Pacific Sun 12.04.2009 - Section 1

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2009

MARiN’S BEST EVERY WEEK

H❉ LIDAYS i N tHe SUn Q U O T E

“

O F

T H E

W E E K :

Do you want Disney or do you want truth… ? [SEE PAGE 7]

”

That TV Guy: Now with scrubbing bubbles! 9 The Beat: Jingle bell rock 12 Talking Pictures: Durst fears realized 25

› › pacificsun.com

(APPY (OLIDAYS FROM "AY !REA ,ASER 3URGERY #ENTER Armen Serebrakian, MD Âœ>Ă€`ĂŠ iĂ€ĂŒÂˆvˆi`ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ i>`ĂŠEĂŠ iVÂŽĂŠ,iVÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŒĂ€Ă•VĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ-Ă•Ă€}iÀÞÊUĂŠ >Vˆ>Â?ĂŠ*Â?>ĂƒĂŒÂˆVĂŠ-Ă•Ă€}iœ˜

LATISSE Buy 1 box at regular price, get $40 off the second box

20% OFF

$100 OFF ($400 after discount)

ON ALL OBAGI & REVISION SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

($80 after discount) 12/31/09

12/31/09

RADIESSEÂŽ (1.5ML) RESTYLANEÂŽ (1.0ML) JUVEDERMÂŽ (0.8ML) Dermal Fillers that provide immediate, long lasting results

Specializing in:

“œ`i�

20 Years

12/31/09

in Marin

NOW OFFERING

All Retail Products

(No Stamping Discount Card w/Offer. Exp 12/31/09) We Carry Many Product Lines Including: We also carry

Infrashine

ENJOY

products.

Dermalogica Pureology

Strawberry Village

Montecito Plaza

Mill Valley 381-6275

San Rafael 454-4500

FINANCING AVAILABLE, CALL TODAY!

LARKSPUR 415-461-5755

O

Row!

nly)

-BTFS )BJS 3FNPWBM ­ "MM 4LJO 5ZQFT

BOTOXÂŽ Cosmetic Restylane, Radiesse & Juvederm 'BDJBM °4QJEFSÂą 7FJOT Laser Hair Removal ----- All Skin Types "HF 4QPU 3FNPWBM Microdermabrasion & Peels 4LJO 5BH 3FNPWBM Facial ‘Spider’ Veins Age Spot Removal 4DMFSPUIFSBQZ Skin Tag Removal 1FSNBOFOU .BLF VQ Sclerotherapy %FSNPTPOJD $FMMVMJUF 3FEVDUJPO Permanent Make-up 0CBHJ 4LJO 3FTUPSBUJPO 4ZTUFN Obagi Skin Restoration System Full Esthetician Services .JDSPEFSNBCSBTJPO 1FFMT

Any One Area -"4&3 )"*3 3&.07"- 41&$*"-4 or

20% OFF

MODEL

model

#PO "JS 3E 4UF -BSLTQVS

.JDIFMMF $POUF 3 / 1SBDU

+PIO & $POUF . % .FEJD FREE CONSULTATIONS

5 Bon Air Road, Ste. 107, Larkspur

2 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009

son o

3FTUZMBOF 3BEJFTTF +VWFEFSN

Your First Treatment

415.924.1330

Keeping Marin in Hot Water for Over 33 Years!

#0509ˆ $PTNFUJD

50% OFF

Larkspur

Novato 892-3600

FACIAL REJUVENATION & BODY RENAISSANCE

Laser Hair Removal

%6QQFS -JQ $IJO #JLJOJ OFF YOUR FIRST 53: 5)& #&45 '03 -&44 R REMOVAL TREATMENT! Package of 5 (Any One Area) THE BEST LESS! CallFOR for Package Pricing '3&& $0/46-5"5*0/4

Vintage Oaks

www.marinbeautycompany.com

15% OFF The #1 5 I F G # B 1 0 O for th ift Cer Ž S T 509 ˆ Provide P W O X J ti E e Ho F r (for t

liday ďŹ cates 5 Years in Marin S J O . B hird s per in a SJ

Enjoy Silky OOKING FOR THE BEST? Smooth Skin For the Holidays!

w/$2 5 Pur chas e!

20% OFF

UĂŠĂŠ >ViÉ iVÂŽĂŠ ˆvĂŒ PERMANENT MAKE-UP Eyebrows, eye/lip liner, full lips, UĂŠĂŠ ˆ`ĂŠ >ViĂŠ ˆvĂŒ lash enhancement UĂŠĂŠ ÂœĂƒiĂŠ,iĂƒÂ…>ÂŤÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ $50 OFF Each Area ­,Â…ÂˆÂ˜ÂœÂŤÂ?>ĂƒĂŒĂžÂŽ Free Consultation with Behnaz UĂŠĂŠ >Vˆ>Â?É Âœ`ÞÊÊ 12/31/09 ÂˆÂŤÂœĂƒĂ•VĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ UĂŠĂŠ Ă€ÂœĂœĂ‰ ÂœĂ€iÂ…i>`ĂŠ ˆvĂŒ NEW! AfterďŹ ll is back The lasting solution UĂŠĂŠ >ĂƒiÀÊ ĂžiÂ?ˆ`ĂŠ ˆvĂŒ for wrinkle correction UĂŠĂŠ Â…ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠEĂŠ Â…iiÂŽĂŠ Ă•}“iÂ˜ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ UĂŠĂŠ ÂœĂŒÂœv>Vˆ>Â?É * ĂŠ/Ă€i>ĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ,ÂœĂƒ>Vi>]ĂŠ -Ă•Â˜ĂŠ >“>}iĂŠEĂŠ ˆ˜iĂŠ ˆ˜iĂƒ UĂŠĂŠ/>ĂŒĂŒÂœÂœĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?É >ĂƒiÀÊ >ÂˆĂ€ĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?ĂŠ UĂŠĂŠ >ĂƒiÀÊ-V>ÀÊEĂŠ ÂœÂ?iĂŠ,iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?

UĂŠĂŠ"L>}ÂˆĂŠ-ÂŽÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ,iĂƒĂŒÂœĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ-ĂžĂƒĂŒiÂ“Ăƒ 1000A MAGNOLIA AVENUE, WWW.BAYAREALASERSURGERYCENTER.COM

FR Tote EE Bag

w w w. S i m p l e R a d i a n c e . c o m

Michelle Conte, R.N., Practice Manager John E. Conte, M.D., Medical Director

DONATE YOUR AUTO Point Reyes National Seashore Association No DMV Hassle Free Pickup Tax Deduction

800-766-5341

Live Operators Take Your Call!

Your car, truck, boat or RV running or not will help preserve the park

Look Your Best for The Holidays!

Restylane® or Juvederm® Filler Treatment

The Liquid Lift...It’s all about Full Correction A new study from the makers of Restylane® wrinkle filler says full correction is the key to a long lasting duration. Full correction of the nasal labial folds required 2 or more syringes of Restylane®.

The second key to a long duration is scheduling a touch-up visit in 6 months with the average touch up requiring 1 syringe. In the study patients had 12 additional months of optimal correction for a total of 18 months duration.

SAVE $200 on 2 Syringes ($400 per syringe after discount) Mfg’s Rebate May

Also Be Available Valid through 12/31/09

50% OFF First Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Call to schedule a complimentary consultation today!

Holiday Gift Cards Available

model

Bikini - $80 Underarms - $45 Full Legs - $300

SERVICES INCLUDE: U Titan™ For Lax Skin U Fraxel® and Pearl Laser Resurfacing U Laser Hair Removal U Restylane®, Juvederm™ & Perlane® Wrinkle Fillers U BOTOX® Cosmetic

U IPL™ PhotoFacial U Microdermabrasion U ZERONA® Body Slimming U Acne Treatments U Obagi Nu-Derm System U Latisse™ Eyelash System U Jane Iredale Products

(After Discount) Valid through 12/31/09

SAVE $600 ®

with Fraxel Laser Resurfacing Package (4) (Each Full Face Treatment = $850 After Package Discount)

Skylar Ulrich, M.D. L o ca l l y O w n e d a n d O p e ra t e d

Valid through 12/31/09

>ÃiÀÊ i ÌiÀÊ vÊ >À Ê i` V> Ê À Õ«]Ê V°ÊUÊÇÇäÊ/> > «> ÃÊ À Ûi]Ê-Õ ÌiÊÎä£]Ê­ÎÀ`Ê À® Corte Madera Town Center Professional Building (Lobby entrance across from Charles Schwab offices)

ÜÜÜ° >À >ÃiÀ°V ÊUÊ ° ->Ì°Ên\Îä> È\Îä« ÊUÊ* \

945.9314

Designated a Platinum Medical Facility by Allergan (makers of BOTOX®), and Medicis (makers of Restylane®).

Your Link to Marin Free e-bulletins from the Pacific Sun that provide the perfect quick-read digest of Marin news, opinions, restaurant and film reviews, and entertainment picks for the coming week.

Sign up today at ›› pacificsun.com

DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 3

(OLIDAY #R AFT &AIR 3ATURDAY $ECEMBER AM PM

›› THiS WEEK

Year 47, No. 48

PaciďŹ c Sun 835 Fourth St. Suite B (entrance on Cijos St.) San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: 415/485-6700 Fax: 415/485-6226 E-Mail: letters@pacificsun.com

TH

-ILL 6ALLEY #OMMUNITY #ENTER s #AMINO !LTO -ILL 6ALLEY

(ANDMADE !RTS #RAFTS -ORE THAN "AY !REA !RTISTS -USIC &OOD AND -ORE

paciďŹ csun.com +

your link to Marin

&REE

›› STAFF

!$-)33)/.

For More Information: www.millvalleycenter.org PMCCULLEY CITYOFMILLVALLEY ORG OR 3PONSORED BY -ILL 6ALLEY 0ARKS 2ECREATION s #O 3PONSORED BY THE -ILL 6ALLEY 3ENIOR S #LUB

PUBLISHER - Sam Chapman (x315)

7 8 9 12 13 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 31 33 34 Archaeology meets technology in this small-scale exhibition exploring the scientific examination of mummies and providing new insights into

EDITORIAL Editor: Jason Walsh (x316); Reporter: Samantha Campos (x319); Movie Page Editor: Matt Stafford (x320); Copy Editor: Carol Inkellis (x317); Calendar Editor: Anne Schrager (x330)

The Marin Media Center is ready to rock. Upfront, p. 8.

