Marin Magazine April 2011

M A R I N

Intriguing

You could say this changes everything. Or just say “wow.”

The new Jenn-Air ® Pro-Style ® series turns the kitchen into a place where anything is possible. Where you can cook with real power. Feel the strength of commercial-style precision. Scale new culinary heights. These appliances deliver an entirely new level of performance and design, and our ranges feature the industry’s most powerful burner available.* The Pro-Style ® series will take your kitchen way beyond gorgeous.

*Among leading brands.

“Although it sounds pretty cheesy, I truly believe now it’s important to never give up, because persevering can result in fabulous experiences.”

HOLLAND REYNOLDS

30

by Somer Flaherty

Belvedere’s

Reynolds by Mimi Towle

Mimi Towle

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

MEN’S COLLECTION

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE WEARING

This Italian-made wool suit has the old-world necessities (classic fit with 100% silk lining) and the modern add-ons (BlackBerry pockets and flat-front trousers).

SAN FRANCISCO

The Cover

Tiburon View by photographer David Duncan Livingston. To inquire about his work call 415.383.0898 or visit davidduncanlivingston.com.

CONVERSATION

Architect Craig Hartman by Jim Wood

GO

Rafting the rapids of Idaho by Lisa Shanower

CALENDAR

A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond

SNAPSHOTS

Out and about in Marin and San Francisco

FLAVOR

Lark Creek chef’s recipes for spring eating by Mimi Towle

114

DINE OUT

An insider’s guide to Bay Area eateries

132

MICROCLIMATE

Belvedere by Jim Wood

162

LOOKING BACK

Bald was beautiful by Jim Wood

16 20

VIEW FROM MOUNT TAM

The founders of Marin Magazine welcome you to share their vision

POV

A new political landscape by Jim Wood COLUMNS

EDITORIAL

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

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

MANAGING EDITOR Julie Sinclair ext 120 | jsinclair@marinmagazine.com

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

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

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

STYLE EDITOR-AT-LARGE Somer Flaherty sflaherty@marinmagazine.com

COPY EDITOR/PROOFREADER Cynthia Rubin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS PJ Bremier, Mary Papenfuss, Nate Seltenrich

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Monica Grant, Logan Link ART

ART DIRECTOR Anne Walzer

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

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Drew Altizer, Nike van der Molen ADMINISTRATION

CONTROLLER Maeve Walsh ext 104 | mwalsh@marinmagazine.com

OFFICE MANAGER Danielle Grant ext 100 | dgrant@marinmagazine.com

WEB

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

Volume 7, Issue 4. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2011. 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.

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

ACCOUNT MANAGER Lora Dinga ldinga@marinmagazine.com

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR Monica Grant ext 103 | mgrant@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

WINE COUNTRY

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Leah Bronson ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

NEW YORK

couture marketing | Karen Couture 917.821.4429

HAWAII

destination marketing | Debbie Anderson 808.739.2200

THE MARIN STORE

WEB CONTENT AND MERCHANDISING MANAGER Tanya Naouri ext 120 | tnaouri@themarinstore.com

MARIN CUSTOM MEDIA

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MARIN MAGAZINE ONE HARBOR DR, SUITE 208, SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA 94965 PH 415.332.4800 FAX 415.332.3048 WEB MARINMAGAZINE.COM

EMAIL ADVERTISING@MARINMAGAZINE.COM TO SUBSCRIBE: MARINMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE

THIS MONTH WE WELCOME A NEW MEMBER to our editorial team, Julie Sinclair, who joins us as managing editor. Julie most recently was editor-in-chief of Spa magazine and has held a variety of other management and creative positions with publications ranging from Woman’s Day to Bridal Guide. Julie’s hands-on experience, editorial sensibility and stylish aesthetic will no doubt impress you as much as they did us when we met her.

A major theme running through this issue is housing— always a topic of much interest here in Marin—and our package extends from the practical to the personal to the political.

First, our annual Home Renovation Guide, begins on page 70 and offers seven pages of listings of local interior designers, custom builders and artisan craftspeople who can help you make your dream home a reality.

Next, in Home, P. J. Bremier guides us through the remodeled Mill Valley abode of Lara Hedberg Deam, the founder of Dwell magazine. The residence will be one of 10 architecturally significant local homes on tour during the

first annual Dwell+Marin Magazine Modern Home Tour. (Visit marinmodernhometour.com for more information.)

Finally, in Think, Nate Seltenrich once again sifts through a controversial issue. This time it’s the contentious topic of local affordable housing mandates, a policy and civic planning challenge that Novato is grappling with now and one the entire county faces in the future.

Also in this issue, Journey finds the Francophile connection between Mill Valley and Paris; in FYI Water, Mimi Towle shows us three great ways to get out on the bay; Conversation talks with Corte Madera architect Craig Hartman, who designed the international terminal at SFO; Marinterview questions local teen track hero Holland Reynolds; and Microclimate goes to Belvedere.

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

OUR EXPERTS HAVE YOUR BACK. (AND YOUR BRAIN.)

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SPINE & BRAIN INSTITUTE.

Now that our hospital is under local control, we’re able to create programs when we see a need. And now, in partnership with the Mt. Tam Spine Center and UCSF Department of Neurosurgery, we offer access to world-class, comprehensive spine and brain care—at a single Marin location.

Our Spine & Brain Institute is the area’s only program with focused brain and spine surgery expertise. We use evidence-based medicine, which considers all aspects of a patient’s condition before deciding on a treatment plan. All members of our health team, from surgeons to radiologists to physical therapists, work together to coordinate the right care, resources, and technology based on each patient’s individual needs.

We’re enhancing both our personnel and technology capabilities in the Emergency Department to better respond to brain and spine injuries, and treat disease more effectively. We also collaborate closely with topranked physicians at UCSF to treat our patients here in Marin. This spares you the red tape and inconvenience of crossing the bridge, while ensuring you the best care the area has to offer.

Readers respond

❯❯ Cover credit

MARIN

My sister and business partner, Malia, and I love Marin Magazine and Marin County. We opened our store at the Marin Country Mart in March 2010, and we have been welcomed with open arms by the whole community. So imagine our delight at seeing our Malia Mills two-piece bathing suit on your most recent cover. We found the photo credit in the crease of the magazine, but of course we wanted to shout it from the rooftops that the swimsuit on the cover can be found right here in Marin County at the Marin Country Mart at Malia Mills (or online at maliamills.com). Please keep up the amazing coverage on all things Marin!

Carol Mills, partner, Malia Mills

❯❯ More history revealed

I always enjoy your magazine. Just a minor historical addition to the coverage on the Romberg Tiburon Center (March 2011). It was previously known as Cal City, and people were brought there by boat for dances and picnics prior to the war. I have no knowledge of the area being used to assemble the cables for the Golden Gate Bridge, but it

makes sense. For years the discarded steel net and its concrete weights were used as riprap to prevent erosion along the shoreline. There was a beautiful pier there, but its decking was removed by the federal government to keep people off and avoid liability. It would have been a beautiful asset for the public, and its pilings are still there.

Michael Erickson, Corte Madera

❯❯ Dogs and recreation

You might have made note at the beginning of “Treasure Hunt” by Eve Pell (March 2011) that the article was timed with the current efforts of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area (GGNRA) to drastically change the 1979 Pet Policy.

In fact, the National Park Service would make it a federal crime to walk your companion dogs on- or off-leash in the 1 percent of the thousands of acreage now allowed by the current law. However, the enabling legislation that created the GGNRA specified that along with the protection of wildlife and plant species, the roads and trails and beaches were meant to be shared by all recreational users.

