Pacific Sun 12.26.2014 by Pacific Sun

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D E C E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 4 - J A N U A R Y 1 , 2 0 15

U O N C T Y D N U O 'R

THE

365 days

A look back before we toast to 2015— Happy New Year, Marin! [P. 9] QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"It’s best-case scenario: free booze, snacks and no clean-up on your end (unless you overdrink)." [SEE PAGE 21]

Trivia A look at 2014 through trivia 6

Style Weighing your style options for New Year's Eve 15

Talking Pictures Laura Dern talks 'Wild' 16

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›› THiS WEEK

Year 52, No. 52

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››LETTERS this also be applied to all psychoactives? Per a United Kingdom study around 2009, when damage to the user and damage to society are taken into account, alcohol is by far the most damaging drug, yet most of us use it responsibly. To spin it another way, tobacco kills exponentially more than all the others. To weaken organized crime, make the streets safer (due to no more drug wars and less gang turf violence), why isn’t legalization ever discussed as an option? I guess we need more minorities in prison. And the CIA does have to make money somehow, I suppose.

We’ve got the Harrison Narcotics Act to thank for ruining this kind of stuff!

I want a new drug law

This year and time, let us commemorate the passing of the Harrison Narcotics Act’s 100th anniversary! Here, ladies and gentleman, marks a major turning point of American history, when the menace of deadly, addictive drugs were finally curtailed by turning a moderate medical issue into a major criminal problem. No more cocaine-crazed negroes nor opium-smoking Chinese to cause anybody problems! When our good government realized that the 10th Amendment (granting powers to the states if laws weren’t specifically outlined in the Constitution) became officially null and void. It’s a step in the right direction that states are finally easing up on cannabis, but why shouldn’t

Tony Good, San Rafael

All creatures, great and small

Aren’t humans amazing? They kill wildlife—birds, deer, all kinds of cats, coyotes, beavers, groundhogs, mice and foxes by the millions—in order to protect their domestic animals and their feed. Then they kill domestic animals by the billion and eat them. This in turn kills people by the millions, because eating all those animals leads to degenerative—and fatal—health conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and cancer. So then humans spend billions of dollars torturing and killing millions

more animals to look for cures for these diseases. Elsewhere, millions of other human beings are being killed by hunger and malnutrition because food they could eat is being used to fatten domestic animals. Meanwhile, few people recognize the absurdity of humans, who kill so easily and violently, and then plead for “Peace on Earth.”

C. David Coates, Marin

But will they bury him in the endzone at the Meadowlands?

One of the fun realities of the increasingly divided society we call America is that people of means, and their children, can easily shelter themselves from everybody else. Marin, where I lived for most of my life and helped raise four fine children, is a prime example of this emerging cultural phenomenon. There are likely more Marinites who have visited Nairobi than Oakland. I stole that one from Chris Rock. And because more and more people who get themselves elected to positions of higher office, such as in the House and Senate, are people of means, this chronic

tendency toward avoidance becomes a problem of representative democracy as well as a social problem. At one time in this country’s history, in perhaps a more innocent and egalitarian time, the careers of people with political ambitions often were sprung from ordinary neighborhoods, in cities and rural areas. In many of these neighborhoods, the centers of community and influence were taverns, restaurants, beauty shops, and barbershops, where ambitions were fulfilled one person, one vote, one haircut, and one drink at a time. So, picture, if you will, a neighborhood bar in a working class section of Chicago. Maybe it’s a joint right out of Jack London’s John Barleycorn, except it’s not in Oakland. Maybe the surrounding neighborhood has, over the past hundred or so years, sent its share of young men and women to shed blood in the cause of protecting American interests in places such as Baghdad and Kabul, Pleiku and Inchon, Anzio and Alsace. It’s a place of honest sacrifice, where actual democracy is approved of and in effect pretty much every day.

Congratulations!

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h o o P nie n a e S

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4 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015

And then, Dick Cheney walks into this bar. This is a man who has shed a lot of blood in his years of public service, none of it his. He is an acknowledged, visible, And then, Dick Cheney walks into this righteous, unapologetic, magnificent profibar. This is a man who has shed a lot of teer of the industry. blood in war his years of public service, none Mr. Cheney takes a seat at the bar, of it his. He is an acknowledged, visible, orders a Rob Roy, and begins to defendprofithe righteous, unapologetic, magnificent torture ordered or tolerated teer ofthat the he wareither industry. Mr. Cheney a seat at the bar, at places such as takes Abu Graib. orders a Rob begins to defend Keep in mindRoy, thatand he is no longer at histhe torture that he either or tolerated ranch in Wyoming. He ordered is not sitting in a at places such as Abu Graib. boardroom, having coffee and doughnuts Keep in mind that he at his with his homies. He is notisinno thelonger comfort ranch in Wyoming. He is not sitting in a of an interview in a Fox News studio. boardroom, having coffee and doughnuts A number of patrons and with his homies. He is recognize not in the him comfort come near to hear what he has to say for of an interview in a Fox News studio. himself. A number of patrons recognize him and As they listen, the what moodheinhas thetobar come near to hear say for changes. himself.Smiles are replaced. As you theyimagine listen, the mood in the bar Can what might (should) changes. Smiles are replaced. happen in this scenario? Can you imagine what might (should) I can. happen in this scenario? And, I can spell Hoffa. I can. Skip Corsini, San Carlos And, I can spell Hoffa.

longer connecting with the service. When support could not repair the problem remotely, it was suggested I should have a technical expert come by and check the longer connecting with the service. When problem. There was no suggestion I would support could not repair the problem beremotely, charged even the Iproblem was it wasthough suggested should have considered potentially a Comcast one. a technical expert come by and checkItthe was on my next problem. Therebill. was no suggestion I would When I checked at the Comcast service be charged even though the problem was considered potentially Comcast It office in San Rafael I wasatold, unlessone. I had was on my bill. purchased thenext prevention program at a I checked Comcast service cost When of $399, I would at bethe charged no matter office in San Rafael I was told, unless if it was a problem with my PC or was aI had purchased the prevention program at a Comcast problem. cost of $399, I would be charged no matter This is tantamount to corporate blackif it was a problem with my PC or was a mail and illustrates Comcast problem.the complete lack of concern for its customers. My location is This is tantamount to corporate blackanmail irreversible dead zone for satellite covand illustrates the complete lack of erage, holding customers such myself is concern for its customers. Myaslocation hostage to pure greed. an irreversible dead zone for satellite coverage, holding was customers such as myself This message also sent to the FCC. hostage to pure greed. Alfred Auger, Fairfax This message was also sent to the FCC.

Son of a gun

Alfred Auger, Fairfax

When I was young I had toy guns that Son of a gun mirrored the times. There were no Uzis, Skip Corsini, San Carlos When I was young I had toy guns that AR-15s or AK-47s. WeThere played Army and, mirrored the times. were no Uzis, yes, even Cowboys and Indians. I grew up AR-15s or AK-47s. We played Army and, inyes, a Midwestern state, my dad hunted and even Cowboys and Indians. I grew up when got to an age where washunted ready toand in a IMidwestern state, myIdad start hunting with I was taught the to when I got to an him age where I was ready start huntingofwith him I was taught theI responsibility a real gun. Even though a real noresponsibility longer hunt Iofstill owngun. gunsEven andthough like to I no longer hunt own guns like to occasionally targetI still practice. I stilland believe occasionally target practice. I still believe that it’s the person, not the inanimate obthatthat it’s makes the person, thething inanimate object, a gunnot a bad and, no, ject, that makes a gun a bad thing and, no, I do not belong to the NRA. We need to I do not belong to the NRA. We need to Dick Cheney walks into a bar; sadly, torture makes for a look atatsociety onona whole and seeseewhere Dick Cheney walks into a bar; sadly, torture makes for a look society a whole and where terrible punch line. terrible punch line. weweareareheading, and the path is not lookheading, and the path is not lookingingallallthat rosy. For allallthetheadvances wewe that rosy. For advances made ininpsychology and reasoning This have made psychology and reasoning Thisisisthe theprice pricewewepay payforfor‘Game ‘Game have ofofThrones’ weweseem totobebemissing thethepoint. We areare Thrones’...... seem missing point. We quick blame everything and everyone I recently experienced interestquick totoblame everything and everyone I recently experienced ananinterestelse our own personal shortcomings. confrontation with giant media else forforour own personal shortcomings. ingingconfrontation with thethegiant media monopoly Comcast. My PC was no Rockin’ , Marin monopoly Comcast. My PC was no StillStill Rockin’ , Marin

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››TRiViA CAFÉ

by Howard Rachelson

1. At the stroke of 8am on Jan. 1, Colorado became the first state to permit the sale of what? 2. In February, what city hosted the Winter Olympics? 3. At the March 3 Academy Awards ceremony, what were the Oscar-winning best picture, actor and actress (and their films)? 4a. 4. May 22 and Sept. 22: Weddings of the Year—name these two couples. 5. In June, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rules that what name is“disparaging of Native Americans”and should be stripped of trademark protection? 6. The trend of the year, in support of what cause, had what three4b. word name? 7. In September, what Chinese e-commerce giant went public with a $25 billion initial public offering—the largest of all time? 8. Identify these people who passed away in 2014 8a. Jan 27: American folk singer and activist who wrote“Where Have all the Flowers Gone?” 8b. Feb. 2: 46-year-old dramatic actor in the prime of his career 6. 8c. Feb. 10: Child movie star of the 1930s who went on to a political career 8d. May 28: Honored American author, poet and screenwriter who wrote, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in 1969 8e. Aug. 11: Well-loved Bay Area entertainer 8f. Sept. 4: Acerbic Brooklyn-born actress, comedienne and television host 8g. Oct. 20: Dominican-American fashion designer 9. Our San Francisco Giants won their third World Series in five seasons. What team did they vanquish this year, in how many games? 10. TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2014 was“The ...“ what? (a group) 10. 11. In a preview of early film-award favorites, the two movies earning the most 2014 Golden Globes nominations were what two films that have seven-letter names starting with“B”? 12. In December, after the Senate Intelligence Committee’s bombshell report on the CIA’s interrogation practices, what person told Fox News,“The report is full of crap”? Howard Rachelson invites you to live team trivia contests, Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Broken Drum in San Rafael and Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, both at 6:30pm. Have a great question? Send it in and if we use it we’ll give you credit. Contact howard1@triviacafe.com or visit www.triviacafe.com.

HERO

▼ We don’t want to air dirty laundry, but Launderland in Sausalito seems to have a couple of problems. Milly, a regular customer of the self-serve laundromat, sent us photos of thick, green organisms growing on the inside of their washing machine doors. Mold, algae? Your guess is as good as ours. When Milly pointed out the issue, the attendant responded, “Yeah, it’s dirty. You have to take the machine apart to clean it.” Not so says Milly, who vigorously scrubbed one washer and was able to remove the goo. Adding insult to injury, the attendant refused to look at the sparkly clean machine after the customer went to all that trouble. Dirty equipment and inattentive attendants hamper Milly’s ability to get next to godliness.—Nikki Silverstein

Got a Hero or a Zero? Please send submissions to nikki_silverstein@yahoo.com. Toss roses, hurl stones with more Heroes and Zeros at ›› pacificsun.com 6 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015

ZERO

▲ We’re mighty relieved to know that the California Highway Patrol will be out on the roadway in full force, watching for folks who may have celebrated a little too much. “Our intent with the enhanced enforcement efforts during the holiday season is simply to save lives,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. Some local law enforcement agencies plan on using DUI checkpoints to drive the “drive sober” message home. While we’re partying, our fine officers are working hard for us. Help them out by designating a teetotaler driver, buckling up and obeying speed limits. “Have a safe, fun, and enjoyable holiday celebration this year,” added Commissioner Farrow. “Just do it responsibly by making the right decision before you get behind the wheel.” Amen to that.

Answers on page 19

››UPFRONT

TRiViA ANSWERS: From page 6

A house divided

1. Small amounts of retail marijuana 2. Sochi, Russia County passes housing element—what does this mean for affordable 3. 12 Years a Slave / Matthew McConaughey—Dallas Buyers housing in Marin? Club / Cate Blanchett—Blue Jasmine 4a. May 22: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West 22:the George Clooney andsuggestion Amal s the year rolled4b. to Sept. an end, The almost immediately Alamuddin county put a period on the next elicited a response that the county wanted round of its housing element. Redskins The to clear the way for rampant development, 5. Washington Board of Supervisors earlier this month get in bed 6. Ice Bucket Challenge, intosupport of a with developers. The debate on a unanimous vote approved the elerose a fewsclerooctaves after those allegations. cure for ALS—amyotrophic lateral ment, which guides housing development The county explained that although the sis, often known as“Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ” through 2023. Marin residents, statebrain requires a nervoushowever, disease that affects and only 185 housing units remain far from unanimous about affordthrough 2023, potential development spinal cord. able housing and controlled development. sites listed in the element might never be 7. Alibaba The meeting in which the supervisors built, leaving the county with the task of 8a. Pete Seeger approved the housing element lacked the finding alternate sites to meet the 185-unit 8b. Philip Seymour viscous attacks and raucous behavior thatHoffman mandate. Including more housing units 8c. Shirley Temple had marked housing debates in the past than actually required gives the county a 8d. Maya Angelou few years. A lack of emotion-based vitriol safety valve. If the county had enumermay be a sign that county residents are ated only 185 units, and if, say, a developer 8e. Robin Williams ready to engage in a rational debate about could not build on one or more of the sites 8f. Joan Rivers how Marin should continue on its slowon which some of the units were located, 8g. Oscar de la Renta growth path. the county would have to scramble to meet Kansasthat City Royals in seven exciting The county housing 9. element the state mandate, with possible negative games! supervisors approved points the county consequences. Better safe than sorry was 10. “ ... Ebola Fighters” the thinking. in that continued slow-growth direction. Affordable housing advocates note/that Although that does not satisfy the don’t11. Birdman Boyhood the county needs many12. more affordable contingent, supervisors Former Vice Presidenttrust-government Dick Cheney, housing units for its younger residents,ofitssuch activities. agreed with the concept. They did not, proud supporter older residents, service workers who earn however, approve the full complement of significantly less than the median income housing units in the element as county and the commuting workforce, whose planners had envisioned. members could become residents if they The board took the 419-unit proposal could afford housing in the county. that had come from planners and cut it to The latest housing element controversy, 378 units. In that total number, the eleone that preceded the meeting during ment as approved calls for 210 low-income which the supervisors approved the eleunits, 70 moderate-income units and 98 ment, concerned the county’s position, as market-rate units. That’s for the entire unoutlined by county staff, that Marin should incorporated areas of the county through put more housing into the housing ele2023. Hardly an earth-shattering number, ment than the state requires. say housing advocates. The number will

