Breakfast Club

People have been walking through this Sausalito door for 50 years. One group has been doing so daily for a good portion of that time.

BREAKFAST C L U B

Old and new friends have shared more than 10,000 morning meals at the same table. ★ ★ ★

BY TOM JAMES • PHOTOS BY JACK WOLFORD

NNEARLY HALF OF ALL meals in America are now eaten in solitude. Think about that number from the Food Marketing Institute for a minute. Because no doubt, you’ve contributed to that statistic. Eating, especially at breakfast, often means grabbing a quick bite solo and eating while standing up. It’s more utilitarian than social.

But that’s not the case for a group of Marin locals. Almost daily, for at least 35 years, they’ve been meeting for breakfast at the unassuming Fred’s Place in Sausalito. Every weekday at 7 a.m. more or less the same attendees are in the same seats at the same round wooden table overlooking Bridgeway, where they eat pretty much the same meal as they had the day before. Every day. 7 a.m. For 35 years.

WHO IS AT THE TABLE?

• DIETER RAPP is an interpreter and translator. Rapp, a child of post–World War II Germany, came to Sausalito at age 30 because it reminded him of French towns on the Mediterranean and

stayed to enjoy the weather and liberal scene. He’s been at stammtisch some

40-odd years.

• JOHN LIBBERTON, born in New Jersey in 1924 and raised in Chicago, is the oldest at the table. Currently he’s doing some jewelry making and is a sculptor but has been an advertising agency executive and a TV and radio voice-over artist.

• RUTH SHELBY was born in Michigan, spent time in the Peace Corps, taught English in Turkey, came to San Francisco in 1966 and began teaching English as a second language. She found her current partner Rodger on eHarmony in 2007 after he mentioned his long friendship with a group of men he meets for breakfast every day. She was impressed.

• RODGER MARCH, an Ohio native, arrived in San Francisco in 1962 fresh

from the navy. He moved to Sausalito in 1974 and lived on and built float-

ing homes. After just a few weeks in Sausalito, he made Fred’s part of his morning routine.

• JEFFREY K. WINN, born in Illinois in 1942, grew up in Ohio. In 1969 he moved to San Francisco to be manager of National Car Rental’s truck division, then moved to Sausalito in 1971. By 1972 he had his own truck rental company, which he sold in 2010.

• WALTER G. WESTER was born in

1930 in Santa Rosa and moved to San

Francisco in 1960 after a stint in the

navy. He traveled extensively for various international business companies until 1982, when he semi-retired and began flying seaplane tours out of Mill Valley.

The regular cast of characters gathers around the stammtisch table in the corner; somebody has to get there first.

Imagine going to a restaurant today, then again tomorrow, and pretty much every day until 2051. That’s what’s happening at Fred’s Place.

It must be the most incredible restaurant in the world, right? Well, Fred’s Place is good — people do love it. But it’s not every-day-for-35-years good. Nowhere is. Clearly, this gathering isn’t about the food. It is about the company.

THE HISTORY

That’s just how Fred Peters wanted it. Fifty years ago when the fine-hotel-and-restaurant-trained immigrant from Germany started a Sausalito hamburger joint called Fred’s Place, he wanted to create a social center as much as an eating establishment — so he also imported the German concept of stammtisch, or shared tables. He wanted a place someone could come in and comfortably sit down with strangers, stay a while and make a few new friends.

Back in the mid-’60s when Fred started his place, Sausalito was a small waterfront-focused happy hippie haven of artists and revelers. It was a bunch of wharf rats mingling with local, soon-to-be-national icons such as Bill Graham, Francis Ford Coppola, the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. It was a scene.

Fred himself was a big personality, “a force of nature” on the docks, as one of the current breakfast club member recalls. Those who came to Fred’s at first were just a funloving group who knew each other from the houseboat scene in Sausalito. Since Fred lived on a houseboat, the partygoers often ended up at Fred’s Place for breakfast. Fred’s was their dining room, living room and social hall all in one. “Fred had the foresight to have round tables — perfect for group gatherings and making everyone equals,” the regular says. “Plus there was always room for one more.”

Nowadays, those revelers aren’t out all night and Fred has since passed away, succumbing to cancer in 1988 at age 53, but they’re all still coming into this one-room eatery at 1917 Bridgeway.

THE TABLE

If you get to Fred’s early enough, many people at the counter or at scattered tables are wearing baseball hats, hiding groggy faces and messy hair, hoping the day doesn’t find them. But no one at the stammtisch table wears that look anymore. Every person at the table is neatly groomed, bright-eyed and ready to go. “One of the best benefits of the early morning meal is that no one is drinking,” a stammtisch

Almost daily, for at least 35 years, they’ve been meeting for breakfast at the unassuming

Fred’s Place in Sausalito.

