Marin Magazine April 2009 by 270 Media

MARIN

EXTRAORDINARY LIVING

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Departments

letters

Readers respond to Marin Magazine.

at a glance

Hot tips day by day for the Bay Area.

currents

Bay Area news, books, openings, people and events.

home decor

Indoor-outdoor living. by somer ﬂaherty

life style

Marin’s Amber Marie Bently on personal style. by somer ﬂaherty

fyi

Media: KWMR—the little radio station that could. by tim porter

Causes: Concours on course. by jim wood

Wine Country: Updates, tastings and happenings.

CORTE MADERA GLENDALE LAS VEGAS LOS ANGELES

MANHATTAN BEACH SANTA BARBARA SANTA MONICA WALNUT CREEK

The Cover Light and Easy, by artist Susan Crocker, on exhibit at Caldwell Snyder Gallery in San Francisco. For information, call 415.296.7896 or go to caldwellsnyder.com. 44 117

44 62 72 88 98 100 117 138

Departments

conversation

Marin Theatre Company’s Jasson Minadakis. by jim wood

The thrill of the slide. by mimi towle

renovation guide

A comprehensive listing of builders’ resources in Marin County.

calendar

A roundup of performing arts, events, galleries and more.

snap

Out and about, in and around Marin.

dine out

An insider’s guide to Bay Area eateries.

microclimate

Point Reyes Station: hanging on to a unique history. by daniel jewett

dialogue

Marin chef Michael Mina. by mimi towle

Columns

view from mount tam

16 20

The creators of Marin Magazine welcome you to share their vision.

pov

What will Marin be like in April of 2010? by jim wood

On The Riviera Nayarit

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nikki Wood ext 105 | nwood@marinmagazine.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jim Wood ext 106 | jwood@marinmagazine.com

SENIOR EDITOR Mimi Towle ext 101 | mtowle@marinmagazine.com

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Tim Porter tporter@marinmagazine.com

DEPARTMENTS EDITOR Somer Flaherty ext 103 | sflaherty@marinmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Daniel Jewett ext 116 | djewett@marinmagazine.com

COPY EDITOR/PROOFREADER Cynthia Rubin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS P. J. Bremier, Ian Charles, Karyn R. Millet

ART

ART DIRECTORS Anne Walzer, Trpti Todd

PRODUCTION MANAGER Alex French ext 111 | production@marinmagazine.com

PRODUCTION ARTIST Stephen Spoja

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Drew Altizer, John Merkl, Sheri Montgomery, Barbara Ries

ADMINISTRATION

CONTROLLER Maeve Walsh ext 104 | mwalsh@marinmagazine.com

OFFICE MANAGER Linda Reid ext 100 | lreid@marinmagazine.com

WEB

WEB EDITOR Daniel Jewett ext 116 | djewett@marinmagazine.com

Volume 5, Issue 4. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2009. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Marin Magazine LLC. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Subscription rates are $12 per year. Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Sausalito, CA 94965. Phone 415.332.4800, fax 415.332.3048, e-mail editorial@ marinmagazine.com, website marinmagazine.com.

SAN FRANCISC O L I F E . E V O LV E D .

60 stories of unprecedented luxury. Michael Mina’s RN74 restaurant. A 20,000-square-foot Club Level featuring Sports Club/LA. 3 unique residential living experiences. Living in the city is changing. See for yourself. Special pricing is available for a limited time. Inquire today. OCCUPANCY APRIL 2009

ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER Lisa Shanower ext 107 | lshanower@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Michele Geoffrion Johnson ext 110 | mjohnson@marinmagazine.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER Leah Bronson ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER Stephanie Ericson ext 108 | sericson@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Alex French ext 111 | production@marinmagazine.com

REGIONAL SALES OFFICES

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

carolyn ware & associates | Carolyn Ware 415.601.0192

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

dorie leo & associates | Dorie Leo 310.822.4938

NEW YORK

couture marketing | Karen Couture 917.821.4429

SOUTHEAST tlc media | Cindy Taylor 404.459.6578

HAWAII

destination marketing | Molly Watanabe 808.739.2200

MARIN CUSTOM MEDIA

CONTACT: PUBLISHER Lisa Shanower ext 107 | lshanower@marinmagazine.com

When it comes to giving, there’s no better choice than to GIVE the gift of style™.Because it’s an American Express branded gift card, it can be used at millions of merchants nationwide. It’s what we call the ultimate gift. Available in any denomination between $20 and $500.

And now, you can also GIVE the gift of green™,with a card that gives back to the environment with a donation to American Forests.

Redeemable where American Express cards are accepted.* www.givethegiftcard.com

SOMETIMES YOU CAN TAKE THE HOUSE out of the city, but you can’t get the city out of the house. In Home, P . J. Bremier examines the split personalities of three intriguing Marin houses that supplement the softness of suburbia with an urban edge. Elsewhere on the home front, we learn why a recession may be just the right time to remodel (don’t miss our Renovation Guide listings on Page 72) and FYI Home Decor provides timely, seasonal ways to move your indoor living out of doors.

If you do get out of the house this (happily) rainy spring, do it with a splash—somewhere with a giant water slide. Mimi Towle draws on personal experience to compile proﬁles of the best pool slides in the West, from Hawaii to Arizona to Palm Springs. A far less wet but equally wild adventure is found in Journey, where Karyn R. Millet, camera in hand, travels to Tanzania and explores from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro.

Also in this issue, in FYI Media Tim Porter dials in to the story of KWMR-FM, the tiny West Marin radio station with more than 100 volunteer hosts; FYI Causes looks behind the scenes at preparations for the ﬁrst annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance; Conversation speaks with Jasson Minadakis, artistic director of the Marin Theatre Company; Microclimate goes to Point Reyes Station; and Dialogue engages with chef Michael Mina.

Finally, Snap has moved—and picked up a new name in the process. It’s now Snapshots and can be found between Calendar and Dine Out, see page 98.

As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine , as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place!

Lisa Shanower, Publisher

Nikki Wood, Editorial Director

Jim Wood, Executive Editor

22 World-ClassWineTastings

•EightVintagesofCristal

•ColginCellarsVerticalTasting

UniqueDiningExperiences

•CristalDinnerPresentedbyChampagneLouisRoederer

•

2 GrandTastings •25All-starchefseachday

PebbleBeachFood&Wineisthepremier,grand-scale,epicureanlifestyleeventontheWestCoast,bringingmorethan4000 nationalandinternationalattendeestoDelMonteForest,oneofthemostpicturesquestripsofcoastlineintheworld.Hostedat PebbleBeachResorts,thisfour-dayeventcombines250acclaimedwinerieswith60celebritychefs.Theeventofferscountless winetastings,cookingdemonstrations,andsomeofthemostremarkablediningopportunitiesavailableintheworld,transforming PebbleBeachintoaplaygroundforfoodandwineenthusiasts.

Readers respond

❯❯ Love the magazine

I have been reading Marin since receiving the ﬁrst copy in the mail several years ago. Imagine getting such a beautiful magazine for free every month. The photographs are beautiful and the covers fantastic. All of you are doing such an extraordinary job and I wanted you to know that it is appreciated.

Mary Hagenberg, Novato

❯❯ Fairfax opposition

I read your interview (Life Style, March) with Karl Hoagland this month. Interesting that he refers to his fellow Fairfax residents as a little wacky. He is being entirely disingenuous when he characterizes Fairfax as a community that embraces new ideas and innovations and its residents as creative and open-minded. Residents of Fairfax oppose everything new proposed in their community, such as any home development, the use of the former Marin Town and Country Center, and desalination to provide water to Southern Marin, just to name a few things. I suppose he has his and wants no others to intrude upon his wonderful town.

David Colton,

Greenbrae

❯❯ Too much elitism

I really wonder why you publish this magazine. There is so much more to Marin than the upper-echelon elite you cater to. You rarely cover environmental stories, persons of interest (below a certain income bracket) or, it seems, anything outside of the world of McMansions. Have you heard of San Rafael? Your recent article on two young “green” entrepreneurs was a farce. The one gentleman’s idea of being “green” revolved around taking his laptop to a cafe in order to blog. His rundown of his clothing choices was beyond hysterical! It seems like you’re

“Yes, times are tougher than ususal, but Tiburon is not a ghost town, and neither is San Anselmo, where I live, nor San Rafael, where I o en shop. Local support is what we need; thanks for your encouragement.” — Ron Skellenger

a little magazine wanting desperately to be Vanity Fair . I suspect your magazine appeals to some. I just haven’t met them, yet.

Greg Miller, Tiburon

❯❯ Support local businesses

Thank you for your POV (March) about how the downturn in the economy is affecting locally owned businesses. I worked at a local, family-owned business in San Rafael that has a large following in Marin and beyond, and even though our customers are extremely loyal regulars who are treated like family, the recession affected us to the point where I was laid off. Since October I have heard customers saying “I just don’t feel like I should be spending money right now.” My response to them was (at least while I was still employed), “Yes, you should be spending money right now, as much as is comfortable for you to do. But more to the point, you should make every purchase you make a conscious decision, and support those businesses whose doors you want to be open a year from now.” I am doing that very same thing. Think of every purchase as a vote for your community. Please remember that the burgeoning number of “For Lease” signs on local storefronts affect your property values and the neighborhood in which you have chosen to make your home. What is important to you?

Beth Hanson, Tiburon

Thanks for “Support Marin’s Downtowns.” (POV, March). I too believe that anyone with the means should make an extra effort to support local merchants in any community.

But your ender stating that “we’re all in this thing together” was way too far off the mark for me. I work part-time at a Marin-based recreational facility, where I often overhear wealthy patrons kvetching about the crippled economy before pulling away in their BMWs. While some people are forgoing vacation plans and postponing condo renovations, others are sleeping under highways, living in sickness due to a lack of health care, and waiting for checks from the unemployment ofﬁce. Anyone who dares to comment on being affected by our current crisis should ﬁrst examine his/her own privilege in the grand scheme of our nation’s economy. While perhaps even the wealthiest of Marin’s residents are feeling the effects, by no means are we “in this thing together.”

Luke Sjolund, Tiburon

Thank you for your POV (March) with the headline “Support Marin’s Downtowns.” It was a refreshing headline in contrast to the recent Marin IJ’s misleading “Top Story: Tough Economic Times in Tiburon: WHERE HAVE ALL THE BUSINESSES GONE? (in “going to war” size type). Yes, times are tougher than ususal, but Tiburon is not a ghost town, and neither is San Anselmo, where I live, nor San Rafael, where I often shop. Local support is what we need; thanks for your encouragement.

Ron Skellenger, San Anselmo

Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity and brevity. Send letters to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Or e-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.

PHOTO:

Marin, April 2010

A year from now, how will the county look?

WHAT

WILL MARIN BE LIKE a year from now?

Have you thought about it?

Obviously, there’s a global economic crisis—but to date, the county has been relatively unscathed. Yes, people in Marin have been laid off and homes foreclosed, but not in great numbers. Agreed, there are vacant storefronts, but not a dramatically distressing amount. And certainly local stock portfolios and property values have suffered—but many Marin restaurants, stores and shops still seem vibrant.

Will Marin be only touched lightly by the global downturn? Or devastated by it? Here are some insights from local professionals about how Marin might appear in April of 2010.

First, there won’t be a drought. “Our reservoirs are now over 80 percent full,” says Paul Helliker, general manager of the Marin Municipal Water District. “So water rationing won’t be needed.” However, Helliker says the district board is still concerned about the county’s precarious water supply. “Back-to-back dry winters would do billions of dollars of dam-

BY JIM WOOD

age to the North Bay economy,” he says. “So a $100 million desalination plant will still be discussed. It may well be a sound investment.”

San Rafael attorney Alan B. Guttenberg specializes in real estate and commercial ﬁnance. He recently presented a statewide seminar for attorneys titled Real Property Foreclosure. “Marin’s residential property values have already fallen 15 percent,” he says, “and a year from now some areas might be down another 15 to 20 percent.” However, Guttenberg maintains that in the spring of 2010 residential prices will begin recovering.

About Marin’s commercial and office vacancies, Guttenberg feels the trend could be minimized if landlords and troubled tenants consider renegotiating their leases. “In many cases, we’re talking about a 20 to 30 percent reduction in rent,” he says, “because, by most accounts, that’s the amount business has fallen off.” The alternative, he says, is to see tenants going out of business and landlords left with vacancies not easily leased in a down market. “Smart owners are doing this,” Guttenberg says. “So here in Marin, we may get through this thing in pretty good shape.”

Next up, Marin’s $400 million county budget. At last month’s meeting of Friday Forums, County Administrator Matthew Hymel said a recent survey indicated 49 of California’s 58 counties were in “ﬁscal crisis” but Marin was not among them because of 2008 budget cuts and a hiring freeze. “Right now,” he said, “Marin has the lowest spending per capita for government-provided services, along with a lower rate of unemployment, than comparable-sized Bay Area counties.” However, Hymel thinks the recession will be with Marin for over a year. “Previously, property tax revenues increased between 7 and 10 percent annually,” he said, “but

for the next three years we’ve budgeted a 2 to 4 percent increase.”

My thoughts? In 2010, the county will look—and live—much as it does today. First, although Marin is politically progressive, it is also fiscally conservative, in part because of its aging demographic. Residents haven’t leveraged themselves into oversized houses or fancy cars, and local banks are solvent. In addition, Marin doesn’t have housing tracts where mass-foreclosures take place or large companies where mass employee layoffs occur. In this case, Marin’s reluctance to embrace change serves the county well.

Yet, I see positive changes taking place throughout the county. I recently stood in a muddy tunnel that a year from now will connect Larkspur Landing with San Rafael. This $25 million project’s first role will be as a bicycle/pedestrian path; in coming years it will serve SMART, the $540 million eco-friendly commuter rail line reaching into northern Sonoma County. A SMART stop might be near Novato’s Hamilton Landing, where I visited the new offices of ImageMovers Digital, a Disney entity that is employing more than 300 creative minds and producing “performance capture” films such as A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey.

Also, by April 2010 Crate and Barrel will have a 17,000-square-foot presence in Town Center; Paradise Foods will occupy the Safeway space in Ignacio; Woodlands Market will be expanding into Belvedere-Tiburon and Northgate will be improved to the tune of $75 million. My point: despite grim global and national economic forecasts, the county is still moving forward. Based on these and several other factors, Marin in 2010 will appear much as it does now. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email jwood@marinmagazine.com

APRIL

APRIL 15

Tax Day

ONGOING

Go Play Outside

Get outside more and learn about your environment with this brand-new collection of innovative experiments from the Exploratorium. Waterfront/ Fort Mason (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu/outdoor

THRU MAY 29

Women’s Art

The work of 18 local artists ranging in age from 50 to 90 is featured in Five Decades of Women’s Art, an event sponsored by the Marin Arts Council. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael).

APRIL 1

Marin Brewing Company Bash

Enjoy cheap pints, food and music as the Marin Brewing Company celebrates 20 years in the microbrewing industry. Marin Brewing Company (Larkspur). 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com

Dependents, allowances, receipts, schedules, forms—after today you can forget about all that until the same day next year. The Revenue Act of 1861 introduced a federal income tax to help fund the Civil War.

APRIL 17

All the World on Our Stage

The Marin Theatre Company’s gala event features food and drink representing each of the season’s productions. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

THRU APRIL 30

Favorite Painters

Discover the beauty of Marin as seen through the eyes of favorite local Marin artists Christin Coy and Timothy Horn. Tomales Fine Art (Tomales). 707.878.2525, tomalesfineart.com

THRU JULY 5

Meet Me at the Center of the Earth

The Chicago-based artist Nick Cave presents the largest display of his multilayered, mixed-media and wearable sound suits. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

APRIL 4

Runway 2009

Enjoy dinner, a fashion show and a live and silent auction at the Marin Advocates for Children soiree hosted by Jan Wahl. StoneTree Golf Club (Novato). 415.507.9016, marinadvocates.org

APRIL 16–19

Pebble Beach Nosh

Celebrate all things culinary at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event, featuring 60 chefs, including locals Michael Mina and Keiko Takahashi, and 250 wineries. 866.907.3663, pebblebeachfoodandwine.com

APRIL 22

Earth Day

In 1990, Earth Day mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries, lifting concern for the environment and the status of environmental issues onto the world stage.

APRIL 7–8

A Salute to Judy

Pianist Richard Galzier will perform some of Judy Garland’s most famous songs and show clips from her movies. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). 415.454.1222, cafilm.org

APRIL 26

Opening Day on the Bay

Anchors aweigh. More than 300 elaborately decorated boats will sail into the bay for a boat parade marking the official opening of the boating season. 415.331.0702, picya.org

PHOTO: (TOMALES FINE ART) IN THE SHADOW OF THE LORD BY TIMOTHY HORN; (YBCA) JAMES PRINZ

Mock Trial

Congratulations to Tamalpais High School for winning the Marin County Mock Trial Competition. The school went up against other local high schools to win the championship. Volunteer Lee Budish reports the judge in the case she attended declared he would “hire them all tomorrow.”

The Tangled Tales of Dan Hicks

Half a Century Strong

Redwood High isn’t as large as other public schools but it is mighty. The student body has almost always been around 1,500 but it’s produced its share of famous names, from Mayor Gavin Newsom to Robin Williams and former MTV veejay China Kanter, in just 50 years in Larkspur. This April alums, students, parents and teachers will all be celebrating the Marin school’s 50th anniversary with a series of events including the inauguration of the athletic hall of fame, an open house, an auction and activities on the school’s campus. Redwood High School 50th Anniversary Celebration, April 23–26. redwood50.org

Bay Area music legend Dan Hicks is back with Tangled Tales, an album that ﬁnds the onetime Rolling Stone cover boy reaching back to his early ’70s roots. The Mill Valley–based Hicks keeps it local on this disc—partially recorded at the Plant in Sausalito—performing with his touring band, the Hot Licks, for the ﬁrst time in decades. The sound is rounded by an impressive list of guest musicians including David Grisman on mandolin, Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica, Roy Rogers on slide guitar, Richard Green on violin and Bruce Forman on guitar. danhicks.net

A QUICK TRIP

Missing sunny Southern California? Beginning on April 30, Marinites can now travel between San Francisco International Airport and John Wayne Airport with Virgin America. The airline plans to fly five daily flights from SFO to SNA, with introductory fares as low as $59. With fares that cheap you can run the beach in Newport and catch the sunset on Stinson in the same day.

Splurge on a Deal in Sausalito

The Sausalito Woman’s Club will try and top its successful 2001 estate auction with a new themed estate sale chaired by members who have been procuring items from the homes of the club’s 300 women. Shoppers can ﬁnd Hermès scarves, jewelry and designer gowns in the Diva section; straw hats and plants in the Garden area; Waterford crystal and silver settings in Tabletop; and steamer trunks, world globes and leather bags in the Travel section. The organization works to preserve the Julia Morgan Clubhouse, which is host to community programs, musical concerts, an annual poetry evening and more. April 4, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito. 415.332.2700, sausalitowomansclub.org

kid lit

The fourth Monday of every month Fairfax children’s book author Lissa Rovetch and Book Passage in Corte Madera are welcoming established and beginning children’s book writers and illustrators to a new Kid Lit Salon. Upcoming panel members include Lemony Snicket, Harley Jessup and editors, agents and more. 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

Family Time

Families have a new space to call home with the opening of the Parents Center at the Heller’s children’s store in San Rafael. Moms can drop in to weigh and feed their baby while out and about in San Rafael. The center also offers classes and workshops on childbirth, newborn care, breastfeeding, baby sign language and more. 514 Fourth St (San Rafael).

SNACKS DONE RIGHT

Most people can agree that sodas and fried chips aren’t the most nutritionally sound snacks for kids, but with the help of Sausalito resident Lisa Barnes (pictured at left), parents now have 150 reasons to forget unhealthy options and stick with after-school fare that’s tasty and organic. Her book Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry includes recipes for pizzas, French toast, pretzels, popcorn and other treats, all with a good-for-you spin.

Get the Shot

Business With Passion

Jay Hamilton-Roth is focusing on the positive. The Marinite is producing a television series that features guests who have turned their longtime passions into successful businesses. Each half-hour episode showcases a different business owner, from the president of a research and development lab to the CEO of a local design firm. The weekly show can be found in Marin on Comcast public access channel 26, and Hamilton-Roth is looking for local businesses to feature in future episodes. 415.389.8920

rinite is o have esses. ss ownt lab to be

Faded, torn, scratched, moldy or creased photographs are no problem for Drew Klausner. The San Rafael resident has been a digital artist at George Lucas’s visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic for 14 years, working on Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers and Indiana Jones. He has just launched an Internet-only digital photo restoration service that makes image repair affordable. Klausner can crop, color-correct and even remove elements from a photo. Pixlﬁxl. com works from a digital scan of a photograph and customers may also mail in actual photographic prints or scanned images on a CD. A custom quote is e-mailed for each job; payment is accepted online. After restoring each photo, Klausner presents an online preview for customer approval. The entire process takes from one to three weeks. pixlﬁxl.com

PEBBLE BEACH FOOD AND WINE

Marin chefs, foodies and wine enthusiasts head south Epicureans, oenophiles and bon vivants are headed to the second annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine event April 16—19. The four-day event combines 250 wineries with 60 chefs, including Novato resident Michael Mina and Mill Valley’s El Paseo restaurant chef Keiko Takahashi, new Marinite Tyler Florence and Nancy Oakes of Boulevard.

New to this year’s event are the joint Thomas Keller and Tom Colicchio Grand Finale black tie dinner, where selections from the weekend’s ﬁnest wines are paired with a six-course menu, and the Michelin Stars of San Francisco dinner, which features the award-winning chefs from the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Fleur de Lys, Boulevard and Michael Mina. Grand Finale Dinner, $1,250; Michelin Stars of San Francisco dinner, $350. One of the most extraordinary events is the Cristal Champagne dinner presented by Champagne Louis Roederer and Lexus. The Rouzaud family, who own Champagne Louis Roederer, is providing 120 magnums from its family cellar for the event. Cristal from 1979, 1988, 1990 and 1996 will be included, and Pebble Beach Food and Wine cofounders David Bernahl and Robert Weakley say it is unlikely this experience will ever be duplicated, $1,250.

For more information: Pebble Beach Food and Wine, 866.907.3663, pebblebeachfoodandwine.com

Removal of Obstacles

Experienced teaching staff assists our students to meet their challenges.

Enriching Experiences

Involvement in a variety of activities ignites the personal passions of our students.

Supportive Community

Meaningful connection with peers and adults ensures our students have a rewarding high school experience.

At Red Hill Academy, we believe that your child is more than a diagnosis, and that with the right tools and support, your child will thrive.

For admissions information or to schedule a tour, please contact: Executive Director: Brad Freed, 415-256-9312 x131 bfreed@redhillacademy.org

Admissions Director: Robin Hughes, 415-256-9312 x128 rhughes@redhillacademy.org

A specialized day and boarding school for youth ages 14-18.

www.redhillacademy.org 415-256-9312 • 888-864-KIDS 300 Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo, CA 94960

THE SEASON FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

4. Round table with lazy Susan and base by Malta, $7,625 at Shamrock Design (San Rafael). 415.455.1575, shamrockmat.com

5. Swim in place, walk, run, stretch or row in the indoor or outdoor swim spa available at Marin Outdoor Living (Greenbrae). 415.924.8811, marinoutdoorliving.com

1. OPPOSITE: Forest armchairs and Arthur dining table by JANUS et Cie, Available at JANUS et Cie (SF). 415.551.7800, janusetcie.com

2. Deep seating furniture available at Terra Teak and Garden (Mill Valley). 415.331.1603, terrateakandgarden.com

3. Luxury outdoor shower by JACLO, $19,500 at CTW Designs (Novato). 415.883.886

6. The NanaWall system looks like a wall of ﬂoor-to-ceiling glass windows, but each panel is actually set on a hidden overhead track, allowing it to quickly and easily open or close and be stowed out of sight. Available at NanaWall (Mill Valley). 415.383.3148, nanawall.com

lifestyle

Name: Amber Marie Bently Home: Stinson Beach Occupation: Jeweler/Goldsmith

Burning Man, chakra alignments, a peacock tattoo, Ayurveda and black tie affairs? For jeweler and philanthropist Amber Marie Bently, whether it’s the Black Rock Desert or an opening-night gala, she’s dressed in her own unique style. When Bently isn’t hosting charity events or running her downtown San Francisco spa (set to reopen next year), she’s busy creating her couture jewelry line, which uses recycled gold and sustainably harvested gemstones, and splitting time between her Stinson Beach and Nob Hill homes. Amber and her husband Chris’s company Bently Holdings includes Belvedere Place, 100,000-square-feet of office space in Mill Valley, and the Bently Reserve.