not change life as we know it, as some anti-development proponents posit. Still, it’s an addition to the county’s housing stock, and it does add more below marketrate units than market-rate units. Included in the 378 total number of housing units are 72 low-income and 10 market-rate units in Marinwood Plaza, the proposed development that triggered an eruption of the housing debate and led to the ousting of Supervisor Susan Adams, who has been an advocate of the project. She attempted to work with the community, with developers and planners, to create a project acceptable to everyone early in the planning stages. She said a transparent process from the start could result in a new kind of planning strategy for the county. But in the end, the strategy opened the process to raucous community meetings and gave her political opponents a chance to galvanize against her. Also included in the approved housing element are 100 low-income units, 50 moderate-income units and 71 marketrate units in Silveira-St. Vincent’s; 15 low-income units in Marin City; 10 moderate-income units in Fairfax; and eight market-rate units in Novato. Giving a nod to the suggestion that the county could go at least a ways toward meeting an affordable-housing need by encouraging second units, the housing element calls for 40 second units, 21 of which would be low-income, 10 of which would be moderate-income and nine of which would be market-rate. That’s “would be” because although the county (or a city) puts units in a housing element, the designation just puts the units on a list of possible housing sites. All zoning requirements remain intact. The housing units in the element already are zoned. And any design review procedures for actual construction remain in force, as do planning requirements and strictures. Public meetings—and public debate—about possible housing units also remain, and will be on the agenda should developers craft a proposal for units in the housing element. The county, supervisors and staff assured residents that any development proposal that gets submitted for any of the sites in the element will go through the gauntlet of approval for an ultimate decision. The county and all Marin cities must submit periodic housing elements. They invariably trigger the argument that the state and its regional agencies are imposing their will on local jurisdictions. To some extent, that’s true. But there are reasons for the process, which is complicated and often misunderstood. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) formed in 1961 when a majority of the cities and counties in the Bay Area agreed to join. It was the first council of local governments in the state. The formation was an outgrowth of a call the Bay Area Council made to resurrect

a 1946 proposal to empower a regional agency to buy and operate the Bay Area’s major airports, seaports and bridges. Local governments began looking at the possibility of creating a force that would advocate for their interests. That led to the birth of ABAG. The housing element process starts at the California State Department of Housing and Community Development, which mandates that regional government councils assign housing requirements to local counties and cities. ABAG has jurisdiction over the nine Bay Area counties and the cities within those counties that are members of ABAG. (Corte Madera withdrew in protest over the number of housing units it was asked to include in its housing element.) ABAG allocates a Regional Housing Need Determination (RHND) for local entities. Sometimes known as a “fair share housing allocation,” RHND numbers are issued at ABAG periodically based on projected job and population estimates. How ABAG reaches its conclusions and sets its projected housing numbers involves a variety of modeling tools, according to Hing Wong, senior regional planner at ABAG. The tools include census data and financial data as well as employment statistics. About every two years, he says, ABAG creates a “projection forecast.” Based on those projections, ABAG allocates how many new housing units will be needed in which communities. The idea is that as part of the Bay Area, each community, each county, should create its fair share of housing. The ABAG numbers must be incorporated into each jurisdiction’s housing element, which is part of each jurisdiction’s general plan. Housing elements are the only part of a city or county general plan that must receive state certification. If a city or county fails to meet housing targets, the state can grant funding. A city or county that fails to meet housing goals also can be vulnerable to court challenge. But if a community can prove that it has made a good-faith effort to meet housing numbers, that sometimes has been enough for the state, even if the community fails to meet the housing-need numbers. The passage of SB 375, which ties development and transportation planning, aims to persuade communities to consider climate change and the impacts of regional planning, with a particular emphasis on reducing automobile travel. Among other mandates, the bill relaxes state air quality requirements for housing projects that meet goals for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. The mandates include giving homebuilders incentives to develop higher-density projects near transit routes. Opponents find particular distaste in those measures. That’s what caused a furor in Marin. Opponents say that increased density

CONSERVATION - OUR EARTH, OUR MISSION, OUR JOB www.marinsanitary.com 415.456.2601

FREE

TREE RECYCLING IN JANUARY AT THE CURB FOR RESIDENTS Christmas trees will be collected at the curb during the month of January 2015 for residential customers. Each resident is allowed 1 free tree pick-up on your regular service day. • Please place your tree by the side of your green cart, NOT inside it. • Please remove ALL decorations and metal stands. • Please cut your tree in half if it is more than 6 ft. in length.

• Trees with fake snow on the branches WILL NOT be picked up. See below for details on disposal at MRRC. • Trees set out AFTER January 31 will be collected for a fee of $5 per tree.

AT YOUR APARTMENT BUILDING Apartment managers (or person responsible for the bill) may call (415) 456-2601 to schedule a one-time FREE tree pickup in January for tenants. All trees must be in a single accessible location for an accumulated pickup. Any other pickups during January 2015, and pickups after January 31, will be considered a special pickup and the account will be charged $5 per tree.

AT THE MARIN RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTER Anyone (residents and businesses) may recycle 2 trees for free at the Marin Resource Recovery Center during the month of January 2015. If dropping off more than 2 trees, there is a minimum charge of $30. For a small fee, the Marin Resource Recovery Center is the ONLY disposal location for flocked trees, those with fake snow.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR LOCAL PAPER FOR OTHER DROP OFF SITES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

MARIN RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTER 565 JACOBY STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 (415) 485-5646

8> DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015 PACIFIC SUN 7

< 7 A house divided

›› FOOD & DRINK

development along transit corridors, as in “Alphabet agencies” is another code term Marin Highway 101, will not increase the opponents use to impart the belief that number of people who give up automothe state imposes its will on counties and biles and will not reduce greenhouse-gas cites, and that especially includes ABAG. emissions. Proponents of the strategy If residents of the state want to abolish the obviously disagree. process of setting housing-need numbers, Whatever the stand on emissions, it’s they must do it in the halls of government hard to argue that older adults, as well as in Sacramento, not in the halls of ABAG. young adults just starting out, may like to Proponents of higher densities along the live in a higher-density development close Highway 101 corridor say that places like to transportation and shops, giving them a downtown San Rafael are appropriate for different lifestyle than the traditional sin- some development. The county housing gle-family, white-picket-fence paradigm. element is a good start to the discussion of If people live within where higher-density walking distance of the development is apgrocery store, would propriate. The debate Unless current Marin they drive? Even if will continue as added housing along residents want to continue developers propose the transportation corprojects. It’s a living in a county in which actual ridor reduces greentough and important their parents and their house-gas emissions debate, one in which by an unappreciable children can no longer live both sides should amount, the added the sincerbecause of reduced housing recognize diversity of housing ity of the opposition. options, Marinites must options for a changBefore the meeting population would ing during which consider, and propose, benefit the county, say county supervisors realistic alternatives. housing advocates. approved the housIt can be done withing element, dueling out changing the espetitions highlighted sential character of the the split in Marin county by identifying appropriate locations over housing, higher-density development and maintaining strict planning and de- and affordable housing. One petition from sign oversight. That’s not what happened opponents; one petition from proponents. in Corte Madera. The approval of the in- On an optimistic note, there was a noticefamous WinCup development created a able reduction in the volume of the public poster child for housing opponents. Marin response that led up to the vote. doesn’t want a “WinCup South” and a WinWhile the housing element gives the Cup North” could have been a rallying cry. county—and its residents—a place to But the WinCup project is a singular exam- start a renewed debate as actual projects ple of planning gone wrong—not a blue- come up for consideration, the realties of print for widespread lifestyle destruction. housing and finance should set the stage. Higher-density housing can be done Although second units and infill are alterwith a sensitive hand on the drafting board natives preferred by many, there just aren’t and an even more sensitive eye toward enough second units to satisfy demand. community style. A county like Marin Developers need a certain amount of should be an example for superlative market-rate units to help make an afforddesign. (In reality, WinCup looks much able project possible. That means higher better now that a new exterior treatment densities. has covered a skeletal structure.) HigherUnless current Marin residents want to density projects can be stepped back into a continue living in a county in which their property, giving the design the feeling of a parents and their children can no longer single-family project. Many other architec- live because of reduced housing options, tural options can help a project fit in with Marinites must consider, and propose, the surrounding environment. It just takes realistic alternatives. Affordable housing vision. developments can be designed as acceptOpponents of increasing the housing able—even welcome—additions to the stock in the county continue to refer to communities strung along the Highway higher density along the transportation 101 corridor with the proper design and corridor as “stack and pack.” The denigrat- planning oversight. ing term is a remnant of the prejudice All it takes is compromise. Y that first erupted when ABAG came to the county with housing-need numbers. Contact the writer at peter@pseidman.com.

Tasty trends

8 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015

Top 10 food trends of 2014 by Tanya H e nr y

The 2014 motto should have been, “When in doubt, throw some kale on it.”

s another year comes to a close, like most, it’s a mixed bag—glad to see some things go and already nostalgic about others. Whatever the case, trend or not, here is a roundup of foods and practices we saw quite a bit of in 2014. Some will transcend trend status and continue on into 2015 and beyond—especially if we keep them going—we have the power! KALE Though I have always been a fan of most leafy greens, I have to say that I am suffering from kale fatigue. The fibrous “superfood,” with its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins C and A, has become far too ubiquitous for my taste. Love it in salads, but does it really have to be dehydrated, drenched in spices and eaten as a snack? Fried and sprinkled on soups, pastas and eggs? Seriously, it doesn’t have to be included in every meal—it’s versatile, but let’s give it a break. Bring on the cauliflower! FERMENTED FOODS As someone who made kombucha in my apartment in San Francisco in the ’90s and recalls having multiplying mothers taking over my pantry, I can’t help but chuckle to see the trend explode as it has. But kombucha (fermented tea) isn’t the only product leading the way in this frenzy; sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and yogurt all contain bacteria and yeasts that benefit from this age-old process of converting sugars to acids. Since chefs have jumped on this bandwagon, we are likely to continue to see some interesting permutations and creations—I for one am looking forward to the discovery. JUICING It seemed that bagels and morning pastries were suddenly re-

placed by goopy green smoothies and unrecognizable (read unappetizing) liquid concoctions. Kiosks popped up overnight touting their cleanses that included exotic cold-pressed watermelon and rose water combos for a mere $10 for an 8-ounce drink. Strategically placed near yoga studios and health clubs, the trend remains in full swing and the flavors continue to expand— utilizing ginger, vanilla and cinnamon. The Vitamix and other heavy-duty juicers have also enabled us to juice beyond bananas to cucumbers, kale and carrots. Essentially this craze has resulted in the recrafting of the smoothie from a heavy, calorie-laden and mostly fruit beverage, to lighter, vegetable-based drinks that utilize smaller amounts of fruit and larger quantities of vegetables combined with spices to add sweetness. SRIRACHA I was just fine when this Thai chili garlic sauce was used to add some kick to scrambled eggs, a burger or a burrito. In fact it offered some welcomed competition to the iconic, but one-note Tabasco. But then it got out of hand. Sriracha chocolate and popcorn? Lip balm with spicy Sriracha flavors. No! Ironically a Sriracha factory in Southern California was ordered to shut down after neighbors complained of the spicy smells it was producing. Definitely a case of too much of a good thing. ANCIENT GRAINS Being the child of hippie parents, I was eating millet—wheat berries and amaranth—before I was 10. With the introduction and accessibility to a host of flavorful and tasty grains—meal choices have expanded exponentially. Not 13 >

2014

YEAR-END ROUNDUP

The getaway Marin bars that offer a New Year’s chance for refreshment and contemplation by Samantha Campos

s the old year diminishes and the New Year beckons, reflection and contemplation become inevitable. What you need right about now is a moment to get away from it all, to think, to reconnect, maybe even to rediscover. The classic venue for reflection and contemplation is a saloon, particularly around New Year’s ... as long as it isn’t too flossy, too popular, too familiar. It doesn’t have to be far away, and it doesn’t have to be for very long. A scenic hour’s drive on a stolen afternoon could do the trick. A barstool, a pint and some affable strangers can have rejuvenating powers—or, at the very least, the power to change your perspective. Highway One or Shoreline Highway between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach and up to Point Reyes Station (and beyond) is a meandering two-lane stretch sure to induce nausea or frustration if you’re in a hurry or if you find yourself behind a bus. It can also be nirvana if you let it; taking the time to glide around bends, rolling your window down to breathe in the fresh scent of pine and eucalyptus, admiring the misty, verdant, mosscovered terrain or the magnificent vastness of our world’s largest and deepest sea. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard between Fairfax and Olema inspires a similar, albeit quieter, kind of awe. Venturing to these bars is about the journey as well as the destination. Getaway bars in tucked-away places offer temporary solace from the demands of the holidays and the pressures of the coming year. They can be a respite for the overworked, an oasis for the overstimulated; a place where you can unplug, be anonymous and think your thoughts. And have another drink.