Above: This collage was made by Cynthia Lake and shows the membership from 1985 to '95. Below: Fred Peters photographed in the 1980s.

regular named Rodger notes. “People are at their brightest at the start of the day.”

Other than the sturdy metal sign that says “Stammtisch,” you’ve seen tables like this before: round, heavy-worn oak, surrounded by a cast of characters that could easily be mistaken for poker tournament contestants. And like the poker players, those around the stammtisch are in many ways very much alike — all drawn to Sausalito via San Francisco in the ’60s as part of the baby boomer generation that defined San Francisco and later Marin. Now, all wiser, mellower and exuding a confident sense of having been there before: you get the feeling in their faces that there is nothing they didn’t see when they were younger. It was after all, the ’60s and ’70s. This crowd was Marin before Marin was.

As far as I can tell, there’s never been, until now, a photo of a meal taken at this table. That’s not to say the group is tech-averse. Phones are used to Google facts or show pictures previously taken. John Libberton, at 92 years old, has his complete sculpting portfolio on his iPhone, which he shows offfrequently. But no one is texting, emailing or posting to Instagram. Any news these folks are getting is likely coming from one of the many newspapers littering the table, not from a Facebook feed on a smartphone.

They go stretches without talking but it’s a comfortable quiet, with their eyes down in their respective New York Timeses, Wall Street Journals, Marin IJs and San Francisco Chronicles, eating their eggs. Then someone will put his paper down, his eyes will light up, and with a little introduction about what he just read, all the papers will be set aside and a new conversation will begin.

So are they a group of burnt-out lonely hippies? Hardly. Among the roster are a Ph.D., a medical doctor, a plastic surgeon, a lawyer, an architect, a sailor, an interpreter, a houseboat builder, an inventor, a realtor, a builder, a craftsman, a teacher and many other professionals. There are no rules for the table. Anyone can talk about anything. One day a stammtischer mentioned to me that he records Rush Limbaugh daily and is a Trump supporter. This proclamation didn’t cause a single head to lift. The liberal side of the table kept reading and the conservative voice kept pushing: “Rush has been the most consistently intelligent voice on the radio for years.” Again, no one responded. They’ve heard it all before. One stammtischer confides that

THE FREDDY ERA: “WHAT DID

YOU HAD?”

•“Somehow, after 50 years, the spirit of Fred still endures,” longtime customer Dieter Rapp recalls laughingly. “But there are big differences — Fred’s never used to have checks.

Fred would come around and in his thick German accent ask, ‘What did you had?’ after you were done eating. You’d tell him and he’d tell you what to pay.” Fred’s has never been that lonely coffee shop immortalized by Edward Hopper’s painting

“Nighthawks.” Fred’s widow Christine saw to that. As the building owner, she made sure new leaseholders didn’t change things like pictures on the wall or the seating policy. “When the current owner of Fred’s bought the building we were scared,” Dieter admits.

“Luckily he was smart enough not to change the character of the place. He made it better — new windows, new chairs, more food options ... but the spirit is the same.”

DISH STAMMTISCH

• WHAT DOES BREAKFAST AT THE

STAMMTISCH TABLE PROVIDE FOR YOU?

Dieter: Friendship, entertainment, feedback, information and a sounding board for ideas. Rodger: I like to have someone to talk to and share the morning paper — someone who will listen to my stories and laugh at my jokes. I like bright, witty, topical conversation with friends who know my history, and I know theirs. While I have that at home with Ruth, I still come in for the communal chats. Jeff: Friendship and stimulation. There are some good minds at this table. Ruth: A sense of belonging to an elite club of intelligent people who are a source of friendship and information.

• ARE YOU FRIENDS OUTSIDE OF

BREAKFAST AND WERE YOU FRIENDS

BEFORE THE STAMMTISCH?

Rodger: In times past, for 10 years or so we had group Christmas dinners, canoe trips, summer solstice picnics on Mount Tam and significant birthday parties. I met all of these people at Fred’s. Dieter: Years ago we sometimes went on camping trips together; now contact is mostly limited to the get-togethers in the morning. But we played together quite a bit. For me, most of the friendships developed at the stammtisch table. John: Not in my case. Ruth: I met everyone when Rodger and I got together. We occasionally see each other outside of breakfast — we may have dinner together with another couple. I do email several of them as well, either to send an interesting forward or on some stammtisch business. In years past we used to go to Dieter’s house for a pumpkin-carving evening with dessert afterwards, and for many years we had a Christmas dinner together in a nice restaurant. • DO YOU FEEL GUILTY IF YOU MISS

A BREAKFAST? DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU

ARE MISSING ANYTHING?