PHOTO: BARBARA RIES

Describe your personal style. Marches to her own beat.

What are you wearing? Valentino and my own jewelry line.

Who are your fashion influences? Audrey Hepburn, always classic yet edgy.

Where do you love to shop in Marin? Downtown Mill Valley.

What is always in your bag/pockets? YSL lipstick and electrolytes for my water.

What is your best cheapo secret? Walgreens 5-minute manicure; it actually looks like I had my nails done by a professional.

What’s your fashion pet peeve? Ugg’s— I have them, but they are not for high fashion; they are for coziness!

What is your view of Marin style? Laidback, down to earth.

Where do you love to eat in Marin? Sushi Ran.

How do you spend your weekends? Hanging out in the Mission.

Where do you go to pamper yourself? Kamalaspa (Bently’s spa) in downtown San Francisco.

How would your friends describe you? I had to ask: fun, talented, cute as a button and very creative.

What was the last book you read and why? Twilight by Stephenie Meyer; I love vampire stories!

What was the last movie you saw? Van Helsing (more vampires!).

If your life were a movie, what would be your theme song? Anything Loreena McKennitt, very fairy of the woods.

What’s your best fashion advice? Try not to follow trends because you always want to look timeless; that way when you look back on past years you don’t say, “Wow, that looks dated.”

Your walls

Now you can buy Marin Magazine covers for your home or ofﬁce. Available in various sizes, framed or unframed, with or without the Marin Magazine logo, these professional quality prints are a beautiful addition to any wall. Visit marinmagazine.com/coverart today.

KWMR

The little radio station that could (and still does)

BY TIM PORTER

OUT IN A LITTLE TOWN IN WEST MARIN IS A BIG IDEA CRAMMED INTO A TINY SPACE. That idea is KWMR, a self-made radio station whose voice rises from the eclectic communities it serves. The small space is a three-room warren in Point Reyes Station consisting of a broadcast studio, a second studio that doubles as a kitchen (and triples as an emergency response center), and a 20-by-20-foot outer room that holds a pair of cubbyholes, a part-time receptionist’s desk and towering shelves of CDs that line nearly every wall, more than 6,000 in all, each color-coded by genre. The KWMR office provides a visual onslaught so intense that a first-time visitor has difficulty sorting out the nooks from the crannies. Trying to find a focus point amid the creative clutter, a place for the overstimulated eye to rest, is somehow like trying to tell the story of KWMR, itself an unruly outgrowth of perseverance, talent and an unfettered dosage of “what if?”

Shelves of thousands of CDs line the walls at KWMR-FM radio, whose main room in the Creamery Building in Point Reyes Station doubles as a music library, ofﬁce suite and reception area.

What if, for example, a soothing voice reads books on the air weekday mornings? What if on some shows se habla Espanol? What if teenagers get air time to play whatever they want? What if doctors, journalists and activists host shows about medicine, national affairs and the environment? What if music ranges from honky-tonk to classical to Celtic? What if more than 100 local people voluntarily run the microphones?

What if, indeed, one radio station did all those things and more (add in an accordion festival)? Now you’ve discovered KWMR—and are beginning to understand its intention to be a “community” radio station in the fullest sense of the term.

The station, which broadcasts on 90.5 FM in the Point Reyes area and on 89.7 FM in the Bolinas-Stinson area, can be heard as far away as the ocean-side neighborhoods of San Francisco, to the southern stretches of Sonoma County and east to the hump of White’s Hill, which separates the San Geronimo Valley from Fairfax, and broadcasts are also streamed on the web at kwmr.org.

KWMR’s journey from humble beginning to modest maturity moves along a road well trav-

Kwimmer, as locals call it, is Marin County’s only fully licensed radio station...it’s never going to be a regional radio powerhouse—but neither does it want to be.

eled by nonproﬁt community organizations. It began in 1995 with a committed group of people (headed by James Stark of the Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas and Marshall artist Donna Sheehan) who believed West Marin needed a media outlet of its own beyond the Point Reyes Light newspaper. They had ingenuity aplenty, but no money.

Their idea was magnetic, though, and it attracted a cadre of like-minded souls such as station manager Kay Clements and Aggie Murch of Bolinas (who had put in some time at KPFA radio in Berkeley). This group created the ﬁrst iteration of KWMR, which broadcast over the local cable TV network, where it stayed in relative obscurity until 1999, when enough technology, know-how and funding came together and KWMR went on the air. Its 10th anniversary is May 2.

Lyons Filmer, left, KWMR’s program director, and Adrienne Pfeiffer, the station’s development director, in the studio.

Kwimmer, as locals call it, is Marin County’s only fully licensed radio station. With just a 235-watt transmitter (KFOG by comparison has 7,100 watts), it’s never going to be a regional radio powerhouse—but neither does it want to be.

“The early vision,” says Clements, “was to provide information, education and entertainment within the West Marin area.” Today, she says, KWMR is “serving a bigger audience than we expected. There’s such an abundance of people here who have so much to give—and we’ve channeled that.”

The station also has learned to survive ﬁnancially, moving over the years from broadcasting in a barn with an unpaid staff to its current comparatively ample quarters in Point Reyes Station’s Creamery Building and seven full- and part-time employees.

The station budget has grown from nearly nil to $430,000 for 2009, about a quarter of which comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and most of the rest from individual donors.

Adrienne Pfeiffer, who as development director has the endless job of chasing down money, says the station’s connection to the West Marin community is the key to its success. About 10 percent of the West Marin population donates to the station, she says, a percentage that is “off the charts.”

Certainly, not negating the considerable attraction a community might feel toward a locally owned and operated radio station— a rarity in these times of consolidated media ownership—much of KWMR’s popularity ultimately is determined by the same test its bigger and better ﬁnanced brethren face: what’s on the air.

Surprisingly, perhaps, in a community as progressively liberal as West Marin, KWMR’s persona is nearly apolitical. Programming director Lyons Filmer says the emphasis on music, literature and community issues over partisan politics is intentional. “One thing we decided early on was that the station would not do advocacy programming as some (public radio) stations do,” she says. “We wanted the station to be open to all parts of the community.”

KWMR’s on-air persona is, as Filmer puts it, “quirky and all over the map.” What’s more unusual, perhaps, than a station whose shows run the cultural gamut from The Hippie from Olema (a llama rancher) to The Punk from Inverness (a Marin Academy student) to Shorty’s Bunkhouse (a produce market owner) is the hands-on-the-mike involvement of the station’s staff.

Each of KWMR’s three full-time employees—Clements, Filmer and Pfeiffer—has at least one show of her own, and sometimes more. Clements hosts Roadhouse Twang (“hick, hillbilly and honky-tonk”) on Wednesdays. Filmer does Celtic Universe (“soothing, comforting”) Saturdays. And Pfeiffer hosts Morning Thunder (use your imagination) on Thursdays.

In an era when the atmosphere surrounding commercial radio stations is fouled by an unrelenting emphasis on demographics, drive time and the bottom line, KWMR blows breezily through West Marin on a zephyr of freshly made airwaves. If there’s business going on at KWMR, it’s the people’s business. There’s homemade radio going on, and it’s personal.

Pfeiffer sums up the station’s ethos nicely. “One of my favorite things about KWMR and community radio is the demystiﬁcation of media,” she says. “Instead of just ingesting media, we create it.”

KWMR’s 10th birthday bash is May 2 at Toby’s in Point Reyes Station. For more information go to kwmr.org. SPRING SALE GOING ON NOW!

Come in now and enjoy special pre-season pricing on our large selection of architectural dining tables, loungers and seating.

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ON COURSE CONCOURS

The challenges of creating a ﬁrst-time event BY JIM WOOD PHOTOS TIM PORTER

CHARLIE GOODMAN, A FORMER MAYOR OF ROSS, tells the story this way: “Al Boro, you know, the mayor of San Rafael, and I ﬁrst talked about it during the 2006 Great Race, where these vintage cars raced 4,100 miles across America and into San Rafael.” The “it” Goodman refers to is the First Annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance, set to become a reality on Sunday, May 17, on the grounds of the Marin County Civic Center.

“There hasn’t been anything like this in Marin or Sonoma counties in years,” says Goodman. In the more than two years since he and Boro conceived the idea, Goodman and a group of volunteers have raised more than $100,000 in underwriting costs and recruited most Bay Area media as in-kind sponsors (including Marin Magazine ); they’ve signed up nearly 100 classic car entries; enticed dozens of Marin businesses and individuals and car clubs to participate; and they’ve named the Hospice Of The Bay as the event’s beneﬁciary.

“Trust me, Charlie and his group are passionate about this,” says Jim Farley, director of Cultural and Visitor Services for the county and overseer of the County Fairgrounds, where the event will take place. “Every successful event has good advance planning,” he adds, “and Charlie’s had a great start on this.”

However, as event planners well know, the critical element in the lofty title of First Annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance is that pesky word ﬁrst. Here’s

MARIN SONOMA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

MAY 17, 2009

10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

Marin County Fairgrounds

Marin County Civic Center

General admission: $15

Seniors (65 +): $10

Children under 16 free, when accompanied by an adult

OPPOSITE: Committee members Gary Cohen and Bob Capurro ﬂank Concours d’Elegance Chairman Charlie Goodman at the fender of Goodman’s supercharged 1937 Cord convertible. LEFT: The monthly meeting of the Concours’ 15-member committee.

ABOVE: Concours d’Elegance Chairman Charlie Goodman

how Goodman described the challenge to a recent meeting of car-loving volunteers, gathered at his ofﬁce off Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael: “Any regional event’s ﬁrst year is always its toughest. That’s because everyone—sponsors, exhibitors, advertisers, even volunteers—all want to play ‘wait and see.’ They want to know an event will be a success; then they’ll jump in. Well, we don’t have that luxury; anyway, this event will be a success from the get-go; and I’m going to prove it.”

You can’t help but admire Goodman. More than two years ago he had a grand dream, and now he’s mired 24-7 in myriad details. Are ads in the show’s program selling? What about Porta Potties? Who’s handling VIP invites? What kind of insurance is needed? As he puts it, “some days it’s a smooth ride.” Others “are really bumpy.” However, now, in front of the show’s volunteers, many of them car collectors, Goodman has his mojo in gear.

“We’re expecting over 5,000 people to show up,” he tells them. “In a few years, the Marin Sonoma Concours will rival Pebble Beach. We have everything going for us: a beautiful, central place to display cars, sunny weather, car collectors living all around us, and picturesque country roads for tours to take place.” That pronouncement is a swipe at the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which for decades has attracted thousands of car connoisseurs to a remote, weather-challenged area to drool over the ﬁnest in antique and classic automobiles.

Sordid and Sacred The

Beggars

in Rembrandt’s Etchings

April 18th thru June 7th, 2009

Organized

by Landau Traveling Exhibitions of Los Angeles, CA

From there, discussion among the volunteers turns to grassy portion of the fairgrounds where the event will take place, the possibility of a ﬂyover by antique airplanes, and the alternative fuel cars that will be on display, including the Price Family Dealerships’ famed Fisker Karma, a plug-in hybrid capable of 125 mph, along with a Tesla, several Zap cars and electric-powered motorcycles, scooters and bicycles.

Lecture with Ann Wiklund

Rembrandt:

curated by Chester Arnold

Two weeks later—less than 90 days before the big event—Goodman calls to order a meeting of the show’s committee members. This time the setting is the Larkspur Landing boardroom of Hospice By The Bay. Surprisingly for a volunteer effort, with all eight men and four women seated and eyeing their agendas, the 8:30 a.m. meeting starts precisely on time. Hospice CEO Sandra Lew welcomes the group and emotionally thanks all for their “unbelievable” efforts and dedication. Chairman Goodman’s ﬁrst item of business is sponsorships. “Of course you know Tom Price, who’s with us today, is our major sponsor. Fireman’s Fund and R.A.B. are also on board—and recently we’ve met with Bank of Marin’s Russ Colombo and Larry Brackett of Frank Howard Allen; both agreed to be sponsors—so now we’re real close to our $100,000 goal,” he reports. The room erupts in applause, cheers and chatter.

Goodman then switches the subject to trophies. “California Mortgage is offering one— so we now have seven,” he says, adding, “We need 11 more. Trophy sponsorships start at $250.” Next topic is ﬁnding a sponsor for the Saturday, May 16, grand tour of classic autos along the back roads of West Marin. “The great classic car legend Martin Swig is chairing this,” Goodman announces with a chuckle. “It starts at 9:00 a.m. at Poggio in Sausalito and lunch, catered by San Rafael’s Il Davide, will be at the French Cheese Factory outside Petaluma.”

Next up is committee member John Nirenstein, an avid car collector, with a report on exhibitor registrations. “As you know, we’re hoping for 180 cars in 21 classes, everything from Duesenbergs to horseless carriages to Ferraris to motorcycles,” he says. “We have about 70 now and they’re coming in at about

ﬁve cars a week.” At that rate, with 10 weeks to go, a quick calculation indicates Nirenstein will still be short of his goal. “But don’t worry,” he says, “word is out among the collectors and, like everyone, they wait till the last minute, so entries will accelerate as we get closer to our date— our website is getting 60 hits a day.”

Nirenstein then notes that the “Cars of the Stars” category has a commitment from Marin rocker Sammy Hager to exhibit his restored 1967 Mustang, a prized Chevy El Camino and both of his late model Ferraris. “We’re awaiting word from Metallica’s James Hetﬁeld with custom cars, and from Journey’s Neil Schon with his Lamborghini,” Nirenstein says. “And it looks like we’re getting one of the ﬁrst cars to ever drive over the Golden Gate Bridge.”

The meeting moves on to the nitty-gritty: “The Saturday night kickoff party is coming along beautifully,” says Hillary Adams. “Get me your invite lists as soon as possible.”

“We’re using hand stamps, not wristbands,” says Steve Bajor, the event’s professional planner and site manager.

“We still need volunteers for parking directions, ticket taking and site control,” says Dave Devlin, who’s in charge of spectator services. “We’re at over a hundred but remember, we need two hundred.”

As the meeting winds down, Goodman reinforces his call to action.

“Hey guys, we have a story and this event is the perfect way to do it,” he says, his voice ﬁrm. “We want to bring to life a history many people nowadays never experienced. That’s what a concours d’elegance is all about. These cars are works of art. And the Marin Sonoma Concours will be great thanks to the determined efforts of all of you. It’s all for Hospice By The Bay, so that people are cared for during life threatening illnesses. And don’t forget, an event’s ﬁrst time is the toughest, but we’re going to do it and do it right, because of all of you.”

Meeting adjourned, Charlie Goodman walks across the Hospice by the Bay parking lot, gets in his classic deep-maroon, 45-yearold Studebaker Avanti, and drives away lost in thought.

“

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Now we have one less thing to argue about!

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The Manoir of Stags Leap

“I often find myself speaking to large crowds and some wine geek will ask about terroir...I can sense the audience glaze over.

”

APHOTOS TERENCE FORD STORY MIMI TOWLE

T A RECENT DINNER HOSTED BY THE STAGS LEAP DISTRICT Of Napa Valley, food superstar Michael Chiarello defined his concept of manoir. “I often find myself speaking to large crowds and some wine geek will ask about terroir,” he said, addressing his familiar neighborhood group. “I can sense the audience glaze over.” He went on to describe his unique definition of this hallowed word, one he likened to the scent of a beautiful woman (his roots are Italian), the “something” about a wine that you remember the next day—the same “something” you will taste 10 bottles later the “something” that takes you back to a particular place and time. “Every American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the valley spends thousands of hours talking about its unique terroir—especially Stags Leap.” A few cackles and chuckles erupted around the room. “But I think the most important taste in a glass of wine is manoir.”

“After reading a reviewer who used words like ‘hedonistic, over-extracted…must drink alone,’” he continued, “I think to myself, blah blah blah, they’ve missed the point.” Those words were used to describe his buddy Sam Turley, of Turley Wines. “Have ya met the guy? He’s a six-foot-six strapping Southerner who put himself through med school to become an emergency room doc. A man I saw nearly every day for 10 years as I was coming to work at Tra Vigne, leaving his night shift, before he became a vintner. When I drink a Turley wine,” Chiarello said with a pause, “it stands me up straight; I don’t get in its way. I love it and it loves me right back.”

The annual V2V (Vineyard to Vintner) tour is this month, giving wine enthusiasts a chance to meet the winemakers and winery owners of this hallowed district—and to learn why and how they make their wines.

Baldacci Family Vineyards A big presence with a booming voice, Tom Baldacci will tell you that while his grandparents made wine, he didn’t ever think it would be possible to continue the tradition. Until, that is, he bought these 20 acres. “We’re hooked,” he says.

Chimney Rock Winery Winemaker Doug Fletcher and his wife, Janet (the Chronicle food writer and cookbook author), have been ﬁxtures in the valley for nearly three decades. Doug Fletcher, along with Pine Ridge’s Stacy Clark and Silverado’s Jonathan Emmerich, has a wine tasting club, “sort of like a book club, but a lot more fun,” Fletcher says.

Cliff Lede Vineyards is the new kid in town, and as famed wine critic Robert Parker wrote, “If you’re looking for a new superstar in Napa, look no further.” And Lede has arrived with a splash, including a “wow” Howard Backen–designed tasting room and a dream team including general manager Jack Bittner and winemaker Michelle Edwards. A visit to the public tasting room offers a glimpse into their meticulous approach, which includes picking out “imperfect” grapes by hand. “Not something you see very often,” Bittner conﬁrms.

Clos du Val Cofounder and winemaker Bernard Portet hails from the Bordeaux region of France and, since coming to Napa in 1970, has been widely regarded as one of the fathers of the Napa Valley wine industry. In his free time he sails his boat, Obelix (after the famous French cartoon character in the Asterix series), docked at Loch Lomond.

Malk Family Vineyards Wind up the driveway and climb the stairs of Brian Malk’s home/tasting room and chances are you’ll meet Grifﬁn, the fourlegged companion whose image is emblazoned on the label. Born in South Africa, Malk has a charm and zest for adventure that’s contagious and, if you concentrate, detectable in his wine.

Hartwell Vineyards As a successful businessman, Bob Hartwell came to Stags Leap in the early ’90s and planted his own vineyards on this legendary soil. Hartwell is very serious about making really good wine. Spend two minutes with him and you’ll see he is also serious about making you laugh.

Ilsley Vineyards Three generations of wine growing live on at this family compound/winery, with three siblings running the operation side by side. “Our house is the one with all the plastic toys out front,” Ernie Ilsley says. His three young daughters are used to the annual V2V tour and look forward to all the commotion.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT : Jeff Virnig, Stacy Clark, Doug Fletcher, Jonathan Emmerich and Kevin Morrisey; Patricia Taylor and Sandy Taylor Carlson; Cliff Lede. LEFT : Doug Shafer, Bernard Portet, Richard Steltzner. LOWER : Robbie Meyer, winemaker, and Brian Malk.

THAT ALL-IMPORTANT Apostrophe

After a well-known lawsuit over use of the name, here’s how that critical apostrophe is (or isn’t) placed. Stags Leap District (no apostrophe); Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars; Stags’ Leap Winery. Got it?

Taylor Family Vineyards Those who choose to bike the tour will be humbled by the steepness of the driveway. That’s where the pain ends. Patricia and Sandy (mother and daughter) usually pair something chocolate with their luscious cabs. Why the airplane on the labels? Sandy’s husband, Phil Carlson, is a Naval Academy graduate and commercial airline pilot.

Pine Ridge Winery Celebrated vintner Stacy Clark is one of the ﬁrst women winemakers in the valley, and her long-thriving operation could lend some credence to the anti-aging effects of polyphenols in wine.

Regusci Winery A true ghost winery (surviving from the region’s early wine-making days); the barn is one of the oldest structures in the valley. The Regusci family has been producing notable wine here since the 1930s, and Jim Regusci is also one of the most respected farmers in the region.

Shafer Vineyards Often spoken about in hushed tones, Shafer wines have a loyal following. The new state-of-the-art tasting room will surely widen their fan base.

Robert Sinskey Vineyards Meeting winemaker Jeff Virnig and tasting his wines, one has no doubt why he does what he does. His passion for wine making and organic farming are realized in each bottle.

Silverado Vineyards The winemaker Jonathan Emmerich worked his way up from the position of laboratory technician here many years ago, but he still loves to talk about the nuances of wine chemistry and, most important, what tastes good and why. Just ask him his thoughts on “front-end heat.”

Stags’ Leap Winery If possible, catch one of Ken Swanson’s tours to learn about the history of this spectacular estate—including the three former famous and infamous family owners of what today is an award-winning winery.

Steltzner Vineyards “I send her to college and she comes back smarter than me,” Richard Steltzner says with a laugh of his daughter Allison, a veritable font of wine industry do’s and don’ts. Dad’s not too thick: he was the ﬁrst to plant cabernet sauvignon in the district. Genius. If it’s possible to bottle a good time, this family comes close.

From the elegant space of Cliff Lede’s tasting room to the Taylors’ front porch, this month you can explore for yourself the Stags Leap District and its legendary manoir.

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Jasson Minadakis

Marin Theatre Company’s young artistic director has big plans BY JIM WOOD

Thirty-eight-year-old Jasson Minadakis helped found the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival and was artistic director of Altlanta’s Actor’s Express Theatre Company. He came to MTC in November, 2006 and has gained considerable critical and community acceptance

So far, over the two seasons Minadakis has been MTC’s artistic director, four of ten plays performed have been extended for extra performances.

“Extending a play compares to a performance receiving a standing ovation,” says the unassuming Minadakis. “The community is telling you they really liked what you did—and there’s more support for it than you thought you had.” That said, he goes on to say, in so many words: “But you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Currently, the Marin Theatre Company is producing Lydia, by the San Francisco playwright Octavio Solis. It recently opened at the Yale Repertory Theatre and opens soon at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. According to Minadakis, who’ll direct the production: “It’s being compared to Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman; this is one of the most important American plays written in the past ten years.”

MTC follows that with Magic Forest Farm, the winner of its first annual Sky Cooper New Play Prize ($10,000) in which 875 entries were received from throughout the country. “It takes place in the modern day,” says Minadakis, “and focuses on a commune in Northern California and the children of parents who lived there.” The author here is Zayd Dohrn, son of the much-in-the-news Bernadine Dorhn and William Ayres, founders of the 60’s radical group Weather Underground. Note that MTC’s staging of Lydia is the play’s West Coast premiere—and the much-heralded Magic Forest Farm will receive its world premiere at Marin Theatre Company.

Jasson Minadakis, the person most responsible for garnering such acclaim, is 38-years-old—one of the youngest artistic directors for a theater of MTC’s size in the United States. After graduating from James Madison University, with a major in English and theater, Minadakis co-founded the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival before being named artistic director of Atlanta’s Actor’s

IN MANY WAYS A DIRECTOR AND A CONDUCTOR ARE SIMILAR. YOU HAVE THESE BRILLIANT PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW TO PLAY THEIR INSTRUMENTS, YOUR JOB IS TO KEEP THEM ALL TOGETHER SO THE MUSIC GOES FROM INDIVIDUALS OUT TO THE AUDIENCE AS A WHOLE.

Express Theatre Company. He came to MTC in November of 2006, after the much-admired Lee Sankowich left to pursue other interests.

Marin Theatre Company, now in its 42nd year, is the largest professional theater company in the North Bay. With an annual budget of $2.5 million it produces more than 200 performances a year on its two stages, the 231-seat Boyer Theatre and the 99-seat Lieberman Theatre. According to Artistic Director Minadakis: “We’re the fifth largest theater in the Bay Area, behind A.C.T., Berkeley Rep, San Jose Rep and TheatreWorks.”

Let’s start by you describing what an artistic director does? He or she is responsible for everything that goes on the stage, from selecting plays to hiring a costume designer. The artistic director handles everything in terms of artistic output into the community. That said, we have an interesting partnership at MTC. Usually, a theater’s producing director handles finances, marketing, and development. At MTC that’s Ryan Rilette, whom I have known for years. We worked at similar theaters in all kinds of responsibilities and always dreamed about working together. Now that’s happened and we’ve blurred the lines of responsibilities a bit. Ryan has as much artistic input as I do—and I help him with the ﬁnances, ect. We respect each other; we’re the same age; and our families know each another. I think the emergence of MTC this year, both critically and

in the community’s mind, is a testament to the support we provide each other. It’s made for a very healthy organization.

