Pacific Sun Weekly 12.23.2011 - Section 1

Page 1

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011

MARiN’S BEST EVERY WEEK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

I just want peace — though, someone should declare war on S anta.

[SEE PAGE 27]

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›› LETTERS Rattlin’ Rolfers? Steaming Hot Tubbers? Hammerin’ Humans Potential? Hooray for baseball in San Rafael [“Aaay, Batta Batta!” Nov. 25]. But the Pacifics? Boring. Come on, give us a name we can get behind. How about the Fruit Baskets, or the San Rafael Sommeliers? We like the MuffinTops, the Sand Sharks, the Pipe Dreams or the Mule Deer. The Doulas? The Blue Tick Coon Hounds! Mike Sommers and Megan Oglevie, Mill Valley

We believe in ‘carbon-based-life first’;demand surtax on all silicon products! When I read Marcia Blackman’s letter [“Marinites Need to Stop Satisfying Their Animal Needs!” Dec. 2] I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry at the awful speciesism of her proposal to wallop animal lovers with a 20 percent surtax on all pet products and services. But after reflecting on her view that “anyone spending money on animals should be supporting ‘people first’ and have no objection to paying more to help needy humans,” I decided that laughter was most appropriate, and so I present an even more ridiculous suggestion: Add a 20 percent surtax to all gardening and landscaping products and services. Anyone spending money on flora should be supporting “fauna first” and have no objection to paying more to help needy animals, people included. Bret Morgan, San Anselmo

No wonder that field mouse tasted rubbery... I found the letter from Marcia Blackman to be interesting to say the least—including her comment that “anyone spending money on animals should be supporting ‘people first.’” That, along with her comment, “and this right next door to the pet store at Northgate, selling nothing but pets and products for them.” Apparently Ms. Blackman has not been in the Pet Food Express. They do not sell pets.

›› TOWNSQUARE

TOP POSTINGS THIS WEEK Marin judge strikes down three-drug lethal injection Faye D’Opal says current death penalty regulations not up to snuff... Read the full story here posted Friday, December 1... Fourteen Propaganda Techniques Fox “News” Uses to Brainwash Americans “Fourteen Propaganda Techniques Fox “News” Uses to Brainwash Americans” by: Dr. Cynthia Boaz, Truthout | News Analysis There is nothing more sacred to the maintenance ... ..

Your soapbox is waiting at ›› pacificsun.com

Kathy Anderson, Marin

Conspicuous only in his snottiness We’ve never been called a ‘motherf—ker’ by a founding member of a pioneering rock band before—that’s Jerry Slick, far left, in the Great Society, circa 1966—though the Sons of Champlin once accused us of stealing their cab.

Editor, you are one cynical mother-f--ker. And, therefore, extremely entertaining in your letter retorts. Because your snottiness is so charming, I usually read the letters section first. Does it say something about a paper when the letters-to-the-editor page is the best part? Jerry Slick, Mill Valley

Millennium bugged I enjoyed Howard Rachelson’s recent quiz [Trivia Cafe, Dec. 9] and can say I passed by most grade-school grading standards... though barely. That may give away my age! Suffice to say I do fall in the baby boomer category. If you are one who perhaps savors the past and history quite a bit you might choose the original method of counting years in a

Ordinal numbers were invented by 19th century German egghead Georg Cantor for the purpose of stupefying those of us who can barely understand regular old numbers.

millennium: ordinal. [One of the questions in the quiz was: The 20th century ended on what month, date and year? Answer: Dec. 31, 2000] Perhaps the author of the quiz is such a person. Perhaps it reflects the Pacific Sun editor’s preference for the past, be it the pleasure of reading the funnies on a Sunday morning as a child or reading a good old-fashioned book by the fire. I, for one, am a child of the present and future; though would suppose the author of the quiz to feel much a part of the present too. However, clearly in our definition of what constitutes the millennium we show different leanings to the past or to the future. I lean to the future and all it promises. I count the years in the millennium, the cardinal method. I am a child of the ’60s and ’70s. I relate to the ’80s and the ’90s. There is no room for 2000 in the ’90s. Therefore, I and friends celebrated the millennium Dec. 31, 1999, thru Jan. 1, 2000, in a restaurant and on the streets in downtown San Rafael! Larry Gray, San Anselmo

‘Let your sympathies and compassion be with the underdog in the fight’—Mark Twain I am pleased to see your responses to Craig Whatley and later to Kimberly Clark regarding their attempts to publish their sick jokes in the Pacific Sun [“Gabby Giffords, Helen Keller and Craig Whatley Walk Into a Bar,” Dec. 16]. What you said was eloquent and to the point, but Kimberly still doesn’t “get it.” So please allow me to try: Kimberly maintains that a sick joke is simply a “very human reaction to horrific or troubling situations.” Well, there’s another response that many other people have, and it’s called “compassion.” I’d suggest to Craig and Kimberly that they make some attempt to develop this quality. Sick jokes are indeed a way of distancing yourself from the sufferer—and making a public joke about the sufferer is very much akin to junior high school bullying, which has devastating effects on the bullied kids. It may make the joker feel safe and relieve their tension, but it hurts the target of the joke. People who are disabled, or who are

otherwise perceived as “different,” already suffer from feeling disenfranchised and separate from the rest of “normal” society. I would say to Kimberly, “Grow up and take responsibility for the consequences of your actions—develop some real heart.” I’d just like to add a postscript to Kimberly: Making a weaker, disabled person the butt of a joke so that you can feel better (less scared, safer) is not OK. It is not OK to hurt someone so that you will feel momentarily better. It’s a shame your parents didn’t teach you that, but it’s not too late to learn it. And to Jason, the editor: I’m making such a big deal out of this because bullying and lack of empathy for others is so rampant in this world and has such deleterious effects. Judy Aizuss, Fairfax

›› Oops! In our recent cover story [“Aaay, Batta Batta!,” Nov. 25] on the proposal to bring a minor league baseball team to play its home games at Albert Park in San Rafael we whiffed a quote from former San Rafael City Councilman Greg Brockbank, who voted to approve the use of the field for the franchise that would become the Pacifics. When reasoning why he thought approval of minor league ball at the field didn’t require an environmental impact report, we fouled a statement he made about the number of night games the Gerstle Park neighborhood would have to endure during a season. In Greg’s words: “I was quoted as saying that there would be no night games, when in fact I said that there would be no additional night games, since there have in fact been baseball games of one sort or another virtually every night for the entire six months of warm weather for years (decades?) now, so the minor league baseball proposal would not result in any additional games at the park. Thanks for letting me clarify that, because some people commented that they thought I must have been an idiot not to have known that the vast majority of the new team’s game would in fact be played at night.” Greg Brockbank, former San Rafael City Councilmember

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011 PACIFIC SUN 7

›› UPFRONT

This little plaza’s got a market... Marinwood realizes long-held dream—groceries! by Pe te r Se i d m an

T

here’s new life in Marinwood Plaza—in more ways than one. A 1-month-old baby who sometimes sits on the checkout counter of the new Marinwood Market symbolizes the rebirth of a community that had been without a grocery outlet since Bell Market closed in 2006. The baby’s mother, Kara Atkinson, operates the new Marinwood Market with Jeanne Fitzgerald, her mother, and Billy, her husband. The three generations are bringing new vitality to a plaza that had fallen into disrepair and become the focus of a debate over redevelopment and affordable housing. At one time, Marinwood Plaza was home to Chuck E. Cheese, a video store, a dry cleaners and a liquor store. Before Marinwood Market opened a few months ago, only Savemor Discount Liquors remained. Community leaders and residents hope Marinwood Market, which opened in October and is quickly gaining steam in the neighborhood, marks the start of a new chapter that will eventually result in new retail outlets in the plaza and an attractive housing component that can ensure the vitality of the retail outlets and at the same time add badly needed affordable residen-

tial real estate to the area. In addition to an infant at the market’s checkout counter, another sign of life could come by the end of the year in the form of a purchase proposal for the plaza from Bridge Housing. “We’re in the final strokes of signing a purchase and sale agreement,” says Cynthia Parker, president and CEO at Bridge. “Hopefully that will happen before the end of the year.” If it does, it will reactivate a progressive development proposal. Whether Hoytt Enterprises, which owns the plaza, will agree to terms in the Bridge sales agreement is a question a company spokesman will not answer, except to say the company is looking at its options. But Parker thinks it can happen. Lee Hoytt, Gerald Hoytt’s son, told the Sun that Bridge is one of “a few parties” the firm is negotiating with to redevelop the plaza. “At this time, we are not really in a place to name names.” But Parker was not nearly so reticent; she sounded somewhat optimistic, which may cheer locals who have long wanted to see the property improved and transformed into a Marinwood Village. As a young developer, Gerald “Jerry” Hoytt built some of the first houses in Marinwood in the 1950s, when suburban growth was ascendant and families 10 >

›› NEWSGRAMS

by Jason Walsh

Realtors oppose SmartMeter opt-out fees As energy users await word from the California Public Utilities Commission as to how it will regulate Pacific Gas and Electric’s installation of wireless SmartMeters, the Marin Association of Realtors is lobbying the CPUC for consumer protections. According to a press release issued Dec. 21, the 1,400-member Realtor association is calling on the commission to allow consumers to keep their analog mechanical meters without having to pay additional fees. The Realtors’outreach to the commission follows a Dec. 19 statement from PG&E officials suggesting that any ruling from the CPUC that includes an“opt-out”from the SmartMeter program should also ask analog users to“pay an initial fee and some reasonable monthly charge to cover the costs of manual meter reading and other associated operational and billing issues.” Last March, PG&E unveiled what it considered at the time to be“reasonable”fees for customers opting out: For between $135 and $270 the utility will disconnect the wireless part of the meter; for between $14 and $20 per month a technician will come out to read the meter, as they’ve done for decades. SmartMeters employ radio-frequency technology that monitors household usage digitally and sends the information to PG&E. Critics have said people shouldn’t be forced into being exposed to the low-level radiation emitted by the meters; they’ve also questioned the possibility of improper use of the information collected by PG&E—a charge that gained credence in 2010 when PG&E officials were caught spying on anti-SmartMeter Internet chatrooms and disguising their identities to gain information about SmartMeter protests. But MAR president Mary Kay Yamamoto says property owners should neither be forced to have the new meters nor be required to pay additional fees in order to keep their analog meter status quo. “The new devices have raised a variety of concerns in the minds of the public,”says Yamamoto. “The commission should do the right thing and not make it more expensive for people to keep the older traditional equipment that is already in place.” Hunting store for sale! Marinites are going to have to get their waders, Capercaillie calls and“green weenies”somewhere else—Western Sport Shop in San Rafael is closing its doors. The hunting, fishing and outdoorsmen warehouse at 902 Third St. will lock up shop at the end of January, its owners say.Western Sport Shop has been owned the past quarter-century by Kentfield residents James M. Edgar and family. “The Edgars have decided to retire from the sporting goods business,”they announced this week in a statement sent from Jim Edgar. The shop, which was first opened by Gene Thompson in 1947, is the only specialty retailer of fishing, hunting and fly-fishing equipment along the Highway 101 corridor, according to the Edgars, who are hoping a new owner surfaces to carry on the Western tradition. With its unique niche in the Marin sporting-goods market,Western Sport Shop over 10 >

8 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 29, 2011

FRIDAY, DEC. 23 Olive, the Other Reindeer A dog is convinced she can pass as a reindeer and join Santa’s sleigh team. Our dog is convinced he can pass as a human and drive a car but he keeps getting carded every time we send him to the store. CW. 8pm.

The ‘family’ members gather around for a session of their sinister ‘game,’ Saturday, 6pm.

Shrek the Halls An ogre at Christmas? That’s why we stopped spiking the eggnog when our brother-in-law visits. ABC. 8pm. A Christmas Carol On Christmas Eve, a finance professional is visited by the Ghost of Subprime Loans Past, the Ghost of Foreclosures Present and the Ghost of Occupy Drum Circles Yet to Come. (1999) TNT. 9pm.

SUNDAY, DEC. 25 Teen Mom 2 You can smell it up with frankincense but it’s still a manger. MTV. 8pm. The 12 Men of Christmas The men of a Montana search-and-rescue team are persuaded to pose nude in a calendar to raise money for charity.This is a popular fundraising model but we always wonder how much grief they give the guy chosen for February, the shortest month. (2009) Lifetime. 8pm. Zack and Miri Make a Porno Something to do with that video camera you got this morning for Christmas! (2008) Comedy Central. 10pm. MONDAY, DEC. 26 Richie Rich A child of rich parents struggles to come to terms with wealth and privilege and make sense of a

life in which every door is open to him, and his family’s influence colors his every effort. Also released as “The Mitt Romney Campaign.” (1994) ABC Family. 6pm. Gift of the Magi A pair of young lovers each sacrifices a precious possession in order to buy a gift for the other, only to learn that the gift is useless.Then they go on Maury Povich. (2010) Hallmark. 6pm. Late Show with David Letterman Occasionally, Katie Holmes is allowed to leave the compound. CBS. 11:35pm.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27 Best in the Business A new show pits people in different professions against each other to see who is the best at their job.Tonight’s show features grocery bagging, rumored to be an Olympic sport in 2016. Discovery Channel. 8pm. Serial Mom Can having your mom be a serial killer be any more embarrassing than having your mom wear sweatpants to the grocery store? (1994) LOGO. 8pm.

