Pacific Sun December 4-10 2019

YEAR 57, NO.49 DECEMBER 4-10, 2019

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Hanukkah EVERY YEAR WRITER NICOLE R. ZIMMERMAN RELIVES A CERTAIN STORY P9

SMART Plans P5 ‘Middletown’ Takes Stage P14 Press Pass P16

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1020 B Street San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: 415.485.6700 Fax: 415.485.6226 E-Mail: letters@pacificsun.com

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Letters Heroes & Zeroes/Upfront Feature Sundial Music Stage Movies Press Pass Trivia Calendar Classifieds Notices Astrology/Advice

CEO/Executive Editor Dan Pulcrano Publisher Rosemary Olson x315

Marin’s free calendar resource for the arts

EDITORIAL Interim Editor Daedalus Howell x202 Movie Page Editor Matt Stafford Arts Editor Charlie Swanson News Reporter Will Carruthers CONTRIBUTORS Amy Alkon, Rob Brezsny, Harry Duke, James Knight, Howard Rachelson, Alex Randolph, Nikki Silverstein, Richard von Busack, Nicole R Zimmerman COPY EDITOR Mark Fernquest EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alex T. Randolph

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n 2017, the National Institute on Aging estimated that about 28% of older persons—9.3 million women and 4.5 million men—lived alone. For many of these seniors, loneliness is a fact of life. They may be widowed or childless, or their children may live too far away to visit very often. Their circle of friends may be dwindling, or they have transportation or mobility challenges that make it hard to leave home. All of these factors contribute to social isolation,

hich, according to Medicare Advantage, W is one of the biggest threats—physically, mentally and emotionally—to the health of

seniors. Especially at risk are seniors who have recently lost a spouse or partner, are separated from friends and family, or are struggling to adjust to retirement.

According to the MarinHealth 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment, social isolation is a serious and potentially growing problem for many Marin seniors. Marin is one of California’s “oldest” counties. Persons over the age of 60 make up 28% of Marin’s total population and that percentage is expected to go up to 33% by 2030.

The National Institute on Aging is funding studies to understand the physiological impact loneliness and isolation have on the body. One theory is that loneliness may impact the cells in the immune system that promote inflammation.

Social isolation has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, arterial plaque buildup, obesity, and a weakened immune system.

The impact on emotional and mental health includes anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s.

As worrisome as all this may sound, there’s a silver lining: engaging in meaningful social activities can make a huge difference in a senior’s general health, attitude, and even cognitive function. For many, that starts with family and friends, but there are other ways to create community:

• Finding the right “tribe.” This might mean finding a group of people who share the same interests and hobbies. Some Marin resources include: • Whistlestop, a local organization that provides a variety of programs and services to promote independence and well-being for seniors in Marin, including classes and several transportation services to expand mobility.

• Marin Villages, an online community thatempowers older adults to be active, connected, and independent. Marin Villages organizes social events, and its volunteers provide transportation, non-medical in-home assistance, and referrals for services that require more time and expertise than their volunteers can provide.

• AgeSong Marin is a discussion and support group where seniors can connect with others, and share their experiences or talk about what’s really important at this stage of life in moderator-guided, small group discussions.

• Volunteering. Working for a common cause gets folks out and about and provides them with a sense of purpose. In fact, an important study of people who lived to 90 and beyond found that civic engagement was a major factor in supporting longevity.

• The County of Marin has put together a great list of opportunities and organizations right here in our community. Many community members

over the age of 65 donate their time and talents to MarinHealth Medical Center. To learn more, click here.

• Attending a house of worship can help seniors feel connected and inspired.

• Reprinted from the November issue of MarinHealth’s e-newsletter Health Connection. Health Connection is a free membership program for the community. Benefits include • A monthly e-newsletter with tips for better health, advance notice and invitations to lectures, and other health-related events • Information and updates about MarinHealth • Special information about services available through our Integrative Wellness Program • Free gifts, such as recipe e-books, healthy shopping lists, and more!

• Special Promotion: Sign up and receive 10% off Farm Fresh to You CSA Deliveries • Special Promotion: Sign up and to receive link to a collection of recipes from our executive leaders.

Get started on a new year of good health! Go to www.mymarinhealth.org/healthconnection.

250 Bon Air Road • Greenbrae, CA 94904 • 1-415-925-7000 • www.mymarinhealth.org

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Alone and Lonely: The Health Challenge of Senior Isolation

Letters

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Deeply Distressed

I am deeply distressed by Daedalus Howell’s article “Grate-fool”, (Nov. 27) as well as sad and angry that the Sun would publish it.

To take a cynical stance toward Gratitude – particularly at this critical juncture in history – sends us in the exact opposite direction that we need to be going.

Mr. Howell can’t find anything to be grateful for?! Really?? We live in one of the wealthiest counties in America. Most of us have homes, really nice homes.

Contrast this with orphans who, if they’re lucky, find their way to refugee camps where some spend years trying to find acceptance in a country. Contract the almost obscene variety of foods available at our fingertips – pre-prepared for us, delivered to our doors if we choose – with the millions of homeless people throughout the world, and people living in bombed-out buildings, waiting for the next attack. We can step outside our doors and see trees.

We breathe fresh air. War has not touched our shores.

There seems to be a trend towards cynicism, skepticism, and cleverness.

The Sun won’t publish an article

these days without a ‘clever’ pun title.

But in valuing cleverness, you are losing our hearts. And this at a time when values like compassion and gratitude are exactly what is needed to make the changes our world and humanity needs in order to survive.

Café Gratitude’s practice of asking “what are you grateful for?” may have been a bit superficial, but their hearts were in the right place. Thanksgiving is about gratitude for all we have, and then giving to others. And as we give and share from our hearts, we receive even more back.

Judy Aizuss Via Nextdoor.com I just read the article. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Actually, I thought it was pretty good. Or OK, at least, for being in a small local paper. And I think the article is shorter that your post about it. Perhaps we should be grateful for brevity. For cynicism, too, since it would get boring if we all had the same perspective on everything, gratefully or not. And we should be thankful for humor, too (I like “cleverness” myself – it’s certainly better than its opposite).

Geoff Jones Via Nextdoor.com

Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit

Train keeps a rollin’.

SMART Plans SMART’s new stations, highway project done By Will Carruthers

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ater this month, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit will open new stations in Larkspur and Novato, the latest step by the North Bay transit agency to lay the groundwork for a three-decade extension of its funding stream.

The new station in Larkspur may be as close as the train will ever come to the Larkspur ferry terminal, the ticket to an easy commute across the bay – and, possibly, greater public support for the train as a regional public transportation option.

After about two and a half years of service, SMART now has some hard data about its performance and its backers are preparing to ask North Bay taxpayers for more funding.

On November 6, SMART’s 12-member board of directors voted to place a bond measure to extend funding for the train for 30 years.

The tax is expected to generate at least $40 million per year.

The current quarter-cent sales tax, approved by voters in 2008, will last until 2029. If the new bond measure is passed by two-thirds of

Marin and Sonoma county voters in March 2020, the tax will be extended until 2059.

At a November 20 meeting, the agency’s board approved a new schedule. Beginning in January, the train will offer 38 daily trips instead of 34. The spacing of the journeys will also be altered. The agency says it coordinated with seven other transit agencies, including the Golden Gate Ferry, to develop the new schedule.

But, while SMART’s Larkspur station is a welcome addition to the system, it falls about a mile »6

By Nikki Silverstein

Ellen Seh stood in the Costco checkout line and reached into her pocket for her driver’s license. When she found only her Costco card, she figured she’d probably lost the license somewhere in the busy store or parking lot. A needle in a haystack.

To complicate matters further, Ellen’s dominant arm is in a sling, which is why she was carrying her ID in her pocket, rather than in her purse. After checking everywhere, she resigned herself to the fact that she’d be spending many merry moments at the DMV to replace her license.

She drove to her San Anselmo home, pulled into her driveway and sat in the car on her phone for a few minutes.

When she heard a noise, she looked up and saw a woman holding her driver’s license. The woman explained that she initially planned on mailing it back, but realized that Ellen might go through the hassle of replacing it before the mail arrived. Considerate lady, you deserve the huge thank you that Ellen asked us to give you.

A family living in the lovely Dominican neighborhood of San Rafael received an unwelcome surprise on the day following Thanksgiving. A pair of thieves broke into their home, not once, but twice in one morning. Fortunately, the homeowners were on vacation in Florida and didn’t have to face the hoodlums, although they caught Act 1 and Act 2 on their phone through their nifty surveillance system, which notified them of the break-ins.

The two intruders, likely men, covered their faces with bandanas and gained entry to the home in the early a.m. The residents phoned police, but the culprits fled before San Rafael’s finest arrived. A little over an hour later, the homeowners were again alerted by their security system that the brazen burglars had returned for a second go-round. Police responded to the call and once more the men were already gone. Too bad the two-time criminals made off with electronics and jewelry.

Got a Hero or a Zero? Please send submissions to nikki_silverstein@yahoo.com. Toss roses, hurl stones with more Heroes and Zeros at ›› pacificsun.com

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Upfront

Heroes &Zeroes

The REAL Mental Health Initiative at Congregation Rodef Sholom proudly presents:

SMART «5

A Really Good Day with Ayelet Waldman Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 pm

Ayelet Waldman’s mood storms became intolerably severe; she tried nearly every medication possible; her husband and children were suffering with her.

So she joined the ranks of an underground but increasingly vocal group of scientists and civilians successfully using therapeutic microdoses of LSD. A revealing, courageous, fascinating and funny account of the author’s experiment with microdoses of LSD in an effort to treat a debilitating mood disorder.

AYELET WALDMAN is the author of the novels Red Hook Road, Love and Other Impossible Pursuits, and Daughter’s Keeper, as well as the essay collection Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace.

Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit

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SMART will soon open new stations in Larkspur and Novato.

Free and open to the public. For tickets, go to REAL.eventbrite.com.

Hosted in the Rodef Sholom Sanctuary, 170 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael.

The REAL Mental Health Initiative is supported by the Laszlo N. Tauber Family Foundation. For information: www.rodefsholom.org/real

short of the expected target: The ferry terminal itself.

The train station is a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal and local bike advocates have said that the route between the train and ferry isn’t ideal, according to Streetsblog, an online urban planning publication.