That said, along with everything else, both you and Ryan are directing plays this season. What is the role of a play’s director? A director’s most important job is to make sure all of the actors are working to a common point; that a play’s center thread is always maintained. It’s to see that the costume designer and the scenic designer are in harmony; that the clothes and the set work together. Overall, a director is what I like to call the ‘most informed member of the audience.’ The job is to help actor’s understand the choices they’re making and how those choices are going to play with the audience. A director gives the actors feedback on how their on stage choices are playing with someone who is sitting away from it. In many ways a director and a conductor are similar. You have these brilliant people who know how to play their instruments, your job is to keep them all together so the music goes as a whole from individuals on stage out to the audience.

As a director, do you attend every performance of the play you’re directing? No, normally I get a show through its opening night and at that point the cast has already had several performances in front of an audience; it’s time for me to let go. We’ve worked together for four or ﬁve weeks; I’ve established the parameters in which the actors are playing; and now it’s time for me to trust them—they need

Sordid and Sacred The Beggars in Rembrandt’s Etchings

April 18th thru June 7th, 2009

Gestures of

the freedom to work together. Like most directors, I go back before a play closes to see how the actors and the play have grown in a positive way since I’d left. But that’s it.

What have you found to be the strengths of the surrounding community? This is an extremely literate community. They read a lot; they’re well informed about national events and about the arts. In getting to know the community I was fascinated how many attend A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theatre), Berkeley Rep, and go up to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. People who live in Marin are very protective of their community; they take care of their organizations, which is incredibly beneﬁcial to an arts organization—you do not see that much anymore. I think Marin has a very strong commitment from its people to keep the county a good place to live.

Lecture with Ann Wiklund

Al Farrow’s Beggars

curated by Chester Arnold

Rembrandt: His Life, His Art, His World Friday, April 24th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

What concerns you about Marin? Fortythree years ago, when Sali Lieberman founded Marin Theatre Company, it was organized as a community theater. Then over 20 years ago, our board decided to make MTC a professional theater. We now employ 80 percent equity actors—and have since 1985—however many Marin people still think of us as a ‘community theater.’ It’s a bit of a challenge to change people’s perceptions, but we’re deﬁnitely making progress. We’re trying to help people understand that the same quality of performances seen at ACT, or Berkeley Rep, or up in Oregon, they can see right here in Marin.

Is Marin’s aging population a concern? At ﬁrst, it concerned me a lot. I think that’s one reason the directors were interested in me as artistic director. My taste is toward newer works from younger American playwrights, it’s a little edgier, maybe more adventuresome. Some patrons have been thrilled with this shift; to others, it wasn’t their cup of tea. That happens when a new director arrives. However, we’re now seeing more people coming to us than we’re losing. When shows are extended, it’s a sign some-

thing is going right. The folks attending an extended performance aren’t, as a rule, a theater’s season subscribers—they’re mostly new patrons. And there are lots of them. Come to a MTC performance now and you’ll see a different demographic than before.

In closing, what’s does the future—short and long term—hold for the Marin Theatre Company? I can tell you that our 2009-10 program starts this September with the West Coast premiere of My Name is Asher Lev, based on the novel by Chaim Potok. MTC’s performance precedes the play’s going to New York. Also exciting is the Bay Area premiere of Boom by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, a Marin native. It’s about a marine biologist discovering that an asteroid will soon destroy the earth. Next is the world premiere of Sunlight, by our 2009 Sky Cooper Award winner Sharr White. It was written in early 2008 but looks ahead at the post George W. Bush era. Then comes Equivocation, a fantastic story about William Shakespeare’s ﬁrst script. And we close with Woody Guthrie’s American Song; it chronicles the folk hero’s life through his words and ballads, which have astonishing relevance today. We’re very excited about all of them, there’s something for everyone.

Over the long term, what Ryan, I, and our board of directors hope to do is grow Marin Theatre Company to being without question the ﬁrst choice for all Marin County when they think of going to the professional theater. We would love to become a very important theater not only in the Bay Area but also on the national landscape. And frankly, based on scripts playwrights have trusted us with, I think we already are. In addition, we’d like to expand our work a little bit so that we can serve more people in Marin County. We feel we’re Mill Valley’s theater company and we truly want to be Marin’s theater company. This county is so incredibly fortunate in so many of the facets that make life better, and Marin Theatre Company wants to become a bigger and bigger part of that for more and more people in Marin.

“

” P rior

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An Urban Edge

Marin County has so many charms –the appeal of small-town living, an abundance of good schools, an array of natural and artistic attractions —that one might be hardpressed to think that this beneficent backdrop requires anything else. For a growing number of people, though, the softness of suburbia could use a little edge, and for these urbansurburbanites, paradise is getting a little hipper.

STORY P. J. BREMIER

PHOTOS JOHN MERKL

MIDDLE : Whimsical key holder. LOWER : High ceilings and raw materials create a contemporary ambience.

OPPOSITE : Glass roll-up garage doors open to outdoor patios.

Dominic Spaethling was reared in a Victorian home in Cambridge, Massachusetts; his wife, Robin Steele, grew up in a ranch-style home in the suburbs of Seattle. But when the couple moved to Marin, they chose to build a modern home.

“We’d been living in downtown Philadelphia,” Robin says. “It’s an affordable city that has lots of art, but once you have kids, you want them to be in a good school district.”

While that was important to both of them, Dominic admits, “we loved the big spaces, the airiness, the exposed bricks and beams of the warehouses in Philadelphia that were being turned into apartments and we just couldn’t leave those parts behind.”

Fortunately, their San Francisco architect, Aleck Wilson, shares their affinity for loftlike spaces: “I like the idea that suburban homes don’t have to be cookie-cutter or ‘spec’ homes, that they can have large volumes and open floor plans and a more contemporary arrangement of space,” Wilson says. In other words, flexible spaces with merged multifunctional rooms such as breakfast and dining rooms or family and living rooms.

He specified materials aligned more with industrial use than residential for the 2,100-square-foot home: corrugated metal siding, a shed roof, a concrete wall and a concrete dining room ﬂoor, an exposed ceiling, and opposing glass roll-up garage doors that open onto patios.

Three Bar House

ARCHITECT ALECK WILSON ARCHITECTS STRUCTURAL ENGINEER MORRIS ENGINEERING

“Kids come to visit and say, ‘Cool! Do you park your cars in here?” Robin laughs. They don’t, but their daughters use the space for Rollerblading and, on warm days, the dining table is rolled out onto the patio for alfresco dining.

Their house doesn’t look typical for their Larkspur neighborhood, and that was deliberate. “Designing a house can be an intimidating. One might play it safe, do what ﬁts in, what’s always been done, but we educated ourselves on design so much that we really came to know what we wanted.”

And what they wanted was a modern-style house with sustainable and energyefﬁcient features. “Why would we choose to design a Victorian that’s supposed to look 100 years old?” she asks rhetorically. Wilson, their architect, thinks a modern style home makes sense, too. “Our tastes have gently changed over time,” he says. “The whole Bay Area is more accepting of contemporary architecture.”

Now, reﬂecting upon how her house satisﬁes her craving for the urban aesthetic, Robin says, “Southern Marin doesn’t feel like suburbia—it’s so close to the city—but it’s liberating to live in a space that isn’t so detailed or decorated. It feels right living in this house in this spot.”

The house elicits praise from her husband, also, who loves “the drama of it—the ridiculously high ceilings, the big windows, the raw materials—those elements that make it fun in a nontraditional way. I still get that ‘whoa!’ feeling whenever I walk in. It’s an exciting place to come home to every night.”

TOP : Painting by Cayen Robertson of Larkspur graces the living room wall.

The Ridge House

ARCHITECT LORCAN O’HERLIHY ARCHITECTS

CONTRACTOR LAWRENCE MOTTA

INTERIOR DESIGNER LORCAN O’HERLIHY & TONY SHERMAN

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TYLER SCHWARTZ

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR CLIFF MURATA

THE RIDGE HOUSE, SITUATED ON A BEAUTIFUL HILLTOP in Mill Valley blessed with breathtaking views, was commissioned in 2002 by Tony and Rachel Sherman after they saw a New York Times story featuring a home designed by Los Angeles architect Lorcan O’Herlihy.

“It was exactly what I was thinking of,” Tony says. “I tried to explain it to ﬁve or six ‘modern’ architects up here but then I thought, ‘why not just call the architect in the story?’ I did and he came up the next week. It was a great decision!”

Sherman, who had lived in San Francisco’s Cole Valley for 10 years, moved to Marin with Rachel after they were married and had decided to have children. They were attracted to Marin’s desirable public school system and the area’s natural beauty.

Unlike the owners of the Three Bar House, the Shermans didn’t want to transplant urban living into a suburban setting, but rather to live between the two worlds.

“We actually avoided using industrial materials like concrete and metal,” Tony says, pointing out that even the supporting steel was clad in mahogany. “Our real goal was to take advantage of the site and the views of the ocean, the city, the bay, the Bay Bridge, and we wanted the house to emulate the rolling hills and surrounding colors. So, even though it’s modern, the intent was for it to blend in.”

The four-bedroom home, just under 4,000 square feet and cantilevered above a steep slope, has soaring spaces, large expanses of windows, and a wealth of wood. The interior choices are special to the owners: an Italian kitchen by Poliform, custom bedroom furnishings and photographs by local artists Markham Johnson and Rick Chapman.

Since its completion, the house has won a 2007 AIA award, has been recognized in Architectural Record, and has been featured in numerous print commercials and a shelter magazine.

This appreciation of his home doesn’t surprise Tony. “I like it more and more all the time. Every time I come home and see it, I feel blessed to have built it and to own and live in such a work of art and architecture.”

Besides, he adds, “the location is pretty amazing. It’s only 10 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge but it borders a national forest. We have space and land, we’re close to the ocean and the mountains (for mountain biking) and yet we’re close to the city. It’s a unique urban-surburban.”

The Box House

ARCHITECT MICHAEL MITCHELL BUILDING DESIGN & DRAFTING

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER ERIK B. TRYDE

CONTRACTOR JUSTIN CONSTRUCTION

CABINETRY BRUCE BINDER CONSTRUCTION

RYAN AND CHRISTINE MCGUINNESS CAN’T CLAIM ANY URBAN PROVENANCE — they both grew up in Marin— but they are frequent travelers and both appreciate the urban lifestyle and the modern aesthetic.

When he was growing up in Marin, “the focus was always on San Francisco, so as a family we spent a lot of time in the city,” Ryan says. “This house is a reﬂection of being in the comfort and beauty of Marin and still being tied to the city.”

Designed by Michael Mitchell, a Stinson Beach–based architect and McGuinness relative, it has a loftlike airiness inside; large aluminum storefront windows that draw in natural light and frame views; separate sleeping wings for adults and children, for privacy; and eco-friendly features for energy efﬁciency.

Ironically, although the 1,800-square-foot Tiburon home resembles a set of elegant boxes, it lacks the “boxed-in” feeling of the McGuinnesses previous homes. “We like open ﬂoor plans,” says Ryan. “Our front room is a wide space that makes it nice for family gatherings. There are lots of us around.” (Both he and Christine grew up in large families—he had 10 siblings; she had 9—and their extended family lives locally.)

Even if that weren’t the case, he says, the home’s large open spaces keep his own immediate family of ﬁve close to each other. “It facilitates togetherness and that’s hard to get from a structure that compartmentalizes everything. We weren’t interested in fragmented spaces.”

Mitchell didn’t plan the house with any bent toward being “urban.” Instead, he says, the goal was just smart planning, “nicely solving many design criteria for a wonderful home. The ﬂat roof maximizes the volumes within a single-story home so you can really get those windows up high. And the roof also affords a great opportunity to capture light, views and a sense of openness.”

Although modern, the home is not deﬁned by starkness but by warmth and depth, a natural result of purposefully chosen materials. In the kitchen, for example, stainless-steel appliances and black marble countertops are offset by hardwood ﬂoors and blond maple cabinetry. Outside, the home’s sleek lines are softened by Alaskan yellow cedar and a landscape of primarily native plants.

For Mitchell, it doesn’t matter if the house is perceived as urban. “I was just looking for something that would be timeless, that would look good now and 50 years from now. When she’s weathered, you won’t even be able to know when she was built, just that she was built well.”

From the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the plains of the Serengeti, Tanzania’s wildlife thrives in abundance

STORY & PHOTOS BY KARYN R. MILLET

SITTING ON MY ELEVATED TENT DECK, a white-crowned shrike and I shared an expansive view of the Serengeti. When the elegant bird ﬂew off, the vast beauty of Tanzania was, for a moment, mine alone to enjoy.

UPPER FROM LEFT : With safety in numbers, a pack of baboons strolls down the jeep path in Lake Manyara. Zebras rush the road to have their picture taken in the Serengeti.

My adventure had begun several days earlier in Arusha, a bustling town on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, whose location serves as a convenient jumping-off place for several Tanzanian journeys, including a trek to the forested slopes of famed Mount Kilimanjaro. First, though, I visited several elementary schools to see the work of Kids of Kilimanjaro, a lunch program sponsored by a California nonproﬁt a family friend started three years ago. The children were engaging and bright and greeted me with welcoming smiles.

Then I was off to Kilimanjaro for a hike through the rain forest that surrounds the base of this massive mountain known as the “Rooftop of Africa.” A guide led the way, naming the plants and animals we passed on the way to our destination— a double waterfall where black-and-white colobus monkeys swing from wild magnolia trees. Along our path, we encountered a group of trekkers who had ventured to the 19,340-foot summit. They were beaming with accomplishment.

Kilimanjaro was a warm-up for the next leg—a 10-day safari in search of migrating wildlife. We traded in our hiking boots for the relative comfort of a bouncy Land Cruiser whose roof peeled back for open-air picture taking. As we made our way southeast on the two-hour drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, I spotted my ﬁrst wild animal— a giraffe ambling across the plain with ﬂuid elegance. Our resting spot for two nights was Tarangire Tree Tops, a luxury tent camp where I was greeted by an elephant who stood stubbornly between me and my quarters. Thankfully, I was with a guard who wisely suggested another route. As we detoured to my tent, a loud snap crackled through the camp. I turned to look behind me and saw that my elephant friend, apparently wanting better access to its leafy lunch, had taken down a whole tree with one powerful whack of his foot.

In the fading evening light, my treetop perch provided a view of the darkening plains. Huge acacia trees were silhouetted like umbrellas. Waves of purple morning glories peppered amid sycamore ﬁgs and baobab trees accented the light of the setting sun. I slept well and woke rested and ready for my ﬁrst game drive.

It was a lone lion that provided the most memorable image. Sitting atop a rock and casually surveying the arid terrain below, he seemed aware of his majestic strength.

RIGHT : A curious water buffalo can’t resist peeking through the bushes. BELOW : Hippos look friendly; however, their strength is ﬁerce.

At Lake Manyara National Park, a huge water buffalo met us at the park gate. It grunted loudly at our interruption of its meal.

Tanzania has more than 1,000 species of birds, many of them so colorful they look like tropical ﬁsh with wings. As we drove, some of them ﬂew in front of the Land Cruiser, riding the draft of the vehicle like living hood ornaments. The March-to-May rainy season had just ended and the animals were out in force. We stopped for elephants, zebras, impalas, giraffes and baboons.

From Tarangire we motored on to Lake Manyara National Park, where a huge water buffalo met us at the park gate. It grunted loudly at our interruption of its meal. I imagined it might be saying “karibu”—welcome in Swahili. We drove deeper into the park, passing herds of corpulent hippos lazing in the mud. In the distance, a ﬂuorescent ribbon of ﬂamingos ringed the shore.

The next day more animals awaited us at Ngorongoro Crater, a 2,000-foot-deep caldera reachable by a sinuous mountain road. From above, Ngorongoro appears void of life, but as we descended to the crater ﬂoor we saw that it was teeming with creatures and activity—giant tusked elephants, ostriches, wildebeests and warthogs. Black-maned lions patrolled the grasslands and ﬂamingos clustered by the thousands around the crater’s Lake Magadi. Amid this dramatic backdrop, our guide surprised us with a formal picnic prepared by our host, Serena Safari Lodge. As I ate at a long table dressed in white linens and a vibrant Masai fabric runner and watched toque-topped chefs work in the background, I pretended it was my birthday, because an afternoon like this must be savored as a special occasion.

Our last stop: the Serengeti—7,650 square miles of plains and home to Africa’s great wildlife migrations. The great herds of beasts were impressive, to say the least, but it was a lone lion that provided the most memorable image. Sitting atop a rock— a solitary throne—and casually surveying the arid terrain below, he seemed aware of his majestic strength.

We spent our ﬁnal night in Kirawira Camp, where the exquisite tents share the night with dik-dik, genet cat, and yes, perhaps a wandering water buffalo or curious lion. Daybreak arrived with the sweet chirping of birds and a gentle “good morning” from a staff member. He held a tray with a silver teapot and a china cup. It was a lovely way to begin a day—and to say farewell to Africa.

ABOVE : In the middle of Ngorongoro Crater, a surprise picnic prepared by the hotel staff awaited us after the morning game drive. LOWER : All the guest rooms at Tarangire Tree Tops are luxury tents built into trees where it is common to see an elephant below munching on a branch.

THE THRILL OF THE SLIDE

THE WET-AND-WILDEST RESORT WATERSLIDES IN THE WEST

BY MIMI TOWLE

NOTE: As we researched this topic, many people contributed suggestions based on memorable vacations at resorts with big slides through Facebook and e-mail. If you have a favorite that’s not mentioned, add your comments to this story online at marinmagazine.com.

CHANCES ARE IF YOU WENT TO THE MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL IN THE ’70S, you’ve met me.

I was the chubby local kid covered in freckles who asked a lot of questions. “Where are you from?”

“How long can you hold your breath?” With any luck I’d make a friend out of you, and depending on your swimming ability I would either show you the wonders of the tide pools or bring you out to the raft 20 yards offshore. There, for a brief moment in time, hung a twisty pool slide, which someone from the hotel (I presume) had nailed to the webbed green surface of the raft. That precarious slide didn’t last long, but my memories of the thrill of splashing into the ocean lives on. As a mother of two, I enjoy watching the process repeat itself when we are on vacation. Regardless of the venue, if there is a pool, our kids are happy—a slide, ecstasy. Well, that twisty-ﬁberglass pool slide of the ’70s has evolved. Here’s where to ﬁnd the best ones around.

Paradise Pool, Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki

CALIFORNIA

Rancho Las Palmas While Palm Desert is known as an adult playground—endless golf opportunities, tennis and great restaurants— Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage with its Splashtopia is, according to the Kuhn family of Mill Valley, kid paradise. A fully equipped resort for Mom and Dad, it’s also got a 425-foot lazy river, two waterslides, a sandy beach, a mountain with waterfall, and cliffside Jacuzzi for the kids. With their 11-year old daughter and 7-year-old son both active members of the Sleepy Hollow swim team, the parents feel free to read and relax by the pool with only the occasional head count. 800.965.8275, rancholaspalmas.com

The Disneyland Hotel The Carlin family of Tiburon have become frequent ﬂiers at the Disneyland resorts. Poolwise, they pre-

fer Disneyland Hotel’s Neverland Pool, a 5,000-square-foot Peter Pan–inspired water park. Mom Lisa loves the fact that there are life vests for toddlers, plus a special area for little ones with its own slide, so her young girls can feel a sense of accomplishment without having to go on the big-kid slide (Anaheim).

714.956.6425, disneyland.disney.go.com

La Costa Resort and Spa Nancy Lew of Los Angeles loves Splash Landing at La Costa Resort and Spa. “There is a separate section for little kids,” she says, “and then this whole teen scene with a separate ‘clubhouse’ and two huge (23-foot-long) waterslides. The best part of all is that Mom and Dad can go to the spa (no kids allowed) for a couple of hours while the kids play, play, play.” Other parent pluses: the outdoor barbecues and movie night out by the pool (Carlsbad). 800.854.5000, lacosta.com

Anytime is playtime in Waikı¯kı¯.

Fun never stops at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Waikiki’s 4 distinctive properties. Where endless ocean activities, kid-friendly programs and cultural experiences offer a memorable vacation for the entire family.

SUNSATIONAL SAVINGS

3RD NIGHT FREE AND $75 DINING CREDIT ON O‘AHU. call or visit 1.888.488.3535 SUNSATIONALHAWAII.COM

Sheraton Waikiki; The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort; Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

Lazy River at Rancho Las Palmas’s Splashtopia

ARIZONA

Scottsdale Hyatt at Gainey Ranch When my mother-in-law ﬂoated the idea of her children and grandchildren meeting up in Arizona

for Thanksgiving last year, the response was tepid at best. When she mentioned the property had a three-story waterslide, 2.5-acre water playground, tennis facilities, a golf course and a new spa, the troops stepped into place. The Hyatt was, as promised, a water-park fantasy. What we didn’t expect was the really good food at all three restaurants, live music nightly in the lobby, and the fact that no one (not even adults) wanted to leave the property. 480.444.1234, scottsdale.hyatt.com

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa This place is a classic, Laura Reinertson of San

Anselmo attests. “It’s a Frank Lloyd Wrightinﬂuenced hotel, great architecture. Very old Arizona,” she says. “We love the pool and (92foot) slide, because it’s not overrun by kids but there is enough room for them to have fun, and there is a lot for them besides the slide and swim-up bar: life-size chess, s’mores buffet with bonfire, ping-pong, basketball, tennis.” She and her family—husband Steve, sons Sam and Henrich—go every March to catch a few Giants games and relax. “It was our kids’ favorite place until we took them to Lanai,” she says, conceding that now they’re “in trouble.” 602.955.6600, arizonabiltmore.com

LAS VEGAS

While we haven’t done any sliding here ﬁrsthand, the following are some favorite hot sliding spots. If you take your kids, you’re not alone: according to the local visitors’ bureau, 3.5 million families are expected to visit Vegas this year.

Every 3rd Night Free plus $200 Resort Credit starting in Ocean View Rooms.

Days of freedom. And nights, free.

In Paradise, dreams really do last longer. Extend yours, with welcome gifts that will make this vacation one you’ll value for years.

Located on the Kohala Coast, Big Island. Call your travel professional or 800.845.9905 fairmont.com/orchid Offer available from 1/5/09 through 12/20/09. Minimum 3 night stay required. Some restrictions apply.

Arizona Biltmore

Splash Landing at La Costa Resort and Spa

Flamingo Las Vegas Though you’ll need to keep Junior away from the Go Pool (adult swimming, literally), the main pool is a 15-acre tropical fantasy of interconnecting lagoons and cascading waterfalls plus a seasonal waterslide. And if there’s been too much physical activity, rent out one of the private cabanas complete with LCD TV (Sponge Bob, anyone?), mini fridge and a personal host. Why not—it’s Vegas! 800.732.2111, ﬂamingolasvegas.com

Mandalay Bay Raging Waters meets resort, with a seven-foot-deep wave pool, lazy winding river, three swimming pools and 2,700 tons of real sand (not from the desert). 877.632.7000, mandalaybay.com

HAWAI‘I

Maui

Grand Wailea “Please, can we go to the place with the mountain slide?!” is my girls’ reaction at the mere mention of a trip to Maui.

This is the very response planners at the Grand Wailea intended when they opened their Wailea Canyon Activity Pool back in 1991. Last winter they completed a $1.6 million renovation of the seven separate pools and waterslides, water elevator, Jacuzzis and baby beach (a shallow sandy area). Crowds, chaos and copious chlorine aside, it is a lot of

at the new Ho’olei at Grand Wailea, featuring two-story townhomes with kitchens, private elevators, attached garages and exclusive services. 808.875.1234, grandwailea.com

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa A deﬁnite highlight for Tiburon’s Carlin family when they vacationed here was the 87,000-squarefoot pool area, which includes ﬁve swimming

Enjoy your 5th Night Free.

Extend your story, with an extra night in paradise.

Some restrictions apply. Subject to availability.

Tales you tell. Stories you sing. And legends you re-live.

Play in the art of Hawaiian mo‘olelo, or storytelling, as you recall long Fairmont Kea Lani days.