• WHAT ARE CONVERSATION TOPICS?

Ruth: We tell stories from our past and bring up problems we have with our neighbors, dogs, government, etc. We ask things like “where can I get my brakes, toaster, shoes fixed?” Asking if you saw the game yesterday is common, but sports aren’t big. There is a lot of “how was your trip.” There is never any swearing, offcolor jokes, complaints about aches and pains or grumbles about our spouses. Dieter: I grew up with a stammtisch. When Mom said go get Dad I knew where to go. The concept of gathering at a public place is something I was born with. You talk about

events, health concerns, personal experiences, local and international events — pretty much everything except politics if I can avoid it. Jeff: The news, responsibilities, projects. Rodger: Travel, news about our jobs, law problems, real estate, movies, art shows and museums, some construction stories and problems. We reminisce about the past, sailing and boats. Little is said about sports, aches and pains or politics. Dieter: Yes! Coming home to Fred’s from anywhere in the world feels right. Jeff: I don’t if I just miss a couple of days. Everyone sometimes has things to do. Rodger: Yes, the table is a continuous movie, quite current and topical, and something is always happening. Ruth: I know Rodger does. It’s a big part of his social scene. I don’t like to miss when someone

comes back from a trip. Dieter especially has interesting stories to tell.

• HOW HAS IT CHANGED?

Dieter: Fred’s has pretty much stayed the same over the decades. Owners changed, personnel changed, but the essence of the place remained — a local hangout with a cozy feel and good food. The “we share tables” motto brings people together. Sausalito has changed as well. There are more young families with kids. Also, now there are more tourThis sign was crafted for Dieter Rapp by ists and many more bicycles. Audi machinists in Germany. Rodger: There was some change in atmosphere when Fred died, some change in decor when Steve took over, as well as the menu. But most notably, the table is getting smaller (at one time we had a mailing list of 45) and now there are fewer women at the table. Ruth: When I joined the table there were other women coming from time to time. Now I’m the lone female unless Dieter’s wife comes.

they used to argue some about politics but they’ve learned that no one’s mind is ever changed.

During the month since I first met the group, one member unexpectedly died at age 84. Dieter Rapp, the group’s unofficial leader, acknowledges that at their ages, this is an increasing possibility. Their friend’s immediate absence begged the question, ‘How is this stammtisch sustainable?’ There isn’t new, young blood coming into the group and everyone is over 65.

Rodger, a longtime member who now travels from Berkeley three days a week to join the table, concurs that indeed, there is not much human influx. “If Dieter ever leaves, that would leave a big hole.” Ruth, his partner of 10 years, adds, “If Dieter goes, the group will fall apart.” Dieter, however, says he hopes it will never end.

On any given day members of the group arrive and leave nearly as unnoticed as a server refilling waters. This particular day, by 7:15 a.m., Larry, the plastic surgeon, finished his breakfast, quickly got up and was through the back exit wearing his scrubs.

Soon after, Jeffpacked up, Dieter had to run and even John was paying his bill in preparation to leave. There were no real good-byes nor any “when will we see each other agains,” as normally happens when diners at a table go their own ways. These guys already know where and when. Tomorrow. At Fred’s.

Somewhere, Fred is smiling. m

It’s not what you know, but who you know. Introducing the Faces of Marin.

FACES OF Marin

2016

When you think about it, every business is a people business. And it’s not just clients and customers; there are important personalities driving the success of every endeavor. The people who make these businesses live and grow are also the ones you’ll see behind the counter, at a desk or on your doorstep. So take a moment to come face to face with these important Marin personalities.

2016

THE FACES OF

A New Generation of Leaders

Hannah, Avalon, Kaila, Saga, Hugo, Rafael, Gracie and Juan – some 10,000 Degrees Staff and Fellows

As 10,000 Degrees Fellows, we are building a critical mass of young leaders who will go on to forever impact their communities and change the world. We believe in each student’s potential and provide them with the resources, tools and mentoring to get to and through college. We strive to raise expectations by telling students, “I know you can do it, because I was once in your shoes.” What sets us apart is our belief. We serve 5,000 students annually in the North Bay. All of whom are from low-income backgrounds. For our students starting at four-year colleges, 84% of them graduate in six years, beating the national average of 54%. Our formula works, yet we must do more. In the North Bay alone 42,000 children are living in poverty and educational opportunity is limited by economics and family background. Our future as a nation depends on higher education being accessible for all students. Together we are creating a cycle of opportunity that ripples through communities and generations. Join us.