Dog owners have not demonstrated for more areas in which to walk our dogs, only for what we have enjoyed historically (even though the populations of both humans and dogs have notably increased since 1979). In fact, north from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Sonoma County border, no dogs are allowed on the publicly owned beaches with the exception of Rodeo and Muir Beach currently allowing for dogs off leash. In the GGNRA-proposed plan, Muir Beach will ban all dogs—thus leaving a por-

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tion of Rodeo Beach for off-leash walking in all of Marin County.

There are few trails and fire roads in the Marin Headlands currently where it is legal to hike with dogs, and the intent of the GGNRA is to now abolish those as well. Mount Tamalpias is state owned and allows no dogs on any trail except on the Old Stage Coach Road for a short .5- to .75-mile on-leash walk to connect with the Marin Municipal Water District Fire Road, where dogs are allowable on-leash only.

The article portrayed dogs as the bad guys in the environmental discussion; however, the science does not prove that dogs have damaged the 1 percent they have had access to for those 34 years. Responsible dog owners not only pick up after themselves and their dogs but also remove debris left behind by walkers, runners and bike riders.

Jane Woodman, representative of Eco-Dog

❯❯ Bus riding considered

Thank you for Jim Wood’s POV on Marin’s Public Bus System (March 2011). It was enlightening and very inspirational. I am a car owner and always drive my car; I never take the bus. Even though I grew up in an East Bay working class family—and rode the bus everywhere—I now seldom consider it as an option. My children ride buses all the time to school and to visit friends. Wood reminded me that Marin has this great service and that utilizing it doesn’t have to be an ordeal. His piece inspired me to make a commitment to take the West Marin Stagecoach next time I go hiking—at least I’ll try it once to see how it goes. Thank you again!

Amy Bingamon, 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.

A new political landscape

Changes are in the works that will improve California’s future

BY JIM WOOD

HERE’S SOME GOOD NEWS regarding California politics. When was the last time you heard that? The following changes, currently being implemented, will result in state government being less partisan and once again working. Last June, voters passed Proposition 14, the Top Two Primaries Act. This means that in primary elections, everyone votes for everyone—and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will appear on the November ballot. The upshot, I predict, is that future candidates will have to appeal to the moderate middle, not the fringe.

Locally here’s how it will work: if, as many assume, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) retires, the race for her seat will be wide open. Potential June primary contenders include two-term Marin Assemblyman Jared Huffman, West Marin author-activist Norman Solomon, newly elected State Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) and popular Petaluma Mayor Pam Torliatt. All are Democrats.

Together, Marin and Sonoma counties have nearly 400,000 registered voters: 53 percent of them Democrats; 21 percent Republicans; 20 percent decline to state or are independent

(unaffiliated); and 6 percent Green, American Independent, etc. Therefore, it’s a safe bet that Democrats will be the top two vote-getters in the June primary and advance to the general election. Here’s how I see that playing out: the strong liberal vote will go to Solomon, who has already pledged to “continue the legacy of Lynn Woolsey.”

As for the rest of the Democrats? They will have to attract Republican and independent voters in order to appear on the final ballot.

Therefore, come November, we’ll have a purist versus a centrist—or an extremist against a moderate. Now that is a race! No longer will ultraliberals dominate Marin and Sonoma politics; likewise, no longer will archconservatives always win in Orange County. The top two primary rule applies to not only congressional races but also the California Assembly and Senate. This means a completely new (and energetic) political ball game, both in elections and in how government functions.

“After a few elections, we’ll get rid of the ideologues who’ve caused the gridlock,” says former Marin Assemblyman and longtime California political participant Bill Bagley. “And government will work once again.”

A second governmental improvement— again, already under way—involves California’s redistricting process. This is a result of Prop. 11 passing in 2008 and Prop. 20 in 2010. Here’s the short version: every 10 years or so, California’s Legislature determines boundaries for congressional, state Senate and Assembly districts. As politicians tend to do, they arrange these boundaries to most ensure their reelection. This process, devised by a governor of Massachusetts named Elbridge Gerry, is called gerrymandering, and it has resulted in political districts making little or no sense. Example: Marin State Senator Mark Leno’s 3rd District

includes parts of Sonoma County, all of Marin— and neighborhoods in San Francisco including the Mission and Bayview–Hunters Point.

Now, thanks to Props. 11 and 20, a citizens’ commission, not politicians, will be establishing district boundaries and, instead of doing what is political expedient, will do it in a manner that creates a “community of interest.” This means, says former Sausalito Councilman Peter Van Meter, “a contiguous population sharing social, geographical and economic interests within a single district for purposes of fair and effective political representation.”

And Van Meter knows; he was one of 35,000 Californians who applied to be on the Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC). “It was an exhaustive and complex process, like selecting a jury,” he recalls. “I made it to the final 340 applicants; from there, a nonpartisan panel interviewed 120 citizens, then 60, then 36, winding up finally with a 14-member commission.” As intended, five of the 14 members are Democrats, five are Republicans and four have vowed they are neither. Included on the CRC are a Yolo County bookseller, a Culver City urban planner and a legal scholar from San Francisco. There are eight men and six women from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. Information regarding the Citizens Redistricting Commission is available at wedrawthelines.ca.gov.

“Ultimately, this will result in much more responsive government,” says Van Meter. “It will be more middle-of-the-road and less partisan.” I agree. Now if we can get term limits extended to 12 years and alter the commercial real estate aspects of Prop. 13, California government will be back in business. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

E-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.

Business

Responsible Rabbitry

Thinking of getting one of those adorable baby bunnies from a pet store this Easter? Marcy Schaaf, aka the rabbit whisperer of Saveabunny.org, would like you to think again. According to the ASPCA, rabbits are the third most frequently euthanized animal in the country, and this is the time of year many of us are seduced into the why-not-bring-home-a-bunny mind-set. What people don’t realize about these pocket-size bundles-o’-fluff is they don’t use a litter box, their personalities are not yet formed and they have not gone through their one-year adolescence, during which, according to Schaaf, they can be just as rebellious and opinionated as a human teen. Since the life span of a healthy, well-cared-for, spayed or neutered bunny can be up to 13 years, she suggests finding one that is likely to be compatible with your family by adopting through her program. “It’s an easy process,” she says. “First fill out an online application, and then speak with one of our dedicated volunteers, who will work to match the personality of the bunny to the potential adoptee and foster the bunny for a while to see if it’s a fit.” Save a Bunny assists Northern California shelters with rescue efforts leading to the successful adoption of more than 300 domestic rabbits per year. saveabunny.org

DECODING THE CLOSET

Sausalito’s Jennifer Held-Axcell is turning novice fashionistas into full-fledged trendsetters with her new styling and image consulting service. We know the Bay Area has plenty of personal shoppers, but Jennifer’s secret weapon is the denim-buying guide. Find out what makes a great pair of jeans, what mistakes to avoid when buying them and how to find the perfect pair with her services. beyondblack.biz

Conversation Starter

Sue Glader’s children’s book

Nowhere Hair, which explains to kids how to deal with a loved one’s cancer, has been getting national attention. The breast cancer survivor and Marin resident wrote the book to be a conversation starter between kids and adults, because, as she says, “the words are hard to find when you are in the midst of it all.” You can pick up a copy of the book at the Depot in Mill Valley and Book Passage in Corte Madera. nowherehair.com

STYLE QUOTIENT

Well-coiffed Marinites already have Christopher Salon on their speed dial, and now the celebrity hair stylist has added makeup artist Yvette Beebe to the team. Beebe, the founder of YB cosmetics, has more than 20 years of experience and is available for personal makeup lessons, lash and brow tints or just getting clients ready for a night on the town. christopher-salon.com

Grant Avenue News There are big changes in downtown Novato. Duarteau boutique relocated to the former New Shoes for Kids site, and after succeeding in Sausalito, Georgiou boutique has set up digs here. For foodies, Novato now has Batika India Bistro in the former Portelli Rossi space, while Anokha Indian restaurant is receiving rave reviews.