Nestled on Polo Beach in Wailea, Maui. Call your travel professional or 888.870.9993. fairmont.com/kealani

Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa’s Manta Ray super pool’s slide.

with twin waterfalls and a hidden whirlpool. “Rori loved seeing the ﬂamingos and parrots around the property, as much as going on the big slide with Dad,” Lisa recalls. “The fact that the kids were entertained gave us a vacation too.” 808.667.2525, westinmaui.com

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Another super-slide on the Ka‘anapali coast is at the oceanfront 3,000-square-foot Napili Pool and Keiki Lagoon. This aquatic playground features a rope bridge, a 25-foot slide, a sandcovered island at the center of the pool, water fountains that spout up to 10 feet high and tide pools. 808.661.1234, maui.hyatt.com

O‘ahu

Hilton Hawaiian Village This kid-friendly icon of Waikiki has just completed a multipool renovation. The biggest addition is the Paradise Pool (the property’s sixth), with a 77-foot slide. The hotel sits along Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach, adjacent to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, which provides an additional water recreation area for parents and kids. Besides water-soaked activities, kids can interact with the property’s wildlife including penguins, along with flamingos, turtles and koi. There are kids’ meals in the restaurants, and at Mandara Spa, there’s even a YSPA program which offers salon services to kids, and special spa treatments for those who are at least 16 years of age. 808.949.4321, hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

Turtle Bay Recently featured in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, this North Shore resort boasts the island’s biggest hotel slide, measuring 80 feet. “My boys loved the slide,” recalls Susan Hauser of Mill Valley, who visited here with her two sons West, 3, and Charlie, 2. “They were fearless. They also loved the minuature golf course.” The slide empties into one of the property’s two outdoor heated pools. 808.293.6000, turtlebayresort.com

Kauai

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa Joyce Foley of Orange County has been going to the Grand Hyatt on Kauai “forever,” she says. “We love bringing the kids; it’s the perfect place for

both adults and kids to have fun.” Joyce relaxes on one of the ﬂoating chairs in the salty lagoon and lets her teenagers do their thing: “They’re safe swimmers now; they can take out kayaks or practice their snorkeling skills in the saltwater lagoon. We can’t even get my teenage daughter out of the river pool at the end of the day. She’ll meet other kids for a game of water volleyball or take her brother down the 150-foot waterslide.” At the end of the day, everyone is exhausted in a good way. 808.742.1234, kauai.hyatt.com

The Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa This relatively new beachfront property has a 300,000-gallon heated fantasy pool, with ﬂowing river, garden, dual serpentine waterslides, sand-bottom children’s pool and three sand-bottom whirlpool tubs, assuring fun and relaxation for the whole family. 808.823.1402, outrigger.com

Big Island

Sheraton Keauhou The Big Island has many kid must-sees: a real active volcano, the southernmost tip of the United States, waterfalls as big as skyscrapers. Kona, a ﬁshing hub for centuries, is known for its turquoise waters and world-class diving. The recently renovated Sheraton Keauhou is situated right on the water, with expansive views of the horizons east and west, and best yet, the Manta Ray Super Slide and Pool. 866.716.8109, sheratonkeauhou.com

Hilton Waikoloa Village The Durran family of Oakland has been traveling to the Hilton on the Big Island for nearly a decade. What started off as a family reunion destination evolved into Dave and Stephanie’s go-to Hawaiian spot. “It is a bummer if you leave your sunscreen (in the room) or something because the property is so big,” says Stephanie, “but the kids love the slides, the dolphins and especially the enclosed lagoon.” The Kohala River Pool is a system of four pools connected by waterslides—the largest a twisting 175 feet. The couple went back without the boys and had fun too: “We didn’t mind hearing the screams at the pool—they weren’t our kids, so we just sipped our mai tais in peace.” 808.886.1234, hiltonwaikoloavillage.com

A RECESSION JUST MAY BE THE RIGHT TIME TO REMODEL

Un-Extreme

Makeover

DURING THE NOW-BUSTED HOUSING BUBBLE, when all you needed to qualify for a $100,000 remodeling loan was a pulse, when cable channels were crammed with home makeover shows, when “shelter porn” magazines proffered fantasies of tricked-out master bedroom suites, we chanted the mantra of Violet Beauregarde, the gum-chewing girl in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: “I want it, and I want it now!”

That was so then. Today, money is tight, loans hard to come by. Luxurious self-indulgence is history, replaced by back-to-basics maintenance. Those who can get a home improvement loan are mostly ignoring the tingling allure of sexy kitchens and settling for the more sedate satisfaction of reshingled (and perhaps greener) roofs.

STORY MIMI TOWLE

PHOTOS TIM PORTER

Jim and Michelle Doty of Corte Madera got caught smack dab between the two eras. When they decided to redo their 1,800-square-foot ﬁxerupper in Chapman Park, they expected the usual remodel speed bumps—delays, overruns, contractors missing in action—but they never worried about money. After all, their loan from Washington Mutual came through without a snag.

In March 2008, though, with demolition well under way and the Dotys and their two children encamped in a rented apartment in Larkspur, their remodeling dream turned into a financial nightmare. Without notice, Washington Mutual pulled their home equity loan—and the Dotys became victims of the banking industry collapse.

Initially, Jim Doty ﬁgured it was a simple mistake, easily correctable. Wrong. First, no one at the Washington Mutual branch in Corte Madera wanted to deal with the situation. Then, he got the runaround on the phone. “I tried to rationalize with a dispassionate customer service rep over the phone, (pointing out) that seeing the construction through was in both of our best interests,” says Doty, but all he got was a fax number—and no name—where he could send photos of the project and a copy of

“I COULDN’T BELIEVE THEY COULD JUST TAKE THE MONEY BACK. JIM TRIED TO CONVINCE ME THAT IT WASN’T PERSONAL, IT WAS JUST A SPREADSHEET—BUT IT WAS STILL SO FRUSTRATING.”

OPPOSITE TOP : Doty family’s new kitchen, with recycled countertops lit by the natural light of the enlarged window. OPPOSITE FROM LOWER LEFT : Photo Jim Doty sent to WaMu to prove demolition had started. THIS PAGE ABOVE : Doty children play on the hand-scraped hickory and radiant-heated ﬂoors in their new living room. BELOW : Framing stage of living room.

the contractor’s agreement. It seemed futile. Even the Dotys’ mortgage banker told them to get another loan.

At one point, Michelle Doty cast aside all pride and made a tearful visit to the bank. “The whole thing was very emotional, and sadly eye opening. I actually believed that banks cared.” she says. “I couldn’t believe they could just take the money back. Jim tried to convince me that it wasn’t personal, it was just a spreadsheet—but it was still so frustrating.”

Fortunately, the Dotys’ contractor was as sympathetic as the bank was callous. “You’re the second client this week,” he said upon hearing the news. But he continued working on the Dotys’ home.

The whole ugly affair ended as bureaucratically as it started. Just a half-day before the Dotys were going to sign a new (and more expensive) loan, a form letter arrived by mail from Washington Mutual. Their original loan was reinstated.

Today, the Dotys are enjoying their remodeled home, complete with the customized personal touches they envisioned before the project began—a ﬁreplace, for example, whose river stones evoke backcountry memories of one of their favorite places, Yosemite. The ﬁnancial meltdown is morphing from painful memory to dinner-party anecdote.

The Dotys’ home is likely not worth as much as it would have been a couple of years ago and it might take longer to recoup their investment, but, says Jim, “although, the ROI may be longer than we thought it would be when we started the project, we love our new home.” Agreed, adds Michelle. “We go to bed every night feeling grateful.”

Remodeling, 2009 Style

Dawn and Josh Denberg, who live with their two children in Corte Madera not far from the Dotys, are remodeling veterans. They are starting the journey the Dotys have ﬁnished—and it will be their third home makeover. This time, though, cash is at a premium and they are sorting out what they have to do from what they want to do.

The couple’s ﬁrst remodel was a house in Sycamore Park 12 years ago. It got the full treatment— high-end kitchen and bathroom that would mean money in their pocket if they had to sell. Later, taken to Chicago for work, they recovered all their expenses and then some.

Today, back in Marin and living in a comfy but dated home on Baltimore Avenue in Larkspur, they are taking a different tack. No more large construction company. They opted for a single contractor who does his own electrical and plumbing. They downsized their plans.

“Instead of opening up the wall of the kitchen to the family room, we are splurging on a cherryred Big Chill refrigerator,” Dawn says. “And in terms of going green, we are switching out the woodburning for direct-vent fireplaces and putting in bamboo floors.” She’s also “keeping a vanity in our master bath that I’m not crazy about. It wouldn’t cost too much to replace it, but then it just ends up in landfill. Keeping it just feels more sustainable, for the environment as well as financially.”

Just as the Dotys were part of one trend, the Denbergs are members of another—the less-ismore approach to remodeling.

“WITH SO MANY CUSTOMERS ASKING US TO HELP WITH MINOR UPGRADES, WE CREATED A SEPARATE PART OF OUR BUSINESS TAILORED TO THESE JOBS,”

—JEFF JUNGSTEN

Fix-it Projects on the Rise

A study this year by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University found that during the housing boom “Americans invested in discretionary home improvements as a wealthbuilding strategy.” In other words, we spent money on big remodels, knowing that rising home prices would recover the cost. Now, with housing values falling, even in Marin, the study found “owners are more likely to make improvements primarily to maintain the structural integrity and efﬁcient functioning of their homes.”

“Homeowners are focusing on the more necessary improvements and replacements,” says Abbe Will, a researcher for the study, “particularly to the home’s exterior and systems including plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems, as well as the routine maintenance and repairs that simply keep the home in good working order.”

That sort of maintenance is on the rise in Marin, builders say, in part because most homes here were built decades ago—right after World War II (Sycamore Park, Belveron), during the 1950s (Bel Aire, Marinwood, Strawberry) and the 1960s (parts of Peacock Gap, Bel Marin Keys). Leaking windows, corroded pipes and cranky heating systems are strong incentives to remodel.

The demand for “fix-it” jobs is so high that longtime Marin builder Caletti Jungsten Construction has created a division that specializes in home updates and maintenance. “With so many customers asking us to help with minor upgrades, we created a separate part of our business tailored to these jobs,” says co-owner Jeff Jungsten.

Jungsten is also seeing a signiﬁcant increase in the number of people who want to use a green solution in their ﬁx-it projects. “It’s actually cheaper in the long run, because it saves money,” he says. “People like it for both social and economic reasons.”

Indeed, green projects are reshaping the remodeling economy, says Harvard’s Will. “The remodeling downturn will be much less drastic than what we’ve already seen in the home-building industry,” she says, partly because “homeowner interest in green building and energy-efﬁciency is growing (and) will provide some buffer during this down market.”

OPPOSITE : Jeff Jungsten of Caletti Jungsten. THIS PAGE , RIGHT : Dotys’s new kitchen has a window with view to outdoors. BOTTOM : Michelle Doty with her children in newly remodeled kitchen.

Leverage for Buyers

For the ﬁrst time in decades, homeowners have the negotiating advantage with contractors. “Right now demand (for contractors) is down because of the economic fears and the banks tightening up loans and credit lines,” says Klif Knoles, general manager of the Marin Builders Association.

So “if you’ve got the money, now is a great time to move forward on those remodeling plans. Contractors are more competitive these days and (the cost of) raw materials is lower,” says Knoles. “Where we used to see two or three general contractors bidding competitively, we now see many more than that bidding on the same project.”

One of those contractors is Denny Kasten of Kasten Builders of Novato, who says for the ﬁrst time in his multidecade career he is looking for clients rather than relying on word-of-mouth referrals. “If you have the money, homeowners will get the absolute best service,” he says. “Contractors are going to have to start making money the old-fashioned way: by giving customers the best possible service, which includes fair pricing and getting the best available subs on their jobs.”

Jungsten, of Caletti Jungsten, agrees. “It’s the best buyer’s market I’ve ever seen,” he says. “And I’ve been doing this for 30 years.”

MARIN MAGAZINE’S FIRST ANNUAL home renovation guide

Whether you’re furnishing

a living room, remodeling a kitchen or constructing a new home, embarking on a home improvement project can enhance not only the value of your property but the quality of your life. Any successful project starts with a dream and is then carefully supported by a goal, a budget, solid research and good information. That’s where Marin Magazine’s first Home Renovation Guide can help. Here you’ll find a list of selected architects, contractors, interior designers, landscape and swimming pool professionals, plumbers and electricians, lumber and hardware stores and many others. And we’ve included a Resource section composed of a number of organizations that can help and protect you through the design or building process. Remember to always check business licenses and bonding, save your documents and receipts, and make sure all agreements are in writing. Here’s to a beautiful and successful project!

APPLIANCES

Martin & Harris 2158 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.454.2021

martin-n-harris.com

Purcell Murray 185 Park Ln., Brisbane Phone 800.892.4040 purcellmurray.com

Standards of Excellence

530 W. Francisco Blvd., San Rafael Phone 415.453.6070 standardsofexcellence.com

Tresch Galleria

7400 Redwood Blvd., Novato Phone 415.897.4608 treschgalleria.com

ARCHITECTS

Don Olsen and Associates 666 Bridgeway, Sausalito Phone 415.332.0297 dkoarchitects.com

Greg Johnson Tiburon Phone 415.435.3965 gregjohnsonarch.com

Ludwig Design 411 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo Phone 415.945.9410 ludwigdesign.com

Mahoney Architects & Interiors 1058 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley Phone 415.389.1058 mahoney-architects.com

Michael J. Harlock, AIA 533 Redwood Ave., Corte Madera Phone 415.924.5714 harlockarch.com

MP2a, Inc. 23 Ross Common, Ross Phone 415.464.1231 mp2ainc.com

Michael Rex Associates 1750 Bridgeway, B-211 Sausalito Phone 415.331.1400 rexassoc.com

Miles Berger 14 Raccoon Ln., Tiburon Phone 415.435.2337 mb-aia.com

Morgan Hall

55 Bolinas Rd., Fairfax Phone 415.455.8464 morganhallarchitect.com

Pfau Long Architecture

98 Jack London Alley San Francisco Phone 415.908.6408 pfaulong.com

Polsky Perlstein Architects 469 Magnolia Ave. Larkspur Phone 415.927.1158 polskyarchitects.com

Robert Nebolon Berkeley Phone 510.525.2725 rnarchitect.com

Sutton Suzuki Architects 39 Forrest St., Ste. 101 Mill Valley Phone 415.383.3139 suttonsuzukiarchitects.com

Tardy & Associates Sausalito Phone 415.381.1183 tardy-associates.com

AUDIOVISUAL

Construction Audio Services

1925 E. Francisco Blvd, Ste. 11 San Rafael Phone 415.485.1222

High Deﬁnition Home 4326 Redwood Hwy., #200 San Rafael Phone 415.499.1400 highdeﬁnitionhome.com

Rolling Thunder 3241 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael Phone 415.456.1681 rtaudio.com

BUILDING CONTRACTORS

Al Villa Builder

27 Paul Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.479.7826

AMP Construction Inc

369 B Third St. #456, San Rafael Phone 415.459.8843 ampconstruction.com

Caletti Jungsten Construction 495 Miller Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.381.3162 calettijungsten.com

Cove Construction

800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

San Anselmo Phone 415.453.0515 coveconstruction.com

Dan LeVine Mellion 4080 Paradise Dr., Tiburon Phone 415.435.5611

Eden Roc Company Corte Madera Phone 415.924.4531

Fusion Building Company Phone 415.868.0647 fusionbuildingcompany.com

Golden Restoration and Construction Phone 415.382.8648 goldenrandc.com

Green Builders of Marin

205 Montego Key, Novato Phone 415.884.0700 greenbuildersofmarin.com

Harbinson Construction, Inc.

San Anselmo Phone 415.738.2460 harbinsonconstruction.com

Ireland, Robinson and Hadley 85 Beach Rd., Belvedere Phone 415.383.0583 irhadley.com

Plath & Co.

1575 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael Phone 415.460.1575 plathco.com

Redhorse Constructors, Inc 36 Professional Center Pkwy. San Rafael Phone 415.492.2020 redhorseconstructors.com

Sterling and Co. 378 Butterﬁeld Rd., San Anselmo Phone 415.459.1511 sissco.com

Steve Rempe 1020 Railroad Ave., Ste. E Novato Phone 415.897.9126 rempe.com

Stroub Construction

300 Main St., Sausalito Phone 415.331.0621 stroubconstruction.com

Teamwrkx Construction

300 Montgomery St., Ste. 400 Phone 415.651.2000 teamwrkxconstruction.com

T. H. Eller Construction 4 Buckeye Circle, Woodacre Phone 415.488.9865

The Englander Building Co. Mill Valley Phone 415.383.4000 englanderbuilding.com

Tim Walsh Builders, Inc. 403 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.381.9806

Woodworking West, Inc. Stinson Beach Phone 415.868.2265 woodworkingwest.net

BUILDING MATERIALS

Fox Marble & Ganite 1315 Armstrong Ave., San Francisco Phone 415.671.1149 fox-marble.com

Goodman Building Supply 775 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley Phone 415.388.6233

Hearth & Home of Marin 902 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.479.2876 hearthandhomeofmarin.com

Jackson’s Hardware 62 Woodland Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.454.3740 jacksonhardware.com

Jim Corbet’s Ace Hardware 1155 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur Phone 415.461.5330 ace.com

McNear Brick & Block 1 McNear Brickyard Rd., San Rafael Phone 415.453.7702 mcnear.com

Mill Valley Lumber 129 Miller Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.388.3532

Modern Cabana 602 Minnesota St, San Francisco Phone 415.206.9342 moderncabana.com

Novato Builders Supply 800 Sweetser Ave., Novato Phone 415.892.1651 novatobuilders.com

Novato Lumber & Fence Co. 7586 Redwood Blvd., Novato Phone 415.897.1166 novatolumberfence.com

Orchard Supply Hardware 1151 Andersen Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.453.7288 osh.com

Paciﬁc Lumber and Hardware 4224 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael Phone 415.492.8816 truevalue.net

Pietra Fina, Inc. 23190 Connecticut St., Hayward Phone 510.670.1010 pietraﬁna.com

Pini Ace Hardware 1535 S. Novato Blvd. #A, Novato Phone 415.892.1577 piniacehardware.com

Rafael Lumber & Building Supply 930 Andersen Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.453.3043 rafael-lumber.com

Shamrock Materials 548 DuBois St., San Rafael Phone 415.455.1575 shamrockmaterials.com

The Sliding Door Company 684 King St. San Francisco Phone 415.436.9737 sfslidingdoor.com

CABINETRY

Bamboo Cabinets Sausalito

Phone 415.331.8342 bamboocabinets.com

Bauerware Cabinet Hardware

3886 17th St. San Francisco

Phone 415.864.3886 bauerware.com

Cabinets & Design Studio

999 Anderson Dr., Ste 165 San Rafael Phone 415.459.8001 cabinetsanddesignstudio.com

Lamperti Contracting & Design

1241 Andersen Dr., San Rafael

Phone 415.454.1623 lampertikitchens.com

Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry

92 Louise St., San Rafael Phone 415.457.0647 outofthewoods.cc

Woodline Design

134 Paul Dr. #7, San Rafael Phone 415.479.5744 woodlinedesign.com

CLOSETS

California Closets

610 Du Bois St., Ste. A, San Rafael Phone 415.455.1200 californiaclosets.com

Closets Van Go

3095 Kerner Blvd., Ste. M San Rafael Phone 415.456.8264 closetsvango.com

The Container Store

219 Corte Madera Town Center Corte Madera Phone 415.945.9755 containerstore.com

Garage Solutions

1281 Andersen Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.456.4474 garagesolutions.com

COLOR CONSULTANTS

Sonja Markreiter Petaluma

Phone 707.775.4570 smcolordesign.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Artistic Lighting & Electric

1945 E. Francisco Blvd., Ste. 28 San Rafael Phone 415.456.1656 artisticlightingcorp.com

BOS Electric San Rafael Phone 415.457.5190 bos-electric.com

N. Bay Electric

5687 Marsh Hawk Dr., Santa Rosa Phone 707.538.8333 northbayelectric.net

Quinto and Young 200 Emerystone Terrace, San Rafael Phone 415.472.3804

Redwood Electric Co. 13 Washington St., Novato Phone 415.892.4900

Shanahan Electric

151 Holmes Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.479.1929

Strom Electric, Inc. Inverness Phone 415.669.1900

FLOORING

Bamboo & More

205 Miller Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.383.8912 bambooandmoreonline.com

Broek Hardwood Floors Inc. Phone 415.381.2202, 415.868.1188 broekhardwoodﬂoors.blogspot.com

California Carpet 1197 Folsom St., San Francisco Phone 415.487. 3636 calﬂoor.com

City Carpets

555 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael Phone 415.454.4200 city-carpets.com

Claremont Rug Co. Phone 510.654.0816 claremontrug.com

EcoTimber 1611 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.258.8454 www.ecotimber.com

Endless Knot Rug Co. San Francisco Design Center 2 Henry Adams St., Ste. 409 San Francisco Phone 415.934.9200 endlessknotrugs.com

Exquisite Surfaces 150 15th St., Ste. B San Francisco Phone 415.431.7300 xsurfaces.com

Floorcoverings of Marin 1609 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.453.4500 ﬂoorsofmarin.com

Floortex Design 5768 Paradise Dr., Corte Madera Phone 415.924.6545

Haute Textile Flooring 1058 Redwoond Hwy., Mill Valley Phone 415.388.8312

Just Remants

900 Andersen Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.455.8882 justremnants.com

Ken’s Carpets

1914 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.454.5367 kenscarpets.com

Marin Hardwood Floors 911 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentﬁeld Phone 415.456.1639

Marin Oriental Rug House 256 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley Phone 415.389.8400 therughouse.com

Mill Valley Bamboo Associates 14 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur Phone 415.925.1188 mvbamboo.com

Rafael Floors

822 Francisco Blvd. W., San Rafael Phone 415.456.3658 rafaelﬂoors.com

Tamalpais Hardwood Floors 3095 Kerner Blvd., Ste. K San Rafael Phone 415.459.1800 tamalpaishardwoodﬂoors.com

The Floor Store

523 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael Phone 415.457.2011 ﬂoorstores.com

FURNISHINGS

Arkitektura 560 Ninth St., San Francisco Phone 415.565.7200 arksf.com

Bluestone Main 120 Petaluma Blvd. N, Petaluma Phone 707.765.2024 bluestonemain.com

Brownstone Furniture

78 Division St., San Francisco Phone 415.861.2426 brownstonefurniture.com

Cabana Home

238 E. Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.383.0201 cabanahome.com

Custom Furniture Design

50 De Haro St., San Francisco Phone 415.431.1511 customfurnituredesign.com

Design Within Reach

420 Miller Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.384.0480 dwr.com

Goodnite Moon

111 Corte Madera Town Center Phone 415.945.0677 goodnitemoon.com

Heller’s for Children

541 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.456.5533 hellersforchildren.com

La Seda Bella 535 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo Phone 415.453.8200

Mill Valley Baby & Kids 12 Miller Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.389.1312 mvbabyandkidscompany.com

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic

2185 Fillmore St., San Francisco Phone 415.771.3881 shabbychic.com

Roche Bobois

701 Eighth St., San Francisco Phone 415.626.8613 roche-bobois.com

Ruby LivingDesign 1 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.381.9095 rubyliving.com

Ruth Livingston Studio 74 Main St., Tiburon Phone 415.435.5264 ruthlivingston.com

Scandinavian Designs 1212 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.457.5500 scandinaviandesigns.com

Sortie Home Gallery 781 A Andersen Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.328.6306 comfortform.com

Summer House 21 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley Phone 415.383.6695

Sunrise Home 831 B St., San Rafael Phone 415.456.3939 sunrisehome.com

Terra Teak

258 Bolinas St., Mill Valley Phone 415.331.1603 terrateakandgarden.com

The Wooden Duck

1848 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.453.0345 thewoodenduck.com

Via Diva Home Furnishings 516 Irwin St. San Rafael Phone 415.257.8881 viadiva.com

GREEN MATERIALS

Black’s Farmwood 1595 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael Phone 415.454.8312 blacksfarmwood.com

Evan Shively/Arborica Marshall Phone 415.663.9126

Restoration Timber Showplace E. 111 Rhode Island St., Ste. F San Francisco Phone 888.563.9663 restorationtimber.com

GREEN SHOWROOMS

Green By Design 1058 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley Phone 415.381.6200 greenbydesign.us