Letters Upfront That TV Guy/Trivia CafĂŠ/ Heroes & Zeros Music Holidays in the Sun Open Homes Food All in Good Taste Film Talking Pictures Movies Sundial ClassiďŹ eds Horoscope Advice Goddess

CONTRIBUTORS Lee Brady, Greg Cahill, Pat Fusco, Richard Gould, Marc Hershon, Richard P. Hinkle, Brooke Jackson, Brenda K. Kinsel, Jill Kramer (x322), Lois MacLean, Joel Orff, Rick Polito, Renata Polt, Peter Seidman, Nikki Silverstein, Annie Spiegelman, David Templeton, Barry Willis.

Books Editor: Elizabeth Stewart (x326) ADVERTISING Advertising Director: Linda Black (x306) Senior Display Representative: Dianna Stone (x307) Display Sales: Ethan Simon (x311), Linda Curry (x309); Inside Sales: Helen Hammond (x303); Courier: Gillian Coder; Traffic Coordinator: Amanda Deely (x302)

›› ON THE COVER

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Art Director/Production Manager: Beth Allen (x335); Graphic Designers: Gwen Aguilar (x336), Michelle Palmer (x321); Missy Reynolds, Gabe Lieb, Brindl Markle (x308)

Photo Inside the Rombeiro Christmas House, 2007, by James Hall Design Beth Allen

the conditions under which the Egyptians lived.

Included is the sarcophagus and mummy of Irethorrou, a priest from Egypt around 500 B.C. His mummy has undergone a CT-scan that allows a unique viewing experience of a three-dimensional “fly through� of the body and a forensic reconstruction of his head.

OCTOBER 31, 2009–AUGUST 15, 2010 SKINNER ORGAN CONCERTS Every Sat and Sun, 4pm

ADMINISTRATION Business Administrator: Cynthia Nguyen (x331) Administrative Assistant: Elisa Keiper (x301) Circulation Manager: Bob Lampkin (x340)

Embarcadero Publishing Company. (USPS 454-630) Published weekly on Fridays. Distributed free at more than 400 locations throughout Marin County. Adjudicated a newspaper of General Circulation. Home delivery in Marin available by subscription: $5/month on your credit card or $60 for one year, cash or check. No person may, without the permission of the Pacific Sun, take more than one copy of each Pacific Sun weekly issue. Entire contents of this publication Copyright Š2009 Embarcadero Publishing Company ISSN; 0048-2641.

All rights reserved. Unsolicited manuscripts must be submitted with a stamped self-addressed envelope.

PRINTING: Paradise Post, Paradise, CA

Member of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies

Ice that won’t melt.

Encore

Live performances of 19th- and early-20th-century favorites.

Marin's Finest Consignment Shop

18k white gold Garden Lattice earrings with pavĂŠd diamonds.

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco with the cooperation of the Akhmim Mummy Studies Consortium and the radiology department of the Stanford Medical School. Additional project assistance has been provided by the Stanford Division of Anatomy, eHuman Inc., and Fovia Inc. Generous support is provided by the William E. Winn, Jr., Living Trust and the Dorothy Tyler Living Trust. Thank you to Intel Corporation for their generous in-kind donation.

Lincoln Park 34th Avenue and Clement Street legionofhonor.org 415.750.3600

Images: Visualization of the mummy Irethorrou by Sarah Hegmann and Beverly Chiang of eHuman using Osirix and Amira Software. Mummy of Irethorrou in Coffin, Egyptian, Akhmim, ca. 500 B.C. Linen; wood with polychrome. Gift of First Federal Trust Company (from the Estate of Jeremiah Lynch).

Shop for your holiday wardrobe Open 10-5 Mon - Sat Consignment Hours Tues-Sat 10-3

456-7309 )RXUWK 6WUHHW ‡ 'RZQWRZQ 6DQ 5DIDHO ‡ 2SHQ (YHU\GD\ ¾WLO ;PDV DP SP

4 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009

11 Mary Street San Rafael (next to Whole Foods)

TAKE A BOW

after a trip to Town Center’s 65 unique shops and restaurants.

You’ll have things wrapped up in a single trip!

Over 65 unique shops and restaurants including:

TILLER DIGS GARDEN HOME * LUCY ACTIVEWEAR * ANN TAYLOR LOFT A CHILD’S DELIGHT * THE CONTAINER STORE * BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS COLUMBINE * NEW THREADS * REI * COMPLETE TRAVELER * LINK WORKS

FREE GIFT WRAP 11- 4 DAILY * FREE SANTA PHOTOS 11- 4 WEEKENDS

Become our fan on Facebook for more info and special offers!

We are located off the Tamalpais Drive exit. For more information, call 415-924-2961.

Visit our 65 unique shops and restaurants including Chang’s China Bistro, west elm, Pier 1 Imports and more.

DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 5

Shoppers Eat... a Ca t Las me lias

Las Camelias

912 Lincoln Avenue San Rafael 453.5850 When you or a loved one are suffering, Recovery Without Walls (RWW) is there to help.

Recovery Without Walls successfully treats patients with an individualized, outpatient program.

It is founded and directed by Howard Kornfeld, M.D., a leading authority on treating alcoholism and addiction, as well as chronic pain. Dr. Kornfeld has been a medical leader in Marin County for over two decades and has taught about addiction medicine as a member of the clinical faculty at the UCSF School of Medicine for over ten years.

Dr. Kornfeld is an expert in gentle, therapeutic detoxification from alcohol and drugs, particularly as a leading practitioner in the use of Suboxone (buprenorphine), a medication for the management of both pain and the addiction that can happen so quickly from opiate pain pills. Dr. Kornfeld combines his pharmacological expertise with a pioneering medical methodology that naturally aids recovery.

DECEMBER SPECIALS

©2009 Howard Kornfeld, MD & Assoc. All Rights Reserved.

In this way, RWW uniquely addresses the anxiety and stress of detoxification with medically sophisticated caring and one on one, mind-body healing. For more information please refer to the Recovery Without Walls website, or call today for a confidential appointment.

Dr. Howard Kornfeld, Medical Director Dr. Janis Phelps, Director of Clinical Psychology

required. Offer expires Dec. 31, 2009.

415.383.2949 recoverywithoutwalls.com 3 Madrona Street, Mill Valley, CA 94941

A service of HOWARD KORNFELD, MD & ASSOC.

ONE ON ONE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC PAIN AND ADDICTION 6 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009

›› LETTERS ‘Disney characters are not real’ As the director of Spectrum Marin’s resource center on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, and as a parent of a 4-year-old girl, I would like to suggest to those mothers who wrote letters [“Princess Diaries, I - VI,” Nov. 20] to express displeasure over the Oct. 23 cover art of the Pacific Sun that you may be projecting your own anxiety over not knowing what to say to your children when they noticed the cover.

It is your own interpretation of two women dancing together that defined the moment.

As the parent, it was your job to assist your child with broadening their perspective on life, or narrowing it in a prejudicial way.

From the letters I saw, I would guess you chose the latter.

Let’s remember that Disney characters are not real. They exist only in highly romanticized fairy tales about heterosexual relationships. The rest is multimillion dollar marketing. I suggest you be more concerned about your daughters absorbing fantasy messages about princesses falling in love and living happily ever after.

Paula Pilecki, Spectrum LGBT Center, San Rafael

‘Sometimes girls dance together’ Just want you to know I loved your “Someday My Princess Will Come” cover; I laughed out loud at first sight. Very clever artistic statement. Nice touch with Peter Pan as the fairy godmother. Was amazed to read the judgmental letters from those distraught mothers. “What can I tell my daughter?”

How about this: “Sometimes girls dance together. It’s OK.” Mothers, please don’t cling

to brainwashed stereotypes.

I am a grandmother of 70 years. My daughter is straight. My granddaughter is lesbian. Makes Disney’s reputation for no difference to Despite playing it straight, critics have me either way. I gone to lengths to out some of the cut out the cover more flamboyant characters in image in ques- the animation company’s roster. tion and sent it to my granddaughter, along with the very serious article inside that included a photo of a 14-year-old boy who was murdered for wearing “feminine clothes.” And news of a book for queer teens, none of whom went to the book signing for fear of being outed. Do you want Disney or do you want truth, mothers?

Your own kids may grow up queer. Please try to have a big enough spirit to handle reality.

Arisa Victor, Greenbrae

‘All families are different’ I was saddened but not surprised to read that a number of parents were upset by the dancing princesses cover on your Oct. 23 issue. It may seem that discussing homosexuality is too much for young children, but it just isn’t so. In our two-mom family, we have been discussing this issue with our own child and other children in our community for years. The amazing thing about children is that they can ask questions about our family out of curiosity rather than fear or judgment. When a child asks why our son has two moms, or why he doesn’t have a dad, we say simply, “That is how our family is. All families are different.” Young children happily accept that information.

›› TOWNSQUARE

TOP POSTINGS THIS WEEK

Fifth death in Highway 37 tragedy The driver of the Mini Cooper that collided into a minivan on Highway 37, killing a family of four, has also died from the accident, according to the California Highway Patrol...

Homeless shelter winter rotation begins A countywide plan to rotate temporary emergency homeless shelters at churches this winter is set to begin Dec. 1 and run through March. Read the full story here ...

Golden Gate Bridge seeking firm This week Golden Gate Bridge officials announced a plan to develop interactive visitor programs that could help alleviate the district’s impending $132 million deficit.

Your soapbox is waiting at ›› pacificsun.com I encourage parents to look around their neighborhoods and schools. If your children ask questions, you can tell them that there are many different kinds of families: some with a mom and a dad, some with just one mom or dad, some kids have two moms or two dads, some kids are raised by their grandparents, and the list goes on. Another helpful explanation is this: “If two people love each other, they can make a family together.” No politics need to be involved, no inappropriate topics.

I am the first to agree that most issues about sexuality—hetero or homo—are not appropriate for young children. However, discussing an image of two women dancing together doesn’t need to include sex at all.

It can be about love—and children understand that very well.

Emily Bender, Fairfax

‘Unravel the social fabric of the family unit’ I found the princesses cover page to be offensive and in bad taste. To sugar coat and Disney-fy an issue such as this is a bad choice, as it exposes it to young, impressionable minds and makes a cartoon out of the real life situation. In a time when the trend of our indulgent culture seems determined to unravel the social fabric of the family unit and embrace all things “different” I have to stand and give a cheer for traditional family values. While this is not a perfect system either...is not one of our main reasons for being here to build a strong functional family and society with respect and love between the sexes? Instead we get more alienation and distance between us when we promote such ideals as these.

For the children’s sake, I feel that a strong well-balanced family structure requires more of a father figure than some imaginary princess figure.

Mr.Michaels, Forest Knolls

How about Ducky & Sucky?

I’m writing in regard to your longtime feature, “Heroes & Zeros.” The word “hero” has become one of the most overused and misdefined words in the American language.