Stress Reliever to the Rescue Ever wish you had a personal stress coach on hand for when times get tough? Now you do. Marin’s Dr. Steve Orma is attempting to fill the void with his new e-mail service StressBytes. Having a bad week? Just send him an e-mail, and the clinical psychologist will respond within 24 hours with individual guidance on your challenges. Costs range from $15 (StressByte Mini) to $35 (StressByte Medium). Work-life balance, anger management and relationship problems begone. drorma.com

Voices of Dominican Choices Spring 2011 Leadership Lecture Series

CAROLINE KENNEDY

She Walks in Beauty: A Woman’s Journey Through Poems

Tickets are $35 per person and include a copy of She Walks in Beauty . To purchase tickets, call Book Passage at 415-927-0960 or visit www.bookpassage.com. Tickets are also available in person at Book Passage in Corte Madera and San Francisco.

One Book One Marin: ABRAHAM

VERGHESE

Cutting for Stone

Free lecture and book signing

Preferred seating available with purchase of book from Book Passage.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for each event.

HAUTE DOGS

Pamper your pooch with personal style

BY SOMER FLAHERTY |

Most dog owners agree that any room, no matter how well designed, can be enhanced by a furry friend. Which is why we think the canine in your life should be just as stylish as your home. You don’t have to have a dachshund-themed abode to give a nod to your four-legged pal; instead shop for one-of-a-kind beds and museum-worthy digs to help personalize—or perhaps caninize—the look.

1. Dog bowl, $15 at Crate and Barrel (Corte Madera). 415.924.5412, crateandbarrel.com 2. Magis Dog House, $1,011 at Modern Decor. 866.758.7430, plushpod.com

3. Hugs and Kisses collar by Lola and Foxy, starting at $28 at Catnip and Bones (S.F.). 415.359.9100, lolaandfoxy.com

4. Custom dog bed, with your pooch’s own photo, by Out-N-In, $140 at The Marin Store. 415.332.8002, themarinstore.com 5. Dog collar with

CITY SIPPERS

Need an excuse to don those great new boots and head to the city? A few April wine events could be just the ticket.

APRIL 5: Seasons Swirl at the San Francisco Four Seasons (photo below) is featuring DARE by Viader. This line focuses on single varietals and includes a cabernet sauvignon, a cabernet franc, a tempranillo and a limited-edition cabernet-based dry rosé. fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco

APRIL 7: The Wine Enthusiast Toast of the Town is popular for the variety of wine producers—it usually showcases around 500 different wines and gourmet dishes from top area restaurants at City Hall. toastofthetown.com/tott_sf.asp

MONTHLONG: Cellar360 in Ghirardelli Square offers a number of wine-tasting classes, seminars and demonstrations for $5 on up, depending on event length, topic and featured speaker. cellar360.com

WALLA WALLA WED

Poultry Slam

Calling all home chefs: winning the second annual Foster Farms Fresh Chicken Cooking Contest could net you a $10,000 prize plus a oneyear supply of chicken. Submit your original recipe by May 31. The contest culminates at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. fosterfarms.com/cookingcontest

Amavi Cellars, a pioneering winery in Washington state’s Walla Walla Valley, is now also a venue for weddings. Hot days, cool evenings, low annual rainfall and low humidity make this high-desert locale great for growing grapes and reciting vows. amavicellars.com

NOBLE PRIZES

What do you get when siblings of a well-known San Francisco wine purveyor grow up and move to different parts of the country but maintain the family business? A website. Noblegrapewines.com, run by John, Robert and Nancy Romano, is an entirely online wine shop featuring a carefully edited selection of small-production organic, biodynamic, sustainably produced offerings from hard-to-access wineries abroad. The siblings have retained connections with vintners who have been practicing indigenous (now called organic) fermentation methods for generations. “We are purveyors who embrace modernity,” says Mill Valley–based Nancy, yet “at the same time have a deep reverence for old-world production methods. Most important for our customers, we offer extremely exclusive wines at very fair prices in a hopefully entirely unpretentious way.”

It’s April, which for those of us who love food and wine means it’s time to head down to Pebble Beach for the annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival. The event is chock-full of the crème de celebs when it comes to cooking and wine making. April 28–May 1. pebblebeachfoodandwine.com

AND

THROUGH

31ST. AFTER HAVING BROUGHT YOU WONDERFUL INTERIOR FURNISHINGS FOR THE PAST 34 YEARS WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE OUR FIRST COLLECTION OF OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS. CONSISTENT WITH OUR PHILOSOPHY OF WORKING WITH SMALL, FAMILY OWNED COMPANIES, OUR COLLECTION IS FROM ALABAMA!

CLASSIC CARMEL

Hats off to the Hofsas House —a boutique family-owned inn within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and shops of Carmel-by-the-Sea—for 60 years of hospitality. Donna and Fred Hofsas purchased four cottages back in 1947, lived in one and eventually started to rent the others as guest rooms. Over the years they’ve added amenities and units to bring the present total to 38 rooms, each with fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and now wireless access. One signature feature, Dutch doors in every room, provides not only “a European touch,” says Hofsas granddaughter and hotel manager Carrie Theis, but a pleasant “cool coastal breeze.” Theis loves telling guests about the family history of the place: “I have so much pride in what we do and how we are keeping the family legacy going,” she says. “Doris Theis, my mother, does all the decorating, and my brother, Scott Theis, is a certified engineer, so he is in charge of building maintenance. I even employed my son at the front desk for a summer.” $145 to $275, hofsashouse.com

A HEALTHY MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

HKEEPIN’ IT GREEN

Celebrate Earth Day throughout April with the famously sustainable, LEED-certified Orchard Hotel’s “Get Real” package, which includes San Francisco’s newest eco-friendly tour. Guide and city native Chris Courtney promises his informational tidbits will intrigue locals and visitors alike. “I bring people on tours who have played tour guide to their family and friends for years—and they always tell me they have learned something new,” he says. The group of 10-orfewer people traverses the city mostly on foot but also by cable car, light rail and city bus—all of which are zero-emission or biodiesel-fueled. The two-night deal includes deluxe accommodations in the Union Square–area hotel, daily buffet breakfast for two, and two tickets for the Real S.F. Tour. $399, theorchardhotel.com

RETRO PERSPECTIVE

With the free time-travel iPhone app Time Shutter San Francisco, users photograph landmarks and buildings, then overlay their snapshots with vintage images showing what the location looked like a century ago. Versions for other cities are in the works— next stop, New York.

ead to the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino for a “Wellness Weekend” May 13 to 15. Along with two nights lakeside accommodations, guests can attend presentations by health-and-beauty mavens like Marilyn Jaeger of Marilyn Jaeger Skincare, daily fitness classes including ballet/ Pilates–inspired Balletone classes with former Russian competitive gymnast Alyona Aikina, bellydancing classes and yoga sessions with a top San Francisco instructor. But it’s not all hard work; you also get a $100 spa credit, wine tasting and a wellness breakfast delivered to your room. $499 per person ($649 double occupancy), laketahoe.hyatt.com

spring awakening

Embrace the season with these essential beach pieces

The five ideal warmer-weather accessories that should be in any surfside arsenal include everything from a faux glow without the ill effects of sun worshipping to this month’s must-have swimsuit. —SOMER FLAHERTY

1. Larénim natural mineral bronzer, available at Pharmaca (Mill Valley). 415.388.7822, larenim.com

2. Trina Turk bathing suit, available at Nordstrom (Corte Madera). 415.927.1690, trinaturk.com 3. Beach tote bag by Pottery Barn Teen, available by order at Pottery Barn (Corte Madera). 415.924.1391, pbteen.com 4. Rosa Arctica cream, which regenerates the skin using the Haberlea rhodopensis flower, available at Kiehl’s (Corte Madera). 415.945.9954, kiehls.com 5. Oren deck towel, which doesn’t hold sand and is faster-drying than traditional cotton beach towels, is made in Marin and available at Gravel and Gold (S.F.). 415.552.0112, decktowel.com

Our covers.