The Mountain Home Inn (810 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley; 415/381-9000; mtnhomeinn.com) is Marin’s great top-of-the-world getaway. After a long and lovely drive through mist and forest you emerge on the flanks of our favorite alp, bay, ocean and Sequoia sempervirens stretching into the distance. The inn itself has been around in one form or another since 1912, and its venerable ambience adds to the establishment’s timeless quietude. The tiny blond-wood wine bar just off the lobby features such rustic touches as branchframe barstools, dried-twig chandeliers and mounted snowshoes; or you can take your drink out on the balcony and inhale the perfume of the cypress, pines and redwoods in the canyon below. (If you over-imbibe, there are 10 inviting guestrooms on the premises with Jacuzzis, fireplaces and canopied beds.) This upscale aerie effortlessly complements the surrounding landscape and lets you enjoy the beauty and stillness of Mt. Tamalpais in meditative comfort. Just past Muir Woods and a little further along Highway One, as the road begins its epic crawl up the coast, an enchanting ivyclad tavern appears as if by wizardry. In fact, the magical Pelican Inn (10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach; 415/383-6000; pelicaninn.com) was built in the 1970s by an Englishman, Charles Felix, and his fledgling brood, who captured the romantic whimsy and rustic charm of a classic 16th century Tudor-style cottage. Its accompanying pub is likewise inspired and cozy, with a menu of traditional British country fare and a full range of ales and ports to quench thirsts and comfort ruminations. No town in Marin could possibly embrace

the “getaway” ethos more than Bolinas. Once you enter its notoriously hidden enclave and drive (slowly, please!) through its quaint village of art galleries and shops, the historic facade of Smiley’s Schooner Saloon & Hotel (41 Wharf Road, Bolinas; 415/868-1311; smileyssaloon.com) beckons you in with its utter lack of pretense, reasonably priced spirits and calendar of lively entertainment. Built in 1851 and surviving through Prohibition (under the guise of a barbershop), Smiley’s is the oldest continuously run bar west of Missouri. It’s also a faithful neighborhood hub, welcoming local dogs, denizens and travelers alike

and Matthew Stafford

over a game of pool, the latest issue of Bolinas Hearsay News, or a drink and a ponderous moment. Heading into Olema at the junction of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and the coast highway, it’s hard to imagine that this tranquil village of 55 souls was once a raucous loggers’ boomtown of brothels, saloons and gambling dens. Nowadays, the traveler seeking a restorative libation after a misty, mysterious journey through Point Reyes National Seashore has fewer options for whistle-wetting, but among the town’s handful of shops and inns is the

10 >

Enjoy your time in the notoriously reclusive beach town of Bolinas with a drink at the town’s old timey saloon. DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015 PACIFIC SUN 9

<9 The getaway

convivial Olema Farm House Restaurant (10005 California Highway 1, 415/663-1264). Housed in the village’s oldest structure, it has an abiding 19th century charm that invites you to escape the modern era. The bar is handsome and cozy with Tiffany lamps, a pressed-copper ceiling, fun decor (including a vintage tipsy Hamm’s Beer bear) and a civilized vibe that seems to bring out the wildness of West Marin. It’s pleasant indeed to sit at the bar, sip a brew and eat a dozen oysters from nearby Marshall, 21st century at bay. Once you reach Point Reyes Station, its artisan markets and gustatory delights might distract you. Let them, and then hole up for a spell in the authentic Old Western Saloon (11201 California Highway 1, Point Reyes Station; 415/663-661). Another vestige of Marin’s past, the Old Western originally opened in the late 19th century in the adjacent building (now a barbershop), and then switched to its current location after the 1906 earthquake. During Prohibition, its speakeasy dwelled below, accessed by stairs beneath the piano (still there!). The upstairs housed a brothel, then a hotel, and now offices. The bar is fiercely reminiscent of that bygone era, and therefore suitable for reflection accompanied by a pint of one of their many draft beers. Deep in the forests of the San Geronimo Valley—a place so limpid and magical that you wouldn’t expect to find anything there but toadstools, trolls and the occasional

reindeer—one of Marin’s few remaining honest-to-God blue-collar bars beckons. The Papermill Creek Saloon (1 Castro Avenue, Forest Knolls, 415/488-9235) looks like a pickled-in-amber hangout from West Marin’s rugged past: neon, worn wood, jukebox, good ol’ boys playing liar’s dice at the bar. The joint comes by its vintage vibe honestly: It’s been around since 1907, originally as a general store, and has been selling hooch for 75 years. Named for the huge paper mill (the first in the West) Samuel P. Taylor built nearby, the saloon perches over rushing San Geronimo Creek, bringing a bit of the great outdoors to the surroundings. But the mood inside is warm and cozy, especially on a cool, drizzly night with a fire burning in the Franklin stove in the corner. Farley Bar (601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, 415/339-4750, cavallopoint.com) is a true urban oasis amid the pines, oaks and eucalipti of southernmost Marin. After a foggy, mildly spooky drive through the Marin Headlands, you find yourself on the shores of the Golden Gate in a plushly upholstered cocktail lounge ideal for the sipping of martinis and the slurping of oysters. The lush draperies, gleaming glassware, pressed-tin ceiling and exemplary liquor selection foster an elegant yet festive mood unique among Marin’s tucked-away watering holes. The magnificent redwood burl bar is a splendid place to unwind and reflect, or opt for one of the comfy armchairs by the fireplace or out on the veranda (blankets provided).

It’s in the stars...

Make your way out to Marshall this New Year’s Eve and enjoy a hot toddy or bubbly at the Olema Farm House Restaurant.

A few other Marin bars foster a temporary escape from the day-to-day as well. Enjoy a burger and a beer with your thoughts, overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge at the long-established and beloved dive bar of the Presidio Yacht Club (Fort Baker, Sommerville Road, Sausalito; 415/332-2319; presidioyachtclub.com). Reward yourself with live jazz, oysters and a martini at the elegant and homey Sand Dollar Restaurant & Bar

(3458 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach; 415/868-0434; stinsonbeachrestaurant.com). Enjoy the rural ambience and down-home hospitality, backyard barbecues and outstanding live music of Rancho Nicasio (1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio; 662-2219; ranchonicasio.com) in a town where time stopped—and you can, too. Y Offer to buy Sam and Matt a drink at letters@pacificsun.com.

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2014

YEAR-END ROUNDUP

Breaking the news

MOLLY OLESON

rakes Bay Oyster Company proves yet again that it will not go down without a fight. In July, the U.S. Court put an end to owner Kevin Lunny’s legal challenge to a Nov. 2012 decision not to renew a 40-year-old permit to harvest oysters in federally protected waters. Around two weeks later, in a last-ditch effort to save the West Marin company (which had agreed to halt operations by Dec. 31), a coalition of farmers and restaurant owners entered the saga with a case that claimed that the shuttering would result in an economic blow to the county. A U.S.

A banner that reads, “Save our Drakes Oysters” waves on a building in West Marin in May of this year.

MOLLY OLESON

District judge faulted the case for “a complete lack of merit,” and a February hearing on its dismissal is scheduled. Meanwhile, Lunny has announced plans to open a seafood restaurant in Inverness. On Aug. 11, Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home. An investigation into the death by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division revealed that Williams committed suicide by asphyxia due to hanging. A toxicological evaluation showed that prescription medications in therapeutic concentrations were found, as well as the absence of alcohol or illicit drugs. In October, the Throckmorton Theatre hosted a celebration of life event, where longtime friends of Williams shared memories and laughs with a sold-out crowd.

A scene from the press conference announcing Williams' death, held at the Marin County Sheriff’s Department on Aug. 12.

The latest on the hot-button housing issue in Marin: After much debate between housing proponents and higher-

density critics, the Board of Supervisors votes unanimously to approve the housing element, which will guide development through 2023. The 419-unit proposal from county planners was cut to a total of 378 units by the board. Of that total number, the element calls for 210 low-income units, 70 moderate-income units and 98 market-rate units. Slow-growth in Marin continues. In August, the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) released a recirculated Draft Tiered Program Environmental Impact Report for its first comprehensive Road and Trail Management Plan—which aims to direct future use and management of roads and trails on the MCOSD’s 34 preserves. Receiving numerous comments from the public on the report, the MCOSD released a final Environmental Impact Report in November. Further comments led to a memorandum this month to the MCOSD Board of Directors, incorporating and responding to the comments. One day, there will be peace on the county’s trails. The Marin Organizing Committee (MOC) met in October to discuss the next steps in creating a permanent shelter for the homeless in Marin. A total of $1.25 million is the goal to keep such a place open for one year. Seeking commitments from the county’s 11 towns to fund a shelter, the MOC was greeted with open arms by Fairfax, the first town to agree to donate money to the cause. Councilman Larry Bragman attributes the generosity to the town’s social consciousness and progressiveness. Which town will step up next? It may finally be raining buckets, Marin, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve forgotten about the alarmingly dry state of things this year. According to scientists with the University of Minnesota and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, the California drought of 2014 was the most severe dry spell in at least 1,200 years. While the Marin Municipal Water District offered hands-on activities on Earth Day to educate families about sustainability solutions—addressing drought, climate change and the future of water conservation, WaterNow—a nonprofit “tackling the water crisis by jump-starting sustainable water solutions in communities”—began a partnership with the county. A pilot project is underway to boost Marin’s water supply by promoting the use of graywater. Climate change is for real. This year, Marin took steps to address growing concern about threats to the environment and human safety. Released in August, the Marin County Climate Action Plan Update 2014 builds on

A roundup of top local stories from 2014, in case you’ve been under a rock

the 2006 GHG Reduction Plan and provides an update of greenhouse gas emissions in 2012. It also includes an assessment of actions that Marin will take to further reduce emissions by 2020. According to the report, the proposed new community emissions target would put the county on the forefront of climate action planning in the state. Way to lead, Marin! Major progress has been made in the last year on the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) project. Construction has included everything from in-ground infrastructure to above-ground tunnels to old track removal and new track installation. It won’t be long before we start hearing those whistles. The situation is dire when it comes to Marin’s aging population. A 30-page report titled, “Aging in Marin: What’s the Plan,” which was issued in June by a civil grand jury and examines the county’s ability to provide for its senior citizens, concludes that there is a lack of a long-term, strategic and financial plan in place.

SAN RAFAEL

RARE COIN

by Molly Oleson

The construction of the (currently) aesthetically challenged SMART project carries on in downtown San Rafael.

According to the report, one in four residents of Marin is 60 years or older, and by 2030, one in three residents will be a senior. As the population ages, service demands will rise. But with a declining number of people available to help with that demand, many seniors will find themselves unable to meet their needs for food, housing, transportation and medical care. Y Let Molly know if this is news to you at moleson@pacificsun.com.

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2014

YEAR-END ROUNDUP

Interstellar

Boyhood

by David Te m p l e t o n

Yet another movie

êêêêê Top films in 2014 worth talking about êêêêê

et’s face it. In a world where war, epidemics, terrorism, racism, police brutality, corporate greed and political stupidity are threatening to erode and undermine all that is good in the country and the world, the question of which movies this year were better than others holds a stunningly low-priority over just about everything else. But here we go anyway. Boyhood Richard Linklater’s deeply personal reflection on growing up in America is much more than one boy’s intimately observed life: It’s a psychological study of how the choices a parent makes—even the tiniest ones—can have huge power in shaping the personality and attitude of their children. Filmed over a 13-year period, actor Ellar Coltrane was 5 when the project started and 18 when it ended, literally growing up before our eyes along with his simultaneously aging co-stars Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as his warring parents. As innovative as any FX-fueled fantasy (some of which I describe below), the conspicuously awkward adolescence of our hero is its own kind of special effect, and Linklater’s refusal to show us tidy resolutions and smooth character arcs adds to the sense that we are living this young man’s life right along with him. It’s messy, moving, funny, sad, frustrating, disappointing, thrilling, inspiring and ultimately, profoundly hopeful—just like real life. The Grand Budapest Hotel A sometimes dark story within a silly story within a mystery story, Wes Anderson’s expertly screwball murder/prison/escape tale takes place in and

around the titular Grand Budapest Hotel, a sprawling edifice presided over by the wily hedonist Gustave H, an oily but strangely principled concierge played by Ralph Fiennes so expertly that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the part—or think of any other role Fiennes has done that comes remotely close to this. Set in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka—packed with oddballs, outcasts, immigrants, evil aristocrats, henchmen, intensely efficient hotel staffers and a guy who throws cats out of windows—this is one weird movie, all served up with a frequently outlandish Cuisinart of conflicting styles. It should absolutely not work, and yet it does, standing tall—as does the Grand Budapest itself—as one of the most unforgettable and oddly beautiful movies of the year. Big Hero 6 Though the Oscars continue to put across the outmoded notion that the more popular something is the less artistic it must be, the world is gradually catching up to the idea that a big-budget crowd-pleaser can sometimes carry deeply important ideas, and can express them with as much craft and creativity as a Sundance-ready independent about underage sex addicts and/ or suburban psychopaths. Animation, more and more, is the art form of innovation and Big Ideas, and Disney’s large-hearted hit Big Hero 6 is a perfect example. Crammed with indelible images, this comic book adventure is set in the city of San Fransoyko, a strange mix of cultures where teenage Hiro Hamada faces some serious emotional issues when his inventor brother dies and leaves him an

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inflatable prototype healthcare robot named Baymax. Though the story contains some predictable superhero elements, this movie nails the emotional power of the story again and again. There is not a frame that is not loaded with passion, invention, imagination and love. Blockbuster schmockbuster. Genius is as genius does, and this one brings the fireworks without leaving behind the humanity at its vibrant, achingly humane core. Foxcatcher As moody and overcast in tone as the seldom sunny skies over Foxcatcher Farms in rural Pennsylvania, this unexpectedly eerie slice of American aberrance tells the true story of billionaire John du Pont, who, in the late 1980s, decided to become a wrestling coach, despite having no experience with wrestling. He did, however, have enough money to essentially buy his own team, with Olympic wrestlers, the medal-winning brothers Dave and Mark Schultz. Establishing a training facility on his family’s historic estate—du Pont nicknamed it Foxcatcher—the mad aristocrat gradually proved himself to be more than just a little eccentric. He was seriously ill, and yet no one ever stepped in to say so—until tragedy struck. Du Pont is played by Steve Carell in a role that will forever prove how good an actor he really is. The movie, by director Bennett Miller (Moneyball), is deliberately paced, with a palpable sense of dread that grows powerfully with the dawning realization that something very, very bad is going to happen by the end. And it does. Frightening in its portrayal of banality of madness, Foxcatcher illustrates

The Lego Movie

the way that rich people’s money sometimes gives them a sense of entitlement that allows their worst tendencies to go unchallenged and unchecked—until it’s too late. Interstellar Some critics have blasted Christopher Nolan’s epic space-fantasy-drama for being too packed with philosophical ideas, too long, and too weird—but those are the very things that make this movie great. No, it’s not Batman in Space, which might be what people expected but it’s not Nolan’s fault. Don’t blame the movie for being deeper and bolder and brainier than you were willing to settle for. Inspired by a challenge taken up by physicist (and executive producer) Kip Thorne, to make a movie based on solid science and theoretical space-time principles, the movie is also rooted in the weaknesses and strengths of being human. Matthew McConaughey does some of his deepest work in this story of a father talked into leading a team of astronauts through a wormhole in search of a way to save the human race, which brings to light a few inconvenient truths about relativity and the passage of time. The final third, which is where some have said the film goes off the rails, is where McConaughey really shines, and where Nolan drops his biggest, boldest ideas on his unsuspecting audiences. The Lego Movie This one may be the biggest surprise of the year, with the possible exception of the second-half of Gone Girl, which you’ll see more about further down this list. What looked like a potentially crass, glorified commercial for Lego blocks turned out to be one of the most creative movies

in recent memory—a movie about the very nature of creativity. With animation that managed to look both charmingly low-tech and ambitiously far-reaching, it’s the story of a generic toy mistaken for The Special, the one denizen of the Lego world creative enough to stop the control freak Lord Business from gluing the world into place, putting an end to free expression (and really weird things made of Lego blocks). With a truly inspiring message about the power of stepping outside the box, this movie packed a punch—and was frequently hilarious, too. The Fault in Our Stars Every year, there is at least one film that opens early, sparks a lot of talk about Oscars, but then is virtually absent from memory by the end of the year. Well, some of us have not forgotten The Fault in Our Stars, notable for many reasons, including the not-insignificant achievement of being a film about cancer (box office poison, one would think) which made over $300 million at the box office. Why? Part of the power of the film is the story itself, an adaptation of the Young-Adult (Y.A.) novel by John Green, an unsentimental and yet unflinchingly candid look at lives of terminal teenagers. The other major strength is the luminous Shailene Woodley as Hazel Grace, a sarcastic, moody 16-year-old thyroid cancer patient on constant oxygen, who falls in love with the prosthetic-legged cancer survivor Augustus (Ansel Elgort) she meets at a cancer support group. Undeniably touching, with an edge of anger that makes it all the more real, this one may not be mentioned much on Oscar night (though Woodley deserves a shot—she’s that good), but it is one unlikely love story that, on DVD anyway, is likely to be discovered over and over again by new audiences.

