Pacific Sun Weekly 12.30.2011 - Section 1

DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012

MARiN’S BEST EVERY WEEK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Yo u c a n s p o t t h e m i d l i f e - c r i s i s b i k e r s b y t h e A A R P t a t t o o.

Trivia Café

The year in minutiae 7

Best of Marin

Gentlemen and women, start your voting...

14

[ S E E PA G E 1 9 ]

CineMarin

The best films of the year!

18

› › pacificsun.com

THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS "ONELESS "EEF ,OIN 4RI 4IP 2OAST

Boneless Pork Loin Chops or Roast

Large Creamy Hass Avocados

Crisp Sweet Red Grapes

ed ok Co IL /N A 4 rimp Sh 99 LB $

$

$ 99lb

$ 99lb

Lean and Highly Flavorful.

Great Dish that goes well with Vegetable and/or Potatoes.

Robert Mondavi Private Select Wines

Cooks Champagne %XTRA $RY "RUT

Svedka Vodka

$ 99each

$ 99each

$ 99each

Selected 750ml Varieties.

750ml Varieties.

750ml.

3

2

8

6

$ 99lb

.99each

1

Perfect for Party Dips or Any Occasion.

Healthy Snack or Addition to Your Holiday Trays.

Corona, Lagunitas, Deschutes, Blue Moon, Black Butte Porter or Mirror Pond Beer

9

Prices Good from December 28, 2011 – January 3, 2012

Fairfax Market Family O wned

Store Hours: Open 6am – 12am Daily 3IR &RANCIS $RAKE "OULEVARD s &AIRFAX s 2 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012

$

1299each

12oz. Bottles.

Selected 12-Pack Varieties.

Daily Specials!

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WEDNESDAY ARE COMMUNITY NIGHTS Â&#x2DC;lĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x161; JĂ&#x153;Ă&#x161; Ă?vvĂ&#x161;ĂŹÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2022;Ă&#x161; ĂŤvĂ?ĂŽĂ&#x161; lĂĽÂ&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x161; ¨Ă&#x153;Ă?wv TAKE-OUT THURSDAY ĂŁĂ´ÂżĂ&#x161;%Â&#x201E;Ă&#x161;7JÂ&#x17E;vÂ&#x2014;%ĂĽĂ&#x153;Ă&#x161;.ĂĽĂ?bÂ&#x2022;JĂ&#x201C;vĂ&#x201C;Â

5 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920 Â&#x2039;ÂłÂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă´Ă´Ă&#x161;aĂ&#x161; ĂĽJĂŽÂŁJĂ&#x201C;3vĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x153;JĂĽĂ?J¨Ă&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;bÂŹÂŁ

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50% OFF

Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; ,iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;>Â?Ă&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;i>Ă&#x152;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152; Bikini $80, Underarms $45, Full Back $200 (After Discount) Exp. 1/31/12

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IN T O V

RT A T GS

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!

Y A D FRI

It was 50 years ago today. When the Beatles famously sang in 1967 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I get by with a little help from my friends.â&#x20AC;?

But if the Liverpool foursome had come from around here, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have probably echoed a different chorus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I get by with a little help from Best of Marin.â&#x20AC;?

Our 2012 Best of Marin readers poll will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Beatles and the release of their first single!

So nevermind the Walrus, put a hold on the Revolution, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pine too much for Yesterdayâ&#x20AC;ŚJust Let it Be, Best of Marin.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED MARCH 30, 2012 DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 3

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Year 49, No. 52

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May - December romance with Southern Pacific Smokehouse comes to a close.

Newsgrams, p. 6.

Phone: 415/485-6700 Fax: 415/485-6226 E-Mail: letters@pacificsun.com

paciďŹ csun.com +

your link to Marin

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EDITORIAL Editor: Jason Walsh (x316); Movie Page Editor: Matt Stafford (x320); Copy Editor: Carol Inkellis (x317); Staff Writer: Dani Burlison (x319); Calendar Editor: Anne Schrager (x330); Proofreader: Julie Vader CONTRIBUTORS Lee Brady, Greg Cahill, Pat Fusco, Richard Gould, Richard P. Hinkle, Brooke Jackson, Brenda K. Kinsel, Jill Kramer, Joel Orff, Rick Polito, Peter Seidman, Nikki Silverstein, Annie Spiegelman, David Templeton, Barry Willis.

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4 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012

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â&#x20AC;˘Lamb Meal & Rice â&#x20AC;˘Large Breed Adult (â&#x20AC;˘Weight Control â&#x20AC;˘Mini-Chunk - $28.99)

27

$

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Limit 2 Bags Per Family

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â&#x20AC;˘Lamb Meal & Rice, 30 Lb â&#x20AC;˘Chicken Meal & Rice, 30 Lb â&#x20AC;˘Lite, 28 Lb . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effective 12/28-1/3

19

DRY CAT FOOD

99

FELINE PINE 20 Lb Bag Limit 2 Bags

9

$

With Savory Nuggets 15 Lb Bag Limit 2 Bags Per Family

HEALTHY CAT LITTER

99

16 Lb Bag

8

$

3399

$

99

Limit 2 Bags Per Family

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Effective 12/28-1/3

Effective 12/28-1/3

COUPON

FREE 1 LB SPOR

CIAL TISSUE

79¢

MIX PREMIUTM DOG BISCUITS

175 Count. White

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Environmentally Friendlyâ&#x20AC;?

With the Purchase of Pet, Fish Food or Supply.

Limit 1 Pkg. PS Plu Limit: 1 Coupon per 328 Family

with the purchase of pet, fish food or supply.

Limit 1 Coupon per family Limit 1 Lb PS PLU332

99

9

$

99

FUSSIE CAT

PREMIUM CANNED CAT FOOD

11

$

All Varieties 2.8 Oz

20/ DRY CAT FOOD

00

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â&#x20AC;˘Adult Chicken â&#x20AC;˘Lamb Meal & Rice 16Lb Bag Limit 2 Bags

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OUR SUPER LOW PRICES

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PETRODEX PRODUCTS All Varieties Incl. Dental Chews

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22 Oz. All Varieties

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CAT TREATS All Varieties TARTAR CONTROL

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DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 5

›› UPFRONT

My name is bond, SMART bond Investors seduced by rakish rail debt security...

by Pe te r Se i d m an

W

that includes the one-quarter-cent sales tax in the SMART district, which covers the two counties and which critics are targeting in their tax-measure repeal effort. Voters in the SMART district approved the 20-year tax measure by a majority of almost 70 percent. Critics, who have coalesced around a group called RepealSMART, say the truncated first segment is substantively different that the Cloverdale to Larkspur rail line that appeared on the ballot in 2008.

In describing the successful completion of the bond, Mansourian said, “I think this patient was in pretty bad shape back in September, and we delivered a very, very healthy child yesterday.” Sarah Hollenbeck, a financial advisor to SMART said at the meeting, “The plan was to go out and issue bonds, escrow the funds and hold them until the repeal effort is resolved. We had confidence we would be able to do so, and indeed that is exactly what happened.”

Hollenbeck said SMART went to market to sell the bonds on Dec. 14. The sale concluded Dec. 20. The repeal effort drove up the price for SMART, which settled for selling the first batches of short-term bonds at variable interest rate of 0.2 to .08 percent, which SMART can later convert to fixed rates. Hollenbeck said the first batch of bonds is pegged at .2 per8 >

›› NEWSGRAMS

by Jason Walsh

SP Smokehouse cools its coals It seems the Southern Pacific Smokehouse is declaring spare-the-air days until further notice as, according to the Novato restaurant’s Facebook page, the still-somewhat-new music venue, bar and grill is closing.

“We are deeply sorry to announce that we have closed,” restaurant officials posted.“It was an honor to serve you, and the restaurant hopes to reopen as soon as possible.”

The Smokehouse opened late last spring in the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center; Rick Riess, president of PlumpJack Group, and country singer Philip Claypool partnered in the restaurant in the hopes of drawing hungry shoppers from nearby Target, Costco and Old Navy, as well as offer a live-music venue to the nightlife-deprived denizens north of downtown San Rafael. With a menu that crossed Pacific catch and Southern barbecue, the restaurant settled into the Vintage Oaks building that recently housed a jewelry store— and in the shopping center’s younger days (early ‘90s), the building originally featured an Olive Garden, followed a few years later by Red Lobster.

Aside from the venerable Jennie Low’s and nearby Sushiholic, SPS was the only nonchain dining option in Vintage Oaks, though some thought the Smokehouse had the air of a chain-in-the-making (our review from July described the restaurant as “a TGI Friday’s with class.”)

Rumors of the restaurant’s struggles had been cooking for weeks—though a recent Thursday night visit by the Pacific Sun found the bar hopping and the dining area more than half full. Buzz about a change in ownership remains unconfirmed. More to come...

8 > JAMES HALL

hile critics of Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit continue their push to collect enough signatures by the end of January to qualify a tax repeal measure that essentially would stop the nascent rail line in its tracks, SMART has racked up a string of victories.

SMART officials say the spate of recent good news belies the critics’ charges that the proposed rail line is being constructed on shaky financial ground and will wind up as an economic and transit fiasco.

On Dec. 21 at a SMART board meeting, Farhad Mansourian, SMART general manager, introduced a portion of the meeting devoted to describing the details of a successful bond sale to raise money for the first segment of the rail line, from downtown Santa Rosa to downtown San Rafael. The bond sale raised $191 million.

The SMART transit district will put $20 million of that total in reserve to “take off bond holders if anything goes wrong,” according to Mansourian. That leaves a net of $171 million from the bond sale, almost half of the $360 million SMART estimates it needs to complete the first segment, which includes 37 miles of track, stations and infrastructure.

The remainder of the money will come from federal, state and local sources, a pot

Will Southern Pacific Smokehouse share a similar fate to Olive Garden and Red Lobster?

6 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 – JANUARY 5, 2012

›› TRiViA CAFÉ

by Howard Rachelson

Well, friends, another year has come and gone... let’s see what you remember from 2011. Happy New Year to everyone from your trivial reporter, Howard Rachelson.

1. Pictured, below: In a Jan. 8 assassination attempt, 17people were shot at a political meeting outside a local grocery store in Tucson, including what U.S. Congresswoman from Arizona?

1

group performed the deed?

10. On May 14, what head of the International Monetary Fund, and a leading political figure in France, was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a maid at a Manhattan hotel?

11. In May, Oprah Winfrey was dethroned on the top spot of Forbes magazine’s annual Celebrity 100 list by what female singer?

12. Heavy spring rains caused widespread flooding along what two rivers named after states?

13. Pictured, below: On May 22, one of the deadliest tornados in U.S. history killed 160 people and damaged about 2,000 buildings, including water treatment and sewage plants, in what Missouri city?

young political activists in what peaceful European country?

22. On July 23, what 27-year-old artist, who sang,“They tried to make me go to rehab but I said no, no, no,” was found dead in her London apartment?

23. Pictured, below: On July 8, what space shuttle was launched into space for the 135th and final flight of the program, which started in 1981?

23

13 2. In January, after suffering from 10 years of drought, months of heavy rain caused major flooding and destruction in what English-speaking country?

3. In February, for the first time since 1943, how many films were nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award?

What movie won? Who received Best Actor and Best Actress Oscars? What Bay Area-produced film won the award for best Animated Feature Film?

4. Nuclear disaster occurred in Japan after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake on March 11 triggered a deadly tsunami that left a path of death and devastation, including the reactors at what nuclear power station?

5. In April, France became the first European nation to prohibit women from wearing what garment (worn by millions worldwide) in public?

6. Pictured, below : Three billion people around the world followed the April 29 wedding of what two people?

6

7. To put an end to nonstop political posturing, President Obama on April 27 released his what?

8. 2011 was one of the worst years ever for these weather formations; more than 100 of them swept through the southern U.S., killing nearly 300 people in six states.

9. Millions of people worldwide cheered and millions grieved when, on May 1, U.S. troops and CIA operatives did what in Abbottabad, Pakistan? Which military

14. Pent-up frustration led to street protests and violence in a number of Middle Eastern countries. Name the six countries most affected in 2011.

15. On June 5, 29-year-old Chinese woman Li Na became the first Asian athlete ever to win a championship in what sport?

16. During one week in June the NBA and NHL determined their champions.

What team won the NBA basketball crown and who won the Stanley Cup? 17. After sending explicit photos of himself to several women via Facebook and Twitter, what seven-term U.S. representative from New York was forced to resign in June?

18. On June 24 New York became the largest U.S. state to legalize what?

19. On July 11, The News of the World, a British newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch, was forced to shut down after several allegations of what?

20. Pictured, below: On July 17, what country defeated the USA to win the Women’s World Cup of soccer?

20

21. On July 22, disguised as a policeman, Anders Breivik opened fire at a camp for

32

32. Pictured, above: What team in October won baseball’s World Series, and what team lost for the second straight year?

33. On Oct. 31, the world population reached what amazing milestone?

34. Pictured, below: He survived political and personal scandals that would have ended most political careers; what business mogul and politician, one of the world’s richest men, stepped down after three terms as prime minister of Italy?

34

24. In August, tens of millions watched live on television as what ailing man was rolled into a Cairo courtroom on a hospital bed for his corruption trial?

25. On Aug. 5, what credit agency announced the lowering of U.S. credit rating, as a result of political gridlock?

26. Shortly before his death, who said on Aug. 24:“I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.”?

27. In September, Saudi Arabia granted women what long-withheld right?

28. On Oct. 18, Israel exchanged 1,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails for what kidnapped Israeli soldier held in Gaza since 2006?