The total project is expected to cost roughly $762 million. A final section of the project in Marin County is facing budget problems due to a legal challenge. If funding is secured, the project will be completed by 2023.

Not-So Narrow

The county’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is partnering with Homeward Bound of Marin to boost the number of shelter beds offered during severe weather events this winter.

The county currently offers 190 shelter beds all year round. The temporary winter shelter at the HHS Wellness Campus at 3240 Kerner Blvd. in San Rafael will offer an additional 80 beds.

The shelter will only open during periods of prolonged rain or low temperatures.

An estimated 1,034 people are experiencing homelessness in Marin County, according to a point-in-time count the county conducted in late January.

At the time of the count, approximately 708 people were unsheltered–– i.e. sleeping on the street, in a car or in an improvised structure. Another 326 people were sheltered in some form of temporary or transitional housing, according to the county.

The winter shelter is not currently scheduled to open this week. For information about when the shelter will open, call 415-473-6100. Y

On another transportation note, workers are reportedly nearly finished adding a third lane to a stretch of Highway 101 near Novato as part of a years-long freeway widening project.

The northbound, four-mile carpool lane between San Antonio Road and the Petaluma River Bridge opened in late November, according to the Marin Independent Journal. The southbound lane is set to open early December, according to the paper.

A bicycle path across the San Antonio Creek bridge also opened last month.

CalTrans launched the MarinSonoma Narrows project in 2011, with the goal of adding continuous HOV lanes between Novato and Petaluma.

“Opening this segment of carpool lanes in the ‘narrows’ portion of the 101 corridor and the key bicycle and pedestrian connection between Novato and Petaluma is a great milestone,” Marin County Supervisor Judy Arnold, chair of the Transit Authority of Marin board, said in a statement about the opening.

Winter Shelter

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July 1 – December 31, 2019

The 1989 earthquake shook up many Marin residents.

Flashback 50 Years Ago 2158 4th Street, San Rafael 415.454.2021 www.martin-harris.com

THIS

Gasoline is seeping into the San Rafael Canal near the San Rafael Yacht Harbor from somewhere. It may be from the nearby Disco Service Station, or it may be from ground which was saturated with gasoline WEEK from a leak in a storage tank five years ago. Boat owners are decidedly unhappy. So is the harbormaster, who says that gasoline can dissolve the styrofoam floats on which the piers rest. There was a bizarre incident associated with all this: An angry boat owner scooped up some surface water gasoline, put it in a can and set fire to it with a match. Meanwhile, the San Rafael fire marshall pulled out a gizmo, tested the water and pronounced it safe.—Newsgram, 12/3/69

40Years Ago THIS

California, to no one’s surprise, produces more marijuana than any other state – or so law enforcement authorities believe. Most counties produce at least $1 million of grass a year and while it is not possible WEEK to verify the figures, it’s clear the un-taxed commercial growers make big money. In addition, a new strain of marijuana, a seedless, very strong type, has emerged in the last five years. The new breed, called sinsemilla, costs up to $125 to $200 an ounce, way up from the $10 an ounce that pot went for in the Sixties.

Demand for homegrown has increased since paraquat poison was found on dope imported from Mexico, also driving up the price.—Author Unknown, 11/30/79

30 Years Ago THIS

It’s a trend that promises to revolutionize American business. Ten years ago the ranks of professionals working full-time out of their homes was limited mostly to doctors, lawyers, architects and real WEEK estate agents. That has changed dramatically in the electronic age.

In recent years, the computer has fueled an army of professional consultants in the management, financial, marketing, high-tech, computer and public relations fields.

With an estimated 14.8 million home-based businesses already on line, the number is increasing by a million each year. According to Denton, they pump an estimated $200 billion a year into the economy.—Greg Cahill, 12/1/89 Gays and lesbians were bashed pretty good at a meeting of the board of the Novato Unified School District. At issue was a proposed extension of antidiscrimination polices to cover sexual orientation. That brought out a crowd of some 100 people. Most of them felt that if the trustees approved the policy, they were either evil or incompetent. The board voted 5-2 to refer the matter to their attorneys.—Steve McNamara, 12/1/89

20 Years Ago THIS WEEK

Wells Fargo, Starbucks, Chevron and Safeway. They all have at least two things in common. They are all part of national chains and they all have more than one outlet in Mill Valley, a community whose residents hold chains in the same regard as nuclear weapons.

The city currently has an ordinance in development that is designed to keep chains from proliferating like so many Blockbusters. And Mill Valley is far from the only community in Marin that has cast an increasingly evil eye toward chain outlets.

San Anselmo is at work on an anti-chain ordinance of its own. In Fairfax, the proliferation of chains was an election issue.—Bill Meagher and Peter Seidman, 12/1/99

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Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 22.

Finding Hanukkah in the Happy Holidays

By Nicole R. Zimmerman

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udolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer blares over the loudspeaker as I wade through a sea of Christmas trees and Frosty the Snowman figurines. A store clerk leads me to a shelf of scented cinnamon tapers, but the candles I’m looking for are for lighting my menorah, a candelabrum used by Jews for more than 2,000 years.

“Did you try the garden center?” he suggests with a shrug.

Another clerk directs me to the ethnic-foods aisle packed with matzos and gefilte fish—staple foods for Pesach (Passover), a

springtime holiday. I’m ready to call it quits on my detective work when I discover an entire table of Hanukkah merchandise. Here are window decals of dreidels, cookie cutters shaped in the Star of David and plastic plug-in menorahs made in China. There’s even KosherLand, a Jewish-themed board game modeled after Candy Land, with Marching Latkes taking the place of Lord Licorice.

Tossing aside bags of goldwrapped gelt, or chocolate coins, I hit the jackpot with boxes of bluesand-whites. The candles are halfprice—but the eight-night Festival

of Lights hasn’t even begun.

Every year a similar scenario unfolds. Of the 19 local stores I once surveyed, only 10 sold Hanukkah candles. Meanwhile, Santa’s surplus overwhelms shoppers as early as Halloween—a confirmation of Yuletide’s prominence during the so-called Holiday Season.

I shouldn’t be surprised by the scanty representation. According to a 2018 commissioned report by the Jewish Community Federation, the North Bay (Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties) comprises just 13 percent of the Bay Area’s Jewish population of 350,000. Might these

statistics account for the paltry acknowledgement of my faith?

Hanukkah candles, sold as commodities, certainly look pretty displayed on a windowsill—similar to the twinkling lights on an evergreen. Yet they aren’t meant to be decorative. They’re symbolic. The flames stand as emblems of religious freedom, a remembrance of an ancient uprising against oppression.

Translated from the Hebrew as “dedication,” Hanukkah commemorates a successful revolt led by Judah the Maccabee in the second century B.C.E. As the tale of »10 triumph is told, Antiochus

Nikola Johnny Mirkovic

An ancient flame burns during the season of lights

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10 Hanukkah «9

Enrique Macias

Of 19 local stores surveyed only 10 sold Hanukkah candles.

IV Epiphanes, the Hellenistic Greek king of the Seleucid Empire who ruled the Syrian throne, enforced brutal decrees that required Jewish worship of other deities. His armies ransacked the Second Temple in Jerusalem and stole its ritual objects, including Torah scrolls and a gold menorah. Upon repossessing and ritually cleansing the sanctuary, the Maccabees discovered what is now known as the miracle of Hanukkah: a vial of oil, enough to illuminate the eternal flame for only one day, lasted for eight.

It wasn’t the military coup or the miracle, but the candle-lighting ritual, that captivated me as a young child. I recall the warmth of my mother’s illumined face as she used the ninth “helper” candle, called a shammes, to ignite the others, then recited the blessings over them.

Each night the number grew by one, until all eight shone in the darkness.

Our family of four ate potato latkes cooked in oil. We played games of dreidel, gambling for gelt using the Hebrew letters on the four-sided

spinning top, while the last flame flickered. The candles held the promise of returning light during the dimmest time of year.

By lighting the menorah, Jews perform a mitzvah, translated as a commandment or social obligation of communal value. The practice connects us to a Jewry of nearly 15 million worldwide. Kindling these oil lamps is a holy act.

Hanukkah, however, is not considered one of the high holy days; it holds far less religious significance than Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which mark the Jewish new year during the Days of Awe. So how was it elevated from a simple domestic ceremony to the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday?

Traditionally in Europe, parents would present tokens of money to children at Hanukkah. We added gift giving in the late 19th century, after Christmas became a federal U.S. holiday. Initially, the push to heighten Hanukkah was an effort “to resist assimilation to American culture so influenced by

Christianity,” according to Dianne Ashton, a professor of religion studies at Rowan University, in her book Hanukkah in America: A History. Then, with the increase in post–World War II consumerism, Hanukkah followed suit with its embellished status: an “effective means of making [ Jewish kids] immune against envy of the Christian children and their Christmas,” according to What Every Jewish Woman Should Know, a book published in 1941.

Growing up in the 1970s, my older brother and I wrapped homemade gifts for our parents—a macrame cup holder or hand-drawn coupon for a car wash. Each evening we opened a modest present until the eagerly anticipated final night, reserved for something more substantial like a baby doll or a model airplane kit.

“No fair!” a friend complained.

“You get stuff for eight days and we only have one.”

While I knew that Santa did not exist, I found myself pining for what

he delivered down her chimney.

The pack of synthetic yarn ribbons I received, which frayed like my frizzy hair, could not compare to the Barbie Dreamhouse towering under her tree. Suddenly Hanukkah did not shine as brightly. My parents might have argued for its separatebut-equal status; but I realized, at least in material terms, that the holidays weren’t equivalent.

In 2018 Americans spent an average of $1,007 per person on food, gifts, and decorations during the Winter Holidays, notes The National Retail Federation. This year they predict that number to increase between 3.8 and 4.2 percent, with holiday sales totaling upwards of $728 billion.

Hanukkah banners, garlands, cardboard cutouts, sequin-sprinkled ornaments—even inflatables for the front lawn—have joined the party.

“If you’ve been lusting over the luscious greenery in your neighbor’s Christmas decorations, consider a natural take on a Star of David for your Hanukkah display,” states an article on decor ideas in Southern Living magazine. “Our stock of oversize decorations puts the reason for the season on full display,” promises Zion Judaica, an online superstore with a mission to “make these eight special nights bigger and brighter than ever before.”