The dictionary definition of a hero is “a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked

or sacrificed his or her life.” In so many cases the term has come to mean someone who has just done something nice Pacific Sun used to have a for someone else, The reporter who was something of or who can run a hero... fast or catch a ball.

Laudable yes, heroic absolutely not.

Please would you consider renaming the “Heroes & Zeros” column and returning the term “hero” to where it truly belongs?

I cannot remember reading this column when a hero mentioned here has actually put their life on the line for others. These may be very good and kind people who have performed generous and unselfish acts—but returning a wallet, pushing a car, receiving a library grant, giving away excess fruit, absolutely does not make a hero out of anyone. How about “Cheers & Jeers”?

“Claps ’n’ Slaps” perhaps? “Yeas & Nays”?

Yes, far more appropriate.

Penny Palmer, San Rafael

Just don’t call ‘em ‘heroes,’ Woody...

This, typically, is a time to think about what we’re thankful for, to reflect on the good things in our lives. My list is headed by the usual—gratitude for good health, a loving family and affable friends, a comfortable home.

Then comes what may be a surprise— appreciation for Marin County officials.

For the first time, Health and Human Services has hired a homeless coordinator. That was a prime recommendation of a 2008-09 Civil Grand Jury report that considered it an imperative to help those needy men, women and children. The Board of Supervisors also has earmarked $150,000 for emergency shelters. Providing a winter shelter was also a recommendation of the grand jury report.

Allow me, therefore, to lead a cheer for those county stalwarts who not only heard the jury’s suggestions—but acted on them.

Woody Weingarten, San Anselmo

Put your stamp on the letters to the editor at ›› pacificsun.com DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 7

›› UPFRONT

I want my MarinTV! Media Center of Marin is up—now bring on the budding filmmakers

by Pe te r Se i d m an

“I

f you build it, they will come.”

That iconic line from the 1989 film Field of Dreams describes the hopes of the staff at the Community Media Center of Marin when they threw the switch to start a new era of public access programming in Marin.

That was about six months ago, June 15 to be exact. Everyone associated with the new regime of public access programming on the Comcast cable system knew it would take some time to bring the vision to fruition, and to give Comcast subscribers a chance to taste the new menu of public access offerings. Once people understood the possibilities, they would embrace and invigorate the county’s newest opportunity for documentary and nonfiction communications.

“We’ve been flooded with people coming in for classes,” says Michael Eisenmenger, executive director of the Community Media Center of Marin. “It’s wonderful. We’ve kind of hit our stride.”

After an initial swirl of activity to start up the system, he adds, things “are starting to settle down, but we’re still really busy.”

Eisenmenger, who started administering the media center in January, came at a time of big changes in the public access landscape in Marin, including the creation of the center at 819 A Street in San Rafael.

In addition to running a training program for budding producers, the media center also operates two public access

channels: a government channel (channel 27), and a revitalized community access channel (channel 26). Plans are underway for an education channel.

When the board of the Marin Telecommunications Agency (MTA) voted unanimously to approve the new franchise agreement, it capped six years of negotiations that involved three telecommunications companies. TCI had cable service in Marin at the start of the negotiations, but the cable business was in flux and companies were eating and being eaten. AT&T moved in and took over for TCI and then Comcast took over for AT&T. An increasingly fast transformation of the telecommunications industry in general— and the changing players in Marin in particular—lengthened the process that has led to the two new public access channels for Comcast customers. The franchise contract MTA now holds with Comcast covers about 62,000 customers in a market that includes most of Marin. Novato has a separate franchise agreement with the company.

After Comcast took over from AT&T, it said it would agree to a fairly standard 5 percent franchise fee paid to members of the MTA, the joint powers organization comprising the cities in the Comcast region, as well as the county. The MTA thought another key provision in its negotiations with AT&T would transfer to Comcast: a commitment of $12 million during the life of the franchise 10 >

›› NEWSGRAMS Walking, cycling on the rise in Marin A 2009 Marin County study by the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program confirmed that more Marin residents are bicycling and walking than in recent years. According to the survey, weekday bicycling rates have increased an average of 6 percent between 2008 and 2009 and 118 percent since 1999; weekend bicycling has increased an average of 10 percent since last year and 125 percent over the past decade.

Weekday walking rates increased 26 percent over last year and 51 percent between 1999 and 2009; weekend walking increased 1 percent between 2008 and 2009, and 5 percent since last year. A summary report is available on the Walk Bike Marin website: www.walkbikemarin.org/ resource_library_reports.

All-female Novato council swears in On Dec. 1, an unprecedented all-female Novato City Council was sworn into office.When Denise Athas and Pat Eklund took the oath in council chambers, joining Carole Dillon-Knutson, Madeline Kellner and Jeanne MacLeamy, it marked a Marin County first—and the second time in California history—to have all city or town council seats filled by women. In 1992, the San Mateo city of Pacifica became the first in the state to have an all-woman council.The first female Novato City Council member was Lucile Cannon in 1962. Marin County officially changed the term“councilman”to“council member”in 1985.

Highway 37 tragedy update; victims’ home burgled The driver of the car that collided with a minivan on Highway 37, killing a family of four, has also died from the accident, according to the California Highway Patrol.The family from Sonoma was killed on the evening of Nov. 28 as a result of a multi-car crash about two miles east of Novato.The fatal collision occurred when a Mini Cooper driven by 19-year-old Steven Culbertson of Lakeport ran a red light at the intersection of Highway 37 and Lakeville Highway, broadsiding the minivan, which carried Jonathan Maloney, 45, his wife, Susan, 42, and their children Aiden, 8, and Grace, 5.The Maloney family died from the impact; Culbertson died Nov. 29 at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Jonathan Maloney had worked for San Rafael tech company Panamax and, more recently, at SolarCraft in Novato. In June 2007, Culbertson had been involved in a crash in Lake County, followed a month later by a DUI, which resulted in his license being suspended for a year. Pending toxicology reports, authorities say there does not appear to be evidence of drugs or alcohol in the crash. In even more shocking news on the tragedy, Sonoma police are now investigating a post-crash burglary at the Maloney family home. On Dec. 1, police apprehended Amber Marie True, 29, and her boyfriend, Michael Vincent Gutierrez, 26, of Redwood City, for allegedly ransacking the home the night before, and taking off with the Maloneys’ 2006 Nissan 350Z that had been parked in the garage. Both are being held at Sonoma County Jail on $500,000 bail.

Shorts... Larkspur officials approved the first set of plans for the transformation of the Larkspur Landing shopping center.The new Marin Country Mart at Larkspur Landing will begin implementing refurbished landscaping, as well as a fire pit, picnic tables, benches, several public gardens and a children’s playground over the next several months.—Samantha Campos EXTRA! EXTRA! Post your Marin news at ›› pacificsun.com

8 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10

by Rick Polito

by Howard Rachelson

1. Identify these California cities by their nicknames: 1a. La-La-Land 1b. Garlic Capital of the World 1c. Baghdad by the Bay 1d. City of Roses 2. Sometimes you get your money from an ATM. What is ATM an abbreviation for?

3. Construction began in A.D. 312 on this road, which eventually extended more than 560 km (350 miles) from Rome to Brindisi on the Adriatic Sea. What was the name of this early highway?

4. In terms of automobile production, the U.S. ranks second in the world. What countries are first and third, in number of vehicles produced annually?

5. Identify these winners of the #3 recent American Music Awards: 5a. Favorite pop/rock band (has a colorful name) 5b. Favorite female pop-rock artist (has a speedy name) 5c. Favorite male soul and R&B artist (more popular than ever) 5d. Favorite male country artist (he’s not even American) 6. Born in New York in 1858, he became a Harvard graduate and U.S. president, and published over 2,000 written works on history, politics and travel. Who was he?

7a. In a unanimous vote, what Major League Baseball player recently won his third consecutive National League MVP award?

7b. He became the first player to repeat since what player was voted MVP four years in a row from 2001-04.

8. The smallest bird in the world is not much bigger than a bumble bee, and sort of acts like one. What kind of bird is this?

9. He gained early fame in the 1990s TV series Growing Pains, won his first acting awards for the 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and starred in the biggest money-making film of all time. Who is he?

10. A thirsty boy chugs 3/4 of a glass of milk in one gulp, then 2/5 of the remainder in another gulp. What percentage of the milk remains?

BONUS: This search began in the United Kingdom in October 1986, and attracted media coverage from all over the world. Known as Operation Deep Scan, it was the largest and most intense search ever, for what?

Howard Rachelson, Marin’s Master of Trivia, invites you to a live team trivia contest at 7:30pm every Wednesday at the Broken Drum on Fourth Street in San Rafael.

Join the quiz—send your Marin factoids to howard1@triviacafe.com.

V Last month, after an errand in Fairfax, Ami H. put her wallet on the trunk of the car before unlocking the door, and drove off without putting it back in the car. While she was stopped at a light at the San Anselmo Hub, a man knocked on her window and wanted to speak with her.

Ami rolled down her window and the man apologized for alarming her but, he politely told her, there was a wallet on the trunk of her car. Ami thanked him and ran out to pick up her lonely wallet that was, amazingly, still perched on the boot. “This man was a hero in my everyday life,” wrote Ami later. “And I would like to publicly acknowledge him for his generous spirit and respectful manner.”

Answers on page 31

▼ ’Tis the season...for offensive parking lot behavior. One Fairfax reader recently reported that a dreaded but seasonally necessary trip to Target in Novato for her grandchild’s gift was hindered preentrance by a woman and her SUV, which was stopped at length in front of the store and blocking an ever-increasing line of cars waiting to park or exit the perennially crowded lot. “Hold your horses!” yelled the woman to the honking of the traffic jam forming behind her blinking hazard lights. Although our reader was unsure what necessitated the woman’s “emergency” stop, we’re guessing the Tyco Stunt Psycho radiocontrolled vehicle and Disney Princess Magic Castle could be loaded out of everybody’s way just as easily.—Samantha Campos

ZERO

Past, the Ghost FRIDAY, DEC. 4 of Bad Videos A Muppet Christmas The Muppet gang delivers letters to Santa. If we were headquar- Present and the Ghost of Rehab tered at the North Pole, we’d invest in a fax Yet to Be. (2000) machine. NBC. 8pm.

Hallmark. 10pm.

A Celebration of Disney Animation Tracing the history of Disney’s animated efforts with loving tribute to such classics as The TUESDAY, DEC. 8 Jungle Book, Pinocchio, Fantasia and Snow The Biggest Loser The winner is named White and the Seven Diminutive Entertaintonight, just in time for the holidays so loved ment Attorneys. ABC. 8pm. ones can snicker about“The Biggest Gainer” Beltway Unbuckled A look at Christmas dinner. NBC. 8pm. at sexual scandals in the The Year Without a Santa nation’s capital, where the Claus We should be so lucky. phrase “turning the page” ABC Family. 8pm. can end your career. History Catching Up with 16 and Channel. 8pm.