1650 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 110, San Rafael, CA 415.459.4240 • 10000degrees.org

2016

THE FACES OF

Women in Construction

Rachel Blum and Jaclyn Blum Guelfi, Window Factory

With thousands of customers throughout the Bay Area, Window Factory is one of the most reputable window replacement companies in northern California. Founded in 1995, sisters Rachel and Jaclyn are proud secondgeneration owners of a business that has grown under their direction for more than half a decade. They offer 25 combined years of experience in the construction industry and have consistently been recognized for offering top-tier customer service to homeowners. “We believe our strength is our people. With some of the finest employees in the industry, we have a powerful team that is extremely knowledgeable, highly-skilled and take great pride in their work and the service we provide.” From the initial in-home consultation all the way through the installation process, Rachel and Jaclyn are committed to making each window replacement project a positive experience. As mothers, community members, local business owners and woman in construction, this pair treats every client like a family friend and each home as if were their own. 2100 Redwood Highway, Greenbrae, CA 415.924.3300 • bayareawindowfactory.com

2016

THE FACES OF

Body Kinetics Health Clubs

Michael Hoeber Jenkins, John and Joey Hoeber, Owners, Body Kinetics, LLC

We grew up in a large family, working together in our parents’ grocery store, so operating a family-owned neighborhood business has been natural to us. Body Kinetics opened in 1990 with the purpose of transforming the health and well-being of our members. Our intention is to inspire and educate people to take on their own health for the rest of their lives. We believe in an integrated approach to your health and well-being. Not only are muscle strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance emphasized in our approach, we also highlight the importance of nutrition, mindfulness and rest and recovery. We focus on these aspects of wellness within a supportive community. We provide many exercise options: personal training, small group training, Pilates, yoga, Zumba, group cycling and more! Please stop by our newest location in San Rafael at 1800 Second Street (the old Yardbirds). Mention you saw us in Marin Magazine and we will give you a complimentary 7-day pass to any of our 3 locations. We want to be your fitness partner for life!

Mill Valley 415.380.8787 • San Rafael 415.457.2639 Novato 415.895.5965 • bodykinetics.com

2016

THE FACE OF

Raising the Bar for Success in School and Life

Dr. Peg Sandel, Head of School, Brandeis Marin

I grew up in Mission Viejo, CA, with parents who encouraged my questions – big questions about the world, about how to live a purposeful, meaningful life. I chose a career in education because of its impact. People tend to see Jewish day schools as parochial; I think it’s really the opposite. Brandeis Marin’s superior academics are steeped in universal values. We set a higher, more meaningful bar for success in school and in life. Our students develop a moral compass to light their way, no matter what their Jewish or non-Jewish background. Whether in science lab, writer’s workshop, robotics, visual/media arts, rock band, or on the fields of our beautiful campus – our kids are known and guided by exceptional faculty to become thinkers, questioners and collaborators. Brandeis Marin alumni go on to be leaders and change-makers. They graduate with the vision, confidence and tools they need to fulfill their greatest potential as community members, global citizens and above all, as human beings. To me, it’s a gift to know I’m part of their story. 180 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 415.472.1833 • brandeismarin.org

2016

THE FACES OF

High End Swim Spas, Hot Tubs and Fireplaces

David Kasten, John Kasten Sr. and John Kasten Jr., Creative Energy

Founded in 1976, Creative Energy has a long history in the Bay Area. We’re proud to say that, since the beginning, our core values have remained the same: offer highquality products, maintain a knowledgeable and dedicated staff, provide excellent customer service and exceed expectations. Today, Creative Energy offers the best in relaxation, including hot tubs, fireplaces, Endless Pools and fire pits. We serve the entire Bay Area in our three showrooms, located in San Rafael, San Mateo and Pleasanton. 4100 Redwood Highway, #B, San Rafael, CA 415.472.7727 • creativeenergy.com

2016

THE FACE OF

Sports Medicine in Marin

David H. Goltz, MD, Head Team Physician, U.S. Freestyle Ski Team - Mt. Tam Orthopedics

“I understand you. Your interests are your passions. You are the Dipsea runner looking for one more black shirt, the soccer player with dreams of college athletics, the national team skier with sights set on the 2018 Winter Games- you are my people! Like you, I am of these trails, these fields, this coast. You don’t just want to get better, you want to be better. Lets get there together!” Dr. Goltz is an orthopedic sports medicine specialist with a practice focus on injuries in athletes and children. His emphasis is on highly personalized care to athletes of all levels.