Big Hero 6

Foxcatcher

Gone Girl

Guardians of the Galaxy

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Fault in Our Stars

Guardians of the Galaxy One measure of a movie’s greatness is the joy with which people end up talking about it afterwards. Guardians of the Galaxy, the delightfully cheeky adaptation of a lesser-known Marvel Comic series, was so gleefully fun, so layered with permutations of the classic heroesjourney theme, that it was impossible to resist, and was augmented by a soundtrack that dared score an action sequence with “The Pina Colada Song” and made the phrase “Ooga Chaka Ooga Ooga” hip again. With larger-than-life characters who seemed to have actual, three-dimensional inner lives, the story of a band of low-life criminals who find purpose in each other’s raucous company, it

was like The Usual Suspects meets The Wizard of Oz in a galaxy far, far away. Willing to break rules, eager to please, but not afraid to say a poignant thing or two about the nature of friendship, Guardians of the Galaxy may prove to be hugely influential as well. Expect plenty of movies in the future to attempt the same mix of freak-show fun and frothy fantasy. Few will succeed. The Theory of Everything It’s a kind of audio-visual international icon: the striking image of Professor Stephen Hawking crumpled in his wheelchair—and the distinctive robotic sound of his computersynthesized voice. The acclaimed physicist and author, disabled by MS, has been in that

chair longer than many of us have been alive, so the chance to see him young again, on two feet again, carries a special kind of emotional power. As portrayed brilliantly by Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything, Hawking’s life turns out to be much more than the story of a brilliant mind forced to deal with the loss of his body and vocal chords. Based on Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, the frankly unapologetic memoir by Hawking’s former wife Jane Wilde Hawking, the movie turns out to be the story of a wholly non-traditional kind of love, pushed by the tragedies of disease and circumstance into decisions most of us will never have to make. Stunning in the beauty of its performances, nearly glowing with generosity and humanity, The Theory of Everything is much more about the limitlessness of the human heart than the powers of the brain—though in the case of Stephen Hawking, both are formidable. Gone Girl Here’s the thing. While critics were quick to take director David Fincher to task for delivering a movie that was “strangely cold,” “unexciting,” and “funereal,” the rest of us saw Gone Girl as what it really is: the best hoax in the history of motion pictures. Based on the book by Gillian Flynn, who wrote the brilliantly icy, farcically spot-on screenplay, this movie is what it purports to be: the story of a weak man who learns to be strong after becoming the primary suspect in the disappearance of his perfect wife (who he may actually have murdered). I will remain on this side of a full spoiler by saying only that the second half of this film is ingenious, shocking, trashy, bloody, brilliant and totally unexpected. It’s not nice, but it is smart, impeccably crafted, and willing to take its viewers places they most definitely did not expect to go. Y Let David know your favorite movie from 2014 at talkpix@earthlink.net.

<8 Tasty trends

We prefer our drinks to be spiked with something else other than celery.

or veggies and salad dressing. This trend is especially exciting for vegetarians—I hope it continues. UMAMI It seems like this trend has been years in the making. Initially it was likely the negative association with MSG that caused the savory flavor trend to come to a screeching halt. Now with the L.A.-based chain Umami Burger popping up throughout the state, and Asian food more popular than ever—this “savory fifth taste” is definitely on the radar. Asian sauces, salts and soups often include umami, along with plenty of foods like beef, tomatoes and mushrooms that already have the flavor naturally occurring in their makeup. GLUTEN-FREE Though I’m amused to see packaging for items like oatmeal, shampoo and almond milk touting their “gluten-free” status, in the end, this trend seems to be helping folks with any sensitivities around wheat, lead more flavorful and pain-free lives. The number of GF products available on large grocery store shelves continues to grow by the day.

Clearly this is something whose time had come. There is even a beautifully photographed quarterly magazine created here in San Francisco titled Gluten-Free Forever that will make even the most die-hard wheat-eater swoon. Check it out here: www.gffmag.com. FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES It seems like another meal delivery service pops up every day. Between Blue Apron, Munchery and AgLocal, you can now choose to have complete meals delivered to your doorstep, choice cuts of meat from local ranchers, or a mystery box of fresh fruits and vegetables in CSA boxes. This is not a new idea, but it appears that the infrastructure and distribution models have improved so much that the chances of going bankrupt like Webvan did 20 years ago are just a vague memory. FOOD HALLS As more and more of us become food-obsessed, large food emporiums or halls are in planning stages or already opened in cities across the country. Several such halls are slated for various

neighborhoods in San Francisco, and one has already arrived at 6th and Market streets. The hall features multiple vendors offering everything from artisan coffee, sustainable seafood and curry and Vietnamese food. Unlike previous markets, this new breed tends to focus on sustainable, artisanal, handcrafted and local. LOCAL, LOCAL, LOCAL With many folks dedicated to “decreasing the size of their carbon footprints,” a noticeable shift toward buying from and supporting local businesses continues to resonate. Chefs, specialty food producers and we the consumers, are eating and shopping closer to home. Though it’s not likely the big box stores will close their doors anytime soon, there is an ever-growing awareness of the importance to support our local communities by keeping our dollars closer to home. Y Share your end-of-the-year hunger pains with Tanya at thenry@pacificsun.com.

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›› MUSiC

Just for laughs New Year’s Eve show highlights comedy competition winners by G re g Cahill

sk promoter Jon Fox what he thinks Among those who failed to make the cut, about the decline in the once-burbeing eliminated before the semi-final rounds, geoning stand-up comedy club scene were Roseanne Barr, D. L. Hughley and Roband he evokes fierce optimism. “I always ert Francis “Bobcat” Goldthwait. think of comedy as the world’s second-oldest “It’s a kaleidoscopic array of names,” Anne profession,” he once told me. “There’s always Fox noted. “We have literally introduced a going to be a need for it, and it will always find whole generation of stand-up comedy from new forms.” the Bay Area, in all of its ways.” These days, cable TV Last month, that reigns supreme when it legacy continued when NOW PLAYING comes to stand-up. And Punjabi-American Kabir The Best of the San Francisco the Marin-based Fox, a Singh of Fremont took Stand-Up Comedy Competition former journalist, and top honors at the 39th will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at his wife, Anne, have built annual competition. 9pm, at the Marin Center’s Showcase the San Francisco StandSingh is expected to Theater. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Up Comedy Competiheadline the Best of the Rafael. $35. 415/473-6800. tion into one of the art San Francisco Stand-Up form’s preeminent trainComedy Competition ing grounds. Over the years, the list of com- program on New Year’s Eve at the Marin petition alumni has come to read like a veri- Center in San Rafael (at press time, the lineup table Who’s Who of Humor, including Robin had not been announced). Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Louis C.K., Dana Over the years, the competition (and its Carvey, Marc Maron, Doug Stanhope, Patton Seattle counterpart) has delivered a fast-andOswalt and Dane Cook, to name a few. furious orgy of humor, featuring preliminary

Singh has opened for and shared the stage with Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, Bill Burr and Russell Peters.

rounds that showcased a wide array of talent in a grueling battle of wit and stamina that sometimes ran in excess of three hours nightly. The Foxes have spent a good part of their adult lives as business partners. While booking entertainment for the San Francisco Press Club in 1977, Jon met Frank Kidder, who was then holding a comedy-writing workshop in North Beach. When Kidder mentioned

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his idea of a comedy competition, the Foxes became convinced that there was something funny in the future: an annual stand-up comedy competition. The first event, which Kidder had promoted himself, featured a then-little-known comic named Robin Williams. He placed second. The Foxes joined Kidder the following year to promote the competition. Based on the success of that event, they began promoting comedy shows at a San Francisco nightclub. The Showtime cable channel aired the 1978 comedy competition as “The Big Laff Off.” Jeffrey Pollack, owner of San Francisco’s Old Waldorf nightclub, became interested and converted what was essentially the dressing room into the Bay Area’s first full-time comedy club, the Punch Line. From their office in Mill Valley, where for a decade the Foxes also published the national stand-up comedy newspaper Just for Laughs, the couple witnessed a major shakeup in the stand-up comedy boom of the ’80s when a glut of hungry comics hit the road, vying for stage time on a crowded suburban nightcluband-pizza-shack circuit. They also saw a rash of imitators: network TV copied the competition’s premise for the series Last Comic Standing, and Comedy Central appropriated the Just for Laughs moniker. Throughout, the Foxes have enjoyed an insider’s view of the ever-shifting stand-up comedy scene. “There’s a lot to be said for the more unrestrained, sometimes abrasive, free-thinking form of comedy, which is most brilliant, in the tradition of Lenny Bruce and George Carlin,” said Jon Fox, when asked about his own likes. “And then there’s the safe, funny, no-ruffledfeathers style that is probably closer to what most people want. “Myself, I appreciate the other one. I like to find comedians who can create original thought and are willing to question the prevailing points of view while entertaining people at the same time.” Y All jokes aside, let Greg know what you think at gcahill51@gmail.com.

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›› STYLE TIGHT PIECES

Clothing that tips the scales Approach your New Year’s style with flattering trends

SMALL-ISH SEPARATES

You will always look thinner in something that is a little too big, while trying to squeeze into something too small will look like you should have sized-up.

BAGGY WITH BAGGY

by K at ie R ice Jone s

et’s face it; pouring on the holiday cheer tends to also pour on the pounds. When January finally rolls around, most of us are looking for ways to detox and trim down. Hence we buy gym memberships, start fad diets and do cleanses. However, even the most “tried and true” weight loss methods are bound to fall short of your expectations (go

Tight pieces accentuate weight gain, while fitted or tailored separates diminish it.

figure!) if, at the same time, you are wearing the wrong clothes. Yes, wearing the wrong kind of clothing can visually counteract any of your New Year weight loss methods and be very effective at tipping the scales in the wrong direction. That’s why it’s important to understand which fashion designs and modes of dressing fatter you.

To avoid looking massive, never pair baggy with baggy (see photo). If you want to wear an oversized sweater, pair it with either leggings or skinny jeans.

LARGE-SCALE PRINTS

Prints are hot this season, but tread carefully when you wear them. Large-scale prints add dimension and volume to your body.

LAYERS ON LAYERS

Just like when wearing baggy clothes, your outfit should balance fitted layers with loose layers.

SHAPELESS JACKETS

Don’t hide your weight gain under an oversized, shapeless jacket. It isn’t helping. Voluminous jackets with little to no waist definition will make you appear larger.

SHINY SEPARATES

Sequin and metallics reflect light, thus casting you in a bigger light.

BULK ACCESSORIES

From oversized bags to jewelry to snoods, bulky accessories do little to elongate and slim your body.

While it might prove to be difficult to take off those extra holiday pounds with diet and exercise, it’s simple to change your clothes.Y

- Philip Pullman Katie Rice Jones is the Pacific Sun’s lifestyle editor-at-large, a Marin-based style expert and author of the maternity fashion book titled, ‘Fashion Dues & Duen’ts; a Stylist’s Guide to Fashionably Embracing Your Baby Bump’ (Know Act Be Books, 2014). Available NOW at Amazon. com. Learn more at FashionDue.com.

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›› TALKiNG PiCTURES

Wild and wooly MVFF audience applauds Laura Dern as she talks latest film ‘Wild’ by David Te mp l e ton MOLLY OLESON

aura Dern is leaning against the wall, at the rear of the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, as a series of clips plays on screen—Mask, Smooth Talk, Blue Velvet, Citizen Ruth, Jurassic Park, The Fault in Our Stars— each featuring a typically luminous performance by Dern. As she watches her greatest hits, the flickering light from the screen illuminates her, a look of reluctant wonder on her face. The Oscar-nominated actress (Rambling Rose) is present this October evening for a Mill Valley Film Festival screening of her latest film Wild, in which she plays the mother of Reese Witherspoon’s ex-addict redemption-seeker, walking 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail as flashbacks—that’s where Dern steps in— tells the story of how she got here. Wild, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club), is now officially in theaters, with Oscar handicappers singling out Witherspoon for a probable best actress nomination. Tonight’s audience, though, knowing that co-star Dern is in the house, is abuzz with talk that Dern should not be overlooked either, so key is her performance to the story of Wild. “You were so young!” exclaims Festival Director Mark Fishkin, as Dern takes the stage after the clip reel is over. Dern was 18 years old when she appeared on screen for the first time in Mask and Smooth Talk, both released in 1985. Since then, she’s established herself as a truly versatile performer with a taste for off-the-wall material, and a drive to push herself with challenging projects. Tonight’s audience is filled with people who’ve watched her grow up on screen, as one enthusiastic fan shouts out—“We grew up with you, Laura! We love you!”—as Dern graciously acknowledges the crowd’s applause. “Thank you so much! I love you, too!” she says, and maybe it’s just because she’s a great actress, but she certainly seems to mean it. Film festivals are one of the rare opportunities for film fans to engage in face-to-face conversation with the people who make movies. That post-screening give-and-take, though formalized with moderators and volunteers running microphones out to the audience for each new question, often results in spontaneous moments as memorable as the films the movie-stars-of-the-moment have created. One of the first questions, from a fan who’s read the book Wild, Cheryl Strayed’s best-seller on which the new movie is

Dern at the Mill Valley Film Festival’s Closing Night and screening of ‘Wild.’

based, is about whether the book was useful in creating her character. “It was a pure gift,” Dern says. “Anyone who hasn’t read the book, you really should. Reading it is such an incredible journey, and Cheryl’s voice—as you saw in the movie—is pretty remarkable; it’s brave and almost shameless, which is tragically unique. We don’t see that kind of voice in film very often, and we rarely read it in books— someone so nakedly displaying their bad choices, and showing their willingness to face those choices without defending them or explaining them. “I am so moved by Cheryl’s story,” she goes on. “And we shot the movie, in part, where Cheryl lives now, so she was with us for 95 percent of the shoot. She totally opened her heart to us, as she does in her book. She’s fearless, which isn’t to say she hasn’t been afraid in her life. Fearlessness, really, is about being afraid but moving ahead anyway, because you are more scared of who you’d be if you gave into your fears and didn’t do the scary thing, than you are actually afraid of that thing. “Does that make sense?” The audience responds with a huge round of applause. That’s audience-speak for, “Yes, that makes sense—and then some.” In a public Q&A, where only some of the audience gets to speak, the crowd often finds other ways to communicate their responses. “What’s so cool about this movie,” Dern adds, “is that it’s a love story. But unlike most movies about women, the love story isn’t a boy-meets-girl story. It doesn’t involve her falling in love with a guy, or defining herself by finding a relationship with a guy. This is a love story between a daughter and her mother. Everything brave about Cheryl, the way she

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breathes life into everything and everyone around her—you learn in this movie that all of that comes from her mother. “Playing this part,” she says, “has actually brought me to a place where I can now fully appreciate, and be grateful for, everything I’ve learned from my mother, and maybe never realized.” Dern is the daughter of Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd (Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose). Her father is Bruce Dern, nominated last year for his role in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska. “With his reputation for being a collaborator and improviser on set,” comes Dern’s next question, “what was it like working with Jean-Marc Vallée?” “He’s a trip,” Dern says with a laugh. “He’s at the top of the list of impassioned filmmakers—someone who won’t stop until he believes he’s captured the truth of a scene. And he is a collaborator. He wants everyone to be part of the party, the cast, the crew, everyone. “And he’s constantly filming!” As an example, Dern describes a moment on set where Vallée was looking for Witherspoon, who he’d sent behind a trailer to change clothes a few minutes ago. Dern, by the way, does a spot-on impersonation of Vallée, complete with French accent. “Where ees Reese! Where ees Reese!” she says, mimicking the director calling for his lead actress. “We said, ‘Jean-Marc, she’s changing her costume. She’ll be back in three minutes,’ and Jean-Marc went, ‘Three meen-utes? Three meen-utes! My god! Weeee are wasteeng time! Fine! Laura!