›› TRiViA CAFÉ

by Howard Rachelson

1. East Marin Island and West Marin Island form the Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge, situated in the bay closest to what city in Marin County? 2. Pictured, below left: Which Charles Dickens work featured the mean-spirited and miserly character named Ebenezer Scrooge? 3. Can you identify two large extinct elephants whose names begin with the letter M? 4. In what year (ending with “0”) was the District of Columbia established as the seat of the United States government? 5. The Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock played in the 2007 finals of what women’s professional sport? 6. The largest city of what African nation is Dar es Salaam, which means “house of peace” in Arabic? 7. Pictured, below middle: In 1989, Oliver Stone directed a film about Marine Ron Kovic, who came back from Vietnam a quadriplegic. Name the movie title and the actor who played the lead role. 8. Which competitive modern sport traces its roots to the English game shinny, the Irish game hurley and the Scottish game shinty? 9. What is the area of a circle whose circumference is 16pi? 10. Pictured, below right: What former comedian and current U.S. senator wrote the book Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot? BONUS QUESTION: What single city contains about 20 percent of the residents of its entire continent?

Not exactly the marketing campaign we expected... Thursday at 8.

Glee A crisis inspires an intense theological decision. It turns out the Glee Club God is a kind and benevolent god, but the cool gods won’t hang out with him. Fox. 8pm.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 He’s Just Not That Into You Another Mitt Romney-inspired film. (2009) USA Network. 5:30pm. Hostel Part II You’d think after the first movie, the reviews on the slaughterhouse hostel would have made it into Lonely Planet. (2007) IFC. 7:15pm. Extreme Cheapskates These are people who live very frugally, not your boyfriend who got you the toaster oven for Christmas. TLC. 9pm. THURSDAY, DEC. 29 Cheaper by the Dozen Condoms are cheaper by the dozen too. (2003) ABC Family. 6:30pm. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown At this point in the holiday cycle, we’re ready for “Give it a rest, Charlie Brown.” ABC. 8pm. < Critique That TV Guy at letters@pacificsun.com.

Turn on more TV Guy at ›› pacificsun.com

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Howard Rachelson welcomes your questions (we’ll give you credit) and invites you to live team trivia contests at the Broken Drum in San Rafael on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Contact him at howard1@triviacafe.com.

VSince Deborah moved to Novato, she has enjoyed seeing a dapperly dressed gentleman walking along South Novato Boulevard most mornings at around 8am. It’s not just his fine attire that catches her eye; the man gives a big smile and a wave to each car driving by. Last week, Deborah finally stopped to talk to this delightful man. Smiling, he introduced himself as Z, explaining that for the past five years, he’s walked three to four miles a day, greeting people and spreading his blessings. Deborah’s heart lifts every time she sees Z, leading her to believe that one person can make a difference. We offer Z a smile, a wave and a warm thank you for being a Hero to the travelers on South Novato Boulevard.

10 Answers on page 30

WUnfortunately, there’s been a rash of crime in Marin City. With less than a week until Santa arrives, we were hoping the Zeros would take a holiday. But no. At least one Zero ransacked the Child Development Center in Marin City last weekend, stealing wrapped toys and gifts intended for needy children in the local community. Families from a Tiburon church donated the presents, hoping to bring smiles to the faces of the children. Instead, the Zero(s) reached a new low, pilfering from little ones who might still believe in Santa Claus. The Marin County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating the incident. If you have information, please call 415/499-7233. Boy, when they catch this Zero, it’s the one jury we’d love to serve on.—Nikki Silverstein

ZERO

SATURDAY, DEC. 24 The Sound of Music An authoritarian nanny takes charge of an Austrian baron’s children, indoctrinating them with a series of cult-like characterbuilding exercises. (1965) ABC. 6pm. Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure The lovable St. Bernard battles crooks to retrieve Santa’s magic toy sack.Then he humps it. (2011) Disney Channel. 6:20pm. It’s A Wonderful Life We’re waiting for the update, in which Mr. Potter gets prosecuted under the Dodd-Frank reforms but manages to turn the townsfolk against George Bailey by sponsoring a Tea Party rally. (1946) NBC. 8pm. A Christmas Story If the kid wanted a BB gun he should have just called an NRA lawyer. (1983) TBS. 8pm.

by Rick Polito

HERO

›› THAT TV GUY

Got a Hero or a Zero? Please send submissions to e-mail nikki_silverstein@yahoo.com. Toss roses, hurl stones with more Heroes and Zeros at ›› pacificsun.com DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011 PACIFIC SUN 9

< 8 Newsgrams

the years became a gathering place for local hunters and anglers to meet, share photos and tell their Big Fish tales. The shop has sponsored sports seminars, fly-fishing fairs, deepsea fishing trips and has taught classes on fly-fishing, fly-tying and duck calling. Anyone looking to buy a shop catering to outdoors endeavors, email westsprt@aol.com.

Warren Hellman, 1934 - 2011 Bluegrass-lovin’ gazillionaire Warren Hellman died Dec. 18 at age 77. The San Francisco philanthropist—and Marin weekender at his bucolic spread in Bolinas—built his private fortune in financial circles, but built his public reputation as founder of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival—the annual three-day free music fest in Golden Gate Park that Hellman launched in 2001 and has been known to draw as many as a halfmillion attendees a year. According to a statement from his family at www.strictlybluegrass.com, he died following a year-long fight with leukemia. Hellman was born in New York City in 1934 and grew up in Vacaville and San Francisco. He had a financial pedigree from the start—his Germanimmigrant great grandfather Isais W. Hellman was the president of Wells Fargo Nevada National Bank. Hellman graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco and went on to earn degrees from UC Berkeley and Harvard Business School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. In 1959 he joined Lehman Brothers and went on, at age 26, to become the youngest partner in the firm’s history. In 1984, Hellman founded Hellman & Friedman, with Tully Friedman, and built it into one of the financial industry’s leading equity firms. Hellman used the fortune he’d amassed to flame his passions—he opened a school near Sugar Bowl, so his children could attend class and learn to ski in the winter months— and his support of such institutions as the San Francisco Foundation, St. Anthony’s Foundation, Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Free Clinic was renowned. His love of bluegrass stretched beyond Hardly Strictly; later in life he became an accomplished 5-string banjo picker and toured with his band, the Wronglers. In a message attributed to Hellman’s four children, the family described him as “truly a Renaissance man.” But they say it was his humor that impressed them most. “He had the deepest repertoire of mildly inappropriate jokes of anyone we ever met, wrote some truly humorous bluegrass songs, and once made [daughter] Frances laugh until milk came out her nose.You could always crack him up with a Monty Python line (‘NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition’).Towards the end of his illness he began introducing himself to strangers as ‘Luke ... Luke Emia’ and referring to his chemo medicine as ‘Retuxif**k.’” According to his family, Hellman’s wife of 56 years, Chris, is battling Alzheimer’s disease. “When she was diagnosed, he was devastated,” the statement continues.“In his usual problem-solving manner he was determined to help her deal with her disease in the most caring way, and he was inspired to support research to spare others from the ravages of this terrible disease.” In a 2007 interview with Pacific Sun writer Jill Kramer, Hellman explained his thoughts on wealth and one’s obligations toward philanthropy. “Basically, being born with a silver spoon in your mouth is wonderful, but don’t exploit it. Our community gave us everything. If I.W. [Hellman] had stayed in Germany, we probably would have ended up being gassed, or worse.We’ve just been so lucky. I think we have a real obligation to give to society and we’ve been amazingly lucky that society hasn’t taken from usthere haven’t been pogroms in California. And, at the end of the day, you’re just another human being.You’re not better than anybody else. So you have an obligation to help all the people that are less fortunate, many of whom have helped you.That’s a really crappy answer, but that’s how I feel.” The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the San Francisco Free Clinic (sffc.org ),The Bay Citizen (baycitizen.org ) and the San Francisco School Alliance (sfschoolalliance.org ). A memorial service was held Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, and will be followed in a few weeks by a community celebration of Warren Hellman’s life. How’s your breaking ball, Marin? In a county known for its ability to go opposite field, there’s no better time to toss one ‘round the horn and find some scrappy ball players. The San Rafael Pacifics baseball club has scheduled its first open tryout for 8am on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Sonoma State University baseball field in Rohnert Park. Pacifics officials are inviting “all accomplished players” to try out for the team—though they “strongly suggest” professional or college experience as a minimum requirement. The team had hoped to keep the tryout closer to home, but, say team officials,“given the time of the year, the number field closures, the demand for the few that are open, no [local fields] were available.” The city of San Rafael approved the use of Albert Park for the Pacifics’ home games— though it remains to be seen how a lawsuit filed by a neighborhood group will play out; Gerstle Park residents are asking that an environmental impact report be conducted on the effects of noise and traffic from bigger-time ball at Albert Field. For those interested

10 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 29, 2011

< 8 This little plaza’s got a market

fied the area as suitable for a new housing were leaving cities for greener lawns. That overlay designation, which set a target of making up to half the units built qualify as exodus included a middle-class flight affordable. Marinwood is particularly apfrom San Francisco to Marin and Marinpropriate for affordable units because it’s wood. Marinwood Plaza, at the corner near the freeway and public transportaof Miller Creek Road and Marinwood tion, and a revamped plaza would put the Avenue, served as a small focal point for housing units near shopping. neighbors in this community on the west It seems to be a natural transit-orientside of Highway 101 between Terra Linda ed development. But as with many such and Novato. Over time the plaza went into decline, development proposals in Marin, the and starting in 2004, local residents began conceptual plan ran into criticism aimed working on a landmark cooperative ef- at the number of homes—and the traffic fort with Hoytt and the county to deter- new residents would create. This process mine the best route to rehabilitation. To helped to slow the forward momentum of Hoytt’s credit, he reached out to the com- the Marinwood plan. At first the number of homes ranged munity to fashion a from 100 to 125. front-loaded planLocal residents ning process for wanted somethe property. If the thing closer to community would 70 units. support a redevelThe backopment plan very and-forth of early in the prothe community cess, and the county consensus conwould ease the way cept proceeded for construction with the owner, (Marinwood is una developer, the incorporated), sellcounty and the ing the property neighbors— would be much eas- Marinwood residents haven’t had this good a reason to visit the and then came ier for Hoytt. The plaza since Chuck E. Cheese closed his pizza-time theater. the economic process also would collapse in 2008. help ease the way for a smooth planning process because Making matters worse, the now-closed neighborhood stakeholders would already cleaners on the plaza site had left a plume of pollution that complicated develophave thrown in their support. ment proposals. Hoytt Enterprises needed That kind of front-loaded planning to clean it up and arrange for monitoring. process had never been successfully comAt issue is who will accept responsibility pleted in Marin, where redevelopment when Hoytt sells the property. That issue projects have landed on city and county still exists, but Lee Hoytt as well as Parker planners’ desks for decisions before at Bridge Housing both said last week it’s neighbors had a chance to participate in not an insurmountable problem. early planning phases. The idea to develIn responding to community concern op a community consensus before enterabout the number of new homes in the ing the formal planning stage was aimed redevelopment plan, the number came at forestalling the kind of community down to around 75. Parker says the Bridge revolt that occurred in Novato, where proposal is in the 70 to 80 range. The neighbors said they had not realized the county still is firm in its commitment full consequences of a proposal for a new to guide a development plan that would Whole Foods. Mill Valley residents were make up to half of those homes affordable similarly shocked when they realized the to low- and moderate-income residents. town was embarking on a major renovaThe county already has a housing policy tion of Miller Avenue. Despite numerous that mandates 20 percent of the homes public meetings in both towns, residents must be affordable to low-and very-low said they had been unaware of planning income residents. The housing overlay strategies, details and consequences. designation could add additional homes Supervisor Susan Adams played a key affordable to moderate-income residents. role in creating the community consensus Bill Hansell, a Marinwood resident, strategy in Marinwood, where she lives. architect and member of the Marinwood A local task force, the Marinwood VilCommunity Services District board, has lage Collaborative, formed and early on been around for the Marinwood Plaza included numerous individuals from the long haul, and is not as sanguine as neighborhood, organizations and county Parker, although as of last week he was government representatives. The collabunaware of the details of negotiations orative, Hoytt and the county worked and reworked redevelopment proposals. In the between Bridge and Hoytt Enterprises. “I was involved with one of the developers. fall of 2006, county supervisors endorsed a proposal for a grocery store, ancillary re- The trouble seems to be that every time there is a potential developer, whether it’s tail, a community plaza and a redesign of Marinwood Avenue; the plan also included a profit or a nonprofit, they can’t seem to come to an agreement with Hoytt. There’s a housing component. The county identi-

been enough people that have come to the table that I can’t put the blame on all of those people.” Parker has a much brighter take on the prospects of the Bridge proposal. She says that in addition to the housing component, Bridge also will develop “neighborhood-serving retail in addition to the Marinwood Market.” Bridge owns and manages retail outlets in other properties in the Bay Area. The mixed-use concept is part of forward thinking “place-based development” that creates opportunities for new businesses and provides them with the customers who live in a residential component. Existing neighbors also benefit. When the community consensus process started, a common refrain in Marinwood was a simple declarative: “We just want our market.” After the economic collapse, virtually everyone agreed that breaking the conceptual plan into phases made sense. And because community acceptance would come easier with a market, everyone decided to proceed with a plan that led to the opening of Marinwood Market in a first phase. In what amounts to a kind of test case, Gerald Hoytt cut a deal to bring a farmers market to Marinwood. The community’s acceptance made a big impression before he contacted Fitzgerald and the Atkinsons, who had lost their lease at the Boardwalk Market in Tiburon. Fitzgerald had that market for 25 years, and prior to that she had a market in Berkeley. Kara and Billy Atkinson met at the Boardwalk Market 16 years ago. “I’ve been in the grocery business in one way or another since I was 3,” says Kara. “And now we have our daughter, and she’s here with us sometimes.” Fitzgerald and her family had a few years left on their lease when they learned the Tiburon landlord wouldn’t renew when the lease was up. Those few years were coming to a close when last year, Kara says, “I remembered about Marinwood wanting a market. Mom said I should try to find out who the landlord was and get some information.” Kara agreed, and went to lunch. “Then, the phone rang, and it was Jerry Hoytt. My mom looked at me and asked if I had called. I said no.” The way Hoytt reached out was reminiscent of his interest in the community

consensus concept he embraced early in the process. Despite some harsh criticism aimed at him for letting his property decline, Hoytt deserves credit for the accomplishments that led to the farmers market and the Marinwood Market, says Adams. If Hoytt can come to terms with Bridge, he just may become the belated hero. “We’ve made some really good progress,” says Adams. “He should be given credit for what he has been able to bring to the community. I couldn’t have done this, nor could the community members have done it, without him agreeing to it.” Adams helped guide the Marinwood Market proposal through the county planning gauntlet, which Kara says actually wasn’t that grueling. “I helped facilitate the process in terms of the permitting pieces to make sure that things weren’t getting stuck in the bureaucracy,” says Adams. “They had to comply with every permitting aspect, but sometimes things sit on desks for a period of time.” The market adds a renewed focal point for the community, say residents. “I go there two or three times a week. I see people, and I wave,” says Bruce Anderson. He serves on the Marinwood Community Services District board and is vice president of the Marinwood Association, a neighborhood group. “Supervisor Adams should get a lot of credit for the [collaborative process]. The result is that we have a great community [grocery] market.” And there’s also the farmers market, which, says Adams, “brings the place alive. There are ponies and bounce houses and music and crafts and locally grown food. It’s been a really nice community gathering space.” And that’s just the kind of feel Fitzgerald, her daughter and son-in-law are after at Marinwood Market. They’ve been listening to suggestions and fine tuning their offerings as they become rooted in the community with their full-service grocery store. Kara says they’ll be premier sponsors of the services district. And having tables and chairs inside the market is a nice touch for local students who come in after school for sushi and snacks. < Contact the writer at peter@pseidman.com.