29. On Oct. 20, what Libyan leader was captured and killed by rebel troops in his hometown of Sirte?

30. Mirroring the Middle East protests, the “Occupy” movement, standing against corporate greed and social inequality, began in September on what U.S. street?

31. World markets were rocked in late October as Europe attempted to assist what EU nation to avoid default?

35. In November, U.C. Davis gained worldwide notoriety after a campU.S. policeman did what to peaceful protesters?

36. Numbers of the Year: 36a. Herman Cain’s tax plan 36b. The numerical phrase most uttered by those who occupy and protest.

36c. Pictured, below: The numerical title of a 2011 music album, the best-selling album of the past seven years.

36d. The year 2011: It’s the sum of what seven consecutive prime numbers?

36c

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.

Answers on page 27 DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 7

< 6 Newsgrams

Endangered plant seeks refuge in Headlands Old acquaintances have certainly been forgot if you’re a marsh sandwort—a species of plant once prevalent in marshes and riparian areas from Los Angeles to Washington state, including our own Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

But due to over-development and other threats to the Pacific Coast only about 10 of the plants are still alive in the wild—all photosynthesizing these days in San Luis Obispo County.

But in an effort to save the federally endangered sandwort—you may know it as Arenaria paludicola—a team of biologists from the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of California Santa Cruz have planted more than 800 marsh sandworts in various wetland habitats throughout the GGNRA—mostly at two sites in the Marin Headlands.

It’s unclear if the white-pedaled flower, which blooms from May to August, was ever native to the Headlands. But, according to GGNRA officials, one of the historic populations of marsh sandwort, recorded by botanists in the early 1900s, was from Fort Point, just south of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Though no individual plants remain at Fort Point, their history there made the Headlands a logical spot to reintroduce the species. The success of these new populations will be followed closely in the coming months and years, say officials.

Two previous attempts to reintroduce the sandwort in Santa Cruz have delivered promising results; still other stabs at repopulating the plant haven’t taken root.

The $3,000 project is being funded by the Fish and Wildlife Service; seeds were collected from 10 plants in San Luis Obispo, grown indoors at U.C. Santa Cruz and were replanted in November and December in the Headlands.

County Fair cleans up at county fair awards When it comes to county fairs—the Marin County Fair is among the fairest of them all. At least, that’s what the Western Fairs Association thinks, as it has awarded Marin County Fair’s 2011 incarnation—themed “Golden Gate Bridge: Celebrating 75 Years—with 15 individual achievement awards and six first-place awards.

Stephen Chambers, executive director of the Western Fairs Association, says Marin’s fair “exemplifies the highest of standards for county fairs.”

“Marin’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge created new ground-breaking practices and fair program ideas,” says Chambers.“These ideas are truly a national model for the fair industry of how to celebrate both leading-edge environmental goals and family friendly entertainment.”

The Western Fairs Association is a 150-member trade association representing fairs in the Western United States and Canada. According to the WFA, each year it “recognizes excellence in the fair industry” which also provides a forum for fairs to share successful ideas and programs.

Jim Farley, director of the county’s Cultural and Visitor Services, which puts on the fair, said being recognized by the WFA is rewarding.

“From the time we first started planning for the fair until we opened, we had tremendous support from the Golden Gate Bridge District in creating the signature Golden Gate Pavilion,” says Farley.“Their contributions were enormous and the feedback from our guests was overwhelmingly positive.”

Farley isn’t resting on his fair-thee-well laurels, though. He’s already gearing up for the 67th fair—and the 2012 theme is “Always Fresh, Fun & Local,” celebrating Marin’s vibrant agricultural community. It’ll take place June 30 through July 4.

Phoenix Lake retrofit awash with state grant funds While Phoenix Lake won’t exactly be rising from its own ashes, as did its mythical namesake, it will be enjoying quite a sprucing up in the coming years, as the California Department of Water Resources is granting $7.66 million toward a retrofit of the Ross Valley lake.

According to the County Public Works Department, the grant will go toward a project— estimated at $15.6 million all told—to transform the reservoir into a facility that will function as a flood control detention basin, in addition to its current use as a water supply storage facility and public recreation area.

Public works will develop the project in partnership with the Marin Municipal Water District, which currently owns and operates Phoenix Lake. The work will mostly involve seismically retrofitting the dam and improving the hydraulic and recreational infrastructures of the lake. County officials say the ultimate goal is for Phoenix Lake to be operated to serve multiple purposes of flood control, drinking water supply, water quality, ecosystem restoration, and public recreation.

“The Phoenix Lake project will benefit the community in multiple ways,” says Ross Valley Supervisor Katie Rice.“It utilizes an existing resource and improves it for the next century; it begins to provide the level of flood control that is needed in Ross Valley; it will improve water quality in the reservoir, improve the trails for public access, improve habitat in the lake and in Ross Creek, and will create jobs during the design and building process.”

Flood control is always a concern in Marin—but especially so in the Ross Valley follow8 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 – JANUARY 5, 2012

< 6 My name is bond,SMART bond cent, “a pretty nice cost of funds.”

The bond sale went better than Mansourian expected. Marin County Supervisor Judy Arnold, who serves as vice chairwomen of the SMART board, says the results of the sale are “more than we could have hoped for. Clearly the financial firms would not have bought bonds if they thought an investment in SMART was ‘financially risky.’”

SMART critics say it’s foolish for SMART to sell the bonds before the repeal effort gets resolved. But SMART says the economic climate is advantageous for seeking bond funding and signing construction contracts. “It’s disingenuous to say this is the right time to do bonds because they don’t get to use the funds until this thing has run its course,” says Clay Mitchell, co-founder of RepealSMART. “And the projections are that interest rates will not go up for the next year. In essence, there is very minimal risk of higher bond costs at a later point. Unfortunately they spent more on an exotic [financial] product,” says Mitchell, referring to the variable-interest strategy.

Last week, shortly after SMART announced the bond sale, Mitchell told the Sun he was skeptical of the sale details.

“I’d like to see who bought those bonds because SMART has shown they are not above using political influence to get their way. I’m curious what favors were called in to make sure they all got sold.”

That kind of accusation sends steam to the boilers of SMART supporters and SMART officials. Mansourian has stated and restated his belief in transparency. He says that shortly after he came on board, he sent a full package of financial information, everything he had, to SMART critics and local papers. Still, critics continued to voice their charge that SMART was withholding or hiding critical information.

Those kinds of accusations continued right up to the time when SMART went out to seek bond funding. “They tried very hard to poison the well,” says Mansourian, who adds that the SMART financial team received “threatening” letters, saying that if the team continued to serve SMART, the professional reputation of team members would be at risk.

Even in that kind atmosphere, SMART still managed to complete its bond sales, says Jack Swearengen of Friends of SMART. “Clearly the critics were much too negative when they said no one would buy bonds.” And as for Mitchell’s question about who bought the bonds, there were no secrets at the Dec. 21 meeting. Hollenbeck told board members that SMART achieved “the highest short-term rating from Standard and Poor’s, based on basically escrowing U.S. Treasury securities.”

She said SMART “received about eight times as many orders as we had bonds to sell.” A nice vote of confidence, she added. And the interest in the bonds, she continued, came from big-name financial

firms, “Household names: Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Franklin Funds, Schwab, a long list of investors.”

Hollenbeck and Mansourian both made a point of mentioning that the financial companies took long looks at the bond product SMART was offering and also at SMART itself. And that scrutiny included the effort to repeal the sales tax. “The financial people said they weren’t interested in the [political] garbage,” says Mansourian. “[They said they were] interested in buying secure investments. They scrutinized the project, the financing. They reviewed my resume and other resumes.

They looked at the entire organization, not just the balance sheet.”

That affirmation from the financial companies came along with news that SMART is ready to award its first construction contract for the initial operating segment from Santa Rosa to San Rafael.

Even though the bond money will go into escrow, SMART still has enough to start the first projects in the first segment.

SMART estimates the first work will cost about $107 million. More good news could be coming down the line, however.

As construction bids get narrowed down, SMART could find cost savings, and Mansourian says he thinks he’ll have good news for board members on Jan. 9 at 9am in the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors chambers, where he’ll lay out that first construction contract and the work it will entail. He wanted to announce the news at the Dec. 21 meeting, but details still were inchoate. Two companies had been whittled down in the bidding. One company gets the deal; the other company has a period during which it can appeal.

The news that SMART completes a successful bond sale and is close to nailing down its first construction contract magnifies an irony that comes with the RepealSMART effort to take the sales tax back to voters for another round—with a two-thirds hurdle for passage. SMART supporters say critics are being disingenuous, and their real intent is to sabotage SMART just as it gets rolling. Mitchell says that’s just not true. “We have a simple goal: to get enough signatures to let people vote [on a November ballot]. People say I’m out of step with public opinion. The way to figure that out is to let people vote.”

SMART supporters and critics know it’s easier to collect signatures for a negative proposition than a positive one in the current political climate, especially when the issue focuses on a government agency.

If the RepealSMART folks can use the two-thirds hurdle, government spending and the delayed timetable for a full SMART route as bullets in their ammunition box, SMART can use the financial firms that have affirmed the stability of the rail system. It’s a major notch on the SMART gun belt.

But, as the pitchman says, “But wait, there’s more.” Along with the news about the successful bond sale and successful

And still the SMART good news keeps coming. Arnold says that transportation agencies in Sonoma and Marin counties have been looking at a plan to run connector buses at both ends of the ďŹ rst segment. The buses will provide service to the original northern terminus in Cloverdale and to the southern terminus at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal station. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They all have looked at what they can do, and it looks like its feasible ďŹ nancially, which is a great thing.â&#x20AC;? A SMART connector working group has been studying the issue with an eye toward providing the connector bus service when the rail line begins operating in 2015 or 2016. SMART and its bus transit partners will work on the ďŹ nancial feasibility details and report back to the board in spring or summer.

According to a SMART staff report, a SMART connector bus, which would meet trains in Santa Rosa, would take 14 to 16 minutes to travel from Santa Rosa to Windsor, 26 to 29 minutes to Healdsburg and 49 to 53 minutes to Cloverdale. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s substantially faster than the current bus service, which gets riders to Windsor in 27 to 38 minutes, Healdsburg in 46 to 58 minutes and Cloverdale in 75 to 91 minutes.

On the southern end of the line, connector buses would meet trains in San Rafael and take train riders from downtown to the Larkspur station in 8 to 11 minutes.

Buses currently take 30 minutes to make that run.

Trains can run from either end of the ďŹ rst-segment train line much faster than even the express connector buses, but until the trains run on the entire line, the connector buses could offer a substantial advantage over current travel timesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and attract more riders to the trains.<

V Last week, Peter visited the Novato Library to check out an armload of books. When he was ďŹ nished, he stopped at the mailbox outside. Due to his bad back and the load he was carrying, Peter put his laptop on the ground while he deposited his letters into the box. With his tasks ďŹ nished, he went on his way. In the meantime, Kendrick, a 15-year-old Novato resident, found a Mac computer by the mailbox outside the Novato Library. Peter made it halfway home before he realized he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have his laptop. Rushing back to the library, Peter was thrilled to learn that Kendrick, our honest Hero, had safely delivered his computer to the circulation desk inside the library.

W Phyllis is fortunate to have her octogenarian parents living nearby. Although her folks no longer drive, she helps them with errands. A recent outing brought them to RiteAid in Mill Valley.

Her father, ďŹ ercely independent, likes to shop by himself. Though he walks slowly with his cane, he gets along just ďŹ ne. While Phyllis waited in her car, she heard a horn beeping. Turns out, the rude female driver of a white Toyota sedan was honking at her father as he crossed the parking lot. When he ďŹ nally reached Phyllis, he was upset and shaken.

Toyota Lady, picking on an 80ish-year-old man makes you a big Zero. Slow down and show some respect to your elders. You may need someone to do the same for you one day. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Nikki Silverstein

Contact the writer at peter @pseidman.com

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your county, speak up at â&#x20AC;şâ&#x20AC;ş paciďŹ csun.com

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 â&#x20AC;şâ&#x20AC;ş paciďŹ csun.com

< 8 Newsgrams ing the major storms and flooding over the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s week in 2005.

The Phoenix Lake detention-basin project will break ground in 2012 and is expected take five to seven years to complete. Once finished, it will be operated during â&#x20AC;&#x153;extreme events,â&#x20AC;? according to Public Works officials, and will temporarily store storm water runoff from the extensive upper watershed thereby lowering the flows in Ross Creek and Corte Madera Creek. According to county officials, this type of reduced flow will be enough to prevent flooding if conditions arise similar to the 2005 floodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a flood that was designated a â&#x20AC;&#x153;100 year flood,â&#x20AC;? meaning it has a 1 percent probability of occurring in any given year.

Including the flood of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;82, Marin has experience two â&#x20AC;&#x153;100 year floodsâ&#x20AC;? in the past 30 years.

Calling all would-be Harold Hills! â&#x20AC;&#x153;You pile up enough tomorrows, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays,â&#x20AC;? advises Harold Hill in The Music Man. Which is really another way of sayingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss your chance to try out for a role in the Mountain Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming production of the classic Meredith Willson musical!

The Mountain Play Association has announced open auditions for its 2012 production.

For would-be Harold Hills, auditions take place Jan. 7 in the Barn Theater at the Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross.

Auditions for other adult roles (with the exception of Marian Paroo, which has been precast) are Jan. 28 in the Drake High School Theatre, 1327 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo.

Auditions for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roles are Jan. 29, also at Drake High School.

