Marin's only loc ally owned and oper ated count y wide public ation
… where there,s a backyard party, , but not everyone s invited [p. 10]
Quote of the week:
Environmental impact report
Atlantis wrapped in Stonehenge, but with hot dogs.
Upfront MMWD, the rain must fall… right? 6
e ang Str ple Proper peo valuesty
ded Open w o r c r e Ov hools space In sc tra Self nsi interest gen ce orhood Neighb al character Lonctrol Crime co Community T raf Victi m fic Parking
Inside the mind of NIMBYs ...
J a n u a r y 1 0 - J a n u a r y 1 6 , 2 0 14
Marin Uncovered Gone with the wind 7
[ S e e pa g e 7 ]
Best of Marin Vote now, or forever hold your peace… 12
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›› THis week 4 6 7 10 14 15 16 17 18 20 23
Year 52, No. 2
letters upfront/Newsgrams Marin uncovered/Trivia Café/hero and Zero Cover story All in Good Taste Music/That TV Guy Talking Pics Movies sundial Classifieds horoscope/Advice Goddess
PET CLUB
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SONOMA COUNTY: Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Petaluma Community Center, Activity Room 320 N. McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA
CONTrIbuTOrs Charles Brousse, Dani Burlison, Greg Cahill, Ronnie Cohen, Pat Fusco, Richard Gould, Richard Hinkle, Brooke Jackson, Jill Kramer, Joel Orff, Rick Polito, Peter Seidman, Jacob Shafer, Nikki Silverstein, Space Cowboy, Annie Spiegelman, David Templeton, Joanne Williams ADVerTIsING Advertising Director: John Harper (x306) Marketing and sales Consultants: Tracey Milne(x309), JR Roloff (x303), Susan Harker (x314), Glenn Lurie (x311) Traffic Coordinator: Becca Pate (x302) ArT AND PrODuCTION Art & Production Director: Donald Pasewark (x335) senior Graphic Designer: Jim Anderson (x336), Graphic Designer: Michael DePugh (x321) Graphic Designer: Jessica Armstrong
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: Thursday, January 23, 2014, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Fort Mason Center, The Gatehouse, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA
PUBLIC HEARING Wednesday, February 12, 2014, 7:00 pm San Rafael City Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA Public comments will be received at the public meetings, by email at tolls@goldengate.org or publichearing@goldengate.org or in writing to (no later than 8:00 p.m., February 12, 2014): Amorette Ko-Wong, Secretary of the District, GGBHTD, P.O. Box 9000 Presidio Station, San Francisco, CA 94129-0601.
ADMINIsTrATION business Administrator: Cynthia Saechao (x331) Office Administrator and Webmaster: Becca Pate (x302) Courier: Gillian Coder PrINTING: Western Web, Samoa, CA
For additional information, visit www.goldengate.org. For transit information to the open house or public meetings, call 511 (TDD 711).
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415.461.9222 212 Bon Air Center | Greenbrae Follow us on Facebook JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 3
››LETTERS Looser lips than the Downton kitchen staff!
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Julie Vader blew it! In her recent article about Lesley Nicol’s appearance in Mill Valley [“Downton in the Valley,” Dec. 6], she gave away a major plot line in Season 3 by quoting a Patmore fan named Jennifer, “We’re very upset about Matthew’s death.” I actually gasped when I read this line. You even go on to say: “That character’s sudden demise is the ending to season three of the series ... ” You really ruined it for me, and others, I’m sure, with this major disclosure. What a grand assumption that the whole world has already viewed the first three seasons! And you didn’t even give a “spoiler alert” warning. My husband and I had been enjoying watching the first two seasons on DVD and were just about to embark on Season 3. I know many others who plan to watch the series and haven’t even started yet. All my friends who have already seen all three seasons were using great discretion to not even discuss the show with me, for fear of giving away anything. And now you’ve done it! ‘Downton Abbey’ fan, San Rafael
Response from Julie: Sigh. I never know what the statute of limitations is on “spoiler alerts.” Because the episode in question had been broadcast almost a year ago, and it has been impossible to turn on KQED in the past month without running into this—and other— DA Season 3 plot points being rehashed and discussed, I thought I was on safe ground. But while we’re on the subject: The 49ers lost the Super Bowl. Romeo and Juliet both commit sui-
cide. She’s really a he. Rosebud is a sled. Bruce Willis is actually dead. Don Draper kills himself (Oh, wait ... ).
Geez, after recovering from paraplegia, we thought Matthew was pretty much indestructible.
Don’t think twice about ‘Davis,’ it’s alright ...
Inside Llewyn Davis was probably made to rekindle memories of those of us who were in the Village in the days of the so-called folk revival. The Coens got a lot of things wrong, but this was far from their worst movie [“Ten Films Worth Talking About,” Dec. 27]. Their worst movie was easily The Man Who Wasn’t There, released in 2001. This does not mean that I liked Inside Llewyn Davis. The protagonist had very little personality, but he was not unique, either. There were a lot of wannabe folk singers like that in the Village. I read the
Dave Van Ronk book [The Mayor of MacDougal Street] the Clone Bros. used as a basis, and the book was much more interesting, as was Dave Van Ronk. The real surprise for me was that the faux songs in the movie were actually real folky songs, and the actors were listed as doing their own singing. David Weinstock, Fairfax
Review of folk-music movie blows in the wind ...
People’s tastes vary; but Jason Walsh dismissed the latest Coen Brothers film Inside Llewyn Davis [Walsh called it the Coens’ “worst film to date”] without even discussing it. However, I thought it was a mesmerizing and deeply affecting piece of art. I haven’t been so drawn to their other films except for O Brother Where Art Thou, but this one really moved me. It was a journey—a circular hellish journey—and Davis came back changed. Dark, painful, funny and caustic, the film held me in its spell long after it ended. The characters depicted were each strong, sometimes sickening (and sick, like the John Goodman character) and sometimes kind (like the professor and his wife who welcomed Davis to their couch and didn’t hold his ways against him). The folk music scene in those long-ago days was a hard one; I’m sure it still is, but in a far different way. The nightmare travels that led Davis to Chicago’s Gate of Horn to play and sing for Albert Grossman were a powerful viewing experience. I hope your brief mention of the film doesn’t keep too many of your readers away. From my point of view, it is well worth seeing. Ruth Britton, Greenbrae
ed elite of Marin get that mass transit benefits EVERYONE? Years ago, when BART was planned to extend all the way up to Santa Rosa and down the peninsula to San Jose, the same Marin-elite mentality defeated BART coming through Marin (you know who you are in Ross and elsewhere), and the Hillsborough gang (same mentality) defeated it going through San Mateo County. As a result, BART today is much curtailed from the great Bay Area-wide transit system it could have been. So, when you’re stuck in the increasingly frustrating traffic mess on Highway 101 (and throughout Marin), imagine how much better it would be for you (and everyone else) if thousands and thousands of daily commuters from Marin and Sonoma counties could ride BART transit to work safely, quickly, and comfortably instead of being stuck in their cars every workday, suffering the frustrating commute to San Francisco or even to Silicon Valley. We’d all be much better off for sure. And as for snide comments about Richmond—I lived in Marin for more than 30 years, and am now a proud resident of Richmond, which in case you haven’t noticed, has become the most progressive city in the entire Bay Area. We have great energy and environmental programs, excellent educational opportunities for all, and a kick-ass mayor who isn’t afraid to take on Big Oil in the form of Chevron. So Marin elite, spare us your superiority complex and provincial point of view. Let’s all work together to make the Bay Area a great place for everyone concerned.
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Robert “Han” Bishop, Richmond
Message from self-appointed Marin elites’ editor: Thanks for the well-composed letter, Robert. Just to be clear, the jab at Richmond was meant as an exaggerated example of the “mentality” to which you decry. We don’t condone it. In fact, we curse the defeat of BART every weekday morning as we slog through our commute from Novato to downtown San Rafael.
CASCADE CANYON SCHOOL
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 25th 10:00-noon
Seal of approval
Llewyn Davis was based on Dave Van Ronk, though the Greenwich Village folk singer’s real life didn’t include a whimsical plotline involving his neighbor’s lost cat. At least that we know of.
And now, a message from our sponsors ...
Message to the self-appointed Marin elite: I was out of town last July 18 so missed the hullabaloo when, as your editor described in his New Year’s list of the top 10 local stories of 2013, “ABAG approved Plan Bay Area, inciting critics to predict the transit-oriented development plan would turn Marin into an Eastern European-like conglomeration of authoritarian-run housing blocks or, worse, Richmond.” Wow! When will the ignorant self-appoint-
Stephanie Powell wrote a fascinating, in-depth article about the Marine Mammal Center [“The Lives Aquatic,” Jan. 3]. Julie Vader’s photos were also superb, as was Don Pasewark’s design. Thank you all! I’d like to mention that my book, The Marine Mammal Center, How It All Began: Recollections of One of the Founders, is available through the Marine Mammal Center gift shop (www.marinemammalcenter.org/shop), with 100 percent of the sales price going to support the Center. It can also be ordered through Amazon. Thanks again! Patricia Arrigoni, Fairfax
For a good time, call Craig ...
I once went into a he/she public restroom. A female had written on the wall, “Men are fools.” So I wrote after it, “Women are fools’ gold.” Am I the funniest dude that ever lived?! Craig Whatley, San Rafael
Put your stamp on the letters to the editor at pacificsun.com
Now Enrolling K-8 for Fall 2014 Parent Tours: Jan 16 & 30 415 459 3464 or cascade@cascadecanyon.org
CHALLENGE ENGAGE INSPIRE CONNECT JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 5
››upfront
Dry and dry again ... No rain! Now development foes are thirsting to cut the taps by Pe te r S e i d m an
T
he Marin Municipal Water District ended 2013 logging the driest year on record. The new year began with opponents of transit-oriented development and Plan Bay Area using the lack of rain as a wedge issue to continue their attacks on transit-oriented development along Highway 101. The district, which serves about 186,000 people in eastern Marin (except Novato and parts of West Marin), ended the year logging 10.68 inches of rain at Lake Lagunitas. Since the district began keeping records in 1879, three serious droughts have hit the county. The first drought came in 1929, when the district logged 19.06 inches of rainfall, substantially more than the amount that fell in 2013. Drought held off for decades, until it hit again in 1976, when the district logged 21.34 inches of rain. And drought hit again in 1988, which began a five-year spell of lower than average rainfall. Although decades passed between the 1929 drought and the two-year event that began in 1976, only about a decade separated the 1976 drought and the fiveyear event that began in 1988. And now, in 2013, the prospects for another drought have water managers and district customers getting a bit twitchy and everyone’s talking about climate change and the possibility of large fluctuations in rainfall. Whether the truncated time period between low-rainfall years can be attributed to climate change is uncertain. What is certain is that water managers are looking at all the data they can find in an attempt to predict what the future will hold.
For the present, the level of the district’s reservoirs on April 1 will determine whether district residents will face a call for voluntary—or mandatory—reduction in water use. Unless, that is, the county is visited by another “March miracle.” In past years, rains have missed the county until the last month of the rainy season, when they broke so strong that reservoirs spilled over their damns in a last-minute wet season deluge. The average storage level for the district’s eight reservoirs on Jan. 5 should be 59,791 acre-feet, or 75 percent of capacity. (An acre-foot is equivalent to 325,851 gallons, enough water to cover one acre, about the size of a football field, to a depth of one foot or to supply three families for one year.) The lack of rainfall is evident in the actual storage tallied this Jan. 5: 44,587 acre-feet. That represents just 56 percent of capacity. Last year, the district’s reservoirs were at 79,566 acre-feet, or 100 percent of capacity. But that was before an exceedingly dry spring started draining the district’s supply. In 1976, district residents faced a tough rationing regimen. It was a time for bricks in the toilet to reduce the amount of water per flush, along with letting lawns go brown and cars go unwashed. Since then, the district has enacted measures that have increased infrastructure efficiency and boosted conservation, measures that could result in a less strenuous need for cutbacks if a drought takes hold again. A major boost to supply that sets the current situation apart from the one district residents faced in 1976 is the water pipeline infra8>
››newsgrams
by
J a s o n
Wa l s h
Thumbs up for Novato housing plan The City of Novato carried its new housing element over the threshold this week—receiving state certification and, perhaps more importantly, eligibility to receive state transportation funds. The certification brings Novato into compliance with state law that requires municipalities to adequately plan for future market rate and affordable housing needs and identify specific locations for possible development. Novato’s certification comes more than three years after the town became the focal point for opposition to the state-mandated housing allocations—conducted as part of general plan updates meant to take place about every five years. Those general plan housing updates have taken on more urgency throughout the state in recent years since state laws aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions tied them to transportation funds. Still, some residents cried foul over the perception that affordable housing and its higher density—30 units per acre in a town the size of Novato—would bring unwelcome elements to the town and affect community character. City officials appealed to the state for a lower default density and Sacramento responded—Novato’s units per acre was lowered to 23, and much of the hullabaloo died down. Five sites were eventually identified in the general plan for potential affordable housing: 1787 Grant Avenue, currently a day care site; an RV storage yard on Landing Court; a Redwood Boulevard site near the Buck Institute; a vacant property on Redwood Boulevard by Trader Joe’s; and 1905 Novato Boulevard, currently a senior care facility. Sears takes gavel for Board of Supes Marin County Supervisor Kate Sears, she of District 3 in Southern Marin, was elected president of the board this week, in the supes’ annual passing of the baton, or gavel in this case. Sears, who will replace District 5 Supervisor Judy Arnold as president, has served on the board since 2011 and earned her first tenure as president in a 4-0 vote, with Susan Adams absent. Public Defender offers more ‘trust’ Local law enforcement wants Marin to know it can “trust” them not to act as federal immigration officers. On Jan. 1, the Trust Act went into effect—a new state law that prohibits local law enforcement from detaining anyone on the basis of a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold after that individual becomes eligible for release from custody. According to a statement from the Marin County Public Defender’s Office, the law is designed to “prevent detention in local jails of those who have no previous criminal record, or a minimal record of having committed only offenses of a nonviolent nature, and are not deemed a threat to the community.” An individual with an immigration hold can be detained, however, if previously convicted of more serious crimes. In an effort to publicize the implications of the Trust Act, the Public Defender’s Office is hosting a community forum Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Albert Boro Community Center from 6 to 7:30pm. The event will include panelists Sheriff Robert Doyle, District Attorney Ed Berberian, Public Defender Jose Varela and immigration law specialist Angie Junck from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. A previous Trust Act forum was held in December at the Civic Center—about 80 people attended. Organizers are hoping for an even larger crowd Jan. 16. Spanish-language translation will be provided. “I think it’s helpful for the sheriff and others to clarify how the Trust Act will be handled at the local level and for residents to voice any concerns they may have,” says Varela. The Boro Center is at 50 Canal St., San Rafael. For info call 415/473-6321.