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.

Holland Reynolds

Last winter, Holland Reynolds, a San Francisco high school junior and cross-country runner, found herself in the middle of a media frenzy when she collapsed during a race at a state meet in Fresno and then literally crawled to the finish line. At the time, she thought if she didn’t cross the finish line, the team would lose its first-place championship position and hence dampen the winning streak of coach Jim Tracy. Tracy, who holds the most state championship titles of any high school team coach, was diagnosed last June with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. As viewed by thousands on YouTube and millions on Good Morning America, Reynolds made it across the finish line and was whisked away to safety. Reynolds, who like most 16-year-olds would rather blend in than be scrutinized by strangers, admits the attention got to be a bit too much. But, she says, “The press helped me spread awareness [about] Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

The first link on Google for “Holland Reynolds” is from The New York Times. Do you realize what a big deal that is? All the attention of radio shows, news channels and newspapers came at me extremely fast, which didn’t allow me time to process what had actually happened. But now, looking back on the experience, I wish I had taken a moment to appreciate what was happening.

What do you think makes Jim Tracy such an inspirational coach? He is honest and humorous and because of this all his runners do their best to make him happy. He will always tell you the truth— something very valuable in sports. We all train as hard as we can and race as hard as we can just for a simple “well done” from Jim. Once this happens, you know you’ve done well in his eyes—and you know it’s true, coming from Jim.

When did you start running? I started running in third grade for my elementary school’s cross-country team. With my mom’s

encouragement, I continued running through eighth grade. However, it wasn’t until high school that I really began to enjoy it.

Do you have a favorite trail run in Marin? Tennessee Valley, to the beach and back.

Do you like to run alone or with a buddy? I love to run with anyone on my team!

What have you learned from this experience? Although [it sounds] pretty cheesy, I truly believe now [it’s important] to never give up, because persevering can result in fabulous experiences.

What have you learned by being on a running team? Although no one ever thinks of cross-country as being a particularly “team-oriented” sport, through being on a running team I have learned to truly depend upon teammates in order to achieve success. Even when I did not have the race I was expecting, my teammates fought through and won the state title.

Do you think being involved in a sport has helped you as a student? I find that I manage my time much better when I am in season and get my homework done in a more efficient manner. Out of season, I have too much time to waste and don’t get my homework done as quickly.

Do you plan on running in college? Do you know where you’d like to go? I would very much like to run in college; however, it’s a bit early in the process to know where I want to go. I’m thinking I’d like to stay on the West Coast.

Favorite restaurant in Marin? The Buckeye.

What is your favorite lazy-day activity?

When I have a good book to read, lazy days are spent on the couch reading as much as I can. Otherwise, I catch up on TV shows.

3 ways into

the

bay

BY MIMI TOWLE

Considering our county is surrounded by water, many of us get a visual of the shoreline every day. And aren’t we lucky, as research shows such beautiful views have their positive mood-lifting effects. But for those who are ready to up the ante, the bay offers plenty of opportunities for physical exercise, from the newly popular stand-up paddleboarding to the ancient sport of sailing. As daylight saving time kicks in, we’re taking inspiration from these three local water sports enthusiasts, who share with us their versions of aquatic paradise.

1A LIFE IN SAILS

It was the freedom and independence of sailing that first hooked Seadon Wijsen, an eight-time national champion, on the sport. As the middle child in his family, he became his dad’s default boating buddy and never looked back. “I liked sailing early on, because I was respected more like an adult when I knew how to sail,” he recalls, “which is a nice feeling to have when you’re a kid.”

Wijsen gained further confidence and experience as a preteen crewing on racing boats and skippering his own El Toro, an eight-foot dinghy, on which he secured his first of many trophies in a regatta at Lake Merritt. He kept sailing in college as a top skipper on the UC Berkeley sailing team and continued to race regularly, including five Transpacs (S.F. to Hawaii) as well as international competitions in Asia, New Zealand and Europe. He has also worked in the sailing industry for the past two decades, most recently as a sales and marketing manager for North Sails in Sausalito. These

PHOTO BY RIEN VAN RIJTHOVEN

Seadon Wijsen and boat owner Michael Diepenbrock sail to their first-in-class victory (division one) after a six-hour race in the 2010 double-handed Farallones race. below: Colleen Coyle coming into shore. right: Jean Rathe enjoys the bay with his two children near Bluerush Boardsports in Sausalito.

days, rarely does a week go by without Wijsen getting on a boat, whether to practice for a race or just enjoy the day with Andrea, his wife.

“It is not always easy to just get out on a boat if you don’t know someone who sails,” Wijsen acknowledges. “It really is about networking. There are always a number of boat owners looking for crew here in S.F., whether for day-sailing or racing.” He suggests checking local yacht club websites or resources like the national magazine Latitude 38, published in Mill Valley. For those needing to learn the ropes (or sheets), he highly recommends the local sailing schools. “There are a lot of good schools and youth programs here in the San Francisco Bay Area that offer boats for charter after [you pass] certain skill levels, as well as yacht clubs that feature winter or summer evening racing series, in which the competitors are looking for crew.”

HOW TO GET STARTED: Modern

Sailing School and Club, 415.331.8250, Sausalito, modernsailing.com Marin Sailing School, marinsailingschool.com Club Nautique, 415.332.8001, Sausalito, clubnautique.net

San Francisco Yacht Club, Belvedere, 415.435.9133, sfyc.org Tiburon Yacht Club, 415.789.9294, Tiburon (Paradise Cay), tyc.org Sausalito Yacht Club, 415.332.7400, sausalitoyachtclub.org

2NEED FOR SPEED

While colorful windsurfers have dotted the bay for a few decades, in recent years pink, orange and blue kites have joined the nylon parade. One of those red sails belongs to Colleen Coyle, who works in Larkspur as a mortgage broker with Bank of America, somewhat close to a popular windsurfing spot. Coyle started windsurfing back when she lived in Chicago but converted to kite surfing after moving to the Bay Area about three years ago. “Kiting and windsurfing the bay is

so scenic and beautiful,” she says. “You just hear the wind and the water under you, and the occasional foghorn. It’s tranquil and exciting at the same time. It constantly reminds me that life is pretty darn good.” While both activities “are individual sports—[it’s] just you and your board— it’s extremely communal activity, as everyone on the water is enjoying the wind together,” she says. “Even if you are just waiting for wind, people are on the beach together and sharing all the details of their last great session.”

She also appreciates the exercise and the challenge of mastering new moves. “Once you get the basics down, you can quickly progress to learn jumps, tricks, wave riding or racing and push yourself to the next level.” Coyle tries to get on the water every weekend in the summer and also on weekdays if wind and workload allow. “The great thing about the Bay Area is that it’s always windy somewhere,” she notes. “It depends on the wind and what type of riding you want. Crissy [Field] is the most scenic, Third Avenue [South Bay] is more consistent wind, Alameda is great for learning, Wadell down in Santa Cruz area has great waves, and Ocean Beach can be pretty exciting, but unforgiving, so you need to know what you’re doing out there.” Coyle advises always going with a buddy. “Admittedly, the sport can be a bit intimidating at first, so it’s good to have some moral support and someone to watch out for you.”