Donate Your Auto

in trying out, here’s what the Pacifics say:“Check-in begins at 7am and the tryout begins promptly at 8am. All players will be required to sign a waiver on the day of the tryout prior to being assigned an official tryout number. Proper baseball attire is required.” To register in advance, call the Pacifics at 415/485-1563, email info@pacificsbaseball.com or visit www. PacificsBaseball.com.The registration fee is $100 for players who sign up in advance, or $150 for walk-ups.Through December, players can also register at the Pacifics kiosk at Northgate Mall in San Rafael. Sonoma State University is located at 1801 East Cotati Ave. in Rohnert Park.

Fair Housing of Marin helps family settle discrimination suit Fair Housing of Marin last week settled a discrimination lawsuit on behalf of a family of six to the tune of $49,000. According to Fair Housing officials, the settlement came in the wake of alleged“familial status discrimination”from Sebastopol home-rental agency Kelley Rentals that took place nearly two year ago. Rental agency owner Bill Kelley, however, says he was“stunned”by the allegation and says his business“rents to families all the time.” “I have no idea why the insurance company settled [the suit],”Kelley says.“It was pretty clear [from what was presented during mediation] that there was no discrimination. Apparently the insurance companies are more apt to pay these things off to make them go away. ”The case dates back to the spring of 2010 when a Sonoma County family, the Hernandezes, say they called Kelley Rentals to inquire about renting a four-bedroom, single-family Santa Rosa home advertised on Craigslist. According to Ms. Hernandez, the agent asked whether children would be living in the house.When the mother of two said yes, the agent allegedly said that the property owner did not want children living on the property because, according to Fair Housing officials,“he did not think the house was safe for families with children.” When the Hernandez family contacted Fair Housing Marin about such statements, the San Rafael housing-equality nonprofit says it conducted a pair of“test”rental inquiries to see if the agency was discouraging families with children from renting the property. According to Fair Housing officials, the“results showed clear evidence of discrimination.” “The rental agent told the tester with a child that the property was unsafe for children, and that she would have to check with the owner before she could accept an application,”says a press statement issued Tuesday by Fair Housing. The release goes on to say that the agent also told the caller that the frontage road was very busy and failed to return their phone calls. “In stark contrast,”say Fair Housing officials,“the tester without a child was told the home had a quieter back entrance, and was not informed of any limitations on his ability to rent.” The Hernandez family and Fair Housing subsequently filed a federal lawsuit alleging“familial status discrimination,”a violation of the Fair Housing Amendments Act. Kelley, however, says“it’s a shame the whole thing got blown out of proportion.”He says the house in question was on a busy four-lane boulevard and that there were some off-hand comments by a volunteer staff member that a family with young children should evaluate the street before considering renting at that location. He says the caller, presumably Ms. Hernandez, seemed interested in the rental, but never filed an application on it. Adds Kelley:“In the meantime, the house was rented to a family!” The settlement was reached with both Kelley Rentals and the owners of the property in question, and included $49,000 in payment to the plaintiffs. Fair Housing executive director Nancy Kenyon says she’s“proud”of the Hernandezes for“taking a stand on behalf of all families.” “It is hard enough to find housing in the North Bay,”says Kenyon.“Discrimination can cut the number of units available to families dramatically.” But Kelley, who says he’s always tried to follow federal housing law and has even attended Fair Housing of Marin workshops in the past, remains disappointed by the“tactics”of the San Rafael housing advocates. “It seems to be sue first and ask questions later,”says Kelley.“I would rather have been an advocate for Fair Housing [of Marin], but instead they made us an adversary.”

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›› FEATURE

Nevada the horse keeps her composure, while the rest of the crew gets caught up in all the glitz of a West Marin film shoot.

“Q

uiet on the set! ... Action!” It was the first thing we heard and it was so exciting—for some reason it was a surprise to realize moviemakers actually use those familiar phrases. Of course, over the next few weeks I would get annoyed hearing it because it meant we had to stop talking. And on a movie set it turns out there is a lot of standing around and waiting and all there is to do is talk. Erin Ellis and I were on our first movie set because a few years ago, Erin took Britta Sjogren and a friend out for a horseback ride. Erin owns Triple Creek Horse Outfit, and takes people on horseback tours in Sonoma Valley at Kunde Family Winery. Sjogren is a filmmaker and cinema professor at San Francisco State and for years has been working on a story that uses horses. She and Erin became friends, and when the financing for her modern Western,

12 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011

Beyond Redemption, finally came together Sjogren asked Erin to cast the part of “Searcher”—a horse ridden by a tough John Wayne-type character who happens to be a black woman. That character was to be played by Lisa Gay Hamilton, an actress with a long, impressive resume, including roles in Beloved and Sex and the City. Other actors on the project were Lily Rabe (daughter of Jill Clayburgh and playwright David Rabe), Jake Weber (the husband in the TV series Medium and a man with an interesting Rolling Stones background—go ahead and Google it) and Hamish Linklater (New Adventures of Old Christine). The filming of the “Searcher” scenes took place at the Stubbs Ranch, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous estate near Marshall, in West Marin. The changeable and dramatic scenery would turn out to be a major “character” in the film. But, of course, the casting of “Search-

er” was all-important. Erin had the perfect horse. Tug is a big, red, muscled, powerful, masculine horse with a broad white blaze and long, thick mane and tail. Tug is also something of a cream puff, and Erin knew, like most horses, he would be upset if left by himself. He would need another horse to keep him company, so she chose Nevada, a short, round, flea-bitten gray Arabian mare. Tug clearly adores Nevada. She is indifferent to him, preferring to spend her energy looking for something to eat. She is also a prima donna, and would have been upset if she understood that we referred to her as the “entourage horse,” but that was her role. Of course, someone would have to handle Nevada on the set, and since Erin and I have worked together for more than a dozen years, she asked me to be the human hitching post. I was thrilled. My job, to hold onto Nevada and stay

out of frame, brought back a rush of memories from 1976, when, as a student, I had a fleeting job working for film director Mike Nichols at his Connecticut horse farm. Nichols held a big, fancy auction for his Arabian horses, an auction covered by the New York Times and People magazine and TV and film crews and sprinkled with celebrities such as Candice Bergen and Art Garfunkel. My job was to hold horses— mostly gray Arabians—off stage, to try to be a calm and unobtrusive presence while lights and noise and microphones and un-horsey people swirled about. (It occurred to me on the movie shoot this summer that my life has not progressed very much.) Way back then one of my responsibilities was also to pick up horse manure. Immediately. (One of my fondest memories is looking up and seeing Jackie Onassis standing in a spot where moments before I

one trick

pony Movie career as a human hitching post isn’t as glamorous as it sounds... by Julie Vader

had swept in and ping/falling/being removed a fresh, pushed in the stuff. steaming pile; I Westerns are unrefelt great pride of alistically manureworkmanship.) free. But before reOn the Beyond moving it, I studied Redemption shoot the pile so it could I also picked up a be reconstructed if lot of Tug and Nenecessary. vada’s byproducts; O O O O the Stubbs place SCENES AT THE did not have horses hitching post were and we wanted to relatively easy. keep everything as The first day’s clean as possible. business was just But as I approached Hamilton coming a pile at “Searchout to groom and er’s” hitching post I feed “Searcher.” stopped. Of course Of course, they do that would be this over and over, here, in the natural take after take, so course of events. Tug got to eat and Maybe it should be eat. He loved it, but left alone, for realism’s sake. But I Jackie O never knew how close she came to landing herself in Nevada, who had to some deep doo doo. stand close by and didn’t want to bug watch and be quiet, the director with such a question. I tried to think through was annoyed to no end. The first big riding scene was the chalclassic Westerns—was there ever poo in a John Ford scene? I couldn’t remember a lenge. Tug and Hamilton were to ride out drama where horse droppings appeared un- on a beautiful gold grassy hilltop, small less it was part of a gag—a character step- figures against a big West Marin landscape.

Erin rode Tug on the proposed route while the crew set up the camera and everything seemed fine. But it is hard for a horse that is used to being with others to go off on his own. And Hamilton was not a particularly experienced rider. On the Triple Creek tours in Sonoma, it is not uncommon for some customers to assert that they are expert on a horse—a notion they quickly contradict by wearing flip-flops, attempting to get up on the wrong side of the horse, putting the wrong foot in the stirrup, holding onto the horn with white-knuckle intensity, etc. Even if these “experts” wear the right clothes and do the right things their uncertain balance and tense expression give them away. Riding ability is a very difficult thing to fake. But Hamilton was a superlative actor in this too. Athletic, with good balance, she projected an air of utter confidence and competence. She could have fooled anyone. Except, apparently, Tug. It started out well. Horse and rider walked away from the camera up the hill and rode across the blowing grass. They were out about 100 yards when Tug, for some reason that will forever remain a mystery, ducked his head, veered to the side and kicked up his back legs. Hamilton went flying. Members of the crew rushed toward Hamilton while Erin and I (drag-

ging a reluctant Nevada, who wanted to remain right where she was and felt no sense of urgency, thank you very much) hurried to collect the bad actor. Erin could picture her prize horse galloping free, heading to Point Reyes, but Tug was nonchalantly wandering around. During the whole thing he never broke into a trot. The minutes before everyone regrouped were tense. When Hamilton came back to the crew (she was bruised but otherwise unhurt) Erin asked, “What happened?” “He bucked!” Hamilton said. And then she said something that made me a fan for life. “There’s one for the blooper reel.” Although it is a rare event, over the years Erin and I have seen a few people come off horses, and their reactions vary in degrees of unpleasantness. But Hamilton had the best attitude ever. As the cliche goes, she got right back on the horse, finished the shot. Remarkably, the next bit to be filmed was a complicated scene where horse and rider come upon an intruder and give chase. Hamilton had to shout lines, pretend to fire a gun and boot “Searcher” from a walk to a gallop all at the same time. And Hamilton and Tug both performed beautifully. (Before the scene Erin rode Tug over and over the ground, learning his “lines” and tiring him a bit. We figured that a fit, well-rested 14> DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011 PACIFIC SUN 13

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< 13 One trick pony horse that had been fed a bunch of grain was a problem—he was, literally, feeling his oats.)

O O O O

THE FILMING OF the multiple angles of this scene gave the rest of the crew plenty of opportunity for chatting between “Quiet on the setâ€? commands. The woman who was there from the American Humane Association’s ďŹ lm division to monitor the shoot had years of experience on ďŹ lm and TV sets, and we kept pumping her for stories. She talked about CSI shoots where the insects and worms on decaying bodies are gently vacuumed up so they aren’t harmed, and how “maggot wranglerâ€? is an actual job title. She was a horsewoman and said monitoring horse scenes tends to be stressful; old cowboys who handle Hollywood horses are apparently a bit gruff and cavalier at times about what they ask the horses to do. (Things have improved, of course—the AHA was formed in 1940 in response to outcry over the 1939 movie Jesse James, where a horse was blindfolded and sent over a cliff to its death.) But she was impressed with the appearance of Erin’s horses, and was surprised that they are part of a dude string at a rental outďŹ t. And the Beyond Redemption crew went out of their way to make sure Tug and Nevada had water and shade available at all times. I asked her about War Horse—the trailer for that movie showed bloodied horses running through a battleďŹ eld with explosions all around. She shuddered, said a friend of hers had to work on that set. “The problem,â€? she said, “is that to the animal it is all real.â€? But huge budgets beneďŹ t animals, too, and not just with postproduction computer-generated effects. For the War Horse scenes when the “starâ€? is stuck in a ditch they used an elaborate horse puppet. (And the movie earned the

all-important “No animals were harmed...â€? AHA stamp of approval.) Turns out we could have used Steven Spielberg’s hugely expensive faux horse for Tug’s next scene. It was a simple shot, showing the ranch at night, and “Searcherâ€? was to be standing peacefully at his (clean) hitching post, dozing. But a gel ďŹ lter only partially attached to a light started apping and crackling in the wind, one of the more terrifying things a horse has ever encountered, and Tug never did relax. His head was up, he constantly moved around and rolled his eyes. Instead of a “Goodnight Moonâ€? kind of feeling it was more like the Jurassic Park goat tethered out as dinner for the Tyrannosaurus rex. Erin and I were happy when we could ďŹ nally wrap it up and head home.