Pregnant Camera crews Numb3rs A cache of money drop in on mothers profiled from hijacker D.B. Cooper’s in earlier episodes for a spe1971 heist turns up. The bills cial 17 and Miserable edition. were easy to date because MTV. 9pm.

Benjamin Franklin was sporting sideburns and a peace Santa social networks the old WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 fashioned way. Monday, 8pm. sign medallion. CBS. 10pm.

2009: That Really Happened A look back at pop culture of 2009, SATURDAY, DEC. 5 a year to be known in history as “the year Guy’s Disney Holiday Tasting the amusewe all got tired of hearing about Lindsay ment park’s holiday-themed meals and Lohan.” VH1. 7pm. whether Donald Duck eating turkey dinner Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys constitutes cannibalism. Food Network. 9pm.

The flying reindeer drops in on an island The 12 Men of Christmas The men of a of imperfect beings cast off by society as Montana search-and-rescue team are perunneeded and unwanted. In the real world, suaded to pose nude in a calendar to raise they call this “a retirement community.” ABC money for charity.This is a popular fundraisFamily. 9pm. ing model but we always wonder how much Barbara Walters:The 10 Most Fascinating grief they give the guy chosen for February, People of 2010 Probably the last chance the shortest month. (2009) Lifetime. 9pm. you’ll have to see Lady Gaga and Glenn Beck on the same show until the Valentine’s Day episode of Love Boat 2019. ABC. 10pm.

SUNDAY, DEC. 6 Is It True? This show investigates the validity Ed Sullivan’s Rock‘n’ Roll Classics:The of popular Internet videos that include Bigfoot ‘60s Historic pop performance appearances including the Beatles, Elvis, the Doors, the Roll- sightings, ghosts pushing cars and a plane landing with one wing.It turns out waterskiing Stones and a little kid that people keep ing is actually a natural behavior for many speinsisting was Michael Jackson. KQED.7pm. cies of squirrel.Discovery Channel.10pm.

Crazy Christmas Lights Visiting homes where the owners have constructed elaborate Christmas displays.You know you’ve THURSDAY, DEC. 10 gone too far when the street lights dim every Community Challenge Jeff is challenged by time Rudolph prances across the carport. The the campus bully. Community college bulLearning Channel.7pm. lies are harder to avoid than bullies at fouryear colleges.They MONDAY, DEC. 7 don’t have football Santa Claus is Comin’ scholarships and are to Town He doesn’t actually expected to even bother with a attend class. NBC. 8pm. naughty or nice list Hollywood Christmas any more. He just folParade It’s very much lows you on Twitter. like the Macy’s ThanksABC. 8pm. giving parade but the Find My Family This giant balloons have new show reunites Christmas’s pagan roots indeed, Thursday at 10. better tans. CBS. 9pm. adopted children with their birth parents, providing the kind of A Flintstone Christmas Can somebody healing and emotional resolution only pos- explain to us how prehistoric cavemen sible with a camera crew and an ingratiating could celebrate the birth of Christ? ABC reality TV host. ABC. 9pm.

Family. 10pm. < A Diva’s Christmas Carol Vanessa Williams Critique That TV Guy at letters@pacificsun.com and Chilli from TLC star in this modern retelling of the classic Dickens fable.Williams Turn on more TV Guy at plays a superstar singer who is visited by the ›› pacificsun.com Ghost of Embarrassing Fashion Statements

›› TRiViA CAFÉ

HERO

›› THAT TV GUY

Got a Hero or a Zero? Please send submissions to scampos@pacificsun.com.

Toss roses, hurl stones with more Heroes and Zeros at ›› pacificsun.com DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 9

›› UPFRONT < 8 I want my MarinTV! contract to fund public access. In the initial stages of negotiations, it seemed the cable giant would accept that term; but the company started to look for ways to bail and said it would not put up the money.

The franchise contract called for Comcast to front the MTA $3 million to help create the media center, which would take over public access responsibility and eventually offer as many as six channels of public programming on the Comcast system.

The media center, a “designated access provider,” has its own board and is an autonomous nonprofit agency, a provider of content for the public access system.

Its parent organization, the MTA, has morphed from the days when it was an agency that dealt strictly with negotiating a franchise agreement with Comcast; it can now can deal with a variety of telecommunications issues.

With the new franchise agreement in place, Comcast turned over operations for public access to the MTA, which handed off the day-to-day operations to the media center. Part of the package included using $2.5 million of the $3 million Comcast grant for capital expenses, including equipment and the cost of leasing space in San Rafael.

The media center now has two full-time staff members in addition to Eisenmenger and an ample collection of video equip-

ment and editing workstations. After the initial set-up, the primary task has been training people to use the new equipment.

(If you build it, they will come.)

During negotiations with the cable companies and the formation of the administrative structure of the media center, residents contributed insight as members of a Media Access Advisory Committee. Also important to the creation of the new public access structure were members of Media Action Marin, who regularly reminded the MTA board that public access should remain public and not be allowed to wither, either philosophically or financially.

Eisenmenger came to Marin from New York, where he worked with Laura Flanders to start Grit TV, a national issuesbased program that runs on Free Speech TV. Before that, he worked in the community media department at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, one of the largest public access systems in the country.

The organization Eisenmenger runs is based on a membership structure. In the summer, the media center began looking for members who would pay $35 a year ($25 for seniors), which would allow access to the equipment. Before checking out equipment for productions, prospective producers must pass a training program and receive certification. The class for basic field camera production, for instance, is offered in three sessions for $50. Completing the class qualifies the trainee to check

out video equipment for between 48 hours and 72 hours at a time up to four times a month. (The center also is looking for organizational memberships.)

The number of people who have taken classes in production and editing there represents a fair assessment of whether the new facility is, indeed, attracting local talent. “We have about 200 members now,” says Eisenmenger. “From July through October, we’ve had 116 certifications. The classes fill up as soon as we offer them. We just opened our studio in October and just finished our third set of training classes [for studio work], so I expect we will be seeing a lot of studio programming starting up, and we actually have a little bit of a waiting list to get into that class.”

Certification class students represent the Marin demographic. Eisenmenger says most are on the older side. But the center’s newest endeavor, an education channel, is in the works, and talks are being held with local schools in preparation. The three channels represent the three legs of the PEG system: public, education, government.

Attracting the educational community to the center in a synergistic arrangement could benefit both parties. That was the hope when the MTA spent months wooing the College of Marin, proposing the college as an ideal location for the media center. But the college remained cool to the idea, and at least some COM officials and board members felt that the school

would not gain enough from the arrangement to offer a site on campus.

“We’re launching an educational advisory committee to bring in people from the K-12 schools, Dominican and College of Marin to start talking about the educational channel,” says Eisenmenger, “so we’re hoping we will be getting more synergy with [COM]. We have been running their distance education programming. They are well aware that we are here and we are available. We’re just waiting for things to kind of gel on that end.” The media center is eager to attract college interns, who could benefit from opportunities working in the world of nonprofit telecommunications and PEG programming. (Prospective interns can e-mail a resume to position@cmcm.tv.)

The upfront money from the Comcast franchise deal should keep the media center running at a comfortable pace for about three years. Long-term funding always has been a concern. The membership structure is one way to attract some income, but it won’t yield enough to top off the tank.

Another method of raising operating funds will be to run a fee-for-service operation.

The center has already dipped a toe in that water. The dismal economy is reducing the amount of money nonprofits have to take on new projects, and that means the feefor-service plan might take a while to get rolling. Eisenmenger says the media center remains ready to work with nonprofit

SALES EXECUTIVES for

ATTENTION: Marin County Property Owners Thursday, December 10, 2009 is the Ånal day the First Installment of the 2009-2010 property taxes can be paid without penalty. The tax is now due and owners are encouraged to submit payment at this time to avoid being late. Payments are due November 1st and must be postmarked not later than December 10, 2009 or be delivered to the Tax Collector’s OfÅce not later than 5:00 P.M. Thursday, December 10, 2009 to avoid a 10% penalty. Property owners are encouraged to pay early.

The founders and creators of Proactiv Solution, Drs. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields have created another #1 selling skincare line… Rodan + Fields Dermatologists. It is exclusively represented by Independent Skincare Consultants.

This is a ground floor opportunity; training provided; work part-time or full-time for yourself but not by yourself.

Please send an email detailing why you would be the perfect candidate or to hear information on the position. Send to: meredith@myrandf.com

www.meredith.myrandf.biz

25th Annual Christmas

Property owners, especially those who have recently purchased real estate, who have not received a tax bill, should contact the Tax Collector’s OfÅce. Nonreceipt of a tax bill does not excuse one from paying taxes or from penalties for late payments. Partial payments are not accepted.

The Tax Collector’s OfÅce hours are from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday and will be extended from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 10, 2009. Taxpayers can obtain information through our web page at www.co.marin.ca.us/taxes about the tax collector’s ofÅce and tax assistance programs. For questions regarding payment of taxes, contact the Tax Collector’s OfÅce at 499-6133.

Exclusive Skincare Brand

S AM N TAAR IRN O ,S C A ,A C A

ANTIQUE SHOW

December 12 & 13

Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5 Over 70 booths! Free Appraisals!

Antiques, collectibles, vintage and estate jewelry, fine & decorative art, furniture and more!

Marin Center, Exhibit Hall, San Rafael www.goldengateshows.com • (415) 383-2252 $ 1

O F F

O N E

$ 6

A D M I S S I O N

W I T H

T H I S

A D

Michael J. Smith Marin County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Civic Center-Room 202 *°"°Ê ÝÊ{ÓÓäÊUÊ-> Ê,>v>i ]Ê °Ê { £Î {ÓÓäÊ www.co.marin.ca.us 10 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009

pacificsun.com

What’s Good for the Body is Good for the Soul

Couple’s Special

Chiropractic Exam

1/2 Hr Private Hot Tub/Sauna 1 Hr Massage For 2

Diagnosis & 1 Treatment

- ,6

CORTE MADERA REC CENTER

PET CLUB

* Ê£xnÊ "

HWY.101

TAMALPAIS AVE.

