across the world. The idea is to offer full scholarships to kids to attend the multiyear, intensive program that builds music skills, academic proficiency and social connections.

One such ELM student is Nicolas Lau, who started on recorder at age 7 and is now a confident 17-year-old high school senior whose skill in violin has taken him on tours to Los Angeles, Boston, Aspen and even Europe, often by himself. “If it weren’t for ELM I would not be where I am right now; they’ve given me so many opportunities,” Lau says. “I love having a community full of musicians. Just having the same interest and sharing the love for music with other people is amazing.”

It’s not just that first group of kids who has matured; the school — which depends on grants and donations to finance the $7,000-per-student yearly scholarships — has also grown.

It now serves 175 students, has added brass and woodwind to the violin and cello offerings, and boasts 12 teachers and a conductor. And before the pandemic, performances eventually had to be moved to a larger venue at the Marin Civic Center to accommodate all those who wanted to attend.

As for what kind of music the children — mostly Mexican and Guatemalan immigrant students from nearby schools — play, Kramer says it is a combination of everything from classical to mariachi to contemporary and folk-style Latin.

Kramer adds, “We recently did a beautiful Guatemalan piece where we collaborated with the foremost Guatemalan mariachi player, and he performed with us in our Zoom concert.”

Tim Porter

Left: Nicolas Lau (front) and Dilan.

Above: Jane Kramer and Abi.

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