Come here! We weel do a scene!’ And we improvised a scene right there on the spot! Every day was like that. It was amazing!” “How much of what you did on set ended up in the actual movie?” one fan wants to know. “All of it!” Dern replies. “Can you believe it? That never happens. Often, when you are working with visionary directors like David Lynch, on three-and-a-halfhour movies, there comes a moment when they call you up and say, ‘I know you were attached to this or that scene, but we had to lose some of that because the film had to come in at a certain length,’ right? Well when Jean-Marc was about to show me the finished movie, outside the editing room, he said, ‘Laura!! Laura! I used everytheeng! You think I am maybe keeding? Remember when I came into your trailer and filmed your make-up test? That’s in the movie, too!’ “He’s so beautiful!” Dern says with a laugh. “He’s just so excited to be making a film, you can’t help but get excited, too. When you’ve been making movies your whole life, like I have, you really appreciate it when someone can make you feel that excitement again. And I think the audience can feel that excitement and danger and risk-taking on screen. “Know what I mean?” Tonight’s audience knows. They tell her the way they do best. With a spontaneous round of applause, to which Laura Dern merely stands, hands clasped, beaming a smile that looks a whole lot like love. Y Ask David if he’s ever hiked the Pacific Crest Trail at talkpix@earthlink.net.

Dern plays Witherspoon’s mother in the film, but is only nine years older than Witherspoon in real life.

MOViES

F R I D AY N O V E M B E R 2 6 — T H U R S D AY J A N U A R Y 1 Movie summaries by M at t hew St af fo r d

Due to this week’s exceptionally early holiday deadline, movie showtimes were unavailable as we went to press. Please visit cinemark.com or fandango.com for schedule updates. l Annie (1:59) Remake of the Strouse-Charnin musical comic strip stars Quevenzhané Wallis as the plucky li’l orphan and Jamie Foxx as a modern-day Daddy Warbucks. l Antarctica: A Year on Ice (1:31) Dazzling documentary focuses on the world’s most brutal continent and the scientists and researchers who call it home. l Awake: The Life of Yogananda (1:27) Biodoc of Paramahansa Yogananda, the Indian yogi who brought meditation and yoga to the West in the 1920s; Krishna Das and Deepak Chopra share insights. l The Babadook (1:34) Atmospheric Australian chiller about a spooky storybook creature that invades the home of a single mom and her hyperactive son. l Big Eyes (1:46) Tim Burton biopic of Margaret Keane, the artist whose paintings of big-eyed waifs made her husband rich and famous; Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz star. l Big Hero 6 (1:30) Disney cartoon concerns a boy, his posse and their repurposed crimefighting robot, but the real star is a dazzlingly reimagined mashup of Tokyo and San Francisco complete with skateboarding geishas and a torii-turreted Golden Gate Bridge. l Birdman (1:59) Offbeat comedy from 21 Grams director Alejandro González Iñárritu about a onetime movie superhero (Michael Keaton) trying to get himself some thespian cred by starring in a Broadway play. l Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker (2:20) Direct from Moscow it’s Tchaikovsky’s holiday must-see in a dazzling production rife with toy soldiers, colorful costumes and little Marie, of course. l Citizenfour (1:54) Documentary follows investigative filmmaker Laura Poitras across the globe in search of budding whistleblower Edward Snowden. l Exodus: Gods and Kings (2:30) Christian Bale is Moses in Ridley Scott’s epic retelling of the flight from Egypt; Ben Kingsley and Sigourney Weaver co-star. l Foxcatcher (2:10) True story of Olympic wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz (Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo) and their edgy, intense relationship with their deeply obsessed heir-to-a-fortune sponsor, John du Pont (Steve Carell). l The Gambler (1:41) Remake of Karel Reisz’s 1974 drama stars Mark Wahlberg as an English professor whose gambling addiction pulls him to the lower depths; Jessica Lange co-stars. l The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2:25) The trilogy’s final chapter finds Bilbo and company taking on scary, spooky challenges of all sorts as they defend Middleearth one last time. l Horrible Bosses 2 (1:48) When their brand-new business is hijacked by smooth operator Christoph Waltz, working stiffs Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day kidnap son Chris Pine in retaliation; Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx add to the hilarity.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 (2:05) Jennifer Lawrence is back as Games top dawg Katniss Everdeen, leading the charge against her nation’s wicked past; Julianne Moore costars. l The Imitation Game (1:53) Benedict Cumberbatch as ace cryptologist Alan Turing, leader of Britain’s top code-breakers, who raced against time to crack the Nazis’ Enigma Code during World War II. l Interstellar (2:49) Spacey Christopher Nolan sci-fi drama follows a troupe of hungry astronauts through a newly discovered wormhole to the far reaches of the galaxy; Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey are among the crew. l Into the Woods (2:05) Stephen Sondheim’s twisted musical fairy tale gets the Disney treatment; Rob Marshall directs Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Chris Pine. l Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1:55) Capra comedy about a bumpkin millionaire who decides to give his fortune away to the Depression’s neediest cases; Gary Cooper stars. l Monk with a Camera (1:30) Documentary examines the life of Nicholas Vreeland, a son of privilege and accomplished photographer who gave it all up to become a Buddhist monk. l National Gallery (3:03) Disquisitive Frederick Wiseman documentary looks behind the scenes at London’s premier museum and its Titians, Turners and da Vincis. l Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (1:37) Ben Stiller and his reanimated pals are back and circling the globe in search of ever more magic; Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke star. l The Penguins of Madagascar (1:32) Cartoon caper comedy about a waddle of penguin superspies on a mission to save the world from John Malkovich. l St. Vincent (1:42) Unwitting single mom Melissa McCarthy leaves her 12-year-old son in the questionable day-care of neighbor Bill Murray, who mentors the kid in the art and science of playing the horses, tipping the strippers and shooting the whiskey. l The Theory of Everything (2:03) Biopic focuses on the young and healthy yet degenerating Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) as he woos his future wife (Felicity Jones) and races against time to break new ground in physics and medicine. l Top Five (1:42) Chris Rock writes, directs and stars in an edgy, critically acclaimed look at a comedian-turned-movie star grappling with his past. l Unbroken (2:17) Gripping true story of three WWII soldiers who survived a plane crash, 47 days on a raft and brutality in a Japanese prison camp; Angelina Jolie directs Ethan and Joel Coen’s screenplay. l Wild (1:55) True tale of a spiraling young woman’s thousand-mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail in search of strength and healing; Reese Witherspoon stars. l Zero Motivation (1:40) Dark comedy about an all-female unit of bored Israeli soldiers stuck in a remote desert outpost. l

DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015 PACIFIC SUN 17

F R I D AY D E C E M B E R 2 6 — F R I D AY J A N U A R Y 1 , 2 0 1 5

SUNDiAL Pacific Sun‘s Community Calendar

Fri 12/26 & Sat 12/27 • Doors 8pm ADV $20 / DOS $22 / 2-Day Pass $36

Monophonics Annual Soulful Social Sun 12/28 • Doors 7:30pm • FREE

FREE SHOW with Scary Little Friends

Highlights from our online community calendar—great things to do this weekend in Marin. Check out our Online Community Calendar for more listings, spanning more weeks, with more event information »pacificsun.com/sundial

Mon 12/29 • Doors 7pm • ADV $14 / DOS $17

Jason Crosby & Friends Holiday Show featuring Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz, Stu Allen, Steve Adams, Cochrane McMillan and Roger McNamee with Special Guests

Tue 12/30 Doors 7pm ADV $20 / DOS $22 & Wed 12/31 VIP Dinner $102 6:00pm, GA Doors 8:30pm ADV $47 / DOS $53

Pimps of Joytime New Year's Eve Celebration Fri 1/2 • Doors 7pm • ADV $15/DOS $17

Rebecca Mimiaga Words in the Dark EP Pre-release Show Sat 1/3 • Doors 8pm • ADV $17/DOS $19

The Brothers Comatose with Quiles and Cloud

Fri 1/9 • Doors 8pm • ADV $20 / DOS $22

Brothers Keeper featuring John Popper of Blues Traveler and Jono Manson www.sweetwatermusichall.com 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley Café 388-1700 | Box Office 388-3850

SHOP LOCAL AND ADVERTISE WITH THE PACIFIC SUN! Marin’s only 100% local publication, bringing you arts, entertainment & quality journalism. sales@pacificsun.com 415-485-6700

Live music 12/26: B Side Players Latin/funk. 9pm. $13. Hopmonk, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 12/26: Kai Killion. 9:30pm. $7. The Sleeping Lady, 23 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. sleepingladyfairfax.com. 12/26: Kelly Peterson Band Rock. 5pm. No cover. Peri’s Silver Dollar, 29 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. perisbar.com. 12/26: Lumanation Reggae, rock. 9pm. $8. Peri’s Silver Dollar, 29 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. perisbar.com.

12/26-27: Monophonics Annual Soulful Social 9pm. $20-36. Sweetwater Music Hall,

19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 388-1100. swmh.com. 12/26: Occi-Fenton-Mystics Super jam. 9pm. $10. 19 Broadway, 17 Broadway, Fairfax. 459-1091. 19broadway.com. 12/26: PSDSP 9pm-1am. $8. Smiley’s Schooner Saloon, 41 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 868-1311. smileyssaloon.com.

12/26: Soul 4 the Season: A Definitely Diva Christmas With Lydia Pense, Paula

Harris, Dana Moret and Terrie Odabi. 7:30 and 9:30pm. $25-35. Fenix, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 813-5600. fenixlive.com.

12/26: Zan Stewart Trio with Ron Marabuto Jazz rock. 6:30pm. No cover. Terrapin

Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. terrapincrossroads.net. 12/27: Andre Nickatina Hip-hop, rap. 9pm. $15. 19 Broadway, 17 Broadway, Fairfax. 459-1091. 19broadway.com. 12/27: Fleetwood Mask 8pm. Fenix, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 813-5600. fenixlive.com. 12/27: Freddy Clark and Wobbly World 9pmmidnight. $12. Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. 331-2899. sausalitoseahorse.com 12/27: Helm Middle eastern/gypsy. 9:30pm. $7. The Sleeping Lady, 23 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. sleepingladyfairfax.com. 10/27: James Nash and Friends 9pm. Terrapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. 524-2773. terrapincrossroads.net.

12/27: Ned Endless and the Allniters’ Xmas Aftermath Post-holiday dance party.

8pm. No cover. Presidio Yacht Club, Sommerville Road, Sausalito. 332-2319. 12/27: Holiday Open Mic 7pm. No cover. All ages. Hopmonk, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 12/27: The Sun Kings Beatles covers. 8:30pm. $18-20. Rancho Nicasio, 1Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. ranchonicasio.com. 12/27: The Uptown Six Rock. 9:30pm. $8. Peri’s Silver Dollar, 29 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. perisbar.com. 18 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015

ViDEO A black sheep comedy Last week this corner highlighted two overlooked yuletide classics, Christmas at Pee Wee’s Playhouse and The Dead, that were nice correctives to the irony and cynicism that’s come to dominate Christmas movies. But if you’re gonna go that way, I can’t think of a better bitingly black comedy than Unintentional reverse psychology at its finest ... one of the first, 1994’s THE REF, a film that takes a Simpson-Bruckheimer hatchet to the season, courtesy of its merciless script and three pitch-perfect leads. Ted Demme’s holiday pic manqué puts us at the epicenter of American Noel, upscale rural Connecticut, to meet the Chasseurs (Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey), antiques dealers who are talking out their marriage difficulties with a counselor. Things aren’t going well and the argument spills past the hour, as we gather it always does, all the way home—until interrupted by a gun-wielding cat burglar (Denis Leary), desperate after a botched second-story job in their neighborhood. This being the Chasseurs, they hardly miss a vituperative beat, and as their Christmas Eve becomes a home-invasion it’s an open question which side will terrorize whom. Wife Caroline is bitter over their provisional life under a demurely monstrous mother-in-law, husband Lloyd still blames her for an affair, and robber Gus is bothered over his AWOL getaway and an increasingly bickeraddled brain. This is group therapy at gunpoint. Meanwhile the police dragnet tightens, and company’s arriving.—Richard Gould

12/28: Blind Melon with Scalehound

12/28: Namely Us Jazz. 7pm. No cover. The

8pm. $25-30. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 707/260-1600. citywinery.com

Sleeping Lady, 23 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 485-1182. sleepingladyfairfax.com. 12/28: Open Mic with Eli 8:30pm-12:30am. Smiley’s Schooner Saloon, 41 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 868-1311. smileyssaloon.com. 12/28: Orgone Jam, funk, rock. 9pm. $20. Hopmonk, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 12/28: Rockit Science 9pm. No cover. 19 Broadway Nightclub, 17 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax. 497-2448.