18 Bon Air Road, Larkspur, CA o: 415.927.5300; c: 415.328.7079 • mttamorthopedics.com

2016

THE FACES OF

Marin’s Active Aging Movement

Etta Allen, Board Vice President, Dennis Ryan, Board President, Joe O’Hehir, CEO, Whistlestop

The Marin Senior Coordinating Council, better known as Whistlestop, has a 62-year history ensuring that every adult has the opportunity to age with grace, dignity and independence by pioneering the “Active Aging” Movement in Marin. Today, Marin seniors are facing similar challenges as the seniors of 60 years ago: hunger, isolation and access to transportation. Whistlestop provides solutions to these challenges with an integrated hub of county-wide, special needs mobility options, including volunteer drivers; nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels; problem-solving referrals and hundreds of daily active aging classes. Seniors in our community are not a special case. They are people who have invested in our neighborhoods, our retail centers and our schools by living, working and raising their families here. Now it’s our responsibility to honor and respect those who have been part of the fabric of Marin for decades by both paying them back and paying it forward for others who will need these services someday, maybe even you. Please get involved by visiting whistlestop.org to see how you can support Whistlestop. 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael, CA 415.456.9062 • whistlestop.org

2016

THE FACE OF

Energy Medicine

Tiffany Hunter, PhD, Clinic Director, Co-Founder; Chyna Honey, Jim Honey, Co-Founders (not pictured)

Healing for People is an energy medicine clinic that helps reduce or eliminate symptoms of pain and disease, including those caused by past experiences. Energy medicine is a newly recognized branch of healthcare that helps people recover from migraines, depression, pain, stress, sleeplessness, menopause, anxiety and similar. It also supports people looking to make changes in their lives from addiction, abuse or stagnation. Energy medicine is often found to be the missing piece to their healthcare puzzle that people seek. “It’s frustrating to discover you’ve been trying to use a hammer for a job that requires a screwdriver, but the first step is recognizing that and finding the right tool for the job,” says Dr. Hunter, Clinic Director and Co-founder. “No one should be resigned to a life of pain or unfulfilled potential because they feel they’ve failed or don’t know where to go. Energy medicine offers solutions that are simple, straightforward and usually produce relief in three sessions.” 7 Mount Lassen Drive, Suite B257, San Rafael, CA 415.380.8600 • healingforpeople.com

2016

THE FACES OF

HomeStreet Bank

Serena Greening (front), Martin Iglesias, Angela Hoover, George Rosenfield, Allison Ward

HomeStreet Bank is a leading home lender with outstanding expertise. We have been making great things happen for our customers for more than 90 years. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up or refinancing, we have a program for you. Our local decision-making and underwriting help streamline the process. Applying is easy, and many loans are pre-approved at the time of application, subject to final underwriting approval. So take a deep breath — we’ll be right beside you every step of the way. Founded in 1921, HomeStreet Bank offers mortgage loans products for residential, construction and commercial real estate financing. HomeStreet Bank offers a broad range of purchase and refinance loan options as well as specialized portfolio lending. Whether you are looking to buy a home, build a home, or refinance and existing residence, HomeStreet Bank as the perfect loan option to fit your needs. Let one of experienced and knowledgeable loan officer’s work with you to create the financing structure that helps you make homeownership a reality not a dream.

1111A Street, San Rafael, CA 415.489.7703 • homestreet.com

2016

THE FACE OF

Excellence in Aesthetic Surgery

Robert Aycock, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Since 1988, Dr. Robert Aycock and his staff have devoted themselves to helping patients look and feel their best through aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr. Aycock understands that each patient is an individual and treats each with empathy and patience while taking the time to understand specific needs and concerns. Dr. Aycock specializes in breast enhancement; body contouring; facial surgery; mommy makeovers; and with a MedSpa and Laser Center that offers a variety of skin rejuvenation procedures including injectable fillers, medical grade peels, laser treatments, Coolsculpting® and NeoGraft Hair Restoration. Dr. Aycock and his staff are dedicated to enhancing each patient’s appearance with the finest result. Call or visit Dr. Aycock today. 575 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Suite 2, Greenbrae, CA 415.925.1700