HOW TO GET STARTED: Boardsports School and Shop, 415.385.1224, boardsportsschool.com The Delta Windsurf and Watersports Company, 916.777.2299, deltawindsurf.com Saint Francis Yacht club, 415.563.6363, stfyc.com Live2Kite, 415.924.9463, live2kite.com

SURF’S UP

Riding the wave of the standup paddleboarding (SUP) craze, Stephen Pugh opened Bluerush Boardsports in Sausalito last April. The surfer and real estate broker figured the timing and location were right. “What better place to open a SUP business than Marin, with its incredible bodies of water to support the world’s fastest-growing water sport?” he rhetorically inquires. While many folks paddleboard in the ocean, including off Stinson and Bolinas, Pugh enjoys the water right near his shop. “The SUP rides on Richardson Bay are awesome,” he notes. “You can check out the houseboats and marinas while the seals are checking out you. Going north, you can cruise up to East Blithedale in Mill Valley at high tide or past the homes along Strawberry Spit. Going south, you can enjoy the Sausalito shoreline all the way up to the Golden Gate Bridge.”

The sport is a family affair: Pugh’s wife, Ravee, and seven-year-old daughter, Jiji, are also on board. Jiji just won her first paddleboarding race, which happened to be in one of the Bluerush Boardsports–sponsored competitions. Pugh holds semi-regular races based in Sausalito that attract SUP-ers from around the state. Besides for the community and competitive fun, Pugh says he paddles for pleasure, fitness and peace of mind: “It feels special, [and] at the same time I know I’m getting a great workout.”

HOW TO GET STARTED: Bluerush Boardsports, 415.339.9112, Sausalito, bluerushboardsports.com Sea Trek, 415.332.8494, Sausalito, seatrek.com ProofLab, 415.380.8900, Mill Valley, prooflab .com Outback Adventures, 415.461.2222, Corte Madera, outbackadventures.com

Planning is power.

A TRULY COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLAN IS A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL THING.

What exactly is financial planning, anyway? The term has been used in so many different ways that it’s basically lost its meaning. But the practice of in-depth, personal financial planning—as rare as it may have become—is a game-changer.

Financial planning is not a commodity. It’s a specialty. In its pure form, it allows you to maximize the potential of your assets and live life on your own personal terms. The experience should be creative, liberating and empowering.

To read our “executive brief” on financial planning, go to privateocean.com/power.

Sarah Wotherspoon, MS, CFP®, is an advisor at Private Ocean and chair of the financial planning committee.

GREEN TO THE EXTREME

Point Reyes Station has California’s fi rst Passive Home built from the ground up

BY JIM WOOD

From the outside, it’s nothing special. It’s yellow, small and box-like. However, inside it’s comfy and cozy: the temperature is a constant 74 degrees, there’s plenty of hot water, and the air is fresh and clean. “This is the first Passive House in California to be built from the ground up,” says San Anselmo architect James Bill, of Zero Impact Architecture, or ZIA. “At most, its utility costs are 10 percent of a normal bill.” A Passive House, explains Bill, retains heat so well that heat generated from humans, lightbulbs and appliances negates the need for a furnace. “This house is so insulated and airtight that 540 watts of energy keeps it warm in winter,” he adds. “That’s less energy than a small hair dryer consumes at half speed.”

Not only is this home an energy miser, it’s also affordable. Located on Shoreline Highway in Point Reyes Station, the home was developed by the Community Land Trust Association of West Marin, or CLAM. “We developed the property for low-income families working in West Marin,” says CLAM’s executive director, Sam Grant. “We have invested $800,000 in the land, the new Passive House, and a second unit that was remodeled to Passive House standards.”

Four solar hot water panels provide 90 percent of the home’s water heating needs.

A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) “strips” heat off outgoing stale air and adds it to incoming fresh air.

Fifty percent less wall framing allows for more insulation and less heat conduction.

High-performance windows complement the insulation and airtightness of the home.

Half that amount, adds Grant, came from individuals living in West Marin. The rest came from grants, reserves and small donations. The 750-square-foot Passive House rents for $925 a month to a young couple who had their first child the day after moving in. She is a waitress in Point Reyes Station; he is a cook in nearby Olema. CLAM’s goal is to create 50 units of affordable passive housing in West Marin by 2025.

In Germany currently there are over 20,000 Passive Houses, built under the PassivHaus low-energy building system. “There are three

A Passive House, according to architect James Bill, retains heat so well that heat generated from humans, lightbulbs and appliances negates the need for a furnace.

elements to Passive House strategy,” says Bill. “The first is insulation, not only in the walls and roof, but under the slab as well.” Also important, he says, is airtightness. “This home is four times tighter than what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers energy efficient,” he adds. A third element is called heat recovery ventilation. “With a heat recovery ventilator, incoming and outgoing air streams pass by each other, and the hotter one gives heat to the cooler airflow,” Bill says. “Thus, in winter, almost all the heat of the outgoing, or exhausted, air is transferred to incoming air. And in summer, the opposite is true, which keeps the home cooler.”

Constructing California’s first Passive House involved numerous volunteers as well as dozens of tradespeople who worked at well below their normal contract rates. “There wasn’t anything big and fancy about this project; the end result was a super-low-energy home that’s good for the planet … and good for the community,” concludes its contractor, Terry Nordbye of Inverness. “”It really changed my life—I want to do more homes just like it.”

James E. Demmert, Managing Partner

From Beijing to San Francisco Bay, this Corte Madera architect has shaped—and is shaping—spaces that inspire

BY JIM WOOD

CRAIG HARTMAN

During breakfast on a rainy Saturday morning, architect Craig Hartman reviews the projects he has undertaken since 1993. “There’s SFO’s International Terminal; the St. Regis Hotel and Residences in San Francisco; the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland; the new U.S. Embassy in Beijing; and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s building in Guangzhou,” he says without a hint of boasting. “Oh, and Beijing’s ‘Financial Street,’ a 15-million-square-foot, mixed-use development that’s China’s equivalent of our Wall Street.”

Hartman is an architecture and design partner in the San Francisco office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Not included on his aforementioned roster of projects are the ones he

is currently involved with. This includes the master planning of the redevelopment of Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay; a similar effort involving San Francisco’s massive Parkmerced apartment complex; a new state courthouse in Ukiah, California; the two-million-square-foot Agricultural Bank and a new U.S. Consulate, both in Guangzhou, China; an inter-modal transportation center on the outskirts of Shanghai that will handle one million commuters a day; 350 Mission Street, a new highly sustainable highrise at Fremont and Mission streets near the Embarcadero in San Francisco; and a 1,000-foothigh office tower in China’s coastal city of Fuzhou. The latter two mentions cause Hartman to reflect: “In San Francisco, our tallest buildings are less than 1,000 feet high,” he says, “but

in China, that’s just another building.” Which is just one of several U.S.-China comparisons the 61-year-old Corte Madera resident makes during an engaging two-hour conversation.

Hartman has been with SOM since graduating from Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning in 1973. After working in Chicago; Washington, D.C.; and Houston, he became a design partner in SOM’s San Francisco office in 1990 and moved to Marin in 1995. In 2001, Hartman became the youngest recipient of the Maybeck Lifetime Achievement Award given out by the California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. This is one of more than 100 awards Hartman has received for his work. Even the Pope has recognized Hartman: during the dedication ceremony for

the Cathedral of Christ the Light in September 2008, the Vatican’s Knighthood for Service to Society was bestowed upon Hartman by Pope Benedictus XVI.