12/28: Buck Nickels and Loose Change With Larry Cragg, steel guitar/vocals; Ross Perry, bass; CC Dawson, drums. 11:30am. No cover. Fenix, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 813-5600. fenixlive.com.

12/28: Dale Polissar Trio w/ Bart Hopkin Jazz. Clarinet; guitar. 6pm. No cover. Panama Hotel and Restaurant, 4 Bayview St., San Rafael. panamahotel.com. 12/28: Greg Ballad R&B, jazz/blues vocalist. 6:30pm. $15. Fenix, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 813-5600. fenixlive.com.

12/27: The Mighty Mike Schermer Band with Angela Strehli 4pm. No cover.

Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. ranchonicasio.com.

12/29: Marty Atkinson and April May

6:30-10pm. Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. 331-2899. sausalitoseahorse.com 12/29: Open Mic Night Hosted by Marty Atkinson. 7pm. No cover. Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Dr., Sausalito. sausalitoseahorse.com.

by Howard Rachelson

iA CAFÉ

troke of 8am on Jan. 1, Colorado became the first state the sale of what? uary, what city hosted the Winter Olympics? March 3 Academy Awards ceremony, what were the ning best picture, actor and actress (and their films)? and Sept. 22: Weddings of the Year—name these two

the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rules that what isparaging of Native Americans”and should be stripped ark protection? nd of the year, in support of what cause, had what threee? ember, what Chinese e-commerce giant went public billion initial public offering—the largest of all time? these people who passed away in 2014 : American folk singer and activist who wrote“Where e Flowers Gone?” 46-year-old dramatic actor in the prime of his career 0: Child movie star of the 1930s who went on to a politi-

4a.

4b.

8: Honored American author, poet and screenwriter who wrote, I Know Why the Sings in 1969 1: Well-loved Bay Area entertainer Acerbic Brooklyn-born actress, comedienne and television host 0: Dominican-American fashion designer Francisco Giants won their third World Series in five What team did they vanquish this year, in how many

magazine’s Person of the Year for 2014 was“The ...“ roup) Andre Nickatina takes over 19 Braodway on Saturday, Dec. 27. 10. eview of early film-award favorites, the two movies e most 2014 Golden Globes nominations were what 12/29: Open Micstarting with Austin DeLone 12/31: NYE with Vinyl Featuring Sweetie hat have seven-letter names with“B”? 7:30pm. No cover. Sweetwater Music Hall, Pie 9pm. $35-40. 19 Broadway, 17 Broadway, ember, after the Senate Intelligence Committee’s bombshell report on the CIA’s 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 388-1100. Fairfax. 459-1091. 19broadway.com. ion practices, what person told Fox News,“The report is full of crap”? swmh.com. 12/31: NYE with Beso Negro Gypsy jazz 12/29:you Open Mic withtrivia Derek SmithWednesday, rock. 9:30pm. $20. Peri’s Silver Dollar, 29 achelson invites to live team contests, 8:30pm. Free. 19 Broadway Night Club, 17 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax. perisbar.com. he Broken Drum in San Rafael and Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Broadway, Fairfax. 459-1091. 19broadway.com. 12/31: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza rossroads 12/29: in San Rafael, bothwith at 6:30pm. Open Mic Simon Have Costaa great with Danny Click and the Hell Yeahs Jude Answers Send it in and if weFree. use The it we’ll give you credit. Contact 8:30pm. Sleeping Lady, 23 Broadway Johnstone opens. 8pm. $40-70. Throckmorton on142 page 19 @triviacafe.com or visit485-1182. www.triviacafe.com. Blvd, Fairfax. sleepingladyfairfax.com. Theatre, Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 12/30: Jazz with Noel Jewkes and 383-9600. throckmortontheatre.org. 7:30pm. cover. 12/31:ANew Year’s Eve with Rock with No a temporary solution. neighbor, ▲ Most of friends us were Jazz safesaxophone. in our Seahorse Harboron remaining Candyanonymous, Classic, hard rock covers. 9pm. $25. who305 insisted ozy homesSausalito last week as we Supper Club, Dr., Sausalito. Hopmonk, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. had overheard the conversation, phoned repared for the massive331-2899. storm sausalitoseahorse.com. 12/30: Music is the Mixer with MC Radio892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. the station, and offered to pay for two eaded our way. One woman active 9pm. No cover. 19 Broadway, 17 Broad12/31: New Year’s Eve with Tom Finch nights at a hotel. SRPD helped her register wasn’t so fortunate. Monday way, Fairfax. 459-1091. 19broadway.com. Group 9:30pm. $10. The Sleeping Lady, 23 at the hotel and promised to monitor her vening, San Rafael police re-of Joytime 12/30-31: Pimps 9pm. $20-102. Broadway Blvd., Fairfax. sleepingladyfairfax.com. situation. morning, Lieutenponded toSweetwater a report ofMusic someone Hall, 19 Corte MaderaThe Ave,following 12/31: New Year’s Eve Celebration with ant Dan Fink contacted the Ritter Center. ving in their car on Paloma Mill Valley. 388-1100. swmh.com. the James Mosley Band Blues, rock. Dinner Cathy now has three and weeks at a$95. local hotel. Avenue. Cathy Bonner, 54, and 12/30: Stefanie Keys Singer-songwriter dance Dance only $25. 9:30pm. Seafrom day three series hosted $10. Fenix,the 919Ritter Center r-old Chihuahua Yaya,open weremic. 8pm.“Without horse Supper Club, 305 Harbor Dr, Sausalito. Fourth St., San Rafael. fenixlive.com. on, Cathy would havesausalitoseahorse.com. been homeless,” Lt. ng in her car. Corporals Justin813-5600. 12/31:learned Foreverland: Year’s Eve Year’s with The Purple Ones said. The goal is12/31: to findNew permanent d Mike Mathis that sheNewFink Full bar, dance Michael Jacksonafter Tributehousing, Princeshe covers. 5:30pm. $75-145, includes dinner especially while undergoes victed from her apartment floor and limited reserved seats at tables. Mill and General. champagne toast. chemotherapy at Marin And herFenix, 919 Fourth St,. San r of 38 years died; she was also Valley-based non-profit Ripple Jams will spon- Rafael. 813-1234. fenixlive.com. agnosed with cancer and unem- little dog? “Yaya will stay with Sergeant sor the bar and benefit from the proceeds. 12/31: Stu Allen and Mars Hotel 9pm. $45. Wanda Spaletta Cathy’s treatthe officers, the call changed 9pm. $55-70. Mill Valley Community Center,during Terrapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San ments, ” Lt. Fink said. A host524-2773. of heroes cing the ordinance against 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. 389-5072. Rafael. terrapincrossroads.net. stepped forward to assist Cathy, moreFlames 12th Annual a vehicle murphyproductions.com. to trying to help. As 12/31: The but Zydeco the 9pm. Ritter$35-45. Rancho Nicasio, 1 sed the limited due 7toand 10are 12/31:options Los Lobos pm.needed. $80-100.To help, contact NYE Party Napa Valleyinterrupted Opera House, 1030 MainatSt., Napa. Center 415/457-8182.—Nikki Silverstein Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. ur, their dispatcher

707/260-1600. citywinery.com

ranchonicasio.com.

Bolinas. 868-1311. smileyssaloon.com.

Kevin Scott Kroner, Bruce Brophy and Kelly

12/31: New EvetoAsteroid #4 9pm. a Hero or a Zero? Please sendYear’s submissions nikki_silverstein@yahoo.com. 01/02: The Big Jangle Tom Petty covers. $8. Smiley’s Schooner Saloon, Road, With Paul Cotruvo, Kiki Stack, Dan Hertlein, roses, hurl stones with more Heroes and Zeros at41››Wharf pacificsun.com

TRiViA ANSWERS: From page 6 1. Small amounts of retail marijuana 2. Sochi, Russia 3. 12 Years a Slave / Matthew McConaughey—Dallas Buyers Club / Cate Blanchett—Blue Jasmine 4a. May 22: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West 4b. Sept. 22: George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin 5. Washington Redskins 6. Ice Bucket Challenge, in support of a cure for ALS—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often known as“Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” a nervous disease that affects brain and spinal cord. 7. Alibaba 8a. Pete Seeger 8b. Philip Seymour Hoffman 8c. Shirley Temple 8d. Maya Angelou 8e. Robin Williams 8f. Joan Rivers 8g. Oscar de la Renta 9. Kansas City Royals in seven exciting games! 10. “ ... Ebola Fighters” 11. Birdman / Boyhood 12. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, proud supporter of such activities.

EVERY TUES 8PM

TUESDAY NIGHT COMEDY MARK PITTA & FRIENDS

The Best in Stand Up Comedy

10 years of giving you a weekly dose of hilarity!

THE TOMMY IGOE GROOVE CONSPIRACY SAT Acclaimed drumming icon Tommy Igoe will knock DEC 27 out the carols with a show featuring Latin, New Orleans 8PM and Steely Dan tunes! Featuring Latin Piano virtuoso and Grammy winner, Christian Tumulan.

NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA 2015! WED Join us for a splashy year-end extravaganza! DEC 31 Celebrate the end of 2014 and welcome in the new 8PM excitement of 2015, with old and new friends, laughter, joy and music. Dance the night away to the rock n’ roll mastery of Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs!

BIG FAT YEAR-END KISS OFF COMEDY SHOW!!

Will Durst, Johnny Steele, Debi Durst, Michael Bossier, Arthur Gaus and Mari Magaloni

THURS JAN 1 8PM

MARTIN TAYLOR

Martin Taylor is a multi-award winning guitarist. Acoustic Guitar magazine calls him “THE Acoustic Guitarist of his Generation”.

FRI JAN 9 8PM

SAT JAN 10 8PM SUN EOS ENSEMBLE JAN 11 Featuring Craig Reiss on violin, Caroline Lee on viola, Thalia Moore on cello, and Marilyn Thompson on piano. We 7PM

BLAME SALLY

Beautiful harmonies, intricate instrumental work, smart lyrics...Massive talent!

hope you can join us for this wonderful evening of rich chamber music!

THE GREAT POETS CONCERT

THU

San Francisco based VOICES OF MUSIC performs JAN 22 both renaissance and baroque music, drawing upon 8PM the many and varied sources for historical performance practice. Voices of Music sponsors the Young Artist Program and the East Bay Junior Recorder Society.

@ca420md 420MD.org @CA420MD

Renewal**

New Patient**

from any doctor

420 MD - BERKELY 2588 Telgraph Ave Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 204.9999

420 MD - SACRAMENTO 2100 Watt Ave, #190 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 480.9000

420 MD - SAN JOSE 1630 Oakland Rd, # A118 San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 441.0230

420 MD - OAKLAND 2633 Telegraph Ave, #109 Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 832.5000

DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015 PACIFIC SUN 19

✭ ★

Pine 8pm. $10/$12. Fenix, 919 Fourth St, San Rafael. 813-5600. fenixlive.com. 01/03-03: Phil Lesh and Friends 8pm. $79. Terrapin Crossroads, 100 Yacht Club Dr., San Rafael. 524-2773. terrapincrossroads.net.

01/03: Ron Thompson and the Resistors

BEST MUSIC VENUE 10 YEARS RUNNING

Comedy

DON’T FORGET…WE SERVE FOOD, TOO!

McNear’s Dining House Brunch, Lunch, Dinner • BBQ, Pasta, Steak, Desserts

12/29: Tuesday Night Comedy with Mark Pitta and Friends Established headliners

“Only 10 miles north of Marin”

Sat 12/27 • 8:30pm doors • 21+ • Island Reggae

ANUHEA

TRIBAL THEORY AND MAHI CRABBE NYE 12/31 • 8:30pm doors • 21+ • Blues/Rock

AN EVENING WITH TOMMY CASTRO AND Party Favors Confetti Cannons THE PAINKILLERS Sat 1/3 • 7:30pm doors • 21+ • Reggae

and up-and-coming comics drop by and work on new material. $16-26. 142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 383-9600. throckmortontheatre.org.

12/31: The Other Cafe Showcase’s 5th Annual Stand-Up Comedy Celebration

With Don Gavin, Nato Green, Brendan Lynch and Chris Garcia. 8pm cocktails; 9pm performance followed by champagne toast. The Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. marinjcc.org

THE ENGLISH BEAT

PLUS RUSTY ZINN & HIS BAND Thu 1/15 • 7:30pm doors • 21+ • Rock

YOUNG DUBLINERS Sat 1/17 • 7pm doors • All Ages • Jazz

12/31: Best of the S.F. Stand Up Comedy Competition 9pm. $35. Marin Center Show-

ADAM THEIS & JAZZ MAFIA

WITH THE PETALUMA HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ ENSEMBLE Sat 1/24 • 7:30pm doors • 21+ • Singer/Songwriters

DAVE ALVIN & PHIL ALVIN WITH THE GUILTY ONES

PLUS BIG SANDY & HIS FLY-RITE BOYS Sat 1/31 • 8:45pm doors • 21+ • 80's, 90's and now

AN EVENING WITH WONDERBREAD 5 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma (707) 765-2121 purchase tix online now! mystictheatre.com

case Theater, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael. marincenter.org 01/01: Mort Sahl: Social Satire Provocative humor and engaging conversation. 7pm. Free. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 383-9600. 142throckmortontheatre.org.

12/29 and 01/01: Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show With Will Durst, Johnny Steele, Debi Durst, Michael Bossier, Arthur Gaus and Mari Magaloni $21-25.

8pm. Dec. 29 at Hopmonk Novato--The Session Room, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 892-6200. hopmonk.com/novato. 8pm. Jan. 1 at Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 383-9600. 142throckmortontheatre.org.

Art

224 VINTAGE WAY NOVATO

EVERY WEDNESDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DENNIS HANEDA FRI 12/26

8pm. Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. 662-2219. ranchonicasio.com.