I wonder if these efforts to emulate America’s biggest consumer holiday succeed in affirming Jewish identity. Or does the attempt to rival Christmas with its commodification actually diminish Hanukkah’s significance and blur the distinction between Jews and gentiles?

Years ago I worked at a school where a first-grade teacher directed her students to write “Dear Santa” letters in class. The compulsory activity put a Jewish boy in tears. I tried to address the inappropriateness of the assignment—how it ostracized the few non-Christian students. Why enhance their sense of difference during a time of year that magnified their minority status?

“Well, Santa isn’t really Christmas,” the teacher replied, in defense of secular joy.

She didn’t understand that Old Saint Nick wasn’t in the boy’s holiday lexicon. The remedy: he could write to a relative instead!

But Jewish families don’t consider

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whether children on their gift list are naughty or nice: there was no substitute for the man in a red suit.

That year my students gave me enough presents to fill a sleigh: CDs, soaps, coffee, cookies, lotions, chocolate, a jewelry box, gift certificates, a writing journal and bottles of wine. Plus, a sparkly ornament for my nonexistent tree.

“You don’t want to wait until Christmas to open them all?” a colleague asked.

“It’s hard being a Jew at Christmas,” one third grader explained to her classmates after sharing a picture book about a girl who asks her parents for a Hanukkah bush. Although they refuse to grant her wish, they do help her to reconcile her conflicted feelings.

I could relate. My mother, who agreed to my father’s stipulation that his children be raised Jewish, converted from Christianity after my brother was born. (“I look forward to becoming a Yiddishe Mama,” she wrote to my grandparents.) When I turned 11, my parents divorced. For the next few years, she subjected us to a clandestine Christmas. Our frenzied exchanges felt as hollow as the giant stockings she quilted, which we were now obligated to fill.

My stepsister, who lived in an interfaith household that blended both customs, married a man who also converted. Together, they’ve raised two Jewish children in San Francisco. Each year they string dreidel-shaped lights across a mantel bedecked with blue-and-silver wrapped presents and multiple menorahs aglow. She considers these items, however, to be conciliatory. Putting less emphasis on material objects and more focus on “togetherness,” she says it’s the family time that matters.

I, too, am eager to reclaim the sanctity of those earlier traditions— without all the trappings. My brother, on the other hand, switched to Christmas just six years after his Bar Mitzvah. At least his three boys don’t have to hide their tree from their dad. I just hope they know what Hanukkah candles look like.

This year's Hanukkah begins at nightfall on Dec. 22.

Hanukkah candles and other ritual objects are sold at these Judaica gift shops: Congregation Beth Ami (4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa; 707.360.3000) and Congregation Shomrei Torah (2600 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa; 707.578.5519).

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Mark Schaefer

A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, played during Hanukkah.

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Sundial

THE WEEK’S EVENTS: A SELECTIVE GUIDE

POINT REYES STATION Joyful Stroll

The Point Reyes Path of Lights returns to the West Marin town’s Main Street this week for an evening of family-friendly festivities and charm. The annual event, organized by nonprofit arts organization Sound Orchard, features downtown shops decked out for the holidays and open late. As you stroll the shops, enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony, caroling and West Marin Choir's Songs of Winter performance, art exhibits and food pop-ups. The Path of Lights happens Friday, Dec. 6, 11250 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station. 5pm. Free. Soundorchard.org.

SAUSALITO Winter Art

For a half-century, artists of all walks have made the historic ICB (Industrial Center Building) in Sausalito’s Marinship District their home.

Today, the building holds over 90 ICB Artists, who create paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, film and more. Each December, the artists offer the public a chance to see their space and their works in the annual ICB Artists Winter Open Studios. In addition to touring the landmark building, visitors can meet and talk with artists and purchase art at affordable prices Friday to Sunday, Dec 6–8, at 480 Gate Five Rd., Sausalito. 11am to 6pm each day. Free admission. Icb-artists.com.

TIBURON Shining a Light

San Francisco women’s-vocal group Musae takes its name from the original “ladies of song,” the classic nine Muses of Greek mythology, and performs a wide repertoire of choral, classical and contemporary music. This week, the group marks the season with a program of music, The Bleak Midwinter, that promises to evoke not only the darkness of the season but also the hope it brings in the spring to come. Musae performs on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Old St. Hilary’s Landmark, 201 Esperanza St., Tiburon. Park at the Boardwalk Shopping Center and take a shuttle to the concert. 1pm and 4pm. $15–$20. Musae.org.

MILL VALLEY Funny History

—Charlie Swanson

Piper Ferguson

Rock and Roll Hallof-Famer Booker T Jones reads from his new memoir, ‘Time Is Tight,’ on Monday, Dec. 9, at Book Passage in Corte Madera. See Readings, pg 18.

From Lenny Bruce to Dave Chappelle, standup comedy in America has evoked laughs while pushing boundaries. No one knows better than veteran comedian and actor Ritch Shydner, who’s been around long enough to appear on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and who starred in the 2010-documentary I Am Comic. Now, Shynder shares his brilliant and funny insights in standup with his show “America’s Reflection in the Funhouse Mirror,” which offers a hilarious history lesson on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 6pm. 415.383.9600.

13 PA CI FI C S U N | D ECEM B ER 4 - 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 | PACI FI CSUN.CO M Matt Long

Piano rocker Marco Benevento slides into Marin for a dance party at Sweetwater Music Hall.

MUSIC

Solid Gold Marco Benevento gets timeless By Charlie Swanson

M

arco Benevento proves that a lot can be accomplished on the 88 keys of a piano, both live in concert and on his new album, Let It Slide.

The songwriter and bandleader has experimented with piano’s funk, R&B, indie-rock and pop elements since he was a teenager.

“When I was a kid, I really loved putting my headphones on and plugging in my synthesizers,” Benevento says. “I had an old Korg PolySix analog synth and a fourtrack recorder. My musical curiosity started just like that.”

In college, Benevento dove deep

into instrumental music and debuted in New York City’s experimental jazz scene in the late ’90s.

Now marking two decades on the scene, Benevento’s recent output has returned to the synths and analog inspirations of his youth for a sound that those who know him best have dubbed “hot dance piano rock.”

“Over the last 10 years we’ve made seven records, and the evolution of all that music has gone from a sit-down audience to 500 people in the room dancing,” Benevento says.

For Let It Slide, Benevento paired his songs with producer and multiinstrumentalist Leon Michels, whom Benevento befriended after

filling in for him on tour with the Arcs at the request of Arcs member, the late Richard Swift.

“I went down the rabbit hole and checked out Leon, and was blown away by all his records,” Benevento says. “And I was at my wit’s end with my demos for this record, and I thought, ‘What if I asked Leon to help me make this record?’ I didn’t even know him, but I thought that if I could get my record to sound close to one of his records, that would be cool with me.”

Musically, Let It Slide works as a culmination of Benevento’s talents, showcasing the songwriter’s roots as a post-jazz improviser and funky

groovemaster as well as delivering emotionally affective lyrics.

Taking the album on the road, Benevento plays at Sweetwater Music Hall on Dec. 9 in a trio with bassist Karina Rykman and drummer Dave Butler and with support from opening jazz duo the Mattson 2.

“It’s (going to be) a dance party, that’s for sure,” Benevento says.

“We’re doing 11 shows in a row, I think it is—so we’ll be on fire by the time we get to Mill Valley.”

Marco Benevento plays on Monday, Dec. 9, at Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. 8pm. $27–$32.

415.388.3850.

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14

Robin Jackson

Small-town activities like sightseeing play out on minimalist sets in ‘Middletown.’

STAGE

Life Itself College of Marin goes deep into suburbia onstage By Harry Duke

W

elcome to Middletown.

Population: stable. Elevation: same. They call the main street Main Street. They named the side streets after trees. Things are fairly predictable. People come; people go.

That paraphrasing of some of the introductory dialogue from Middletown, running now at the College of Marin through Dec. 8, is as much of a plot summary as one can glean from the goings-on in Will Eno’s (The Realistic Joneses) theatrical slice of Americana.

The residents of Middletown are as middle-of-the-road as the show title would suggest. There’s

a small town ne’er do well (Luke Baxter) who’s hassled by a local cop (Ryan Pesce); an overly-helpful librarian (Floriana Alessandria) who’s thankful that Mary Swanson (Katherine Rupers), a new resident, has come in to apply for a library card because she thinks “a lot of people figure, ‘Why bother? I’m just going to die, anyway.’”; and a lonely handyman named John (Paymon Ghazanfarpour) who’s between two lousy jobs. He just doesn’t know what the second one is yet.

Various other characters come in and out but the central relationship, such as it is, is the one between the new resident and the handyman.

Mary wants to build a family and

is soon expecting. Her absentee husband leaves an opening for John— at least he thinks so—but life has its way of getting in the way of things.

Soon there’s a birth; soon there’s a death. Life goes on in Middletown.

Which I guess is Eno’s point. The great commonality between the inhabitants of this planet is that we all are born and we all will die.

What we do in the middle of those two events we call life and most lives are unexceptional.

And that’s OK. Late in the second act, one character asks another, “What do you want out of life?” The character responds, “To know love.” Who doesn’t?

That is what makes a seemingly unexceptional life exceptional.

Molly Noble directs a strong cast (I was particularly taken with Baxter’s work) and the intimate studio theater setting serves them and the story well. The action—and I use that term loosely—takes place on a minimalist set in the middle of the theater with the audience placed on either side.

Middletown is a melancholy piece.

It meanders and rambles, goes to irrelevant places and is occasionally full of itself. You know, like this review. And life.

‘Middletown’ runs through Dec. 8 at the College of Marin Studio Theatre, 835 College Ave., Kentfield. Friday– Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. $15–$25.

415.485.9385. pa.marin.edu.

•

By Matthew Stafford

Friday December 6-Thursday December 12 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (1:48) True tale of the friendship between children’s TV legend Fred Rogers and Esquirelapsed cynic Tom Junod; Tom Hanks stars.

Black Christmas (1:32) Warm ’n’ cuddly holiday fare about a mad stalker terrorizing comely sorority girls.

En Brazos de un Asesino (1:41) A ruthless hitman grows a conscience when he takes it on the lam with a drug lord’s frightened mistress.