6 Pacific Sun January 10 - january 16, 2014
››MARiN UNCOVERED
Candlestick in the wind They can demolish the park, but never my memories ...
››TRiviA cAfé
by Howard Rachelson
1. Identify these California cities with Spanish names. For example if I said, “The Cats” (South Bay) you would say ... (Los Gatos). 1a. Shark (in Marin) 1b. Little Boy (Northern CA)
by Jaco b Shafe r
1c. Salt Mines (Central CA)
When Candlestick first opened in 1960, it was dubbed ‘the best new park in baseball!’
View from the dugout circa 1990, the year Shafer first set eyes on this reinforced-concrete temptress.
Turns out Joni Mitchell was right. They’re tearing it down (possibly to put up a parking lot) and now I’m all misty eyed. Don’t misunderstand; I love AT&T. I have no desire to return to the howling wind and swirling garbage. But I know that I’ll never enter another stadium, or structure of any kind, and experience the awe and revery I did on that partly cloudy July afternoon. So long, Candlestick. You weren’t the prettiest girl at the dance, but you were the one who kissed me first. Y Join Jacob’s field of dreams at jacobsjottings@gmail.com.
3. What animals are generally the longest-living mammals? 4. What notorious person in 2006 released a tell-all book titled If I Did It? 5. Whoopi Goldberg was nominated for the best actress Oscar, and Oprah Winfrey for best supporting actress, for their performances in what 1985 film? 6. Of coal, oil or natural gas, which emits the lowest amount of CO2 (carbon-dioxide)? 7. Can you name a four-letter verb whose present and past tense are spelled exactly the same, but pronounced differently? Hint: you’ve done this very recently.
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8. What fictional character created in 1928, loved especially by children, is known in Italy as Topolino?
9. In February 2009, Johanna Sigurdardottir became the first-ever female prime minister, and the world’s first openly gay head of state, in what very isolated country? 10. What three San Francisco 49ers were named MVP in Super Bowl games in 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989 and 1994? BONUS QUESTION: The world’s biggest airline was formed on Nov. 12, when the U.S. Justice Department allowed what two U.S. carriers to merge? Howard Rachelson invites you to live team trivia contests, Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Broken Drum in San Rafael, and Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley, both at 6:30 pm. If you have a great question, send it in to howard1@triviacafe.com, and if we use it we’ll give you credit. ▲ Not many neighborhood grocers are able to boast about serving the Bay Area for 85 years, but Andronico’s is special. Consider Tanya’s experience on Christmas Eve, when the doorbell rang at her San Anselmo home at 7pm. The man at the door handed her the shopping list she had dropped earlier at Andronico’s. It was written on an envelope that contained what appeared to be an uncashed paycheck. The gentleman, extremely concerned that Tanya have her money for Christmas, delivered it right after he finished his shift at Andronico’s. She was touched by his effort (although the item in the envelope was actually a receipt for her automatic deposit). Don’t you wish you lived in San Anselmo so you wouldn’t have to go out of your way to shop at Andronico’s?
Answers on page 16
▼ Large banks are holding out the welcome sign for Marinites with fat wallets, but some say those same financial institutions are shunning folks with fewer funds. Activist Sierra Salin of Fairfax attempted to cash an $85 check from his sister at the Chase branch in Red Hill Shopping Center. They wanted to charge $6 to cash the check, because he didn’t have an account there. Absurd, since Chase is the bank where his sister’s funds are on deposit. Six bucks to hand money over the counter to the bearer of a check drawn from that bank. Sierra requested a receipt for the charge. The manager refused. He insisted. They called the police. Personally, we think charging 7 percent of the value of the check is tantamount to robbery.— Nikki Silverstein
ZERO
only once, at the Steel Bear Deli in Santa Rosa for turkey sandwiches and gas. We arrived early, parked and approached a building I had never entered, but had spent more time imagining than Darth Vader and the Easter Bunny combined. Up until then, I’d experienced baseball almost solely on the radio. Occasionally we’d get a game on TV, but the crackly, dulcet tones of Hank Greenwald and a young Duane Kuiper were my primary ticket to the Giants and to the game I loved. So I saw Candlestick as less a hunk of turf and reinforced concrete and more as a mythical place, shrouded in intrigue. Atlantis wrapped in Stonehenge, but with hot dogs. I am barely exaggerating. We walked up the steps. I bought a program. I believe Willie McGee was on the cover, though I can’t be sure because a few seconds later I saw it. The grass. So green. Greener, literally, than anything I’d ever seen. The seats. Oranger, somehow, than anything I’d ever seen. And them, down on the field. Milling around. Existing. Matt Williams, Robby Thompson, Jose Uribe. Will Clark. There are things you remember, and then there are things you remember. That moment, climbing those steps and seeing that grass and realizing that if I really wanted to I could sprint past security and touch Will Clark’s first baseman’s mitt, is a memory. I enjoyed baseball before that. But the guy who would someday fruitlessly Google search “Willie McGee 1992 program” for the purposes of a column about the San Francisco Giants? He was born on that day. (The Giants lost, incidentally, 6-1 to the Dodgers. Trevor Wilson took the loss, Eric Karros homered and drove in three. Stupid Eric Karros.)
The next year, the Giants fired Roger Craig and hired a rookie manager named Dusty Baker. As fate would have it, Dusty was buddies with one of my dad’s good friends and we exploited the connection, attending a handful of games in the fateful ’93 and less-fateful ’94 seasons. I saw Barry Bonds, new Giant; I saw Matt Williams make a run at Maris before the strike cut him off; I saw William VanLandingham get heckled by a Padres fan after giving up a gargantuan home run to Ken Caminiti. I played catch with Dusty Baker in the parking lot after a game (true story) and walked through the clubhouse and saw Mark Carreon in his underwear (less-appetizing true story). After ’94, my interested waned a bit. The Giants were entering a period of prolonged fecklessness, and I had recently discovered a new, strange hobby called girls. I still followed the team, still rooted for JR Phillips and Todd Benzinger to take off their rubber masks and become Will Clark, but I didn’t attend another game until the Giants moved on up to SoMa. And while Pac Bell-cum-SBC-cumAT&T Park glistened, Candlestick looked rounder and grayer and duller and colder by the year. I had my memories, but between the garlic fries and kayakers and, hell, even the damn giant Coke bottle, I didn’t miss the ’Stick.
HERO
W
hen I was 10 years old, my dad shook me awake at 6am, loaded me, bleary-eyed, into the front seat of our beige Volvo station wagon and drove 223 miles down 101. We stopped
2. What stringed instrument has a seven-letter name with alternating vowels and consonants?
Got a Hero or a Zero? Please send submissions to e-mail nikki_silverstein@yahoo.com. Toss roses, hurl stones with more Heroes and Zeros at ›› pacificsun.com JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 7
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structure that brings Russian River water to Marin. That water now accounts for 25 percent of the water district customers use. But if drought hits Sonoma County, the water agency there could ask Marin to reduce its take this coming summer, according to John Lahaye, Marin Municipal Water District principal engineer. The district has enacted a water policy that calls for an assessment of supply on April 1. If the combined reservoir level is 50,000 acre-feet or less, the district will ask customers to cut back their consumption by 10 percent. If the reservoir level is 40,000 acre-feet or less, the district will implement a 25-percent mandatory reduction. The call for a 10-percent reduction seems likely. The county could, however, see that miracle March or February, making immediate water-supply concerns academic. The current lack of rain already has created a wedge that opponents of transitoriented development and Plan Bay Area have been mining. They contend that increasing housing density along Highway 101 would change the character of Marin forever, robbing them of a protected lifestyle they enjoy and consider critical to the county. Whether those criticisms are valid is a legitimate subject for debate. But another attack on the plan to promote transit-oriented development along the freeway by increasing housing density within a narrow strip of Highway 101 is less debatable, at least from the standpoint of a water manager. The opponents say Marin has a finite water supply that already is strained, and the county cannot increase its population without additional supply, which they also vehemently oppose. Calls for a ban on new water hookups are being raised among opponents who contend that the current lack of rain will prove the county has reached its population saturation point. There’s not enough water to supply added population, they say, including the people who would live in the new housing that would be built along Highway 101. But does the contention fall within the limits of credibility? It’s a worthy question. Using water as a wedge issue to block development, even if that development would create a greater good for a community, is far from a new phenomenon. The legal implications of banning new water connections have a long and varied legal lineage. Bolinas has a moratorium on new connections that has withstood court challenge. In a 1976 case, Swanson versus the Marin Municipal Water District, a state appellate court made reference to an earlier case in 1921 in Butte County: “Our Supreme Court aptly stated that ‘a water company supplying water for irrigation has not the power to take on new consumers without limit. Its power to supply water is, of course, limited by the amount of its supply, and when the demands of its
consumers upon it have reached this limit, it has no right to take on new consumers to the necessary injury of those it has. But it is not always easy to determine just when the limit of supply is reached, and the factor of safety which should be allowed against exceptional seasons may vary from locality to locality ... The matter is one of judgment, a judgment which may well should be exercised conservatively, but a matter of judgment nevertheless.’” To a large extent, state law drives water issues. Included in the California water code is a section that mandates developers of 500 units or more must secure and prove rights to a water supply for their projects. That mandate also holds if the project would increase “the number of the public water system’s existing service connections by 10 percent.” Cynthia Koehler, a Marin Municipal Water District board member, thinks that section of the code makes sense. “The law is a great thing in my view. There are people who have tried [unsuccessfully], to extend it to smaller developments.” A water district doesn’t act as a planning agency. Its responsibility rests with providing water, under rules and regulations in state law, to customers within its jurisdiction. It can, however, enact a moratorium on new connections if it can no longer meet the needs of current customers. But it cannot use water connections as a primary tool to control development. Whether the Marin Municipal Water District has adequate supply to deliver water to customers currently within its jurisdiction—and to continue supplying water if the population increases because of transit-oriented development—is unambiguous, according to the water district. It does and it can. Lahaye notes that the district compiles an urban water management plan every five years. The last document came out in 2010. That was one year after the state enacted a mandate that calls for a 20 percent reduction in water use by 2020, a target the water district already has met. The population numbers included in the management plan come from the state and from the Association of Bay Area Governments. They’re the same numbers used in the forecasts for the numbers of jobs and housing the county can expect. “We determined that our water supply is adequate for the foreseeable future, 20 years, which is what the requirement is,” says Lahaye.” Opponents of transit-oriented development say the state and ABAG numbers are faulty and lack a predictive reliability that results in a call for more housing than actually will be needed in the county. But if the numbers from the state and ABAG are accurate, or are at least in the ballpark, the argument that the district will have inadequate supply for the projected demand may not hold water. The district’s proposal to build a desali-
past droughts. Adding Russian River water to the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply, as well as increasing reservoir capacity also has played a role in improving the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water supply. Koehler is among a contingent that says the district can go even further down the conservation, recycling and reuse path. The new way to look at conservation in water districts considers conservation to be a source of supply rather than as solely a mechanism to control use. Limits do exist, however, on the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to increase its supply. The state controls how much water the district can collect from streams and how much it can store. Lahaye says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely the state would approve an increase in reservoir capacity. And as for an idea that dredging silt from reservoirs could increase supply, state regulations also would make that a tough move. And even if the district could get clearance, disposing the spoils would present a huge problem. As would the fact that dredging would increase the amount of water the district draws from streams and stores, an amount constrained by state mandate. As Koehler says, conservation is the best route. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have so far we can go to stretch our current supply.â&#x20AC;? And that includes a supply that could serve new residents in those proposed transit-oriented developments. Y
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Accurate label or offensive epithet, it’s a word you hear a lot in Marin
The backyards of Lucas Valley Estates, whose homeowners association helped put the kibosh on George Lucas’s plans for a state-of-the-art film production facility.
I
n many ways, Marinwood is Marin County exemplified: busy dog parks, emerald soccer fields, yoga classes. Placid. Tranquil. And, of course, expensive. The median price of a home in the Marinwood area hovers around $600,000; not the county’s highest, but high enough to price out low-tomiddle income buyers. So talk of affordable housing, inevitably, begins. Proposals are made. And residents, as they often do, push back. The story in Marinwood played out in particularly querulous fashion last year—sparking a failed recall effort against Supervisor Susan Adams—but it’s the same story you see all over. Marin, the United States, the world. People live in a place. They don’t want new people to come, don’t want to see their neighborhoods developed and their families crowded out. They view themselves, often, as victims. Reasonable folks doing what anyone would do in their situation. But their detractors have another name: NIMBY. If you want to turn any discussion about development into an argument, that’s the acronym, the epithet, to use. Short for “Not in My Backyard,” it’s a quick, dirty way to turn your opponent into a caricature of intransigence and self-interest. “NIMBY is merely an invective levied at anyone who opposes thoughtless planning,” says Stephen Nestel of the ad hoc citizens group Save Marinwood. “We are getting screwed. That is why we are angry.” “As soon as you use a term like ‘NIMBY’ 10 Pacific Sun January 10 - january 16, 2014
try to do a homeless shelter somewhere, try to open up a little home for some retarded people who want to work their way back into the community. People say, ‘Not in my backyard!’ People don’t want anything near them. Especially if it might help somebody else. Part of that great American spirit of generosity we hear about.” In Marin, we’re not talking about rehab centers or toxic dumps. We’re talking about homes that teachers, firefighters and retail * * * * * workers might actually be able to afford. (A It’s difficult to pinpoint when, exactly, family of four earning $64,000 a year counts NIMBY entered the American lexicon. Acas low income in the gilded North Bay.) They cording to the Oxford English Dictionary have to be built somewhere, which is it first appeared in print in 1980, in where the shouting starts. a Christian Science Monitor story Save Marinwood’s Nestel says it’s by about toxic waste. In 1988, The about fairness. As mandated by New York Times ran a story titled Jacob Plan Bay Area, the controversial “Coping in the Age of ‘Nimby’” in regional housing result of state Shafer which business reporter Williams Senate Bill 375, Marin must build Glaberson asked “whether thoumore affordable housing over the sands of separate Nimby victories will next 25 years. But, Nestel contends, his leave any backyards anywhere for the power community is being asked to shoulder an unplants, pipelines, factories, waste disposal sites, fair portion of Marin’s affordable housing and incinerators, high-rise buildings, highways, the “pollution, traffic [and] urban problems” halfway houses and scores of other projects that go along with it. “Fairness dictates that that the economy and society as a whole need affordable housing be distributed throughout to keep going.” the county. Isn’t there a need everywhere?” But perhaps the most enduring use of the asks Nestel. “We know there are NIMBYs in term came from comedian George Carlin, Marin. Ask the neighborhoods that don’t have who opined: “We’ve got something in this affordable housing.” country called ‘NIMBY’: ‘Not in my backSpecifically, he cites Supervisor Steve Kinyard!’ People don’t want anything, any kind of sey, whose constituency runs from Larkspur to Tomales Bay and who Nestel says “celsocial help, located anywhere near them. You ebrates affordable housing in every district try to open up a drug or alcohol rehab center, someone feels like you’re attacking them,” agrees Supervisor Adams, one of the primary targets of Save Marinwood’s ire. “It doesn’t make the conversation civil or productive.” Fair or not, NIMBY persists. And, setting aside the merits of any one shopping center or housing project, opponents of development often do say the same thing: we’re not against this in theory, we just don’t want it here. As in: not in our backyard.