$13 8PM DOORS / 9PM SHOW B-SIDE PLAYERS

21+

12/26-01/02: Gale McKee exhibit: The American Car: A Family Portrait Gale S. McKee, contemporary paintings re-created from b&w vintage prints. Gallery hours are

LATIN FUNK | REGGAE | HIP HOP

SAT 12/27 FREE 6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW ALL AGES SPECIAL HOPMONK HOLIDAY OPEN MIC! ACOUSTIC | JAM | ANYTHING GOES

SUN 12/28

$20

8PM DOORS / 9PM SHOW ORGONE

21+

FUNK | JAM | SOUL

MON 12/29 $25 7PM DOORS / 8PM SHOW 21+ THE BIG FAT YEAR END KISS OFF COMEDY SHOW XXII STAND UP COMEDY

WED 12/31

$25+

8PM DOORS / 9PM SHOW

NYE 2014 W/ ROCK CANDY

21+

CLASSIC | HARD ROCK | COVERS

SAT 1/3

$15

8PM DOORS / 9PM SHOW 21+ POP FICTION DANCE | POP | JAM

Book your next event with us. Up to 150ppl. Email kim@hopmonk.com

HOPMONK.COM | 415 892 6200

20 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015

Gale McKee’s work will be on display at the Gail Van Dyke Atrium Gallery starting Friday, Dec. 26. 8am-7pm, Mon.-Fri. 454-1411. Free. The Gail Van Dyke Atrium Gallery, 1350 South Eliseo Dr., Greenbrae. 454-1411. mesart.com/gsmckee.

Kids Events 12/26: Learn to Skate at McInnis Join us at the McInnis Skate Park where rangers will offer tips and techniques for beginners as well as ways to attack features that build confidence and skill. This event is geared towards the newbie skateboarder and those looking to cross over from other board sports, but aren’t quite sure how to start. This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Wear comfortable athletic clothing

and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring board, helmet and pads. Rain will cancel. 11am. Free. McInnis Park, 310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael. marincountyparks.org.

12/30: Nature for Kids: Cascade Canyon By now the creek should be rushing, and the waterfall might be going full blast. Search for insects, amphibians and learn about an amazing steelhead salmon that comes into the bay from the ocean and swims up this creek to lay eggs and then goes back out to sea. When the creek is full, we have to use a trail that is cut into a stone bank above the water; this narrow section can be slippery and challenging. Strollers not recommended. Bring lunch. No pets (except service animals) please. Rain may cancel. If questionable weather call 893-9527 after 8am

WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?

››ADViCE GODDESS®

A my

A l ko n

I’m trying to get over my ex, but I’m constantly checking his Twitter and Facebook pages, and I get really upset. I’ll see pix of women or see that he’s gone to some event and wonder whether he met anyone there. It’s crazy-making, but I can’t seem to stop looking. —Unhinged

You know you’ll feel bad when you check his Facebook and Twitter, yet you keep doing it. This is the social media version of being the busty friend character in the horror movie—the one who says, “I hear creepy reptilian hissing coming from the cellar. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ll just rub my large breasts with raw hamburger and go down there with this flickering flashlight to check.” Unless intelligence tests have revealed you to have an IQ rivaling that of Jell-O, you’re repeating this misery-making behavior because you, like the rest of us, are prone to fall into automatic strings of behavior we call habits. In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg explains that “a habit is a choice we deliberately make at some point, and then stop thinking about, but continue doing.” Research finds that every habit has three components, which Duhigg calls the CUE (a feeling that triggers behavior), the ROUTINE (the behavior itself), and the REWARD (some sort of payoff that tells your brain, “Oh, yeah, let’s totally do that again”). You’re probably picturing yourself at 80, with an elderly monkey on your back, still frantically checking Facebook for signs your ex-boyfriend’s shifted position in the last 30 seconds. But Duhigg emphasizes that you can break a habit. You do this by swapping out the middle step, the routine (compulsively clicking into your ex’s social media accounts). To understand what to replace it with, check in with yourself at the moment the urge strikes and figure out the “why”—what reward you’re going after, what need you’re trying to fill. Maybe you’re lonely and longing to feel connected. Or maybe you’re going for a hit of intensity. Intense feelings are called “arousal” in psychology and can be positive or negative. Either leads to feeling stimulated and alive (though sometimes alive and pretty miserable). Next, you need a plan—a substitute routine to slip in whenever the impulse to cyberstalk him strikes. This replacement routine is especially important because a “negative goal”—not doing something—is way harder than doing something different. So, if it’s A screening of ‘20,000 Days on Earth’ featuring NickaCave is slated over theaNapa Valley Opera House on Tuesday,IfDec. 30. connection you’re longing for, call friend or to gotake impede co-worker’ s productivity. you’re an intensity junkie, watch a clip from a slasher movie or maybe rappel to your car of taking theevent elevator. oninstead the morning of the to hear a recorded them. We’ll make the 1,000-foot ascent at a pace that will allow us totired enjoyor allhungry of the scenery message if cancelled. Free. Cascade Be prepared for10am. temptation to gnawCanat you, especially if you’re (when we along theby way. (6.5 miles yon Preserve, is Cascade Drive, Meet at theitgate. willpower at its wimpiest). Make harder forencounter yourself to cheat mailing yourround phonetrip.) Remember to bring enough and food. 893-9508. marincountyparks.org. to a faraway friend and burying your modem in the backyard—or at leastwater blocking the This walk for ages 15 andlike up. Freedom We request that 12/31: Annual Noon and Year’s Eve Festival guy on social media maybe installing a program on is your computer no pets on (except service animals) attend. Rain Celebrate early with the which littles. Craft activities, (macfreedom.com), prevents you from getting the Internet. When the going may cancel. If questionable weather call ball drop at noon. 9am-2pm. Rancho Nicasio, gets tough, remind yourself that time heals most wounds, and it should do the job on8939527 after 8am on the morning of the event to 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio. yours—as soon as you stop 662-2219. picking that 140-character scab every 10 minutes. #sir-veilhear a recorded message if cancelled. Questions: ranchonicasio.com. lance #iminthebushes Contact David Herlocker at 893-9508 or

Film

Q: A:

dherlocker@marincounty.org. Meet atmy the roadI drank too much mystery punch at an office party last week and confessed side parking area near the top of White Hill unrequited crush to a co-worker. He thanked me and said he was “flattered.” I was Grade on Sir Francis Blvd. From Hwy 12/30: ‘20,000 Daysfeel onreally Earth’ featurmortified and now uncomfortable at the office. How can IDrake fix this?—Embarrassed 101 in Larkspur, take the exit for Sir Francis ing Nick Cave 7 pm. $10. Napa Valley Opera MyMain boyfriend, whose favorite self-help book Thewest Godfather, helpful DrakeisBlvd 6 miles. had Park this in the big gravel House, 1030 St., Napa. 707/260-1600. suggestion: “Hire a hit man and have thepullout guy clipped. Unfortunately, this advice on the”right side, below the crest of the hill. citywinery.com 9am. White Hike Openproblems, Space, Sir Francis violates my rule of not solving people’s problems by Free. giving them bigger like Drake Blvd., 893-9508. a first-degree murder charge. Instead, inject a little perspective. OK, marincountyparks.org. you spewed at the

Outdoors

party, but now, back at the office, your thoughts aren’t running across your forehead,

Community Events (Misc.)

12/27: Walk at King CNNNature news-ticker-style: “I’mMountain in love with you. You’re so hot. I love your tie. Marry me.”

Take To a walk through yourslocal forestblurtation and con- today’s “I said no such thing,” align how you make yesterday’ drunken 12/31: Years your Eve at Green Gulch Sitnect its natural wonders. Ranger Ian This starts acttowith the message youJoin want to send. withNew realigning head. Reframe ting and standing meditation until midnight, McLorg as we explore the King Mountain Loop what happened. Tell yourself that it was gutsy to put yourself out there. Next, tell yourself pausing for a hot noodle snack. Sitting ends at Trail and learn about the area’s unique natural that you accept that he’s not interested. Repeat until these notions sink in. If you use these midnight with traditional 108 rings of great bell resources and features. We’ll also discuss some thoughts to avoid acting uncomfortable aroundfollowed him—no of sweaty shame, tight by look a bonfire and hot drink.no 8pm. $35of the area’s rich local history, as well as fascismilefacts at the copier—he’ll haveThis no reason you. It’s Hwy., like giving 70. Green Gulch,around 1601 Shoreline Muir nating about its acquisition. activityto be uncomfortable yourself a Dress reset—that is,and untilwear yousturdy drink too much at lunch and he finds your Post-it on Beach. 383-3134. sfzc.org/ggf. is moderate. in layers his computer: “I still wanna have your babies. Don’t forget!” Y 01/01: New Year’s Day Tea Gathering Koishoes. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks. cha andAdviceAmy@ a New Year’s We©Amy request noreserved. pets (except service animals) Alkon,that all rights Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave,(matcha, #280, Santa thick Monica,green CA 90405,tea) or e-mail hanabira mochi sweet treats will be served. attend. This is a rain or shine event, but high aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com). Amy Alkon’s Advice Goddess Radio—listen live every Sunday—http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ Instruction in tea etiquette offered. 8pm. $25. winds will cancel. 9am. Free. King Mountain amyalkon/—7-8pm, or listen or download at the link at iTunes or on Stitcher. And watch for her new book: “Good Manners for Nice People Green Gulch, 1601 Shoreline Hwy., Muir Beach. Preserve, Ridgecrest Rd, Kentfield. 473-2816. Who Sometimes Say F*ck.” 383-3134. sfzc.org/ggf. marincountyparks.org. 01/02: 2015 Kickoff Singles Party 8pm. 12/28: White Hill We’ll aim for lunch at the Worshipa variety the goddess—or sacrifice at the altar at pacificsun.com Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Pkwy, San summit, exploring of habitats and the herEmbassy Rafael. 507-9962. thepartyhotline.com. ✹ plants, animals and mushrooms that live within

WEEK OF DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 1, 2015

BY LEONA MOON

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) Don’t hit the bars, Aries! The moon is heading into Taurus on New Year’s Eve and is urging you to save every penny you can. Open up that 1998 cab you’ve been saving for a special occasion and share it with your closest confidants. It’s a New Year to celebrate and that bottle isn’t going to open itself! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Hit the store and load up on balloons, streamers and firecrackers, Taurus! The moon is in your sign and is eager to help you celebrate this New Year with a roaring start. Take the day as it comes—there’s no need to plan. If you’re feeling feisty, hit the town—otherwise a night in with bubbly and a fireplace will also do the trick. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) Grab a down comforter and a pint of ice cream, Gemini! As a naturally social sign, you might find it a bit odd— and awful timing—that all you seem to want to do is bundle up this New Year’s Eve. But who can blame you? You’ve been on the go. Netflix, a blanket and a four-legged friend might be the best way to welcome the New Year. CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Don’t show up empty-handed, Cancer! It’s likely that you’ll be saying sayonara to the end of the year at a small, friendly get-together. Low key is the name of the game, but don’t forget to thank your gracious hosts with a bottle of red, white or bubbly. Start the year off on the right foot with your closest friends! LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) Jet-setting to Dubai this New Year’s Eve, Leo? You’ve got big plans and some big wigs have big plans for you! You’ll be ringing in the New Year with a slew of VIPs who will want a slice of your vivacious energy. Whatever hemisphere you’re in, it’ll be a party. Make sure to multi-task—for each drink you have, make sure to network with a big-shot. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Pucker up, Virgo! This year’s end celebration is bound to be a little extra heated. You’re bound to spend the evening with your significant other—or latch onto a potential flame—but just remember the venue at which you are celebrating. Watch out for an uncomfortably long make-out session in front of partygoers. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Whistle while you work, Libra! You’ve got T-minus five days to clean up your act at home. This New Year’s Eve will be home-centric and your home will likely end up as the venue of choice. Make up the guest room and hide all of the junk in the garage—it’s time to ring in the New Year! SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) Go with the flow, Scorpio! Planning and organizing a New Year’s celebration sounds daunting and unnecessary at this point. If your significant other wants you to attend that work party with him or her—just give it a try. It’s best-case scenario: free booze, snacks and no clean-up on your end (unless you overdrink). SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Pull your significant other in close, Sagittarius! Your New Year’s Eve will be spent reflecting with a special someone. Can you believe the year is over? What’s in store for you two in 2015? The big questions might pop up while you’re spooning and watching the ball drop. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Love is in the air, Capricorn! With the moon entering into fellow earth sign, Taurus, you haven’t felt this steamy in a while! Your evening will be spent whispering sweet nothings into your partner’s ear, making some love-filled confessions or dropping down on one knee. What a way to send off 2014! AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Just the two of us, Aquarius! You’re overdue for a little resting and the thought of streaking down Main Street just doesn’t sound as appealing as it did last year. You’ll do just fine with a special someone, sweet snacks and Game of Thrones reruns. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) It’s been a rough one, Pisces! The good news: The year is almost over and 2015 has your sign written all over it. Follow your natural instincts and go with the flow—if you want a night in or want to take the town by storm—either will be a suitable way to welcome the New Year. DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015 PACIFIC SUN 21

sunCLASSiFiEDS

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 and Legals Sales Department at 415/485-6700, ext. 331. Text ads must be placed by Monday Noon to make it into the Friday print edition.

seminars

AND

workshops

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 Jan. 5, 2015 - 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.

A safe, successful GROUP for FORMER MEMBERS OF HIGH-DEMAND GROUPS (Religious, New Age, Eastern, Philosophical, Large Group Awareness Programs, etc.) is held every other Saturday in Marin, now in its 10th year. Participants include those born and/or raised in such groups espousing a “good”/ “bad” ideology with a leader(s) who encourages greater degrees of dependency and conformity at the price of individual personal rights, goals, and development. Participants address relevant issues in their lives, receive acknowledgement, gain insights, pursue individual goals, learn how others have negotiated challenging situations, with opportunities to heal from loss and trauma. Individual, Couple, and Family Sessions also available. Facilitated by Colleen Russell, LMFT (MFC29249) Certified Group Psychotherapist (41715). Contact: crussellmft@earthink.net or 415-785-3513 OVER 55 WITH AN EMPTY NEST? STAY OR MOVE? Please join our panel of experts for a discussion of living options in The Bay Area and beyond. Topics to include: Staying in your home, downsizing to a smaller home, and a easy to understand description of the five types of senior communities, including their costs and qualifications. There is no “one size fits all,”so come find out what works best for you or your loved ones.

Call now to sign up for next presentation: Sue at (415) 297-1554 Sue Dwight, Senior Living Specialist • Bradley Real Estate BRE#01035908 www. bradleyrealestate.com

JOBS Webmaster (PT) The Pacific Sun has a part-time 20 hour position available to maintain our servers, phones and responsive design website. Experience with WordPress a plus.

pacificsun.com

MIND & BODY HYPNOTHERAPY Thea Donnelly, M.A. Hypnosis, Counseling, All Issues. 25 yrs. experience. 415-459-0449.