1855 San Miguel Drive, Suite 4, Walnut Creek, CA 925.937.8377

1700 California Street, Suite 280, San Francisco, CA 415.689.6908

aycockmd.com

2016

THE FACES OF

Classical Ballet Training and Performance

A glimpse of Marin Ballet’s annual Nutcracker

Classical ballet training comes in many shapes, sizes and ages here at Marin Ballet. From portraying characters in Marin County’s treasured production of Nutcracker, starting at age 8, to performing Balanchine excerpts as an advanced student, Marin Ballet has been home to students of the art form for over 50 years. The Marin Ballet family is one of legacy, tradition and mentorship. Our dancers enjoy training in a facility where 4-year olds taking a Creative Movement class can peek in the studio of teenage dancers training en pointe and, in turn, all are inspired...and touched...by the excitement over another’s very first pair of pointe shoes. We are proud of our commitment to promoting the art of dance through the daily work of training to performance. For a dancer, the thrill of sharing one’s passion for dance with an audience is an unforgettable experience. It is a gift to be shared...we invite you to come see us dance. We love being a part of the cultural community here in Marin County! 100 Elm Street, San Rafael, CA 415.453.6705 • marinballet.org

2016

THE FACES OF

Curated Collections and Cool Finds

Heidi Blair and Patricia Rudd, partners Office Hours

Office Hours in downtown Mill Valley offers a fresh twist on retail. Partners Heidi Blair and Patricia Rudd, teamed up to create a unique concept that combines the best of old and new. This one of a kind boutique offers a stand out collection of vintage office furnishings for that workspace “wow factor”. But the cool vibe doesn’t stop with a shiny aluminum WWII field desk. This veritable museum also carries tech and trendy items, fine leather and paper goods, office essentials like quality pens and pencils, as well a great selection of gifts for men and the hip readers, “eyebobs”. Open only since November, the team has already acquired a second location in San Rafael and will be expanding their collection beyond the office. The new loft space will offer a photo shoot venue, house their collection of rental furniture and bygone era props, as well as hosting pop-up artist and artisan shows, a design talk series and monthly designer gatherings focused on sharing gifts and talents with others who simply love good design.

18 East Blithedale Avenue, Suite 12, Mill Valley, CA 415.388.6800 • office-hours.com

2016

THE FACE OF

Cutting Edge Skin Techniques

Tracy Evans MD, MPH, Board Certified Dermatologist

I am a Board Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon specializing in cutting edge techniques and personalized treatments that create healthy, radiant skin. I have extensive training in rejuvenation techniques with lasers and injectables that make a dramatic difference improving the signs of aging. I have focused on the perfection of the minimally invasive “Liquid Lift” for face and neck rejuvenation. I take a holistic approach to patient care to restore my patient’s natural looks and boost their confidence. I believe that people should always look healthy and rested and the health of a patient’s skin is a reflection of the health of their body. I recommend regular skin checks to monitor for signs of skin cancer. My Mohs Fellowship concentrated on the surgical removal of skin cancer and reconstruction techniques. After two years of research for the National Institute of Health, I am an expert at detecting, treating and managing skin cancer. I founded my private dermatology practice in San Francisco in 2008 and in 2016 opened a new office here in Marin County.

770 Tamalpais Drive, Suite 403, Corte Madera, CA 415.924.2055 • tracyevansmd.com

2016

THE FACES OF

Plastic Surgery / Med Spa

Yngvar Hvistendahl, MD, Stanley G. Poulos, MD, Aric Aghayan, MD, Plastic Surgery Specialists

Plastic Surgery Specialists Drs. Stanley Poulos and Yngvar Hvistendahl Marin County plastic surgeons with over 40 years combined surgical experience, share the technical expertise and artistic vision necessary to achieve exceptional results. To better serve our busy practice, we are excited to introduce Dr. Aric Aghayan. We want you thrilled with your results. Whether it’s a smidge of Botox and filler to combat wrinkles or volume loss, or a full Mommy Makeover, we have an experienced team and in-house surgery center to make it happen. Newest nonsurgical offerings include CoolSculpting, the Halo laser and Venus. PSS now offers Vaser HiDef Liposculpture; we are one of the few practices in the Bay area to offer this exciting new procedure that sculpts you body to remove unwanted fat and create curves where you want them. Our highly trained team provides one-of-akind patient experience. Please visit us to learn more.