JASON WALSH
Deconstructing ‘NIMBY’
except his.” (Supervisor Kinsey did not respond to a request for comment.) Things have gotten so contentious in Marinwood that, in November, the community ousted all of the incumbent members of its service district board, replacing them with candidates who were perceived as less amenable to development. Never mind that the board has no say over housing. Marinwood isn’t the only place where these battles are being waged. A plan to increase housing density in Strawberry sparked widespread dissent. Earlier this year protestors marched outside an affordable housing town hall meeting in San Rafael, some opposed to development, others to what one sign-waver dubbed “apartheid in Marin.” Then there’s the case of George Lucas and his Skywalker Ranch. Last year, bowing to pressure from unhappy neighbors, Lucas scrapped plans for an expansion of his movie studio on the 6,100-acre West Marin property. “The level of bitterness and anger expressed by homeowners in Lucas Valley has convinced us that, even if we were to spend more time and acquire the necessary approvals, we would not be able to maintain a constructive relationship with our neighbors,” Lucas wrote in a letter to the community. “The residents of Lucas Valley have fought this project for 25 years, and enough is enough. Marin is a bedroom community.” (Lucas then announced he would convert the property into affordable housing instead. That plan has stalled over financing concerns; if it moves forward, expect more bitterness.) In a way, opposing development is in our county’s DNA. More than 80 percent of Marin is protected open space; it’s what makes this a beautiful, desirable place to live. We fought the sprawl, and won, and now we’re enjoying the spoils. But every victory comes with a price. * * * * * Wendy Sarkissian is a NIMBY expert. Technically she’s holds a doctorate in social planning, but she runs a blog called “The NIMBY Clearinghouse” and has given talks on the subject all over the world (she lives in Australia, but studied at UC Berkeley). Sarkissian isn’t afraid to toss around the NIMBY label. Yet, she adds, it can be “problematic,” and is often used to dismiss legitimate concerns. Sarkissian’s goal, she says, is to sift through the stigma and stereotypes, to treat NIMBYism with compassion and scholarly care. To that end, she gave a talk in March at Harvard University titled “What’s Psychology Got to
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do With NIMBY?” At the outset, Sarkissian presented a second acronym: BANANA, or, “build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything.” The distinction, Sarkissian said, is important. BANANAs can’t be reasoned with; they’re simply anti-development, period. A NIMBY, on the other hand, might have a point. “What if NIMBYism were justified,” she asked, “because what is planned for your backyard was really something that shouldn’t be in your backyard?” The key, Sarkissian and others say, is to understand the psychological implications of development, of change. “In general people value potential future losses more than future benefits,” says Frank Noto of GCA Strategies, a San Francisco firm that helps developers with community outreach. “Change is hard.” This isn’t a new idea. In the ’70s, British sociologist Peter Marris wrote that, “People cannot reconcile themselves to the loss of familiar
attachments in terms of some impersonal utilitarian calculation of the common good. They have to find their own meaning in these changes before they can live with them.” What that means, practically, is time. Time to meet, discuss, debate, compromise. It’s a messy process that can easily devolve into conflict. But, most every expert agrees, it’s absolutely necessary. And maybe it doesn’t have to be painful. Sarkissian introduces a final acronym: LOVE. As in, “listening, openness, validation and community education.” In that order. “We need to help community members understand the reasons behind housing density increases,” she told the Harvard crowd. “However, I believe we make a huge mistake when we try to educate people first—before we listen openly to them and validate what they have to say to us.” Y
Sarkissian’s goal... is to sift through the stigma and stereotypes, to treat NIMBYism with compassion and scholarly care.
NIMBY 101
You’re welcome in Jacob’s backyard at jacobsjottings@gmail.com.
In an effort to “dispel the myths” surrounding affordable housing, the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Marin County released a study this past August meant to “provide elected officials, their staffs, and all Marin decision makers with factual information” on the issue. Here are a few points of interest from the LWV’s study: n Plan Bay Area was created in response to mandates from recent state laws (AB 32 and SB 375, passed in 2006 and 2008, respectively) aimed at controlling greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks. To meet the goals, an emphasis was placed on focusing future development along transportation corridors (i.e. near the highway and public transit). n Plan Bay Area projects Marin’s household growth at 9 percent from 2010 to 2040; its job growth over that span is projected at 17 percent. (Those growth projections across the entire Bay Area are 27 percent and 33 percent, respectively.) n Marin had a 16 percent increase in households and 42 percent increase in jobs from 1980 to 2010, according to the U.S. Census. n Affordable housing is defined as a housing option that does not cost more than 30 percent of a family’s income; Marin’s average median income is $103,000 for a family of four, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. n 59.5 percent of Marin workers commute from outside the county; 73.4 percent of those are single-occupancy commute vehicles, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. n Between 2004 and 2008, Marin saw a 55 percent daily increase in freeway delay—the most of any county in the Bay Area, where the average increase was 15 percent, according to MTC and Caltrans. The entire study can be found at www.marincounty.org.
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'Made it Ma, top o' the world!!' Listen doll face, while it's the straight dope that tough guy Jimmy Cagney yammered those words before being bumped off in hail of Chicago lightning in 'White Heat,' we think it's also an on the level way to say—Best of Marin. For this year's film noir-themed readers' poll, county flim-flammers and their femmes fatal will be vying to get their mitts on the stuff that dreams are made of—a 2014 Best of Marin award. So before that goon works your dumb mug over with his snub-nosed roscoe ... before the flatfoots give you a new career makin' license plates ... before some stoolie turns your latest caper into a Sunday school picnic—let us know your picks for the county's finest in gourmet edibles, home improvement products and health and beauty salons.
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Nothing warms like a flammenkuchen such as mom used to make ...
W
aking up to frost, walking around Piatti on Richardson Bay. No menu has in short sleeves—the weather has been announced, but whatever it is will been absolutely crazy. What hasn’t center around the building’s brick oven changed is cold nights when (no matter how designed by West Marin pioneer Alan sunny it was several hours before) we need Scott, grandfather of the wood-burning to tuck into something that comforts us. oven movement that took over the Bay Fortunately Marin chefs recognize this and Area. Stay tuned for details, schedules and we’re blessed by the way they put together aspirations. just the right meals for January. Turning for FeelIng CRABBY? It’s the season for inspiration to winter foods in other parts all-you-can-eat crab feeds, those fun events of the world, restaurants bring us warming where everybody settles in to demolish tastes. Il Fornaio’s first regional menu of the shells and fill up on sweet Dungeness beauyear, available through Sunday, Jan. 19, is ties. Two such evenings are on the horifrom Trentino-Alto Adige in the country’s zon right here at home. Saturday, Jan. 11, northeast corner, next to Austria. From (starting at 4pm) the Marin Rugby Club’s melded cuisines its dishes are distinct from fundraiser at San Rafael Yacht Club will those in other parts of Italy. Try a Kurobata serve a bounteous feed—including beer, pork chop wrapped with pancetta and oven- soft drinks and water—for $45 per person roasted, served with sweet and sour red advance tickets, $55 at the door, $10 for cabbage, or potato-arugula gnocchi sauteed those 12 and under. Cocktails and wine with rabbit and mushrooms. (Corte Madera may be purchased at the bar. Information Town Center, www.ilforand tickets: www.marinnaio.com ... Left Bank in rugby.com ... Tickets go Larkspur will celebrate fast for the annual Crab Fete Alsacienne Jan. Feed and Silent Auc13-17 with a la carte tion hosted by Marin specials from the region YMCA. This year’s event influenced by Germany’s is Saturday, Feb. 1, 5pmcooking. Flammen9pm, at the San Rafael kuchen, a bacony onion Community Center. tart, and choucroute The menu will add garnie with its smoked jambalaya to the crab meats, sausages and and salad offerings and a sauerkraut will be no-host bar. Tickets are The ‘all you can eat crab feed’—the first shellfish among the choices to advancement since the ‘bottomless cup o’ crustacean.’ $45 through Tuesday, enjoy with wines from Jan. 14, $50 afterward. that appellation. (507 A Youth Zone will Magnolia, www.LeftBank.com ) ... Pretend have pizza, snacks, crafts and a movie for you’re in snowy Japan when you order from children 3 and older. Cost is $10 for the first Scott Whitman’s seasonal creations at Sushi child, $5 for each additional sibling. Tickets Ran in Sausalito: grilled squid with a citrus and information: 415/492-9622. Not to be saboyan spiked with pepper powder; king outdone, the Presidio Yacht Club’s annual trumpet mushrooms with salsify puree and Crab Feed is Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7pm, where onion jam or kimchee Brussels sprouts. $40 will get you crab (all you can eat), plus (107 Caledonia Street, www.sushiran.com) clam chowder, salad, wine and coffee. RSVP ... L’Appart Resto in San Anselmo brings at mj@thebaysedge.com. more hearty French cuisine with authentic MInd YoUR MAnneRs Speaking of long-cooked cassoulet as well as wild boar kids, how would you like to have them learn a la Bourguignon and house-smoked Loch table manners while enjoying a three-course Duart salmon served with lentils and Brusmeal in a relaxed atmosphere? Designed sels sprouts. (636 San Anselmo Avenue, for parents and children, Sunday Supper www.lappartresto.com ) With Syndi Seid (Sunday, Jan. 19, check-in eXTRA, eXTRA ReAd All ABoUT IT at 5:15pm) brings the social etiquette and Promised to tell everyone when any news protocol expert to Left Bank in Larkspur came through on the developments taking where she will take them through the steps place at Small Shed Flatbreads in Mill of ordering from a menu, handling silverValley, so here’s the latest. Molina is the ware and other social niceties in a painless new name chosen by owner Ged Robertway. Cost is $45 for adults, $30 for the young son—appropriately, since it means “mill” ones. Reservations are required by email: in Italian. Incoming chef for the restaurant lkevents@leftbank.com. Y is Todd Schoberg, lately executive chef at Whet Pat’s palate at patfusco@sonic.net.
›› MusiC
Inside Jim Kweskin Folk revival wouldn’t be pickin’ along without Jug Band founder by G re g Cahill
“I
n my opinion, Jim Kweskin is one of the best ragtime pickers around,” says Grammy- and W.C. Handy Award-winning blues singer Maria Muldaur, who just returned from a yearlong tour with Kweskin. The Mill Valley resident is not alone in that view, though she does enjoy a unique perspective on Kweskin’s talents: In 1963, as a teen living in Greenwich Village at the height of the 1960s folk revival, Muldaur joined the Even Dozen Jug Band, which also included mandolinist David Grisman and singer-songwriterguitarist John Sebastian (later of the Lovin’ Spoonful). “We were enthusiastically exploring jug-band music,” she says, “but we realized that the really cool—and professional—jug band, the one with the real star power, was the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, which used to play at the Bitter End.” Muldaur signed on with Kweskin’s outfit, which recorded six influential albums Kweskin is credited with adapting the ragtime fingerpicking on the Vanguard label between 1963 and style of greats like Blind Boy Fuller and Mississippi John Hurt 1970. Last year, Muldaur reunited with for modern jazz and blues audiences. Kweskin—who she calls “my fearless Kweskin, 74, is a master of blues (in the leader”—to mark the jug band’s 50th style of Blind Boy Fuller and Mississippi anniversary. The reunion tour took the John Hurt), Dixieland jazz and swing, musicians around the United States and to Japan, giving audiences a taste of a true with a commanding stage presence. folk-guitar master. “He’s the consumThe reunion tour mate musician,” COMING sOON concluded Dec. 28 Muldaur says. “One of Jim Kweskin performs Sunday, with a concert at Boshis greatest strengths Jan. 12, at 8pm, at the Hop Monk ton Symphony Hall. is that he’s very good Tavern, 224 Vintage Way, Novato (at Of course, folk natured, very agreeable. Vintage Oaks Shopping Center). $20. music is all the rage He’s a happy person. 415/892-6200. these days. And while “And that happithe Coen brothers ness comes out in his may have recreated music.” the ’60s folk scene for their new film Inside Llewyn Davis, Random Notes: Pianist George Winston Kweskin lived it—the current wave of jug will tickle the ivories on Sat., Jan. 11, at 142 bands (even San Francisco has an annual Throckmorton in Mill Valley. He will play jug-band festival) was inspired, in large pieces from his recordings in his melodic part, by Kweskin’s efforts to keep the idi- folk-piano style, New Orleans R&B, and om alive. songs from his latest CD, Love Will Come: Now a Los Angeles resident, Kweskin is The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Vol. 2, the in the North Bay this week to record with follow-up to his 1996 recording Linus and Grisman. At press time, he was scheduled to team up Jan. 8 with Bay Area bluegrass Lucy: The Music of Vince Guaraldi. ... The acoustic-folk duo Misner & Smith will and Cajun fiddler and guitarist Suzy harmonize Jan. 11, at Studio 55 in San Thompson at her all-star 40th anniverRafael. ... That same night, the Zydeco sary show at the Freight and Salvage in Flames turn up the heat at the Fenix Berkeley. in San Rafael ... A trio of Celtic harpIn addition, he will showcase his ists—Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne and Aryeh ragtime fingerpicking prowess—and his encyclopedic knowledge of the American Frankfurter—paves the way Jan. 11 for St. Patrick’s Day with a concert at the Pt. songbook—at a solo-acoustic show this Reyes Dance Palace. Y Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Hop Monk Tavern in Novato. Harmonize with Greg at gcahill51@gmail.com.