O O O O

THE REST OF the shoot was not so eventful as that day. There were more horse scenes and a lot more waiting around. Erin’s husband and daughter were the human hitching post on other days, and Erin did stunt work, ďŹ lling in for both Hamilton and Rabe. Now the hardest waiting takes place: We can’t wait to see the ďŹ lm. But it will take months of editing and post-production work, and Sjogren expects it will be late spring before Beyond Redemption is ready. In October there was a big-deal, topsecret celebrity wedding at Kunde Winery, and there was special security for days. Erin didn’t know who the wedding was for (it turned out to be Seth Rogen) and of course the customers were curious as well. She would joke that all the security was because there was a star on the property, and then pointed to Tug. Next summer, we hope, everyone will see Beyond Redemption and realize that this is really not a joke. < Discuss oaters with Julie at jvader@paciďŹ csun.com.

›› STYLE

Catechism d’couture Put on your ‘thinking fascinators’—it’s our 16th Fashion Quiz!

’T

is that time of year again where we ďŹ nd ourselves scrambling around to complete everything on our to-do lists. With countless hours spent at holiday events, perhaps eating and drinking a little too much, long lines at the post ofďŹ ce, and a constant checking of our bank account balance—well, don’t you feel you deserve a break? You need a little diversion! So pour yourself a glass of wine or break off a piece of candy from that gingerbread house you put together so beautifully and ďŹ nd a cozy place to sit down and test your fashion smarts in our 16th annual Fashion Quiz. I hope you’ve been keeping up with more than the Kardashians. You’re going to need to pull from your magazines, online fashion blogs and perhaps even the NBC Nightly News to get the right answers this year. You know the drill: Score two points for each correct answer, with 24 points being the perfect score. If you score 18-24 points, go out and treat yourself to a piece of reasonable couture at your local discount retailer. If your score is 10-16 points, I’m guessing fashion isn’t your biggest interest, but with some remedial work you can change that! Score 2-8 points and I’ll understand you’ve been getting your fashion advice from Santa who wears the same thing year-round and doesn’t have Internet access. Score 0 points and I’m guessing you’re wearing something that is so three decades ago that you don’t really care how the world sees you. That’s OK. Fashion evolves. It’ll be there for you when you’re ready for it. Now let’s get started! O O O O

1. J.Crew’s president and creative director, Jenna Lyons, was the center of controversy this year after the J.Crew catalog featured:

a. a lingerie line for pre-teens b. a picture of her son wearing pink nail polish c. Michelle Obama in a J.Crew sheath dress d. a grunge line 2. What do J.Lo & Marc Anthony, the Kardashians, Gwen Stefani, Missoni and Versace have in common? a. the same high-priced lawyer b. a price-conscious clothing line available to those who can’t afford their higher end or couture lines c. plastic surgery d. the same holiday sweater 3. This year the U.S. was introduced to “fascinators� as we watched: a. Lindsay Lohan spend a record number of days going to court b. a new Pixar movie about fashionistas from Fargo c. women attending the royal wedding wearing hats that have been described as an “exclamation point being worn on your head� d. a new infomercial product that helps women fasten their bras with ease

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about loving Hitler surfaced on the Internet? a. Isaac Mizrahi b. Karl Lagerfeld c. John Galliano d. Michael Kors 10. Which sisters did not make Vogue’s best-dressed sister list? a. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen b. Dakota and Elle Fanning c. Paris and Nicky Hilton d. Beyonce and Solange Knowles 11. Jeggings are: a. very tight b. a faux jean c. hopefully a short-lived trend d. all of the above 12. Who did we see wearing the trendy short-shorts and fishnet stockings look this year? a. Rihanna b. Oscar De La Hoya c. Madonna d. all of the above < Brenda Kinsel is a fashion and image consultant based in Marin. Check out her Web site at www.brendakinsel.com.

Answers: 1. b. A photo of Jenna Lyons painting her son’s toenails pink created quite the stir, as some believed she was trying to turn her son gay. 2. b. Designers enjoyed creating fashion for lower end stores. J.Lo and Marc Anthony had a line at Kohl’s; the Kardashian Kollection was at Sears; Gwen Stefani had Harajuku Mini at Target; the Missoni line was so popular, it crashed the computers at Target; and Versace was at H&M. Couture for all! 3. c. The fascinator is a type of millinery. Fascinators tend to be constructed with lace, feathers or beads and they sit perched on top of the head. 4. d. Steve Jobs was known for wearing black turtlenecks, jeans and sneakers every day. His turtleneck of choice: the black mock turtleneck by St. Croix, $175, which experienced a 100 percent increase in sales after his death. 5. a. Kanye got attention this year for wearing a woman’s blouse from Celine’s 2011 spring line. 6. c. Banana Republic did a modern take on the 1960s fashions worn in AMC’s hit TV show, Mad Men. 7. b. Animal prints are everywhere and in everything: shoes, jewelry, scarves, trenchcoats, sweaters, dresses,

underwear—the list goes on. One could easily call it the new black...rarrrrrrrr! 8. d. That’s right, she married royalty, shops at everyday clothing stores and even wears a dress more than once. We love England’s new royal! 9. c. Christian Dior’s new advertising face Natalie Portman, of Jewish descent, was not too pleased to hear John Galliano’s Hitler remarks. Well, really, nobody was. 10. c. Paris and Nicky—you better step your game up! 11. d. When jeans and leggings got married this year they gave birth to the jegging, a very tight, faux jean that will hopefully be going bye-bye next year. 12. d. While Oscar De La Hoya originally rocked this look in 2007, it became news again as he finally admitted to it this September and the pictures were flying again all over the Internet. It’s unclear whether Madonna and Rihanna copied Oscar because they loved the look so much or if they just needed a little more attention and thought this would do it. Madonna, you’re over 50. Just because you can do it doesn’t always mean you should. Happy Holidays everyone!

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’m up to my elbows in masa—soft, are what make holiday tamales unique. sticky and slightly warm, kneading Tamayo says his mother-in-law uses the and mixing the bowlful of dough broth from the meat ďŹ lling for the liquid and waiting to hear the telltale pop of in the masa, imparting a more “porkyâ€? air bubbles signifying it is ready. Masa avor. In addition to the distinctive prepis one of the key ingredients in tamales, arations that vary from one family to the and I’m getting a crash course in how to next, the types of ďŹ llings and sauces are make them from Mike Tamayo, owner of vast. From sweet tamales with cinnamon, Sonoma Latina Grill in Novato. pineapple and raisins to chicken-mole Latino families all around Marin get ďŹ lled to simple bean-and-cheese stufďŹ ng, together this time of tamales are as diverse year for a “Tamaleada,â€? as the people who eat an assembly-line style them. Masa for the masses party where tamales Most agree, howGo to sonomalatinagrill.com for a for Christmas and New ever, that the traditional recipe for masa. Masa preparada for tamales is Years are made. It’s not variety for Christmas available at Azteca Market, 802 Fourth just about the process of and New Year’s is ďŹ lled Street, San Rafael and Mi Pueblo Food putting the tamales towith pork and served Center, 330 Bellam, San Rafael. gether, though; this is the with red chili sauce. The Call your local Mexican market to see time when families from masa is made with pure if tamale masa is carried there. Mexico and other Latin lard and corn husks enAmerican countries celrobe the outside, holdebrate the traditions of ing everything together their culture and share these customs during the hour-and-a-half of steaming. with the younger generations. Many folks order their holiday tamales I have longed to be invited to a tamale- already made. Sonoma Latina Grill made making party, but it hasn’t happened. about 500 last year, just for Christmastime. Learning to make all the components Other families buy the masa premade then do the assembly from a master like (called masa preparada), carnitas and red Tamayo would enable me to throw my sauce and then assemble and steam the own Tamaleada. And a party is what it tamales together for their party. takes to put these babies together—as Even with purchased components, Tamayo told me numerous times, “Makhowever, putting the tamales together is ing tamales takes a long time.â€? time-consuming and requires a steadfast The secrets of each family’s recipe technique. After I had mixed up the 19 >

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Another ďŹ ne masa you’ve gotten us into! Tamales are rolling off the line in the Sonoma Latina Grill kitchen. 18 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011

< 18 Here today,gone tamale... bowl of masa, Tamayo showed me how to spread it, using the back of a wet spoon to cover the inside of the corn husk. The husks were soaked in water to make them pliable. It’s crucial to assemble the tamale on the smooth side of the husk, otherwise the cooked masa will stick to the rough creases and the tamale will fall apart. I found it quite tricky to spread the dough; it’s sticky, so covering the husk took a long time. Tamayo, however, assembled three in the time it took me to do one. A scoop of pork ďŹ lling goes on top, then the husk is folded over like a burrito to make a tight casing for the tamale. The pointy tip is bent up and at the other end the masa is sealed by pinching it together with your ďŹ ngers. Finished tamales are placed seam-side down on a sheet tray. When the batch is assembled, they go into a steamer for about 90 minutes until the dough starts to pull away from the husk. Finally the tamales were done and we sat down to try them. Earthy and soulful with just a hint of spice, all the work was worth it. Now my holidays will always include homemade tamales.

O O O O

Here are Tamayo’s recipes for tamale ďŹ lling and sauce.

Red Sauce 6-7 ounces of bright red New Mexico or California dried chili pods (Chili pods should be selected according to your desire of spiciness; or blend varieties for your own unique avor) 4 cups of water for boiling 4 cups water 2 cups of prepared chicken stock 6 small cloves of ďŹ nely chopped garlic 1 tablespoon of ground cumin 1 teaspoon of salt 1/2 cup cornstarch dissolved in 2 cups of ice cold water

Prepare pods. De-stem and de-seed pods, then wash with cold water. Wash your hands. Place prepared pods in a 3-quart saucepan, cover with 4 cups water and boil for 10-12 minutes, or until pods are tender. Separate and strain the boiled pods; place pods in blender and reserve water from boiling process. Slowly add reserved water until the blender contains a total of 3 cups of pods and water. Blend for 8-9 minutes on high, holding the lid down tight. Strain liquid contents into an 8-quart stockpot. Turn ame up to high. Add the balance (1 cup) of reserved water (from boiling process) to the metal strainer, and stir the skins once

again until all the water empties into the pot. Now add 4 cups of water to the strainer, and stir the skins a ďŹ nal time. Discard remaining skins in the strainer. To the pot, add chicken broth, ground cumin and fresh garlic. Bring to a boil, lower to medium-high and let boil for 5-10 minutes. Slowly add cornstarch mixture to boiling sauce. Add salt to taste. Cover and simmer for another 20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until 1 hour before use.

Pork Filling 6 pounds trimmed boneless pork butt 1 tablespoon of onion powder 1 tablespoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup olive oil 3/4 cup water

Combine dry ingredients and coat the meat. Rub pork with olive oil. Add pork to a preheated 6-quart stock pot and brown meat for 10 minutes. Add water to the pot and deglaze. Place entire pot, with lid, into the oven for 3-1/2 to 4 hours at 375 degrees until meat is tender and shreds with a fork. Remove from oven and discard excess fat. Mix 3/4 of the Red Sauce into meat and juice, reserving 1/4 for pouring over ďŹ nished tamales as a garnish. Let cool, then refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before use. <

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›› MUSiC

Kickstarting a career

Kickstarting the arts Local musicians turn to the Internet to raise funds by G r e g Cahill

The Living Earth Show is drumming up funds through Kickstarter.com to pay for their quarter-toned guitar and vibraphone.

G

uitarist Travis Andrews and percussionist Andrew Meyerson— aka the Living Earth Show—are men on a mission. The San Franciscobased avant-classical duo has launched Adventures in Quartertones, a chambermusic project designed to provide a platform for cutting-edge composers working in 24-tone systems, rather than the standard 12-tone scheme heard in most Western classical music. To perform these works, Andrews—a graduate of the San Francisco Music Conservatory and a guitar instructor at the San Anselmo-based nonprofit Stringletter Community Music School—will need a guitar fretted specifically to meet the demands of this nontraditional music. And Meyerson—who often performs works by such modern composers as Elliott Carter and Luciano Berio—will need a vibraphone tuned to quarter tones. The cost: $5,000. To meet these goals, the Living Earth Show has launched a fundraising drive on Kickstarter.com, a website that brings together artists and arts patrons. “We raised $1,000 in two days,” Andrews reports. A day later, the Living Earth Show had raised another $255 from a total of 35 backers. In exchange for the funds, backers will get the chance to download new, never-before-heard music by such contemporary composers as Max Stoffregen, Timo Andres and Damon Waitkus, as well as pieces from the ensemble’s album several months before it’s released. Kickstarter and other so-called thresh-

20 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011

old-pledge sites have revolutionized arts funding through a phenomenon known as crowdfunding. But the concept has historical precedence: In the 18th century, Mozart and Beethoven solicited funds for their composition projects through various subscription series that included a chance to obtain a manuscript copy of a new work before it had gone to the printer to be published as a formal edition. Founded in 2009 and based in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Kickstarter helps to generate funding for projects ranging from indie films to music and food to technology. Kickstarter taps 5 percent of the funds raised and Amazon takes another 3 percent for collecting the payments. To date, Kickstarter alone has raised more than $100 million in pledges and more than 1 million people have backed its projects. Local filmmaker Gillian Grisman is using Kickstarter to raise funds for Village Music: Last of the Great Record Stores, a documentary chronicling the history of the legendary, now-defunct Mill Valley record store that drew such shoppers as Elvis Costello, B.B. King and Tracy Chapman. She has raised more than $10,000 of her $50,000 goal (the project will be funded only if the goal is reached by Jan. 1). Depending on the pledge, backers are eligible for such incentives as a limitedrun poster by 1960s poster artist Victor Moscoso or even a film credit. The Kickstarter campaign has found backers who felt a personal connection to the store.