Callbacks will be on Saturday, Feb 4.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what the Mountain Play says you need to know about the auditions:â&#x20AC;&#x153;All auditionees will cold read and sing. Actors auditioning for the roles of Tommy Djilas, Marcellus Washburn, Ethel Toffelmeir, Zaneeta Shinn and Dance Chorus should be prepared to dance. Please prepare one musical-theater song preferably in the style of The Music Man. Bring music; accompaniment is provided. No a capella or transpositions provided. Bring your headshot, resume, audition music and a completed audition application. All positions are paid.â&#x20AC;?

Check out www.mountainplay.org for more detailed audition prep, which differs depending on age and role.

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negotiations for a construction contract, SMART announced that the Atherton station in Novato is back on the construction calendar. SMART deleted the station in April as part of a cost-trimming measure.

But cost savings in other areas of the ďŹ rst segment mean that SMART can put Atherton back on the calendarâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;without triggering a regional housing requirement for additional residential density. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because Rohnert Park is agreeing to move its station closer to downtown and increased housing density there. The move will satisfy a regional housing requirement that SMART stations along the line have a cumulative average of 2,200 housing units near stations to qualify for funds, money that can go a long way toward easing SMART funding pain. The Rohnert Park move means no additional housing is needed at the Atherton station. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderful [cooperation] for Marin and Sonoma,â&#x20AC;? says Arnold. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was our ďŹ st add-back that we wanted, and because of what Rohnert Park is doing, we can now have it.â&#x20AC;?

And, as the pitchman says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still more.â&#x20AC;? The construction deal that SMART is close to signing will mean about 900 jobs in the North Bay, according to SMART. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a made-up number,â&#x20AC;? says Mitchell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we asked for calculations, we got no answer.â&#x20AC;? But that answer will come on Jan. 9, says Mansourian, when SMART will outline the ďŹ rst construction projects. Arnold says SMART critics have charged that the 900 number is faulty because it represents only temporary jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There has been misinformation that I have cleared up in several e-mails. [Critics] have said these are not 900 permanent positions, but we have never said they were permanent.â&#x20AC;? Supporters of the ďŹ rstsegment construction project note that SMART will employ electricians, carpenters and other tradespeople hit hard by the economic downturn.

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ÂŁxnĂ&#x160; Â?Â&#x201C;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â?Â?Ă&#x160;6>Â?Â?iĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17D;nĂ&#x17D;Â&#x2021;nĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2C6;ä Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;iÂŤÂ&#x2026;-Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026; >Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;>}i°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C; DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 9

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Shaw opened Marin Alliance in 1996 and, time and time again, has fulfilled the 80 conditions imposed on the dispensary by the City of Fairfax.

After 15 years of easing Fairfax’s pain, the groundbreaking Marin Alliance gets stamped out in federal crackdown

L

ynnette Shaw stood on the deck outside her Fairfax medical-marijuana dispensary last month hugging customers and sobbing.

Earlier this autumn, her landlord had moved to evict her after the federal government threatened him with criminal charges and forfeiture of his property unless the pot shop closed. Shaw launched a two-prong counterattack, fighting the eviction in state court and filing a federal lawsuit to stop it.

Neither legal maneuver could save the store. The courts ruled that Shaw must comply with federal law, which forbids selling cannabis, even though California voters decriminalized it and the town of Fairfax issued a permit to the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana dispensary.

Fairfax’s mayor implored federal of-

ficials to back off. But Larry Bragman’s dispensary because it was within spitting pleas to save one of the town’s top sales-tax distance of the baseball field. She leveled generators fell on deaf ears. A week before the threats against the dispensary’s landChristmas, Shaw sold her last bag of canna- lord as part of a statewide campaign to bis from the ofshut down what fice above the she described as

by Ronnie Cohen West Marin Little profit-making League baseball retail outlets field and shutmasquerading as tered the state’s oldest marijuana store. nonprofit dispensaries of medicine.

While Marin Alliance members

By Haag’s estimates, more than 1,000 removed furniture and boxes of files, pamarijuana stores were operating in her tients left the Fairfax clinic carrying brown Northern California district in the fall. paper bags. “This is just cruelty, downright In September, she wrote letters to seven cruelty,” said a middle-age woman who of the dispensaries’ landlords, including smokes pot to relieve incessant headaches. the Marin Alliance’s, threatening criminal “There’s been no crime here. They’ve done prosecution and asset seizure. All seven nothing wrong.” have closed. In November, Haag sent Melinda Haag, the U.S. attorney for letters to another 11 landlords, including Northern California, targeted the Fairfax the owner of the Marin Wellness Center

10 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012

in Kentfield. The marijuana dispensary across the street from the College of Marin plans to close Dec. 31.

Haag declined repeated requests for comment. But a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for California’s Central District said the marijuana industry’s recent rapid expansion across the state as well as calls for help from city and county officials prompted the four U.S. attorneys in California and Drug Enforcement Agency officials to plot the crackdown.

“There was no directive from Washington to take these actions,” Thom Mrozek said.

He said federal law-enforcement officers investigated hundreds of dispensaries, all of which he characterized as profit-making enterprises. State law allows only nonprofit collectives to sell marijuana.

Shaw has said she made just enough

RONNIE COHEN

›› FEATURE

for federal intervention. money from her disFairfax officials, however, pensary to pay her livhad nothing but praise for ing expenses. “When Shaw’s dispensary. Bragman you’re operating a noncalled it a “model of a small, profit, you are allowed regulated dispensary.” to give the managers a “The net consequence of salary,” Bragman said. the crackdown is a whole “Is that a profit, or is that group of patients are going compensating her for the to lose safe and legal acwork and the legal jeopcess, and some of them are ardy? I don’t think they going to turn to the black were profiting. She drew market,” said the Fairfax a salary to keep a roof councilman who recently over her head, paid the ended his term as mayor. employees a living wage, “The other thing is that paid her sales taxes.”

The Marin Alliance Town Councilman Larry Bragman, an at- Fairfax, which is already rijuana struggling, is going to lose for Medical Marijuana, torney who represents medical madict s pre s, rge cha l ina sales-tax revenue. or MAMM, began sell- users facing crim ary customers will er dispens “Here you’ve got a dising marijuana from the some form turn to the black market. pensary operation that’s School Street Plaza propgot a track record of cooperty next to Frogs Hot Tubs and Spa and above the baseball field more erating with local police and is operating than 15 years ago, shortly before California in compliance with state laws that’s shut voters passed the Compassionate Use Act down because of a technical violation of of 1996. In 1997, the Fairfax Town Council federal law.”

Actually, any sale of marijuana viobegan regulating Shaw’s dispensary under a use permit containing more than 80 con- lates federal law. Although 15 states and ditions. Shaw said she had to start selling the District of Columbia have followed cannabis before the town blessed the busi- California and enacted laws legalizing ness because of demand from people suf- medical marijuana, as far as Congress is concerned, there is no legitimate use for fering from AIDS. the psychoactive herb.

The 1996 initiative gives seriously ill Since 1970, a year after President Californians the right to smoke pot if their Richard Nixon declared a national “war doctors “recommend” it. But the measure leaves the definition of serious illness wide on drugs,” marijuana has belonged to the most restricted class of drugs, Schedule 1 open, fails to spell out how patients can of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Preobtain medical cannabis, and provides no regulatory scheme or guidance for creating vention and Control Act. The law enacted

by Congress puts marijuana in the same one. Moreover, it does nothing to resolve the conflict with federal law. Under federal category as heroin and LSD, finds it has no medicinal value and prohibits its prescriplaw, cannabis can never be medicine. tion and use under any circumstance.

The initiative put medical-marijuana Nevertheless, the California initiapatients on an unpaved, pitch-black road, tive decriminalizing medical marijuana and they have been driving blind. encourages the federal and state governIn a telephone interview last week, state ment to implement a plan to safely and Sen. Mark Leno said he is working with affordably distribute the drug to patients California Attorney General Kamala Harris on legislation to build an infrastructure in need. Last week, Attorney General Harris urged the state Legislature to do what for the state’s vague medical-marijuana voters asked 15 years ago. law. The San Francisco Democrat who “State law needs to be reformed, simplirepresents Marin County said he plans to fied, and improved to better explain how, introduce the legislation in January. when, and where individuals may cultivate Leno and Fairfax officials view the and obtain physician-recommended closure of Shaw’s store as a casualty of a misguided federal crackdown on the state’s marijuana, and to provide law enforcement officers with guidelines for enforcemedical-marijuana dispensaries. When ment,” Harris wrote in an open letter. federal prosecutors announced the crack“In short, it is time for real solutions, not down in October, they said local governhalf-measures.” ment officials and residents complained Ethan Nadelmann, executive director about a seeming ever-increasing number of the Drug Policy Alliance, said federal of dispensaries popping up on California prosecutors appear to take a more handsstreets and in strip malls. off approach in states with stronger A sagging economy coupled with a mistaken belief that federal officials would medical-marijuana laws. But statewide regulation cannot guarantee immunity turn a blind eye led to a proliferation of from federal prosecution. Only reclassifyCalifornia pot shops in the past few years. ing marijuana can.

In some cities, officials viewed the can“We need to remove the conflicting nabis trade as a way to boost plummeting legal claims between the federal and state tax revenue. In other parts of the state, law, and that starts with reclassifying mariparticularly in Southern California, an explosion of marijuana stores prompted calls juana,” said Bragman, an attorney 12>

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be alert,” she said, motioning to a small bag in her hand. “I could take as much who represents medical-marijuana users OxyContin as I want, but I refuse.” facing criminal charges. “If you don’t do The medical association’s white paper that, the sword of Damocles will always be encourages the formation of a national hanging over it, and it’s really not fair to coalition of physician groups to build these patients.” support for a petition to the federal Drug In October, the state’s largest physician Enforcement Agency to decriminalize group called for the legalization of canmarijuana. In the meantime, local dispennabis. The California Medical Association saries must continue to try to figure out was the first doctors’ group in the nation how best to stay off federal prosecutors’ to recommend decriminalization. In a radar. The federal crackdown has left the white paper, the association with more medical-marijuana community feeling than 35,000 members urged regulating anxious. and taxing pot like alcohol and tobacco “People try to follow the law, and they as well as reclassifying it so scientists can only know if they’re doing it right or study its benefits and risks. wrong when a judge rules,” said Scot CanThe federal Controlled Substances dell, a San Rafael attorney who represents Act not only prohibits prescriptions of Marin Wellness, Green Tiger Collective in marijuana, it imposes production quoNovato and Marin Holistic Solutions in tas, which “make it extremely difficult Corte Madera. to acquire cannabis for clinical research MAMM was the purposes, thus only dispensary contributing operating legally to the lack of in Marin County data currently under local zonavailable about ing regulations. cannabis,” the Following advice paper says. from their attorA rare recent neys, local municstudy showed ipalities prohibit that people sufthe others. fering from County Suchronic pain pervisor Susan were able to reAdams co-chairs duce their intake School a California ’s nsary dispe the of door the on d poste of opiates with- This missive was State Associaout sacrificing Street Plaza office on Dec. 9. tion of Counties committee working on pain relief when they added cannabinoids — the main in- medical-marijuana regulations. “The state gredient in marijuana. Dr. Donald Abrams, has not been providing the guidance or professor of clinical medicine at the Univer- leadership,” she said. “So we’re all just left sity of California, San Francisco, and chief sort of floundering out there. It’s a sticky of hematology-oncology at San Francisco wicket.”

Adams said she feared the federal General Hospital, conducted the study. A long-term advocate of medical marijuana, government could cut county funding if Abrams said it has been used medicinally the county permits a medical-marijuana dispensary. The supervisor who is trained for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. as a nurse and has a doctorate in addicPhilly Grover, a 63-year-old retired ice tion said she would like federal officials to skater, is a believer. She walked from her recognize the failure of the war on drugs Fairfax home to the MAMM dispensary and the state Legislature to clarify how on its last day with her lap dog. She said municipalities can implement the 15-yearpot eases her fierce neck pain. old medical-marijuana initiative.

Thos Chapman also gets relief from “The state needs to provide guidance smoking weed. The pencil-thin San Anselfor how to enact this initiative, and the mo artist stopped by the Fairfax dispenfeds need to take another look at a failing sary wearing purple jeans and a tie-dyed policy on marijuana,” Adams said.

T-shirt. He said he is HIV positive, living Leno criticized the federal crackdown as without a gall bladder and prefers the herb “aggressive and unnecessary.” to other medications.

“They say they’re going after large, prof“I don’t want to be on pharmaceutiit-making operations,” he said. “But very cals,” he said. “I don’t want to become addicted to pills. And marijuana is a nice, small, community-serving dispensaries have been closed as a result of the federal healthy way to help me with my appetite, government’s threats to landlords. Patients make me less anxious and generally deal are suffering; communities feel assaulted. with the world better.”

It makes no sense to me from a policy or Many of Marin Alliance’s 800-some political perspective, and it’s completely members choose to ingest pot rather than counter to statements made by this Justice take addictive pharmaceutical drugs. “I can take whatever medications I want, and Department just a year and a half ago.”

Shaw and other dispensary owners I prefer to smoke pot,” said a 56-year-old had supported Barack Obama’s bid for woman who suffers headaches from a president and took to heart a campaign brain tumor. “This allows me to relax and

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The view from the dispensary to the Little League fieldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a proximity that led to the eviction of Marin Alliance.

was intended to help seriously ill people,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the law has been hijacked by proďŹ teers who are motivated not by compassion but by money.â&#x20AC;?