››that tv guy FRiday, Jan. 10 Point Break Keanu Reeves stars as an FBI agent who goes undercover as a surfer to infiltrate a ring of surfing bank robbers. a note to surfing crime rings: if a guy shows up and says his name is “Johnny Utah,” you’re either being set up by the cops or you’re in a really bad Keanu Reeves movie. (1991) VH1. 7:30pm. Enlisted a new sitcom follows three b ro t h e r s w h o e n l i s t in the army and wind up at the same base. It sounds far-fetched. the wacky “Drone target Mix-up” episode is hilarious! Fox. 9:30pm.
by Rick Polito
Monday, Jan. 13
Smokey and the Bandit ii a must for viewers who felt the first film left too many existential questions unanswered. (1980) CMT. 9pm.
tuESday, Jan. 14
Rise of the Planet of the apes In the prequel to the Planet of the Apes series, we learn that the first intelligent ape was created by a bio-tech SatuRday, Jan. 11 company looking for a cure for dementia. If Pe rc y Ja c k s o n : t h e grandpa starts asking Lightning thief a for bananas and Tarzan 12-year-old boy discovmovies it may be time ers his real father was Tying up all the loose, redneck-y ends, to reevaluate his treatPoseidon and he must Monday at 9. ment plan. (2011) FX. retrieve Zeus’ thunder7:30pm. bolt to prevent a war of the gods. Subnightmare on Elm Street teenagers’ stitute “mom’s iPod” for “Zeus’s thundreams are haunted by a deadly specter derbolt” and you’ve summed up the with bad complexion and a peculiar experience of most pre-teen children fashion sense. (1984) Independent Film with divorced parents. (2010) Cartoon Channel. 9:30pm. Network. 7pm. the Butterfly Effect a young man Love Comes Softly that’s actually quite discovers he can travel through time rare. (2003) Hallmark Channel. 7pm. but each time he does, small changes Snow White and the Huntsman the in the past have huge repercussions in fairy tale gets a violent reboot. Dopey is the present. But no matter how many replaced by Deadly and Doc is a combat times he goes back, he still ends up with medic. (2012) HBO. 7:30pm. that embarrassing spring break tattoo. the Lincoln Lawyer a lawyer who (2004) Spike TV. 10:30pm. practices out of the back of an old Lincoln Continental gets a big case defend- WEdnESday, Jan. 15 american idol the new season launches with the ing a Beverly hills playboy accused of parade of painful auditions by singers attempted murder allowing him to hoping to become the next “guy who upgrade and become “the Sentra Lawembarrassed himself on American Idol.” yer.” (2011) TNT. 8pm. Fox. 8pm. Sunday, Jan. 12 golden globe Chasing Shackleton Six men set out awards this is the foreign press movie in a 20-foot boat to recreate antarctic awards. Categories explorer Ernest Shackleinclude “Best Movie that ton’s desperate 800-miles Exposes americans as journey. the men face Greedy Imperialists.” bitter cold, rough seas NBC. 5pm. and a long wait in the buffet line on the Fiesta Conan the Barbarian Deck. KQED PBS. 10pm. this is the remake. When the original came out, it tHuRSday, Jan. 16 was unusual for a body Critics’ Choice awards builder to be an actor. That’s ‘Officer’ Utah to you, mister ... Friday, Categories include “SomeNow every star has to 7:30pm. thing Bleak,”“Something spend half his life in the Emotionally Charged” and “Something gym. If Don Knotts were still alive, he’d French.” CW. 8pm. have ripped abs and could crush walnuts Best ink the tattoo artists bring their with his pecs. (2011) Spike TV. 10pm. talents to a science fiction convention. 90-day Fiancé american men bring It’s a challenge to make Darth Vader look home foreign women knowing they menacing on such pale pudgy skin knowing their work will never see the light of must marry within three months or day. Seriously, it will never see the light of the woman faces deportation. It’s basiday. these people only leave their parents’ cally mail-order brides with a generous basements if there’s a fire. Oxygen. 10pm. Y return policy. The Learning Channel. 10pm. Critique That TV Guy at letters@pacificsun.com.
JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 15
›› Talking picTures
Saving Mary Poppins Disney version no ‘jolly holiday’ for P.L. Travers ... by Davi d Te mp l e ton
W
alt Disney was an animator, a visionary, a genius—and some would say, a very unlikable man. Likability, after all, is not a required trait of being a genius, and few visionaries—and virtually no successful businessmen—have ever succeeded without making a few people angry. In the new film Saving Mr. Banks— the first time Disney has been portrayed on screen—he is seen smoking, drinking, losing his temper and flat-out tricking P.L. Travers, the prickly author of the Mary Poppins books. But he’s played by Tom Hanks, who is so darned likable, that it makes Disney impossible to judge harshly. “As soon as you say that Tom Hanks is going to play Walt Disney, you know that Walt Disney is going to come off reasonably well,” agrees journalist Christopher Jones. “And I think that’s pretty much what we got in Saving Mr. Banks.” Jones is the principle theater critic for the Chicago Tribune, and he has written much about popular culture and its impact on the lives of those who consume it and create it, and the way, for good or bad, our culture is
shaped by it. In a provocative piece in the Tribune’s Dec. 20 issue (“In ‘Mary Poppins,’ There’s More to Know Under the Umbrella”), Jones compares the new movie to the facts, and makes the suggestion that the best adaptation of the Mary Poppins books, published between 1943 and 1988, is the splashy theater version shepherded to the stage in 2004 by Cameron Mackintosh. I’ve reached Jones by phone, as he is vacationing in England. “I don’t think the movie was entirely a whitewash,” he says of Saving Mr. Banks, named for the character of the father in the Poppins books, a man loosely based on P.L. Travers own father. The film follows a twoweek period in the early 1960s, when Travers spent a week in Los Angeles battling Disney and his creative team over details of the Mary Poppins script. “My sense is that this was a reasonably realistic depiction of what happened,” says Jones. “The conflict between Disney and Travers, though somewhat stereotypically depicted, was not wildly inaccurate.” “So,” I ask, “where DOES Saving Mr. Banks stretch the truth?” TRiViA ANSWERS: From page 7 1a. Tiburon 1b. Chico 1c. Salinas 2. Ukulele 3. Whales
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Tom Hanks brings his ‘chim chim cher-ee’ likeability to the role of Walt Disney.
“Well, where the movie deviates from reality the most is more in the forced ending,” Jones says, “particularly the scene at the premiere of Mary Poppins. I don’t think it went down quite like that.” In reality, Travers went on to publically denounce the film, and would eventually encourage Cameron Mackintosh to not allow any of the original Disney creative team to participate in the stage adaptation. In Saving Mr. Banks, she appears to enjoy the film, crying with emotion at seeing her father on screen, while half-heartedly muttering her displeasure at the animated penguins. “There was a New Yorker article that described her crying at the premiere,” Jones says, “crying in horror at what had been done to her book.” “The movie seems to indicate that the experience is some kind of life-changing catharsis,” I note, “that in letting go of her creation, she is finally able to let go of the painful childhood that inspired it.” “Yes, exactly,” Jones says. “In some ways, the movie could be criticized for depicting Disney as a kind of psychoanalyst, symbolically taking on all of P.L. Travers childhood trauma. The movie presents her as having all of this hostility, which comes from her childhood inability to prevent her alcoholic father from self-destructing, right? In the movie, she has taken on that burden, and in signing the rights of her books over to Disney, she symbolically hands over the burden she’s been carrying.” And she’s cured. She even starts writing new Mary Poppins books, healed by the power of Hollywood magic. In reality, Jones points out, though she certainly showed no hesitation at cashing all the checks she ended up getting from Walt Disney Pictures, and though she apparently saw the film many times in her life, she always insisted that Disney’s Mary Poppins was not the “real” Mary Poppins. “I think she saw the stage version of Mary Poppins as the chance to restore her version of the story,” Jones says. “By the time Cameron Mackintosh came to her to do the stage version, she was quite elderly. And he knew how to talk to her. He was British, for one thing,
and that helped. But he also promised that the stage version would stay much closer to the books, that it would be much darker.” “I would argue that the books were in many ways ahead of their time,” he adds, “but the Disney movie was very much of its time.” “I suppose the big question here,” I ask, “is what obligation a movie-maker has to accurately translate a book to the screen, or a playwright when adapting a book to the stage?” “Well, there is no way to adapt a book to the stage or film without making some changes,” Jones allows. “Disney was not under any moral obligation to accurately depict her book. But she was clearly around, she was alive, and the result was a movie that was something of a compromise.” For one thing, he agreed to her requirement that the film have as little of the color red in it as possible. She also initially insisted that the film not be a musical, not include any animation at all, and very definitely not have Dick Van Dyke in it. She preferred Sir Lawrence Olivier in the part of Bert the Chimneysweep. “Sounds like an interesting, slightly weird little art film,” I suggest, “but not necessarily a blockbuster.” “It certainly wouldn’t have been as financially successful a movie, had Disney given in to all of her demands,” Jones agrees. “If Disney had made a movie as dark as the books, he would have made no money at all. His goal was to make a massively successful movie— and he did.” “So who was right, and who was wrong? Disney or P.L. Travers?” “It’s a good question,” Jones says. “I think the role of the adapter is to make something that works for the medium its being adapted to, but is still essentially true to the spirit of the source material. It should capture the essence of the book. And that’s something the Disney movie simply did not do.” “And we’ll never know what she thought of the play,” I mention, since she died in 1996, eight years before the play premiered. “True,” Jones affirms. “Knowing what we know about P.L. Travers, it’s highly possible she’d have hated the stage play too.” Y Go fly a kite with David at talkpix@earthlink.net.
MOVies
F R I D AY jan u ary 1 0 — T H U R S D AY jan u ary 1 6 Movie summaries by M at t hew St af fo r d l
The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box
(1:38) A Victorian Era teen loses himself in a darkly majestic hotel rife with magic, mystery and deadly secrets. l American Hustle (2:18) Docudramatic look at the Abscam scandal of the seventies stars Amy Adams and Christian Bale as grifters blackmailed by the FBI into taking down a New Jersey politico. l Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2:00) Ron Burgundy is back as he heads to New York and stardom on the country’s first 24-hour news channel; Will Ferrell stars, of course. l August: Osage County (1:59) Dysfunctional family shenanigans as acid-tongued, newly widowed cancer patient Meryl Streep takes on daughter Julia Roberts and sundry other well-meaning types. l Child’s Pose (1:52) An affluent Bucharest architect stops at nothing to keep her deadbeat son out of jail in C.P. Netzer’s incisive dramedy. l The Don Juans (1:44) Saucy Jiri Menzel comedy about an opera director’s attempts to produce Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” in a Czech village. l Eat Sleep Die (1:40) Insightful portrait of two East European emigrants struggling to survive in a small Swedish village. l 47 Ronin (2:07) Outcast samurai Hiroyuki Sanada joins forces with multiracial warrior Keanu Reeves to bring down an evil and powerful lord. l Frozen (1:42) The kingdom of Arendelle is trapped in an eternal winter, so Anna sets off to find her sister Elsa, who has isolated herself to protect her family from her frosty powers. l Gabrielle (1:44) Film fest fave about the budding romance between two members of a Montreal choir for disabled adults. l The German Doctor (1:34) A postwar Argentine family strikes up a self-delusional friendship with incognito Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele. l The Great Beauty (2:22) Felliniesque satirical dramedy about an aging writer’s bittersweet adventures in Rome. l The Great Passage (2:13) Quirky Japanese romantic comedy about a bookworm’s inability to express himself to the object of his affections. l Grudge Match (1:54) Retired boxers Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro return to the ring to determine once and for all which one is top palooka. l Her (1:59) Lonesome social-network nerd Joaquin Phoenix falls truly, madly, deeply for his new computer operating system; Spike Jonze directs Amy Adams, Rooney Mara and Scarlett Johansson. l The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2:41) Bilbo Baggins is back, joining 13 dwarves and a wizard in their quest to reclaim a lost kingdom; Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee and Orlando Bloom star. l The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2:26) Jennifer Lawrence is back as Games top dawg Katniss Everdeen, whose victory lap is met with angry, violent rebellion. l In Bloom (1:42) Touching portrait of two teenage girls coming of age in war-torn post-Soviet Georgia. l Inside Llewyn Davis (1:44) Joel and Ethan Coen’s dark dramedy about a Dylan-era Greenwich Village folksinger hustling his way up the show biz ladder; Carey Mulligan, John Goodman and Oscar Isaac star. l The Legend of Hercules (1:38) The son of Zeus endures slavery, bloodshed and gladiator school as he muscles his way to glory. l Lone Survivor (2:01) Four Navy SEALs head to Afghanistan to take out Taliban leader Ahmad Shah and find themselves outmanned and outgunned; Mark Wahlberg stars.
l Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2:26) Biopic of the late, great freedom fighter follows Mandela through 27 years of imprisonment, the end of apartheid and the presidency of South Africa; Idris Elba stars. l More Than Honey (1:31) Swiss documentary about the precipitous decline of global bee colonies and how their disappearance augurs a frightful tomorrow. l
National Theatre London: 50 Years On Stage
Join Britain’s greatest thespians (Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Derek Jacobi, Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith and 94 others) at a 50th birthday party for the acclaimed National Theatre, featuring excerpts from “Antony and Cleopatra,” “Guys and Dolls” and everything in between. l Nebraska (1:54) Alexander Payne dramedy follows a cantankerous old coot and his estranged son on a Midwestern road trip to claim a million-dollar grand prize. l Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (1:30) More suburban demonic mishegoss as a teenage doofus gets himself possessed by a spook. l The Past (2:10) Acclaimed Iranian drama about the looming divorce between a French woman and her estranged Iranian husband. l Philomena (1:37) Stephen Frears docudrama about an unwed mother’s attempts to track down her longlost son; Judi Dench stars. l The Princess Bride (1:38) William Goldman’s hip fairy tale hits the big screen with swordplay, ogres and beautiful princess intact. l Ride Along Action comedy follows two cops on an unexpectedly wild night cruising the mean streets of Atlanta; Ice Cube stars. l The Rocket (1:35) Poignant Australian film about an outcast child determined to win a rocket-launching competition in postwar Laos. l Saving Mr. Banks (2:05) Behind-the-scenes look at Mary Poppins’ long and tumultuous journey from page to screen; Tom Hanks stars as Walt Disney, Emma Thompson as curmudgeonly adversary P.L. Travers. l The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1:54) James Thurber’s timeless tale of a nebbish everyman with a penchant for chronic daydreaming stars Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine and Sean Penn. l Two Lives (1:37) Liv Ullman stars in the story of an East German spy whose double life with a happy Scandinavian family spirals out of control at the end of the Cold War. l Wajma—An Afghan Love Story (1:25) Sundance award winner about the clandestine love affair between a college student and a charming Kabul waiter. l Walesa, Man of Hope (2:07) Andrzej Wajda’s epic biopic of the shipyard worker-turned-Polish Solidarity icon. l Walking the Camino (1:24) Award-winning documentary follows six pilgrims as they trek Spain’s ancient 500-mile Camino de Santago Trail. l Walking with Dinosaurs 3D (1:27) Return with us now to the thrilling three-dimensional days of yore when enormous reptiles ruled the Earth and even an underdog dino could make his mark on prehistory. l The Wall (1:48) A vacationing Austrian finds herself marooned in the Alps behind an enormous transparent wall in Julian Polsler’s existential chiller. l White Lies (1:36) Period drama looks at three generations of Maori women struggling to survive in Euro-dominated 19th century New Zealand. l The Wolf of Wall Street (2:45) Leo DiCaprio stars as Jordan Belfort, the securities-fraud king of the 1990s; Martin Scorsese directs Matthew McConaughey, Spike Jonze, Rob Reiner and Fran Lebowitz.
k New Movies This Week
* The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box (NR) American Hustle (R)
Rafael: Sat-Sun 12 Fairfax: Fri-Sat 12:20, 3:25, 6:40, 9:55 Sun-Thu 12:20, 3:25, 6:40 Larkspur Landing: Fri, Mon-Thu 6:30, 9:35 Sat-Sun 11:40, 3:20, 6:30, 9:35 Marin: Fri-Sat 12:45, 3:55, 7, 10:05 Sun 12:45, 3:55, 7 Mon-Thu 3:55, 7 Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:10, 12:45, 2:20, 3:55, 5:35, 7:20, 8:50, 10:25 Playhouse: Fri 3:45, 6:45, 9:30 Sat 12:15, 3:45, 6:45, 9:30 Sun 12:15, 3:45, 6:45 Mon-Thu 3:45, 6:45 Rowland: Fri-Wed 12:40, 3:50, 7, 10:05 Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Fairfax: Fri-Sat 1:15, 4:10, 7:05, 9:50 Sun-Thu 1:15, 4:10, 7:05 Northgate: (PG-13) Fri-Wed 10:55, 1:50, 4:35, 7:40, 10:30 Rowland: Fri-Wed 11:05, 4:45, 10:20 * August: Osage County (R) Fairfax: 12:30, 3:40, 6:45, 9:35 Sun-Thu 12:30, 3:40, 6:45 Marin: Fri-Sat 1:15, 4:30, 7:30, 10:15 Sun 1:15, 4:30, 7:30 Mon-Thu 4:30, 7:30 Regency: Fri-Sat 1:15, 4:20, 7:10, 10 Sun-Thu 1:15, 4:20, 7:10 * Child’s Pose (NR) Rafael: Sun 6:30 * The Don Juans (NR) Rafael: Fri 6:30 Sun 4 * Eat Sleep Die (NR) Rafael: Sat 4 Wed 6:30 47 Ronin (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:05; 3D showtimes at 1:55, 4:50, 7:45, 10:30 Frozen (PG) Lark: Fri-Sat 5:15, 8 Sun 1:45, 4:30, 7:15 Mon, Wed 4:30, 7:15 Tue, Thu 4:30 Northgate: Fri-Wed 2:15, 7:30; 3D showtimes at 11:25, 4:45 Rowland: Fri-Wed 11:10, 4:35, 7:10; 3D showtimes at 1:50, 9:50 * Gabrielle (NR) Rafael: Fri 4 * The German Doctor (NR) Rafael: Sat 8:45 The Great Beauty (NR) Rafael: Fri-Sun 4:30, 7:30 Mon-Thu 7:30 * The Great Passage (NR) Rafael: Tue 8:15 Grudge Match (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 4:05, 10:20 Her (R) Fairfax: Fri-Sat 12, 3:30, 7, 9:45 Sun-Thu 12, 3:30, 7 Regency: Fri-Sat 1, 4:10, 7:20, 10:15 Sun 4:20, 7:20 Mon-Thu 1, 4:10, 7:20 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:45, 6:50; 3D showtimes at 3:20, 10:15 Rowland: Fri(PG-13) Wed 4:10; 3D showtimes at 12:35, 7:40 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 12:25, 3:50, 7:10, 10:25 * In Bloom (NR) Rafael: Fri 8:45 Inside Llewyn Davis (R) Marin: Fri-Sat 1, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45 Sun 1, 4:15, 7:15 Mon-Thu 4:15, 7:15 Regency: Fri-Sat 11:30, 2:10, 4:50, 7:35, 10:10 Sun-Tue, Thu 11:30, 2:10, 4:50, 7:35 Wed 11:20 * The Legend of Hercules (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 11:20, 4:30; 3D showtimes at 2, 7:15, 9:45 Rowland: FriWed 11:55, 5; 3D showtimes at 2:30, 7:30, 10 * Lone Survivor (R) Cinema: Fri-Wed 1, 4, 7, 9:50 Regency: Fri-Sat 1:20, 4:25, 7:30, 10:20 SunThu 1:20, 4:25, 7:30 Rowland: Fri-Wed 11, 1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10 Sequoia: Fri 4:15, 7:15, 10:10 Sat 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 10:10 Sun 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 MonThu 4:15, 7:15 * Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 12:40, 6:55 * More Than Honey (NR) Rafael: Sat 2 National Theatre London: 50 Years On Stage (NR) Lark: Sat 1 Nebraska (R) Northgate: Fri-Wed 10:30, 1:20, 4:10, 7, 9:50 * Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones Northgate: Fri-Wed 10:45, 11:50, 1, 2:10, 3:15, 4:25, 5:30, 6:40, 7:50, 8:55, (R) 10 Rowland: Fri-Wed 1, 3:15, 5:30, 7:50, 10:15 * The Past (NR) Rafael: Fri 3:45, 6:30, 9:10 Sat-Sun 1, 3:45, 6:30, 9:10 Mon-Thu 6:30, 9:10 Philomena (PG-13) Northgate: Fri-Wed 12:05, 2:35, 5:05, 7:35, 9:55 Playhouse: Fri 4:15, 7, 9:20 Sat 12:30, 4:15, 7, 9:20 Sun 12:30, 4:15, 7 Mon-Thu 4:15, 7 * The Princess Bride (PG) Regency: Sun 2 Wed 2, 7 Sequoia: Sun 2 Wed 2, 7 * Ride Along (PG-13) Northgate: Thu 8, 10:30 * The Rocket (NR) Rafael: Mon 8:45 Saving Mr. Banks (PG-13) Larkspur Landing: Fri, Mon-Thu 7, 9:50 Sat-Sun 1:15, 4:10, 7, 9:50 Regency: Fri-Sat 12:40, 4, 7, 10:05 Sun-Thu 12:40, 4, 7 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (PG) Fairfax: Fri-Sat 12:15, 4:15, 6:50, 9:30 Sun-Thu 12:15, 4:15, 6:50 Larkspur Landing: Fri, Mon-Thu 7:20, 10 Sat-Sun 11, 1:40, 4:30, 7:20, 10 Northgate: Fri-Wed 10:40, 1:35, 4:20, 7:25, 10:05 Rowland: Fri-Wed 2, 7:35 * Two Lives (NR) Rafael: Thu 6:30 * Wajma—An Afghan Love Story (NR) Rafael: Sun 2 Tue 6:15 * Walesa, Man of Hope (NR) Rafael: Thu 8:45 Walking the Camino (NR) Rafael: Sat-Sun 2:30 Walking with Dinosaurs (PG) Northgate: Fri-Wed 12, 4:40, 9:30; 3D showtimes at 2:25, 7:05 * The Wall (NR) Rafael: Wed 8:45 * White Lies (NR) Rafael: Sat, Mon 6:30 The Wolf of Wall Street (R) Fairfax: 12:10, 3:55, 7:35 Larkspur Landing: Fri, Mon-Thu 8 Sat-Sun 12, 4, 8 Playhouse: Fri, Mon-Thu 4, 7:45 Sat-Sun 12, 4, 7:45 Regency: 11:45, 3:45, 7:45 Rowland: Fri-Wed 12, 4, 7:55 Sequoia: Fri 4, 7:45 Sat 12:15, 4, 7:45 Sun 7:45 Mon, Tue, Thu 4, 7:45 Wed 3
Showtimes can change after we go to press. Please call theater to confirm schedules. 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 january 10 - january 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 17
sundial Video
F R I D AY J A N U A R Y 1 0 — F R I D AY J A N U AR Y 1 7 Pacific Sun‘s Community Calendar
Highlights from our online community calendar— great things to do this week in Marin
Check out our Online Community Calendar for more listings, spanning more weeks, with more event information »pacificsun.com/sundial
Live music 01/10: Anthony B with IrieFuse 9pm. $27$32. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 388-3850. swmh.com
01/10: Celly Cel and Shady Nate, DJ Epicenter Sound Project Rap. 9:30pm. $15. 19
Broadway Night Club, 17 Broadway, Fairfax. 250-9756. 19broadway.com. 01/10: Delta Wires Blues. 8pm. $15. Fenix, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 813-5600. fenixlive.com. 01/10-11: Danny Click Blues rock. 9:30pm. The Sleeping Lady, 23 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 464-7420. sleepingladyfairfax.com 01/10: Pop Fiction Rock, pop covers. 9pm. $15. HopMonk Novato, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 01/10: Eddie Neon Blues, R&B, Funk. 9pm. $10. Sausalito Seahorse Supper Club, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. 331-2899. sausalitoseahorse.com. 01/10: Pocket Change 9:30pm. $8. Peri’s Silver Dollar, 29 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 464-7420. perisbar.com. 01/10: Stompy Jones Cool swing. 8pm. $12$15. Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. ranchonicasio.com.
01/10: Van der Maaten and Friends
7:30pm. $10. Dance Palace, 503 B St., Pt. Reyes Station. 663-9512. dancepalace.org. 01/10: Devedas Kirtan 7pm. $10. Open Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. 457-4191. opensecretbookstore.com/events. 01/10: Roy Zimmerman Concert Local satirist and political folk singer. Proceeds support a single payer advocacy film directed by filmmaker John Korty, which is seeking sponsorship. 7:30pm. $15-18. Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley. 990-5116. brownpapertickets.com/event/528066.
01/10: Walking Spanish and Friends
8:30pm. Terrapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. terrapincrossroads.net. 01/11: Acacia 8:30pm. Terrapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. terrapincrossroads.net. 01/11: Generation Esmerelda Santa Esmeralda music tribute. 9:05pm. $10. Sausalito Seahorse Supper Club, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. 331-2899. sausalitoseahorse.com.
01/11: Grant Green Jr. with Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie What a rare treasure of a lineup. This
is one not to miss show. 9pm. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 388-3850. swmh.com
01/11: Legends of the Celtic Harp with Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter Myths, magic and fabled history of the instrument. 8pm. $11-22. Dance Palace, 503 B St, Pt. Reyes Station. 663-9512. dancepalace.org. 01/11: George Winston New age piano. 8pm. $32-45. 142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 18 Pacific Sun January 10 - January 16, 2014
Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 383-9600. throckmortontheatre.org. 01/11: Midnight Sun Massive Reggae, rock. 9pm. $10. HopMonk Novato, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 01/11: Misner and Smith Vocal harmonies. 8pm. $13-15. Studio 55 Marin, 1455-A East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael. 453.3161. studio55marin.com. 01/11: Soul Jah Family Band Pat Ryan benefit show. 9:30pm. $15. 19 Broadway Night Club, 17 Broadway, Fairfax. 250-9756. 19broadway.com. 01/11: Stefanie Keys Original Americana. 8pm. $10-12. Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. ranchonicasio.com. 01/11: Zydeco Flames Rock. 8pm. $15. Fenix, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 813-5600. fenixlive.com. 01/12: J. Hanrahan Quartet Performing works of John Coltrane. 9pm. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 388-3850. swmh.com 01/12: Jim Kweskin Solo, acoutic. 8pm. $20. HopMonk Novato, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 01/12: Midnight North 8pm. Terrapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. terrapincrossroads.net. 01/12: The Special Consensus Bluegrass. Greg Cahill, banjo; Rick Faris, mandolin; Dustin Benson, guitar; Dan Eubanks, bass. 3pm. $17-20. Studio 55 Marin, 1455-A E.Francisco Blvd., San Rafael. 453-3161. studio55marin.com.
01/12: Sunday Salsa With Julio Bravo y Salsabor 4pm dance lesson; 5pm live music and
dancing. $10. Sausalito Seahorse Supper Club, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. 331-2899. sausalitoseahorse.com.