“Your film is timely for me as I bought Christmas presents at Village Music every year, from 1985 until the store closed,” backer Susan Lopes wrote on the Kickstarter comment page. “[Owner] John [Goddard] always steered me in the right direction and my absolute favorite Christmas records to this day are his picks. The Christmas Jug Band used to play just outside his front door to kick off the holiday season. That was their best venue of all. “Thanks for the memories!” The Kronos Quartet, a groundbreaking string ensemble that has performed in such unexpected venues as Rancho Nicasio, is seeking to raise $10,000 for its new commissioning effort, the Under 30 Project/#5. For the Living Earth Show, the mission is a simple one. “We play music because we want to change the way people hear the world around them,” Meyerson notes on the ensemble’s Kickstarter page. “We work to achieve this mission by allowing people to experience, interact with and think about sound in new ways and contexts... “By almost any standard, we play weird music. We seek out music that otherwise wouldn’t get played or heard, the things we find most interesting, and do our best to share them and share why we like them with as many people as possible. We feel that it is important that this music exists and that there is someone who is willing to play it. “We believe in weird music.” <

Reis, seated, and Tim Biedron of Bananas at Large test drive a new Korg Kronos keyboard. Ely Reis is raising funds through Kickstarter to produce a demo LP to send to record producers. Reis, 28, is a composer, producer and lyricist. He also suffers from Asperger syndrome—a developmental disorder that results in difficulties with social interaction. Reis—who lives part-time in special housing in Petaluma, but mostly with his mom in Greenbrae—is trying to raise $2,500 by Jan. 9—an amount that will allow him to afford a fully functioning website, a professional mix and master of the CD, cover design, printing, duplication and mailing expenses. San Rafael music store Bananas at Large is rallying to the cause—even promoting their longtime customer’s Kickstarter fundraising drive at www.bananasmusic.com. The renowned Fantasy Studios in Berkeley has pledged its support as well. “There are so many people that have helped me with my disability and with the foundation of my life, music,” says Reis in regard to his family, friends and Bananas at Large.“I have always said, the music writes itself and I am an instrument of that energy. I don’t plan it, I just show up and it comes through me. I am so glad to share it. So I guess I have to thank the music too.” For those who want to join in helping Reis, visit www.kickstarter.com and enter “Ely Reis” in the search at top. With about two weeks to go, as of press time, he needs about another $1,100 to reach his pledge goal.—Jason Walsh

Make a pledge to Greg at gcahill51@gmail.com.

Gillian Grisman, inset, has until Jan. 1 to raise $50,000 for her latest filmmaking project— ‘Village Music: Last of the Great Record Stores’, a doc about the legendary, now-defunct Mill Valley record store that drew such shoppers as Jerry Garcia and Elvis Costello.

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PaciďŹ c Sun DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011 PACIFIC SUN 21

›› TALKiNG PiCTURES

Meet the farceurs The year in wit and wisdom from my 2011 movie companions... by Davi d Te mp l e ton

Writer David Templeton takes interesting people to interesting movies in his ongoing quest for the ultimate post-film conversation. This is not a movie review; rather, it is a freewheeling discussion of life, popular culture and alternative ideas.

W

ell, it’s just about time to call it a year. As my fellow newspaper journalists engage in their annual ritual of naming the top 10 least time-wasting movies of 2011, their top 10 most eyeopening books, their top 10 zombiethemed TV shows and their top 10 favorite places to use chopsticks in public, I too, once again, have been scouring the last 12 months of Talking Pictures columns, combing every word of scintillating post-film conversation, gleefully sifting the text for the 10 pop-culture-themed quotes that made me laugh, cry or think the hardest. Some were easy, because I’ve been quoting them all year. Others, I am thrilled to have rediscovered, remembered and recalled—and I now intend to quote them loudly and happily at Christmas dinner. You may feel free to do the same. And here they are: my top 10 post-film quotes of 2011.

isn’t really all that hard. As an artist whose performances have been named among the best in the Bay Area, Burke knows that nothing that looks easy happens without a lot of very hard work. 3. “Well, they’re idiots.” While discussing the many savvy cultural references in the first-rate animated film Rango, movie critic and filmmaker Don Lewis (Worst in Show) sang Rango’s praises by comparing it to another film that did not live up to its potential: the alien-movie spoof Paul. “Terrible!” Lewis said. “It tried to be a ‘cinema-nerd visual reference’ movie, too, but the movies it was referencing were things like The Goonies, terrible movies like that.” In response, I pointed out that some fans hold The Goonies in high esteem. “There are people,” I said, “who truly believe The Goonies is one of the greatest movies ever made.” “Well,” Lewis replied, “they’re idiots!” So there.

O O O O

1. “There’s an old saying—‘Nothing clears your head like the knowledge you’re going to be hanged in the morning.’” OK, technically this is the quote of a quote, but it’s still been sticking with me since I heard it. Playwright Bill Cain (Equivocation, How to Write a New Book for the Bible), a practicing Jesuit priest and a bit of a philosopher (when he isn’t writing award-winning plays) took a break from rehearsals at Berkeley Repertory Theatre to see the cancer-themed buddy comedy 50/50. As we pondered the movie’s witty explorations of friendship, fear and the certainty of death, Cain mused, “At the end of your life things do get clear. You see who’s with you and who’s not. You see what’s important and what isn’t—and that leads to a certain sense of simplicity and, I think, a certain amount of joyousness.” Amen, brother. 2. “Anyone who sits there and says that acting is easy doesn’t know the first thing about acting.” Acclaimed actor Eric Burke, upon seeing Jeff Bridge’s Oscarnominated performance in the remake of True Grit, commented that the best actors have a way of looking like they are not acting at all, which, in Burke’s experience, has led many people to believe that acting 22 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 29, 2011

‘The Goonies,’ beloved by ‘idiots.’ Chunk and Sloth, above.

4. “Just because I like The Godfather doesn’t mean I’m likely to go cut off a horse’s head and stick in bed with somebody—but that sure was a great scene!” GuruGanesha, a popular touring musician and yoga practitioner, took time to discuss Black Swan, and some of the other Oscar-nominated films he’d recently scene between concerts. Remarking on his taste for edgier films than some would expect from a vocal proponent of world peace and expanded consciousness, GuruGanesha reminded me that “art is life, and life is art. Life has colors, and some of them are dark.” And then he said the thing about the horse’s head in the bed. 5. “Let the famous people have the movies and the TV series and the car commercials. Let’s let animated movies be the unknown actor area.” Actress Christine Deaver (Teatro ZinZanni) loved everything about the vibrant animated parrot-love movie Rio—except

Real men prefer ‘Wind in the Willows’—all that foo foo ‘Winnie the Pooh’ sh-t is for girls, says Robert Lunceford.

for the parrots’ voices. Provided by highly recognizable actors including Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, all those famous voices, Deaver felt, kept pulling her out of the movie. Her suggestion, to leave animated films to hardworking unknowns, the better to create an animated world in which those characters can spring to life unburdened by superstar baggage. 6. “It’s like getting a question right on Jeopardy.” Radio host Michael Krasny, after seeing Woody Allen’s hit film Midnight in Paris, extolled the pleasures of recognizing the bits of literary trivia Allen tucked into every scene of the film. “There is a certain thrill,” he said, “that goes along with that.” 7. “I’ve always been more of a Wind in the Willows guy!” Sound technician Robert Lunceford hilariously ruffled the feathers of his fellow soundman Jeff Austerweill when—awaiting the start of a concert in Healdsburg—he interrupted his buddy’s glowing praise about the charming new film Winnie the Pooh. “You’re kidding me?” Austerweill responded. “You don’t like Winnie the Pooh?” A spirited debate followed. Wind in the Willows? Them’s fightin’ words! 8. “Is this how we stare cosmic indifference in the eye, saying, ‘Ah, now I can handle it! Because now I can picture dread, death and tentacled horror as a cute little plush toy that I can squeeze?’” Author Ross Lockhart (The Book of Cthulhu), after catching the not-scary horror movie Apollo 18, reacted with alarm to being shown a catalog offering a cute plush toy version of H.P. Lovecraft’s enduringly sinister monster-god Cthulhu. Lockhart obviously prefers his tentacled horror in the non-plush variety.

9. “The camera, it became my first real friend, because, I realized, the camera would never lie to me.” Actor Elliott Gould, in a delightfully rambling conversation about the classic film MASH, revealed an aching insecurity at the start of his career, suggesting, poignantly, that the camera gave him a sense of honesty he never felt from his parents. Gould also said “motherfu--er” a lot. 10. “Hand sanitizer?” Immediately after people started dying in the apocalyptic germ-drama Contagion, SSU psychology professor Rita Butterfield passed a bottle of hand sanitizer down the row of moviewatchers. It was the funniest moment in one of the year’s most riveting dramas, only matched later, when my other guest, registered nurse Susan Bartholome, remarked about Gwyneth Paltrow’s icky brain-autopsy scene, “Hey, that’s exactly what it looks like.” < Talk pics with David at talkpix@earthlink.net.

The ‘camera’ captures the kind of painfully honest shot of Gould in ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ that earned it the actor’s undying respect.

It’s your movie, speak up at ›› pacificsun.com

›› MOViES

Friday December 23 -Thursday December 29

Movie summaries by Matthew Stafford

Santa (seen here in ‘Arthur Christmas’) wishes you and yours a most happy holiday.

O The Adventures of Tintin (1:47) Hergé’s bouffanted Belgian newshound hits the big screen (albeit in animated form), joining Captain Haddock and Snowy on a search for sunken treasure; Steven Spielberg directs. O Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (1:27) The rambunctious rodents hit the high seas and get themselves marooned on a deserted (?) island. O Arthur Christmas (1:37) Cartoon about Santa Claus’s son Arthur (that’s right) and the top-secret mission he has to complete by Christmas Eve; Jim Broadbent and Imelda Staunton give voice to Mr. and Mrs. Claus. O The Artist (1:40) Dazzling Michel Hazanavicius silent about a Hollywood superstar, a hopeful extra and the life-changing effect the talkie revolution will have on their careers. O A Dangerous Method (1:39) David Cronenberg biopic stars Viggo Mortensen as Freud, Michael Fassbender as Jung and Keira Knightley as the troubled patient who cements and sunders their relationship. O The Darkest Hour (1:29) Five survivors of an alien attack fight to survive in postapocalyptic Moscow. O The Descendants (1:55) Alexander Payne comedy follows wealthy soon-tobe widower George Clooney and his two daughters as they wander Kauai in search of his comatose wife’s lover. O The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2:40) David Fincher remakes the smash Swedish detective thriller with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara as an unlikely duo investigating a decades-old murder. O The Gold Rush (1:30) Charlie Chaplin comedy classic (filmed in Truckee!) follows the Little Tramp as he prospects his way through the Yukon, eating his boots, imitating a chicken and falling in love with a dance hall girl. O Hugo (2:07) Martin Scorsese familyfriendly fantasy about an orphan who makes his home in the fantastical world of a Paris train station; Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen and Christopher Lee costar. O The Ides of March (1:42) George Cloo-

ney writes, directs and stars in an adaptation of the Beau Willimon play about a charismatic presidential candidate and a simmering scandal that could bring him down. O Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol (2:13) IMF spook Tom Cruise is unfairly accused of bombing the Kremlin and goes undercover to clear his name; Ving Rhames and Tom Wilkinson costar. O The Muppets (2:00) Kermit the Frog reunites with Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and the rest of the gang in a rambunctious attempt to save their old Hollywood showplace from destruction. O My Reincarnation (1:40) Jennifer Fox’s documentary examines the relationship between Tibetan Buddhist master Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and his son Yeshi and the cultural differences that help define it. O My Week with Marilyn (1:36) A young assistant director serves as Marilyn Monroe’s confidante, support system and wide-eyed lover during the hectic filming of “The Prince and the Showgirl”; with Kenneth Branagh as Laurence Olivier, Julia Ormond as Vivien Leigh and Michelle Williams as MM. O New Year’s Eve (1:57) Garry Marshall ensemble comedy of intermingling December 31st whoopee stars Abigail Breslin, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank, Halle Berry, Jon Bon Jovi, Sarah Jessica Parker and a host of others. O Shame (1:41) Intense, explicit portrait of a compulsive womanizer and his troubled kid sister stars Carey Mulligan and Venice Film Fest best actor Michael Fassbender. O Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2:09) The world’s greatest detective pursues criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty across Europe in a Guy Ritchie production refreshingly free of sci-fi and fantasy; Robert Downey, Jr. costars with Jude Law as Watson and Rachel MacAdams as the delectable Irene Adler. O The Sitter (1:22) Rowdy, raunchy David Gordon Green comedy about a slacker doofus whose babysitting gig goes horribly, horribly wrong; Jonah Hill stars. O Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2:07) John LeCarre’s classic espionage novel is brought to the screen with Gary Oldman as reactivated MI6 agent George Smiley and an impressive cast of traitors, moles and fellow spies (Colin Firth, John Hurt, Ralph Fiennes, David Thewlis et al.). O War Horse (2:26) When WWI separates a boy from his horse, the steadfast steed wanders from village to battlefield, inspiring all who encounter him; Steven Spielberg directs. O We Bought a Zoo (2:11) True tale of a widower who purchases and inhabits a dilapidated old zoo, hundreds of critters and all; Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson star. O Young Adult (1:34) Teen-lit scribe Charlize Theron tries to revisit her high school glory days…with unexpected results.