Haag accused the dispensaries of selling pot to seemingly healthy youths. The 1996 voter initiative envisioned marijuana for people suffering from AIDS, cancer, anorexia, arthritis, migraine and other serious illnesses. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an open secret that anyone wanting a physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation for marijuana can obtain one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marijuana stores operating in proximity to schools, parks and other areas where children are present send the wrong message to those in our society who are the most impressionable,â&#x20AC;? said Haag, a mother of school-age children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need retail outlets across the street from playgrounds and schools,â&#x20AC;? she said. She stopped during the news conference for a second, looked straight at the cameras and added, as if speaking directly about the Fairfax dispensary, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and Little League ďŹ elds.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to the ball ďŹ eld, another strike against Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dispensary was a 2002 federal injunction against Shaw and the Marin Alliance. At the time, U.S. Judge Charles Breyer permanently enjoined Shaw and MAMM from using the School Street Plaza building to sell pot.

Despite the injunction, the Fairfax dispensary sold marijuana to about 800 patients a week, many with catastrophic illnesses. People like Fairfax resident Stanley Bresh, who died of multiple myeloma, a debilitating cancer, last year, bought pot from the dispensary to ease the pain at the end of their lives, said Breshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s widow, Loretta Bresh, a nurse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People who are in that situation, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whatever gets you through the day,â&#x20AC;?

Bresh said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a multitude of very legitimate reasons why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just an herb.â&#x20AC;?< Contact Ronnie Cohen at ronniecohen@comcast.net.

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promise that he would not prosecute sick marijuana patients. In 2009, the Obama administration signaled to the cannabis community that federal ofďŹ cials would not enforce the federal law against marijuana as long as dispensaries and growers complied with state and local regulations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug, and the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime and provides a signiďŹ cant source of revenue to large-scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels,â&#x20AC;? says an October 2009 memo from Deputy Attorney General David Ogden to federal prosecutors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One timely example underscores the importance of our efforts to prosecute signiďŹ cant marijuana trafďŹ ckers: marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue for the Mexican cartels.â&#x20AC;?

But the memo continues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a general matter, pursuit of these priorities should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana. For example, prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efďŹ cient use of limited federal resources.â&#x20AC;?

Shaw and other dispensary owners thought they had a friend in the White House, and they could rest without fear of federal prosecution. But U.S. Attorney Haag disputed the assumption that federal ofďŹ cials would leave dispensaries like Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was frankly never correct,â&#x20AC;? Haag said during an October press conference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The California Compassionate Use Act

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A

fter jumping through hoops with the lata, was extraordinarily good. And the city of Sausalito for two years, Kim small delicata squash stuffed with quinoa, Alter and partner Matt Kahn ďŹ nally mushrooms, nettles, fontina and pomeopened Plate Shop, to great anticipation, granate seeds, along with fennel salad, was last February. By May, Alter and most of the perfect for a cold, rainy evening; a satisfykitchen staff were gone. And so was Alterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ing combination of texture and ďŹ&#x201A;avor, it vision of a snout-to-tail eatery. tasted much richer than it was.

Enter Peter Erickson and Kent Liggett, And the desserts? Absolutely delicious. chef and genBittersweet eral manager, chocolate pot de r e s p e c t i v e l y, creme ($8), artfrom the late fully presented, but much-loved was subtle, rich 1550 Hyde in the and oh-so-good. city. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take We considered long for them to the butternut implement their squash-farro own conceptâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a pudding ($8), neighborhoodbut instead went style spot serving with the polentaapproachable, olive oil cake local farm-to($8). DeďŹ nitely table cuisine. different from And the food the usual sweet Erickson turns concoctions, the out is remark- Plate Shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low-key light scheme would be an ideal setting for a hard- combination of a b l e â&#x20AC;&#x201D; n o t boiled ďŹ lm noir thriller. rosemary and ove r- t h e - to p, cranberry sauce yet inspired and excellent. And, thanks to plus whipped cream, though not exactly the garden Alter put in (because Sausalito savory, was certainly tasty. wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow a patio), most of the fresh While the decor is spare and contemproduce, along with the eggs, comes from poraryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;industrial-type lighting, exposed the backyard. A number of cocktails rely on walls, etc.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;and the ambience hip, the dim goods from the garden as well. (Speaking of lighting and high-ceiling acoustics didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cocktails, an impressive selection of liquors measure up to the food. In spite of the and cocktails, both creative and classic, plus restaurant being only half full, we could an assortment of wines from California, barely hear each other, and could only Oregon, Washington, France and Italy are make out strains of the jazz playing in the offered.) background. The low lighting makes it If the fall dishes we sampled are any difďŹ cult to read the menuâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we noticed the indication, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to worry that a fa- waiter brought out a mini ďŹ&#x201A;ashlight at a vorite item wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be available as the seasons nearby table to illuminate the selections. bring change to the menu; instead, diners The service was very attentive and should look forward to Ericksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistry. helpfulâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;our server was knowledgeable Perusing the menuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s half-dozen entrees and eager to answer questions and explain as we devoured Brickmenu itemsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;though at maiden bread (served on times a bit too friendly, PLATE SHOP request), we wanted to orbordering on obsequious.

39 Caledonia Street, Sausalito; der one of everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; We did, however, appreci415/887-9047, plateshop.net. including the starters. We ate that upon ordering the Open for dinner Tuesday through settled on the caramelized vegetarian squash entree, Thursday and Sunday 5:30-9pm, fennel soup ($8), an excelhe told us there was chicken Friday and Saturday 5:30-10pm. lent broth, thin and richly broth in itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an important ďŹ&#x201A;avored, with a ďŹ&#x201A;oating detail for those eschewing fontina crostini. DiCiccio animal products. broccoli ($9), an heirloom variety prepared Though the food is outstanding, Plate perfectlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;bright green and tenderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;came Shop would be wise to reconsider its lighttopped with slices of hardboiled egg (from ing and sound designâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there are other the backyard), croutons and a tangy vinai- places within Marin that offer a locavore grette. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have eaten all my broccoli as a kid meal in more comfortable surroundings. if it had been this good.

But, for those looking for a trendy Marin The brisket ($24), tender braised beef experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with terriďŹ c foodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Plate and a root vegetable puree, with gremoShop is worth a try. < KELLY PULEI0 PHOTOGRAPHY

Tuesday-Sunday till Midnight

›› MUSIC

Rock lang syne!

Take a cup o’ kindness at these New Year’s Eve shows...

B y G r e g Cah i l l

L

ong before fans of the seminal R&B and doo-wop group the Orioles rang in 1949 with their sentimental hit single “What Are Doing New Year’s Eve?,” which featured much pleading by lead vocalist Sonny Til, folks had been celebrating the only holiday dedicated to the turning of a calendar page.

That hasn’t changed.

Locally, the reverie holds as much promise as 2012 (presidential election not withstanding and assuming the Mayan spirits don’t drop the big Apocalypse).

At 142 Throckmorton in Mill Valley, Texas blues guitarist Danny Click and his Americana Orchestra will be joined at a stage show that also features comic genius Mort Sahl and Bay Area comedians Mark Pitta and Mark Pace. The bash starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $65.

Ring in the New Year on the positive tip when comedians Rick Overton, Michael Meehan, Michael Pritchard, Mark Cordes (aka the Spouse Whisperer) and the great Darryl Henriques team up for a night of levity about relationships and modern America. Geoff Bolt will handle the emcee duties. Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael.

Showtime is 8:30pm. Tickets are $30.

Enjoy the recession-ready laughs at the Best of San Francisco Comedy Competition at the Marin Center in San Rafael. At presstime, no lineup had been announced, but it’s a cinch that Marin producers Anne and Jon Fox, who launched the careers of Robin Williams and Dana Carvey and other stand ups back in the 1980s, will fill the Showcase Theater with laughter. The show starts at 9pm. Tickets are $30.

The Tom Petty tribute band Petty Theft, with special guests the 85’s, will provide the soundtrack for stolen hearts at George’s nightclub in San Rafael. Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $35 advance/$40 at the door.

In Sausalito, the ubiquitous Rhythm Town Jive brings its New Orleans-flavored party tunes to the Barge (aka the Sausalito Cruising Club) on the waterfront on Napa Street at Bridgeway. There’s special dinner show seating and music at 9pm. (you must RSVP on the band’s Facebook page by 1pm on the day of the show). Over at the Seahorse on Harbor Drive, the James Moseley Band and Lynn Asher will be holding court.

The Texas blues ax-man will be Clicking on all cylinders for his New Year’s Eve show at 142 Throck.

At 19 Broadway in Fairfax, you can kick up your heels to the alt-country sound of Chrome Johnson and Honeydust. Doors open at 9pm. $20.

The Zydeco Flames turn up the heat with their Cajun spice at Rancho Nicasio.

The show starts at 9pm. Tickets are $35 and $45.

Blues and jazz guitarist Stephen Tamborski of the Artifacts goes it alone on New Year’s Eve at an early show at the Sta-

tion House Cafe in Pt. Reyes Station. No cover charge. Music starts at 5:30pm.

If you’re less inclined to party and more suited to reflection, get in a calming mood at the Dance Palace on Dec. 31 at 9:30am. when the community center hosts Saturday Morning Church: Yoga with Katie Jay. $15.

Remember, peace comes from within.< Wish Greg a happy New Year at gcahill51@gmail.com.

›› SPiN OF THE WEEK The Dreamer by Etta James (Verve) The last Marin show a few years ago by R&B and blues great Etta James was a disaster, thanks to the singer’s crude comments about her grandkids and other topics. A handful of people walked out of that show thinking James was drunk. Now we know she was experiencing the onset of dementia. This new album—the first in five years from the 73-year-old Hall of Famer—is her swan song. There’s a bittersweet quality to some of the songs, especially “Misty Blue,” but the uptempo “Too Tired,” King Floyd’s soul hit “Groove Me” and her powerhouse readings of Guns N Roses’“Welcome to the Jungle” and Little Big Town’s countrified “Boondocks” keep things on the upswing. Still, the highlights are a pair of lesser-known Otis Redding songs as well as blues tunes by Little Milton and Johnny “Guitar” Watson. There’s a tinge of sadness to those latter tracks, and James (who at presstime, had been hospitalized with leukemia) has bestowed quite a parting gift on her fans.-GC.

DECEMBER 30, 2011 -JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 17

›› CiNEMARiN Movies in the county that Hollywood couldn’t tame…

Mission: Perceptible Gary Rydstrom’s sound-design talk resonates with Branson audience...

by Zo e Br o ad

A

n Academy Award winner from Ross mixed the sounds that bring Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

to life.

Working at Skywalker Ranch in Nicasio, Gary Rydstrom packed the latest installment in the Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible franchise with crashes, explosions and thunderstorms. He spoke about mixing unusual sounds during a screening of the recently released action film at the Lark Theater. The private December screening raised money for financial aid at the Branson School in Ross.

Fast paced and action-packed, the film combined richly layered characters with tightly scripted drama to create a witty, crowd-pleasing film.

In a question-and-answer session following the screening, Mill Valley resident Rydstrom discussed the Bay Area’s unique film culture. A sound designer for LucasFilm since his graduation from the University of Southern California, Rydstrom, 52, said there is no place that he would rather make movies than Marin County.

“There’s a long history of Bay Area film,”

said Rydstrom, who’s earned seven Oscars for his work on Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, Titanic and Saving Private Ryan. “It’s a smaller scene, and it’s more people like Francis Ford Coppola, who come here to get away.

I think the common denominator is people wanting to do film a bit differently.”

In his role as a sound designer, Rydstrom collects sounds he’s heard in his own life and uses them in his films. Following in the footsteps of other Bay Area filmmakers, Rydstrom often experiments with sounds from unexpected sources.

In one scene in the new Mission: Impossible, Agent Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, uses electromagnetic gloves to scale the side of a building. Suspended in midair, Hunt must rely on the gloves to hold his entire body weight. The audience knows that the gloves are working because they make a specific noise every time they magnetize to the building.

Because there is no real-world sound for the gloves, Rydstrom had to come up with a sound to fit the action. He chose a sometimes-disturbing noise that patients hear when confined to an MRI machine.

Gary Rydstrom, right, put the MRI in ‘M:I’ with his sounds for Tom Cruise’s electromagnetic gloves.

“For sound design, you find sounds in the real world, and then you use them for something completely different,” Rydstrom told the audience of mostly Branson parents and alumni. “So the sound of the gloves actually is the thuds that an MRI machine makes. We used the absolutely wrong sound and it worked out great.”

Another scene includes a futuristic BMW, a car that is not in reality on the market. Brad Bird, the film’s Academy Award-winning director (The Incredibles, Ratatouille), owns a Tesla. Rydstrom recorded the electric sport’s car’s whine in the 54-year-old Bird’s Marin County driveway, imported the clip into his sound library and added it to the scenes with the futuristic BMW. “It made Brad really happy,” Rydstrom said. “We recorded another man’s Tesla as well, and Brad kept saying, ‘You’re not using his Tesla, right? You’re using my Tesla.’”

Phil Gutierrez, Branson’s assistant head of school, asked Bird, a Branson parent, to screen Mission: Impossible to raise money for the private school’s financial-aid students. Because Bird was out of the country premiering the film, Rydstrom stepped in to represent the well-received movie.

Branson has a history of working with celebrity parents to raise financial aid funds. When his sons were Branson students, Phil Lesh, the former Grateful Dead bassist, regularly played benefit concerts for Branson’s financial-aid program.