They really should have freed Willy a lot sooner Acclaim for Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s SeaWorld expose BLACKFISH comes less from the gotcha moments which, with a single haunting exception, are what we’d imagine the tragedy to be of animals stolen from the wild for the entertainment of paying guests: The driving of terrorized Tilikum attempted to voice his misery in captivity by screaming, ‘Let me orca pods into estuaries of out of here!’ Alaska and Iceland, where they’re slaughtered and their young stolen, is awful to watch, as is their scarring and dorsal collapse in their new cement homes from constant circling and scraps with other killer whales. Then there are the drownings, scalpings, dismemberments and swallowings of experienced trainers like Dawn Brancheau, logged by OSHA in dry detail since aquatic parks’ inception in the ‘70s—some caught on video—and the inevitable blame game fended and foiled by SeaWorld management. Was this trainer unsupervised, was another’s ponytail loose? But then there comes a revelation of pure madness: A tiny roofed holding tank away from the main pool, proportionate in size to a bathtub, into which the orcas are corralled to live three-fourths of their life—a lightless hell that can only result in the psychosis of their star killer whale, Tilikum, who goes on to commit a string of trainer maimings and killings. It’s all to be expected in the straightforward presentation of this CNN-produced docu, and you’ll avoid SeaWorld like the plague. But what niggles is the wider question of animals in captivity, trapped for life in their cheap dioramas for the pleasure of others. I looked up from the credits at my goldfish, John D and Catherine T, with new eyes.—Richard Gould 01/15: Albert Lee 9pm. Sweetwater Music
Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 388-3850. 01/12: Terry Haggerty and Moby Grape’s swmh.com 01/15: Lorin Rowan’s Caribbean Bleu 8pm. Jerry Miller 6pm. $15-20. Rancho Nicasio, 1 No cover. Iron Springs Pub, 765 Center Blvd., FairOld Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. fax. 485-1005. ironspringspub.com. ranchonicasio.com. 01/15: M-Tet Instrumental soul/funk/r&b. 7pm. 01/13: Open Mic with Austin DeLone No cover, dinner encouraged. Panama Hotel, 4 Bay7:30pm. All ages. No cover. Sweetwater Music view St, San Rafael. 457-3993. panamahotel.com. Hall, 19 Corte Madera, Mill Valley. 388-3850. 01/15: Terrapin Family Band 8:30pm. Terswmh.com. rapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. 01/13: Open Mic with Derek Smith 8:30pm. Free. 19 Broadway Night Club, 17 Broadway, Fair- terrapincrossroads.net. 01/16: Danny Uzilevsky 9:30pm. The Sleepfax. 250-9756. 19broadway.com. 01/13: Open Mic with Simon Costa 8:30pm. ing Lady, 23 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 464-7420. Free. The Sleeping Lady, 23 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. sleepingladyfairfax.com 01/16: Deborah Winters Contemporary jazz, 464-7420. sleepingladyfairfax.com. soul. 7pm. No cover. Panama Hotel, 4 Bayview St, 01/13: Peri’s Open Mic with Billy D Electric San Rafael. 457-3993. panamahotel.com. open mic. 9pm. No cover. Peri’s Silver Dollar, 29 01/16: Kirtan with Mirabei No music experiBroadway Blvd, Fairfax. 464-7420. perisbar.com. ence is necessary. Children welcome. 7:30pm. $10. 01/14: American Jubilee Jam 8:30pm. TerOpen Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. rapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. 457-4191. opensecretbookstore.com/events. terrapincrossroads.net. 01/16: Tiny Television 8:30pm. Terrapin 01/14: James Moseley Jazz, blues, r&b. 7pm. No cover. Panama Hotel, 4 Bayview St., San Rafael. Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. terrapincrossroads.net. 457-3993. panamahotel.com.
01/17: The Ed Early Band Funk. 8pm. No cover. Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. ranchonicasio.com. 01/17: Junk Parlor 9:30pm. The Sleeping Lady, 23 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 464-7420. sleepingladyfairfax.com 01/17: Lorin Rowan Trio 6:30pm. No cover. The Trident. Bridgeway, Sausalito. thetridentsausalito.com. 01/17: Message of Love Pretenders tribute band. 9pm. $10. Sausalito Seahorse Supper Club, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. 331-2899. sausalitoseahorse.com. 01/17: Rock Candy Rock, pop covers. 8pm. $12. HopMonk Novato, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 01/17: Stu Allen and Mars Hotel 9pm. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 388-3850. swmh.com
Comedy 01/14: Tuesday Night Comedy with Mark Pitta and Friends Established headliners and up and coming comics drop by and work on new
Fireside Dining 7 Days a Week
Lunch & Dinner Sat & Sun Brunch
There’s more behind the docks and harbors in Sausalito. Find out what—Friday at the Bay Model Visitor Center. material. $16-26. 142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 383-9600. throckmortontheatre.org. 01/16: Jamie Kilstein Standup. 8pm. $16 -21. Thorockmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave. Mill Valley. 383-9600. 142throckmortontheatre.org.
01/15: Satsang with Devaji Please arrive
Theater
01/12: Love 2 Dance ‘One Hit Wonders: Winter Performance’ 4pm. Marin Veteran’s
Through 01/26: ‘Return of the Forbidden Planet’ Curtain theater and Marin Onstage pre-
Memorial Auditorium, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael. marincenter.org.
sent. 8pm Thurs.-Sat.; 3pm Sun. $15-25. Novato Theater Company, 5420 Nave Dr., Novato. 226-9353. novatotheatercompany.org
Art
Concerts 01/10: ancient Future Guitar and tabla duo. 8pm. $12-15. The Sunflower Center, Lydia’s Organics, 1435 N. McDowell Blvd., Suite 100, Petaluma. 707-792-5304. ancient-future.com/ pr_jan2014tour.html.
01/12: Bay area Rainbow Symphony: Benefit Concert for Vandalized Church The concert will feature a string quartet and woodwind quintet performing music by Beethoven, Ireland and Poulenc. 4pm. $25. Community Church, 8 Olive St., Mill Valley. 388-5540. millvalleyucc.org. 01/12: Russian Chamber Orchestra Music Director Alexander Vereshagin conducts the chamber orchestra in a program of works by Bach, Grieg, Mozart and Mussorgsky. Laura Griffiths, oboe; Mariya Borozina, violin; Osvaldo de Leon, piano. 4pm. $20-25. Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley. 664 1760. russianchamberorch.org.
01/15: agave Baroque: Friends of Ferdinand Presented by Barefoot Chamber Concerts.
With Aaron Westman, violin; Heather Vorwerck, viola da gamba; Kevin Cooper, guitar and theorbo; and Henry Lebedinsky, harpsichord. 6:30pm. $1315. Petaluma Woman’s Club, 518 B St., Petaluma. 510/220-1195. barefootchamberconcerts.com.
early and enter quietly. 7:30pm. Free. Open Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. 457-4191. opensecretbookstore.com/events.
Dance
Through 01/05: 25th annual Mini Show and Inspired by Process: Coastal Marin Printakers Group exhibitions. “Mordancage.” Elizabeth Oplenik, mixed media works. Bolinas Museum, 48 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 868-0330. bolinasmuseum.org
Through 03/08: artisans: Group Exhibition Artisans is a collective group founded in Mill
Valley in 1977. Hosted by Falkirk Cultural Center, this exhibition showcases works in oil, gouache, pastel, ink, charcoal, watercolor, photography, mixed media, sculpture and textiles. Free. Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Ave., San Rafael. 847-8272. falkirkculturalcenter.org.
Through Dec. 2014: Tom Killion: In the Gallery Year long exhibition of original prints and hand crafted books. 4:30pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 927-0960. bookpassage.com.
Kids Events 01/10: History of Marinship Join Ranger Bill as he facilitates an in-depth discussion on the history of the Marinship Shipyard at the Bay Model built by the Bechtel Corporation at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt in March of 1942. Learn about the 93 ships built here during WWII. 2pm. Free. Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 332-3871. spn.usace.army.mil/Mis-
DDIINNNNEERR && AA SSHHOOWW Kickin’ the New Year! Fri Fri Dancein Party! 10 M Dec Jan 27 IRACLE JM ULE STOMPY ONES “Swampy Tonk” The Coolest Swing8:00 8:00/ No Cover Sat A Salute toThe Beatles! Sat 28 STEFANIE KEYS Dec HE SUN KINGS 8:30 Jan 11 T Rockin’ Originals/ Americana 8:00 Sun 29 TENDER MERCIES Dec Sun Guitar Shootout DAN & JIM FROM FEATURING Jan 12 CTOUNTING ERRY HC AGGERTY AND ROWS Americana/Roots MILLER ERRY6:00 MOBY GRAPE’S JRock 6:00 FAUX New Year’s Eve! Mon Fri 30 It’sUTCH Party Time! Dec 17 B WHACKS AND THE Jan TLASS HE E D EARLEY BAND GFunky P ACKS Grooves Party Favors, Champagne Toast 8:00 / No Cover 8:30 Sat Tue Annual New Year’s Eve Party! John’s Big Birthday Bash 18 11th Jan 31 Dec TDHE ZYDECO ADAMZFLAMES & BRAVO! OUG Party Favors, Champagne Toast Mr Americana 8:00 9:00 Sun Austin’s Legendary Jan 19 The GREEZY Sat Return ofWHEELS 4:00 / No Cover Jan 4 T HE RHYTHM RANGERS Danceable Americana 8:00 Fri B UCK NICKELS AND Jan 24 LORIN ROWAN’S Sun L OOSE CHANGE 5 Jan CNew BLEU ARIBBEAN Country Music 8:00 Warm Grooves 4:00 / No Cover Sat Put on Your Dancin’ Boots Fri Party! 25 Dance Jan 10 Jan RETROBATES ONE STAR SLTOMPY JONES Roadhouse/Western Swing 8:00 The Coolest Swing 8:00 Reservations Advised
415.662.2219
Tuesday NighT comedy mark piTTa & frieNds
every tues 8pm
george WiNsToN
sat jan 11 8pm
The Best in Stand Up Comedy
Contemporary pianist and composer George Winston graces our stage for an evening of solo piano artistry.
thurs jan 16 8pm Janeane Garofalo calls Kilstein “a combination of
Jamie kiLsTeiN’s comedy specTacuLar
George Carlin and Bill Hicks”, and he’s been seen on The Conan O’Brien Show, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell and many more...”Jamie Kilstein is amazing, he has the spark that energized my conscience” - Robin Williams.
Wes `scoop’ Nisker’s: hoW To Be aN earThLiNg a comic moNoLogue
sat jan 18 8 pm
The iNcrediBLy haNdsome comediaNs
sun jan 19 7:30pm
3 BLoNde moms
thurs jan 23 8pm
“Brilliant, original, consciousness expanding..” Wes “Scoop” Nisker is a Buddhist meditation teacher, author and performer.
Finally a comedy tour fighting for the rights of the handsome! Tim Lee, Monty Franklin and Andrew Norelli are three funny dudes on a tour that brings awareness to the plight of handsome men around the world. Critically acclaimed, nationally touring, HYSTERICAL standing O show ensemble since 2008, includes Beaumont Bacon, Donna Cherry, and Joanie Fagan.
ON THE TOWN SQUARE • NICASIO
www.RanchoNicasio.com
✭ ★ 224 vintage way novato
EvEry wEdnEsday Open mic night with dEnnis hanEda fri 1/10
$15
21+
8pm doors
POP FICTION
don’t forget…we serve food, too!
Mcnear’s dining House Brunch, Lunch, Dinner • BBQ, Pasta, Steak, Desserts
rock | pop | covers
sat 1/11
$10
“Only 10 miles north of Marin”
21+
8pm doors
MIDNGHT SUN MASSIVE roots | rock | reggae
sUn 1/12
sEatEd $20
7pm doors
JIM KWESKIN
21+
acoustic | singer | songwriter
$10
7pm doors
all agEs
33 1/3 MILE SHOWCASE
MND
+ NICK LOPEZ BaND & FEaTURED aCTS OF REDWOOD HIGH
fri 1/17
$12
7pm doors
ROCK CANDy
21+
+ THE RECEDERS & FUNKSTROSITY rock | pop | covers
sat 1/18
$10
8pm doors
Sat 1/18 • 7:30pm doors • 21+ • Blues/rock
roy rogerS & the deLta rhythm kingS wiTh SPeciAL gueST cArLoS reyeS Sat 1/25 • 7pm doors • All ages • Jazz
with SUZY THOMPSON
thUrs 1/16
BEST MUSIC VENUE 10 YEARS RUNNING
21+
ZOO STATION: U2 TRIBUTE + STUNG: POLICE / STING TRIBUTE rock | pop | covers
Book your next event with us. Up to 150ppl. Email kim@hopmonk.com
hopmonk.com | 415 892 6200
Lavay Smith and her red hot SkiLLet LickerS
PLuS
The PeTALumA high SchooL JAzz enSemBLe
BenefiT for The PeTALumA high muSic DePArTmenT fri 1/31 • 7:30pm doors • 21+ • reggae/world music wiTh
iration
AuTomATic winTer Tour
Sat 2/1 • 8:30pm doors • 21+ • michael Jackson Tribute
An evening wiTh
ForeverLand 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma (707) 765-2121 purchase tix online now! mystictheatre.com JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 19
sions/Recreation/BayModelVisitorCenter.aspx. 01/11: ABADA Caoperia 11am. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 339-3900. badm.org. 01/11: Fish Feeding Frenzy Help ranger Bill feed the hungry inhabitants of our fresh and saltwater tanks. 2pm. Free. Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 332-3871. spn.usace. army.mil/Missions/Recreation/BayModelVisitorCenter.aspx. 01/11: Navigating the Bay Boating is a great way to relax and have some fun. Learn about how to do it safely. Each bay has its own disposition and personality. With ranger Linda. 1:30pm. Free. Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 332-387
01/12: Sunday Special: Charged Particles Jazz Ensemble Plugged-in family jazz concert
featuring Latin, classical and funk influences. 11am. Free. Mill Valley Public Library; Main Reading Room, 375 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 389-4292 ext. 4741. millvalleylibrary.org. 01/15: ‘Rapunzel’ Presented by the Marin Theater Company. By Mike Kenny. 4pm. Free. Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Dr., Corte Madera. 924-6382. marinlibrary.org/ library-location/corte-madera-library.
01/17: Golden Dragon Acrobats: Circus Ziva 8pm. Marin Veteran’s Memorial
Auditorium, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael. marincenter.org.
Outdoors 01/11: Trail Crew: Vic Haun and Lower Temelpa Trails Join MMWD’s trail crew to help with vegetation, tread, rock and drainage maintenance along Vic Haun and Temelpa trails. Epic views included. Meet at the parking lot in front of Gravity Car Fire Road below the Throckmorton fire station above Mill Valley. Volunteers will be shuttled to the site in a nice, new 4WD van. Trail crew events suitable for ages 13 and older. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have a parent present at the event. Wear closed toe shoes and long pants, dress for variable weather and bring a reusable water bottle. Breakfast snacks, water, tools and inspiration supplied. 9am. Free. 816 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley. 945-1128.