›› MOViE TiMES N A Dangerous Method (R) Century Regency 6: 12:45, 3:05, 5:25, 7:45, 10:05 N The Adventures of Tintin (PG) Century Northgate 15: Fri 11:50, 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10:10; 3D showtimes at 10:50, 1:25, 3:55, 6:35, 9:05 Sat 11:50, 2:20, 4:55, 7:30; 3D showtimes at 10:50, 1:25, 3:55, 6:35, 9:05 Sun-Thu 10:35, 1:15, 3:55; 3D showtimes at 11:50, 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10:10 Century Rowland Plaza: 1:25; 3D showtimes at 10:40, 4:10, 7:05, 9:50 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (G) Century Northgate 15: Fri 11:05, 12:20, 1:15, 2:35, 3:25, 4:45, 5:40, 7:50, 10:05 Sat 11:05, 12:20, 1:15, 2:35, 3:25, 4:45, 5:40, 7:50 Sun-Thu 10:55, 12:20, 1:05, 2:35, 3:20, 4:45, 5:40, 7:50, 10 Century Rowland Plaza: Fri-Sat 10, 11:10, 12:20, 1:30, 2:40, 3:50, 5, 6:10, 7:20, 8:30, 9:40 Sun-Thu 10, 12:20, 2:40, 5, 7:20, 9:40 Arthur Christmas (PG) Century Northgate 15: 10:45am N The Artist (PG-13) +++1/2 Century Regency 6: 11:45, 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10 CinéArts at Sequoia: Fri, Sun-Mon 2:30, 5, 7:30, 9:55 Sat, Tue-Thu 2:30, 5, 7:30 N The Darkest Hour (PG-13) Century Northgate 15: Sun-Thu 1:30, 5:50, 10:30; 3D showtimes at 11:20, 3:40, 8 Century Rowland Plaza: Sun-Thu 10:10, 2:50, 7:30; 3D showtimes at 12:30, 5:10, 9:55 The Descendants (R) ++1/2 Century Regency 6: 1:25, 4:15, 7, 9:50 CinéArts at Sequoia: Fri, Sun-Mon 1:40, 4:20, 7, 9:40 Sat, Tue-Thu 1:40, 4:20, 7 Fairfax 5 Theatres: 12:50, 4, 6:50, 9:30 Sat 12:50, 4, 6:50 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) (R) Century Cinema: 11:30, 3:10, 7, 10:30 Sat 11:30, 3:10, 7 Century Northgate 15: Fri 10:45, 12:15, 2:15, 3:45, 5:35, 7:05, 8:55, 10:30 Sat 10:45, 12:15, 2:15, 3:45, 5:35,

N =

New Movies This Week

7:05, 8:55 Sun-Thu 10:30, 12, 2, 3:30, 5:30, 7, 8:50, 10:20 Century Rowland Plaza: 11:50, 3:25, 7, 10:35 CinéArts at Marin: 12:10, 3:35, 7, 10:20 Fairfax 5 Theatres: 1:30, 4:45, 8 Tiburon Playhouse 3: 1:30, 4:45, 8 N The Gold Rush (Not Rated) Rafael Film Center: 4:30, 6:30 Sun 6:30 Hugo (PG) +++1/2 Century Larkspur Landing: Fri 3D showtimes at 7:15, 10:15 Sat 4:15; 3D showtimes at 1:15, 7:15 Sun-Mon 4:15; 3D showtimes at 1:15, 7:15, 10:15 Tue-Thu 4:15; 3D showtimes at 7:15, 10:15 Century Northgate 15: Fri 9:20; 3D showtime at 3:50 Sat 3D showtime at 3:50 Sun-Thu 10:30, 9:30; 3D showtime at 3:50 Fairfax 5 Theatres: Fri 1, 3:50, 6:30, 9:20 Sat 1, 3:50, 6:30 The Ides of March (R) +++ Rafael Film Center: 8:30 Sat 2:15 Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (PG-13) Century Larkspur Landing: Fri 7:35, 10:35 Sat 1:35, 4:35, 7:35 Sun-Mon 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:30 Tue-Thu 4:30, 7:30, 10:30 Century Northgate 15: Fri 11:30, 1, 2:25, 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30, 10 Sat 11:30, 1, 2:25, 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30 Sun-Thu 11:30, 1:10, 2:30, 4:15, 5:25, 7:20, 8:20, 10:15 Century Rowland Plaza: 10:20, 1:20, 4:20, 7:25, 10:25 Fairfax 5 Theatres: 12:30, 3:55, 6:55, 9:45 Sat 12:30, 3:55, 6:55 The Muppets (PG) +++ Century Northgate 15: Fri-Sat 1:05, 6:50 Sun-Thu 1:20, 6:55 N My Reincarnation (Not Rated) Rafael Film Center: Fri, Mon-Thu 4:45, 7, 9 Sat 2:45, 4:45, 7 Sun 7, 9 My Week With Marilyn (R) ++1/2 Century Regency 6: 11:35, 2:15, 4:45, 7:20, 9:55 New Year’s Eve (PG-13) +1/2 Century Northgate 15: Fri 11:10, 1:55, 4:35, 7:15, 9:55 Sat 11:10, 1:55, 4:35, 7:15 Sun-Thu 11, 1:40, 4:25, 7:05, 9:55 Shame (NC-17) +++ Rafael Film Center: Fri, Mon-Thu 4:15, 6:45, 9:15 Sat 2, 4:15, 6:45 Sun

6:45, 9:15 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (PG-13) +++1/2 Century Larkspur Landing: Fri 5:30, 7, 8:30, 10 Sat 11:30, 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30 Sun-Mon 1:45, 4:45, 7:45, 10:35 Tue-Thu 4:45, 7:45, 10:35 Century Northgate 15: Fri 11:35, 12:35, 1:35, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:25, 6:25, 7:25, 8:15, 9:15, 10:20 Sat 11:35, 12:35, 1:35, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:25, 6:25, 7:25, 8:15 Sun-Thu 10:50, 1:45, 4:40, 6:30, 7:40, 9:20, 10:30 Century Rowland Plaza: Fri-Sat 10:15, 11:45, 1:15, 2:45, 4:15, 5:45, 7:10, 8:45, 10:15 Sun-Thu 10:15, 1:15, 4:15, 7:10, 10:15 CinéArts at Marin: 1:30, 4:30, 7:25, 10:15 Fairfax 5 Theatres: 12:40, 3:40, 6:45, 9:25 Sat 12:40, 3:40, 6:45 Tiburon Playhouse 3: 1:10, 4, 6:50, 9:30 Sat 1:10, 4, 6:50 The Sitter (R) Century Northgate 15: Fri 11, 1:10, 3:15, 5:20, 7:45, 9:50 Sat 11, 1:10, 3:15, 5:20, 7:45 N Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (R) Century Regency 6: 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 N War Horse (PG-13) Century Larkspur Landing: Sun-Mon 12:20, 3:40, 7, 10:20 Tue-Thu 3:40, 7, 10:20 Century Northgate 15: Sun-Thu 10:40, 12:30, 1:50, 3:45, 5:15, 7:10, 8:30, 10:25 Century Rowland Plaza: Sun-Thu 12:15, 3:40, 7, 10:20 Fairfax 5 Theatres: Sun-Thu 12, 3:05, 6:10, 9:15 N We Bought a Zoo (PG) Century Northgate 15: Fri 11:15, 2:10, 5 7:10, 8:10, 10:15 Sat 11:15, 2:10, 5 7:10, 8:10 Sun-Thu 11:15, 2:10, 5 7:10, 8:10, 10:05 Century Rowland Plaza: 10:05, 1:05, 4:05, 7:10, 10:05 CinéArts at Marin: 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 10:05 Lark Theater: Fri 3, 5:40, 8:15 Sat 12:20, 3, 5:40 Sun 5:40, 8:15 Mon-Thu 12:20, 3, 5:40, 8:15 Tiburon Playhouse 3: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:15 Sat 12:50, 3:40, 6:30 Young Adult (R) +++ Century Regency 6: 12:20, 2:50, 5:20,

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

›› THEATERS CinéArts at Marin 101 Caledonia St., Sausalito • 331-0255 CinéArts at Sequoia 25 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley • 388-4862 Cinema 41 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera • 924-6505 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 • 800-326-3264 Playhouse 40 Main St., Tiburon • 435-1234 Rafael Film Center 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael • 454-1222 Regency 80 Smith Ranch Rd., Terra Linda • 479-5050 Rowland 44 Rowland Way, Novato • 800-326-3264

Enjoy a warm and cozy Christmas with Charlie Chaplin in ‘The Gold Rush,’ playing at the Rafael all this week.

DECEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 29, 2011 PACIFIC SUN 23

SUNDiAL

F R I D AY D E C E M B E R 2 3 — F R I D AY D E C E M B E R 3 0 Pacific Sun‘s Community Calendar

Highlights from our online community calendar— great things to do this week in Marin

Check out our Online Community Calendar for more listings, spanning more weeks, with more event information. www.pacificsun.com/sundial

Live music 12/23: Eddie Neon Christmas Blues Blowout Blues. 9pm. $10-15. George’s Nightclub, 842 Fourth St., San Rafael. 226-0262. www.georgesnightclub.com 12/23: Jeff Derby Trio Jazz. 8-10 p.m. Free Max’s Deli, 60 Madera Blvd., Corte Madera. 924-6297. www.maxsworld.com 12/26: Blue Monday Jam Jam session welcomes musicians to sit in with the house band or with your own band mates. Bring instruments and charts if needed. 7-11pm. $5-15. Sausalito Cruising Club, 300 Napa St., Sausalito. 385-1606. www.sausalitocruisingclub.org 12/27: KortUzi Danny Uzilevsky & Jonathan Korty host Bay area artists. 9:30 p.m.-1:30am. Free. 19 Broadway, 19 Broadway, Fairfax . www.19broadway.com 12/27: Noel Jewkes Invitational jazz jam. 7-10pm. No cover. Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. 786-6894. www.sausalitoseahorse.com

12/28: Marcelo Puig and Seth Asarnof Tango. 8pm. Free. Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor, Gate 5, Sausalito. 331-2899. www.sausalitoseahorse.com 12/28: Wednesday Open Mic Hosted by Dennis Haneda of The Courtney Jane Band. All musicians welcome to join. Drink & food specials. 7:30-9:30pm Free. Max’s Deli, 60 Madera Blvd., Corte Madera. 924-6297. www.maxsworld.com

12/29: Anna Estrada Ensamble Latin and pop infused jazz. 8pm. Free. Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor, Gate 5, Sausalito. 331-2899. www.sausalitoseahorse.com

12/30: Jesse Kincaid and New Rising Sons Rock and Roll Dance Party 8:30-11:30 p.m. $7 Presidio Yacht Club, Travis Marina, Sausalito. 12/30: Montuno Swing Latin jazz, salsa. 8pm. Free with dinner Cov. Ch. $8.00 Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor, Gate 5, Sausalito. 331-2899. www.sausalitoseahorse.com Fridays: DJ Jason Mitchell Late night DJ music and dancing. 10pm-1am. Free. Ghiringhelli’s Novato, 1535 S. Novato Blvd., Novato. 713-6346. www.ghiringhellisnovato.com Thursdays: Live Music 12/22 show features an acoustic set by Garrin Benfield. 9pm. No cover. Finnegan’s Marin, 877 Grant Ave., Novato, CA. 94945. 899-1516. www.finnegansmarin.com

Theater/Auditions 12/22-12/30: ‘A Christmas Carol’ A trueto-Dickens style version with imaginative sets, intense visuals, cinematic hues and shadow. 8pm Dec. 22-23; 3pm Dec. 24; 8pm Dec. 28-30. $12-21. 142 Throckmorton Theatre , 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 383-9600. www.142throckmortontheatre.org

BEST BET This housing market is on the rise! For the fifth year in a row, downtown Sausalito hosts a delectable visual whimsy with its GINGERBREAD HOUSE TOUR! Nearly 30 candied masterpieces are propped up in window displays and this contest and art walk (of sorts) offers a sweet treat for adults and children alike. With free parking and free maps at the Sausalito Visitor Information Center, the display offers a magical way to celebrate the holiday season. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite edible architectural wonder! Start at the Sausalito Visitor Information Center, 777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, or download a map at www.sausalito.org. Now through Dec. 31. Free. —Dani Burlison At last, a house you can afford in Southern Marin!

24 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011

Eddie Neon will have fans squinting at his Christmas Blues Blowout this Friday at George’s.