Charlie’s Angels (1:59) Elizabeth Banks’ reboot of the ’70s TV classic finds Angels Naomi Scott, Kristen Stewart and Ella Balinska righting wrongs.

Concerto/Enigma Variations/Raymonda Act III (2:50) The Royal Ballet presents a cornucopia of eclectic choreography by the likes of Marius Petipa, Frederik Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan.

Dark Waters (2:06) A corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution. Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway star.

Deconstructing The Beatles: Abbey Road (1:35) Filmed multimedia presentation by musicologist Scott Freiman focuses on the Fab Four’s final (and perhaps finest) album.

Exhibition Onscreen: Leonardo: The Works (1:25) Explore the artistic side of the ultimate Renaissance man through an UltraHD look at every one of his paintings.

Fantastic Fungi (1:21) Earthy doc celebrates the marvelous mushroom and its unmatched potential to feed, heal and expand consciousness; Brie Larson narrates.

Faustina: Love and Mercy (1:20) Faithbased docudrama about the Polish nun whose visions of Jesus inspired worldwide veneration.

Force of Nature: Natalia (1:22) Documentary follows Royal Ballet prima ballerina Natalia Osipova over a busy season of classical and cutting-edge choreography.

Ford v Ferrari (2:32) Matt Damon and Christian Bale star as two rogue Ford Motor designers whose revolutionary race car took on Ferrari’s finest at Le Mans in 1966.

Frozen II (1:43) Anna, Olaf, Sven and the rest of the gang head to an enchanted forest in search of age-old wisdom; Kristen Bell and Alfred Molina vocalize.

The Good Liar (1:49) Suave grifter Ian McKellen sets his sights on rich widow Helen Mirren, but one damned thing leads to another…

Honey Boy (1:34) Shia LeBeouf writes and stars as his own dad in semi-autobiographical story of a young actor's stormy childhood and struggles to reconcile with his father and deal with his mental health.

INXS: Live Baby Live (1:40) Catch the Australian rockers bringing down the house at their legendary 1991 Wembley Stadium concert.

The Irishman (3:29) Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated cinematic epic stars Robert De Niro as a real-life mobster recalling past glories; Al Pacino is Jimmy Hoffa.

Jojo Rabbit (1:48) Edgy dramedy about a young boy in Nazi Germany confronting

nationalism and antisemitism with input from doofus imaginary friend Adolf Hitler.

Jumanji: The Next Level (2:03) Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Dwayne Johnson are back in the game on a search-and-rescue mission ’cross mountain, desert and Danny DeVito.

Knives Out (2:10) Writer/director Rian Johnson’s latest is a who-dunit centered on the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.

The Lighthouse (1:50) Existential nightmare about two 1890s lighthouse keepers on a remote New England isle; Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star.

Marriage Story (2:16) Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver star as a married couple in writer/ director Noah Baumbach’s comedic drama.

The Metropolitan Opera: The Magic Flute (1:42) Phantasmagorical Julie Taymor production of Mozart’s whimsical familyfriendly fable; James Levine conducts.

A Million Little Pieces (1:53) Tough and tender drama about a 23-year-old alcoholic drug addict and his six revelatory weeks in rehab.

Pain and Glory (1:53) Pedro Almodóvar drama stars Antonio Banderas as an acclaimed film director reflecting on his past.

Playmobil: The Movie (1:39) A repressed little girl gets a new lease on life when she enters the fantastical world of Zimdorf figurines.

Polar Express Pajama Party + Christmas Carol Singalong! (1:40) Get that cozy Yuletide feeling at an evening of cookies and cocoa, communal caroling and a screening of Chris Van Allsburg’s holiday Santa-fest.

The Prado Museum: A Collection of Wonders (1:35) Experience masterworks

by Greco, Goya, Vélazquez and Titian on the occasion of the Madrid museum’s 200th birthday.

Promare Redux (2:05) Hiroyuki Imaishi anime about the epic battle between flamethrowing mutants and an elite band of courageous firefighters.

Queen & Slim (2:12) A thriller for our time: A black couple on a first date have to go on the run when they accidentally kill a white cop on social media.

Stage Russia: The Brothers Karamazov (1:26) Cutting-edge choreographer Boris Eifman presents his balletic rendering of Dostoevsky’s explosive novel.

The Star (1:26) Holiday cartoon about a troupe of donkeys, sheep, camels and other critters who take part in the first Christmas; Christopher Plummer, Ving Rhames and Patricia Heaton lend voice.

They Shall Not Grow Old (2:15) Peter Jackson’s acclaimed documentary tells the story of WWI through restored newsreel footage and archival interviews with the soldiers who endured the Great War. 21 Bridges (1:39) Action thriller stars Chadwick Boseman as a New York cop searching for killers trapped in Manhattan after the island’s bridges are closed down.

Western Stars (1:26) Introspective look back at the life and career of Bruce Springsteen features the Boss performing songs from his latest album.

The Addams Family (PG)

Northgate: Fri-Sun, Tue-Wed 12, 2:35, 5:05; Mon 11:30, 1:55, 4:30 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:15, 2:10, 4:55, 7:45, 10:30 Rowland: FriWed 11:10, 1:55, 4:40, 7:30, 10:20 Northgate: Thu 7, 9:40 • Black Christmas (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:55, 2:40, 5:15, 7:55, 10:35 (in Spanish • En Brazos de un Asesino (R) with English subtitles) Charlie’s Angels (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Sun, Tue-Wed 7:35, 10:35; Mon 10:35 Rafael: Sun noon • Concerto/Enigma Variations/Raymonda Act III (NR) Dark Waters (PG-13) Rowland: Fri-Wed 12:30, 3:45, 7, 10:05 Sequoia: Fri 3:45, 6:45, 9:40; Sat 12:50, 3:45, 6:45, 9:40; Sun 12:50, 3:45, 6:45; MonWed 4, 7 • Deconstructing The Beatles: Abbey Road Side 1 (NR) Rafael: Sun 4:15 Lark: Sun 3:15 • Exhibition Onscreen: Leonardo: The Works (NR) Rafael: Fri 4, 6, 8; Sat-Sun 12:15, 2, 4, 6, 8; Mon-Thu 6, 8 • Fantastic Fungi (NR) Faustina: Love and Mercy (PG-13) Regency: Tue 7 Lark: Fri 5; Sat 10; Tue 4:30; Wed 2:15 • Force of Nature: Natalia (NR) Ford v Ferrari (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 10, 1:30, 5:10, 8:40 Rowland: Fri-Wed 11:20, 2:50, 6:20, 9:50 Frozen II (PG) Northgate: Fri-Wed 10, 10:45, 11:40, 12:40, 1:35, 2:30, 3:25, 4:15, 5:20, 6:15, 7:15, 8:10, 10:05 Rowland: Fri-Sun 10:50, 11:45, 12:40, 1:30, 2:25, 3:20, 4:10, 5:05, 6:05, 6:50, 7:45, 9:30, 10:25; Mon-Wed 10:50, 11:45, 12:40, 1:30, 2:25, 3:20, 4:10, 5:05, 6:05, 6:50, 7:45, 8:45, 9:30, 10:25 The Good Liar (R) Northgate: Fri-Sat, Mon-Wed 11:05, 1:55, 4:45; Sun 4:45 Harriet (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 10:10, 1:15, 4:20, 7:25, 10:30 Honey Boy (R) Northgate: Fri-Wed 7:40, 10:15 Northgate: Mon 7 • INXS: Live Baby Live (R) The Irishman (R) Rafael: Fri 7; Sat 2:30; Sun 6:15; Mon, Wed, Thu 6:30 Jojo Rabbit (PG-13) Lark: Fri 12:45; Sat 3:20; Mon 6:30 Sequoia: Fri-Sat 4:20, 7:15, 9:50; Sun 1:40, 4:20, 7:15; Mon-Wed 4:20, 7:15 Joker (R) Northgate: Fri, Sun-Wed 5, 8; Sat 10:10pm Fairfax: Thu 4, 7 Northgate: Thu 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11; 3D showtimes • Jumanji: The Next Level (PG-13) at 6, 9 Playhouse: Thu 4, 7 Rowland: Thu 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30, 10 Knives Out (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 10:15, 1:20, 4:25, 7:30, 10:35 Rowland: FriSun 12:50, 4:05, 7:10, 8:45, 10:15; Mon-Wed 12:50, 4:05, 7:10, 10:15 Last Christmas (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:30, 2:20 The Lighthouse (R) Lark: Fri 2:50; Sun 5:30; Mon 8:45 Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (NR) Rafael: Fri 5; Sat 12:30; Sun 12:30, 2:30 Marriage Story (NR) Rafael: Fri, Sun 4:30, 7:15; Sat 1:45, 4:30, 7:15; Mon-Thu 7:15 • The Metropolitan Opera: The Magic Flute (NR) Lark: Sat 12:55; Wed 6:30 Regency: Sat 7 Sequoia: Sat 12:55 Midway (PG-13) Northgate: Fri, Mon-Wed 12:25, 3:45, 7, 10:20; Sat-Sun 3:45, 7, 10:20 Lark: Fri 9; Sun 7:50; Mon 2:15 • A Million Little Pieces (R) Motherless Brooklyn (R) Lark: Fri 10; Sat 5:40; Tue 8:30; Thu 2:15 Pain and Glory (NR) Lark: Fri 6:45; Sat 8:30; Sun 10; Wed 4

Playing with Fire (PG) Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:25, 2, 4:35, 7:20, 9:55 Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:10, 1:50, 4:30, 7:10 • Playmobil: The Movie (PG) • Polar Express Pajama Party + Christmas Carol Singalong! (NR) Lark: Thu 6:30 • The Prado Museum: A Collection of Wonders (NR) Lark: Tue 6:30 Northgate: Sun 12:55 (in Japanese with English subtitles) • Promare Redux (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 12:35, 3:50, 7:05, 10:20 Rowland: FriQueen & Slim (R) Wed 12:10, 3:25, 6:30, 9:40 Lark: Sun 1 • Stage Russia: The Brothers Karamazov (NR) Northgate: Sat-Sun noon • The Star (PG) Northgate: Fri-Wed 9:50 Terminator: Dark Fate (R) Northgate: Sat 7 • They Shall Not Grow Old (R) Northgate: Fri-Wed 9:05 21 Bridges (R) Lark: Mon 4:30; Tue 2:15; Wed 8:45 Western Stars (PG) We have omitted some of the movie summaries and times for those that have been playing for multiple weeks.