350 Bon Air Road, Suite 300, Greenbrae, CA 415.925.2880 • psspecialists.com

2016

THE FACES OF

Meet Art with Seek Fine Art App

Karolis Karalevicius, Emma Peter, Agne Christensen, CEO with daughters Bea and Aya, Molly Moses, Kaylyn Balmoria and Bill the dog

“Art is for everyone!” Christensen says. She runs a gallery in Mill Valley and launched a digital art gallery guide last year, called Seek Fine Art. “Seek Fine Art is my way to bring the joy of discovering art to the masses and to turn art lovers into collectors. I’m thrilled to continue growing our platform which already includes 38 countries and over 11,000 gallery and museum listings. Being a gallery guide is just a start. We want to educate and soften the perception people have about art galleries,” Christensen says. A mom of two, Christensen says it was not easy to juggle the roles of mother, artist, gallery owner and now tech company founder. Yet she’s determined to make Seek Fine Art travelers’ best friend when exploring the world of art around them. The app has already changed her own experience of enjoying art, hopefully it changes yours too. Seek Fine Art can be found in the iTunes store for your next visit to San Francisco, New York, Seoul and dozens of other cities.

86 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.483.0223 • seekfineart.com

2016

THE FACE OF

Creating Exceptionally Beautiful Livable Spaces

Ruth Livingston, Ruth Livingston Studio

Ruth Livingston, an award-winning designer, has been creating unique eclectic interiors since 1980. Her work combines simplicity of form, references to nature and a passion for handcrafted furniture. Trade showrooms nationwide represent the Ruth Livingston Studio Collection, recipient of eight Design Excellence Awards. The collection is known for Ruth’s collaborative work with Bay Area artists in wood, steel, hand-woven rugs and accessories. Ruth Livingston’s storefront studio occupies an elegant gallery space on Ark Row in downtown Tiburon, California. On display are items from the Ruth Livingston Studio Collection, gifts and accessories for the home in glass, ceramics and wood, as well as unique objects handpicked on travels to Asia and Europe. An array of unique jewelry handcrafted by local artists is also featured. “I’d love to discuss your next project, so we can realize your vision for your home and lifestyle”, Ruth Livingston

74 Main Street, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 415.435.5264 • ruthlivingston.com

2016

THE FACE OF

Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

David A. Laub, MD

Laub Dermatology & Aesthetics located in Mill Valley, has been serving the North Bay for many years. David A. Laub, MD, is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. Dr. Laub’s expertise is based on extensive training, experience, artistry and attention to detail. Asked why he became a dermatologist, his response was simple. “Having skin issues personally, I can understand and relate to my patients.” His compassion is what drives his practice today: “We want everyone who comes to our office to feel comfortable and cared for. I feel fortunate to be a dermatologist and love what I do”. A recognized leader in his field, he is an expert in pigmentation, rosacea, psoriasis and skin cancer. He utilizes his artistic eye to treat signs of aging and sun damage with aesthetic treatments. Their office provides excellence in dermatological care for all ages. The professional staff of David Laub, MD, Kate Ratto, NP and Christina Chan, RN look forward to assisting you with all of your skin care needs.

591 Redwood Highway, Suite 2210, Mill Valley, CA 415.381.6661 • laubdermatology.com

2016

THE FACES OF

Sutter Novato Community Hospital

Dan Solomon, MD, Director of Surgical Services, Peter Callander, MD, Director of Joint Replacements Bone & Joint Program

At Novato Community Hospital’s Bone & Joint Program, we get you back to the active life you love. Drs. Peter Callander and Dan Solomon lead a team of prominent orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians and physical therapists, who specialize in treating the knee, hip, back, spine, shoulder, hand, arm wrist, foot and ankle—all right here in Marin County. We believe in patient-centered care. Our top-rated team offers more than just a hospital stay. We partner with you through your entire healing process, from start to finish. Whether it’s physical therapy, a minor procedure or surgery, we help you determine the best treatment. We then use our expertise, the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques to give you quality care. And we monitor your progress through your entire recovery. Attend a free physician-led seminar to understand what’s causing your pain, treatment options and what to expect from joint replacement surgery. Visit us to learn more. 180 Rowland Way, Novato, CA 415.209.1460 • novatocommunity.org

2016

THE FACES OF

Changing Young Lives for More Than a Century

Joy Phoenix, Blye Faust, Jacqueline Spielberg, Jay Cahan, Lydia Cameron, Bill Caroli, Mary Denton (stairs); Dave Egan, Suzie Pollak, Elizabeth Kulavic; (not pictured) Peter Breen, Mendy Calegari, Jennifer Gotti, Natalie Tovani-Walchuk

Sunny Hills Services has dedicated itself to improving the lives of the most vulnerable children and youth in our community since 1895. Given our long history in Marin, many residents have fond memories of family members who volunteered for a Guild or raising funds and awareness for the agency. Broad community support for the past 121 years has ensured that Sunny Hills remains a beacon of help and hope for thousands of troubled children and youth. Early intervention and an array of programs and services help these young people learn self-confidence, resilience and other skills to meet life’s challenges. We are grateful to our Board of Directors, pictured here and to the generations of community members who have walked beside us to help change young lives.