Art 12/02-01/15: Tom Killion Reception 7-9pm Dec. 2. Killion is a native of Marin County who has been producing acclaimed Japanese style woodcut prints of the California landscape for 40 years. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 927-0960. www.bookpassage.com 12/10-01/15: ‘Agent of Change’ Mary Tuthill Lindheim, sculpture,ceramics works. Curatorial talk 4-5pm Dec. 10. Free, donations appreciated. Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, 500 Palm Dr., Novato. 506-0137. www.marinmoca.org Through 01/04: ‘Wearable Art’ Siobhan Van Winkel, outrageous leather; Pamela McKinstry, hats; Naomi Kubota, neckwear; Jo Adell & Sean Davis, jewelry. Free. elsewhere Gallery, 1828 Sir Francis Drake, Fairfax. 747-8696. www.elsewhere.com Through 01/06: ‘Linked By Pink’ Artists for Awareness present an art exhibit in support of breast cancer. Gallery is closed weekends & holidays. 8am-7pm. Free. Gail Van Dyke Atrium Art Gallery, Marin Cancer Institute, 1350 S. Eliseo Dr., Greenbrae. 461-9000. Through 01/07: ‘On the Waterfront’ Oil paintings of shipyards, docks, coves and beaches. “100 Views of San Francisco Bay & Environs.” Judy Molyneux, landscape art. 9am-4pm. Free. Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalto. 332-3871. www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc/

Through 01/07: ¡Vuela, Paper Princess! Exhibition of mixed media collage by author/ illustrator Elisa Kleven, with costumes, scenery and props from Youth in Arts’ production of “The Paper Princess and the Piñata”, inspired by Kleven’s books. Free. Youth in Arts Gallery, 917 C St., San Rafael. 457-4878 x18. www. youthinarts.org

Through 01/11: ‘Textures & Rhythms of Jazz’ Fall Exhibition. Rich Sigberman, illustrations. “Inspirational Landscapes.” Jane Liston, mixed media works. 11am-4pm. Free. Gallery 305, 305 Bell Lane, Mill Valley. 388-6393. www.tcsd.us Through 01/16: AWD Small Works Art Works Downtown and the Marin Jewelers Guild presents their annual Small Works exhibit. 10am5pm. Free. Art Works Downtown and Marin

Jewlers Guild, 1337 and 1331 Fourth St., San Rafael. 451-8119. www.artworksdowntown.org

Through 01/22: ‘Romancing the Chair’ Candace Loheed, paintings. “Sightlines.” Sarah Myers, Joe Fox, Eric Oldmixon, Jamie Shulander, Celine Underwood, Ido Yoshimoto, site specific installtion. 11am-5pm. Free. Gallery Route One , 11101 Hwy. One, Point Reyes. 663-1347. www.galleryrouteone.org

Through 01/31: ‘Seasonal Landscapes’ Group exhibition of paintings and drawings featuring Leslie Allen, Marla Baggetta, Elaine Coombs, Peter Loftus, John Maxon, Victoria Ryan, Richard Schloss and Wendy Schwartz. 10am-5pm. Free. Robert Allen Fine Art, 301 Caledonia St., Sausalito. 331-2800. robertallenfineart.com

Through 02/10: ‘Abstract Nine Artists Throw Texture Party’ Visiting artist Thomas Vesser and artists from Cedars of Marin, Victory Center exhibit patterns, textures, and colors in a variety of media. 10am-5pm. Free. The Artist Within Gallery, 603 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. 497-9982. www.thecedarsofmarin.org Through 12/23: ‘NatureScapes’ Matt Tasley, paintings. Maggie Baker, ceramic tile works. Free. Community Media Center of Marin, 819 A St., San Rafael. 721-0636. www.cmcm.tv/gallery

Through 12/30: Holiday Sale of Art Glass and Ceramics Hand blowen glass ornaments, raku ceramics and affordable holiday gift items. 11am-5pm. Free. Cassandra Kersting Expressions, 1201-C Bridgeway, Sausalito. 302-0173.

Through 12/31: ‘Walk in an Artist’s Shoes’ Special art installation will be on view during Winter Open Studios and throughout December. Many of the ICB artists are creating art out of shoes and donating to favorite charity. Free. Gallery 111, 480 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito. 331-2222. www.icbartists.com

Through 12/31: 23rd Annual Benefit Mini Show Alan George, photography. Lina Prairie, kelp basketry. Free. Bolinas Museum, 48 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 868-0330. www.bolinasmuseum.org Through 12/31: Sam Francis Original prints and works on paper. 11am-5pm. Free. Robert Green Fine Arts, 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 381-8776. www.rgfineart.com

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Jonathan Korty and Danny Uzilevsky will squeeze out a few tunes Dec. 27 at 19 Broadway in Fairfax.

Hey, hey, we’re the monkeys! Seeing Rise of the Planet of the Apes in a packed theater last August proved a genuine shock, as the original likely had for audiences in the ‘60s, and for the same reason:The movie isn’t what it says it is. Director Rupert Wyatt has Paul Verhoeven’s gift for injecting hothouse politics Ceasar the chimp consoles Franco following last year’s Oscarinto all the fun and escapism, hosting debacle. then sending things hurtling along until the film’s more explosive implications set in. Andy Serkis (computer morphosed) stars as the orphaned chimpanzee Caesar who, raised by a caring Alzheimer’s researcher and his girlfriend, soon begins to realize the subservient place reserved for him in the human world. The drug that has inflamed his brain, ALZ-112, might change all that, and when he manages to snag some in aerosol form there comes a great frozen moment in the film when one ape after another emerges from its cell with the light of intelligence in its eyes. But with awareness, of course, comes anger. James Franco and Freida Pinto star. The DVD bonus tracks include a doc showcasing Serkis’s gift for melding in with the motion capture technology. The original series was seen as a race metaphor, but this film, premiering just before the 99 percent rose to public consciousness, seems tailor-made for them. (If you skip the end credits you’ll miss a crucial plot point.)—Richard Gould

Talks/Lectures 12/29: Congressional Deadlock: Lynn Woolsey and Bill Press in Conversation Political pundit Bill Press and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey will engage in a discussion on the “State of the Country”. Q&A session, no host bar and desserts. Benefit for the Dance Palace. 7pm. $13-15. Dance Palace Community and Cultural Center, 503 B Street , Point Reyes Station. 663-1075. www.dancepalace.org

Wednesdays: Marin History Museum Gallery Tour Join local legend Jeff Craemer for a gallery tour of the “Marin Independent Journal: 150 Years of Ink” exhibition. 11am-4pm. Free. Marin

History Museum, 1125 B St., San Rafael. 454-8538. www.marinhistory.org

Community Events (Misc.) 12/02-04: West California Holiday Pottery Sale Annual studio sale of beautiful, functional, and decorative ceramics. Eleven local artists in a variety of styles. 10am-4pm. Free. West California Pottery Studio, 1115.W.California Ave, Mill Valley. 381-2695. 12/23: Winter Solstice Celebration “Fire in the Head: Winter Solstice Celebration Honoring the Druid Legacy.” Celebrate the rebirth of the Marcelo Puig and Seth Asarnof will tango through the night Dec. 28 at the Sausalito Seahorse.

light as our ancestors did with song, ritual, fire and drumming. 7-9pm. Donations. Corte Madera Rec Center, 498 Tamalpais Dr., Corte madera. 472-2492. www.ggcsl.org

12/24-25: Creek Walk to see Spawning Coho Salmon Join a SPAWN naturalist in and learn more about our endangered and wild Coho Salmon and the Laugunitas Creek Watershed they inhabit. 10am-1pm. $4-10. San Geronimo Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo. 663-8590 x114. www.spawnusa.org 12/25: Fresh Air Holiday Hike Hike up Big Rock Ridge. There should be native plants in bloom on the south facing slopes. Seven miles and 1500 feet of elevation gain. Good for beginning plant enthusiasts. Rain cancels. Meet at the Big Rock trail head. From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take Lucas Valley Rd west about 5 miles, the trailhead is beside the big rock at the crest of the hill. 10am3pm. Free. California Native Plant Society. 3209229. www.marin.edu/cnps 12/26: Pilates Mat Class Using the mind to control your muscles, Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps to not only build flexibility, but also strength, endurance and coordination. Good for all fitness levels. 6:307:30pm. $15, drop in. Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. 260-6410. www.millvalleycenter.org 12/27: Brainstormers Pub Trivia Join quizmaster Rick Tosh for a fun and friendly team trivia competition. 8-10pm. Free. Finnegan’s Marin, 877 Grant Ave., Novato. 899-1516. www.finnegansmarin.com 12/28: Trivia Cafe Team trivia contest, hosted by Howard Rachelson, Marin’s Master of Trivia, featuring great questions, music and visuals, and cash prizes. 7:30-9:30pm. $4 entry/player (goes to prizes for winners) Broken Drum, 1132 Fourth St., San Rafael. www.triviacafe.com

12/31: Marin Audubon Christmas Bird Counts Bird Lovers are Needed for Marin Audubon’s Christmas Bird Counts on Saturday, December 31 for the Southern Marin CBC. 7am9pm. $5 for Count, $14 for dinner Tamalpais Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave., Mill Valley. 497-4240. www.marinaudubon.org

Through 12/31: Holiday Tea at The Belrose A pot of fine tea, petit fours, tea sandwiches, cookies and scones will be served. MondaysSaturdays. Reservations required. 1-4pm. $20. The Belrose, 1415 5th Ave., San Rafael. 902-5188. www.thebelrose.com Tuesdays: New Moms Support Group Drop in, weigh baby, get to know other moms, relax and share experiences. Facilitated by Newborn expert Georgia Montgomery. Help with feeding, 26 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29, 2011

sleep and balancing your busy lives. Repeats every Tuesday. 11am-12:30pm Donations welcome. UU Marin Church, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael. 608-8308. www.theparentscenter.com

Kid Stuff 12/23: Pine Cone Bird Feeders Bring nature a little closer to home with your own handmade pinecone bird feeder. These make wonderful gifts, especially for winter birds. When the pinecones run out the program is over. Noon-2pm. Free Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalto. 332-3871. www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc/ 12/28: Poetry Palooza Poetry writing workshop for children, grades 2-4. Journals, pencils, writing games, cookies and apple cider provided. No experience necessary. 2:30-3:45pm. Free. San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E St., San Rafael. 485-3322. www.srpubliclibrary.org 12/29: Fish Feeding Frenzy Help Ranger Bill feed the hungry inhabitants of our fresh and saltwater tanks. Watch the different feeding styles of perch, crabs, sea stars and steelhead trout. 2:30-3pm. Free. Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalto. 332-3871. www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc/

Through 12/23: 14th Annual Gingerbread Architecture Fundraiser Let your imagination run wild as you create the most delicious gingerbread house on the block. Experienced helpers will give you construction and decorating tips and supply you with icing, candy canes, gumdrops and all the treats you will need. 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30am on Dec. 19-23 Pre-registration required $30-40. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 339-3900. www.badm.org

Through 12/24: Free Photo with Santa Also free gift wrapping for items purchased at tiwn center retailers. Free. Town Center, Tamalpais Dr. , Corte Madera. 924-2961.. www. shoptowncenter.com

Food and Drink 12/23: Celebrating Crab! An evening devoted to one of the Bay Area’s local treasures. 6-9pm. $95. The Cooking School at Cavallo Point, 602 Murray Circle, Sausalito. 339-4799. www.cavallopoint.com <

Don't forget to submit your event listings at pacificsun.com/sundial

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I’m neutral. Though, unlike Christmas, the War on Terror is an ongoing problem. [We remind Gwen that Christmas has been around for 2,000 years, while the War on Terror is a relatively new concept.] Yes, but in a week we won’t have to worry about Christmas for another year. —Gwen Aguilar, designer War on Christmas? Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace... —Michelle Palmer, designer

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128246 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as THE CAT HOUSE, 97 A LOUISE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: AL BROOKS, 1010 GRAND AVE., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 29, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128244 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as PRISON MEDIA PROJECT, 2 BRADFORD WAY, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941: STEPHEN MCNAMARA, 2 BRADFORD WAY, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 29, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128280 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as SPECTRUM COURIER, 146 PROSPECT DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: ELMER LIBBY BABB, 146 PROSPECT DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 2, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128290 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as TJ JUST GIRLS, 167 SAN ANDREAS DR., NOVATO, CA 94945: TERESA DE J. ACUNA, 167 SAN ANDREAS DR., NOVATO, CA 94945. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 5, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128238 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as CLOTHESLINES.COM, 51 LUNADA CT., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: JOHN ROBSON, 51 LUNADA CT., SAN RAFAEL,

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CA 94901 . This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on January 1, 2012. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 28, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128092 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as AND THEM DESIGN; AND THEM CLOTHING, 125 MITCHELL BLVD. STE. I, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: TERRENCE KNOLES, 611 B ST. #3, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 1, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128192 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as THE COMMUTER TIMES, 10 COMMERCIAL BLVD. STE 210, NOVATO, CA 94949: CONNER CONSULTING & CONTRACTING LLC., 522 5TH ST., PETALUMA, CA 94952. This business is being conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on November 18, 2011. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 17, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128175 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as TOMATINA, 5800 NORTHGATE MALL #138, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: NBR TOMATINA SAN RAFAEL LLC, 150 PELICAN WAY, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on September 22, 2011. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on November 16, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 201128174 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as PEACOCK GAP GOLF COURSE, 333 BISCAYNE DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: PEACOCK GAP HOLDINGS LLC, 150 PELICAN WAY, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on February 18, 2011. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 16, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011)

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DECEMBER 23– DECEMBER 29, 2011 PACIFIC SUN 29

›› STARSTREAM by Ly nda Ray

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Week of December 22-December 28, 2011