With tuition at $35,000 a year, Branson offers financial aid to about 18 percent of its students. This percentage is much higher in the ninth and 10th grade classes, with 27 percent of ninth-graders receiving financial assistance.

The higher concentration of financial-aid students in the younger grades reflects Branson’s recent efforts to enroll promising students regardless of their families’ ability to pay.

“Members of Branson’s board and administration have a mindset of raising as much money as possible to enroll the strongest students possible,” Gutierrez said.

“Financial aid is a tool that helps us enroll the strongest students possible,” he said. “Our community benefits when we enroll a class of students from a variety of backgrounds.” < Contact Zoe Broad at zbroad@wesleyan.edu

›› FiLM

Reeling in the year We proudly present two of the 77,563 ‘top movies of 2011’ lists out this week...

Red State Guns, God, sex, Conversation With Myself hilltop compounds and Alan Watts’s 1971 tea and feds... everything you’ve talk aside the slopes of Mt. heard about our country Tam. cousins is true.

All Watched Over by Hanna Extreme homeMachines of Loving Grace schooling, assassin style.

Adam Curtis’s searing BBC The Company Men The documentary on the new terrible human cost of our human tethering to comfinancial meltdown. puters. —Richard Gould • • • • The Beaver When high abTree of Life Sean Penn’s surdity saves you from de(genuinely authentic, turns pression’s lowest brink.

A man plagued by personal demons out) confused wanderings Another Earth A beautiful gives voice to his darkest thoughts, aside, Terrence Malick’s exand haunting sci-fi parable, turning everyone he’d loved against ploration of an emotionally shot for the cost of a condo. him. And then Mel Gibson starred in crippled post-WWII suburUncle Boonmee Who Can ‘The Beaver.’ ban family is highlighted by a Recall His Past Lives Why fight what we know to be true? Ghosts live bully father played to perfection by Brad Pitt, doing what he does best—supporting roles. among us all the time.

Carnage Four parents converge to talk Rise of the Planet of the Apes They hate through their kids’ schoolyard differences us for our freedom. in Roman Polanski’s black comedy about Tree of Life Terrence Malick’s magic-hour how childhood innocence is doomed in the meditation on family and loss. face of ego-driven adult selfishness. Guess And two vids intermittently available on he’d know.

YouTube: 18 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 – JANUARY 5, 2012

We Need to Talk About Kevin Twentyfirst century parenting, worst-case-scenario results.

Margin Call Final 24 hours of a Lehman Brothers-like financial collapse—for those who still don’t understand why the Occupy movement had to happen.

Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy Gary Oldman as a tired, old Cold War spook who hasn’t outlived his usefulness working for a tired, old Cold War spook bureau that, sadly, has.

Drive Tank ain’t empty on Michael Manninspired ’80s synth neo-films-noir by a long ways.

Shame Self-abusing sex addict grapples with possible incestuous-leaning flirtations from suicidal sister. Real “shame” is that the director is named Steve McQueen.

Melancholia Reluctant bride Kirsten Dunst’s wedding reception is juxtaposed against the dawning realization that the earth is about to collide with a massive blue planet, destroying all life as we know it. Director Lars von Trier’s first marriage reportedly ended when the mercurial Dane left his pregnant wife and ran off

with the babysitter, for what its worth.

Young Adult Juno director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody re-team for the first film we’ve seen that envisions what happens when Gen X reaches middle age; it ain’t pretty.

Meek’s Cutoff Existentialist, feminist, nativist and secularist—that’s what revisionist westerns are all about, Charlie Brown.

—Jason Walsh

Michelle Williams will get an Oscar nod for playing Marilyn, but ‘Meek’s Cutoff’ is her truly pioneering film this year.

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in the late 1970s, FRIDAY, DEC. 30 Legends of the Fall before it was turned Set against the sweeping backdrop of the into a theme park.

Montana Rockies, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unclear whether this a Travel Channel. 9pm. movie or a really long cologne commercial.

Ancient Aliens (1994) Oxygen. 5pm.

Examining theories The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe that aliens were Usually the magical world opens up when involved in human you come out of the closet. (2005) ABC. 8pm. evolution.That would The Curious Case of Benexplain why all the aliens jamin Button Brad Pitt plays in science fiction mova man who ages in reverse, ies speak English. History becoming younger and Channel. 8pm. younger. This is a contrast to Tori and Dean: Home the usual Hollywood experiSweet Hollywood Tori ence in which the man simply announces her pregnancy dates younger and younger on Twitter. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saving the woman. (2008) FX.8pm. birth announcement for SATURDAY, DEC. 31 New something more formal, Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Eve: the 40th like a YouTube video of the Anniversary Party If you resulting tummy tuck. Oxywatch it with the sound off, gen. 10pm. you can tell the year by the Public Sex A young writer width of Dick Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lapels. trying to break into jourABC. 8pm.

The essence of a man, Friday at 5pm. nalism investigates a story Virgin Diaries Stories of on casual sex gatherings â&#x20AC;&#x153;adult virginsâ&#x20AC;? is one way to feel better about spending New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve in parking lots. Most of them are as unattracat home watching TV. The Learning Chan- tive as the people in the real-life swinging scene but the lighting is better, which makes nel. 9pm. it scarier. (2009) Sundance Channel. 11:20pm.

Too Cute: Puppies The actual adult virgins WEDNESDAY JAN. 4 Full Throttle will be watching this. Animal Planet. 9pm.

SUNDAY, JAN. 1 Finding Bigfoot The team Saloonâ&#x20AC;?A reality show about â&#x20AC;&#x153;the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest biker barâ&#x20AC;? which is only open for 10 investigates video of a purported baby days during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. bigfoot.They can tell itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fake because the Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only enough time for one Ted Nugent bigfoot parents look happy and well rested. concert and two showers. TruTV. 9pm.

Animal Planet. 7pm.

Nova Scientists drill beneath the Antarctic A Christmas Wedding Tail Enough already. ice to find evidence of past climate change, (2011) Hallmark Channel. 8pm. ancient atmospheric When Vacations Attack conditions and all the Before you visit Pamchange you lost in the plona for the running of sofa cushions. KQED. the bulls, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to check 10pm. your health insurance to THURSDAY, DEC. 5 see if stupidity is considIt Could Happen ered a pre-existing condiTomorrow A look at the tion. Travel Channel.8pm. devastation that would MONDAY, JAN. 2 Wild result from a Mount Hogs John Travolta and Ranier eruption and how Martin Lawrence star in long it would take Seattle this comedy about midresidents to recover their dle-age suburban males â&#x20AC;&#x153;at least itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not Californiaâ&#x20AC;? buying Harley Davidsons superiority complex. in an effort to reclaim their allegedly rebellious Occupy Wall Street, Great Depression version... Weather Channel. 8pm.

Man,Woman,Wild The youth. This is actually Thursday at 9. couple is lost in the Kenquite common. You can spot the midlife-crisis bikers by the AARP tat- tucky wilderness where they learn quickly to run the other way whenever they hear banjo too. (2009) FX. 8pm. music. Discovery Channel. 9pm.

Celebrity Wife Swap Tracy Gold and Carnie Public Enemies The story of John Dillinger, Wilson trade places to find out if the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the notorious criminal who became a folk family actually remembers who they are or hero robbing banks during the Depression. considers them â&#x20AC;&#x153;celebrities.â&#x20AC;? ABC. 10pm.

Jackass 3.5 Johnny Knoxville is 40 years old. Now most of the people robbing banks are the bankers. (2009) USA Network. 9pm.

At some point, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to start looking Jersey Shore This the fifth season. They like the balding middle school shop teacher should be up for parole by now. MTV. with the missing fingers. (2011) MTV. 10pm.

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DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 19

›› MOViES

Friday December 30 -Thursday January 5

Movie summaries by Matthew Stafford

Rock out New Year’s Eve with Jon Bon Jovi and Lea Michele in, yes, ‘New Year’s Eve.’

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 lifechanging 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 George Clooney and his two daughters as they wander Kauai in search of his 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 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 Metropolitan Opera: Rodelinda (4:15) Diva extraordinaire Renee Fleming stars in Handel’s rousing tale of lust,

murder and palace intrigue.

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 Short Films from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival (1:45) Seven short subjects from last year’s fest make up a cinematic smorgasbord of cartoons, comedies, experimental works and dramas from around the globe.

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. <

20 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 – JANURARY 5, 2012

›› MOViE TiMES

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

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New Movies This Week

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) (R) +++ Century Cinema: 11:30, 3:10, 7, 10:30 Thu 11:30, 3:10, 7 Century Northgate 15: 10:30, 12, 2, 3:30, 5:30, 7, 8:50, 10:20 Century Rowland Plaza: FriMon 11:50, 3:25, 7, 10:35 CinéArts at Marin: Fri-Sun 12:10, 3:35, 7, 10:20 MonThu 12:10, 3:35, 7 Fairfax 5 Theatres: Fri-Thu 1:30, 4:45, 8 Tiburon Playhouse 3: Fri-Tue 1:30, 4:45, 8 Wed-Thu 4:45, 8 Hugo (PG) +++1/2 Century Northgate 15: 10:30, 9:30; 3D showtime at 3:50 The Metropolitan Opera: Rodelinda (Not Rated) Century Regency 6: Wed 6:30 CinéArts at Marin: Wed 6:30 CinéArts at Sequoia: Wed 6:30 Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol (PG-13) Century Northgate 15: 11:30, 1:10, 2:30, 4:15, 5:25, 7:20, 8:20, 10:15 Century Rowland Plaza: Fri-Mon 10:20, 1:20, 4:20, 7:25, 10:25 Fairfax 5 Theatres: Fri-Sun 12:30, 3:55, 6:55, 9:45 MonThu 12:30, 3:55, 6:55 The Muppets (PG) +++ Century Northgate 15: 1:20, 6:55 My Reincarnation (Not Rated) Rafael Film Center: Fri, Sun 4:45, 7, 9 Sat 2:45, 4:45, 7 Mon-Thu 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: 11, 1:40, 4:25, 7:05, 9:55 Shame (NC-17) +++ Rafael Film Center: Fri, Sun 4:15, 6:45, 9:15 Sat 2, 4:15, 6:45 MonWed 6:45, 9:15 Thu 9:15 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (PG-13) +++1/2 Century Northgate 15: 10:50, 1:45, 4:40, 6:30, 7:40, 9:20, 10:30 Century Rowland Plaza:

Fri-Mon 10:15, 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 10:15 CinéArts at Marin: Fri-Sun 1:30, 4:30, 7:25, 10:15 Mon-Tue, Thu 1:30, 4:30, 7:25 Wed 1:30 Fairfax 5 Theatres: Fri-Sun 12:40, 3:40, 6:45, 9:25 Mon-Thu 12:40, 3:40, 6:45 Tiburon Playhouse 3: Fri-Sun 1:10, 4, 6:50, 9:30 Mon-Tue 1:10, 4, 6:50 Wed-Thu 4, 6:50 N Short Films from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival (Not Rated) Rafael Film Center: Fri, Sun 4:30, 6:30, 8:30 Sat 2:30, 4:30, 6:30 Mon-Thu 6:30, 8:30 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (R) +++1/2 Century Regency 6: 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 War Horse (PG-13) +++1/2 Century Northgate 15: 10:40, 12:30, 1:50, 3:45, 5:15, 7:10, 8:30, 10:25 Century Rowland Plaza: Fri-Mon 12:15, 3:40, 7, 10:20 Fairfax 5 Theatres: Fri-Sun 12, 3:05, 6:10, 9:15 Mon-Thu 12, 3:05, 6:10 We Bought a Zoo (PG) +1/2 Century Northgate 15: 11:15, 2:10, 5, 7:15, 8:10, 10:05 Century Rowland Plaza: FriMon 10:05, 1:05, 4:05, 7:10, 10:05 CinéArts at Marin: FriSun 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 10:05 Mon-Thu 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 Lark Theater: Fri-Sat 12:20, 3, 5:40, 8:15 Sun 3, 5:40, 8:15 Mon 12:20, 3, 5:40 Tue-Thu 3, 5:40 Tiburon Playhouse 3: Fri-Sun 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:15 Mon-Tue 12:50, 3:40, 6:30 Wed-Thu 3:40, 6:30 Young Adult (R) +++ Century Regency 6: 12:20, 2:50, 5:20, 7:50, 10:15

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

Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo of ‘The Artist’ wish you all a very Happy New Year.

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

F R I D AY D E C E M B E R 3 0 — F R I D AY J A N UA R Y 6 Pacific Sun‘s Community Calendar

Eighty-six the year with the 85’s, Dec. 31 at George’s.

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

12/30: Butch Whacks and the Glass Packs 8:30pm. $25-30. Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio. 662-2219. www.ranchonicasio.com 12/31: Doc Kraft Dance Band Spend New Year’s Eve dancing to favorite swing, latin, country, jazz, reggae, rock, zydeco. 9:30pm-12:30am. $40-50. Rickey’s Inn Marin, 250 Entrada Dr., Novato. 601-7858. www.rickeysrestaurant.com

12/31: Hot Buttered Rum & New Monsoon New Year’s Eve Finger picking’ jam band jammin’ New Year’s Eve celebration. 9pm. $30-40. Palm Ballroom, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. 389-5072. www.murphyproductions.com

12/31: James Moseley and Lynn Ashley Rock ’n’ Soul, jazz New Year’s Eve celebration. 8pm2am. Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor, Gate 5, Sausalito. 331-2899. www.sausalitoseahorse.com 12/31: Lonestar Retrobates Ring in the New Year with live West Coast cow jazz. 8pm-midnight. $15. Presidio Yacht Club, Travis Marina/Ft. Baker by the Discovery Museum & Cavalo Pt., Sausalito.