Hartman and his wife, Jan O’Brien, moved to Marin because of its excellent schools, and their children, Kelsey and Travis, are attending Smith College and the University of Oregon, respectively, after graduating from Redwood High.

After 10 years of working in both nations, what comparisons can be drawn between the U.S. and China? In Beijing, I remember being stuck in traffic going to the airport. We were just sitting there. Then suddenly a high-speed rail line whooshes passed us, and I thought, “Oh man, there’s a metaphor for where China is compared to the Western world. We are stuck in our cars in traffic while being surpassed by the new China. As far as the two nations go, they both have bureaucracies but of different types. Democracy has many nuances; it’s a more deliberate process. Every voice is heard and equally weighed.

For instance, in the Parkmerced project, over the past two years more than 200 meetings have been held before any work commenced. Another example—New York City’s Second Avenue subway—has taken nine years and $4.4 billion to complete, and it’s only about a mile and a half long. In Guangzhou, China, they construct 30 miles of subway in less than a year. Still another example: the new eastern span of our Bay Bridge is a major construction project that’s costing over $6 billion and taking over a decade to complete. In today’s China, it would be a minor event and completed in a tenth of the time.

However, taking a long time is not necessarily a bad thing. When things are done quickly, mistakes get made. It’s a trade-off. Finally, two things must be realized about China: contrary to what one might think, they are very environmentally focused. They chose to build their economy, and now they are aggressively working to clean up their environment while rebuilding their cities. They are doing that now; their buildings are virtually leapfrogging those in America in regard to conserving energy and promoting a sustainable planet. And finally, I’ll say this about the leadership in China: for better

or worse, the people we work with—and many if not most speak English—are from the professional class. Many have been educated as scientists and engineers, and they are very focused on accommodating this tremendous growth. They are politicians, of course, but they are also enlightened pragmatists. A government official told me at dinner last year that with free markets democracy will follow. Perhaps those were just the words of a skilled politician, meant to entertain his American guest. But what a wonderful outcome that would be!

Coming back home, Treasure Island sits in the middle of the San Francisco Bay Area— what’s going on there? It’s a joint powers redevelopment project, Treasure Island Development Agency, or TIDA, involving San Francisco; the state; and developers including Lennar Urban, Kenwood Investments and Wilson Meany Sullivan—the people who did the restoration and cultural repositioning of the Ferry Building. They are all extremely creative people. An environmental impact report has been issued, and public comments are now being received. Approval of a master plan could come in May with work starting within the year. Initially, a lot of that will relate to infrastructure, such as soil stabilization and removing asphalt and concrete, so actual construction won’t start for some time.

The proposal for the 400-acre island calls for up to 8,000 housing units and 300 acres of protected open space in the form of wetlands, bird sanctuaries, tidal basins and even farmlands. Regarding housing, it will be dense in order to allow for open space and socially animated, walkable neighborhoods. A newly built ferry terminal will be no more than a 10-minute walk from housing. This density is what it will take to support island-wide retail, produce and recreational amenities. A goal is to make it easy for residents to live car-free. The role of master architect and planner for this project has been a great privilege, especially given the opportunity to collaborate with so many passionate and creative people from the development side, the city, the Citizen’s Advisory Board and many, many Bay Area design colleagues.

Treasure Island has considerable history— will all that be destroyed? No. In 1937, the island was created from tidelands and fill taken from Yerba Buena Island while tunneling for the Bay Bridge. At first, it was going to be a municipal airport; then in 1939, it was the site of the Golden Gate International Exposition. The historically important remaining buildings will be retrofitted and saved. Everyone involved with Treasure Island is dedicated to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly community that reflects the existing culture of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

As a world-renowned designer and planner, how would you plan (or re-plan) Marin County? First, I would get the SMART train in action—run it all the way from northern Sonoma County to the Larkspur ferry landing. I’d have the bike and pedestrian path running right alongside it. The sooner that’s done, the better. As I see it, SMART will become an alternative to using our cars on the 101 Freeway. Next, I would advocate “containment of development,” the position of the Greenbelt Alliance, a Bay Area organization I admire very much and would urge readers to join. This doesn’t mean no development. Rather, when and where development occurs, it is located within certain boundaries. This way, we maintain our open space and curtail sprawl. Yes, it does mean greater density. Then we connect our cities, towns and villages with hiking and biking trails. And yes, that means I support re-opening the old Alto Tunnel between Mill Valley and Corte Madera. Neighbors say this might attract a “bad element.” Give me a break—bicyclists a bad element?

Also, Marin must never again allow building on the top of a hill or ridgeline. Finally, and this will probably get me ostracized in Marin, I’d like to go back to the 1960s and have BART come into the North Bay. I’d like to see it going right alongside 101—anything to get us out of our cars. I’d also like to see our towns become more walkable, compact and socially vibrant places. And wouldn’t it be great if everything were interconnected by frequent and dependable electric shuttle buses?

NO PLACE LIKE HOME Novato’s affordable housing debate is a preview of

what’s coming for all of Marin

BY NATE SELTENRICH ■ PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

PRO Katie Crecelius, Novato Housing Coalition:

“If you want to make the argument that there should be no multi-unit housing in Novato, the only thing you can start doing is building on the greenbelt.”

THE CITY OF NOVATO NEVER SAW IT COMING. A simple mass mailing to property owners last June ignited a controversy whose reverberations still echo today—and likely will for years to come. The best of intentions brought out the worst in some residents: intimidation, name-calling, heckling and scaremongering. It happened in city council meetings, web forums and even the quiet streets of upscale neighborhoods.

The culprit? Affordable housing—a concept that may sound benignly civic-minded but proved to be fraught with conflict. The fuse ignited when Novato selected 13 sites for rezoning to accommodate up to 30 units per acre of new housing for the elderly, the disabled and low- to moderate-income families who meet state requirements. Some parcels held stores, others churches; some were ranchland and some vacant.

As soon as the city informed nearby residents, things got nasty. Community groups formed to oppose what they called high-density housing. Fears of higher crime and lower property values ran rampant. Elected officials and city staff were besieged with complaints. Meetings of the city council and planning commission became hostile territory as neighbors turned against neighbors, showing up in force to advocate their views and shout down others’.

“The housing list we released was a mistake, and it really threw a match into dry grass,” says Michael Frank, Novato’s city manager. “The communities reacted very strongly and organized against it very, very quickly. It really pitted certain elements of our community against other elements.”

The first days of the debate were categorized by “a lot of fear and a lot of anger and a lot of distrust,” he says. Yet nearly a year later, the issue is unresolved and many of the same feelings remain.

As bad as things got, Novato’s dilemma may soon become more of a rule than an exception. Marin has one of the least affordable housing markets in the country, presenting a significant hurdle to blue-collar workers, retirees and first-time home buyers—and many community and philanthropic organizations have made it their mission to help. The Marin Community Foundation, for example, recently committed $10 million to the cause on top of $35 million it has already spent. So although there’s interest in dealing with the issue, the question of what types of housing to build—and where—promises to be a recurring, often inflammatory topic in cities throughout the county. Of Marin’s 11 jurisdictions, only Belvedere now operates under a state-approved housing plan.

“I don’t think any of the supervisors have illusions that they’re not going to start having problems when they look at this,” says Supervisor Judy Arnold, whose district includes Novato. “I think it will be an issue countywide.”

For now, all eyes are on Novato, which today has 27 affordable housing developments holding more than 1,600 units. Eight are set aside for the elderly and 10 are for people with disabilities. About one third are owner occupied, the remainder rented.