Film 01/10: ‘Journey of the Universe’ Film Screening “Journey of the Universe: An Epic Story of Cosmic, Earth and Human Transformation.” With filmmaker and evolutionary philosopher, Brian Thomas Swimme in attendance to introduce the film and lead a Q&A discussion afterwards. 7pm. $10. Unity in Marin, 600 Palm Dr., Novato. 475-5000.
01/13: Monday Night at the Movies : ‘On Golden Pond’ Henry Fonda plays brusque,
cantankerous Norman Thayer, a one-time college professor approaching his 80th birthday with a mixture of anger, cynicism and fear as he shows signs of losing his faculties. Katherine Hepburn is his wife. 7:30pm. Free. Mill Valley Public Library, 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. 389-4292.
01/14: ‘Nationless’ Documentary Screening There will be a brief Q&A with the director
after the screening. Nationless is the true story of a Tibetan community living in Nepal and the unique struggles that they face. 7pm. Free. San Rafael High 20 Pacific Sun January 10 - January 16, 2014
School, Hayes Auditorium, 185 Mission Ave., San Rafael. 531-8889. marginalgap.wordpress.com.
01/17: U.S. Border Policy: Two Short Documentaries 2pm. Free. Emeritus Students Room 10, COM Indian Valley College, Novato. 898-0131.
Readings 01/11: David Christopher “The Holy Universe: A New Story of Creation For the Heart, Soul and Spirit.” 1pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista, Corte Madera. 4152501380. theholyuniverse.com. 01/12: Albert C. Goldberg “The Marin County Diet: Feed Your Children Right From Birth.” 1pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. bookpassage.com. 01/12: Caroline Patrick Bornei “Diary of a Feng Shui Consultant and Visual Artist.” 4pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. bookpassage.com.
01/12: Howard Schatz and Beverly J. Ornstein “Caught in the Act: Actors Acting.” Pho-
tography. 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. . 01/13: Grace Marie Grafton “Jester: A Book of Poetry.” 6pm. Free. Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F. 927-0960. bookpassage.com. 01/13: John Rizzo “Company Man: Thirty Years of Controversy and Crisis in the CIA.” 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 4159270960. bookpassage.com. 01/14: Gary Shteyngart “Little Failure: A Memoir.” In conversation with author Kelly Corrigan. 7pm. $29.50 , includes signed book. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 927-0960. bookpassage.com. 01/15: Ishmael Beah “A Long Way Gone.” 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 927-0960. bookpassage.com.
01/15: Marin County Rock ‘n‘ Roll Music History Richie Unterberger, rock historian and
College of Marin instructor, and Ben Fong-Torres of Rolling Stone magazine, will share rare archival video and audio footage from the 1960s and 1970s and stories from living legends of rock. This is the final lecture of Hooked on Marin speaker series celebrating the region. Terry McGovern will moderate the events. 7pm. $15. Corte Madera Community Center Hall, 498 Tamalpais Dr., Corte Madera. 945-3730. hookedonmarin.com.
01/16: Copperfield’s Books Tour with Thomas Moore At a time when so many feel
disillusioned with organized religion yet long for a way to move beyond an exclusively materialistic lifestyle, Moore’s new book, “A Religion of One’s Own” points the way to creating an amplified inner life and a world of greater purpose, meaning and reflection. 7pm. Free. Copperfield’s Books, 850 4th St., San Rafael. 524-2800. copperfieldsbooks.com/event. 01/16: Marin Poetry Reading Third Thursday Series: With Robin Ekiss and Jamaal May. 7:30pm. $3 members $5 public. Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Avenue and E St., San Rafael. 889-5295. marinpoetrycenter.org. 01/16: Theo Pauline Nestor “Writing Is My Drink.” 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 927-0960. bookpassage.com. 01/16: Vicki Robin “Blessing the Hands That Feed Us.” 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F. 927-0960. bookpassage.com. 01/17: Tiffany Baker “Mercy Snow.” 7pm. Free. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 927-0960. bookpassage.com.
Filmmaker Brian Thomas Swimme explains the ‘Journey of the Universe’ in an Indiana Jones-style felt fedora.
Community Events (Misc.) 01/11-12: Bay Area World Guitar Show Instrument experts from all over the world will be in attendance, along with dealers, artists, collectors, foreign buyers, authors and celebrities. The show will feature exhibits of old, rare, celebrity owned, new and used guitars, amps, banjos, effects, memorabilia and equipment. 10am-5pm Jan. 11; 10am.4pm Jan. 12. Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael. marincenter.org. 01/11: Food for Life: Dinner and Film Join us for a delicious whole food, plant based dinner and view the documentary film “Forks Over Knives.” 5:30pm. $12. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael. uumarin.org/index.php/news-events/ upcoming-events/food-for-life-dinner-film. 01/10-12: Santa Rosa Gem Faire Fri. Noon6pm Jan. 10; 10am-6pm, Jan. 11; 10am-5pm Jan. 12. Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, silver, rocks, minerals. $7 weekend pass. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa. 503/252-8300. gemfaire.com. 01/14: Tuesdays to Your Health “The Path to Peace: Manage Stress and Cultivate Resilience for Better Health.” Learn practical techniques to lower stress levels, cultivate resilience and improve your attitude and that can boost immunity, improve sleep, reduce pain and blood pressure and enhance well-being. Hosted by Bradly Jacobs MD MPH 6:30pm. Free. Healing Arts Center and Spa, Cavallo Point Lodge, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito. 339-2692. cavallopoint.com.
01/15: Be the Dream Awards Celebration
With keynote speaker Van Jones. $40-50. Embassy
Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael . 491-4366 ext. 307. maringrassroots.org.
01/15: Open House at Breathing Retraining Center Learn guidelines for healthy breathing and how poor breathing habits contribute to asthma and allergies, snoring and other sleep disorders, anxiousness and stress. Talks throughout the day on how breathing retraining may reverse symptoms of several illnesses, plus how to help kids establish good breathing habits from the start. 10am. Free. Breathing Retraining Center, 12 Mitchell Blvd., San Rafael. 454-3400. breathingretrainingcenter.com.
01/16: New Years Resolutions Singles Mixer 7pm. $10. The Spinnaker, 100 Spinnaker Dr., Sausalito. 507-9962. thepartyhotline.com.
01/16: Novato Malaria Campaign Fundraiser All Saints Lutheran Church hosts a
fundraising dinner to combat malaria in Africa, where every 60 seconds a child dies from the disease. 5:30pm wine and cheese; 6pm dinner and presentation. 892-1669. Free/donations. All Saints Lutheran Church, 2 San Marin Dr., Novato.
01/17: Book Event: What is better then Sex? The Ecstatic Art of Awareness Coaching with Arjuna Ardagh 7pm. Free. Open Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. 457-4191. opensecretbookstore.com/events.
01/17: Phil Cousineau : The Writer’s Journey: From Inspiration to Publication A
mythic evening of creativity as we follow every writer’s odyssey from the spark of inspiration and the choosing of mentors to the dark forest struggle with fire-breathing critics and work with designers, editors and marketing productions. 6pm. $40. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 927-0960. bookpassage.com. ✹
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to Place an ad: Log on to PacificSun.com and get the perfect combination: a print ad in the Pacific Sun and an online web posting. For text or display ads, please call our Classifieds Sales Department at 415/485-6700, ext. 303. Text ads must be placed by Monday Noon to make it into the Friday print edition.
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ADVANCED HOUSE CLEANING Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Will do windows. Call Pat 415.310.8784
Furniture Repair/Refinish FURNITURE DOCTOR Ph/Fax: 415-383-2697
Gardening/landscaping Baldo Brothers Landscaping & Gardening Full-service landscaping & gardening services. 415-845-1151. www. Baldobrotherslandscaping.com
We are now hiring EXPERIENCED CAREGIVERS for Live-In & Hourly Shifts. Top Pay! Flexible Hours! 401K, Health Insurance and Signing Bonus! Best Training! Requirements: 3 professional references, Proof of eligibility to work in the US. Interested candidates should apply in person on weekdays between 9am and 5pm at: Home Care Assistance, 919 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Ste. 107, Kentfield, CA 94904. Contact Francie Bedinger 415 532-8626. 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.
Help Wanted For Moving company Johnson and Daly Movers is Hiring. Drivers and Moving workers Needed Immediately. If you need a Job - We have the work. Call or apply in person at Johnson and Daly Moving. 415-491-4444. www.johnsondalymoving.com/ Exceptional Message Therapists wanted for new and very busy Massage Envy Spa in Novato. Be part of our Vision for a better world through our hands. Email resume to massageenvynovato@yahoo.com Restaurant Help Needed Restaurant help needed in Tiburon call Paul @ 415-572-7962
mind & Body Hypnotherapy
Thea Donnelly, M.A. Hypnosis, Counseling, All Issues. 25 yrs. experience. 415-459-0449.
Other mind & Body services Hypnosis can give you RELIEF from...
web + print
• Stress & Anxiety • Physical ailments • Bad habits • Feeling out of control Hypnosis can help you or someone you loveCall Debbie Catz at 415-895-5559 (18 Years Experience) or visit www.norcalhypno.com MAKE GREAT GIFTS! CERTIFICATES
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business services technology services RECYCLE ELECTRONICS FOR FREE! ve a tax d recei ed ay u
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Kelsey - 1 year old Terrier/ Dachsund mix Kelsey is a happy-go-lucky girl with a wonderful outlook on life and all the puppy antics you could ever want. Experienced families with kids 10+ who are willing to put in the time to help train her will reap all the benefits this little social butterfly has to offer. Kelsey is a social butterfly and everyone is her friend! She is still a youngster with all the puppy antics you could ever want. Kelsey just adores her people and families with prior dog experience and (10+) children will be ecstatic to have her join the family fun. Kelsey will need a behavior consultation prior to adoption; her leash frustration and lack of canine manners need some schooling. We will teach you how to refocus her energy. If you are willing to put in the time to help train this youngster, you will both reap the benefits - she is SO worth the effort! Meet Kelsey at the Marin Humane Society or call the Adoption Department at 415.506.6225
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Cleaning Services
All Marin Housecleaning Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Will do Windows. Ophelia 415-717-7157 415-892-2303
Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing Handyman w/30 Yrs Experience
C. Michael Hughes Construction
415.297.5258 Lic. 639563
HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Carpentry • Painting Plumbing • Electrical Honest, Reliable, Quality Work 20 years of experience
Rendell Bower 457-9204 Lic. #742697
Handyman/repairs
Got Rot? Removal & Repair of Structural Damage
Decks • Bathrooms Car Decks Termite Damage
415-235-5656 Lic.# 696235
42 Digital Drive, #3, Bel Marin Keys
ewastecollective.org
Call: (415) 883-1428 Email: info@ewastecollective.org DO THE RIGHT THING: a BAN-certified e-collector Basel Action Network
Need IT Help?
We provide IT support & managed services to small & medium sized businesses. Cloud Hosting n Onsite Visits Server Care n Monitoring Agent
415.462.0221 n boxitweb.com
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plumbing
Abracadabra Plumbing
We offer professional service at fair prices. We will exceed your expectations.
AFFORDABLE MARIN? I can show you 40 homes under $400,000. Call Cindy @ 415-902-2729. Christine Champion, Broker.
Roommate Gentlemanly Professional seeks Abode in exchange for Services Provided I'm a recently transferred executive (of a Marin-based technology firm) needing temporary housing in the Tiburon/ Sausalito area while purchasing property in same. I retain ownership of my Mount Shasta home (http://goo.gl/2R2LCc) where I would reside ~10 days a month. While house-hunting during the next 4-7 months, I offer a plethora of talents/services (as needed) in exchange for private/ semi-private living accommodations. Scenarios that may fit you (or someone you know*) include: • Elderly person(s) - As a formerCNA, EMT and someone who deeply respects seniors, I would happily live within your home providing a variety of services including: house cleaning, cooking, home repair and, of course, companionship. • Single person -- Besides all of the above, I'm an easy-going roommate and former 3-time business owner, life coach and personal trainer willing to provide advice for your business, career or personal life. • Family - I'm happy to be part of a family as I love children and I’m a superior teacher/tutor. Even though I'm a responsible, taxpaying professional, I'm really a big kid at heart!
More about Me: I'm a low-maintenance individual who is clean, neat and organized. I eat my own special diet. I love wine, but don't drink much. I'm addicted to nothing but to love life. I'm athletic and active, but enjoy an occasional game of chess or monopoly. If I'm not working out at the gym then, I'm working in the office (SF, Petaluma or SR) or quietly busy at "home" on professional or personal business. I smile more than I laugh but neither enough. I'm warm, gentle and kind to all humankind (and other living things). Also, I believe if you give more than you get, you will always get more than you give.** BTW, this is more about me giving to others than me getting a pillow. Further, I am more interested in the quality of person whose roof I'm under than in finding a short-term place to lay my head. So, if you're interested in talking about the possibility of living together, then please leave a detailed voicemail message at 530-918-8191 and also email me: HBW4Sale@gmail.com with a description of the arrangement you envision. (Subject: "Abode" to filter SPAM/bots.) Thank you for reading about and considering this opportunity! Brad P.S. Credit report, background check and references available upon request. P.P.S. No Realtors please -- I already found the best one in the world. *$200 cash referral for that qualified & consummated lead you bring me. **Sayings I live by: If you want things in your life to change, you must change things in your life. To know and not to do is not yet to know.