516-1028. www.presidioyachtclub.org

12/31: New Year’s Eve Party With Ozomatli

Also featuring performances by La Santa Cecelia and Gabriel Iglesies aka Fluffy and his StandUp Revolution Comedians. Free appetizers from 9-10pm, a complimentary glass of champagne, and a balloon drop at midnight. 9 p.m. $50-85. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa.

707-259-0123. www.uptowntheatrenapa.com 12/31: New Years Eve Party With Lady D and her dance band. Dancing and midnight champagne toast. Complimentary appetizers and no-host cocktails 7:30-9om. Special menu starts at 8:30. Music/ dancing 9pm. Local after party shuttle. 7:30pm12:45am. $50 per person plus tax and gratuity Ghiringhellis Pizzaria Grill and Bar, 1535 S. Novato Blvd., Novato. 878-4977. www.ghiringhellisnovato.com

12/31: New Years Eve Party With The RevTones Ring in the rockabilly 2012 new year.

Champagne toast at midnight. 8:30pm-2am. Free.

Papermill Creek Saloon, 1 Castro St., Forest Knolls.

488-9235.

12/31: New Year’s Eve With Chrome Johnson and Honeydust 9:30 p.m.-1:30am. $23. 19 Broadway, 19 Broadway, Fairfax . www.19broadway.com 12/31: Petty Theft,The 85’sNew Year’s Eve

BEST BET Family mosh time!

For those old timers who hold tight to memories of the Bay Area’s 1990s indie and punk music scene, Petaluma has a special treat this pre-New Year’s Eve. With Jeff Ott’s Fifteen headlining, Siren, the Wunder Years, the Grady Sisters and others will flock the stage at the Phoenix Theater for a If you wake in a park on Jan.1 and the three members of Fifteen are staring night of musical reun- down at you quizzically—you know it was an awesome New Year’s Eve! ions for a good cause.

A benefit for Siren drummer Kevin McCracken’s wife, Nicole, proceeds will be split between her cancer treatment expenses and the theater. And for those old curmudgeonly punk kids who now have kids of your own, this show is an all-ages, family funtime event which includes a raffle and an alcohol-free venue (just don’t forget earplugs for the wee ones). Even though most band members have settled into new lives as tamer, less-screamy grownups, the show will not resemble a smooth jazz version of days gone by. It will rule. NOSTALGIA FEST 2011 kicks off Friday, Dec. 30, at 7pm with doors opening at 6:30pm. The Phoenix Theater is at 201 Washington St., Petaluma. $10-25/sliding scale. www.thephoenixtheater. com or (707) 762-3565 for tickets. — Dani Burlison

party. Tom Petty tribute. 80s covers. 8:30pm. $35-40. George’s Nightclub, 842 Fourth St., San Rafael. 226-0262. www.georgesnightclub.com 12/31: Soul Pie Rock. 9:30pm. Peri’s, 29 Broadway, Fairfax. 459-9910. www.perisbar.com 12/31: The 7th Sons With Paul Robinson, guitar.

9:30pm-1:30am. Free. Smitty’s Bar, 214 Caledonia St., Sausalito. 847-2670.

12/31: The Hamiltones ’80s covers. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Finnegans Marin, 877 Grant Ave., Novato.

899-1516. www.finnegansmarin.com 12/31: Zydeco Flames 9pm. $35-45. Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio. 662-2219. www.ranchonicasio.com 01/03: KortUzi Danny Uzilevsky & Jonathan Korty host Bay Area artists. 9:30 p.m.-1:30am.

Free. 19 Broadway, 19 Broadway, Fairfax . www.19broadway.com 01/03: Swing Fever “Stardust Melodies.” Great ballads of the swing era. 7-10pm. No cover, dinner encouraged. Panama Hotel & Restaurant, 4 Bayview St., San Rafael. 457-3993. www.panamahotel.com 01/04: Primavera Latin Jazz Quartet Dinner jazz. 7-10pm. No cover, dinner encouraged. Pana-

ma Hotel & Restaurant, 4 Bayview St., San Rafael.

457-3993. www.panamahotel.com 01/04: Rubber Souldiers Beatles covers. 8 p.m.

No cover. Iron Springs Pub, 765 Center Blvd., Fairfax.

488-1490. www.ironspringspub.com 01/04: Wednesday Open Mic Hosted by Dennis Haneda of The Courtney Jane Band. All musicians welcome to join. Drink & food specials. 7:309:30pm Free. Max’s Deli, 60 Madera Blvd., Corte Madera. 924-6297. www.maxsworld.com 01/05: Roberta Donnay Quartet Jazz. 9pm. $12-15. George’s Nightclub, 842 Fourth St., San Rafael. 226-0262. www.georgesnightclub.com

01/05: Wendy DeWitt and Kirk Harwood Boogie woogie. 7-10pm. No cover; dinner encouraged. Panama Hotel & Restaurant, 4 Bayview St., San Rafael. 457-3993. www.panamahotel.com 01/06: Miracle Mule 8pm. No cover. Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio. 662-2219. www.ranchonicasio.com 01/06: The 7th Sons Former “New Rising Sons” members Jake Baker, Kim Carrigg, Mark Banning, and Kurt Huget have broken out on their own to bring new life to some of the Hot Buttered Rum will kick out the jams Dec. 31 at the Palm Ballroom.

DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 21

Photo Jake Plimack

Live music

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4HURSDAY *AN s PM 4HURSDAY *AN s PM The Roberta Donnay Marcus Shelby Quartet: Jazz Quartet A Jazz Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King 1st & 3rd Thursday of Every Month* Tickets: $12 in advance/ $15 at the door *Please check calendar at georgesnightclub.com for any possible changes

842 4th Street San Rafael (877) 568-2726 www.georgesnightclub.com

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Dance 01/04: International Folk Dance Dances from Serbia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Rumania, Israel and more taught by Carol Friedman. Great fun, great music, great company. Beginners, newcomers, drop-ins always welcome. 7-8:15pm. The Dance Palace, 503 B St., Point Reyes Station. 663-9512. www.dancepalace.org

Comedy 12/31: Annual New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Stand-Up Comedy Celebration With Rick Overton and guests. Night features stand-up comedy followed by a post-show cocktail party. 8:30pm-12:45am. $29.50-55. Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 444-8000. www.marinjcc.org

Art

Any Competitors Price

greatest rock songs of all time. 8:30-11:30pm.

Presidio Yacht Club, Travis Marina, Fort Baker.

847-2670. www.presidioyachtclub.org 01/06: Uncle Buffett A musical tribute to Jimmy Buffet. 9pm. $10-15. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nightclub, 842 Fourth St., San Rafael. 226-0262. www.georgesnightclub.com Thursdays: Live local music. 9pm. No cover.

Finneganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marin, 877 Grant Ave., Novato, CA. 94945. 899-1516. www.finnegansmarin.com

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01/01: First Sunday Open Studios As many as 40 artists in 3 buildings host open studios the first Sunday of every month from 11am-4pm. Free.

Novato Arts Center, 500 and 501 Palm Dr., Novato.

472-4628. www.novatoartscenter.org First Sunday of Month: Monoprinting with Cayen Robertson Classes are held the first Sunday of each month and feature instruction in techniques as well as the opportunity to explore monoprinting on your own. 10am-2pm. $32-40, plus $5 materials fee. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hanlon Center for the Arts, 616 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 388-4331. www.ohanloncenter.org

Through 12/31: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Walk in an Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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. 3312222. www.icbartists.com

Through 12/31: 23rd Annual Benefit Mini 22 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012

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 Through 01/04:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wearable Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Siobhan Van Winkel, outrageous leather; Pamela McKinstry, hats; Naomi Kubota, neckwear; Jo Adell and Sean Davis, jewelry. Free. elsewhere Gallery, 1828 Sir Francis Drake, Fairfax. 747-8696. www.elsewhere.com Through 01/06:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Linked By Pinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Artists for Awareness present an art exhibit in support of breast cancer research. Gallery is closed weekends and holidays. 8am-7pm. Free. Gail Van Dyke Atrium Art Gallery, Marin Cancer Institute, 1350 S. Eliseo Dr., Greenbrae. 461-9000.

Through 01/07:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;On the Waterfrontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oil paintings of shipyards, docks, coves and beaches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;100 Views of San Francisco Bay & Environs.â&#x20AC;?

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: ÂĄVuela, Paper Princess!

Exhibition of mixed-media collage by author/ilustrator Elisa Kleven. Free. Youth in Arts Gallery, 917 C St., San Rafael. 457-4878 x18. www.youthinarts.org

Through 01/11:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Textures & Rhythms of Jazzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fall Exhibition. Rich Sigberman, illustrations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inspirational Landscapes.â&#x20AC;? Jane Liston, mixed media works. 11am-4pm. Free. Gallery 305, 305 Bell Lane, Mill Valley. 388-6393. www.tcsd.us Through 01/15: Tom Killion 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. 9270960. www.bookpassage.com Through 01/15:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Agent of Changeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mary Tuthill Lindheim, sculpture,ceramics works. Free, donations appreciated. Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, 500 Palm Dr., Novato. 506-0137. www. marinmoca.org Through 01/16: AWD Small Works Art Works Downtown and the Marin Jewelers Guild presents their annual Small Works exhibit.

10am-5pm. Free. Art Works Downtown + Marin Jewlers Guild, 1337 and 1331 Fourth St., San Rafael. 451-8119. www.artworksdowntown.org Through 01/22:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Romancing the Chairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Candace Loheed, paintings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sightlines.â&#x20AC;? Sarah Myers, Joe Fox, Eric Oldmixon, Jamie Shulander, Celine Underwood, Ido Yoshimoto, site specific installtion. 11am5pm. Free. Gallery Route One , 11101 Hwy. One, Point Reyes. 663-1347. www.galleryrouteone.org

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SINCE 1984 LIVE MUSIC 365 nights a year!

Reservations Advised

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Every Tuesday The Best in Stand Up Comedy 3ATURDAY $ECEMBER s PM

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Annual Bash

Comedy, Music, Dancing CELEBRATION Danny Click and the Americana Orchestra, Mort Sahl, Mark Pitta, Mike Pace

3UNDAY *ANUARY s PM

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MARK PITTA & FRIENDS

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Big Fat Year End Kiss OďŹ&#x20AC; Comedy Show XIX 4HURSDAY *ANUARY s PM

Carrie Brandon

with Devon Lawrence, Danielle Bowen, Ian Johnston, and Daniel Lavezzo

3ATURDAY *ANUARY s PM

Victoria George Tim and Nicki Bluhm

Start the year oďŹ&#x20AC; with some great music!

Wednesday January 11 s PM

Keena Turner

The 30th Anniversary of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Catchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; game (Dwight Clark vs the Dallas Cowboys in the 1981 NFC Finals) An A-List Conversation with Bruce Macgowan

&RIDAY *ANUARY s PM

Beth Custer Ensemble

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www.ranchonicasio.com

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Saturday Dec. 31, 8:30pm

NEW! Dj DB Dance Party! 1st Thursdays &2) s *!. s $//23 0-

Jason Glavis presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Burn it Downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fridays w/ Soundproof Intlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Music, Dining, Dancing... Fun!

3!4 s *!. s $//23 0-

Front Street Band feat. Stu Allen COMING SOON:

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FRI SAT DEC DEC 30 31

John Santos Sextet Afro-Latin Jazz Star

SAT DEC 31

A New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Celebration

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STREET TAVERN 711 4th St. San RafaelĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;415.454.4044

Fri

Dec 30

Sun Jan 1

Swamp Angel & Guest Rock

Res. Dinner $65 Walk-In $75 Music Only $20

THURS JAN 5

Johnny Keigwin

Fri

Purb Cane Funk/Rock

Jan 6

Sat Jan 7

Miracle Mule Rockabilly

Sun Jan 8

Johnny Keigwin Solo Acoustic

Thu Jan 12

Whiskey Pills Fiasco Rockabilly

Fri

Ed Early Band Blues/Rock

Jan 13

SAT Jazz at31Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DEC

Featuring The [JAZZ]

Solo Acoustic Whiskey Pills Fiasco Rockabilly

with Petty Theft plus guests The 85â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [POP ROCK]

Roberta Donnay Jazz Quartet

OPEN NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY!

Thu Jan 5

At Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [AFRO-LATIN]

FRI JAN 6

D E C E M B E R / J A N U A RY

Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 4 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8

Montuno Swing Salsa Bachata NEW YEAR DINNER AND PARTY Orquesta La Moderna Salsa Tangonero Classic Tango Macy Blackman New Orleans Jazz Doc Kraft Dance Band Julio Bravo Salsa

305 Harbor Dr @ Gate 5 Road-Sausalito 4 s sausalitoseahorse.com

UNCLE BUFFETT - A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

[WASTE AWAY IN MARGARITAVILLE!] SAT JAN 7

MOONALICE Live at Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

A New Years Eve Celebration with Petty Theft and Guests The 85â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tickets $35 in advance/$40 at the door (plus any additional ticket agent fees)

[ROCK FUSION] WED JAN 11

Comedy Wed. with Bob

Sarlatte plus Geoff Bolt, Michael Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien & Johnny Steele [COMEDY]

842 4th Street San Rafael, CA 94901 Tickets: (877) 568-2726 www.georgesnightclub.com

842 4th Street, San Rafael Tickets: (877) 568-2726 www.georgesnightclub.com

All shows 21 & over

All shows 21 & over DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 23

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

Talks/Lectures 01/03: Shambala First Tuesday: Jesse Miller “Exploring Basic Goodness.” Jesse is a senior student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. 7-9pm. $10-15. Tamalpais Shambhala Meditation Group, 734-A St., San Rafael.