California’s affordable housing law dates back to 1969. In the Bay Area, it’s administered by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), which every seven years assigns new affordability quotas to cities and counties that they must meet by first developing a detailed plan called a housing element. The current cycle ends in 2014. By then, Novato must build or have in the works 275 additional units of verylow-income housing, a category in which residents cannot make more than 50 percent of a city’s median income. (In Novato, the median income is $99,400 a year for a family of four.) The city must also come

up with 171 low-income units for residents making between 51 and 80 percent of the median and another 221 moderate-income units for residents making between 81 and 120 percent of the median.

The debate over how to meet the quotas in Novato involves aspects of city planning and land use that only a policy wonk could love. The issue touches a public nerve when it’s boiled down to a pair of simple questions: Where is the housing going to be? And who is going to live in it?

Changing City

Since its days as a Marin outpost at the terminus of Highway 101, Novato has matured into an increasingly cosmopolitan city where not

everyone can afford a home with a white picket fence. Many longtime residents still cherish the town’s Norman Rockwell roots, but Novato’s demographics are shifting dramatically. The city added 4,300 people between 2000 and 2010, reaching a total of 52,000. In that period, the Asian population grew by about a third (to 3 percent), blacks grew by half (to 6 percent), and Hispanics grew by 75 percent (to 21 percent), according to census data.

With the changing population mix, some residents suggest that Novato is becoming precisely the sort of place they once left behind and think more affordable housing would only accelerate the trend. On a Facebook page entitled “KEEP NOVATO’S CHARM! No to Additional Affordable Housing!” a Novato mother left this comment in June: “Our family didn’t leave San Francisco and move to Novato 16 years ago just to have ‘low-income housing’ move into our neighborhood yet again … All it did there was bring the crime rate up, Way Up … We’re not moving again … We’re here to stay … NO AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NOVATO … Enough is enough!!”

And in January, a Novato lawyer commented on a story about the housing issue published by NovatoPatch, a digital news site: “Just say NO to welfare/felon housing. Tell the *&%# city council to cram ‘affordable housing’ down Sacramento’s throat, not ours.”

Some affordable housing proponents suggest that such heated rhetoric is influenced by a topic no one really wants to address: race. “There have been offensive things said, things that I understood to be fairly blatantly racist comments,” says Carolyn Placente, one of only two minorities on the city’s affordable housing committee. “[Things such as] ‘We don’t want another Marin City,’ or ‘We don’t need another Hamilton,’ or ‘We don’t need another Vallejo.’ ” The thinly veiled implication, she says, is that affordable housing will bring more poor blacks and Hispanics to Novato.

What the Numbers Say

The concern that new affordable housing will draw residents from outside the region appears unfounded, at least according to a 2008 county survey that determined that 90 percent of non-senior affordable housing residents had lived elsewhere in Marin prior to moving.

“There’s sort of a myth about bringing in outsiders,” says Marla Fields, vice president of affordable housing advocacy group Sustainable Novato and another member of the housing committee. “It’s easy to imagine the worst-case scenario.”

In January, a gang-related shooting in the Hamilton area, where affordable housing complexes are mixed among single-family homes,

PRO

Marla Fields, Sustainable Novato: “There's a myth about bringing in outsiders … It's easy to make associations that aren't necessarily valid.”

CON Pam Drew, Novato Community Alliance: “This would have represented the possibility of a major intensification of the population in that area … the future of Novato is surely at stake.”

exacerbated assumptions that affordable housing and crime are linked— even though one of the suspects was later found to live in market-rate housing in San Marin, one of Novato’s more upscale neighborhoods.

“Any time there are sensational events like that, it does fan the flames of fear,” says Fields. “It’s easy to make associations that aren’t necessarily valid.”

In fact, says City Manager Frank, claims about affordable housing complexes causing crime have little statistical basis. He points out that even though Novato has added 13 affordable housing developments with more than 1,200 units since 2003, crime levels are lower today than they were 20 years ago, falling 10 percent in the last year alone.

And according to Supervisor Arnold, Police Chief Joseph Kreins recently concluded that the city’s affordable housing developments have not been associated with significantly elevated crime rates. “But getting people to believe that is not easy,” she says.

One of the nonbelievers is Harry Lehmann, a local attorney who cofounded Citizens for Balanced Housing, which opposes what he labels affordable housing “projects.”

“When you segregate people off, when you start treating people like it’s OK to crowd them all together, then you have bad results time and time again,” he says, citing inner-city “hopelessness” in places like Memphis, San Francisco and Detroit—and suggesting that Novato could be next.

Lehmann wants affordable housing to be blended into existing housing stock. State laws demand new construction to satisfy housing quotas, but Lehmann advocates for employing existing housing: in-law units, second units, single-family homes—anything that spreads people around. “We need a real mixture between the people who are in disadvantaged categories and more advantaged categories,” he says. “We just don’t want high-density, low-income housing. We think it’s segregationist, and it doesn’t work.”

Density or Dispersion?

The outburst of opposition to the city’s initial list of 13 affordable housing sites, which were mostly multi-acre parcels, had a notable impact. In response to concerns that the sites were too concentrated—eight were located along a quarter-mile stretch of busy Novato Boulevard between Wilson Avenue and McClay Road and would have contained hundreds of units—city staff developed a lengthier list of nearly 200 sites, including some of the original 13, that are more dispersed throughout the city. The cluster of original sites along Novato Boulevard, an area where no

general affordable housing exists today, led to the creation of the Novato Community Alliance.

“This would’ve represented the possibility of a major intensification of the population in that area,” says chairwoman Pam Drew, a math teacher who lives a block from the Novato Square, an aging shopping center listed as one of the sites. “It set off a lot of alarm bells among people.”

Drew helped gather 1,100 signatures on a petition in November calling for the city council to ban 30-unit-per-acre developments, which she believes are too dense for Novato’s small-town character. Lower densities distributed more evenly throughout the community, she argues, would be less likely to contribute to crime and reduce property values. “The future of Novato is surely at stake,” Drew says.

GETTING INVOLVED

Katie Crecelius, policy director of the affordable housing advocacy group Novato Housing Coalition, is wary of such sweeping sentiments. Well-designed two- and three-story buildings zoned at 20 to 30 units an acre are not only acceptable, she says, but necessary. “If you want to make the argument that there should be no multi-unit housing in Novato,” she says, “the only thing you can start doing is building on the greenbelt.”

The Novato City Manager’s Working Group on Housing meets April 13 and 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Hamilton Community Center, 503 South Palm Drive, Novato.

To dig deeper into the affordable housing issue in Marin County, you can visit a host of websites (pro and con)—such as the City Manager’s Working Group, Novato Community Alliance, and Citizens for Balanced Housing.

You’ll find the direct links for these and more at marinmagazine.com/ housing

An example of 30-unitper-acre housing that advocates say works well is the prosaically named northern

Novato complexes Nova Rows I, II and III, which together hold 126 units. Developed by the Rotary Club of Novato between 1975 and 2003 for seniors making less than half of the median income, they are widely regarded as a success. Even Harry Lehmann deems them “stellar.”

The Next Steps

The incandescent public wrangling of last summer has cooled somewhat, but the emotional and political divides over how to solve Novato’s housing dilemma remain unbridged. City Manager Frank’s committee, formed in October to help defuse the issue by bringing all sides together in a fact-oriented environment, still meets twice monthly (guided by the firm hand of a hired moderator). Its 21 members were selected to represent all points of view, although none live in affordable or senior housing.

By May, the committee is supposed to devise a list of viable affordable housing sites that meets state requirements and addresses citizen concerns. Frank will use that conclusion as the basis for a new draft housing element for the city council to consider. Ideally, the state will certify the plan and Novato will earn some breathing room—at least until a new cycle of state housing mandates begins in 2014.

Despite all the rhetoric still swirling around town, housing advocate Fields maintains hope for a well-reasoned solution that will meet Novato’s needs without sacrificing its charm.