SEXY HAIR SHINY NAILS

454-1347 OPEN MONDAYS For Your Convenience 536 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo

COUPON

VAN NESS PET BOWL Plu 338

508 Tamalpais Drive CORTE MADERA, CA. 415-927-2862 M-F 9-8, SAT 9-7, SUN 10-7 Effective 12/2-12/8

AVODERM

IAMS

DRY DOG FOOD

NATURAL DRY DOG FOOD

40 Lbs

•Lamb Meal & Rice (•Large Breed Adult •Weight Control, $25.99)

Limit 2 Bags per Family

Original 30 Lb Bag $ (Oven Baked) . . . . . . . . . . .

Lamb Meal & Rice $ 30 Lb Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Limit 2 Bags Per Family

2799 2799 $ 99 Lite, 28 Lb Bag . . . . . . . . . . 27 $ 99 Chicken Meal & Rice, 30 Lb . 27

Effective 12/2-12/8

Effective 12/2-12/8

2599

$

MERRICK’S

GOURMET CANNED DOG FOOD

1

$ 49

13.2 Oz All Varieties Except (•Braut n Tots •Wing a Ling - $1.59)

PURINA KIT N’ KABOODLE DRY CAT FOOD

16 Lb Bag Limit 2 Bags Per Family

949

$

EUKANUBA DRY CAT FOOD

•Adult Chicken •Lamb Meal & Rice •Weight Control •Sensitive Stomach 7lbs - 8Lbs Limit 2 Bags

1199

$

RELIANCE BIRD CAGES

on Dog & Cat Food. Lower than Wholesale Clubs “C or PC”, Supermarkets, or Wholesale Food Cos. (No Membership Fees)

SCIENCE DIET

DRY DOG FOOD •Adult Light •Mature Adult 40 Lb Bag

3399

$

So Much for So Little

KAL KAN

WHISKAS DRY CAT FOOD With Savory Nuggets 15 Lb Bag

Limit 2 Bags Per Family

Effective 12/2-12/8

Effective 12/2-12/8

Stock On Hand

search for PacificSun.com

20% OFF OUR SUPER LOW PRICES

BONUS COUPON

JONNY CAT

PS PLU365

PREMIUM CAT LITTER 10 Lb Bag Limit 2 Bags With Coupon Limit One Coupon Per Family Effective 12/2-12/8 Price Valid Only With Coupon

129

$

1

4/

Effective 12/2-12/8

10

CANNED CAT FOOD

CAT LITTER

549

$

•Toys •Treats All Varieties

14 Lb

BONUS COUPON

69¢ PLU464

799 $2199

749

Limit 2 Bags

CLUMPING CAT LITTER

1199

$

Flavor Snacks $ 7 Lb Box

40 Lb

PESTELL

Super Buy!

DRY DOG FOOD

MODEL

100 150 200 300

PROPAC

Super Buy!

33 Lbs Limit 2 Bags

PREMIUM DRY DOG FOOD •Lg Breed $ 99 •Lamb Meal $

1799

$

•Mini Chunk

699

$

40 Lb. Bag

TANK SIZE

. . . . . . . . . . . 20 Gal.. . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Gal.. . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Gal.. . . . . . . . . . . 100 Gal.

Adult

19

& Rice

2399

PET CLUB SALE

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

13.99 17.99 20.99 27.99

$ $ $ $

Revolutionary Bio-Falls Quad Filtration System

TETRA BOXED 10 GALLON TANK With Economy Kit

Just Add Heater For Tropical Fish

39.99

$

TETRA FISH FOOD SALE

OUR SUPER LOW PRICES

CAT TREATS All Varieties TARTAR CONTROL

Effective 12/2-12/8

NATURAL WHEAT LITTER

89

849

549

$

SWHEAT SCOOP $

¢

2/

Large $ 10 Lb Box

Limit 2 Bags Per Family

Effective 12/2-12/8

GOURMET CLASSICS & MAX KITTEN CANNED CAT FOOD

CASCADE CASCADE CASCADE CASCADE

20% OFF

POUNCE

2 Oz Limit 3 Pkgs with Coupon Limit One Coupon Per Family Effective 12/2-12/8 Price Valid Only With Coupon

Effective 12/2-12/8

599

$

PENN-PLAX CASCADE POWER FILTER SALE

20% OFF PRODUCTS

Limit 2 Jugs Per Family

MILK-BONE DOG BISCUITS

FRESH STEP 21 Lb. Bag (Fresh Step 14 Lb. Bag–$3.99) Limit 2 Bags

89¢

All Varieties 3 0z.

Limit 2 Cases

35 Lb. Bag Limit 2 Bags

59¢

All Varieties 5.5 0z Limit 1 Case Per Family

20 Lb Bag (Pretty Boy, 20 Lb - $5.99)

20 Lb Jug

GRAVY TRAIN

SCIENCE DIET

WILD BIRD SEED

•Multiple Cat Formula •Regular

NUTRO

99

KAYTEE

SCOOPABLE CAT LITTER

22 Oz. All Varieties

Limit 1 Case Per Family

uding Pet Food or Litter) Limit 1 PS PLU331 Cannot be used in conju similar dollar or perc nction with entage off coupons & advertise d sale items.

Limit: 1 Coupon Per Family Effectiv

TIDY CAT SCOOP

CHOICE CUTS/PEDIGREE CANNED DOG FOOD

Limit 2 Cases Per Family

20% OFF

•Doggy •Eye •Kitty •Ear •Itch Stop •Tooth All Varieties

CANNED CAT FOOD

EVERCLEAN

PREMIUM CAT LITTER

•ES Unscented •ES Scented •Low Track $ (Multi-Crystal $10.99) 25 Lb Box Limit 2 Boxes

250 OFF

ANY PURCHASE OF $7.0 MORE OF PET OR FISH 0 OR SUPPLIES (Excl

e 12/2-12/ 8

ctive 12/2-1 2/8

KAL KAN

$ 39

899

$

Limit 2 Bags Per Family

FRISKIES BUFFET 5.5 Oz All Varieties

OUR SUPER LOW PRICES CADETS RAWHIDE FLEXI $ Duck Breast, 1 Lb . . . . . . . . . . . 7.99 RETRACTABLE LEASHES $ Chicken Breast, 2 Lbs . . . . . . 12.99 •Classic •Control •Expressions $ •Mini All Varieties - All Sizes OUR SUPER LOW PRICES Choice Chews, 3 Lbs . . . . . . . 12.99 PETKIN PET WIPES PINK PARROT All Varieties

(Small Size) SKU 00201 with any purchase of pet, fish food or supply.

Limit 1.

PS Limit 1 Coupon per family Effe

GUARANTEED WAREHOUSE PRICES

COUPON

$

FREE

FOOD AND SUPPLIES

3 BLOCKS

6)3! s -# s !-%8

/ Ê 6 °ÊÊ Ê6 9ÊUÊÎnÎ nÓÈäÊUÊjosephsmithmassage.com

PET CLUB

N

THE VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER

TOWN CENTER

SHELL STATION

ÊÓxÊ9 ,-Ê- Ê " / "

"* Ê 6 ,9Ê 9Ê£äÊ ÊqÊ£äÊ* Ê",Ê 9Ê **/°ÊUÊ "1- Ê -Ê 6

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

(415) 927-2862

Ê ,

The New Tubs Are In!

$57 With this ad

$137 With this ad

Contact the writer at peter@pseidman.com

Store Hours: M-F 9-8 • SAT 9-7 • SUN 10-7 508 TAMALPAIS DRIVE • CORTE MADERA, CA 94925

find us on

F. JOSEPH SMITH’S MASSAGE THERAPY CENTER

the mix and so few creative-talent types are stepping forward to take advantage of a new opportunity. Even high-powered Hollywood producers have personal projects that can’t crack the commercial barrier but would be perfect for a new and progressive distribution system. And that goes triple for young writers and directors who could begin their creative trek at the media center. Eisenmenger says he would love to see creative talent become attracted to the possibilities. (It is built—now come.)

The media center is about to increase its audience on Dec. 7, thanks to the reentrance of AT&T into the Marin television landscape. AT&T has been rolling out its U-verse package, which includes television programming. Along with its own programming, AT&T must offer PEG programming, just as Comcast does.

An ongoing survey on the media center website is taking the pulse of Marin to learn what type of programming people are interested in watching or producing; and the program schedules for channels 26 and 27 are on the website as well.

Now, if only the channel listings on the Comcast menu included the actual programs instead of the vague “Public Access Programming” and “Government Access Programming.” <

GET THE LOOK

organizations to produce content and provide video production help. Its production services will also be offered to cities in the county in the hope they will use the center, for a fee, to cover public meetings.

The main task up to now, though, has been to get the media center operating.

Part of the deal with Comcast includes allowing the media center to send out a pitch for memberships as part of a Comcast bill. But it can pitch only one time a year, and must pick up the cost of the mailing. “We’ve not played that card yet,” says Eisenmenger. Some members of Media Action Marin worry that the need for long-term funding would swing toward a sponsorship arrangement that could compromise community benefit.

The policy of the media center allows “for a minimal amount of underwriting, mainly to help people engaged in community production,” Eisenmenger says. He sees no dire consequences for a local pizza restaurant underwriting a production to cover a football game at a local school. The restrictions on underwriting and advertising are more stringent for PEG systems than for public broadcasting systems.

A look at the public access schedule on the media center website (www.cmcm.tv) shows a preponderance of documentary programming. Considering the amount of creative talent in Marin, which is filled with artists, writers, producers, directors, it’s startling so little fiction content is in

PS

Tetrafin Goldfish 7.06 oz. . . . . $7.99 Tetramin Staple 7.06 oz. . . $11.99 Tetra Ruby Color7.06 oz. . . $11.99

Limit 1 Per Family

AQUARIUM SYSTEMS REEF CRYSTALS

50 Gal. Salt Mix

15.99

$

BONUS COUPON

ADVANTAGE • PROGRAM FRONTLINE

9 LIVES

CANNED CAT FOOD •Single 5.5 Oz All Varieties Limit 8 Cans with Coupon Limit One Coupon Per Family Price Valid Only With Coupon Effective 12/2-12/8

33¢

PS PLU364

AVAILABLE EVERYDAY AT

PET CLUB!!

DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 11

Not-so-silent nights For those about to rock around the Christmas tree, we salute you...

by The Space Cow b oy

F

or the Space Cowboy, the holidays always you say, but “only in Fairfax!” FYI: Vinyl mean lots of musical mirth and merri- keyboardist Jonathan Korty will now join ment and last month was no exception. guitarist and fellow Chrome Johnson/HonVinyl’s CD release party on “Black eydust band mate Danny Uzilevsky at 19 Wednesday,” Nov. 25, at the Independent Broadway every Tuesday night (9pm-1am) in S.F. (a new annual tradition?) featured as they host an invitational jam with lots guest appearances by Les of special guests. Korty has Claypool (Primus), voalso begun hosting the new, calist Marcus Scott, the all ages open mic at Maria Rondo Brothers (who Maria, 651 E. Blithedale in remixed the album) and Mill Valley, every Monday a three-hour jam with night from 8 to 11pm. funky friends the MonoIt’s December and that phonics. Then on Saturmeans the wild and wacky day the two bands took Christmas Jug Band is the hijinks north, as Vinyl back! The new live album, played Peri’s Bar while On the Holiday Highway, the Monophonics perfeatures the usual cast formed down the street of Austin de Lone, Tim at 19 Broadway. At the Eschliman, Jim Rothermel, It’ll be a Hayes shade of winter at the stroke of midnight the Sleeping Lady on Dec. 12.

Blake Richardson and Paul bands pulled off Fairfax’s Rogers, plus special guests first musical fire drill (that I am aware of) Country Joe McDonald, Mike Duke, the by simultaneously starting the same song late Norton Buffalo and Dan Hicks and and swapping band members one at a time the Lickettes. They will play a special until they had switched clubs completely... family-friendly matinee show at 142 then switched back again to the delight Throckmorton Theatre on Sunday, Dec. of packed crowds at each spot. What can 13, and will be appearing at Mill Valley’s

Masonic Hall Monday, Dec. 21 and 22, and at Petaluma’s Mystic Theatre Dec. 19 with special guest Bonnie Hayes.

142 Throckmorton Theatre has two must-see events coming up this month.

First, the Seva benefit show on Saturday, Dec. 12—hosted by Wavy Gravy and featuring the Rowan Brothers, Moonalice (with Pete Sears of Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna) and G.E. Smith (SNL Band), plus the David Nelson Band and some very special surprise guests (wink, wink).

Then on Saturday, Dec. 19, drummer and Grammy Award-winning producer Narada Michael Walden will host his annual foundation benefit jam featuring Lydia Pense (Cold Blood), members of Santana, Tevin Campbell and many others. Both these shows start at 8pm and have two-tier ticket prices. Visit www.142throckmortontheatre.org to find out how to get tickets soon as both shows will sell out.

Singer/songwriter Noelle Hampton returns from Austin, Texas, to celebrate the release of her new CD, Thin Line, at the Mill Valley Masonic Hall Saturday, Dec. 5, at 8pm. The Mill Valley native and California Music Award nominee has opened for Bob Dylan, Chris Isaak and Richard Thompson, to name a few, and can count none other than former Rolling Stone editor Ben FongTorres as a fan. Welcome back, Noelle! The Bolinas-based band This Old Earthquake, featuring Ethan Okamura on guitar and vocals, Mike Burton on bass and Steve Trivelpiece on vocals and guitar, will celebrate the release of their new CD, Portuguese Murder

PHOTO COURTESTY OF GOGIRLS.COM

›› THE BEAT

Noelle Hampton will celebrate the release of her new CD, and the fact that she’s no longer in Texas, this Saturday in Mill Valley.

Ballads, with a very special show at Bolinas Community Center on Friday, Dec. 4. They describe their unique vocal harmony-based sound as “sunny with a chance of sleet.” The Beat would like to wish Ramblin’ Jack Elliott a speedy recovery from his recent bypass surgery. KPIG will host Steve Kimock on the Ham Jam Saturday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 3pm.

If you don’t have New Year’s Eve plans yet, here are some reasons to get out and do the North Bay boogie. In Fairfax, the Hold Outs, Diamond Ortiz and Lansdale Station will share a smokin’ bill at 19 Broadway, while Honeydust rocks the socks off of Peri’s Bar and the Tom Finch Band lights up The Sleeping Lady. Two great annual traditions continue as the Zydeco Flames burn up Rancho Nicasio and the Tommy Castro Band once again paints the Mystic Theatre blue. In West Marin, the Jenny Kerr Band sails into Smiley’s Saloon in Bolinas, Duke and the Boyz reign over Pt. Reyes Station’s Old Western Saloon and the Sky Blue Band shines on the Papermill Creek Saloon.

Lastly, in Sausalito, Vinyl (with special guests) gets ‘em spinning at Chris Holbrook’s Studio 333 on Caledonia Street.

December LIVE: Petty Theft (featuring Monroe Grisman) steals away to Peri’s Bar on Friday, Dec. 4; then the legendary Jonathan Richman has a modern love-in at 142 Throckmorton on Dec. 5; surf-rock pioneer Dick Dale rides into 19 Broadway for a Dec. 6 show. Next week, Todd Snider snipes at the Mystic Theater on Dec. 9; Bonnie Hayes wakes ’em up at The Sleeping Lady on Dec. 12; Hot Buttered Rum and Poor Man’s Whiskey will be pouring at the Mystic Theater, Dec. 11 and 12; and Chrome Johnson rides again at 19 Broadway on Dec. 19. < Got a hot tip for the Beat? E-mail me at marinbeat@gmail.com. Rawk on!

Lay down a beat of your own on TownSquare, at

›› pacificsun.com 12 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 -DECEMBER 10, 2009

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHISTLESTOP

HL LIDAYS i N tHe SUn

Happy Holidays From Our Family to Yours Call Now to make reservations for your holiday party or to order party platters (Also available in catering sizes)

Vintage Oaks Shopping Center Novato

140 2nd Street Petaluma

892-8838

S. Petaluma Exit to Downtown Mon.-Sat. 11:30-9:15 Sun. 3:30-9:15

Rowland Ave., exit Mon.-Sat. 11:30-9:30 Sun. 4:00-9:30

Whistlestop in San Rafael hosts its annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party this Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11am to 2pm. $75 to $350. Call 456-9062, ext. 121.

707-762-6888

VOTED BEST CHINESE FOOD IN MARIN FOR MORE THAN A DECADE! Reservations Accepted www.jennielow.com

Holiday Special!

Buy2 D E Get 1 FREE! INNER

NTRĂ&#x2030;ES

-ON 3UN s Mention this ad

Lunch Buffet $8.95 M-S 11:30-2pm s All You Can Eat! â&#x20AC;&#x153;...Hands Down My Favorite Indian Restaurant in the Bay Area.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Teresa C.

IndiaVillage Authentic Indian Cooking

FREE PARKING s

% &RANCISCO s HARBOR CENTER www.indianfoodsanrafael.com The Bay Area Discovery Museum hosts a Gingerbread Architecture Extravaganza on weekends this month, as well as Dec. 21, 22 and 23, at 11am, noon and 1pm. $25.

Call 339-3900.

FRESH MADE DAILY Fair Trade Organic Coffee & Espresso Drinks

Remember To Call In Your Holiday Orders

454-8692 811 4th St. San Rafael At former Royal Frankfurter Location DECEMBER 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 13

HL LIDAYS i N tHe SUn

F

or nearly 20 years the Rombeiro household on Novato’s Devonshire Drive has taken Christmas decorating to another dimension—one of throbbing red lights, electric-rail superhighways and cute/sinister dolls whose roving eyes cast their gaze upon all who enter. The Rombeiros’ is known locally as the “Christmas House” and has become something of a yuletide Mecca, so to speak; an annual pilgrimage for residents throughout the county to imbibe in the spectacle of it all and stare slack-jawed in wonder at what kind of family would string nearly 100,000 lights through their house—and then let hundreds of strangers traipse through in amazed stupor (while quietly questioning the family’s collective sanity).

Edmundo, his sister Rosalinda, his wife Mary Jo and their daughter Kathy begin set-up for the Christmas House in September and toil daily until opening to the public the first weekend of December. After that, hundreds of visitors queue through their house nightly—including Christmas—to see irradiating plastic reindeer, trumpet-toting cherubs and scarf-bedecked penguins herald the coming of the Christ child.

For much of the year, their lives literally revolve around the Christmas House. So much so that it’s even become a backdrop when the family faces its most difficult challenges, like when Ed and Rosalinda’s mom passed away at the house eight years ago in December—while merrymakers waited patiently outside for the doors to open for the evening. (They didn’t. But the show went on about a week later, in memory of the Rombeiro matriarch, “because my mother loved Christmas so much,” says Ed.) The Rombeiros are braced for another round of Christmas splendor starting this weekend, and continuing through the first week of January.

THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE You can pay your respects nightly from 6 to 10pm. is open nightly from Dec. Ace Sun photographer James Hall dropped in on the Rombeiros dur4 through the first week ing this year’s set-up to capture the dream before it became reality—the of the new year, from 6 to Rombeiros’ version of it, anyway.—Jason Walsh 10pm. It is at 34 Devonshire Drive, Novato. Check out www.rombeiro-christmashouse.com

Above: The angel room is special, says Ed. ‘A lot of people kneel down in front of Jesus, and some people cry.’ Left: When she’s not stringing tinsel, Kathy works as a sales rep for Office Depot.

Edmundo Rombeiro has been ‘extreme decorating’ since age 13 when he’d create elaborate lava rock Nativity scenes for his mother when they lived in Portugal.

The more than 75,000 lights run up a December utility bill of about $3,000 for the Rombeiros. Donations from the 30,000 yearly visitors help toward that.

14 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10

Rosalinda joined the Christmas House fun following its first big year in the early ‘90s; she works primarily with the outside decorations.

L Rosalinda’s dream First time ever, last night, I had a dream with my mom about the house here. She picks up a beautiful ornament to put on the tree, and inside there’s an angel. So I ask her, “Where did you find that?” And she says, “Well I found it...” And then she just disappeared. This is the first time I’ve had a dream with Mama at this time of the year. She loved Christmas so.

Ed, on their mother’s passing in December 2001 She passed away five minutes before I was going to open the house that year. She’s in bed and then I go in to tell her, “Mom, I’m going to open the door.” And she says, “OK, good luck, I hope God helps you this year.” Then my wife comes over to me at five minutes before six and says, “Ed, your mom passed away.” I go in, but she’s already gone. I have Santa Claus over here and...I don’t turn on the lights or anything. I put up a big sign on that gate: “The house is going to be closed for a week, and going to be reopening the day after the funeral.” You know...it was a very, very tough time. You know, I mean, guys came over from the funeral home and I’m in the room and saw the guys put the body inside that bag. And that night, the night she died, the news went from one neighbor to the next, all the street, nobody turned their lights on. I mean this street was dark.

And the cars stopped, and asked, “What happened, the street is all dark?” And Santa Claus walked down the middle of the street, talking to all the people in the cars, and said, “The mother of the owner of the house, she just passed away a few minutes ago.”

In 2008, Ed installed storage space in the attic above all the rooms to go along with the two storage sheds and loft in his garage that hold all the paraphernalia.