891-9185. www.Tamalpais.Shambhala.org

01/04: In the Footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh Journey along with art teacher and photographer Michael Saint James as he shares his discoveries and insight into the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh.

A lively armchair art and travel adventure. 1-2pm.

Free. San Rafael City Council Chamber, 1400 5th Ave., San Rafael. 485-3321.

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

Readings 01/02: John Lescroart Lescroart discusses his thriller “The Hunter.” 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 927-0960. www.bookpassage.com 01/04: Michael Gazzaniga Gazzaniga talks about “Who’s In Charge.” 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 927-0960. www.bookpassage.com 01/05: Andrea Rees Davies Davies presents “Saving San Francisco: Relief and Recovery After the 1906 Disaster,” challenging the myth that the fire after the quake brought out altruism and leveled class distinctions. 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 927-0960. www.bookpassage.com

Community Events (Misc.)

12/30-01/01: Creek Walk to see Spawning Coho Salmon Join a SPAWN naturalist in and learn more about the 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

12/31: Marin Audubon Christmas Bird Counts Bird Lovers are Needed for Marin Audubon’s Christmas Bird Counts for the Southern Marin CBC. 7am-9pm. $5 for Count, $14 for dinner Tamalpais Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave., Mill Valley. 497-4240. www.marinaudubon.org

12/31: New Years Eve Buffet Dinner and Dancing Includes appetizers and buffet dinner, DJ,

music by Jennifer Berezan, Barbara Borden & DJ Heartbeat. Meditate, chant and dance. Creative dress encouraged. $55-80. Spirit Rock, 5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Woodacre. 488-0164. www.spiritrock.org

Through 12/31: Holiday Tea at The Belrose A pot of fine tea, petit fours, tea sandwiches, cookies and scones will be served. Mondays-Saturdays.

Reservations required. 1-4pm. $20. The Belrose, 1415 5th Ave., San Rafael. 902-5188. www.thebelrose.com 01/01: Sunday Morning Qi Gong Obtain powerful tools for self healing. You are also invited to stay afterwards for a positive, life-affirming service at 10am. 8:30-9:30am. Suggested $10 donation. Corte Madera Rec Center Patio, 498 Tamalpais Dr., Corte Madera,. 389-8707. www.danceofqigong.com 01/04: 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 01/04: Windows for Beginners Basic computer class with Patty Hoyt. Please call library to reserve a seat. 7-8:30pm. Free. Edgewater Room, Sausalito City Hall, 420 Litho St., Sausalito.

289-4121. www.ci.sausalito.ca.us 01/06: Marin Singles Convention Meet new friends at Marin’s largest annual gathering of singles. Dressy attire requested. 7:30-11:45pm. $20.

Servino’s Ristorante, 9 Main St., Tiburon. 507-9962. www.thepartyhotline.com Thursdays: Zumba: Ditch the Workout With instructor Maha Zada. Features exotic rhythms set to high energy Latin and International beats with dance steps that are downright addictive. 5-6pm. $15 dropin Tamalpais Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave., Mill Valley. 388-6393. www.tcsd.us

Kid Stuff 12/30: Winter Break Film Fest: Cartoon Day 2:30-4:30pm. Creekside Room, Mill Valley Public Library, 375 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley.

389-4292. www.millvalleylibrary.org 12/31: Noon Year’s Eve Count down to noon and watch the ball drop in Festival Plaza. Dance to DJ music and create a party hat. Special goody bags available for purchase. 9am-noon. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito.

339-3900. www.badm.org 01/05: Music Time With Megan For up to age 4. 3pm. $10. Studio C Ballet, 12 School St.Plaza, Fairfax. 353-5656. www.musictimewithmegan.com.

01/06: Kid’s Choice Open Gym Date night for you. Jump time for the kiddos. 6:30-9:30pm. $16-20.

San Rafael Gymnastics,129 Carlos Dr., San Rafael.

491-1290. www.srgym.com.

First Thursday: Harry Potter Trivia Just for teens. So you think you know Harry Potter?

Think again. High school students are invited to put their knowledge to the test during this trivia event. 7-9 p.m. Free Mill Valley Public Library, 375 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 389-4292. www.millvalleylibrary.org

Classes/Workshops 01/05: Yoga Sanctuary Start the New Year off right with a new yoga practice. Calm the mind and live more fully in the body. 5:30-6:45pm. $15. First Presbyterian Church, 1510 5th Ave., San Rafael. 302-2739. www.griercooper.com <

party favors and champagne toast. 7pm-midnight. $50, plus tax & gratuity for Party Package; $30 for first seating Deer Park Villa, 367 Bolinas Road, Fairfax. 456-8084. www.deerparkvilla.com 12/31: Start All Over Party Fantastic New Year’s Eve party hosted by Nina Wise and Wes Nisker, 24 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011 - JANUARY 5, 2012

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BULLETIN BOARD 115 Announcements

Hebrew Class January Adults All Levels.

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HOMEWORK IN A CAVE?

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions 866-413-6293 (Void in Illinois) (AAN CAN)

Quiet, nurturing environment for your child to complete homework. Gentle help provided by credentialed teacher. $15/hour, Mon & Wed, 4-6pm

MAGAZINE FRANCHISE B2B marketing franchise available to a few owners in the Marin area. Low startup/home-based. www.AxxessFranchise. com. CALL (855)292-2580.

412 Tamal Vista, Corte Madera

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in just 4 weeks!!! FREE Brochure.

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415-686-0082 (private tutoring available by appointment)

130 Classes & Instruction

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135 Group Activities Chair Yoga Teacher Training Feb.

152 Research Study Volunteers

Specializing in reading, writing and math skills for elementary, special education and learning challenges.

Experienced credentialed teacher.

415 472-5366

seminars AND workshops 1/9 RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES? Tired of endless relationship or marital challenges? Or single and sick of spending holidays alone? Join with other men and women in coed group to explore what’s blocking you from fulfillment in your relationships and life. Weekly, ongoing groups or nine-week groups starting the week of January 9. Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evening. Space limited. Also, Women’s Group, as well as individual and couples sessions. Central San Rafael. For more information, call Renee Owen, LMFT#35255 at 415/453-8117.

STARTING FEBRUARY 2012 – INTEGRATIVE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Learn how all the elements of yoga including asanas, pranayama, body awareness, guided imagery, meditation and deep relaxation come together as a vehicle for health and healing. SIGN UP NOW for this 200 hour Integrative Yoga Teacher Training workshop. Starts February 2012. One weekend per month for 10 months. Yoga Alliance Approved. Call 707/769-9933 or visit bodyworksyoga.com.

To include your seminar or workshop, call 415/485-6700 x 303.

Online & Mobile Game Testing PARENTS, TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS: Sign up for Panelpolls.com & receive invitations to participate in in-person games & website testing, TV Show Pilot screenings, focus groups & more!

Sessions are 45-60 mins long and pay $90-150.

Join panelpolls.com today!

FOR SALE 202 Vehicles Wanted CASH FOR CARS: Any Car/Truck.

Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid.

We Come To You! Call For Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3808 www.cash4car.com

Be Seen With This Free Video Ema

235 Wanted to Buy CASH FOR GUNS! Eddy’s, Mtn.View (650)969-GUNS

260 Sports & Exercise Equipment Rossignol 195cm Skis - $20

MIND & BODY 403 Acupuncture Free Acupuncture Community Acupuncture San Anselmo. www.communityacu.com. 415-302-8507.

430 Hypnotherapy Thea Donnelly, M.A. Hypnosis, Counseling, All Issues. 25 yrs. experience. 415-459-0449.

440 Massage Therapy

KIM OF MARIN SPA

ATTENTION PACIFIC SUN READERS The Pacific Sun makes every effort to ensure that our Massage & Healing section contains only legitimate advertisers who stricitly adhere to professional standards of conduct.

This section is for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or Healing ONLY. Readers are encouraged to contact the Pacific Sun if they find that any of these practioners are falsely advertising in this section.

Grand Opening

SPECIALS Deep Tissue, Swedish Full Body Massage $30/30min $50/60min Neck & Shoulder Massage $30/30min 1305 4TH STREET SAN RAFAEL 415-457-6821

Warm Spring Massage ACCUPRESSURE, SWEDISH & DEEP TISSUE Daily 10am to 9:30pm 25 Tamalpais Ave, Ste. D, San Anselmo

415.256.9888

500 Help Wanted Border Collie Mix Border collie mix owning Saab driver wanted for son-in-law. Wearing Converse high tops. Border terrier owner Muir Beach Linda. 415-302-0363.

IRISH HELP AT HOME - Caregivers Wanted High Quality Home Care. Now Hiring Qualified Experienced Caregivers for work with our current clients in Marin & North Bay. Enquire at 415-721-7380. www.irishhelpathome.com.

560 Employment Information $$$HELP WANTED$$$ Extra Income! Assembling CD cases from Home! No Experience Necessary!

Call our Live Operators Now! 1-800-4057619 EXT 2450 http://www.easyworkgreatpay.com (AAN CAN) EARN $75-$200 HOUR (Now 25% Off), Media Makeup & Airbrush Training. For Ads, TV, Film, Fashion. 1 wk class &. Portfolio. AwardMakeUpSchool. com 310-364-0665 (AAN CAN) Paid In Advance!

Make $1,000 a Week mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed Income! FREE Supplies! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.homemailerprogram. net (AAN CAN)

BUSINESS SERVICES 615 Computers

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At Your Home or Office Since 1984

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695 Tours & Travel Cyber Consumer Check out some diverse travel destinations. Go to: http://www.cyberconsumer.net

HOME SERVICES 715 Cleaning Services ADVANCED HOUSE CLEANING Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Will do windows. Call Pat 415.310.8784 All Marin Housecleaning Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Will do Windows. Ophelia 415-717-7157 415892-2303

730 Electrical ELECTRICIAN Serving all Marin. 40 yrs experience.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Lic.# 410708. Call 868-1067 or 298-7712.

CLAY LILLESTON ELECTRIC. Jim’s Repair Service See display ad under 757 Handyman/ Repairs. 415-453-8715

FURNITURE DOCTOR Ph/Fax: 415-383-2697

748 Gardening/ Landscaping YARDWORK LANDSCAPING ❖ General Yard & Firebreak Clean Up ❖ Complete Landscaping ❖ Irrigation Systems ❖ Commercial & Residential Maintenance ❖ Patios, Retaining Walls, Fences For Free Estimate Call Titus 415-380-8362 or visit our website www.yardworklandscaping.com CA LIC # 898385

Baldo Brothers Landscaping & Gardening Full-service landscaping & gardening services. 415-845-1151

757 Handyman/ Repairs HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Carpentry • Painting Plumbing • Electrical Honest, Reliable, Quality Work 20 years of experience

Rendell Bower 457-9204 Lic. #742697

HOME REPAIR Handyman Services

Carpentry, Electrical & Plumbing 30 yrs Exp. References Free Estimates • Lic. 639563 C. Michael Hughes Construction

(415) 297-5258 Jim’s Repair Service EXPERT REPAIRS

Lic # 916897

220 Computers/ Electronics

EMPLOYMENT

745 Furniture Repair/Refinish

A Passion for Gardening

Appliances

Telephone

10%

Plumbing

Cable

Electrical

Internet

Installation • Maintenance • Repair

Off Services over $500 IrisLandscaping.com 435-2187

Small Handyman Jobs 30 Years in Business • Lowest Rates Lic No. 725759

Design • Masonry • Irrigation Colorful Deer Resistant Planting 925-9734 • Free Estimate Yard Maintenance Since 1987. Oscar Ramirez, 415-5053606. No lic.

751 General Contracting NOTICE TO READERS >It is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project valued at $500.00 or more in labor and materials. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www.cslb. ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752).

Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500.00 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board

AFFORDABLE DECKS Kitchens • Baths General Remodels • Additions Carports • Concrete

Tom Daly Construction

Free Estimates

3 8 3 .6122

Excellent References

453-8715 48 Woodland Ave., San Anselmo

www.jimsrepair.com

771 Painting/ Wallpaper Milks Painters

REAL ESTATE 801 Apartments/ Condos/Studios Tiburon, 2 BR/2 BA - $1,111,111

809 Shared Housing/ Rooms ALL AREAS - ROOMMATES.COM Browse hundreds of online listings with photos and maps. Find your roommate with a click of the mouse! Visit: http:// www.Roommates.com. (AAN CAN)

825 Homes/Condos for Sale

PUBLIC NOTICES 995 Fictitious Name Statement 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, 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 Clerk-Recorder 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) 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)

Public Notices Continued on Page 26

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›› STARSTREAM

by Ly nda Ray

Week of December 29, 2011-January 4, 2012

ARIES (March 20 - April 19) OK, I admit the year doesn’t come to an end with all your problems solved and your relationship working smoothly. But, hey. That only happens in the movies. As for New Year’s Eve, you need it to be exciting. Trust me. If you put on your PJ’s for a quiet night at home, you’ll be calling your friends looking for a party before the clock strikes twelve. The new year rolls in with the moon in your high-spirited sign (and according to the Mayans, 2012 also happens to be our final year), so you really don’t want to miss any of it.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 19) Because your ruler (Venus) occupies experimental Aquarius, you enter 2012 with an open mind. (Well, face it. You have been known to dig in your heels while muttering “You can’t make me go” when confronted with a leap into the unknown future.) In fact, your new year’s chart provides faith and optimism as well as a popular public image. Well, then. I guess I’ve just made your future a little less unknown, haven’t I? GEMINI (May 20 - June 20) Whether you’ve taken off to some faraway land to usher in the New Year, or you’ve decided to celebrate close to home, you are craving a passionate experience. If you’re still solo, perhaps an online dating site is in your future. As for 2012, one of your resolutions should be to get rid of the friends that keep you stuck in the status quo and add friends that inspire you to make progress. It’s a new year. Time to make some changes.