Showtimes can change after we go to press. Please call theater to confirm.

CinéArts Sequoia 25 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 388-1190 Century Cinema 41 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, 924-6506 Fairfax 9 Broadway, Fairfax, 453-5444 Lark 549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, 924-5111 Larkspur Landing 500 Larkspur Landing Cir., Larkspur, 461-4849 Northgate 7000 Northgate Dr., San Rafael, 491-1314 Playhouse 40 Main St., Tiburon, 435-1251 Rafael Film Center 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael, 454-1222 Regency 80 Smith Ranch Rd., Terra Linda, 479-6496 Rowland 44 Rowland Way, Novato, 898-3385

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Movies

• New Movies This Week

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16

Rock ‘n’ Roll Monkey

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto.

PRESS PASS

I, Robot You can’t spell media without A.I. By Daedalus Howell

I

use artificial intelligence the way an amputee might use a prosthetic leg. Without it, I have nothing to stand on.

I rely on smart devices for nearly every conceivable intellectual task. Take the phone from my cold dead hand and you will essentially possess the central processing unit of my otherwise enfeebled mind

(and maybe some embarrassing selfies).

In short, without smart devices I’m dumb. I know implicitly that my over-reliance on them is playing with Promethean fire. If I don’t get burned outright, then it’s only a matter of time before the robots chain me to a rock so that I may have my liver plucked

at by vultures for all eternity. The irony that my wine-marinated liver will prove a delicacy to scavengers is almost as galling as the foreknowledge that the robots will soon take my job.

AI scribes are already “writing” financial and sports stories, pairing numbers and stats with boilerplate and spraying the web with search-

engine-optimized “content.” That word, the c-word, that’s where we went wrong—when we let the system commodify our work as fodder to fill the gaping maw of infinitely-expanding cyberspace.

Feeding that beast takes a lot of work, which is why labor-saving gadgets are such an intrinsic part of my process. The AI on my phone, for example, not only captured my voice dictating these words but it transcribed them into the text that you’re now reading.

The medium is the message and data rates may apply.

At every step along my dark path to pixels and print, a digital presence lurks, listening, watching, and learning. My every tic, from utterance to keystroke, is cataloged and rendered through the algorithm and will surely produce a digital facsimile of me in the very near future. This sucks because the field is competitive enough—the last thing I need is to compete with a better, stronger, faster version of me. Don’t we already have Millennials for that?

I first noticed the AI was onto to me when autocorrect began to catch up with the esoterica I routinely shoehorn into my vocabulary (why use a five-cent word when a 50-cent word adds ten times the literary value?). Now, the apps I use both anticipate and suggest complete turns of phrase— like this one: Bow down to your robot overlords. Weird, huh?

In a contemporary retelling of John Henry vs. The Mighty Steam Drill, my colleagues at Cards Against Humanity (the party game for horrible people) were recently pitted against an AI in competition for their writing jobs. Who could create the more popular pack of humorous cards? “On the line,” wrote Nick Stack on The Verge, “are $5,000 bonuses for every employee if team human comes up victorious, or heartless termination in the event the AI takes the top spot.”

Guess who won? No, seriously guess—I can’t find the answer anywhere online. Even if the writers at CAH won, the war is probably already lost. At least that’s what autocorrect insists every time I try to write otherwise.

Interim editor Daedalus Howell is the author of the novel Quantum Deadline and director of the feature film Pill Head, both available on Amazon.

By Howard Rachelson

1

San Francisco has Golden Gate Park. Name the largest or most famous public park in each of these world cities.

3

Women’s Vocal Ensemble Wintersongs

SAT DEC 7 8 pm

“West Marinicana” Dec 13 Lowatters Fri

Sat

High Lonesome Twang To Lowdown Roots 8:00 ⁄ No Cover Rancho Debut!

Dec 14 The Billie Holiday Project Sun

5

administration’s school curriculum standards for language and mathematics was known by what 2-word name?

featuring Stella Heath 8:00

Dec 15 CD Release Party #2

Mike Duke Project …took a while 7:00

Celebrate WILLIE K WEEKEND! loha!

A Dec 20, 21, 22

4 The Obama

Gospel Christmas Eve Dinner Show

Sons of the Soul Revivers

7:00

“Year End Beatle Fest” The Sun Kings

5

“The Beatles Never Sounded So Good!”

Dec 28 8:30, Dec 29 7:00

2,500 years ago this citadel in Athens was dedicated as a temple to the goddess Athena.

Give its name and the hill on which it was constructed.

Our Annual New Year’s Eve Party with Dec 31 Tue

The Zydeco Flames Our #1 Party Band! 9:00

Reservations Advised

415.662.2219

On the Town Square, Nicasio www.ranchonicasio.com

7

7

HAPPY H O U R 3-7 M-F

One of the most popular and acclaimed TV series from 2004 to 2010 told of survivors of an airplane crash on a mysterious island; give its short title.

THURSDAY FIRST THURSDAY:

12.05

8 What continent has the fewest species of land animals?

9 Santa Claus arrives in Hawaii not by sleigh, but by what form of transport?

10 This is a gem of a question: give these Diamond-like names. For example

... Sports field (Baseball DIAMOND)

a. Sweet Caroline b. Rattlesnake c. Volcanic crater on Oahu d. Poker’s Man with the Ax

OPEN MIC NIGHT Hosted by Randall Burrows 8-10 / no cover

THURSDAY THE SEAN CARSCADDEN TRIO

12.12

8-11 / no cover

THURSDAY LIVE BAND KARAOKE:

12.19

STARLING HOLIDAY PARTY 8-10:30 / $5 cover

SATURDAY JOHN PAUL HODGE

12.21 TUESDAY

BONUS QUESTION: This U.S. state capital city contains the complete name of its state, and the state name includes the complete name of a country, without rearranging any letters. Name the city, state and country.

You’re invited to the next Trivia Cafe team contest on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael. 6:30pm. Free with Prizes. Bring a team or come join one. Have a great question? Send it in and if we use it we’ll give you credit. Contact howard1@triviacafe.com for more information and visit triviacafe.com.

KITKA

Din ner & A Show

Party w⁄ The Hell Yeahs 8:00 Kevin Russell & Some Dec 8 Dangerous Friends 4:00 ⁄ No Cover

3

universities have won the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness) more than any other schools? ... (19 times combined since the tournament began in 1982.)

OSHER MARIN JCC

Sun

swimming pool?

6 Teams from what two

at the

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week

GV & The Ramble Band Dec 6 8:00 ⁄ No Cover Sat Danny Click’s Birthday Dec 7 Fri

a. New York b. London c. Paris 2 How long is an Olympic

What song and dance, popular in the 1920's, was named after a city in South Carolina?

Fireside Dining Sat & Sun Brunch 11–3

12.31

8:30-11:30 / no cover NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

AFROFUNK EXPERIENCE Music starts at 9:30pm

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

Answers on page

»19

19380 CA-12 SONOMA CA 95476

707 938 7442 starlingsonoma.com

A Unique & Beautiful Vocal Celebration of the Season

SUN DEC 8

Family Fun with

THE BUBBLE MAN

11:45 am

!nspiring, bubble art, music & science adventure.

Hands-on art activity from 11am The 10th Annual Other Café Comedy Showcases

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Stand-Up Comedy Celebration Send off the year with laughter, friends & fun!

• • • •

7:30 Meet-Up Full Bar Concessions After-show Party

DEC 31 9 pm

200 N SAN PEDRO RD. | MARINJCC.ORG MARINJCC.ORG/ARTS

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Trivia Café

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18

Calendar Concerts Donna De Lory World devotional music star is a cross between Janis Joplin and Enya. Dec 11, 7:30pm. $27-$39. Marin Center Showcase Theatre, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 415.499.6800.

The Hot Licks Band plays a “Cuckoo for Christmas Xtravaganza” featuring the music of Dan Hicks. Dec 8, 7pm. $25-$35. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.9600.

Dec 8, 1pm, Griffin House. Dec 8, 6pm, Blue Bear All-Star Band Showcase. Dec 9, Marco Benevento. Dec 10 the Rat Pack Christmas Show. Dec 11, Nikki Hill with the Gold Souls. 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.3850.

The Tavern on Fourth Dec 6, Smiling at Strangers. Dec 7, ColdSol. 711 Fourth St, San Rafael, 415.454.4044.

Throckmorton Theatre Dec 5, Michelle Schmitt’s Holiday Benefit Concert. Dec 6, “Jazzin’ Up the Holidays” with Deborah Winters & Peter Welker All Star Band. 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.9600.

Wu Wei Tea House Dec 6, Global Guitars with Teja Gerken and Matthew Montfort. 1820 Sir Francis Drake, Fairfax, 415.457.4754.

Clubs & Venues

Art Opening

Church of Saint Raphael Dec 7, 7:30pm and Dec 8, 4pm, Marin Symphony Holiday Choral Concert by Candlelight. 1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, marinsymphony.org.

Gallery Route One Dec 6-Jan 12, “Ebb & Flow,” works by Xander Weaver-Scull and Isis Hockenos show in the center gallery, with Aiyah Sibay in the project space and Vickisa in the annex. Reception, Dec 7 at 3pm. 11101 Hwy 1, Pt Reyes Station.

415.663.1347.

HopMonk Novato Dec 6, Charlie Parr. Dec 7, AZ/DZ. 224 Vintage Way, Novato, 415.892.6200.

19 Broadway Nightclub Dec 5, Beer Scouts. Dec 6, Grateful Bluegrass Boys with Cool Pistol String Band. Dec 7, California Kind. 17 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, 415.459.1091.

Old St Hilary’s Landmark Dec 8, 1 and 4pm, “The Bleak Midwinter” with Musae. 201 Esperanza, Tiburon, 415.435.1853.

Osher Marin JCC Dec 7, KITKA: Wintersongs. 200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, 415.444.8000.

Papermill Creek Saloon Dec 6, JZ & the Stranglers. Dec 7, Highway One with Kevin Meade. Dec 8, 6pm, Papermill Gang. 1 Castro, Forest Knolls, 415.488.9235.