ARIES (March 20 - April 19) The moon in worldly Sagittarius for the winter solstice is open to celebrations encompassing all sorts of beliefs. So, if pagan rituals stir your curiosity, feel free to indulge. On Saturday and Sunday, the Sun and Moon crown your chart. You can easily draw attention and admiration for your achievements. See? Santa was listening when you said you wanted fame and success for Christmas... TAURUS (April 20 - May 19) The sun enters your travel house and all you want for Christmas is a vacation at a luxury resort on a tropical island. Some signs may think that summer is the time to take a trip, but you would rather leave now. In fact, you may get lucky and find a Hyatt Caribbean gift certificate in your stocking. But, if not, don’t give up. With expansive Jupiter in your sign, you’re meant to see the world—hopefully during the next four months... GEMINI (May 20 - June 20) The creative sun, the mushy moon and passionate Pluto spend Saturday and Sunday in the intimacy sector of your chart. Don’t forget to put a “do not disturb” sign up until you’re ready to greet guests. On Tuesday, you’re feeling technically savvy. This is helpful in understanding your latest digital gift, which nowadays could be anything from a new car to a toaster. I guess Santa ignored the “do not disturb” sign... CANCER (June 21 - July 21) It’s the winter solstice—the initiation of the season opposing your own. There’s also a New Moon on Saturday, emphasizing the duality of Cancer and Capricorn. You are personable in your business life, but Capricorn shows you the benefits of being businesslike in your personal one. On Tuesday, you’re clear-headed and rational. If a 52-inch flat screen is really too big for your studio apartment, check out Santa’s return policy. LEO (July 22 - August 22) A determination to completely transform your body had an effect on your holiday wish list. Many of you asked Santa for exercise equipment or a week at a health spa. Even if giddily happy with a luxury gift, you are inspired to start a new fitness regime over the weekend. On Tuesday your energy level lowers, but your need for romance increases. Fortunately, there are activities that keep you fit and satisfy your other urges. Winter isn’t so bad after all... VIRGO (August 23 - September 21) Take a deep breath or two. The stress is gone, and this holiday weekend should be jolly. The New Moon brings inspiration for both creative projects and romantic adventures. Speaking of adventure, it’s time to make plans for a vacation. If Santa didn’t leave you a resort package in your stocking, then do your own research. On Wednesday evening, you are meant to relax and rejuvenate. Pour some Bailey’s in your coffee... LIBRA (September 22 - October 22) On Saturday and Sunday, family takes over as your No. 1 priority. Following at a close second are social activities with friends and neighbors. With a few exceptions, stern Saturn leaves you alone this week and you’re ready to play. Your love life is a little wacky, but you wouldn’t want it any other way. Meanwhile, your financial situation improves via a loan, an inheritance or a legal settlement. Go ahead. Saturn’s not looking. Order the expensive champagne... SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) You are able to express your thoughts with elegance this weekend. If you need to be convincing or you want to reveal your feelings to someone you love, now’s the time. In fact, Jupiter (the planet of opportunity) moves forward in your relationship house beginning on Sunday. Did you ask Santa to bring your one true love to you? You just may get your wish. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20) It’s hard to be as generous as you’d like to be when the planetary emphasis is on being practical. Fortunately, you needn’t feel alone as much of the world is trying to learn a different financial reality. The best and most valuable thing you can give and receive this holiday is friendship. No bows are necessary and the wrapping comes in the form of arms around each other. Enjoy. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 18) The New Moon in your sign is always a special treat. The fact that it coincides with Christmas Eve makes it even more magical. No matter what you are celebrating, allow yourself time on Saturday to sit in peace and visualize your dreams. Meanwhile, on Sunday, expansive Jupiter begins moving forward again in your house of creativity, romance and entertainment. If you’ve been too busy to have a good time, please start now. AQUARIUS (January 19 - February 17) As mentioned last week, charming Venus has entered your sign. Hopefully, this happened in time to put you back on Santa’s “nice” list. With your ruler (rebellious Uranus) in the disobedient sign of Aries, you can benefit from a dose of politeness. Tuesday is the best day for being with large groups, whether family, friends or protesters. If the latter, please remember to carry bail money... PISCES (February 18 - March 19) This weekend you are meant to formulate your dreams for the future. While giving and receiving gifts is lovely, the chance to plant the seed of your ideal life comes only once a year. Santa can bring you a camera, but only you can decide what you want to capture with it. Wednesday is a perfect day for listening to (and singing along with) your heart. Turn off the iPod and make your own music. < Email Lynda Ray at cosmicclues@gmail.com or check out her website at www.lyndarayastrology.com 30 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 23– DECEMBER 29, 2011

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128097 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as LAUER LEGAL SEARCH, 67 MAYWOOD WAY, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: ANDREA D. HUNOLT, 67 MAYWOOD WAY, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on March 27, 2011. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 2, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128289 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as GAWAIN WEAVER ART CONSERVATION, 18 GREENFIELD AVE., SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960: GAWAIN M WEAVER, 18 GREENFIELD AVE., SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on September 1, 2008. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 5, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128116 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as SHEN DAO CENTER, 706 D ST. SUITE B, SAN RAFAEL, C 94901: JENNIFER B JACKSON, 344 OAK AVE., SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 4, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128267 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as ORIGINAL SWISS AROMATICS, 602 FREITAS PKWY, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: JULIEN JUILLERAT, I WINTERGREEN TERR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on December 1, 2011. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 1, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128286 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as WALKIE WALKIE, 650 BAMBOO TERRACE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: SHELLEY L HUNTER, 650 BAMBOO TERRACE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on January 1, 2012. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 2, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128350 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as SOLEPATH ENTERPRISES, 210 SPRING GROVE AVE., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: AMY BELLIN, 210 SPRING GROVE AVE., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on December 13, 2011. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 13, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 16, 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 2012) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128359 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as THAI SMILE, 534 4TH ST., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: ABBY BOUAPHAVONG, 5404 STONY CT., RICHMOND, CA 94806. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 13, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 16, 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 2012) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128294 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as THE JOYFUL HOUND MOBILE DOG GROOMING, 2620 GRANT AVE., RICHMOND, CA 94804: PAMELA A MCHALE, 2620 GRANT AVE., RICHMOND, CA 94804. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 5, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 23, 30,

2011; January 6, 13, 2012) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128285 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as OPEN ART RECORDS; OPEN ART MUSIC, 443 MOLIND AVE., MILL VALLEY, CA 94941: JACQUELINE H. RYAN, 443 MOLIND AVE., MILL VALLEY, CA 94941. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 2, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 2012) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128386 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as PELO CYCLING-FITNESS, 34 ROLLINGWOOD DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: ALAN R. ROBERTS, 34 ROLLINGWOOD DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on December 16, 2011. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on December 16, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 2012) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128392 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as VISIONS ARRAY, 21 TARRANT CT., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: ERIK BAUMBACH, 21 TARRANT CT., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 19, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 2012)

997 All Other Legals STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME File No. 304329 The following person(s) has/have abandoned the use of a fictitious business name(s). The information given below is as it appeared on the fictitious business statement that was filed at the Marin County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Fictitious Business name(s): ORIGINAL SWISS AROMATICS, 602 FREITAS PKWY, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. Filed in Marin County on: May 16, 2011. Under File No: 2011126864. Registrantâ ™s Name(s): KURT SCHNAUBELT, 1 WINTERGREEN TERR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This statement was filed with the County Clerk Recorder of Marin County on December 1, 2011. (Pacific Sun: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No. CIV 1105867. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner MARIE THERESE MASSON-HERMAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: MARIE THERESE MASSON-HERMAN to MARIE THERESE MASSON. 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: January 23, 2012, 9:00 AM, Dept. L, Room L, Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94913. 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 following newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Marin: PACIFIC SUN. Date: December 2, 2011 /s/ LYNN DURYEE, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT (Pacific Sun: December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011) STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME File No. 304330 The following person(s) has/have abandoned the use of a fictitious business name(s). The information given below is as it appeared on the fictitious business statement that was filed at the Marin County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Fictitious Business name(s): THAI SMILE, 534 4TH ST., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. Filed in Marin County on: November 1, 2010. Under File No: 125342. Registrant’s Name(s): LIANE BOUAPHAVONG, 3971 SELMI GROVE, RICHMOND CA 94806; CHANSAMOUTH BOUAPHAVONG, 3971 SELMI GROVE, RICHMOND CA 94806. This statement was

filed with the County Clerk Recorder of Marin County on December 13, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 16, 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 2012) STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME File No. 304328 The following person(s) has/have abandoned the use of a fictitious business name(s). The information given below is as it appeared on the fictitious business statement that was filed at the Marin County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Fictitious Business name(s): TRUCKWORLD USA, 790 ANDERSEN DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. Filed in Marin County on: August 5, 2011. Under File No: 2011127479. Registrant’s Name(s): RAZEL R. HAYNES, 369 THIRD ST. B# 522. This statement was filed with the County Clerk Recorder of Marin County on November 17, 2011. (Pacific Sun: December 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 2012) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No. CIV 1106144. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner MARINA PATRICIA NIMS, PAT LESLIE NIMS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: LEVI NIMS to KITARA GRACE NIMS. 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: January 27, 2012, 8:30 AM, Dept. E, Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94913. 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 following newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Marin: PACIFIC SUN. Date: December 16, 2011 /s/ FAYE D’OPAL, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT (Pacific Sun: December 23, 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 2012)

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›› TRiViA CAFÉ ANSWERS From page 9 1. Located just east of San Rafael (north of the Richmond-San Rafael bridge, southeast of the Loch Lomond Marina, east of the Canal district) 2. A Christmas Carol 3. Mammoth and mastodon 4. 1790 5. Women’s NBA 6. Tanzania 7. Born on the Fourth of July, starring Tom Cruise 8. Hockey 9. 64pi 10. Al Franken, former comedian, from Minnesota BONUS ANSWER: Sydney, Australia

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Three years ago, I was divorced six weeks from a 22year marriage when I got involved with a married coworker and persuaded him to divorce his wife for me. He has been married five times and cheated on all of his wives. I have reason to believe he’s still having sex with his ex-wife. I’m not sure what to do. I refinanced my house a few months after meeting him and paid off his and his wife’s $14,000 credit card debt (my idea, to help him out of the marriage). He’s been repaying me $250 a month, although I also usually pay for his plane ticket here. (I moved for work.) He’s a pretty bad alcoholic. Not a mean one, just a goofy one. I know he has a bad marital track record, but he’s in his 50s; his marriage-hopping has to stop... you’d think. Crazy as it seems, I’m madly in love. He is charming, is generous and shows me he loves me in little ways—cards, phone calls, etc. Really, I’m not dumb. I’m a librarian with a master’s. But, tell me: How bad is this?—Shhhh...

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Oh, the charming, generous things he does, like putting your credit card back in your wallet and closing the snap.He doesn’t sound like an evil person; he just is who he is—an undercapitalized, serially married goofy drunk who’s probably sleeping with his ex-wife. Three years ago, you were just-divorced and probably panicking about your prospects, when you spotted your Mr. Right (aka an age-appropriate, conveniently located, attractive man with a pulse). Hellooo, confirmation bias! That’s a common human irrationality—the tendency to snuggle up to information that confirms what you want to believe and to ignore any information that doesn’t. Before long, you were slammed with “cognitive dissonance,” the clash of two simultaneously held opposing beliefs—your belief that this is a worthy love thing versus how this guy goes to the altar more often than some men go to the carwash.To reduce the psychological friction of cognitive dissonance, you’re prone to justify whichever belief shines up your ego. The more some choice costs you the more driven you’ll be to defend it—like when you’ve abruptly thrown 14K at the idea that you can change a man who thinks soul mates come in six-packs. And no, you aren’t that “dumb”; you’re just that human. Deep down, you know that love—real love—is never having to say, “Are you cheating on me with your ex-wife?”Keep in mind that the term “madly in love” refers to a state where you aren’t making rational decisions. You need to get in the habit of standing back from your life and assessing what you’re doing—especially when you’re at your neediest. Recognize your human propensity to act irrationally—to let your emotions lead and then to mop up afterward with a bunch of self-justifications. If you can accept yourself as human and fallible, you won’t feel so compelled to toss less-than-flattering facts in the hall closet behind the badminton net. Be open with yourself (and even your friends) about your flaws and fears and you should start managing them in healthier ways—instead of paying off a bunch of pantsuits a guy’s wife bought five years ago at Macy’s and telling yourself you’ve found love.

Q:

Through no one’s fault but my own, I am a rather pathetic, washed-up character—a man approaching 40, slaving away for $10/hour, and getting around on my bike after having to sell my car. Yet, I’m ever driven by my wants— for pretty ladies in their early 20s. Do I have any hope?—Seeking

A:

It’s tough attracting the ladies when you have transportation issues: “I’ll be over at 8. Wanna run behind my bike, or would you prefer to balance yourself on my handlebars?” This might fly if you’re 23 and parking your bike outside the drafty garret where you write mind-blowingly beautiful poetry or if your hobbies include shrinking your “carbon footprint” while snarling that the eco-posers tooling around in their Priuses are fouling the environment. Unfortunately, most hot young chickies willing to date a guy cresting 40 expect him to have achieved some status and position, and not a position paying slightly better than fast food. Still, if you can’t substantially increase your income, you might increase your status by making a difference. You could start and run a humanitarian organization (like Robert Werner, who started BC Digital Divide, refurbishing donated computers and giving them to the needy). But, if you do this solely to get chicks, they’ll surely see through it. Ultimately, this mostly has to be about a passion to help others, and not just to help others who are 23 and hot out of their clothes. <

© Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. www.advicegoddess.com. Got a problem? Email AdviceAmy@aol.com or write to Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave. #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405.

Worship the goddess—or sacrifice her at the altar on TownSquare at ›› pacificsun.com DECEMBER 23– DECEMBER 29, 2011 PACIFIC SUN 31

FINER MEATS & SEAFOOD

DELI, CHEESE & BAKERY

ORGANIC PRODUCE

LA PANZANELLA MINI CROCCANTINI

ORGANIC RASPBERRIES Serve Over Crème Brulée or Drop into a Glass of Champagne for a Festive Celebration. 6oz.pkg.

3

$ 48

Try these Award Winning Artisan Flat Breads in a Two-Bite Size. Assorted Flavors to Choose from. 6oz. pkg.

ea

LARGE COOKED PRAWNS

3

$ 48

41/50 Count – Frozen. Serve with Vince's Cocktail Sauce.

ea

898

$

ORGANIC BABY CARROTS

CHOCOLATE DIPPED FROGS

BABY BACK RIBS

Perfect for a Veggie Platter or Add to Your Favorite Soup or Stew to Warm Up During the Cool December. 16oz.pkg.

Gianna's Brand – Handmade with All Natural Ingredients. The Chocolate Frogs are a Huge Hit with Kids and Families. 14 oz. container.

Pork – All Natural. Bake or Grill these Beauties. Brush with Your Favorite BBQ Sauce. Serve with Roasted Red Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables.

98 ¢ea

798

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RODNEY STRONG Pinot Noir Reg.$1898

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14

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98

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ea

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lb

Fresh and Local Breads SEMIFREDDI'S HANDCRAFTED BREADS A Local Company-Berkeley, Ca

Family owned since 1984, Semifreddi’s has made baking their passion. They provide the freshest and highest quality breads and pastries at reasonable prices and all their breads are Certified Kosher. Some of varieties available are: Challah, Cinnamon Twist, Ginger Bread, Ciabatta, Rustic Sourdough, Odessa Rye, Country Levain, Sweet Batard, Sour Batard, Sourdough Baguette, Sourdough Seeded Baguette or Sweet Baguette.

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