Green Fusion 20 Greenﬁeld Ave., San Anselmo Phone 415.454.0174 greenfusion.com

The Green Home Center 1812 Polk St., San Francisco Phone 415.567.3700 thegreenhomecenter.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Baron + Baron Design 3095 Kerner Blvd., Ste. Y San Rafael Phone 415.456.4890 baron2design.com

Beryn Hammil Designs Phone 415.924.5509 berynhammil.com

C. Wright Design Mill Valley Phone 415.388.1243 cwrightdesign.com

Candace Killman Interior Design 469 A Magnolia Ave., Larkspur Phone 415.927.0799 candacekillman.com

Christa Q Design Phone 415.339.9123 christaqdesign.com

Deborah Coburn 120 Terrace Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.258.0543 naturallyinspired.net

Five Senses Interiors

247 Sausalito St., Corte Madera Phone 415.816.5235 ﬁvesensesinteriors.com

Flegel’s 1654 Second St., San Rafael Phone 415.454.0502 ﬂegels.com

Hershon Hartley Design, Inc. 245 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo Phone 415.459.4004 hershonhartley.com

J. Livingston Home Decor 502 Irwin St., San Rafael Phone 415.453.5538

Jessica Hall Associates 1108 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur Phone 415.461.0588 jessicahallassociates.com

Kari Cusack Design 4 Cazadero Ln., Tiburon Phone 415.435.4230 karicusackdesign.com

Keatin Holly 415.987.2685 keatinholly.com

Larette Design 980 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur Phone 415.464.0664 larettedesign.com

Nancy Van Natta Associates 10 H St., San Rafael Phone 415.456.3078 van-natta.com

Robert Federighi Design Inc. 24 Mark Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.479.4794 robertfederighi.com

Ruth Livingston Studio 74 Main St., Tiburon Phone 415.435.5264 ruthlivingston.com

SieMatic 235 First St., San Francisco Phone 415.442.0255 siematic-sanfrancisco.com

Spacial Design 524 San Anselmo Ave., Ste. 146 San Anselmo Phone 415.457.3195 spacialdesign.com

Stacey Lapuk Interior Design 519 Wisteria Way, San Rafael Phone 415.499.1228 staceylapukinteriors.com

Weaver Design Group

243 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo Phone 415.454.6600 amyweaverdesign.com

KITCHEN/BATH

Clare Michael

425 Irwin St., San Rafael Phone 415.499.1692 claremichaeldesigns.com

Design Orendain Mill Valley Phone 415.381.5311

Lamperti Contracting and Design

1242 Anderson Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.454.1623 lampertikitchens.com

Kitchen Matrix

San Francisco Design Center 101 Henry Adams St., Ste. 410 San Francisco Phone 415.934.1454

Kitchens & More 4178 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael Phone 415.479.1000 kitchensandmore.com

Kitchens Plus 901 A St., Ste. D., San Rafael Phone 415.453.9589 kitchensplusdesign.com

Marin Kitchen Works

285-B Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato Phone 415.883.8728 marinkitchenworks.com

Poggenpohl Kitchens

650 Townsend St., Ste. 90, San Francisco Phone 415.865.0443

Sandra Bird Designs

240 Magnolia Dr., Larkspur Phone 415.927.1171 sandrabird.com

Studio Snaidero

835 Fifth Ave., Ste. B, San Rafael Phone 415.258.8222 snaidero-usa.com

The Bath & Beyond 77 Connecticut St., San Francisco Phone 415.552.5001 bathandbeyond.com

LANDSCAPE: ARCHITECTS/ DESIGNERS

AvidGreen Landscaping 283 N. Almenar Dr., Greenbrae Phone 415.461.8477 avidgreen.com

Bio Friendly Gardens Phone 510.812.9873 biofriendlygardens.com

Bradanini & Associates 90 Throckmorton Ave. #16, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.9780 bradanini.com

Derviss Design 1408 Park Ave., Novato Phone 415.892.3121 dervissdesign.com

Gardeners’ Guild Inc.

2780 Goodrick Ave., Richmond Phone 415.457.0400 gardenersguild.com

Green Door Design 231A Flamingo Rd., Mill Valley Phone 415.381.1886 greendoordesign.net

Julianna Landscape 878 Estancia Way San Rafael Phone 415.479.9292

Living Green Plantscape 150 15th St., San Francisco Phone 415.864.2251 livinggreen.com

Michael B. Yandle Landscape Architecture 13 Ross Common, Ross Phone 415.464.0763 mbyandle.com

Paciﬁc Grass & Turf San Anselmo Phone 415.419.5911 paciﬁcgrassandturf.com

Pedersen Associates 24 H St., San Rafael Phone 415.456.2070 pedersenassociates.com

Shepard Design Associates 805 Fourth St., Ste. 10, San Rafael Phone 415.378.7817 shepardandassociates.net

Simmonds & Associates

330 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ste. B San Anselmo Phone 415.460.0460 simmonds-associates.com

Stroudwater Landscape Arch. 312 Evergreen Ln., Mill Valley Phone 415.381.5395

Studio Green

232 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo Phone 415.721.0905 studiogreen.com

Suma Landscaping, Inc. Alameda Phone 510.261.3585 sumalandscaping.com

Suzman & Cole Design Associates 1265 Battery St., 5th Floor, San Francisco Phone 415.252.0111 suzmancole.com

Tischbern Design Studio

467-B Magnolia Ave., Larkspur Phone 415.924.7664 tischberndesignstudio.com

LANDSCAPE: GARDEN SUPPLIES

American Soil & Stone Products

565-A Jacoby St. San Rafael Phone 415.456.1381 americansoilandstone.com

Bayside Garden Center

1520 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon Phone 415.435.0341 baysidegardenmarin.com

Cottage Gardens of Petaluma 3995 Emerald Dr., Petaluma Phone 707.778.8025 cottagegardensofpet.com

Green Jeans Garden Supply 690 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley Phone 415.389.8333

Las Baulines Nursery Bolinas Phone 415.868.0808

Mostly Natives

27235 Hwy. 1, Tomales Phone 707.878.2009

Nursery at Fairfax Lumber 109 Broadway, Fairfax Phone 415.453.4410 fairfaxlumber.com

Shamrock Materials 548 Dubois St., San Rafael Phone 415.455.1575 shamrockmaterials.com

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery 3970 Azalea Ave., Sebastopol Phone 707.823.6832 sonomahort.com

Sunnyside Nursery

130 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo Phone 415.453.2701 sunnysideofmarin.com

West End Nursery 1938 Fifth Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.454.4175

LIGHTS AND LIGHTING DESIGN

Anna Kondolf Lighting Design Phone 415.456.5472 kondolf.com

Boyd Lighting

944 Folsom St., San Francisco Phone 415.778.4300 boydlighting.com

Eric Johnson Associates, Inc

1748 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.482.0923 ericjohnsonassociates.com

Light Express

838 Francisco Blvd. W., San Rafael Phone 415.459.1261 light-express.com

Lights of Rafael

4100 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael Phone 415.472.7292 lightsofrafael.com

Lunaria

1108 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur Phone 415.456.0588 lunaria.us

Nowell’s Antique Lighting

490 Gate Five Rd., Sausalito Phone 415.332.4933 nowellslighting.com

Randall Whitehead Lighting 1246 18th St., San Francisco Phone 415.626.1277 randallwhitehead.com

Vita Pehar Design

10005 Bodega Hwy., Sebastopol Phone 415.829.6363 vitapehardesign.com

PAINTING

Bay Heritage Painting

Phone 415.609.2678 bayheritagepainting.com

Boeck & Associates

4328 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 200, San Rafael Phone 415.491.1702 boeckpaint.com

Gold Coast Painting

2915 Kerner Blvd., Ste. D, San Rafael Phone 415.453.5660

Hayes & Co.

Mill Valley

Phone 415.388.2087

Kerrigan Painting

Novato

Phone 415.898.4911

Kunst Bros Painting

76 Belvedere St., San Rafael

Phone 415.456.4044

kunst-bros.com

Marin Color Service

770 Second St., San Rafael

Phone 415.453.4065

Marin Wood Restoration & Painting Co.

246 Balclutha Dr., Corte Madera Phone 415.924.5005 marin-wood.com

Meyer Painting 757 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.459.3271

Ross Painting 4316 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael Phone 415.455.0766

San Francisco Decors 10 Liberty Ship Way, #202, Sausalito Phone 415.888.3269 sanfranciscodecors.com

Synco Painters Novato Phone 415.897.9912

Tamalpais Paint

30 Tamalpais Dr. Corte Madera Phone 415.924.7321 tamalpaispaint.com

PAINTING – FAUX AND TROMPE L’OEIL

Ruby Newman Phone 707.765.6824 Rubynewman.com

San Francisco Decors Phone 415.888.3269 sanfranciscodecors.com

Tricia George 4324 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 100A San Rafael Phone 415.577.5595 camurals.com

PLUMBING

Burkell Plumbing 2000 Bridgeway, Sausalito Phone 415.332.3091 burkell.com

Lehmann Plumbing, Inc 28 Jewell St., San Rafael Phone 415.499.0011

Gotelli Plumbing Company 21 Lovell Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.457.1145 gotelliplumbing.com

Sinclair Plumbing & Fire Protection Novato Phone 415.883.9400

ROOFING

Modern Method Rooﬁng Phone 707.255.8090 modernmethodrooﬁng.com

Superior Rooﬁng and Gutter 397 Smith Ranch Rd., San Rafael Phone 415.491.1144 rooﬁngmarin.com

Booth & Little Rooﬁng Inc 2150 Redwood Hwy., Greenbrae Phone 415.924.2733 boothandlittle.com

Cascade Rooﬁng

7586-A Redwood Blvd., Novato Phone 415.892.6039 cascaderooﬁng.com

De Mello Rooﬁng

45 Jordan St., San Rafael Phone 415.456.0741 demellorooﬁng.com

Marin County Rooﬁng Co. 250 Francisco Blvd. W., San Rafael 415.453.3511 marinrooﬁng.com

Wedge Rooﬁng Novato Phone 415.897.6168 wedgerooﬁng.com

SOLAR

Greenlight Solar Mill Valley Phone 415.381.2400 greenlightsolar.com

Marin Solar 1163 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael Phone 415.456.2800 marinsolar.com

SPG Solar

20 Leveroni Court, Novato Phone 415.883.7657 spgsolar.com

Solarcraft

285 Bel Marin Keys Blvd #D, Novato Phone 415.382.7717 solarcraft.com

Sunﬁrst! Solar Energy Systems

3060 Kerner Blvd., Ste. W, San Rafael Phone 415.458.5870

sunﬁrstsolar.com

SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTORS

Apache Pool

San Rafael Phone 415.492.3351

apachepools.com

Aquascape Custom Crafted Pools

1120 Industrial Ave., Petaluma Phone 707.769.7212

Janssen Pool Construction Phone 415.488.4455 janssenpools.com

TILE /STONE

Appian Way Paverstones Phone 415.924.6763 appianwaypaverstones.com

Bay Area Bluestone 170 Gary Place, San Rafael Phone 415.453.2262 bayareabluestone.com

Blue Slide Art Tile Point Reyes Station blueslidetile.com

Ceramic Tile Design

846 Francisco Blvd., San Rafael Phone 415.485.5180 ceramictiledesign.net

Ceramic Tile World 10 Hamilton Dr., Novato Phone 415.883.8861 ctwdesigns.com

Clervi Marble

221 Bayshore Blvd., San Francisco Phone 415.648.7165 clervi.com

Heath Ceramics

400 Gate 5 Rd., Sausalito Phone 415.332.3732 heathceramics.com

Italics Tile Showroom 650 Irwin St., San Rafael Phone 415.451.6150 italics-stone.com

London Tile Co. Mill Valley Phone 415.389.0408 londontileco.com

Marin Stone Care

246 Balcutha Dr., Corte Madera Phone 415.924.5005 marin-wood.com

McNear Brick & Block

1 McNear Brickyard Rd., San Rafael Phone 415.454.6811

mcnear.com

Shamrock Materials

548 DuBois St., San Rafael Phone 415.455.1575

shamrocknaturalstone.com

Tile & Stone of Marin

1505 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael Phone 415.457.9422

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Bomarc 42 Greenﬁeld Ave., San Anselmo bomarcdesign.com

UPHOLSTERY

Magnolia Lane Soft Home Furnishings

313 Corey Way, South San Francisco Phone 650.624.0700 magnolialane.com

Stoich Designs 274 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur Phone 415.927.2362

WINDOWS/DOORS

Blomberg Window Systems 1453 Blair Ave., Sacramento Phone 800.884.2456 arcat.com

Charles Windows and Doors 901 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael Phone 415.459.1600 charleswindows.com

Empire Shower Doors 1217 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma Phone 415.453.9236 empireshowerdoors.com

Glass Concepts 1709 Fourth St., San Rafael Phone 415.256.9766 glassconcepts.net

Mission Wood Products 27 Paul Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.472.2280 missionwood.com

NanaWall Systems 707 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley Phone 415.383.3148 nanawall.com

Pella Window Store

181 Third St., #100, San Rafael Phone 415.457.3552 pella.com

Rafael Lumber

930 Andersen Dr., San Rafael Phone 415.453.3043 rafael-lumber.com

SGO Designer Glass 3095 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael Phone 415.454.3700 sgodesignerglass.com

Sonoma Overhead Doors Phone 800.696.4132 sonomaoverheaddoors.com

Window Warehouse 5776 Paradise Dr., Corte Madera Phone 415.924.8300 windowwarehouse.net

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Bay Area Reel Screens Fairfax Phone 415.706.7510 reelscreens.com

Blinds and Designs

1 Blackﬁeld Dr., Tiburon Phone 415.435.8080 blindsdesigns.com

Blinds of Marin

7400 Redwood Blvd., Novato Phone 415.456.2600 blindsofmarin.com

Gilman Screens 530 Francisco Blvd. W., San Rafael Phone 415.455.5363 gilmanscreens-kitchens.com susanchastain.com

The Roman Shade Co. San Francisco Design Center, 2 Henry Adams St. M-45, San Francisco Phone 415.621.2777 theromanshadecompany.com

Window Accents, Inc. 836 Francisco Blvd W. San Rafael Phone 415.459.7838

RESOURCES

Build-It Green 1434 University Ave., Berkeley Phone 510.845.0472 builditgreen.org

Contractors State License Board 9821 Business Park Dr., Sacramento Phone 800.321.2752 cslb.ca.gov

Marin Builders Association 660 Las Gallinas Ave., San Rafael Phone 415.462.1220 marinba.org

National Association of Home Builders Phone 800.368.5242 nahb.org

National Association of the Remodeling Industry, NARI North Bay Chapter Phone 415.258.2873 northbaynari.org

Artistic Lighting & Electric

ased in San Rafael, Artistic Lighting & Electric is one of the North Bay’s largest and most experienced, full service lighting and electrical contractors. They offer a full range of services for lighting design, lighting control, and electrical contracting across the entire North Bay region, from the peninsula to the wine country, with a core area in the San Francisco area and Marin County. They also offer electrical and lighting service, as well as maintenance expertise.

Headed today by Duane Johnson, Artistic Lighting & Electric is the mature development of a family business that first began in 1969 with founder Merlin Johnson. Over the years, they have designed and installed countless lighting and electrical systems in a vast variety of residential homes and commercial environments. Noted for their attention to detail, they remain

on the leading edge of technologies and the latest exciting developments in the field.

The company prides itself on the quality of its crews, their on-the-job professionalism and their courtesy. Whether working with architects, general contractors, lighting designers, interior designers or directly with the homeowner, they work hard to maintain their reputation as one of the most highly regarded and recommended full-service electrical contracting firms in the area. From the specification of tested and proven components to the outstanding attention to detail and flawless execution, Artistic Lighting & Electric guarantees a brilliant completion of every project.

Ruth Livingston Studio

MULTI-FACETED

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

Ruth Livingston Studio, a multi faceted Interior Design firm has been influencing contemporary design in Marin for more than 25 years.

Visitors who step into the chic showroom on Tiburon’s Ark Row enter a space of contemporary home furnishings and objets d’art defined by Livingston’s singular taste.

Livingston’s showroom is also where she runs her busy residential and commercial interior design business, and develops and markets her stylish collection of furniture.

The collection, winner of prestigious design awards, is represented in design centers nationally.

The scope of Livingston’s interior design work is wide, from residences and hotels to staging properties for resale. “Every design is a solution to a challenge,” she says, “and I like to come up with creative solutions. Whatever style it is, I always make sure it’s unique to the client and the property”.

The process is collaborative, between client, architect, other consultants, and a select group of artisans. Livingston adheres to the form follows function concept. “I space plan first, for lifestyle & activities, and then consider style and color; the resulting design must be practical and, of course, stunning and sustainable.

74 Main Street ruthlivingston.com Tiburon, CA 415.435.5264

Christa Q Design

RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

A collaborative process of connecting and engaging your vision with my professional knowledge and creativity to achieve a balance between function, beauty and sophistication – a serene livable retreat with a harmonious flow infused with an eclectic mix of old and new, energized by the art of blending fresh colors, texture, innovative pattern, curious collectibles and spontaneity.

Christa Quagliaroli

415.309.6938

Sausalito, CA christaqdesign.com

Marin Wood Restoration

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Marin Wood Restoration and Painting Co. is a full service painting contractor specializing in the beautification and preservation of natural wood homes and decks. Left unprotected, your wood’s durability, beauty and natural coloration is under constant attack. Let us show you how we can restore your wood back to it’s original beauty and protect your investment. Call for a free consultation.

415.924.5005

marin-wood.com

LUDWIGDESIGN

VISIONARY RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

DDavid Ludwig offers his clients a unique combination of personal involvement, creative talent, professional qualifications and hands-on experience. Trained by his father as a carpenter and graduate of UC Berkeley, he spent 17 years running his own design-build firm as both Architect and General Contractor, before moving to Marin to focus on design. He has completed 181 projects in 40 years. As a sole practitioner you will personally work with him though design, production and construction supervision of your project. David uses a 3D CAD program which allows his clients to experience virtual models of their projects during design. His creative strength is his ability to master plan and space plan to meet evolving needs and living patterns. His completed projects support and nourish the lives of his clients.

411 San Anselmo Avenue

415.945.9410 San Anselmo, CA ludwigdesign.com

Pacific Grass and Turf

Pacific Grass and Turf offers a lush, non-toxic, maintenance-free lawn without water or chemicals.

Our grass is highly durable with a sand and lead-free infill system designed to handle all the challenges a lawn encounters. We are the lawn solution of choice by prominent landscapers and eco-friendly programs including Living with Ed, Planet Green and Flipping Out.

Chance Portillo

415.419.5911 Marin & San Francisco pacificgrassandturf.com

SCANDINAVIAN DESIGNS

Scandinavian Designs is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Natuzzi Gallery in our San Rafael Store. Natuzzi, recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers of leather sofas, is known for it’s superb Italian design and lasting quality. The gallery showcases a variety of Natuzzi models, including Natuzzi’s classic Gioia leather sofa, shown here, features a natural, soft charcoal leather, tufted seat backs and seat cushions with metal legs. All Natuzzi editions are available for special order.

At Scandinavian Designs, you’ll find unique, finely crafted furniture for your home and office. We offer a large selection of instock furniture, or choose from a large selection of custom order fabrics and woods. We take pride in the quality of our products and the friendly service we offer. Visit our San Rafael store today and see why our customers come back year after year. Let us help you create the home of your dreams.

1212 Fourth Street 415.457.5500 San Rafael, CA scandinaviandesigns.com

Caletti Jungsten

CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDER

Caletti Jungsten Construction is a general contractor with nothing “general” about the services we offer. Whether it is a small job, a remodel, or a new home we offer cost-effective, sustainable building and seasoned leadership in managing your project. Our company culture is simple: Good Enough Isn’t. 495

Bio Friendly Gardens

Since 1995, our focus has been the creation of outdoor living environments that rely on ecological design principles. We provide the finest in creative design and construction services in a variety of styles to meet each individual’s landscaping needs. From concept to completion, blending art, architecture, stone, wood, and water to provide beauty and superior craftsmanship to each new garden.

1177 Cragmont Avenue

510.843.5232

Berkeley, CA biofriendlygardens.com

Tardy & Associates

ARCHITECTS

Founded by local Marin residents, Tardy & Associates

Architects specializes in designing custom homes and additions in Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco. We take great pride in letting our clients dreams shine through. We have a solid background in construction, as we also run Metro Construction Inc. Whatever your style or budget we would love to help you create your dream home.

85 Liberty Ship Way, Ste 112

415.381.1183 Sausalito, CA tardy-associates.com

Woodworking West, Inc.

For 35 years, Woodworking West has provided superior quality construction services for residential and commercial properties in Marin County and the greater Bay Area. Whether we’re renovating an existing home or building a new one from the ground up, we excel at finding innovative ways to improve design, save time, and reduce costs. Our in-house cabinet shop and experienced craftsmen allow us to create beautiful custom cabinetry and casework designed specifically for your needs. Our commitment to our customers and the focus and attention we apply to every detail has made repeat customers and referrals a large part of our business. We invite you to call us or visit our website to view our portfolio and learn more about our company.

415.868.2265

Stinson Beach, CA woodworkingwest.net

FINE QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP • COMPREHENSIVE EXPERTISE

Artful Living: Keatin Holly

ARCHITECTURAL COLOR AND MORE…SINCE 1996

UNCOMMON TIMES call for UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS. Rather than abandon projects, spend LESS and achieve MORE through professionally specified color. Working with the interplay of light and materials, I will translate and expand your vision. The result, eliminates costly mistakes, elevates the home’s visual perception and actually brings joy. That’s good value. Call now. Your inspired sanctuary is still within reach!

Greater Bay Area

415.987.2685 Greenbrae, CA keatinholly.com

California Closets

t California Closets we’ve mastered the art of spatial design, creating custom solutions for every room in the home, in a variety of configurations, colors and styles. And no project is finished until our customer is completely happy. That’s our promise. And that is what makes California Closets unlike all others.

Imagine a closet designed for efficiency. An office designed for productivity. A garage designed for utility. Or a room designed for whatever you love the most. Imagine an investment that pays for itself both today and tomorrow. A perfectly organized space will do all of this and more.

Visit California Closets and imagine no more. Call us, stop by our showroom in San Rafael or log on to schedule your complimentary in-home design consultation.

610A DuBois Street

Harbinson Construction Inc.

Remodel, renovation or repair, large or small in scope, every project we undertake is completed adhering to our founding principal of perfectionism in everything we do. Each member of our team is selected for their craftsmanship, dedication to outstanding quality, their integrity and following our pledge of 100% satisfaction for our clients.

CA Lic #898212 415.738.2460 Greater Bay Area harbinsonconstruction.com

Golden Restoration & Construction

MARIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST

With over 20 years of collective experience, we specialize in home improvement. Our experts will design and build room additions, bathrooms, kitchens, retaining walls, fences, redwood decks and recommend the best materials. Our experienced workers pay attention to every detail. We also specialize in tile, marble, electrical work, plumbing, painting, stairs, skylights, stucco and drywall. Call for a free inspection and estimate today!

415.382.8648

Serving the Greater Bay Area goldenrandc.com

Greg Johnson Architect, Inc.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

The Marin based firm of Greg Johnson Architect, Inc. has been practicing architecture in Marin and beyond for the past 15 years. Each design is approached with the sensitivity and care required to produce a home that is unique to the client and the site. With a rich understanding of traditional forms, our projects are unique and tell a wonderful story.

415.435.3965

gregjohnsonarch.com

Shamrock Materials

Available exclusively from Shamrock, ItalGreen All-Weather Turf is the perfect lawn - whatever the weather, and an exciting new, green alternative to natural grass and other turf systems.

ItalGreen is the greenest and most technically advanced alternative to “natural” grass, which requires a great deal of water, constant maintenance and chemical intensive upkeep (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides). ItalGreen also resolves the negative and possibly toxic aspects of conventional artificial turf - which often utilizes reclaimed rubber pellets as an infill.

ItalGreen combines the softest, most natural-looking and luxurious turf, with a real green breakthru - ItalGreen Geo-Fill(r)an organic, natural infill material. Geo-Fill(r) is lead-free, non-toxic, has no offensive odor and remains much cooler in the sun.

ItalGreen is the Eco-sensitive alternative, offering significant water savings, outstanding beauty and environmental responsibility.