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS! WITH PACIFIC SUN CLASSIFIEDS
Call Molly Viebrock at 485-6700 x303 to place your ad
Lic. #787583
Jazz and Classical Piano Training Comprehensive, detailed, methodical and patient Jazz and Classical Piano Training by Adam Domash BA, MM. w w w.ThePianistsS earch.com. Please call 457-5223 or email Adam@ThePianistsSearch.com “clearly mastered his instrument” Cadence Magazine. “bright, joyous, engaging playing from a nimble musical mind” Piano and Keyboard Magazine. Professional Spanish Lessons in Downtown San Rafael. Learn Spanish in downtown San Rafael from Felipe Garces, a native speaker from Colombia. Experienced. Group classes or private instruction. The first class is FREE. 1299 Fourth Street- Suite 209 B, San Rafael 415-505-6449 www. SpanishInDowntownSanRafael. com
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415-990-6178 MarinProPlumbing.com
real estate ENGLISH HOUSESITTER Will love your pets, pamper your plants, ease your mind, while you’re out of town. Rates negotiable. References available upon request. Pls Call Jill @ 415-927-1454
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january 10-January 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 21
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RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES? Tired of endless relationship or marital challenges? Or single and
sick of spending weekends and holidays alone? Join coed Intimacy Group, Single's Group or Women's Group to explore what’s blocking you from fulfillment in your relationships and life. Weekly, ongoing groups or 9-week groups starting the week of January 20, 2014. Mon, Tues, or Thurs evening. Space limited. Also, Individual and Couples sessions. Central San Rafael. For more information, call Renee Owen, LMFT#35255 at 415/453-8117. Safe, successful MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS SUPPORT GROUPS meet every other week for women who have lost their mothers in childhood, adolescence or adulthood through death, separation, illness, or estrangement. In a supportive environment, women address and explore relevant issues in their lives, current and past, including the many consequences of mother loss with opportunities for healing and integrating the loss, self-empowerment, and successful coping strategies. Facilitated for 14 years by Colleen Russell, LMFT (MFC29249), CGP (41715), whose mother’s death in adolescence was a pivotal event in her life. Individual, Couple, and Family Sessions also available. Contact Colleen at crussellmft@earthlink.net or 415/785-3513.
HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Classes A rewarding, relaxing and stress free method for birthing your baby. Experience the joy of birthing your baby in an easier and more comfortable manner. You will learn how to achieve a safer, easier and more comfortable birth. Five- 2-1/2 hour classes in which you learn how, through the power of your own mind, to create your body’s own natural relaxant and, with your birth companion, create a calm, serene and joyful birthing environment, whether at home, birth center or hospital. You CAN be relaxed during your labor and birth and give the gift of a gentle birth to your baby. SPACE LIMITED – SIGN UP SOON. www.norcalhypno.com- Go to HypnoBirthing and then Class Registration & Information. THESE CLASSES MAKE A GREAT BABY SHOWER GIFT. To include your seminar or workshop, call 415/485-6700 x 303.
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Contractors & Handymen • Gardeners & Landscapers • Haulers & Movers • Cleaning & Organizing Services • All other Home Services Call 485-6700 x303 to place your ad
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Fictitious Business Name Statement, Change of Name, Summons or Public Sale. For more information call
415/485.6700 22 Pacific Sun JAnuary 10-January 16, 2014
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PUBLiC NOTiCEs
Fictitious Name Statement
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133621 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business JADE SPA, 803 D. SREET, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: QINGXIA ZHANG, 911 BAINES STREET, E PALO ALTO, CA, 94303. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has been transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on DECEMBER 4, 2013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on DECEMBER 04, 2013. (Publication Dates: December 20, 27; January 3, 10, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2013133640 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. RALLYMEX, 140 DEER PARK AVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: ADVOX INC, 140 DEER PARK AVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant has not yet begun transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 10, 2013. (Publication Dates: December 20, 27; January 3, 10, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133569 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. THE CAT HOUSE, 97 A LOUISE ST, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: DAMIEN BROOKS, 37 WOODLAND AVE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 25, 2013. (Publication Dates: December 20, 27; January 3, 10, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133677 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business BAY AREA METAL FABRICATORS, 1960 MANDELA PARKWAY, OAKLAND, CA 94608: CHRISTINE MARIE SAVOY, 12840 ENCANTO WAY, REDDING, CA 96003. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on DECEMBER 16, 2013. (Publication Dates: December 27; January 3, 10, 17, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133685 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. GIRLFRIENDS, 10 MEADOW AVENUE, KENTFIELD, CA, 94904: FARIS CONROY LLC, 10 MEADOW AVENUE, KENTFIELD, CA, 94904. This business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant has not yet begun transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 17, 2013. (Publication Dates: December 27; January 3, 10, 17, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133637 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. MORGAN GLOBAL, 2122 CENTRO EAST, TIBURON, CA, 94920: MORGAN LANE INC, 2122 CENTRO EAST, TIBURON, CA, 94920. This business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant has not yet begun transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 10, 2013. (Publication Dates: December 27; January 3, 10, 17, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133593 The following individual(s) is (are) doing
business. WILLOW STREET PROPERTIES, 143 WILLOW AVE, CORTE MADERA, CA, 94925: WILLIAM H HINTON, 22 SCENIC RD, FAIRFAX, CA, 94930 AND TED ROSE, 52 VARDA LANDING, SAUSALITO, CA, 94965. This business is being conducted by A GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. Registrant begun transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on August 1, 1976 and the fictitious name had expired more than 40 days ago. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 2, 2013. (Publication Dates: December 27; January 3, 10, 17, 2014)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133703 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business WILDLIFE DETECTIVES, 1368 LINCOLN AVE #208, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: DAVID MARTINS, 2500 DEER VALLEY RD. #1232, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on February 2, 2014. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 19, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133725 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. KOJIMA COMPANY, 1005 A STREET SUITE #202, SAN RAFEL, CA 94901; SARAH CANIZZARO, 1005 A STREET SUITE #202, SAN RAFEL, CA 94901. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on December 24, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2013133742 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. HELPING SURVIVORS MANAGE, 416 SHERWOOD DRIVE #103, SAUSALITO, CA 94965; KATHLEEN REED, 416 SHERWOOD DRIVE #103, SAUSALITO, CA 94965. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has been transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein since December 10, 2013. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on December 27, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133734 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. SIGNATURE APPLIANCE, 64 DURAN DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903; MARCO PALOMBI, 64 DURAN DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has not yet begun transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on December 26, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133735 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. GRACE, AEGIS LIVING 5555 PARADISE DRIVE, CORTE MADERA, CA 94925; PARI GOLCHEHREH, 847 BANCROFT AVE, SAN LEANDRO, CA 94577. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant began transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on January 1, 2014. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 26, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2013133668 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business MOLINAMARKET.COM, 123
HIGHLAND LANE, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941: ANDREW F. KOUTSOUKOS, 123 HIGHLAND LANE, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on December 10, 2013. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on December 13, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2013133750 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business. MUSE & ASSOCIATES, 108 CALEDONIA ST. SUITE B, SAUSALITO, CA 94965: VANDA MARLOW, 1763 BRIDGEWAY, SASALITO, CA 94965. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant began transacting under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein on December 1, 2013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 27, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2014)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 133673 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business, MARIN SURGICAL CONSULTING, 4 SAN MARCOS CT, NOVATO CA 94945; STEPHANIE ZEITER, 5 SAN MARCOS CT. NOVATO, CA 94945. This business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant has begun transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein since 11/15/2013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on DECEMBER 16, 2013. (Publication Dates: January 10, 17, 24 & 31 2014)
Other Notices ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No. CIV 1304998. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioners LEA ANDERSON filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: KATHRYN LEE ANDERSON to LEA WILDFLOWER AND LEA ANDERSON to LEA WILDFLOWER. 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, 2014 9:00 AM, DEPT. E, ROOM E, Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903. 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 9, 2013 /s/ PAUL M. HAAKENSON, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT. (Publication Dates: DECEMBER 13, 20, 27; JANUARY 3, 2014)
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What's Your sign?
Week of January 10 – January 16, 2014
BY LEONA MOON
ARIES (March 21 - April 19) The Sun and Saturn demand you call up an old colleague on Jan. 11. Your project sector is bursting with ideas, but you’ll need help from an unsuspecting friend. That IT guy you always bought coffee for at your last job may very well be the gateway to a connection of your dreams. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) You are craving a post-holiday retreat! Well pack your bags, dear Taurus, the full moon on Jan. 15 is ushering you out of the house. Call it a staycation if you must justify it, but leave your work at home. Great, unexpected fun awaits you at the laser tag, dance studio or nursery across the street. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) You can’t ignore that bright light bulb over your head on Jan. 12. You’ve got an idea, and you’ve got to share it. With the moon’s brief stint in Gemini over the weekend, it’s a good time to put in the work and energy. You’re overdue for a big check on Jan. 15, so work diligently. CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Cancer, this is a big week for you. The days leading up to the full moon in Cancer on Jan. 15 bring the culmination of a personal concern. This is the only full moon in Cancer this year, so channel your innate intuition and let it guide you. LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) A stressful family situation has left your positive disposition at the curbside. Don’t get too used to that frown, dear Leo, because Jan. 11 brings resolution to a long-awaited answer. All of this family business leaves your immune system weak, so don’t forget to Purell left and right. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) You’re worried about work, you’re in demand—but not in the way that you’re used to. Your level-headed nature causes great confusion with your recent burst of socializing. It’s fine—order a dry martini on the rocks with your friend after work on Jan. 14. It’s better than ordering a new pair of reading glasses to use while you work at home. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Get a life! Seriously, a little going out and mingling with strangers never killed anyone, well, anyone who wasn’t in a secluded, dark alleyway. Jet-set to a new place with new people in a well-lit location on Jan. 12; it’s time to give yourself a break and make some friends. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) Go to the beach! Or a lake, or a pond ... or a puddle. Your water sign craves attention on Jan. 15 with the full moon in fellow water sign Cancer. If you’re not near water, you’ll need to find some for your mini-retreat. Ask the neighbors if you can use the hot tub in their backyard. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Ask for a raise and buy health insurance on Jan. 11! Yes, we all know how spontaneous you are, dear Sagittarius, but a little planning never hurts. It’s time to negotiate raises, you’ve put in the time and effort, don’t let a talk with your boss intimidate you from what you deserve. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Dust off your dress shoes! Saturn, your ruler, is coming out on Jan. 11 for a special occasion. It’s a night for socializing and relaxing and listening to your elders. Consider advice from respected colleagues, relatives or mentors—it could provide the winning ticket for an idea you hold close to your heart. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Although you may not have been into the New Year’s resolution spirit this year, dear Aquarius, your efforts are certainly paying off. Whether you’ve hit the gym or made a change in your work routine—Jan. 15 is the day for all others to notice the beginnings of a new you. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) Where do we come from? Why are we here? What’s the purpose of life? Don’t dive in too deep, Pisces, your ninth house of philosophy and introspection may isolate you the weekend of Jan. 11. While it’s important to ponder our purpose, make sure you don’t feel the need to know all the answers. Y
››Advice goddess® by
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Q:
My girlfriend and I just got back from vacationing in India, where we lived in an ashram (essentially a yoga camp) and she studied yoga and meditation for a month. Since we’ve been back, she’s been wearing a sari everywhere, which stands out completely here, and she greets everyone by bowing and saying “namaste” (an Indian greeting). She talks constantly to people about spirituality and energy and, to be honest, comes off as totally pretentious. This is all starting to wear on me. Is it shallow of me to be bothered by her new look and attitude when she’s feeling so enlightened? —Downcast Dog
A:
When your girlfriend bows and says “namaste” to the bag guy at the supermarket, you have to wonder, are there two yogis in India fist-bumping and greeting each other, “Wassup, home slice?” and “Nuthin, dawg. What’s crackalackin with you?” It’s understandable that you feel guilty about being annoyed that your girlfriend has gone Suddenly Swami. If she’d come back from Paris and started marching around in a beret and an Hermes scarf and speaking French to the grocery bagger, you’d probably deem her an obnoxious phony and suspect she has a superiority complex (a shrink term for covering up feelings of inferiority by acting superior). The problem is, we’re told we have to “respect” people’s spiritual beliefs and practices. We should respect their right to have them, providing they don’t involve baby eating or witch burnings, but there’s been what British philosopher Simon Blackburn calls “respect creep,” the expectation of “more substantial respect”—admiration, approval and deference. Well, these things are earned; they can’t be expected or demanded, and it’s no more wrong to have critical thoughts about somebody’s spiritual beliefs and expression than about their politics or choice of pizza toppings. So, getting back to your girlfriend, no, she isn’t exempt from being considered a pretentious jerk when she signs her credit card slip in Sanskrit. It also isn’t “shallow” to feel that the new her doesn’t work for the relatively unchanged you. (As a flamboyant bigmouth, I can tell you that flamboyant bigmouth girls aren’t for just any guy.) But you might give this some time. This might just be the yoga ’n’ meditation version of somebody excited about losing weight on a new diet and wanting to spread the word, and she may become less affected, preachy and annoying in a month or two. To help speed the process, you could gently ask her to consider whether her clothes and talk might be creating distance between her and other people. A person shows their spiritual growth and attracts others to their path through how they act and treat people. (The saying is “Be the change you want to see in the world,” not “Dress as the change.”) Sure, Buddha dressed like an Asian monk, but it isn’t the monk suit that made the man. (If Buddha were from Milwaukee, he’d be sitting cross-legged in Levi’s and a trucker hat.)
Q:
I am 23 and like this really cute guy who lives in my building. I think he likes me, too, because he flirts back a bit when I flirt with him, so I’ve been trying to send stronger signals that I want him to ask me out. I friended him on Facebook and started posting cute photos of myself, and if I’m at the store, I’ll buy him something and knock on his door and say, “Hey, I got an extra box of cookies; thought you could use them.” I’m thinking of throwing a party and inviting him, but I’ll feel dumb if he doesn’t come and I threw the party for nothing. —Impatient
A:
Unfortunately, men are more complicated than cats. You can’t just tie a beer and a bag of Doritos to the end of a string. A guy takes note of your existence because your legs give him whiplash, not because you deliver snacks or slip a coupon under his door for a free carwash with every date. You should flirt to let a guy know you’re open to being asked out—and stop at that. What makes you attractive, in addition to the physical stuff, is your being a little out of reach, not inserting yourself into his life at every possible social or social media opportunity. The ploys you’ve been engaging in may not be so overt and aggressive as asking a guy out, but especially in combination, they cross over from indicating interest to screaming desperation. Because a guy can’t unhear that scream, your best bet is forgetting this guy, chalking this up to a learning experience, and moving on. And no, that doesn’t mean moving on to the plan of covering a big pit with leaves and luring him over to it with some Fig Newtons. Y © 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 at pacificsun.com january 10-January 16, 2014 Pacific Sun 23