Ed, on the real-life characters out front We have a Santa that once in a while comes by, and an angel, and these are just people who showed up at the Christmas House. Nobody’s been hired. Nobody’s been asked. Just something to do from the goodness of their heart.

Ed’s advice for aspiring Christmas House wannabes It’s a huge expense, so be ready to spend many thousands of dollars. Prepare your checkbook.

Kathy and the candy cane counter About three years ago on Christmas Eve we had 4,100 people come through. We knew based on how many candy canes we handed out. We were opening cases and cases that night. Maybe a week before Christmas it’s 1,500 people, 900 people. Consistent every night. After New Year’s it starts to taper off.

Kathy, on the prospect of a holiday without the Christmas House I just don’t know what Christmas would even look like without it.

Is Kathy disappointed or relieved when the season ends?

When the Christmas House is over, for one week I don’t show up here. We close the house on Jan. 6 and it’s just one week with no calls, no people, just decompression. And you need it, you need it. <

During warm-weather months, the train room is an enclosed patio. The train, agree the Rombeiros, is their most difficult feature—people get excited when it passes by and accidentally knock it off the track.

Above: Ed utilizes his skills as a former airport traffic-control engineer to convert all the Christmas doodads from battery to electricity.

Happy holidays!

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 15

“Where East Meets West in a Culinary Explosion of Taste & Sensations”

Thank You For Voting Us In The Top

HLLIDAYS i N tHe SUn

LUNCH BUFFET $9.95 7 DAYS A WEEK

30–35 Items to Choose From! + Mango Ice Cream OPEN EVERY DAY

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30 Sat-Sun 11:30-3:00 Dinner: 5:00-9:30

10% OFF All To-Go Food*

15% off Entire Bill (excluding buffet)

From the Menu with Coupon Expires December 31, 2009

Dine-In Food Only – 1 Coupon Per Table

*Does not include Lunch Buffet

Expires December 31, 2009

909 Fourth St., San Rafael U 459-9555 U dinebombaygarden.com Join the for arin JCC r ty O s he r M a p h a H a nu k k the best ! n in tow

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE

Support local artisans by shopping for your holiday gifts at a our Holiday Marketplace! Whether it is jewelry, glass, h handmade cards & paper, all-natural candles and bath products or accessories you will definitely find it here.

FAMILY EVENTS

BOOK FAIR Books for all ages Author presentations & signings

Bounce House • Music Crafts • Holiday Treats

Co- sponsored by the Parent Ass ociation s of ECE and Bra ndeis Hillel Day School ,

in association with Book Pas sage

EVERYONE IS WELCOME – ENTRANCE IS FREE

AT THE OSHER MARIN JCC

SUNDAY, DEC. 6 @ 12-4 PM 415.444.8000 | WWW.MARINJCC.ORG 200 NORTH SAN PEDRO ROAD, SAN RAFAEL 1/2 mile east of Hwy 101 | Free Parking 16 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009

A

protracted recession doesn’t prevent artists from creating. Nor does it diminish art lovers’ enthusiasm, a fact that should be immensely evident this weekend at the Winter Open Studios event at the Industrial Center Building in Sausalito.

Comprising 80 studios in a large World War II-era building, ICB is the largest artists’ collective in Marin, with a daunting array of talent in fields ranging from jewelry and textile design to photography, painting and sculpture. Holiday bargain hunters are likely to be tempted by this year’s accessible prices.

In studio 345B, painter and fabric designer Ingrid Butler offers silk neckties at $10 each The etched copper sheets of Dana Cooper will radiate with and marble-patterned paper at $15 per sheet, warmth beneath the Christmas tree this year. with crinkled paper creations running $15 to to check out her new 3-D figurative pieces, $20 each. Large works on paper go for about made with bunched Saran Wrap, acrylic $125, and her big-format oil paintings are sheets and Sharpie marker. about $650 each.

Studio 207 houses bright, happy paintButler’s studio mate (and husband), Dana ings

by Leslie Gifford, and figurative work Cooper, creates stunning amalgams of paintby Rhoda Grossman, a painter who works ing and sculpture by etching “backward” from digital copper sheets with various imagery to finished oils. An acids, the shiny bare copper ICB WINTER OPEN STUDIOS artist with more than 20 protected from oxidation Industrial Center Building, 480 years of experience in the with a coat of lacquer. His Gate 5 Road, Sausalito.

Friday, digital domain, Grossman works begin around $350 Dec. 4, opening reception, is the author of Digital and range up to $4,000.

6pm-9pm; Saturday and Painting Fundamentals Cooper and Butler have Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, 11amwith Corel Painter and is shared studio space and an 6pm.

415/331-2222, www. available for one-on-one obviously prolific artistic icbartists.com. instruction. Among dozens life for more than 30 years. of works on display are her “We’re the positive defini“Tiffany Yin-Yang” and tion of attention deficit disa portrait of musician Jerry Portnoy, “Jerry order,” they joked during a pre-event tour.

Plays Sweetwater. ” The droll Dani Roach is another ICB artist Cheryl Rabin, Cynthia Duncan and who’s swallowed the current economic reality Deborah Bertola share studio 282, an arwith a dose of humor. Studio 273 features not rangement that allows the three to “play only a collection of her most recent paintwell off each other,” as Rabin puts it. Her ings and collages—happier than ever—but a posted definition of the word “recession” with work of primarily dreamy, abstract figurative pieces ($800 to $2,400) stands in sharp a note that she’s dropped prices 30 percent. contrast to Duncan’s intense abstracts.

While our fearless leaders in Washington Bertola’s paintings range from impresmake sure that bankers enjoy their biggest sionistic landscapes and animal portraits to paydays ever, Roach is doing her small part large-format abstract paintings that allude to make life easier for art lovers with budgetto the work of Gustavo Ramos Rivera. ary constraints. Her 35-by-36-inch collage A one-woman artistic variety act is Mari “Recurring Rooms” is priced at $1,260, far Aaronsouth in studio 338, with figurative below what it might have sold for two years pieces in pastel on fine-grain sandpaper ago. Fingerprint paintings on acrylic sheets— ($450 to $950), small oil paintings ($80 “Fingerprints are the soul’s signature,” she each) and medium-to-large abstract oils says—are in the $80 to $100 range. Be sure such as her “Ancient Greece” ($2,500). 18 >

Half Pric e Sangria Sundays !

GRAND RE-OPENING

1328

AVANT GARDE

St. . (Between C & D) . San Rafael . 415.485.4497 Mon-Sat 11-6 . Sun 12-5 (During Holidays)

4th

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be surprised at our new and improved look.

ZEBA HOME MARIN

More NEW clothing, Jewelry, Handbags, Shoes Furniture, Home Decor, Accessories

One of a kind home furnishing & antique furniture store in the North Bay.

Always upscale, always at a great value!

All Antique Furniture

20% OFF

50% OFF!

WITH THIS !D

Mention this Ad 716 4th St. San Rafael 415-259-6197 Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 7pm Closed Sundays

Great for Holiday Parties!

zebamarin.com

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER TUESDAY-SUNDAY 1613 4th St. (BETW F & G) SAN RAFAEL

"ODY 0IERCING s 3KATE "OARDS !CCESSORIES s (ATS 3HIRTS s 0OSTERS s 'LASSES s )NCENSE s !DULT .OVELTIES

415-256-1818 www.whipsnap.biz

&OURTH 3T 3AN 2AFAEL s San Rafael Community Services and San Rafael Young Performers Theatre

& & /!LL 3HOES

NG

I H T O L #

TH 3T Â&#x201E; 3AN 2AFAEL Â&#x201E; Â&#x201E; TRIUMPH TH COM

Mill Valley Parks & Recreation and Pied Piper Productions

Written by: Jonathan Larson Directed by:

8 ONLY S! SHOW

SHARON BOUCHER Musical Director: Daniel Savio DECEMBER DATES: Fri., 4th, 7:30pm 4BU UI QN t 4VO UI QN JANUARY DATES: Fri., 29th, 7:30pm 4BU UI QN t 4VO TU QN San Rafael Community Center 618 B St., San Rafael Tickets: $12 in Advance, $15 at the Door To purchase tickets: Call 485-3333 or online at eplay.livelifelocally.com or Mill Valley Parks & Rec 383-1370

A Pul it Pr zer Winnize i Play!ng

Rent-School Edition is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International (M.T.I)

DECEMBER 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 17

HLLIDAYS i N tHe SUn < 16 Do you see what ICB? Studio 259D features Linda Larsen’s serene landscapes—neither “tonalism nor realism,” the artist says—and richly executed neoprimitive pieces by Sherry Miller, such as her “Yo Semite” ($2,400), a familiar view from the valley floor in Yosemite. A lifelong Russophile, Miller has several heavily layered paintings of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral, a place she’s visited repeatedly, going back to pre-perestroika days. Miller’s mid-size view of St. Basil’s goes for $800; a large one for $1,800.

Miller also has a group of “quilts”— stitched-together images of fish, evoking pleasant reminders of the recurring nature of life—a series derived from her love of repeating patterns. Although not an abstract painter in the strictest sense, Miller believes that “abstraction may be the only way to express yourself” in a world overwhelmed by vast numbers of mechanical images. “It’s a curious situation for artists today,” she muses.

Chris Adessa, in studio 278A, is a plein-air painter specializing in California landscapes. She’s shown widely outside ICB, including at Gallery Route One in Pt. Reyes Station, and is a member of the BayWood Artists group devoted to preservation of the natural environment. Many of her current works derive from the group’s

Leslie Gifford’s paintings will put a little cheer in your yule.

efforts to save Mt. Diablo from encroaching development, including the warm-toned “Turning Point,” priced at $975. In 259B is Sue Averell, one of ICB’s brightest lights.

A departure from her busy urban landscapes is hung just inside the door: a large, intensely colored seascape in two panels, whose unusual right-angle installation adds an arresting sense of depth. Averell is always happy to discuss her work and technique with visitors.

Studio 330, home of the ebullient Elaine Gentile, is a necessity for those cruising the ICB. Like a singer who’s equally at home with jazz, pop, folk and classical, Gentile works in many styles. Her oil-on-canvas “Mt. Tam”

Elaine Gentile, with a few examples from her smorgasbord.

($1,500), a view from the Acqua Hotel, is solidly in the plein-air tradition. Her large Asianinspired abstract paintings would hardly be recognized as by the same artist, nor would some of her more primitive still-lifes or portraiture. “Life is a smorgasbord,” she laughs, “I can’t paint a series of a hundred apples.”