300 Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo, CA 415.457.3200 • sunnyhillsservices.org

2016

THE FACES OF

Agents of Change

Matt Hughes, Assistant Manager and Cyd Gardner, Managing Broker

At Paragon Real Estate Group, we have a simple philosophy – do what’s best for our client. Armed with extensive experience, our agents help guide you through your real estate process by providing the best market research, marketing and transaction resources available. With any real estate decision, knowledge is power. Paragon has become the premier source of market analytics for the Bay Area real estate market. Our reports are regularly quoted in media including The Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Business Times, San Francisco Chronicle and KQED. Founded in 2004, we focus on what we know best: San Francisco, Marin and the Bay Area. Like you, we are part of our community. Ranked top 5 in the U.S. for the highest average sales price, we’ve shared our success with donations totaling more than $600,000 from the Paragon Community Fund. Recently, we’ve contributed to the Marin Realtors for the Redwoods, Center for Domestic Peace, Brandeis Hillel Day School, and most recently, the Italian Street Painting of Marin benefitting EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases. 300 Drakes Landing Road, Suite 120, Greenbrae, CA 415.805.2900 • paragon-re.com

2016

THE FACES OF

Neurosurgery in Marin

Rishi Wadhwa, MD, Tarun Arora, MD, MSPT, Jeremy Graham, NP and Keith Quattrocchi, MD, PhD

UCSF’s Department of Neurological Surgery, part of UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, is home to some of the country’s leading physicians. With three UCSF neurosurgeons practicing at Marin General Hospital, Marin residents have direct access to nationally recognized neurosurgical care. In fact, US News & World Report ranked UCSF one of the top four neurosurgery programs in the country—and the best program on the West Coast. Neurosurgeons Tarun Arora, MD, MSPT, Rishi Wadhwa, MD and Keith Quattrocchi, MD, PhD provide cutting-edge care at both Marin General Hospital and UCSF Medical Center. This unique arrangement allows for outstanding treatment in collaboration with Marin’s premier medical community, as well as seamless care for patients who may need specialized resources available only at UCSF. A fully staffed neurosurgery clinic in Marin allows patients to be seen quickly and easily while staying close to home. Specialized treatment is offered for all types of adult neurosurgical disorders, including brain tumors, spinal disorders, brain and spinal trauma, neurovascular disorders and more. Greenbrae, CA • Ph 415.514.6868, Fx 415.502.5550 ucsfhealth.org/clinics/specialty_care

2016

THE FACES OF

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Mohammad Diab, MD, Shane Burch, MD, Carlin Senter, MD, Daniel Thuillier, MD (front)

We are the department of ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AT UCSF: a team of orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians and certified athletic trainers, who bring patient-centered orthopaedic care to the North Bay. At the UCSF MARIN CLINIC in Greenbrae, we provide expert treatment for all aspects of musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation. Specialties include pediatric orthopaedics, primary care sports medicine, spine and foot/ankle. Within the community, our team of UCSF physicians and certified athletic trainers is dedicated to providing sports medicine care and health education to athletes at Tamalpais High School, Redwood High School and Sir Francis Drake High School. By educating students, coaches and parents with up-to-date medical knowledge, we aim to keep youth performing both on and off the field. We are continuing UCSF’s pioneering multidisciplinary approach to clinical care, education and outreach. We strive to work with our patients to improve function and quality of life by tailoring plans to individuals’ goals. 1300 South Eliseo Drive, Suite 204, Greenbrae, CA 415.353.2299 • orthosurg.ucsf.edu

2016

THE FACES OF

Custom Jewelry Design

Sophie Priolo and Lucas Priolo, Sofia Jewelry

The new face of SOFIA JEWELRY... after 22 years Mom and Dad are stepping back and brother and sister, Lucas and Sophie Priolo, are carrying on the family tradition with the same quality, style and professionalism the community has come to expect from Sofia Jewelry. They are an experienced and talented team with a lifetime of exposure to the jewelry world. Mom and Dad are not letting go of the reins completely. Susan continues her executive oversight and Carl continues to provide exceptional custom design with Lucas by his side. Carl’s creative eye and extensive ties to the Bay Area jewelry world guarantee you a custom piece of jewelry that won’t disappoint. Lucas and Sophie bring a youthful look to Sofia Jewelry. They are tuned into the local community and their enthusiasm and dedication to customer service and high standards provide a sure generational transition for the family business into the next era. Stop by and visit!

80 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.388.8776 • sofiajewelry.com