22 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

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

HOME SERVICES CLEANING SERVICES IONAL SE SS

❀

ICES RV

5 month old Terrier mix Are you looking to add some zip to your life? King Kairo is just the dog to do it! He is lively and energetic and wants nothing more than to be a part of your family. He loves to play ball and already has the beginnings of a fetch. Tug is another favorite. He is very smart, quick to learn and food motivated, so he will be a joy to train. Training is important so that he can work on his manners with other dogs. King Kairo is best suited to a family with older children (14+) who can assist in his education. Meet King Kairo at the Marin Humane Society or call the Adoption Department at 415.506.6225

Primary responsibilities • Ensure the Mac & PC web servers, hardware and software are operating accurately. • Maintain newsletter, website, and help update web pages. • Examine and analyze site traffic for marketing. • Regulate and manage user access rights on phone, email and website. • Fix links that don't work and pictures that aren't appearing properly. Please contact Bob Heinen: bheinen@pacificsun.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

PROFE

PET OF THE WEEK

SPANISH LANGUAGE LEARNING CENTER IN DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL www.spanishindowntown sanrafael.com

FURNITURE REPAIR/REFINISH FURNITURE DOCTOR Ph/Fax: 415-383-2697

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING Yardwork Landscaping

v general Yard & Firebreak clean Up v complete Landscaping v irrigation systems v commercial & residential Maintenance v patios, retaining walls, Fences For Free Estimate call Titus 415-380-8362 or visit our website www.yardworklandscaping.com CA LIC # 898385

Landscape & Gardening Services Yard Work Tree Trimming Maintenance & Hauling Concrete, Brick & Stonework Fencing & Decking Irrigation & Drainage

View Video on YouTube: “Landscaper in Marin County” youtu.be/ukzGo0iLwXg 415-927-3510

GENERAL CONTRACTING

HOUSEKEEPER CAREGIVER NANNY

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Free Estimates Call Mony @

497-6191

pacificsun.com

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

Tom Daly Construction

3 8 3 .6122 272.9178

(cell)

DalyConstructionMarin.com

Excellent References Lic. # 593788

Jim’s Repair Service ExpERt REpaiRS Appliances Plumbing Electrical Telephone 30 Years in Business • Lowest Rates

453-8715

48 Woodland Ave., San Anselmo

www.jimsrepair.com

HANDYMAN/REPAIRS

Got Rot? Removal & Repair of Structural Damage

REAL ESTATE HOMES/CONDOS FOR SALE AFFORDABLE MARIN? I can show you 40 homes under $400,000. Call Cindy @ 415-902-2729. Christine Champion, Broker.

RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

Decks • Bathrooms Car Decks Termite Damage

415-235-5656 Lic.# 696235

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS!

RETAIL OR OFFICE SPACE Lease available for 3450 sq feet in downtown San Rafael. Two bathrooms, kitchen, 4 offices, with balance for open space planning. Carpet throughout. High ceilings. Retail windows face street. 1 year, 2 year or 3 year lease available. Near restaurants and transit. 415 485-6700 x315

Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing Handyman w/30 Yrs Experience

WITH PACIFIC SUN CLASSIFIEDS

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

415.297.5258

Call 485-6700 x331 to place your ad

Say You Saw it in the Sun

Home RepaiR C. Michael Hughes Construction

To include your seminar or workshop, call 415/485-6700 x 302.

COMMUNITY

All Marin Housecleaning Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Will do Windows. Ophelia 415-717-7157

Lic. 639563

PUBLiC NOTiCES

FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136101 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business:TRANSPORTES ZACULEU, 95 BELVEDERE SUITE 2, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: CRUZ DEL CID GONZALEZ, 6623 VESPER AVE, VAN NUYS,CA 91405.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 19, 2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 5,12,19,26 of 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2014135965 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business:BOBA EXPRESS, 99 PROFESSIONAL CTR PKWY, B 108, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: BOBA EXPRESS LLC, 99 PROFESSIONAL CTR PKWY, B 108, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903.The business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on October 31, 2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 5,12,19,26 of 2014) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2014-136173 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business:MERIT ILLUSTRATION, 500 OAKCREST ROAD, SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960: ANDREW MERIT, 803 RHODE ISLAND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Dec 04,2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 135999 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business:CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHEERLEADING, 10 ROSS ROAD, SAUSALITO, CA 94965: KRISTI MARIE STEWART, 10 ROSS ROAD, SAUSALITO, CA 94965.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 05, 2014. (Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2014135983 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: AGGRECATER, 831 S. ELISEO DR, GREENBRAE, CA 94904: GREGORY KALLICK, 831 S. ELISEO DR, GREENBRAE, CA 94904. The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on November 03, 2014. (Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136175 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: HAWTHORNE HILLS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, 55 HAWTHORNE AVE, SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960: CARLO PASSALALPI, 55 HAWTHORNE AVE, SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 05, 2014. (Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136179 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: GOLD RUSH JEWELERS, 831 4TH ST, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: RICK LEWIS, 831 4TH STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant is renewing filing with changes and is transacting business, under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 05, 2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136160 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: VIBRANT ENERGY CENTER, 345 KNIGHT DR, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: CYNTHIA WELSH, 345 KNIGHT DR, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on December 02, 2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015) STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME File No. 304588 The following person(s) has/have abandoned the use of a fictitious business name(s). The information given below is as it appeared on the fictitious business statement that was filed at the Marin County Clerk-Recorder's Office on FEBRUARY 28,2014.Under File No: 134218. Fictitious Business name(s):GLASSWORK, 1111 E. FRANCISCO BLVD, # A, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: MARYAM PAK, 1111 E.FRANCISCO BLVD, #A, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. This statement was filed with the County Clerk Recorder of Marin County on November 26, 2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015)

SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2014 PACIFIC SUN 25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2014136198 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: WHO WALKS YOUR DOG?, 14 ROUNDTREE BLVD, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: IZAROA RANCH LLC, 14 ROUNDTREE BLVD, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903.The business is being conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 09, 2014. (Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136186 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: MARIN SHIATSU, 968 SECOND ST, NOVATO, CA 94945: JAMES CHU YUEN CHEUNG, 748 FILBERT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business from Jan 2015 under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on December 08, 2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136194 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: ARY PRODUCTIONS, 53 MIWOK WAY, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941: RAJESH GOVIND SOLANKI, 53 MIWOK WAY, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on Dec 09,2014. (Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2,9 of 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136180 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: TIERRA Y MAR, 1682 NOVATO BLVD, STE 151, NOVATO, CA 94947: A W DIRECT INC., 1682 NOVATO BLVD, STE 151, NOVATO, CA 94947.The business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on Dec 05,2014. (Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2,9 of 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136206 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: MARIN HOME REMODELING, 454 LAS GALLINAS AVE, STE #160, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: SERGIO O ESPINOZA, 819 RINCON WAY. SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903. The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Dec 10,2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2,9 of 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2014136211 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: OMNI STONE MUSIC, 14 DARTMOUTH DRIVE, LARKSPUR, CA 94939: THOMAS F CONNEELY III, 14 DARTMOUTH DRIVE, LARKSPUR, CA 94939.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Dec 10,2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2,9 of 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136105 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: THAI AROI DEE RESTAURANT, 1518 FOURTH STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: 1) JOSE FERNANDO FERNANDEZ, 3890 MARKET ST. # 3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, 2) CHALOEI TRONGTORKIT, 3890 MARKET ST. # 2, SAN FRANCISCO,CA 94131.The business is being conducted by CO-PARTNERS. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Nov 20,2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2,9 of 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 136233 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: CASA DEL PALMAR # 1, 757 LINCOLN AVE # 29, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: EL PALMAR ENTERPRISES INC, 757 LINCOLN AVE # 29, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. The business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant is renewing filing

with NO changes and is transacting business, under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein . This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Dec 16,2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2,9 of 2015) STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME File No. 304589 The following person(s) has/have abandoned the use of a fictitious business name(s). The information given below is as it appeared on the fictitious business statement that was filed at the Marin County Clerk-Recorder's Office on MARCH 26,2010. Under File No: 123613.Fictitious Business name(s) MARIN HOME REMODELING, 2062 FELIZ RD,NOVATO, CA 94945: COLIN P. BIRMINGHAM, 2062 FELIZ RD, NOVATO, CA 94945.This statement was filed with the County Clerk Recorder of Marin County on Dec 10, 2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2,9 of 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2014136245 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: GREAT SPIRIT MUSIC, 14 DARTMOUTH DRIVE, LARKSPUR, CA 94939: THOMAS F CONNEELY 111, 14 DARTMOUTH DRIVE, LARKSPUR, CA 94939.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Dec 16,2014.(Publication Dates: Dec 26 of 2014, Jan 2,9,16 of 2015) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2014136240 The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: PEKING WOK RESTAURANT, 418 LAS GALLINAS AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903: NAN XIAO, 225 BRIGHT STREET, SAN FRANCSICO, CA 94132.The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on Dec 16,2014. (Publication Dates: Dec 26 of 2014, Jan 2,9,16 of 2015)

OTHER NOTICES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No. CIV 1404113. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner LILIAN GONZALEZ & ARNOLDO PU LOPEZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: 1) ARNOLDO AIMAR LOPEZ GONZALEZ to ARNOLDO AIMAR PU GONZALEZ,2) MARIA LILIAN LOPEZ GONZALEZ to MARIA LILIAN PU GONZALEZ.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: 1/13/2015 AT 09:00 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 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No. CIV 1404180. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner MONIQUE DONELDA SANDLIN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: MONIQUE DONELDA SANDLIN to CLAIRUN PEHERROUS THEALWY. 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: 01/15/2014 AT 09:00 AM, DEPT L, ROOM L, Superior

26 PACIFIC SUN SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2014

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 OF FILING: Dec 9, 2014, (Publication Dates: Dec 12,19,26 of 2014, Jan 2, 2015) NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: IAN ROY JAMES Case No. PR-1404652 filed on Dec 10,2014.To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of IAN ROY JAMES. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: DAVID K. JAMES in the Superior Court of California, County of MARIN. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that DAVID K. JAMES be appointed as the personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent's will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action). The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: JANUARY 20, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. H, Room H, of the Superior Court of California, Marin County, located at Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA, 94903. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or A CONTINGENT CREDITOR OF THE DECEDENT, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative , as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under Section 9052 of the California Probate Code. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: DAVID K. JAMES, 105 SCENIC ROAD, FAIRFAX, CA 94930.TELEPHONE: 415457-6302. (Publication Dates: Dec 19,26 of 2014, Jan 2 of 2015) AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No. CIV 1404177. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner KRISTEN ANNE KOENIG filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: KRISTEN ANNE KOENIG to LILIANNA KRISTEN PARKER. 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: 01/28/2015 08:30 AM, DEPT B, ROOM B, 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 OF FILING: Dec 17, 2014. (Publication Dates:Dec 26 of 2014, Jan 2,9,16 of 2015.)

››ADViCE GODDESS®

A my

A l ko n

You know you’ll feel bad when you check his Facebook and Twitter, yet you keep doing it. This is the social media version of being the busty friend character in the horror movie—the one who says, “I hear creepy reptilian hissing coming from the cellar. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ll just rub my large breasts with raw hamburger and go down there with this flickering flashlight to check.” Unless intelligence tests have revealed you to have an IQ rivaling that of Jell-O, you’re repeating this misery-making behavior because you, like the rest of us, are prone to fall into automatic strings of behavior we call habits. In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg explains that “a habit is a choice we deliberately make at some point, and then stop thinking about, but continue doing.” Research finds that every habit has three components, which Duhigg calls the CUE (a feeling that triggers behavior), the ROUTINE (the behavior itself), and the REWARD (some sort of payoff that tells your brain, “Oh, yeah, let’s totally do that again”). You’re probably picturing yourself at 80, with an elderly monkey on your back, still frantically checking Facebook for signs your ex-boyfriend’s shifted position in the last 30 seconds. But Duhigg emphasizes that you can break a habit. You do this by swapping out the middle step, the routine (compulsively clicking into your ex’s social media accounts). To understand what to replace it with, check in with yourself at the moment the urge strikes and figure out the “why”—what reward you’re going after, what need you’re trying to fill. Maybe you’re lonely and longing to feel connected. Or maybe you’re going for a hit of intensity. Intense feelings are called “arousal” in psychology and can be positive or negative. Either leads to feeling stimulated and alive (though sometimes alive and pretty miserable). Next, you need a plan—a substitute routine to slip in whenever the impulse to cyberstalk him strikes. This replacement routine is especially important because a “negative goal”—not doing something—is way harder than doing something different. So, if it’s connection you’re longing for, call a friend or go impede a co-worker’s productivity. If you’re an intensity junkie, watch a clip from a slasher movie or maybe rappel to your car instead of taking the elevator. Be prepared for temptation to gnaw at you, especially if you’re tired or hungry (when willpower is at its wimpiest). Make it harder for yourself to cheat by mailing your phone to a faraway friend and burying your modem in the backyard—or at least blocking the guy on social media and maybe installing a program on your computer like Freedom (macfreedom.com), which prevents you from getting on the Internet. When the going gets tough, remind yourself that time heals most wounds, and it should do the job on yours—as soon as you stop picking that 140-character scab every 10 minutes. #sir-veillance #iminthebushes

Q: A:

I drank too much mystery punch at an office party last week and confessed my unrequited crush to a co-worker. He thanked me and said he was “flattered.” I was mortified and now feel really uncomfortable at the office. How can I fix this?—Embarrassed

My boyfriend, whose favorite self-help book is The Godfather, had this helpful suggestion: “Hire a hit man and have the guy clipped.” Unfortunately, this advice violates my rule of not solving people’s problems by giving them bigger problems, like a first-degree murder charge. Instead, inject a little perspective. OK, you spewed at the party, but now, back at the office, your thoughts aren’t running across your forehead, CNN news-ticker-style: “I’m in love with you. You’re so hot. I love your tie. Marry me.” To make yesterday’s drunken blurtation today’s “I said no such thing,” align how you act with the message you want to send. This starts with realigning your head. Reframe what happened. Tell yourself that it was gutsy to put yourself out there. Next, tell yourself that you accept that he’s not interested. Repeat until these notions sink in. If you use these thoughts to avoid acting uncomfortable around him—no look of sweaty shame, no tight smile at the copier—he’ll have no reason to be uncomfortable around you. It’s like giving yourself a reset—that is, until you drink too much at lunch and he finds your Post-it on his computer: “I still wanna have your babies. Don’t forget!” Y

©Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@ aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com). Amy Alkon’s Advice Goddess Radio—listen live every Sunday—http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ amyalkon/—7-8pm, or listen or download at the link at iTunes or on Stitcher. And watch for her new book: “Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck.”

Worship the goddess—or sacrifice her at the altar at pacificsun.com DECEMBER 26, 2014 - JANUARY 1, 2015 PACIFIC SUN 23

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