CANCER (June 21 - July 21) Spicy Mars suggests going out locally for your New Year’s celebration. As you are currently a bit impulsive, operating a gas-powered vehicle is not recommended. You may need to book yourself a driver for the night. In 2012, the need for togetherness intensifies. Sometime in the next 3 years, you will establish a spiritual bond with one who can read you—heart and soul. This is your destiny. Come out of your shell and embrace it.

LEO (July 22 - August 22) As a friendly Leo, you’re expected to be the life of the party and, usually, this is easy for you. But, on this New Year’s Eve you are intensely emotional.

You may require an especially good bottle of champagne to sooth your angst. Your 2012 goals include receiving well-deserved fame for your career accomplishments. Generous Jupiter is happy to help. Look for a big promotion or a new job offer too good to refuse during the early months of 2012. Happy New Year and pass the champagne.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 21) Your love of delving into the mysteries of things (and people) is strongly emphasized as fearless Mars stirs up your curiosity. (You show me your New Year’s resolutions and I’ll show you mine.) Be prepared, however, to discover some surprises. Your ruler (Mercury) in the optimistic sign of Sagittarius insists that you greet 2012 with an upbeat attitude and the playful sun in your entertainment house agrees.

Move “having fun” to the top of your resolutions list...

LIBRA (September 22 - October 22) Don’t put away your party attire. Holiday excitement continues as your pleasure-loving ruler (Venus) remains in the thrill-a-minute sign of Aquarius. Outrageous Uranus in your relationship house could have you ringing in the new year with someone who shocks your friends and family. (Unless, of course, your family is filled with unshakable Aquarians.) At some point in 2012, stern Saturn leaves your sign. Now, if that isn’t a reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is...

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) OK. Things might not be smooth between you and your coworkers—or, between you and some of your more competitive pals. But, as long as you don’t spend New Year’s Eve with troublemakers, you should have quite an entertaining time. It doesn’t much matter whether you’re at a small gathering or Times Square: you’re in the mood to mingle. And, thanks to the influence of the romantic sun on your ruler, passionate Pluto, you begin 2012 as a lover, not a fighter. Congratulations.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20) Accept all New Year’s Eve invites. Restless Mercury in your sign makes it difficult to stay at any one party. On New Year’s Day, beware the everything-is-on-sale temptations. As you enter 2012, a compulsion to own things can turn you temporarily materialistic. Fortunately, many of you are sports fans, which limits your shopping time significantly in January. Thank goodness for bowl games, NFL playoffs, basketball and hockey. All you need to buy is a 52-inch HD TV and you’re all set...

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 18)How about a little destined love for your birthday? The kind that makes you obsess over your beloved, forget to eat and ignore the rest of the world. The entanglement of the romantic sun with fateful Pluto in your sign offers this potential. If involved in a light-hearted casual affair, this may be the beginning of the end. Or, at least the end of calling it “casual.” Pluto has ways of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. And, if you think you have a choice in the matter, think again.

AQUARIUS (January 19 - February 17) New Year’s Eve rarely lives up to expectations. If you expect it to be fun, it’s not. If you expect it to be boring, it’s a blast. Meanwhile, your living space feels like it must have shrunk in the dryer. That’s because the biggest planet of them all, Jupiter, occupies the home and hearth sector of your chart. Jupiter loves to e-x-p-a-n-d, hence your sudden interest in buying 40 acres of farmland in Kansas. This too shall pass.

PISCES (February 18 - March 19) You are having so much fun with your dream life that you may not even remember New Year’s Eve—until your sweetie arrives dressed to the nines wondering why you’re fast asleep on the sofa. As for 2012, you enter the new year with a balanced approach to using the diametrically opposed elements of fantasy and reality. This brief, but extremely helpful, talent shows you how to resourcefully implement your creative ideas in an actual profession. This is your blueprint for success. Please write it down before you go back to sleep...< Email Lynda Ray at cosmicclues@gmail.com or check out her website at www.lyndarayastrology.com 26 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 30, 2011– JANUARY 5, 2012

Public Notices Continued from Page 25 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) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011128341 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as MODERN TRADITION, 100 MARIN CENTER DR. #47, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: KAITLYN MCGRATH, 100 MARIN CENTER DR. #47, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903; LUIS R GALVES, 100 MARIN CENTER DR. #47, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by a husband & wife. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on December 12, 2011. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 12, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 20, 2012) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 128061 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business as MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA, 2100B 4TH ST., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: SR CHANDI PIZZA EQUITIES INS., 2971 SUNNY WOOD CIR., SANTA ROSA, CA 95407. This business is being conducted by a corporation. 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 October 26, 2011. (Publication Dates: December 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 20, 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) NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE. Date of Filing Application: November 23, 2011. To Whom It May Concern: The Name(s) of the Applicant(s) is/are: EAT CHAKA, LLC. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to sell alcoholic beverages at: 198 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD., SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960-2539. Type of license(s) applied for: 41 – ON SALE BEER AND WINE – Eating Place. (Pacific Sun: December 30, 2011) SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) Case Number (Número del Caso): CIV 1102471.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT(s) (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): MARTI SANKOWICH AND DOES 1 THROUGH 25 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÃ?

DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): MELISSA STENGLE NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dð©as, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versié n. Lea la informacié n a continuacié n. Tiene 30 DÃçAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citacié n y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia

al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefé nica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más informacié n en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacié n, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exencié n de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisié n a abogados.

Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacié n de $10,000 é más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesié n de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y direccié n de la corte es): Marin County Superior Court, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94913. The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la direccié n y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Catherine Lagarde, Po Box 326, Kentfield, CA 94914; 415-3313284.. DATE (Fecha): May 17, 2011. Clerk (Secretario), by, Kim Turner. Deputy (Adjunto): D. Taylor. (Pacific Sun: December 30, 2011; January 6, 13, 20, 2012)

Visit www.pacificsun.com for information on publishing your legal notice: FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME CHANGE OF NAME PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE WITHDRAWAL FROM PARTNERSHIP

›› TRiViA CAFÉ ANSWERS From page 9

›› ADViCE GODDESS®

1. Gabrielle Giffords 2. Australia (and one month later the country suffered major wildfires!)

3. Ten films nominated / The King’s Speech / Colin Firth / Natalie Portman (Black Swan) / Toy Story 3 (Pixar) 4. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station 5. Full face veils 6. British Prince William with Kate Middleton 7. His long-form birth certificate from 1961, which proves that he was born in Honolulu.

8. Tornados 9. Navy SEALs Team Six killed Osama bin Laden.

10. Dominique Strauss-Kahn 11. Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta; she earned $90 million over the past year, has 32 million Facebook fans and 10 million followers on Twitter.

12. Mississippi and Ohio rivers 13. Joplin 14. Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Syria.

15. To win a tennis Grand Slam singles crown— she won the French Open women’s championship 16. The NBA Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat. In the NHL, the Boston Bruins beat the Vancouver Canucks 17. Anthony Weiner 18. Gay and lesbian marriages 19. That the paper’s journalists hacked into several voicemail accounts to gather “inside information.”

20. Japan (finally some good news after the catastrophic earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown.)

21. Norway; police arrested 32-year old Breivik, linked to a right-wing anti-Islamic group.

22. Amy Winehous.e, first British female artist to win five Grammy Awards 23. Atlantis; it was carrying 8,000 pounds of spare parts and supplies to the International Space Station.

24. Hosni Mubarak 25. Standard & Poor’s; shortly afterward, world stocks nosedived.

26. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. He died on Oct. 5, after an eight year battle with pancreatic cancer.

27. The right to vote and run for office in future elections, starting in 2015 (but not yet to drive a car).

28. Gilad Shalit. In a televised address after his release, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says,“Today we are all united in joy and in pain.”

29. Moammar Gadhafi 30. Wall Street 31. Greece 32. St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Texas Rangers 33. 7,000,000,000—That’s 7 billion people 34. Silvio Berlusconi 35. Pepper-sprayed them 36a. 9-9-9 36b. 99 percent 36c. “21”, by Adele 36d. 2011=157+163+ 167+173+179+ 181+191+193+ 197+199+211

Q:

by Amy Alko n

A divorced male friend and I recently became “friends with benefits.” However, I’m not receiving the same, uh, level of benefits as he is. He isn’t giving me orgasms from intercourse, and his pleasuring of me is measured in seconds rather than minutes, despite my telling him that this is a problem. (I haven’t felt this pressure before: “You’ve got 60 seconds to orgasm!”) He also keeps reminding me that he doesn’t want any kind of commitment. I get that, and I keep telling him so, but he’s persisted with the warnings to the point where I have to say stuff like “I hear and understand the boundaries of this relationship and am in agreement with them.” I’ve known him since we were eight, and he isn’t a player. Part of me thinks he isn’t attracted to me. He’s fit and I’m... less-than-fit and have big boobs, and I think they freak him out. However, out of bed, we laugh and have fun and connect. Oh, what to do...—Bothered

A:

This guy treats pleasuring you like it’s something on a chore wheel.

Bizarrely, you’re in a “friends with benefits” relationship that’s short on benefits, which is like buying a blender that doesn’t blend, a Cuisinart that doesn’t cuise. Unfortunately, the elusive female orgasm is especially persnickety when one’s partner sets up a sexual ambience reminiscent of one of those movies where Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson are staring down a ticking time bomb: “Hey, baby, just relax, lay back and let it happen—anytime before this kitchen timer I’ve placed on your nightstand strikes: 60!”

Sure, poor Booboo might have niggling fears you’ll get attached, but it isn’t like you’re buying baby clothes and leaving wedding magazines around. It’s unlikely he’d force numerous icky conversations about boundaries on some chickie of his more recent acquaintance. But, probably because he’s known you forever, he feels free to go manners-optional and let his worries all hang out: “Don’t take your coat off. You won’t be staying. And by the way, I’d prefer if you’d fake your orgasms. It would be so much less work for me.”

Yep, this boy toy of yours is a real animal in bed—a rat gnawing away at your self-confidence. Why are you still involved with him? Well, there’s a tendency to try to fix a thing instead of just bailing and to get so caught up in the momentum of your efforts that you neglect to consider whether the thing should just be put out on the curb. In continuing to get in bed with a man who can keep his hands off you and pretty much does, you’re a co-conspirator in your feeling like crap. It’s really damaging to be with somebody who isn’t into you. Even in a FWB situation, you need a man who finds you hot—or at least is enough of a friend to give you the sense that he’s undressing you with his eyes, not using them to drop a refrigerator box over you.

Q:

I’ve had a crush on a guy who’s been flirting with me at my neighborhood coffeehouse. Today, he sat by the door, watching as four elderly people struggled to go out—a couple pushing walkers and, about five minutes later, a couple who were all hunched over and using canes. I was seated in the back, but when I saw nobody was helping them, I ran over and held the door. Is his behavior a clear sign that he’d be bad boyfriend material?—Door Closing

A:

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do when you see somebody in need.

A person falls down on the sidewalk in front of you. Do you just step over him? Or do you stop and take his wallet and then step over him? In assessing people, I tend to go with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s notion: “Action is character.” Or, in this case, inaction. I personally don’t know how you sit back and enjoy the view as a parade of infirm elderly people struggles out a door, but I do know that things aren’t always as they seem. Maybe it looked like he was looking but he was in some sort of fugue state. Maybe he has a cranky, independent granny who sees any help as an insult: “Why don’tcha just throw me in a hole and stick a wreath over my head?!” If you end up going out with him, do what you should with any guy you date: Look closely at his behavior, especially when he thinks nobody’s watching. Be honest with yourself if it seems a fundamental lack of empathy kept him in his seat—much as you’d like to believe that there’s a rash of pranksters going around to coffeehouses and gluing all the hot guys’ feet to the floor. < © 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 30, 2011– JANUARY 5, 2012 PACIFIC SUN 27

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$

Reg.$1698

(label designs may vary)

CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY

San Rafael 515 Third St. 454-8912 San Anselmo 100 Red Hill Ave. 456-1271

98

12

Chardonnay

Mon-Fri 7:30am-9:00pm Sat & Sun 8:00am-8:00pm Nursery Daily: 9:00am-6:00pm unitedmarkets.com

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ITEMS & PRICES IN THIS AD ARE AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER 31ST – JANUARY 8TH. All prices subject to change up or down only when our cost changes. We reserve the right to correct printed errors.

No sales to dealers or institutions.

(save $4)

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Bone-in – All Natural. Add 1 Inch of Water in Baking Dish with Chopped Onions, Place Seasoned Chops in Dish, Add More Onions on top of Chops. Bake 1 hour at 450º, Apply Honey BBQ Sauce, then Bake 5 more minutes.

648

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lb

498

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lb

Fresh and Local Pasta Sauces LONGITUDE WORLD FOODS

A Local Company-Petaluma, Ca Made in Sonoma Wine Country in small batches to insure the utmost in quality. The old-world recipes are made with all natural ingredients and are available in the following varieties: Cioppino, Red Onion & Capers, Roasted Garlic, Marinara or Tomato Basil.