548 DuBois Street

415.455.1575 San Rafael, CA shamrocknaturalstone.com ITALGREEN - THE ECO-SENSITIVE ALTERNATIVE

The Wooden Duck

The Wooden Duck specializes in making furniture from recycled lumber and sustainable woods. For 15 years our goal has been to offer quality, solid wood furniture at the lowest possible prices while maintaining our commitment to the environment. Come see us at Fourth St. in San Rafael or at our factory/store in Berkeley. Custom projects are welcome.

www.thewoodenduck.com

Plath & Company

ounded in 1976, Plath & Company General Contractors are dedicated to the building and renovation of distinguished homes and historic structures of uncompromising quality, superior craftsmanship and enduring value. Each completed residence is distinctive and one-of-a-kind with a range of architectural styles from Victorian, to Spanish Revival, to Contemporary, to Arts and Crafts. Our restoration projects combine the sensitive use of historical resources with professional building expertise that meet today’s exacting standards and codes. In addition to general contracting, we offer construction management, pre-construction services, and green building. Whatever your individual needs are, we have the skills and expertise for any project.

Plath & Company has been recognized with numerous awards and in magazine publications throughout the years. This Old House magazine named Plath & Company among the “10 Best Contractors and Builders in America.”

1575 Francisco Boulevard, East

San Rafael, CA plathco.com BUILDING

Lamperti Contracting & Design

MARIN’S FINEST CABINET RESOURCE

Lamperti provides complete design/build services, specializing in kitchens and baths. As a factory authorized dealer for WoodMode, Brookhaven, Columbia, Bentwood & Cornerstone, Lamperti offers fine cabinetry for every taste and budget. You will find that we provide outstanding value for your remodel dollar. Our designers and craftsmen take pride in our attention to detail for every phase of your project.

SolarCraft

SAVE MONEY. SAVE THE PLANET. SEE THE EXPERTS.

Adding solar energy to your home is the best investment you can make in home improvement. We offer full service solar electric, pool heating and hot water installations to residential and commercial customers. We are a Marin County Certified Green Business and have been serving the Bay Area for 25 years – SolarCraft is the most trusted name in solar energy. Call for a free consultation.

285-D Bel Marin Keys Boulevard 415.382.7717 Novato, CA solarcraft.com

Robert Nebolon Architects

REMODELING • ADDITIONS • NEW HOUSES

Robert Nebolon, AIA, has provided award-winning architectural design services in the Bay Area since 1993. His new houses are noted for their sensitivity to the site, and blending into the landscape. Mr. Nebolon has also designed numerous house additions to traditional and contemporary houses, striving to match the new work to the old, thereby creating a seamless design.

801 Camelia Street, Suite E

510.525.2725 Berkeley, CA RNarchitect.com

The Bath + Beyond

INFINITE DESIGN POSSIBILITIES

One visit to The Bath + Beyond and it is easily understood why you are in an awardwinning showroom. With over 18,000 sq. ft. of innovative displays, celebrated designers bring their clients from around the world to benefit from our exclusive professional services. From fixtures to faucets, furniture to bathtubs, lighting, hardware, accessories and tile, we have amassed one of the largest bath product collections in San Francisco. We also take the green movement very seriously. Many of our products are produced utilizing responsible manufacturing methods with sustainable raw materials and feature finishes that emit low VOC’s into the environment. We also offer water-efficient fixtures that conserve natural resources. At The Bath + Beyond, we always invest in products we believe in, from manufacturers that also settle for nothing but the best.

77 Connecticut Street 415.552.5001 San Francisco, CA bathandbeyond.com

CALENDAR

APRIL ARTS & EVENTS GUIDE

THEATER

Thru April 12 Marin Theatre Company

Lydia is a sometimes magical and sometimes shocking new play by Bay Area director Octavio Solis and directed by Jasson Minadakis. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

Thru 19 Grease American Idol winner Tyler Hicks stars in the new production of Grease featuring songs from the hit 1978 ﬁlm. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). 415.512.7770, shnsf.com

Thru April 26 Ross Valley Players The Last Night of Ballyhoo is a comedy set in Atlanta on the eve of World War II. Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com

Thru June 27 Wicked The cultural phenomenon that got its start in San Francisco is back for an extended stay. Orpheum Theatre (SF). 415.512.7770, shnsf.com

16–26 42nd Street Moon Shadows of Pompeii tells the tale of sexual inequality in male-dominated Roman society. Featuring a score by Tony-nominated composer Keith Herrmann and libretto by Bay Area playwright R.C. Staab. The Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

22–May 17 Marin Theatre Company

Magic Forest Farm is the story of a young woman’s desperate search for her past written by one America’s hottest young playwrights, Zayd Dohrn. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

COMEDY

Tuesdays Mark Pitta and Friends The popular comic hosts an evening for up-andcomers and established headliners to work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

DANCE

3–9 S.F. Ballet Program six, featuring Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Within the Golden Hour and West Side Story Suite, is performed this month. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.865.2000, sfballet.org

MUSIC

Tuesdays Swing Fever The band gives tribute to jazz artists and composers, playing selections from its roster of over 1,000 tunes. Panama Hotel (San Rafael). 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

1–4 San Francisco Symphony James Gafﬁgan conducts symphonies by Mozart and Haydn. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

2 Yoshi’s San Francisco Contemporary Hawaiian music from Hapa. Yoshi’s (SF). 415.655.5600, yoshis.com

The S.F. Ballet presents West Side Story Suite.

PHOTO: ERIK TOMASSON

2 Four Centuries of French Music The Left Coast Chamber ensemble performs. 142 Throckmorton (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.org

3 Leon Redbone The mysterious singer and guitarist brings his unique brand of entertainment to the Great American Music Hall. Great American Music Hall (SF). 888.233.0449, gamh.com

3 The Limeliters and Original Highwaymen Enjoy a night of folk music for all ages. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincenter.org

4 Arlo Guthrie Folk musician, protest singer and storyteller Arlo Guthrie is back in the Bay Area for a night of music. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf.org

5–7 Marin Symphony The Rite of Spring offers pieces by Mozart and Stravinsky featuring Dan Levitan on harp and Monica Daniel-Barker on ﬂute. Dancers from Ballet Afsaneh will present a pre-concert lecture and performance. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinsymphony.org

7–8 A Salute to Judy Garland Pianist Richard Galzier will perform some of Judy Garland’s most famous songs and show clips from her movies. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). 415.454.1222, caﬁlm.org

10 Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Enjoy the music of Pink Floyd surrounded by 10,000 watts of sound and amazing visual effects. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincenter.org

11 Happy Birthday Felix The last in a series of concerts honoring the 200th anniversary of composer Felix Mendelssohn’s birth. The concert features the Alexander String Quartet with guest artist Andrew Duckles. Herbst Theatre (SF). 415.392.2545, performances.org

16 Kenny Rogers Know when to hold ‘em; the ever-popular country singer comes to San Francisco. The Warﬁeld (SF). 415.421.8497, goldenvoice.com

17 Michael Schenker Group The former Scorpions and UFO guitarist comes to rock

MSMarin Symphony

Alasdair Neale, Music Director

Aaron Copland A

Sunday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 7:30pm

Alasdair Neale , conductor

Copland “Hoe Down” from Rodeo Copland Appalachian Spring CoplandSymphony No. 3

Marin Center, San Rafael Tickets $27 / $50 / $65 (students half price) at 415.499.6800

Features Fanfare for the Common Man

Concerts made possible by U.S. Bank, Fidelity Investments, LVP Marin Realtors and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. www.marinsymphony.org 09 |10

Subscribe now for best seats at best price!

A season celebrating the role of classical music in the lives and inspirations of local, prominent writers

For information on the 09 |10 season program and subscription benefits, click www.marinsymphony.org

Fairfax. 19 Broadway (Fairfax). 415.459.1091, 19broadway.com

by ZAYD DOHRN

directed by RYAN RILETTE

24 Anna Maria Mendieta The virtuoso harpist presents “Tango del Cielo,” an evening of Argentine tango music. Old St. Hilary’s (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org

GALLERIES

MARIN

Aperture F/64 Fine art and black-and-white photography 635 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.482.0480

Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Artwork on display and classes. 1527 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Bar Work from Adam Miller, thru May 9. 46 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.5999, theartbar.us

Artisans Art Gallery Secrets Open juried 2D and 3D show, thru April. 853 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.460.5208, artisansartgallery.com

Art Works Downtown The Tenants Show, thru May 10. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

Claudia Chapline Gallery Art on the Farm Plein air paintings from local farms. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

College of Marin Art Gallery Ongoing work. 835 College Ave, Kentﬁeld. 415.485.9493, marin.cc.ca.us

Community Congregational Church of Tiburon The paintings of Susan Grabowski, thru April 23. 145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon. 415.435.9108, ccctiburon.org

Donna Seager Gallery The Art of the Book Show of artists’ books from all over the country, thru May. 851 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.454.4229, donnaseagergallery.com

Gallery Bergelli New work by Chilean artists, thru April 30. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, gallerybergelli.com

Gallery Route One Bioluminescence Series II Paintings by H.D. Mott, April 3–May 10 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Society of Artists Spring Rental Annual juried show, April 5–26 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org

Mayne Gallery Mixed media on canvas by Linda Mayne, thru April 1544 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera. 415.847.1346, themaynegallery.com

Milk and Honey Art Gallery The work of Georgia Goldberg. 384 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.7580, milkandhoneyartgallery.com

Mona Lease Gallery Paintings from Point Reyes artist Helen S. Cohen, thru May 15. 39 Greenbrae Boardwalk, Greenbrae. 415.461.3718, monalease.net

Northbay ArtWorks Art Smart Showcase Work from students in the Novato Uniﬁed School District, April 3–11. 7049 Redwood Blvd, Ste 208, Novato. 415.892.8188, northbayartworks.com

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts 9 New Perspectives Works from O’Hanlon’s photo forum, April 7–30. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Robert Allen Fine Art Light Moments: Recent Paintings and Drawings Work by San Francisco artist Larry Morace, thru April 24. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenﬁneart.com

Robert Beck Gallery Early California and contemporary plein air paintings on display. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org

Robert Green Fine Arts Paul Jenkins: paintings from 2005 to 2008, thru April 19. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgﬁnearts.com

Sam the Butcher Paintings Work by Swedish painter Marie-Louise Ullmark, who takes inspiration from design, music, theater and ﬁlm. 19 Ross Common, Ross. 415.902.1019, samthebutcherart.org

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Smith Andersen North TransFORM

Photographs by Ruth Bernhard, thru May 9. 2240 A Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.455.9733, smithandersennorth.com.

Studio 333 Ongoing work. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

Studio 4 Art Work by local artists at this brand-new gallery and workshop offering materials and classes. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

The Painters Place Oils and watercolors from gallery artists. 1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.0351, thepaintersplace.com

Tomales Fine Art Work from Christin Coy and Timothy Horn, thru April 30. 27050 Maine St, Tomales. 707.878.2525, tomalesﬁneart.com

SAN FRANCISCO

ArtHaus In Black and White Carolyn Meyer and Kenney Mencher, thru June 27. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Berggruen Gallery Mark di Suvero, thru May 16. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com

Cain Schulte Gallery Paperwork: From Bees to Black Holes Wound paper sculpture from Will Marino, thru April 25. 714 Guerrero St, 415.595.0777, cainschulte.com

Caldwell Snyder Gallery Recent paintings from Suzanne Crocker. 341 Sutter St, 415.296.7896, caldwellsnyder.com

Elins Eagles-Smith Gallery Pastels by Susan Grossman. 49 Geary St, 415.981.1080, eesgallery.com

George Krevsky Gallery Richard Lindner, thru May 2. 77 Geary St, 415.397.9748, georgekrevskygallery.com

Gregory Lind Gallery Paintings and drawings from Mel Prest, thru May 2. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com

Hackett-Freedman Gallery Work by painter Raimonds Straprans, whose still life and

landscape compositions explore color and form by examining the geometry or “architecture” of everyday common objects, thru May 2. 250 Sutter St, 415.362.7152, hackettfreedman.com

Meyerovich Gallery Picasso & Motherwell: Representation & Abstraction, thru April. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Rena Bransten Gallery Photography by Doug Hall, thru April 4. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com

MUSEUMS MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Special family activities celebrating the earth and Earth Day, April 22 (Sausalito). 415.339.3958, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum Eye Witness A retrospective of Sausalito cartoonist Phil Frank, the creator of the popular Farley syndicated

Suzanne Crocker

strip, thru April 26 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Falkirk Cultural Center Meet all your favorite Alice in Wonderland characters at this one-of-a-kind spring fair, April 4 (San Rafael). 415.485.3438, falkirkculturalcenter.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Installation invitational Rock, Paper, Scissors, shows thru April 12 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.com

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan Explore rare and sacred Buddhist art from the nation of Bhutan, located in the Himalayas, thru May 10 (SF). 415.581.3500, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Patrons over 18 can experience the museum at night every Thursday with music, science, mingling and cocktails. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum New Works/Old Story: 80 Artists at the Passover Table The Passover plate is reexamined by 80 artists, thru June 2 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Warhol Live Deborah Harry, Elvis Presley, Grace Jones, Michael Jackson and more, all seen through the eyes of Andy Warhol, thru May 17 (SF). 415.863.3330, thinker.org

di Rosa Preserve (un)Natural Work by emerging Bay Area artists, thru May. 5200 Carneros Hwy (Napa). 707.226.5991, ext. 34, dirosapreserve.org

Exploratorium Outdoor Exploratorium Get outside more and learn about your environment with this brand-new collection of innovative experiments. Waterfront/Fort Mason (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu/outdoor

Legion of Honor Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique The ﬁrst comparative study of the work of three of the greatest jew-

elry and decorative arts designers from the turn of the 20th century, thru May 31 (SF). 415.863.3330, legionofhonor.org

SFMOMA The work of Otl Aicher, the graphic designer for the 1972 Munich Olympics Games, is on display, thru June 30 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Meet Me at the Center of the Earth The Chicagobased artist Nick Cave presents the largest display of his multilayered, mixed-media and wearable sound suits Cave’s unique visionexplores issues of ceremony, ritual, myth and identity, thru July 5 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

Thru May 29 Women’s Art The work of 18 local artists ranging in age from 50 to 90 is featured in the Five Decades of Women’s Art exhibit. The event is sponsored by the Marin Arts Council. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael).

483 Magnolia Avenue / Larkspur 415.945.9454 www.bergelli.com

Mario Gomez El Sendero Florecido 53” x 83” Oil on Canvas

1 Marin Brewing Company Bash Enjoy cheap pints, food and music as the Marin Brewing Company celebrates 20 years in the microbrewing industry. Marin Brewing Company (Larkspur). 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com

2 Parents Center A new center offering classes, resources and support for mothers. Mothers with newborn children are welcome to attend the April 2 class. Heller’s for Children (San Rafael). 415.456.5533, theparentscenter.com

2–3 Turning the Tide Nobel laureates, activists, CEOs, philanthropists and scientists join together to discuss global sustainability. Cavallo Point Lodge (Sausalito) 415.339.4788, instituteatgoldengate.org

2–23 Exploratorium After Dark New expanded hours in April; cocktails, conversation and adult-oriented science programming every Thursday. Exploratorium (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

3 Historical Conversation Historian Laura Ackley discusses the 1915 PanamaPaciﬁc International Exposition held in San Francisco. Marin Art & Garden Center (Ross). 415.258.9595, moya-rhs.org

4 Runway 2009 Enjoy dinner, a fashion show and a live and silent auction at the Marin Advocates for Children soiree. StoneTree Golf Club (Novato). 415.507.9016, marinadvocates.org

17 All the World on Our Stage The Marin Theatre Company’s gala event features food and drink representing each of the season’s productions. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

18 Hospice by the Bay Learn how to better care for aging loved ones at the Saturday seminar series. Hospice by the Bay (Larkspur). 415.526.5500, hospicebythebay.org

19 Spring Open House The Headlands Center for the Arts invites the public to meet the artists in residence, see how they work and enjoy lunch. Headlands Center for the Arts (Sausalito). 415.331.2787, headlands.org

19 Earth Day Celebration Bring the family for a day of outdoor exploration and stewardship projects. Headlands Institute (Sausalito). 415.332.5771, naturebridge.org

22 Fashion Floral Fling Enjoy lunch and a chance to score some great bargains at this event beneﬁting Marin’s at-risk youth. StoneTree Golf Club (Novato). 415.259.8612, marincharitable.org

23 Honor Thy Healer This awards ceremony and dinner honors those who help in the ﬁght against breast cancer. Mill Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.507.1949, zerobreastcancer.org

23 One Book One Marin The entire community is invited to this celebration program with Dave Eggers in conversation with Michael Krasny. Dominican University of California (San Rafael). onebookonemarin.org

23–26 Redwood High School’s 50th Parents, teachers, alums and students celebrate 50 years of Redwood High School. Redwood High School (Larkspur). 415.924.6793, redwood50.org

24 Friday Forums The monthly luncheon offers discussions of Marin issues. Jason’s Restaurant (Greenbrae). friday.forums@gmail.com

25 Artists of Issaquah Get the chance to purchase and view a wide variety of art while touring Sausalito’s famous ﬂoating houseboats at this seventh annual event. Issaquah and Liberty docks (Sausalito). 415.332.1768, artistsoﬁssaquah.com

25 Bay Beneﬁt Enjoy music, dancing, food and wine at this opening weekend on the bay event. Bay Model Visitor Center (Sausalito). 415.331.3214, callofthesea.org

25 Great Chefs of Marin Dance, eat and drink at this special event beneﬁting Lifehouse. Fireman’s Fund Insurance (Novato). 415.472.2373, greatchefsofmarin.org

25–May 25 San Francisco Decorator Showcase A Georgian mansion originally built in 1910 is transformed by an army of interior and landscape designers. 2830

All in the Family

Farmers David, Jim and Ron McClure, circa 1951. Part of Marin History Museum’s 2009 exhibit, Growing The Future: Farming Families of Marin, running through January 2010. Photo courtesy of Woodbridge Williams, Point Reyes National Seashore Archives.

Marin’s climate and topography are perfect for farming and, since the mid1880s, farming has been a way of life in the county. Growing the Future engages Marin History Museum visitors in the history of farming in Marin and connects them to the contemporary stories of farmers today. San Rafael Council Chambers, 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org.

Paciﬁc Ave (SF). 415.447.3115, decoratorshowcase.org

26 Opening Day on the Bay More than 300 elaborately decorated boats will sail into the bay for the ofﬁcial opening of the boating season. 415.331.0702, picya.org

26 Youth Film Festival Work from young Bay Area ﬁlmmakers will be shown on the big screen. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net

26 Paciﬁc Coast Dream Machines Show More than 2,000 antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic vehicles are on display at this 19th annual event. Half Moon Bay Airport (Hay Moon Bay). 650.726.2328, miramarevents.com

27 Kid Lit Salon Beginning and established children’s book authors and illustrators are invited to the monthly salon. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

28 Accordion-a-thon Radio station KWMR hosts an afternoon of food, fun and music

celebrating the end of the spring pledge drive. KWMR studios (Point Reyes Station). 415.663.8068, kwmr.org

NATURE WALKS/TALKS

Ongoing Sonoma History Local actor George Webber morphs into Mark Twain, as he retells the history of Sonoma (Sonoma). 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com

2 Marin Sierra Club Take a hike on the Muir Woods/Fern Creek Trail. Meet at Miller and Locust (Mill Valley). 415.461.9255, sanfranciscobay.sierraclub.org

4 Sunset Hike and Dine Join this local club for a monthly two-hour hike on moderate to steep trails on Mount Tamalpais with a midhike wine and cheese break. Reservations required. Mountain Home Inn (Mill Valley). 415.331.0100

8 Moonlight Hike Join the Marin Moonshiners for a monthly three-mile hike to experience the sunset, moonrise and a picnic. Reservations required. Pelican Inn

Pub (Muir Beach). 415.331.0100, whatshappeningcalendars.com

8 Master Gardener Class The BelvedereTiburon Landmarks Society is hosting a master gardener class focusing on water-wise gardening. Art & Garden Center (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org

15 Marin Scuba Club See new images from Gordon Robinson. Seafood Peddler Restaurant (San Rafael). 415.453.9556, marinscuba.org

18 Bay-Friendly Gardening Learn more about growing native plants. Marin Art & Garden Center (Ross). 415.455.5261, magc.org

18 Earth Day Restoration Celebrate Earth Day by helping to remove trash and invasive plants or working on restoration projects or trail improvement. Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary (Tiburon). 415.388.2524, tiburonaudubon.org

24 McEvoy Olive Ranch Observe Arbor Day among 18,000 organic olive trees as you tour Nan McEvoy’s 550-acre ranch. Sponsored by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. McEvoy Ranch (Petaluma). 415.663.1158, malt.org

RETAIL THERAPY

Kismet and Kismet Shoes Kismet and the new Kismet Shoes invite shoppers to a “Friends and Family” weekend, April 3-4. All items in both locations are 20 percent off. Kismet, 601 San Anselmo Ave; Kismet Shoes, 564 San Anselmo Ave (San Anselmo). 415.454.2629, shopkismet.net

YotoBags These locally produced bags are prefect for carrying your yoga mat, keys and other accessories to work and then to yoga class. Marin Magazine readers can use the promo code MARINMAG to receive 25 percent off. 707.829.3500, yotobags.com

TRAVEL BUZZ

Auberge du Soleil Make a break for Napa Valley and enjoy a special “Night to Remember” package featuring champagne,

oysters, a four-course tasting menu from La Pagode and solo guitar music. $895. 707.963.1211, aubergedusoleil.com

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort World renowned yoga instructor Noah Mazé offers lessons, workshops and private consultations at this unique resort, April 7–14. Use promo code YOGA RETREAT, spmhotels.com

Eau Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Experience Eau Spa’s innovative treatment menus and unique amenities with a special “Escape to the Spa” package—receive a spa credit for each night booked in April. $599 for ocean view, $1,099 for oceanfront suite. 561.533.6000, ritzcarlton.com

Hotel del Coronado Make your break for the beach with this package that includes accommodations, welcome gift, boogie board rentals and day passes to San Diego attractions. $395, four-night stay required. 800.468.3533, hoteldel.com

Joie de Vivre Book a night at any of Joie de Vivre’s Bay Area hotels and receive two VIP tickets to the new Warhol Live exhibit at the de Young Museum, thru May 17. $99–$269, depending on the hotel. 800.738.7477, jdvhotels.com

Peninsula Beverly Hills Do you love hearing the word “free”? Now guests who book two days get a free night—even better, arrive at 10 a.m. and check out at 10 p.m. $495 per night. 800.462.7899, peninsula.com

The Claremont Resort & Spa Everyone knows “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” The Claremont is now offering a special package for the girls including accommodations for two, parking, pedicure, massage, cocktails, robes and breakfast. $669. 800.551.7266, claremontresort.com

CAVALLO POINT SWEEPSTAKES

Winner! Congratulations to Miriam Attias of Greenbrae, who won a twonight stay for herself and a guest at Cavallo Point, the lodge at the Golden Gate in Sausalito, as well as a spa treatment and complimentary daily breakfast.

The Mill Valley Community Center played host to WildCare’s annual gala, which raised funds for a full range of programs in wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.

At right: Karen Wilson, Doug McConnell, Dianne Fruin

Politics, Parties and Philanthropy

The 13th annual Marin Valentine’s Ball, which raised over $220,000 for the North Bay Children’s Center, Sunny Hills Services, the Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School and Whistlestop, was a blacktie extravaganza cochaired by Susan Gilmore and Nannette Griswold.

Above: Carol and Tom Roeder.

Homeward Bound of Marin held an Inaugural Ball, which included edibles by Fresh Starts Catering, a venture of Homeward Bound, and live music, as well as a life-size stand-up photo of the honoree, President Barack Obama for some fun photos. Proceeds from the evening beneﬁted Homeward Bound’s programs for homeless adults and families. Above with “President Obama”: Johan and Emily Wikman.

At the San Francisco Ballet’s opening night “Russian Treasures” themed gala, guests attended one of the four black-tie fundraising dinners and a performance of 10 classical and contemporary works.

Above: Rosemary and Ed Baker, Jean Larette.