Peri’s Silver Dollar Dec 5, Jimi James. Dec 6, Sour Widows. Dec 7, Laundromat Ponies with Staggerwing and Kelly Peterson Band. Dec 10, Jake Hammerslag and friends. 29 Broadway, Fairfax, 415.459.9910.

Rancho Nicasio Dec 7, Danny Click’s birthday party with the Hell Yeahs. Dec 8, 4pm, Kevin Russell & Some Dangerous Friends. 1 Old Rancheria Rd, Nicasio, 415.662.2219.

San Geronimo Community Church Dec 8, Project Vox. 6001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Geronimo, 415.488.9318.

Smiley’s Schooner Saloon Dec 7, San Geronimo. 41 Wharf Rd, Bolinas, 415.868.1311.

Robert Allen Fine Art Dec 5-Jan 31, “Works on Paper,” group exhibit features art from Susan Adame, Aleah Koury, Sydell Lewis, Victoria Ryan and Kazuko Watanabe. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito.

415.331.2800.

Comedy America’s Reflection in the Funhouse Mirror Standup-comedian Ritch Shydner presents a talk and Q&A on the history of standup in the U.S. Dec 10, 6pm. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.9600.

Events Bay Area Made Holiday Market Two-day market features a different set of vendors on each day. Dec 7-8, 11am. Rough Linen, 1925 Francisco Blvd. East, #13, San Rafael, 800.968.0903.

Becoming Independent Ribbon-Cutting & Reception Get a look at BI’s new location with an open house. Dec 5, 4pm. Free. Becoming Independent Marin County, 777 Grand Ave, San Rafael, 707.524.6600.

Dance Palace Artisan Craft & Holiday Market Annual fair is filled with the sights, sounds and scents of the winter holidays. Dec 6-8.

Free. Dance Palace, 503 B St, Pt Reyes Station, 415.663.1075.

St Vincent’s Chapel Dec 6-8,“Holidays in Harmony” with Novato Music Association Chorus. 1 St Vincent’s Dr, San Rafael, novatomusicassociationchorus.org.

Dickens Family Victorian Holiday Party Charles Dickens and his characters come alive with parlor games and dancing. Dec 6, 6pm. $9-$12. Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael, 415.485.3438.

Sweetwater Music Hall Dec 5, Monophonics. Dec 6, Foreverland.

Fairfax Craft Faire Enjoy live music, baked goods, seasonal

libations and a variety of local, sustainable crafts and products. Dec 7, 11am. Free. Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax.

Hawaiian Holiday Craft & Bake Sale Shop for Hawaiian holiday gifts and enjoy mini-plate lunches, with raffles and live music. Dec 7, 10am. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael, 415.479.4131.

ICB Winter Open Studios See more than 90 artists’ studios and work in this seasonal tradition. Dec 6-8. The ICB Art Studios, 480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito, icb-artists.com.

Indoor Antique Market Christmas Extravaganza Two-day show brings together some of the West’s best antique dealers. Dec 7-8. $8.

Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 415.473.6400.

Landmarks Holiday Art & Craft Sale The Belvedere Tiburon Landmarks Society presents a market of gifts and holiday items. Dec 7, 10am. Free. Tiburon Art & Garden Center, 841 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon, 415.435.1853.

Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair Over 55 artists sell their fine handmade arts and crafts. Dec 7, 10am. Free. Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, 415.383.1370.

Mill Valley Winterfest Partake in snow slides, arts and crafts, live music, family activities and Santa’s arrival in a fire truck. Dec 8, 11am. Free. Depot Plaza, Throckmorton and Miller, Mill Valley, 415.388.9700.

Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair Enjoy art from over 40 local artists with crafts for kids and holiday ornaments. Dec 7-8, 10am. Free. Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape Dr, Muir Beach, 415.388.8319.

Point Reyes Path of Lights Festivities include local food pop-ups, treelighting ceremony, holiday caroling and craft fair. Dec 6, 5pm. Free. Toby’s Feed Barn, 11250 Hwy 1, Pt Reyes Station, 415.663.1223.

Sausalito Woman’s Club Holiday Open House Event features caroling, kids’ craft room and Santa. Toys for Tots and Giving Tree donations are appreciated. Dec 8, 3pm.

Sausalito Woman’s Club, 120 Central Ave, Sausalito, 415.332.2700.

Tree Lighting Festival at Cavallo Point Light the tree and enjoy carriage rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping and live caroling. Dec 8, 5pm. Free admission. Cavallo Point Lodge, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, 415.339.4700.

Village Holiday Craft & Collectables Sale Browse and buy paintings, photos, jewelry, crafts and other handmade gifts. Dec 8, 12pm. Marin Valley Country Club, 100 Marin Valley Drive, Novato, 415.883.5911.

Field Trips Full Moon Hike Bring warm clothes and a flashlight and watch the moon rise on a four-mile hike.

Dec 11, 4:30pm. $5. China Camp State Park,

100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, 415.456.0766.

SPAWN Creek Walk Salmon Protection and Watershed Network looks for coho salmon. Pre-registration required. Sat, Dec 7, 10am. $15. Samuel P Taylor State Park, Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, 415.663.8590.

Lectures Masters of Photography Lecture Series Take a closer look at photographer Richard Avedon. Dec 5, 7pm. Free. The Image Flow, 401 Miller Ave, Ste A, Mill Valley, 415.388.3569.

WonderFest Science lecture connects sharks and electricity. Dec 9, 6pm. Free. HopMonk Novato, 224 Vintage Way, Novato, 415.892.6200.

Readings Book Passage Dec 6, 7pm, “Lost Tomorrows” with Matt Coyle. Dec 7, 1pm, “West Marin Review Vol. 9” with several authors. Dec 8, 1pm, “Fight Like a Mother” with Shannon Watts. Dec 9, 7pm, “Time Is Tight” with Booker T Jones.

Dec 10, 7pm, “Wounds Into Wisdom” with Rabbi Tirzah Firestone. Dec 11, 7pm, “The Deep Heart” with Dr John J Prendergast.

51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera 415.927.0960.

Firehouse Coffee & Tea Dec 8, 3pm, poetry reading with the Pen Men of Marin. 317 Johnson St, Sausalito 415.729.9159.

Theater Border People Actor and playwright Dan Hoyle performs his one-man show. Dec 7, 8pm. $25.

Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.9600.

Mother of the Maid Playwright Jane Anderson reimagines Joan of Arc’s tale through the eyes of her mother.

Through Dec 8. $25-$60. Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.5208.

She Loves Me Mountain Play and Ross Valley Players coproduction is a musical treat. Through Dec 22. $25-$40. Barn Theatre, Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross, mountainplay.org.

The PACIFIC SUN’s calendar is produced as a service to the community.

If you have an item for the calendar, send it to calendar@bohemian.com, or mail it to: NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN, 847 Fifth St, Santa Rosa CA 95404.

Inclusion of events in the print edition is at the editor’s discretion. Deadline is two weeks prior to desired publication date.

TO PLACE AN AD: email legals@pacificsun.com. No walk-ins please. All

Seminars&Workshops

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

To include your seminar or workshop, call 415.485.6700

SINGLES GROUP. Single & Dissatisfied? Tired of spending weekends and holidays alone? Join us to explore what’s blocking you from fulfillment in your relationships. Next nine-week Single’s Group starts December 9th. Advance sign-up required. Space limited. Also weekly, Coed (emotional) Intimacy Groups and Women’s Group (all meeting now) and Individual or Couples Sessions. Meets in spacious Victorian in Central San Rafael. For more info, call Renée Owen, LMFT #35255 at 415-453-8117 or email reneeowen@sbcglobal.net or http://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/renee-owen-san-rafaelca/183422

Seminars & Workshops CALL TODAY TO ADVERTISE

415.485.6700 Mind&Body HYPNOTHERAPY Thea Donnelly, M.A. Hypnosis, Counseling, All Issues. 25 yrs. experience.

415-459-0449.

Home Services FURNITURE REPAIR FURNITURE DOCTOR Ph/Fax: 415-383-2697

MASSAGE

Leisure Day Spa Body, foot, shoulders

$5.00 off Open Daily 10am- 9pm 415-458-8688 1099 Fourth Street Suite ‘I’ (lower level) San Rafael

Real Estate HOMES/CONDOS FOR SALE AFFORDABLE MARIN? I can show you 60 homes under $600,000. Call Cindy Halvorson 415-902-2729, BRE #01219375. Christine Champion, BRE# 00829362.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 147834. The following individual(s) are doing business: PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, 506 DE CARLO AVE, N. RICHMOND, CA 94801: COMSEECO, INC., 506 DE CARLO AVE, N. RICHMOND, CA 94801. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 01, 2019. (Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 13, 20, 27 DECEMBER 4 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 2019147781.

The following individual(s) are doing business: REAL MARIN

GROUP, 300 DRAKES LANDING STE 120, GREENBRAE, CA 94904: CATHERINE YOUNGLING., 302 DURANT WAY, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941., TRACI THIERCOF., 300 DRAKES LANDING STE 120, GREENBRAE, CA 94904., MICHELLE DODD., 300 DRAKES LANDING STE 120, GREENBRAE, CA 94904., CHRISTINE FLECHSIG., 300 DRAKES LANDING STE 120, GREENBRAE, CA 94904. This business is being conducted byUNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATION OTHER THAN A PARTNERSHIP. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on OCTOBER 21, 2019. (Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 13, 20, 27, DECEMBER 4 of 2019)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 2019147738.

The following individual(s) are doing business: MARIN CANINE ADVENTURES, 745 SUN LANE, NOVATO, CA 94947: SHAUNNA L ANDERSON., 745 SUN LANE, NOVATO, CA 94947. This business is being conducted

by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on OCTOBER 11, 2019. (Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 13, 20, 27, DECEMBER 4 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 147829. The following individual(s) are doing business: F.M.G CABINETRY, 25 GELDERT DR, TIBURON, CA 94920: FRANÇOIS MARIE GOUNARD., 25 GELDERT DR,

Trivia answers «17 1a. Central Park b. Hyde Park c. Bois de Boulogne, created

in the 1850s during the reign of the Emperor Louis Napoleon

2 50 Meters 3 “The Charleston”; the song

6

University of Connecticut, 11 championships, and University of Tennessee, 8.