Almost all of ICB’s studios are on the second and third floors—the West Marine store occupies most of the bottom floor—but it would be a mistake for visitors to overlook Lee Ruggles in studio 110 near the build-

ing’s west side entrance. In his ninth decade, Ruggles is one of ICB’s senior artists, and still a prolific producer of lovingly executed lush floral watercolors. Whether your tastes tend toward the reassuringly traditional or the challenging cutting edge, ICB has something that will tug at your mind and your heart, and maybe at your wallet. Even in a recession. < Frame your thoughts for Barry at dismo@aol.com.

For more events throughout the holidays, check our online calendar at ›› pacificsun.com

Holiday Sale!

25-50% OFF All dresses, skirts, tops, select bras & panties Thurs. Dec 3, 7pm

Free Couples Class Call for details Women Owned And Operated

Serve in the Peace Corps!

74 Countries. No Age Limit!

Information Session: Monday, Dec. 7, 6:30PM San Rafael Public Library 1100 E St., San Rafael, CA 94901

www.pleasuresoftheheart.com

An Elegant Erotic Shop Where You’ll Feel Comfortable

1310 Fourth Street at C San Rafael, 482-9899

Open Sun.-Mon. 11-6 Tues.-Sat. 10-10

Contact: 800.424.8580 sfevents@peacecorps.gov

www.peacecorps.gov Think.Shop.Buy.

LOCAL

Where we shop, eat and have fun helps ensure that our one-of-a-kind Marin community businesses will continue to be integral to the character that is our home.

Thank you for shopping and dining locally.

Your patronage makes a major difference to our fine area retailers.

18 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009

Holidays in

San Anselmo Holiday Tree Lighting

AD SPONSORED BY:

4BUVSEBZ %FDFNCFS UI t QN t Town Hall Lawn sananselmochamber.org

HOW SAFE IS YOUR RETIREMENT? Let an Angel help protect your future with Long-Term Care Insurance. health

JEWELS love

ART-TO-WEAR hope

Representing many companies for over 15 years.

Long-Term Care Insurance

If you thought the market hurt your pocketbook, it is nothing compared to not being insured for long-term care.

Call ROSANNE ANGEL Today for FREE Info Packet!

GLASS & POTTERY peace BOOKS & FUN STUFF

HOLIDAY DECOR Thank You To All Our Customers!

800 San Anselmo Avenue 3AN !NSELMO s 454-2990 -ON 3AT s 3UN

What do you call a bank where you know your Banker?

415.454.3359

GOLDEN BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES

4goldenbeneďŹ ts@gmail.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d call that the Right Bank.

License # 0758183

At Tamalpais Bank, our experienced bankers build strong relationships and deliver the right banking solutions that help businesses grow.

9XikfeĂ&#x2039;j 9X^\cj New York Style U 20 Varieties

% Business & Interest Checking Accounts ÂŽ

% DepositNOW , Remote Deposit

Consignment Boutique Sandwiches Espresso Drinks Bagel Dogs Challah Bread

s 7OMEN S !PPAREL s 0LUS 3IZES s #HILDREN S !PPAREL s %VENING WEAR s "RIDAL 'OWNS s &LOWER 'IRL $RESSES

s -ATERNITY s 3HOES s !CCESSORIES s *EWELRY s 3MALL (OME $ECOR s "ABY #HILDREN S 'EAR

Mention this ad and receive another 10% off your total purchase!

% Cash Management Services % Owner Occupied CRE

Speak to one of our Relationship Managers today to ďŹ nd out how we can make your business stronger, together.

MEMBER FDIC

Ă&#x2C6;{xĂ&#x160;->Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;iÂ?Â&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;->Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;iÂ?Â&#x201C;Â&#x153; {xn°nnÂŁnĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;"ÂŤiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x160;`>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;iiÂ&#x17D;

718 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo s BLISSFULLYYOURS ATT NET

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a symbiotic relationship between a small business and the people you serve. You have to be interested in them for them to be interested in you.â&#x20AC;&#x153; Tom & Ross Perry, Owners Sunnyside Nursery San Anselmo, CA

415.526.1154 | www.tambank.com

C O RT E M A D E R A | G R E E N B R A E | M I L L VA L L E Y | N O RT H G AT E S A N A N S E L M O | S A N R A FA E L | T I B U R O N / B E LV E D E R E

DECEMBER 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DECEMBER 10, 2009 PACIFIC SUN 19

M A R i N

R E A L

E S TAT E

PACIFIC SUN OPEN HOMES

Attention realtors: To submit your free open home listing for this page and for our online listing map go to ›› pacificsun.com, click on Real Estate on the left navigation bar, then scroll to the bottom of our new Real Estate page and click on the open home submission link.

Please note that times and dates often change for listed Open Homes. Call the phone number shown on the properties you wish to visit to check for changes prior to visiting the home.

CORTE MADERA

KENTFIELD

3 BEDROOMS

$798,000 755-1111 $1,150,000 383-8500

14 Laurel Sun 1-4

4 BEDROOMS

$1,895,000 461-3000

125 Wilson Sun 1-3 179 Elm Sun 2-4

1 BEDROOM

$679,000 461-3220

Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker

2 BEDROOMS

$725,000 461-3000 $839,000 383-8500

3 BEDROOMS

2140 Redwood/MOBILE Sat 1-2:30 Coldwell Banker

$59,900 461-3220

259 Corte Madera Sun 2-4 McGuire Real Estate

$1,257,000 461-3220

174 Morning Sun Sun 1-3 McGuire Real Estate

4 BEDROOMS

$969,000 927-1492

4 BEDROOMS

284 N. ALMENAR Sun 2-4 Coldwell Banker

INVERNESS

$1,295,000 383-8500

$829,490 455-1140

4 BEDROOMS

60 Baywood Sun 2-4 McGuire Real Estate

$1,845,000 383-8500

30 Tamalpais Sun 1-4 Frank Howard Allen 101 Calumet Sun 2-4 Coldwell Banker 4 BEDROOMS

115 Van Winkle Sun 1-4 Frank Howard Allen

$1,850,000 461-3000

SAN RAFAEL 2 BEDROOMS

RE/MAX

51 Martinez Sun 2-4 Alain Pinel Realtors

$528,000 755-1111

128 Dowitcher Sun 1-4 Frank Howard Allen

1174 Idylberry Sun 1-4 RE/MAX 76 Peacock Sun 1-4 McGuire Real Estate 29 Chapel Cove Sun 1-4 Frank Howard Allen 176 Baypoint Sun 1-4 Frank Howard Allen

$935,000 258-1500 $1,965,000 383-8500 $1,695,000 461-3000 $839,000 461-3000

5 BEDROOMS

1 Culloden Park Sun 1-4 First Marin Realty, Inc

$2,085,000 383-9393

SAUSALITO $1,450,000 461-3000 $1,199,000 461-3220

2 BEDROOMS

190 Buchanan Sun 2-4

$995,000 360-9200

Morgan Lane 3 BEDROOMS

25 Santa Rosa Sun 1-4 McGuire Real Estate 100 Harrison Sun 2-4 McGuire Real Estate 70 Monte Mar Sun 1-4 McGuire Real Estate

$410,000 258-1500

TIBURON

$620,000 461-3000

18 Janet Sun 2-4

3 BEDROOMS

3 BEDROOMS

11 Redwood Sun 2-4 Bradley Real Estate

ROSS

122 Tiburon Sun 1-4

NOVATO

2 BEDROOMS

$715,000 461-3000 $880,000 383-9393

3 BEDROOMS

517 Tamalpais Sun 1-4 Frank Howard Allen 61 Bayview Sun 2-4 McGuire Real Estate

GREENBRAE

103 Portsmouth Sun 1-4 Frank Howard Allen 18 Cavalla Cay Sun 2-4 First Marin Realty, Inc

SAN ANSELMO

2 BEDROOMS

$598,000 461-3000

Frank Howard Allen

$1,299,000 461-2020

MILL VALLEY

4 BEDROOMS

23 Glen Sun 1-3

$1,495,000 461-3000

Frank Howard Allen 5 BEDROOMS

FAIRFAX 4 Spring Sun 1-3

$1,225,000 383-9393

LARKSPUR

4 BEDROOMS

5124 Paradise Sun 2-4 Frank Howard Allen

First Marin Realty, Inc

4 BEDROOMS

4 BEDROOMS

4 BEDROOMS

6 Baja Sun 2-4 Alain Pinel Realtors 14 Arrowhead Sun 2-4 McGuire Real Estate

$2,674,000 927-1492 $2,689,000 927-1492 $2,000,000 383-8500

3 BEDROOMS

›› HOME SALES

McGuire Real Estate

$649,000 435-0848

DOM* = Days on Market

Recent sales in Marin County include:

Address

BOLINAS

385 CEDAR

FAIRFAX 39 CYPRESS 131 BOTHIN 73 PIPER 12 VISTA

LAGUNITAS 5 BARRANCA

LARKSPUR

321 RIVIERA 16 DIANE 1 CRYSTAL CREEK 65 ARDMORE

DOM* List/Sell% Address

Br/Ba

Asking $

Selling $

3/2

$925,000

$876,500

77

94.8%

4/2 3/2 4/2 3/1

$1,125,000 $959,000 $775,000 $669,000

$1,076,000 $975,000 $725,000 $625,000

34 23 76 155

95.6% 101.7% 93.5% 93.4%

3/3

$869,000

$750,000

190

86.3%

3/2 4/3 3/3 3/3

$1,377,000 $1,565,000 $1,395,000 $1,195,000

$1,378,000 $1,337,000 $1,315,000 $1,177,600

93 167 115 0

100.1% 85.4% 94.3% 98.5%

22 ONYX 290 WILSON

SAN ANSELMO 75 ESSEX 27 RUTHERFORD 110 FLORIBEL

SAUSALITO 178 SANTA ROSA 100 TOYON 37 VISTA CLARA 26 VISTA CLARA 403 BONITA 206 3RD 202 SOUTH 80 LINCOLN

Br/Ba

Asking $

Selling $

DOM* List/Sell%

3/2 3/2

$985,000 $925,000

$975,000 $895,000

51 47

99.0% 96.8%

4/4 2/2 3/2

$1,199,000 $788,000 $729,000

$1,150,000 $715,000 $714,800

51 137 33

95.9% 90.7% 98.1%

4/5 4/3 4/3 3/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2

$2,495,000 $1,895,000 $1,995,000 $1,165,000 $1,050,000 $779,000 $769,000 $625,000

$2,400,000 $1,851,000 $1,700,000 $1,150,000 $1,135,000 $825,000 $687,000 $545,000

77 81 93 54 20 36 263 204

96.2% 97.7% 85.2% 98.7% 108.1% 105.9% 89.3% 87.2%

›› pacificsun.com 20 PACIFIC SUN DECEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 10, 2009