Seen Around Town

representations

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition parted with tradition last year and replaced the Big Bike Bash with the Bikers Ball to celebrate the group’s 10-year anniversary. Two hundred guests helped MCBC celebrate at Servino Ristorante. At

Over 250 community leaders and families gathered to celebrate 60 years of service by the Blind Babies Foundation. The evening, emceed by Marinite Cheryl Jennings, was ﬁlled with laughter, delicious food and inspiring speeches and concluded with dancing and music by the California School for the Blind Jazz Ensemble. Above: Cheryl Jennings, Jim Gammon, Julie Bernas-Pierce.

The Opera Celebration beneﬁt at the Osher Marin JCC was a success with over 175 people present. The afternoon raised proceeds to support the Jewish Community Center’s music programs. At left: Rita Gershengorn, James Sokol, Susan Lachtman.

left: Bob Trigg, Deb Hubsmith, Andrew Casteel, Lexi Baugher.

At the Artworks Downtown exhibit Boots, Bags and Bikinis guests donned their best

of the theme with outrageous outﬁts. Above: Tuppy Lawson, Melissa Woodburn.

DINE OUT

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian Benissimo means “really really good” in Italian. From margherita pizza to veal parmigiana to mocha mud pie, Benissimo serves a taste of Italy in a casual neighborhood venue. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316, benissimos.com

IL FORNAIO Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian 23-restaurant franchise. Besides the award-winning breads, pizzas and pastas, the menu boasts a variety of salads and noncarb entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

LA MAISON DE LA REINE Vietnamese A refreshing change amid the plethora of Italian, Mexican and Chinese options. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls, and combinations of pho are delicious. 346 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.0288

MARIN JOE’S Italian Pasta and other Italian dishes have been served up here for over 50 years. Pick from soup, salad, seafood mesquitegrilled or sautéed meats and over 10 pasta options

BITES

guaranteed to satisfy. Have a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com

PACIFIC CATCH Pan-Asian This well-priced fresh grill eatery offers a bounty of Paciﬁc Rim—inspired small or main plates, like the generously portioned wasabi bowls filled with rice (white or brown), veggies and your choice of fresh or raw fish, chicken or beef. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3474, paciﬁccatch.com

RICK’S WINE CELLAR California This one-room bar and wine shop is located at the same spot as Marin’s ﬁrst wine bar, which opened back in 1988. Now it’s owned and operated by Marin natives Rick and Candy Mendell, whose customers call it the “Cheers of Corte Madera.” Offerings include a glass, a ﬂight or a bottle, all of which pair nicely with the cheeses, salami and hot paninis. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, rickswinecellar.com

FAIRFAX

DEER PARK VILLA Italian This “best place for a party” (Paciﬁc Sun) sits on four garden acres; the Ghiringhelli family has been turning out Italian favorites here since 1937. Come for the famous veal parmesan—or your next big celebration. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparkvilla.com

IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American Grab a beer and a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich—which one Chronicle reviewer calls

Arnold Eric Wong (formerly of Bacar and EOS) is now the executive chef of E&O Trading Co., which has locations in Larkspur, San Francisco, San Jose and Honolulu. Over in Mill Valley, the new Balboa Cafe is offering a bottomless mimosa brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Diners who order an appetizer or entree can take advantage of the never-ending bubbly for $9.

Support Erica Holland-Toll of the Lark Creek Inn as she creates a multicourse dinner with Mark Dommen of One Market at One Market, to support the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture on April 7th. If you can’t make it across the bridge, test out Holland Toll’s cooking at the Lark Creek Inn’s Passover dinner, which includes matzoh ball soup with braised baby carrots and crispy gribenes, 5 Dot Ranch braised brisket with red wine mushroom gravy and more, April 9 through April 15. Locals Bill Higgins and Bill Upson of the Real Restaurants group, along with Mitchell Rosenthal and Steven Rosenthal and Michael Mina, all have been announced as semiﬁnalist nominees for the the James Beard award. Winners are announced May 4. In San Anselmo, locals are raving about the new 155-seat Marinitas restaurant on Sir Francis Drake. The Mexican and Pan-Latin restaurant is headed by chef and owner Heidi Krahling and takes over the former Eat restaurant space. In Corte Madera, Rick’s Wine Cellar has partnered with several Marin restaurants to have corkage fee waived. Customers who buy wine from Rick’s can bring in the bottle to Benissimos, Izzy’s Steak House, Left Bank, Marin Joe’s, Paciﬁc Catch, Pizza Antica, the Caprice, Spinnaker, Horizon’s, Piccolo Teatro and Saylor’s and must show a receipt or free corkage card as proof of purchase.

“the best mushroom dish I have ever tasted”—at the former Ross Valley Brewing Company. 765-A Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com

SORELLA CAFÉ Italian Not only is the food satisfying and tasty; the service is friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520

GREENBRAE

CAFE Z American A pleasant surprise in the Bon Air shopping mall. Dishes like grilled chicken pesto panini and savory crepes have quickly made this intimate spot a local favorite, and inventive meals keep people coming back for more. 282 Bon Air Center, 415.461.9444, cafez.com

JASON’S Italian The restaurant’s new Greenbrae location (it was formerly on Andersen Drive in San Rafael) ﬁlls the space that was formerly Giorgio’s. A crowd of regulars enjoys creative seafood dishes with Italian ﬂair. Enjoy the ceviche, crab cakes or blackened salmon on the large outdoor covered patio. 300 Drakes Landing Rd, 415.925.0808, jasonsrestaurant.com

WIPEOUT BAR & GRILL American Belvedere residents Nancy and Scooter Simmons, known for the popular Chevy’s chain, have brought their San Francisco location of the surf-themed Wipeout Bar & Grill to the Bon Air Center. The restaurant features a full bar, outdoor patio and familyfriendly items like sandwiches, burgers and pizza in a T-shirt-and-sandals atmosphere. 302 Bon Air Center. 415.461.7400, wipeoutbarandgrill.com

KENTFIELD

HALF DAY CAFE American A tucked-away setting of intertwining ivy and great white windows makes the perfect breakfast nook. The setting is casual but elegant; the menu includes lattes, exceptional pastries and much more. Dine on the outdoor patio or inside where the view is just as divine. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291

LARKSPUR

CJ CHINESE CUISINE Chinese A great place to satisfy a craving for wonton soup before catching a show at the Lark Theater. Lunch and takeout are popular too, but the outdoor patio steals the show. 435 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0717

E & 0 TRADING COMPANY Southeast Asian New chef Arnold Eric Wong is keeping the restaurant’s innovative plates as tasty as ever. Without reservations, try a spot at the large communal table. 2231 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.0303, eotrading.com

LARK CREEK INN American This ﬂagship eatery for the Lark Creek Restaurant Group opened back in 1989, It remains a perennial special occasion spot and is still known for inventive country cooking—as well as a cozy bar scene. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, larkcreek.com

LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning French cuisine and its lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot has rated high with locals for well over a decade. Those with a petite appetite/budget can opt for happy hour (4–6 M–F) and enjoy appetizers, all priced under three dollars. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

MARIN BREWING CO American Grab a cold beer made right on site and pair it with ﬁsh and chips—fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce. 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com

PICCO California Chef and celebrated restaurateur Bruce Hill deserves the accolades he has received for this eclectic shared-plate heaven. Dishes like mini-burgers and seasonally driven menu items, along with risotto made every half hour, keep people coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) but already famous for its wood-ﬁred pizzas, great wine selection, casual outdoor tables and soft-serve Straus Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com

RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads, and sandwiches are on the menu here. The Meyer lemon mascarpone danish and the bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun are perennial temptations. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com

TABLE CAFÉ Indian/American Indian-inspired cafe offers a unique menu featuring entirely organic ingredients. Dishes include seasonal salads, incredible soups and fresh juices. The specialty of the house is dosa, ﬁlled with a variety of ingredients and served with savory homemade chutneys. You can also take home a choice of three or four gourmet dinners freshly packed daily. 1167 Magnolia Ave, 415.461.6787

TAM CELLARS Wine bar This wine shop includes an elegant bar with seating for up to 36 people, 30 wines by the glass and tasting flights. Tam Cellars specializes in hard-to-ﬁnd wines and small production wineries. Enjoy a glass or bottle to pair with the selection of appetizers. Live music on Thursdays. 1803 Larkspur Landing, 415.461.9463, tamcellars.com

THE MELTING POT French A round red-brick haven for fondue fans. Share the “Big Night Out” feast featuring chef’s specialties, or design your own spread with cheese fondue, salad, choice of meat entrée and chocolate fondue dessert. 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.461.6358, themeltingpot.com

YANKEE PIER American This family-friendly casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924 as a private residence. Though known for beer-battered fish’n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts with special dishes by new chef Chris Ball. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com

MILL VALLEY

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California

The San Francisco institution has already become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after the 142 Throckmorton comedy nights. Come for the pan-roasted Alaskan halibut, risotto or the amazing burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-foodtype menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm dark-wooded bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com

BUNGALOW 44 American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 offers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipidladen dishes, such as the burger, fried chicken and trufﬂe fries, as well as a few lighter items. The bar is a neighborhood favorite, serving up tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

CACTUS CAFE AND TAQUERIA Mexican Recently under new management; the food is better than ever. They still offer the lunchtime bargain burrito, as well as ﬁsh tacos and Caesar salads with grilled chicken or shrimp. Be sure to opt for the diablo

sauce on enchiladas and burritos. 393 Miller Ave, 415.388.8226

DIPSEA CAFE Comfort One word: biscuits. This longtime breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Try a biscuit with a poached egg, a biscuit with sausage—or just plain butter. Lunch specialties include BLTs and tuna melts and generous Cobb salads. Now serving dinner. 200 Shoreline Hwy, 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com

EL PASEO French Keiko Takahashi, a prominent Tokyo chef known for her modern French cuisine, transports her ﬂair to Mill Valley. With a cottagelike feeling, this fine dining restaurant serves meals that are nothing less than exquisite. Reservations recommended. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseorestaurant.com

FRANTOIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian

Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this is a great location for large groups. Ask to sit in the press room for private parties. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com

INDIA PALACE Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; however, eating on site is a treat too. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350

JOE’S TACO LOUNGE Mexican A longtime local favorite, Joe’s serves up regular fare such as tasty

ﬁsh tacos, burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, tofu salad, and crab tostados. Colorful interior and (usually) quick service makes this a fun, easy stop. And if there are too many unsupervised kids for a peaceful meal, takeout is easy too. Alone? Grab a magazine and seat at the counter and enjoy the action. 382 Miller, 415.383.8164

MARIA MARIA Mexican The menu at Maria Maria draws from diverse regional cuisines of Mexico, including slow braised duck tacos, guacamole prepared tableside and Guajillo Marinated Red Snapper Filet. 651 E. Blithedale, 415.381.1070. mariamariarestaurants.com

PIAZZA D’ANGELO Italian It’s always a party at this long-standing hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, zuppa di pesce or pollo novello, or make some new friends at the bar. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

PIATTI RISTORANTE AND BAR Italian Reopened, after an extensive remodel, with chef Chris Fernandez leading the kitchen with a menu coinciding with seasonal food from local producers. The crudo and pizza are not to be missed. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

SMALL SHED FLATBREADS California As a slow food chef, Ged Robertson uses only local, mostly organic ingredients. Crowd favorites include the Mt. Tamal-Pie, a fresh salad atop a ﬂatbread. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, smallshed.com

Marin Advocates For Children presents the fifth Annual Benefit

Runway

Dinner and Fashion Show Extravaganza

Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 6PM at StoneTree Golf Club, Novato

Proudly featuring Marin’s very own “Queen of Hats” Jan Wahl as Mistress of Ceremonies

An elegant evening of dinner, auction, and a high-spirited fashion show with celebrity models wearing the latest designs from Gene Hiller of Sausalito and Betty Ann of Novato

Tickets are going quickly. Call (415) 507-9016 or visit www.marinadvocates.org for more information

All Proceeds to beneﬁt Marin Advocates for Children and its programs serving the abused and neglected children in Marin County through CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and CAPC (The Child Abuse Prevention Council)

THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of the new Strawberry Village. Diners come for the tasty kee mao noodles, pad thai, fresh rolls and extensive bar menu. It’s also a great place for lunch. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444

TONY TUTTO PIZZA Italian Tony has been pouring his passion for pizza into his cooking for two decades, and is now sharing his family recipes. “It’s all about excellence in pizza, sprinkled with musical ﬂavors and kissed with colorful passion. We feature creative artisan styled pizza using the best imported, natural and local organic ingredients.” Mostly outdoor seating, so dress accordingly. Stop by or take out. 246 East Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646

VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience at this one-room trattoria. Don’t miss trying one of the restaurant’s pasta dishes or thin-crust pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343

NOVATO

BOCA STEAK & SEAFOOD South American Bring a date or celebrate a special event at this classic steakhouse, which celebrates chef George Morrone’s (Aqua, Fifth Floor) Argentinean heritage. The grass and grain fed steaks are cooked over oak and almond. Head to the restaurant early for a three-course prix-ﬁxed dinner. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com

CACTI GRILL American Grill A former bell tower church, the family-friendly restaurant now boasts a covered patio and serves a 21-day dry-aged steak and ﬁlet mignon enchiladas. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, cactigrill.com

CHEZ PIERRE French Owners Peter and Isabelle Awad serve up traditional French fare. Try the baked brie, escargots en coquille or a simple cheese plate. 7330 Redwood Blvd, 415.898.4233, chezpierremarin.com

FINNEGAN’S MARIN American This pub-style restaurant features tasty appetizers, grilled ﬂatbread pizzas and entrées, including New York steak, garlic herb chicken and a braised beef and pork ragu that will really stick to your ribs. Wine, beer and cocktails are available. 877 Grant Ave, 415.899.1516, ﬁnnegansmarin.com

GRAZIE Italian Locals love this familyowned and run Grant Avenue restaurant for delicious paninis, salads and the unbeatable homemade cookies. Enjoy good weather on the outside patio or people watch in this always bustling restaurant. 823 Grant Ave, Suite E, 415.878.0202

PORTELLI ROSSI Italian The owners of Kitchen at 868 Grant have reopened as Portelli Rossi— which means red door in Italian. This casual cafe offers huge portions (most priced under $20), a garden patio and a family-friendly environment. 868 Grant Ave, 415.892.6100, portellirossi.com

SONOMA LATINA GRILL Mexican Healthy dining has a new home in Novato. Head to this grill for handmade tortillas, fresh ﬂatbread, and preservative-, trans fat-, high fructose corn syrup-, synthetic additives-, and rBST growth hormone-free menu items. 5800 Nave Dr, Ste D, 415.883.2662, sonomalatinagrill.com

TOAST American Sister to the popular Mill Valley location, Toast Novato features outdoor dining, and a menu designed by executive chef Michael Garcia. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com

WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off Highway 101, this rustic mesquite grill offers a menu full of comfort food and drinks, like the smooth cosmos, and seafood risotto, with bits of butternut squash. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

ROSS

MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS French This gem of a restaurant serves up locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch. The wine and beer list is extensive. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxﬂeursrestaurant.com

TRATTORIA FRESCO Italian Every neighborhood deserves a one-room trattoria like this one. The service is friendly and the farmers’-market-fresh food is fabulous—especially the gnocchi. 13 Ross Common, 415.464.0915

BLUESTONE MAIN

SAN ANSELMO

COMFORTS Cafe This cozy spot features local ingredients and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Be sure to try the Philly cheesesteak and Chinese chicken salad, both classics. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com

CUCINA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR Italian Proprietor Jack Krietzman (of Pacific Heights’ Jackson Fillmore) has brought Milan to Marin with his 42-seat family restaurant. Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice from the to-die-for thin pizzas, topped with items like trufﬂe oil and fontina cheese. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942

DREAM FARM California As the website claims, a taste of rural Marin in downtown San Anselmo. Showcasing the bounty of our area’s awardwinning farms, dairies and ﬁsheries. Best yet, is the price point: dishes range from under $6 to nothing over $20. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, dreamfarmmarin.com

INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com

TACO JANE’S Mexican Named after the owner’s mother, this casual venue welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade agave margarita or griddled plantains with Jane’s crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com

SAN GERONIMO

RED TAIL BAR & GRILL California The beautiful views overlooking the San Geronimo Valley redwoods and wildlife will captivate you while you indulge in the new menu featuring West Marin meats, cheeses and produce. 5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.488.4030

TWO BIRD CAFÉ California This roadside cafe has it all, including fresh ﬁsh and goodies from the garden. These guys were doing local and sustainable even before it was so popular. 625 San Geronimo Valley Dr, 415.488.0105, twobirdcafe.com

SAN RAFAEL

BOMBAY GARDEN Indian The restaurant offers a large menu of richly flavored Northern and Southern Indian Cuisine. There are often Bollywood movies or videos playing on a ﬂat-screen TV to add a little entertainment to the meal. 909 Fourth St, 415.459.9555, dinebombaygarden.com

CAFE GRATITUDE Raw The waiters might push the affirmations theme a bit too much, but the tasty (and healthy) food is worth it. Besides the knowledge you’re supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, the raw food and vegan samosas are hard to resist. Best to bring a group and sample lots of items on the menu. 2200 Fourth St, 415.824.4652, withthecurrent.com

CREPEVINE American Bistro/Creperie Offering casual dining, outdoor seating and a diverse menu of savory crepes (such as the Italian crepe ﬁlled with roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce and mozzarella). Sweet and savory crepes are available all day long, as is breakfast. 908 Fourth St, 415.257.8822

MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won first place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his Mushroom Lover’s Pizza—sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce atop a fresh pizza crust. Located across from the Smith Ranch Road movie theaters, it’s a great place to grab dinner and a movie. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com

SAN RAFAEL JOE’S Italian Guido and Theresa Farina are now running this Marin institution, which has been famous for serving up sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. The Pacific red snapper meuniere and roast sirloin of beef are standouts. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com

SEAFOOD PEDDLER Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Varieties of East and West Coast ﬁsh ﬂown in daily. Dine indoors or out, or better yet, rent out the banquet room for a party. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.460.6669, seafoodpeddler.com

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican With south-of-theborder treats like yellow rice, beans, plantains and authentic Puerto Rican dishes, this tiny one-room eatery on Fourth Street just off Highway 101 can be hard to get into, but worth the wait. 732 Fourth St, and 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765

THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD American Cooking like Mom used to make. Stop in for eggs Benedict, tuna melts, coffee and some of the best milk shakes around. 817 Fourth St, 415.259.0182, theresa-and-johnnys.com

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Father-andson chefs Pasquale and Alfredo Ancona offer handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti at this authentic Italian restaurant, which has been serving food from the Campania region for the past 24 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com

ARAWAN THAI RESTAURANT Thai Known for its consistently tasty Thai food and efﬁcient, gracious service. For light fare try the imperial or Siamese rolls (vegetarian), or dig into the delicious pad thai noodles or garlic and pepper prawns. Arawan Thai has been a local favorite for over nine years. 47 Caledonia St, 415.332.0882, arawan.com

FENG NIAN Chinese Busy at lunch and dinner, this spacious hangout has been a popular spot for wonton soup, potstickers and daily specials for nearly two decades. For an indulgent treat order the Szechwan crispy calamari or honey-glazed walnut prawn. Free delivery. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com

LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES

DAVE EGGERS

Dave Eggers’ highly-acclaimed novel What is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng is the 2009 selection for One Book One Marin. This story of the lost boys of the Sudan follows the life of Valentino Achak Deng as he was chased from his village at age seven and forced to trek across Africa under the most harrowing circumstances.

marin dental wellness

Bay Area’s Liveliest Bookstore PRESENTED BY

How welldo youknow Marin?

CALL THE SHOT!

CALL THE SHOT has a simple premise: Tell us what this is a picture of and win a $100 gift certiﬁcate for Wipeout Bar & Grill in Greenbrae.

To win, you must be speciﬁc. Sure, it’s a great place to be in left ﬁeld but what city is it in? Even better, give us its name. Hint: It’s near a “rancho” with the same name as the town.

FRED’S Coffee Shop A local hot spot for over 40 years. Don’t miss the famous deepfried French toast or the traditional Swedish breakfast. Not a breakfast person? The bacon bleu cheeseburger on a sourdough roll with fries is delicious too. Open daily 7 to 3. Breakfast served until 2. 1917 Bridgeway, 415.332.4575, fredscoffeeshop.com

HORIZONS Seafood/American There isn’t a better place for waterfront deck dining with stunning views of Angel Island, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline. Horizons is a favorite with locals and visitors. Enjoy lunch, dinner and brunch daily, featuring fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, pasta and steak. Deck dining, valet parking and docking facilities available. A full bar serves draft beers, specialty cocktails and has an extensive wine selection. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, horizonssausalito.com

LE GARAGE French Olivier Souvestre left his position as executive chef at San Francisco’s Chez Papa Bistro to open his new waterfront cafe in Sausalito with partner Bruno Denis. Le Garage features standard French bistro fare like croque monsieur and brunch items like eggs Benedict with an emphasis on fresh seafood and a large selection of charcuterie Opt for indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistrosausalito.com

Here’s how to play: Go to marinmagazine.com, agree to the rules and submit your answer. Simple. We’ll choose the winner randomly from all the correct answers. Good luck!

And the winner is: Jack Gallagher of Ross who won February’s Call the Shot by identifying the Old St. Hilary’s landmark in Tiburon.

MURRAY CIRCLE American Enjoy the sun on the deck of this Cavallo Point restaurant. Locals say they come back for the fresh seasonal ingredients like wild sturgeon and Wolfe Ranch quail that chef Joseph Humphrey cooks up. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com

PARADISE BAY American Enjoy the sun or dine under the stars at this waterfront restaurant. Patrons’ favorites are the organic beef sandwiches and fresh Maine lobster clubs. 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, paradisebaysausalito.com

PICCOLO TEATRO Italian Travis Flood takes over as executive chef and brings breakfast, ﬁnger foods, main courses and wine to the table. 739 Bridgeway Blvd, 415.332.0739, piccoloteatrodisausalito.com

POGGIO Italian A great place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out. Executive chef Peter McNee cooks up delicious Northern Italian cuisine using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com

SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND BAR California/ Mexican Owner and chef Sean Saylor has created a new menu, keeping traditional favorites, and moved the restaurant to a new location. The large menu is impressive and the bar’s selection of more

than 100 tequilas is hard to beat. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurantandbar.com

SCOMA’S Seafood Whether it’s for the view of San Francisco or the historical background, visitors ﬂock to this location for a romantic setting. The array of fresh seafood and meat dishes are as appetizing as the Italian pasta dishes. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomassausalito.com

SUSHI RAN Japanese Fresh, innovative small plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-your-mouth good and the wine, cocktail and sake lists keep the pickiest barﬂy well satisﬁed. Even the prices don’t deter the herd of sushi enthusiasts, who line up nightly to partake; reservations required in main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com

WINSHIPS RESTAURANT American The morethan-four-decades-old nautical-themed restaurant is luring locals and tourists with hearty breakfasts and lunch options like tender fried calamari, clam strips, mussels and a giant prawn cocktail. 670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454, winships.com

TIBURON

THE CAPRICE California Expansive Angel Island and San Francisco skyline views and an intimate atmosphere make this waterfront restaurant a top pick for romance. Beyond these attractions, locals like it for the food, including a three- to ﬁve- course menu created by executive chef Gregg Sessler —who according to Michael Bauer “has crafted a menu that can stand up to the big boys.” 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com

COTTAGE EATERY California This one-room, recently remodeled eatery is the latest restaurant addition to Tiburon’s Ark Row. Having opened to rave reviews, owners Edward Carew and Jennifer Rebman, both formerly of New York—each with stints cooking at Gramercy Tavern—are attracting regulars with seasonal entrées like grilled branzino served with boulanger potatoes, watercress and a taggiasca olive vinaigrette and crispy suckling pig with Umbrian lentils, braised romaine, tomato and saba. Closed Mondays. 114 Main St, 415.789.5636, thecottageeatery.com

GUAYMAS Mexican Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront. The touch-it-you’re-so-close city views and outdoor seating makes it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Menu includes specialties like puerco macho—pork loin chop with grilled plantain, topped with an ancho chile, garlic and onion sauce. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com

MILANO Italian Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this family-owned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. A good place to take the kids—or catering option for your next birthday party. 1 Blackﬁeld Dr, 415.388.9100

NEW MORNING CAFE American Sit outside or indoors, casual cafe. On a sunny morning, tables

will be filled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315

ROONEY’S CAFÉ & GRILL American If you’re old enough to remember Cheers on prime time, here is your dinner spot. There’s not a long bar, nor a bartender named Sam (he’s across the street); however, there is an undeniable neighborhood feeling in this one-room cottage dining room. 38 Main St, 415.435.1911

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy trans-fat-free calamari, fresh ﬁsh, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

SERVINO RISTORANTE Italian With people like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates raving about his pizza, Angelo Servino is doing something right. Some people come for the spacious and popular bar; some people come for the great food and friendly service; the titans of industry, it seems, opt for the pepperoni. Spacious bar, and weekend music is also a big draw. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

THREE DEGREES California Opt for the outside patio, white tablecloths in the dining room, or the swank modern setting of the bar, and enjoy the local, seasonal menu options like grilled

Niman Ranch New York “cowboy” strip steak or seasonal risotto. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, threedegreesrestaurant.com

WEST MARIN

DRAKES BEACH CAFE Local If you’re OK with the long drive, you can’t beat the view and the fresh local ingredients used to make the burgers, salads and soups at this casual spot (Inverness). Walk on the beach after lunch. 1 Drakes Beach Rd, 415.669.1297, drakesbeachcafe.com

OLEMA INN California One of the most charming settings around, this inn and restaurant is a great destination lunch spot for a Sunday drive, or dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The menu includes imaginative combinations using regional and organic greens while the bar features a full wine list (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.9559, theolemainn.com

OSTERIO STELLINA California Celebrated chef Christian Caizzo has opened Osterio Stellina in the space formerly occupied by the taqueria on Main Street. Caizzo has been earned his chef stripes in a few San Francisco top spots such as Globe, Postrio and Twentyfour. He also started Toby’s Coffeebar. In his words, “I opened Stellina to reﬂect and focus on the incredible bounty that West Marin has to offer. We are all organic, or local, and/or sustainable, and not just ‘whenever

possible.’ ” Look for menu items such as Point Reyes broccoli, baby greens, linguine with Paradise valley kale and Dungeness crab and Devil’s Gulch pork leg (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com

PARKSIDE CAFE American Most people know it as the ultimate breakfast spot (think Guatemalan scramble or wafﬂe with blood orange–strawberry compote and whipped cream, alfresco) but lunch and dinners are great here too. Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce and artisan meats and wild seafood. The grilled quail, the Hawaiian butterﬁsh and the rib-eye steak are standouts (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com

PINE CONE DINER American Just off the main road, Joannie Kwit has re-created the ultimate neighborhood diner. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but homey menu featuring local fare. A favorite for locals as well as tourists, bicyclists and motorcyclists (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, thepineconediner.com

SAND DOLLAR American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was ﬂoated to Stinson that same year and still exists today. Enjoy live music along with local barbecued oysters and New England clam chowder. Sunny deck for afternoon enjoyment (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com

Richard G. Baumert

Millennium Tower, San Francisco

Millennium Partners, the developer responsible for the luxurious Four Seasons San Francisco, is slated to open the new luxury high-rise Millennium Tower at 301 Mission Street in San Francisco’s SoMa district in April. The tower offers views of some of San Francisco’s most distinctive neighborhoods. “Potential buyers can schedule an appointment to visit the sales center,” says Richard G. Baumert, managing director of Millennium Partners.