7 Lost, on ABC TV. 8 Antarctica; has but a few

insect species.

9 Santa floats in on a surf board or canoe

was written by James P. Johnson and premiered in the 1923 Broadway show Runnin’ Wild.

10a. Neil Diamond b. Diamondback c. Diamond Head d. Jack of Diamonds

(which means summit of the city).

BONUS ANSWER: Indianapolis, Indiana, India

4 Common Core 5 Parthenon, on the Acropolis

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submissions must include a phone number and email. Ad deadline is Thursday at noon to be included in the following Wednesday print edition.

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PublicNotices TIBURON, CA 94920. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on OCTOBER 31, 2019. (Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 13, 20, 27, DECEMBER 4 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 2019147860.

The following individual(s) are doing business: SANTOS CONSTRUCTION, 249 JOHNSTONE DRIVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: SANTOS MAZAREIGOS F ROSELI, 249 JOHNSTONE DRIVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 06, 2019. (Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 20, 27, DECEMBER 4, 11 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 2019147871.

The following individual(s) are doing business: RS HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC, 249 JOHNSTONE DRIVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: RS HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC, 249 JOHNSTONE DRIVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by A

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 07, 2019.

(Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 20, 27, DECEMBER 4, 11 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 2019147949. The following individual(s) are doing business: SATURN RETURNS, SATURN RETURNS TAX PREPARATION, 9 WOMACK CT, NOVATO, CA 94947: JASMINE B CAPERTON, 9 WOMACK CT, NOVATO, CA 94947.

This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 11, 2019.

(Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 27, DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 147826. The following individual(s) are doing business: S&R Homes Realty, 2130 LAS GALLINAS AVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: S&R HOMES INC., 2130 LAS GALLINAS AVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin

transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on OCTOBER 30, 2019. (Publication Dates: NOVEMEBER 27, DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 147884. The following individual(s) are doing business: BUILDERGIRL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, BUILDERGIRL PRODUCTS, 34 BRIGHTON BLVD., MILLVALLEY, CA 94941: HUMPHREY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION., 34 BRIGHTON BLVD., MILLVALLEY, CA 94941. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 08, 2019. (Publication Dates: NOVEMBER 27, DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 147953. The following individual(s) are doing business: FAST SIGNS, BLUE POND SIGNS, DEZIGN WITHAZ, 625 DU BOIS ST. STE C, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: GIGABYTE GRAPHICS, INC., 625 DU BOIS ST. STE C, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted

by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious busi-

ness name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 20, 2019. (Publication Dates: DECEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 2019147950.

The following individual(s) are doing business: MARINSONOMA PRODUCE, 1240 HOLM ROAD, SUITE A, PETALUMA, CA 94954: EDB. INC., 11 ARCANGEL CT, FAIRFAX, CA 94930. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 20, 2019. (Publication Dates: DECEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 147951. The following individual(s) are doing business: SADHANA THERAPIES, 14 DUTTON COURT, SAUSALITO, CA 94965: SADHANA THERAPIES INC.,14 DUTTON COURT, SAUSALITO, CA 94965. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 20, 2019. (Publication

Dates: DECEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 147911. The following individual(s) are doing business: ENGEL & VOELKERS FAIRFAX, 44 BOLINAS RD, FAIRFAX, CA 94930: SFRE MARIN.,1408 SECOND ST, NAPA, CA 94559. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 14, 2019. (Publication Dates: DECEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 147908. The following individual(s) are doing business: ENGEL & VOELKERS SAUSALITO, 539 BRIDGEWAY SUITES A & B, SAUSALITO, CA 94965: SFRE MARIN.,1408 SECOND ST, NAPA, CA 94559.

This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 14, 2019. (Publication Dates: DECEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 147910. The following individual(s) are doing business: ENGEL & VOELKERS SAN ANSELMO,

850 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD, SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960: SFRE MARIN.,1408 SECOND ST, NAPA, CA 94559. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 14, 2019. (Publication Dates: DECEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25 of 2019) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 147909. The following individual(s) are doing business: ENGEL & VOELKERS MILL VALLEY, 206 E. BLITHEDALE, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941: SFRE MARIN.,1408 SECOND ST, NAPA, CA 94559. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on NOVEMBER 14, 2019. (Publication Dates: DECEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25 of 2019) OTHER NOTICES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: CIV 1904094 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF MARIN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Petitioner (name of each): DIEGO RODRIGO ALONZO KROELL, has filed a petition with this court

PublicNotices NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE AND ANCILLARY PROBATE: Francis McDonough Culver, also known as Francis M. Culver CASE NO.: PR 1904045 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Francis McDonough Culver, Francis M. Culver, Mickey Culver.

A Petition for~Probate~has been filed by: Ann E. Bardeen, in the Superior Court of California, County of Marin. The Petition for~Probate~requests that: Ann E. Bardeen, be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. Decedent died on 12-01-2018, a resident of Massachusetts, Essex County. Bond not to be required for the reasons stated in item 3e. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will

be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 12/16/2019, Time: 9:00AM, Dept.: J, Address of court: 3501 Civic Center Drive, PO Box 4988, San Rafael, CA 94913-4988. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California~Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of theCalifornia~Probate~Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in~Pro-

bate~Code section 1250.

A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: Carole J. Gray, Esq. , McNeil, Silveria, Rice & Wiley 55 Professional Center Parkway, Ste. A, San Rafael, CA 94903 415.472.3434. FILED: November 01, 2019, James M. Kim, Court Executive Officer, MARIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT By: K. Yarborough.

Deputy. (Publication Dates: November 20, 27, December 4 of 2019) NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE AND PROBATE: Sonja M. Lind CASE NO.: PR 1904576 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Sonja M. Lind also known as Sonja Lind. A Petition for~Probate~has been filed by: R. Craig Lind, in the Superior Court of California, County of Marin. The Petition for~Probate~requests that: R. Craig Lind, be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate.

The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. Decedent died on 03-11-2019, a resident of The Tamalpais, City of Greenbrae, County of Marin, CA. Decedent was a citizen of a country other than the United States: South Africa. Bond not to be required for the reasons stated in item 3e. The petition

requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 12/16/2019, Time: 9:00 AM, Dept.: J, Address of court: 3501 Civic Center Drive, PO Box 4988, San Rafael, CA 949134988. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California~Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of theCal-

ifornia~Probate~Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in~Probate~Code section 1250.

A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: Carole J. Gray, Esq. , McNeil, Silveria, Rice & Wiley 55 Professional Center Parkway, Ste. A, San Rafael, CA 94903 415.472.3434.

FILED: October 25, 2019, James M. Kim, Court Executive Officer, MARIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT By: K. Yarborough. Deputy.

(Publication Dates: November 20, 27, December 4 of 2019) NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF LILLIAN R. HINDS. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the creditors and contingent beneficiaries of the abovename Trust & Settlor that all persons and entities having claims against the LILLIAN R. HINDS 2014 REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST and decedent, are required to file them with ALEXANDER T. HINDS & SARAH G. MEGENHARDT, P.O. Box 827, Inverness, CA 94937, Co-Trustees of the said Trust dated August 19, 2014, wherein the decedent was

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for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: DIEGO RODRIGO ALONZO KROELL to Proposed Name: DIEGO RODRIGO KROELL 2.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 12/30/2019, Time: 9:00am, Dept: B, Room: B. The address of the court is same as noted above; 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903. 3.a.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the Pacific Sun, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Marin. DATED: NOVEMBER 06, 2019 Andrew E Sweet Judge of the Superior Court James M Kim Court Executive Officer MARIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT By E. Anderson, Deputy (November 13, 20, 27 December 4 as of 2019).

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PublicNotices the settlor, within the later of four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice to creditors (November 20, 2019, or within sixty (60) days after the date of mailing or delivery to you if notice is mailed or personally delivered to you.

For your protection, you are encouraged to file any claim by certified mail, with return receipt requested. Lois A. Prentice, Esq. (SBN 36499) 1301 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 (Tel.) (415) 3321066, Attorney for ALEXANDER T. HINDS & SARAH G. MEGENHARDT, Co-Trustees of the LILLIAN R. HINDS 2014 REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST. (Publication Dates: November 20, 27, December 4 of 2019) NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARILYN SUSAN NELSON CASE NO.: PR 1904203. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Marilyn Susan Nelson.

A Petition for~Probate~has been filed by: Kathy Baldwin, in the Superior Court of California, County of Marin. The Petition for Probate requests that: Kathy Baldwin, be appointed as executor of the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative

to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 1/13/2020, Time: 9:00AM, Dept.: J Room: J, Address of court: 3501 Civic Center Drive, PO Box 4988, San Rafael, CA 949134988. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California~Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of theCalifornia~Probate~Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may

want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in~Probate~Code section 1250.

A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: John Boudett 42719, P.O. Box 188, San Anselmo, CA 94979 415-456-7522.

FILED: November 15, 2019, James M. Kim, Court Executive Officer, MARIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT By. Deputy. (Publication Dates: September (NOVEMBER 27 DECEMBER 4, 11 of 2019) NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE AND PROBATE AND FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADMINISTER UNDER THE INDEPENDENT ADMINSTRATION OF ESTATES ACT: MARY HEROLD CASE NO.: PR-1902810 SECOND AMENDED To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Mary Herold. A Petition for~Probate (Second Amended)~requests that: Douglas Herold, be appointed as administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate

under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

Decedent died on 4-252019, a resident of San Rafael, Marin County CA. $260,500 Bond be fixed. The bond will be furnished by an admitted surety insurer or as otherwise provided by law. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 12/16/2019, Time: 9:00AM, Dept.: J, Address of court: 3501 Civic Center Drive, PO Box 4988, San Rafael, CA 94913-4988. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal rep-

resentative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California~Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of theCalifornia~Probate~Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in~Probate~Code section 1250.

A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Piper Hanson, SBN 297035 Crawford & Hanson Law Offices, LLP, 1750 Francisco Blvd.Pacifica, CA 94044 650-738-0720.

FILED: NOVEMBER 22, 2019, James M. Kim, Court Executive Officer, MARIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT By: C. Lucchesi.