Describe your business philosophy.

Millennium Partners doesn’t just build buildings; we create neighborhoods. Like with Millennium Tower, S.F., everything our company does begins and ends with its commitment to the communities we develop in.

What services does Millennium Towers offer?

Millennium Tower’s 20,000-square-foot Club Level, featuring an owners’ lounge, private dining room (serviced by celebrity chef and Marinite Michael Mina’s new RN74 restaurant), tasting room and wine cellar, screening room, children’s playroom, outdoor terrace, Sports Club LA–operated ﬁtness center and an indoor 75-foot competition-length lap pool set beneath a skylight.

What makes your work worthwhile?

Millennium Partners takes great pride in offering residences that provide a healthier environment for cleaner, more sustainable living. We believe the health and well-being of the family is a priority.

Richard G. Baumert, Millennium Tower, 301 Mission St, San Francisco, 414.989.3333, millenniumtowersf.com

Dr. Joshua Deitch, D.C. and Dr. Seth Labott, D.C.

The Café of Life Chiropractic Center, Mill Valley

“The Café of Life Chiropractic Center is wellness based and offers a wide variety of services to help clients achieve optimal health,” say Dr. Seth Labott, D.C. and Dr. Joshua Deitch, D.C. Both doctors say their success stems from exceptional service with a comprehensive approach to health including spinal adjustments, nonsurgical spinal decompression, massage therapy, Pilates and groovy music.

What is your business philosophy?

The Café of Life’s philosophy is to focus on where, why and how the nervous system is being compromised by spinal misalignments or disc herniations.

What is your competitive edge?

We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to analyze and correct spinal issues affecting clients’ overall health and well-being.

What makes your work worthwhile?

Witnessing adults and children heal from the inside out versus masking and delaying problems with medication. Helping people to avoid invasive surgery.

Describe your dream client.

Someone who understands that the spine/ nervous system is precious and delicate—a system requiring maintenance and support— versus the temporary quick ﬁx.

Dr. Seth Labott, D.C. and Dr. Joshua Deitch, D.C., The Café of Life Chiropractic Center, 465 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.389.1098, cafeoﬂifemarin. com and marinspine.com

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

Kevin A. Roberts and Brett K. Ellsworth Contact Development Company, Sausalito

“Contact Development Company, LLC (CDC) is a full-service real estate development company specializing in the development, marketing and sales of luxury residential and resort communities,” say owners Brett K. Ellsworth and Kevin A. Roberts. “CDC’s core belief in its approach to land development is that creativity, quality and respect for the land and environment can coexist.”

What makes your work worthwhile?

After spending what is typically years in the planning process, seeing a real estate project transformed from “vision” to “reality” is one of the most fulﬁlling experiences.

Funniest thing that’s happened recently?

Recently, we moved into our new Punta Sayulita development ofﬁce in Sayulita and our landlord gave us a set of keys to the building. We expected one master key that would open all the doors in the building; instead we received about seven keys that are needed to open the ofﬁce’s various door locks. We thought this was funny because the landlord acted as if it was normal for almost every door lock to be different.

Describe your dream client/customer. Someone who desires a home and a community in which they can create family memories that will be cherished for generations.

Brett K. Ellsworth and Kevin A. Roberts, Contact Development Company, LLC, 2320 Marinship Way, Ste 100, Sausalito, 415.339.9322, cdcglobal.com and puntasayulita.com

National Association of the Remodeling Industry www.northbaynari.org

ARCHITECTS

Michael J. Harlock A.I.A. (415) 924-5714 www.harlockarch.com

CONTRACTORS

Barkley Builders Inc. (415) 893-9098 www.barkleybuilders.com

Dan LeVine Mellion G. C. (415) 435-5611 DLMellion@gmail.com

Design Build Alliance (415) 488-4582 www.designbuildalliance.com

Kasten Builders (415) 897-4500 www.kastenbuilders.com

Leff Construction (707) 823-4899 www.leffconstruction.com

Pennypacker /Drake Home Building Inc. (415) 488-0647 www.pennypackerdrake.com

Plath & Company (415) 460-1575 www.plathco.com

Rempe Construction (415) 897-9126 www.rempe.com

Tim Walsh Builders Inc. (415) 381-9806 www.timwalshbuilders.com

DESIGNERS

Beryn Hammil Designs (415) 924-5509 www.berynhammil.com

Sonoma Kitchen + Bath (707) 526-3535 www.sonomakitchenandbath.com

Spacial Design (415) 457-3195 www.spacialdesign.com

SPECIALTY TRADES

Closets Van Go (415) 456-8264 www.closetsvango.com

GPZ Electric Inc. (415) 861-6051 www.gpzelectric.com

Kemper York Co.

Stone Preservation and Restoration (707) 556-3368 www.kemperyorkco.com

Michael Craven Painting (415) 272-6343 www.michaelcravenpainting.com

Segale Brothers Wood Products - Cabinets (800) 286-2915 www.segalebros.com

A customized approach.

Organize for Joy avoids a one-size-fits-all approach and customizes each job to meet your needs. Our clients range from overwhelmed soccer moms to real estate agents to garden variety packrats who can no longer tolerate the piles or overflowing closets. We joyfully serve clients throughout Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco counties.

Belinda Beebe

415-827-2044

Belinda@organizeforjoy.com www.organizeforjoy.com

POINT REYES STATION

Hanging on to a unique history

BY DANIEL JEWETT PHOTOS TIM PORTER

Everywhere you look in Point Reyes Station you see history. The post ofﬁce is located in the former railroad depot building—the terminus stop for the North Paciﬁc Coast Railroad, which ran its last train in 1933—while the old engine house still stands a block from the vintage Greenbridge gas station and buildings like Cheda’s garage, the oldest AAA station in the West, and the large brick Grandi Building, constructed in 1915, carve iconic shapes into the downtown area.

“There is history all over the place,” says historian Dewey Livingston, who took over the mantle of local historian from its former holder, Jack Mason, after his death in 1985. “I’ve always been fascinated with history. I run across some old tree or foundation while hiking and wonder, what happened here?”

Livingston, who lived in Point Reyes Station with his wife and children for 15 years before moving to nearby Inverness, grew up in suburban Marin but felt the call of wide-open spaces. “As a suburban kid you can either go to the city or the country—I choose the country,” he says. “It is like living an old-fashioned life, with all the farms; we produce good food and it is a great place to raise kids.”

The author of numerous books on local history—Livingston just ﬁnished the new Nicasio: The Historic Valley at the Center of Marin and recently released the historic picture book Point Reyes Peninsula with co-author Carola DeRooy—is glad he narrowed his focus from county history to the West Marin area.

Previous Page: The famers market offers tempting local ingredients and great coffee is always available. This Page: Christian Caiazzo gets ready for business at Osteria Stellina while locals hang out in front of Bovine Bakery

“You go on vacation and you come back and say, ‘Wow, we have it all here,’” he says.

According to third-generation rancher turned bed-and-breakfast owner Sharon Doughty, keeping “it all here” is sometimes the hard part. She says the numerous local ranches were forced to diversify in the ’90s and received support from the county in that survival effort. “If we can keep farming here there is no threat [to develop the land for other uses],” she adds. “We were one of the first to get through it all.”

Sharon and her husband, Steve, diversified by planting grapes suitable for champagne on seven acres of their 780-acre property and dairy farm. The first 40 gallons of bubbly they ever produced were served with great success at the wedding of Sharon’s daughter. “When we first poured it, Steve was pretty nervous,” Sharon admits.

Now Sharon’s daughter runs the dairy side of the business and Steve and Sharon have found happiness bottling and selling the 1,000 cases of champagne they make each year, running the Point Reyes Vineyard Inn, which is

also on the property, and interacting with their family and community.

“My parents and my kids hang out all the time and that doesn’t happen much these days,” Sharon says about life on the farm. “There is a real sense of community here that I took for granted until I got older. Being a bedand-breakfast owner made me realize what a great place we have.”

Local chef and restaurateur Christian Caiazzo discovered the same thing after moving to Point Reyes Station more than six years ago and opening Toby’s Coffee Bar and, just recently, the California/Italian restaurant Osteria Stellina in the location where Rosie’s Cowboy Cookhouse used to be.

“We wanted to move to a small town but not a typical town—we are very political about food and this seemed like the perfect place,” says the father of two, who has cooked for restaurants such as Globe and Postrio in San Francisco. “Two kids and two businesses later, here we are.”

Getting out of the urban restaurant experience and opening his own place in a town

like Point Reyes Station offers numerous advantages over city life, Caiazzo says. “My kids are getting the chance to learn about food and where it comes from, where it is produced,” he says about his relationships with local ranchers, growers and fishermen, all of whom supply food to the restaurant. But no relationships are as important as those formed with the people who live in town, he adds. “We have done really well so far. It is a huge relief; we have been really supported by the community.”

According to local real estate agent Robert Cardwell, the tight community of just over 800 (if you count those that live in the surrounding countryside) is as strong as ever. “Things are taking longer to sell and prices are ﬂattening,” he says. “But the market is pretty strong.”

Cardwell says the 448 or so homes in the area hit a median price of around $1 million, with estate property topping out at more than $3 million. “This area is unique; there is nothing like it,” he says. “We are surrounded by national seashore and it is what it is. It is not going to change a lot.”

Forecast Your Financial Future

Current Situation

$1,850,000

$1,999,000

Whether you’re buying or selling, teaming up with Jimmy Marin will instantly put your mind at ease. From the beginning, when you meet with Jimmy, you’ll know you’re in the capable hands of an experienced professional and an extensive network of skilled designers, builders and landscapers. Jimmy provides you with more than just sound investment advice and up-to-the-minute analysis on how today’s market impacts you. He brings you a keen eye for ﬁnding properties with upside potential. He’s known for a discerning taste and talent for providing creative solutions to ensure your property is prepared and presented to maximize its resale. Contact Jimmy Marin today, for 24/7 support about ﬁnding and creating a perfect place to call home.

Resort Style Living

Enjoy Marin’s stellar weather with your own pool playground-like backyard. Set on a generous lot, this sun-flooded and spacious home offers 5+ bedrooms, country kitchen and family room leading directly out to the patio and pool area.

See photos at www.710Arlington.com

Offered at $899,000

Prepare to Fall in Love

Located in the picturesque waterside community of Sausalito, this home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a country kitchen with bamboo floors, new carpets and designer colors throughout. Other special features include two decks with bay and garden views.

See photos at www.103lincolndr.com

Affordably priced at $799,000

rivate and serene property featuring stunning architecture with a gracious entry, fabulous living room with high beamed ceiling and replace, formal dining room, kitchen with garden views and center island, powder room, master bedroom and bath with deck and patio on main level, three bedrooms, one bath and laundry room on upper level, pool, spa and lush gardens with outstanding Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Baldy views. This is a very special property!

Offered at $2,195,000

www.MorganLaneMarin.com

For additional information, please call:

Susan Bowman

Luxury Home Specialist

Morgan Lane Marin, Inc. 901 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kent eld, CA 94904 415/710-0208 sbowman@morganlane.com

2 Tamalpais, Mill Valley |

Price Upon Request

This dramatic home on Middle Ridge in Mill Valley exudes style and elegance and features 3 bedrooms, plus an office/den. The traditional exterior disguises the contemporary finishes inside including a high tech kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors throughout, and stunning bathroom fixtures. The home was rebuilt in 2007 to the latest standards and technology with radiant heat and multiple water filtration systems. Full San Francisco views can be seen from the front decks; the yard is secluded and has a flat area ready for croquet, bocce ball or a lap pool. Just above the Bernard Street Steps, this location is ideal for a trip to downtown Mill Valley. 2Tamalpais.com

321 Summit Avenue, Mill Valley | $5,700,000

Completed in 2001, this beautiful gated estate combines quality craftsmanship with a comfortable well-designed floor plan. Situated on a south-facing lot with spectacular San Francisco views, the home features a formal living room, dining room, family room, TV room, of fi ce and solarium. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, cherry wood and limestone fl oors, mahogany cabinetry, Venetian plaster walls, and custom mosaic tile are only a few of the many dramatic features found in this awe-inspiring home. 321SummitAvenue.com

fhallen.com/luxury fhallen.com/luxury

Prime Tiburon Location | $1,998,000

Beautifully appointed custom-built home located on the coveted Belvedere Lagoon. Designed by Hank Bruce, no expense has been spared and no artistic detail overlooked in creating this stunning ﬁve bedroom, six bathroom home that features a gorgeous living room with vaulted barrel ceiling, dining room with wine cellar, indoor and outdoor state-of-the-art kitchens, and an upstairs family room. An inﬁnity hot tub, lawn, and boat dock complete the property. 30Peninsula.com

Peace, calm and serenity await you at this prime Tiburon location — a perfect place to build a luxury home. The lot is 1.72 acres (per tax records) of useable land with amazing bay views. With land work completed, all that is needed are your dreams and vision. Build up to 8000 sq. ft. of living space plus a 750 sq. ft. garage (per Tiburon Planning Dept.). Dividing living space across multiple structures is permissible as per planning dept. (Please check for details.) An opportunity not to be missed! 111TaylorRoad.com fhallen.com/luxury fhallen.com/luxury Sold — In Contract in Seven Days | Listed at $5,000,000

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144 Peacock Drive, San Rafael

www.144Peacock.com

This stylish one-level home located on popular Peacock Gap golf course exudes an air of warmth the minute you open the front door. What a surprise as you look from the formal entry through the living room over a deck and lush green lawn to the golf course and lagoon. Watch the golfers in the distance as you curl up by a roaring fire. To the right of the entry is a spacious and richly appointed kitchen and family room featuring slab granite, center island, an abundance of rich wood cabinetry and a wood burning fireplace. The attached two-car garage provides easy access to the kitchen. The formal dining room has a wall of windows overlooking the golf course. To the left of the entry you will discover a master suite retreat with the same wonderful golf course views. Two additional bedrooms and a bath plus a powder room complete the home. The custom accents in this home, including Tigerwood (Brazilian Koa) floors, granite and stone, built-in bookcases and cabinetry are far above the norm. A hot tub on the rear deck adds to the relaxing lifestyle. Open the door and know you are home!

3 Bedrooms ♦ 2.5 Bathrooms ♦ 2 Fireplaces ♦ Formal Living Room Kitchen / Great Room ♦ Backyard with Deck, Patio & Level Lawn

Offered at $1,195,000

Karen Z. Hardesty • Principal / Broker 415.265.3344 •

McGuire Marin Welcomes

Robin

Kohn Glazer

I really appreciate my affiliation with McGuire Real Estate because of its stability, longevity and its connections with agents and buyers from San Francisco. The support staff and marketing department excel beyond my expectations!

As an attorney since 1988, Robin’s negotiation skills and expertise in contracts and environmental/land use law, as well as her work as a mediator and land-use consultant, have provided a wonderful background for her work as a real estate broker. In addition to assisting sellers and buyers of residential real estate since 2004, she has assisted landowners in the sale and donation of land since 2001. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning and a J.D. from U.C. Davis.

Having grown up in Ross in Marin County (and attending Ross School and Redwood High School), Robin has a true working knowledge of Marin’s neighborhoods and schools. She lives in Mill Valley with her husband and daughter, and enjoys yoga, dancing, playing music and hiking in Marin’s beautiful outdoors. Her hobbies have included conducting a children’s chorus and acting as the voice of Lucy in the Peanuts cartoons.

Robin Kohn Glazer J.D., Broker Associate, Realtor

Peg Copple

After 22 years serving the Sausalito community, and because of today’s economic conditions, I knew my clients would be best served if I partnered with a company that shared my values. McGuire is that company. It’s personal but powerful. They will provide my clients with global marketing through their affiliation with Luxury Portfolio and expose my Marin and Sausalito listings to top agents and buyers from San Francisco. The McGuire management team is intelligent, yet works from the heart in the support they provide to their sales team. I am proud to join McGuire Real Estate and excited to offer my clients such a strong support system.

Peg Copple is an icon in Marin real estate, brokering the sale of 250 homes in scenic Sausalito. During her time managing Peg Copple and Associates, Peg oversaw up to 40 Marin agents. Her experience covers all aspects of real estate, including representing buyers, sellers, or both parties. She also has experience in tax deferred exchanges, leasing, personal ownership, and creating and managing partnerships that buy, sell and remodel investment properties. Peg is currently working from her Sausalito office at 1750 Bridgeway, Suite 207.

Peg Copple Broker Associate

Experience.

Excellence. There are reasons many of the best agents and discriminating clients choose to work with McGuire. Legacy: one family, three generations — since 1919. Luxury and Leadership: the premiere luxury real estate company in the Bay Area — an afﬁliation with the most powerful real estate network in the world. It’s never just a house to us — it’s always a home. Discover more about how we endeavor to make McGuire the Home for your life.

Contemporary Comfort and Views

Waterfront Living at its Finest

Tiburon

Wonderful contemporary home ideally located close to Ring Mountain open space and dramatically capturing the views of Richardson Bay, Sausalito and San Francisco. This 3,600+ square foot, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home is located on a private cul-de-sac in the desirable Tiburon Reedlands. Formal entry leads to cathedral ceiling living room with fireplace and picture windows maximizing the view. Renovated chef’s kitchen with adjoining family room and second fireplace, formal dining room, spacious of fice (could be fifth bedroom) with deck, and private master suite complete the main level of this home. Downstairs offers a spacious den/family/media room, three generously sized bedrooms, one with en-suite bath, laundry room and bath providing an ideal backdrop for today’s lifestyle. Glass doors open from the family room to the large fl at lawn and vibrant garden which in turn joins the open space for the Home Owners Association providing an expansive lawn/ outdoor space ideal for outdoor entertaining. With its views from almost every room, expansive living space and access to the trails of Ring Mountain this one has it all!

Total of 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths.

www.4indianrockcourt.com

Offered at $2,895,000

Tiburon

This 2006 architecturally stunning home and guest house showcases truly the finest materials, technologies, design and finishes in over 6,300 square feet. The main residence is over 5,000 square feet with three bedrooms and three and one half baths. Magnificent entry hall, Cumaru hardwood flooring throughout. Weiland curved sliding doors. Formal living room, dining room, family room, gourmet kitchen, wine/champagne cellar, master suite with his/her closets, mudroom and laundry, exercise room with sauna, Whole House System includes Crestron, Lutron, security and cameras. Olympian Generator. Resort-like outdoor living with pool, waterfall, and two spas. Guest house has 2 bedrooms, kitchenette and 2 car garage with Rotary and Revolution car lifts. 154-foot boat dock on a protected deep water channel with easy access to San Francisco Bay. Total of 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 5 garages www.12StLuciaPlace.com

Offered at $7,199,000

Penny Wright-Mulligan 415.601.8191

p.mulligan@deckerbullocksir.com

www.pennywrightmulligan.com

MICHAEL MINA

BY MIMI TOWLE

| It’s April 2009 and Novato’s Michael Mina is on schedule to open his 18th restaurant, RN74. Named for Route Nationale 74, the highway that passes through France’s Burgundy region, this San Francisco wine bar/restaurant on the ground ﬂoor of the Millennium Tower will feature executive chef Jason Berthold, former sous chef to Thomas Keller. In April you can also ﬁnd Mina at the second annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine event, where he and chef de cuisine, Chris L’Hommedieu are “looking forward to being a little riskier and more creative.” When Mina is not making public appearances, writing cookbooks or planning his next great hot spot, he sports his toque at his namesake restaurant in San Francisco, where in step with our nationwide-budget mindset, he says “we’re offering a fantastic expanded bar and lounge menu where guests can enjoy the quality of the Restaurant Michael Mina experience at an excellent value.” Besides the abundance of farm-fresh food products and great neighbors, why does this national culinary celebrity live in Marin? Read on.

You could live anywhere. Why Marin? There are so many reasons—from the breathtaking beauty of the area to its strong family orientation. It’s such a great place to raise kids. With easy access to a world-class city, the beach and wine country, it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else.

Do you have any favorite restaurants in Marin? Pizzeria Pico on Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur. We love to go with the kids. They have great pizzas and the olive oil ice cream is fantastic.

What makes you happy in Marin? The beauty of Marin —crossing the Golden Gate Bridge every day inspires me. As a father of active boys, I also appreciate all the sports activities one can do in the area with the kids —from hiking to football. We love being outdoors.

What bothers you here?

The trafﬁc between Novato and San Rafael.

What do you value every day? My family, living in one of the most beautiful locations in the world and getting to do what I love every day.

What is your personal idea of luxury? Getting to sleep-in in the morning.

What person has influenced you the most?

George Morrone, Charlie Palmer, Jean-Louis Palladin.

What has been the most fulfilling moment in your work? Opening Restaurant Michael Mina in San Francisco.

What’s your desert island (favorite) book or album? Album: Led Zeppelin IV.

What’s your favorite place to unwind? The Marin Headlands or Hawaii.

Do you have a favorite Marin view? From the Marin Headlands.

What do you like about yourself? That I picked the right career.

Any plans to open a restaurant in Marin? Not at the moment. But if I did, it would be the quaint, familystyle Italian restaurant that my wife, Diane, has always dreamed of opening and running.

How do you want to be remembered? As an innovator and a mentor. Supporting up-and-coming talent in the culinary arena is a priority to me. I’ve had tremendous opportunities in my career and I’d like to help others achieve their dreams.