Deputy. (Publication Dates: November 27, December 4, 11 of 2019) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: CIV 1904328 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF MARIN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1. Petitioner (name of each): ROSE MERRY BURILLO, has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names

as follows: Present Name: ROSE MERRY BURILLO to Proposed Name: ROSE MERRY GRANT 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 01/21/2020, Time: 9:00am, Dept: E, Room: E. The address of the court is same as noted above; 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903. 3.a.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the Pacific Sun, a newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Marin. DATED: NOVEMBER 25, 2019 Andrew E Sweet Judge of the Superior Court James M Kim Court Executive Officer MARIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT By E. Anderson, Deputy (December 4, 11, 18, 25 as of 2019).

By Amy Alkon

Q:

I’ve been dating this great woman for three months. She’s just decided she needs to be single right now, despite our forming a strong connection. She explained that she really, really likes me, but she’s never been single for very long and thinks it's best for her at the moment. I can respect that. She also says we can keep sleeping together if I want. I want to, but I’m wondering: Could that ruin our chances of having a real relationship again in the future?—Wanna Play It Smart

A:

People give you a reason for their behavior. It may not be the real reason.

Like, I’d tell somebody, “So sorry … got a work thing!” and not, “I’d shave off my eyebrows to get out of your 8-year-old’s oboe recital.”

There’s a good chance you’ve been demoted from boyfriend to emergency penis. Research by evolutionary psychologist Joshua Duntley suggests we evolved to cultivate backup mates—plan B partners we can pivot to in case a partner ditches us or dies in a freak accident. Many or most of us seem to have a backup mate or two—somebody we flirt with regularly or otherwise set up as our romantic fallback, though we aren’t always consciously aware of it.

Maybe you’re all, “Hey, fine by me if she wants to keep me as her sexual-service department while she’s shopping around.” Maybe you’re hoping she’ll find other dudes lame in comparison. Totally possible. But if what really matters to you is having a relationship with her, all that availability on your part is not a good look.

The problem is “the scarcity principle.” Psychologist Robert Cialdini explains that we value what’s scarce or out of reach, fearing we’ll lose access to it. In fact, the desirability of the very same person or thing often increases or decreases according to shifts in its perceived accessibility.

Once your value is perceived to be low, there might not be much chance of rehabbing it. So it might pay to find other sex partners and give this woman a chance to miss you. It ultimately serves your purpose better than turning yourself into the man version of those freeze-dried food packs sold for earthquake kits: delicious like seasoned particle board but just the thing while you’re waiting for rescue in the remains of your office building with nothing to eat but your arm.

Q:

My boyfriend recently proposed to me. I’ve gotten to thinking that if I’d never worn braces, he wouldn’t have been interested in me. I had a terrible underbite. I always felt very unattractive in regard to my teeth, lip and jaw region until I eventually had this corrected years ago through braces. I constantly have the nagging thought that my boyfriend could do better—that is, find a woman who is more on par with his level of attractiveness. Basically, I feel that my braces led to a form of unnatural beauty, and I don’t deserve him.—Distressed

A:

Though some men are put off by fake breasts, it’s unlikely that anybody will find corrective dental work a form of deception.

Research in “dental anthropology” by Peter Ungar, Rachel Sarig and others suggests the cause of your underbite could be genetic—or it could be environmental (perhaps deficiencies in maternal nutrition during pregnancy).

Sorry. I was hoping for something a little more definitive, too.

Might you and your fiance have a kid with a funky bite? Sure. But unlike in ancestral human societies, we live in a world teeming with orthodontists. Just look for the “STR8TEETH” and “SMILEDOC” plates on cars that cost as much as a small, slightly used private jet.

Allay your fears by being honest: Tell your fiance that you got braces to correct a bad underbite. A dude who’s attracted to the way you look now is unlikely to dump you upon learning about your orthodontic history. A massive crosscultural survey by evolutionary psychologist David Buss finds that men, like women, prioritize kindness and intelligence in a partner. In fact, these are men’s and women’s top asks—and these are things that can’t be engineered with $7K in oral railroad tracks and years spent covering your mouth when you laugh.

Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave. #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email adviceamy@aol.com. @amyalkon on Twitter. Weekly radio show, blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon

Astrology

For the week of December 4

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In composing

this oracle, I have called on the unruly wisdom of Vivienne Westwood. She’s the fashion designer who incorporated the punk esthetic into mainstream styles. Here are four quotes by her that will be especially suitable for your use in the coming weeks. 1.

“I disagree with everything I used to say.” 2. “The only possible effect one can have on the world is through unpopular ideas.” 3. “Intelligence is composed mostly of imagination, insight and things that have nothing to do with reason.” 4. “I’m attracted to people who are really true to themselves and who are always trying to do something that makes their life more interesting.”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “I’m drowning in

the things I never told you.” Famous make-up artist Alexandra Joseph wrote that message to a companion with whom she had a complicated relationship. Are you experiencing a similar sensation, Taurus? If so, I invite you to do something about it! The coming weeks will be a good time to stop drowning. One option is to blurt out to your ally all the feelings and thoughts you’ve been withholding and hiding.

A second option is to divulge just some of the feelings and thoughts you’ve been withholding and hiding—and then monitor the results of your partial revelation. A third option is to analyze why you’ve been withholding and hiding. Is it because your ally hasn’t been receptive, or because you’re afraid of being honest? Here’s what I suggest: Start with the third option, then move on to the second.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’ve got some borderline sentimental poetry to offer you in this horoscope. It may be too mushy for a mentally crisp person like you. You may worry that I’ve fallen under the sway of sappy versions of love rather than the snappy versions I usually favor. But there is a method in my madness: I suspect you need an emotionally suggestive nudge to fully activate your urge to merge; you require a jolt of sweetness to inspire you to go in quest of the love mojo that’s potentially available to you in abundance. So please allow your heart to be moved by the following passage from poet Rabindranath Tagore: “My soul is alight with your infinitude of stars. Your world has broken upon me like a flood. The flowers of your garden blossom in my body.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Try saying this, and notice how it feels: “For the next 17 days, I will make ingenious efforts to interpret my problems as interesting opportunities that offer me the chance to liberate myself from my suffering and transform myself into the person I aspire to become.” Now speak the following words and see what thoughts and sensations get triggered: “For the next 17 days, I will have fun imagining that my so-called flaws are signs of potential strengths and talents that I have not yet developed.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): An interviewer asked

singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen if he needed to feel bothered and agitated in order to stimulate his creativity. Cohen said no. “When I get up in the morning,” he testified, “my real concern is to discover whether I’m in a state of grace.” Surprised, the interviewer asked, “What do you mean by a state of grace?” Cohen described it as a knack for balance that he called on to ride the chaos around him. He knew he couldn’t fix or banish the chaos— and it would be arrogant to try. His state of grace was more like skiing skillfully down a hill, gliding along the contours of unpredictable terrain. I’m telling you about Cohen’s definition, Leo, because I think that’s the state of grace you should cultivate right now. I bet it will stimulate your creativity in ways that surprise and delight you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Poet Juan Felipe Herrera praises the value of making regular efforts to detox our cluttered minds. He says that one of the best methods for accomplishing this cleansing is to daydream. You give yourself permission to indulge in uncensored, unabashed fantasies. You feel no inhibition about envisioning scenes that you may or may not ever carry out in real life. You

By Rob Brezsny

understand that this free-form play of images is a healing joy, a gift you give yourself. It’s a crafty strategy to make sure you’re not hiding any secrets from yourself. Now is a favorable time to practice this art, Virgo.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In accordance with current astrological omens, here’s your meditation, as articulated by the blogger named Riverselkie: “Let your life be guided by the things that produce the purest secret happiness, with no thought to what that may look like from the outside. Feed the absurd whims of your soul and create with no audience in mind but yourself. What is poignant to you is what others will be moved by, too. Embrace what you love about yourself and the right people will come.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “I swear I became

a saint from waiting,” wrote Scorpio-poet Odysseus Elytis in his poem Three Times the Truth. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you may be in a similar situation. And you’ll be wise to welcome the break in the action and abide calmly in the motionless lull. You’ll experiment with the hypothesis that temporary postponement is best not just for you, but for all concerned.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “My greatest asset is that I am constantly changing,” says Sagittarian actress and activist Jane Fonda. This description may not always be applicable to you, but I think it should be during the coming weeks.

You’re primed to thrive on a robust commitment to self-transformation. As you proceed in your holy task, keep in mind this other advice from Fonda. 1.

“One part of wisdom is knowing what you don’t need anymore and letting it go.” 2. “It is never too late to master your weaknesses.” 3. “If you allow yourself, you can become stronger in the very places that you’ve been broken.” 4. “The challenge is not to be perfect. It’s to be whole.” P.S. And what does it mean to be whole? Be respectful toward all your multiple facets, and welcome them into the conversation you have about how to live.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You can’t

escape your past completely. You can’t loosen its hold on you so thoroughly that it will forever allow you to move with limitless freedom into the future. But you definitely have the power to release yourself from at least a part of your past’s grip. And the coming weeks will be an excellent time to do just that: to pay off a portion of your karmic debt and shed worn-out emotional baggage.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian playwright August Strindberg didn’t have much interest in people who “regurgitate what they have learned from books.” He was bored by stories that have been told over and over again; was impatient with propaganda disguised as information and by sentimental platitudes masquerading as sage insights. He craved to hear about the unprecedented secrets of each person’s life: the things they know and feel that no one else knows and feels. He was a student of “the natural history of the human heart.” I bring Strindberg’s perspective to your attention, my dear one-of-akind Aquarius, because now is a perfect time for you to fully embody it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “It’s no fun being

in love with a shadow,” wrote Piscean poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. And yet she indulged profusely in that no-fun activity, and even capitalized on it to create a number of decent, if morose, poems. But in alignment with your astrological omens, Pisces, I’m going to encourage you to fall out of love with shadows. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to channel your passions into solid realities: to focus your ardor and adoration on earthly pleasures and practical concerns and imperfect but interesting people.

Go to realastrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s Expanded Weekly Audio Horoscopes and Daily Text Message Horoscopes. Audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1.877.873.4888.

23 PA CI FI C S U N | D ECEM B ER 4 - 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 | PACI FI CSUN.CO M

Advice Goddess

FREE WILL