“The opposition groups are good people, and they’re doing what they think is best for the community,” she says. “The truth is they have the same goals that we do.”

Moderator Susan Sherry leads a meeting of Novato's Housing Working Group.

Deam’s Dream

The house that inspired Dwell

BY P. J. BREMIER

PHOTOS BARBARA RIES

Floor-to-ceiling windows connect the indoors to the back patio, visually opening up the interiors. RIGHT TOP : Limited windows in the home’s front exterior provide both visual and acoustic privacy from the street. BOTTOM : The homeowners, Lara Hedberg Deam and Christopher C. Deam.

It was

just a “shotgun shack

that needed some serious love,” Lara Hedberg Deam says of the downtown Mill Valley house she purchased in 1994. The native Midwesterner and future founder and publisher of Dwell magazine had only recently relocated to the Bay Area when she stumbled across the modest house tucked away from the road with a fortuitous “For Sale” sign out front.

Even though she couldn’t yet articulate her vision for the redesign of her new home (“I was exploring timelessness,” she says), she loved the site and the locale. “Chill Valley,” she says with a chuckle. “Mount Tam, the proximity to the ocean and the small-town feel—it all had a great appeal to me.”

So, while local architect Bob Hatfield brought the house back to livability, Hedberg Deam took design classes to better equip herself to discuss concepts with him, and promptly “fell in love with the optimism of modern design and architecture.”

Her newly discovered passion lacked promotion, though, and thus began her mission of giving voice to the modern aesthetic and, ultimately, the genesis of Dwell

Now in its 10th year, the publication is thriving, she says, with an “impassioned” group of 325,000 subscribers, a community-centered website, an active Twitter following, two licensing agreements for architectural designs and the popular Dwell on Design expos. On April 30 and May 1, the first Dwell+Marin Modern Home Tour—a partnership between Dwell and Marin Magazine—featuring 10 homes including hers, will take place.

“The tour will look at design that you can imagine seeing in the magazine, but seeing it in person is even more inspiring,” she says. “Visitors will see everything from a houseboat in Sausalito to a Stanley Saitowitz–designed home in San Anselmo.”

Hedberg Deam’s own home has been entirely remodeled since she first moved in, but this time it was the result of a collaboration between the publisher and her husband of 10 years, architect Christopher C. Deam. Deam is the founder of CCD, an innovative interdisciplinary studio that takes on projects ranging from furniture design for Herman Miller to trailers for Airstream and custom residential homes.

By cleverly repositioning the kitchen in the rear of the residence and downsizing the living area, the couple was able to add an intimate family room but still maintain the original footprint of the 3,000-squarefoot dwelling. "[The switch created] the one thing I really wanted: a small room to cozy up in [during] the evening,” Hedberg Deam confides. She and her husband both also wanted a sauna, a nod to their shared Swedish heritage and a comforting place to relax.

Incorporating these desires was part of the master plan. “We needed the space tailored to how we wanted to live: [one that was] better for entertaining and in which to work, and had a greater connection to the outdoors,” her husband points out.

The kitchen area—whose centerpiece is a table made from a reclaimed California walnut tree dressed with chairs made by Charles and Ray Eames—opens to both the kitchen and back patio.

left: Constructed of a Kevlar fiber and woven like macramé, then dipped in epoxy resin, the Knotted Chair was made by Marcel Wander, a Dutch designer and friend of the Deams’. They carried it back on the plane from Amerstam.

Connection to the outdoors was accomplished by the extensive use of glass, which serves as a fourth wall in a number of main spaces.

Connection to the outdoors was accomplished, to a great degree, by the extensive use of glass, which serves as a fourth wall in a number of main spaces. “We use the exterior as an extension of the interior,” he explains. “We wanted the landscape to feel more like a courtyard, and since we are on a confined lot our only view is up to the sky.”

Instead of blurring this transition, which would have been the easier choice, they chose to embrace it. They introduced a bold shock of chartreuse on an easy-to-swing door from the kitchen to the courtyard, fabricated by Sand Studios in San Francisco, which makes the entire area an exciting statement and both the kitchen and the garden intuitive destinations. Besides the door, the home’s other design strengths lie in its “trimless everything, the juxtaposition of materials and the color palette,” Deam believes.

The strict scheme of black and white—stained black cedarwood walls and existing cherrywood floors, and Carrara marble for the surfaces in the kitchen, powder room and master bath—makes the interior a natural backdrop for strategic punches of color and the couple’s collections of contemporary art and modern furnishings.

“We’ve been going to the Milan Furniture Fair for years,” Hedberg Deam says, searching for pieces that are casual but rigorous and innovative. “We really love the designs by the Bouroullec brothers; they have a great sense of scale and color. We have

top: A single photograph of a high-rise apartment building in Hong Kong by Michael Wolf sits above a Brionvega reissue music center originally designed by Achile Castiglioni in 1965. right and opposite: Distinctive chairs, complemented by just-the-right piece of art, add both style and function throughout the home. What does the couple look for in a chair? Its character (from casual to formal), form and innovation. “Most of our pieces are seminal designs that mark turning points in the evolution of design,” says Deam.

The strict scheme of black and white makes the interior a natural backdrop for strategic punches of color and the couple’s collections of contemporary art and modern furnishings.

Architecture and interior design:

CHRISTOPHER C. DEAM

Contractor:

D. V. RASMUSSEN & SON

Engineering:

ENGENIOUS STRUCTURES

Lighting:

CHRISTOPHER C. DEAM

Landscape: BLASEN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

their dove gray sofa from Ligne Roset and pink Vitra chairs in the living room.”

Downstairs, the children’s bedrooms are places where twins Macy and Cal are encouraged to explore their own design tastes. “They literally change their room around every month and, pretty much, their ideas are good,” their mother says with a laugh. “It’s a great idea for children to discover what works or doesn’t work for them.”

What seems to work for everyone is the kitchen.

“It’s the focal point of our domestic life,” Deam says.

“With the door wide open, we have a real fluid relation with the outdoors, each other and the house.”

Here, top-of-the-line appliances—Gaggenau in-counter steamer, Miele built-in espresso maker, Dacor warming drawer, Sub-Zero integrated refrig-

erator—along with the Tom Dixon Beat pendant lighting and the Eames for Herman Miller chairs, allow the clean lines and view to the courtyard to easily define the space.

The only subtle exception might be the 14foot dining island. Formed from a local reclaimed California walnut street tree, sourced from Arborica in West Marin, the slab creates a natural and gentle play between the interior and the outdoors.

It’s just one of the many sustainable options Deam specified for the house, including resource recovery, fly-ash concrete, engineered lumber, mulched denim insulation and non-VOC paint.

“I tried to use the best practices wherever possible,” Deam says. “But a big part of that story is the invisible reuse of what was already here.”

opposite top: Light fixtures from the Beat collection by Tom Dixon hang in the kitchen dining area. Deam chose them because “their shape is a nice counterpoint to the rectilinear kitchen, they have a great scale and the hammered interior of the shade has a handmade quality,” he says. opposite bottom: The kitchen table provides the perfect area for the family to gather. below : The master bedroom as seen from the patio.

continental

DRIFT

Mill Valley transplants find something familiar in the magic of Paris

by mary papenfuss

by tim porter

In the right light , the shadow of the Eiffel Tower looms like Mount Tamalpais against the green of the Champs de Mars. It’s not so unusual for some Paris residents to be reminded of the Marin mountain while they’re knocking around the French capital. Take William Martz, former publisher of the Englishlanguage Paris Magazine. He knows Mount Tam because it’s close to his Mill Valley home. What is unusual is that Martz is just one of a cadre of people with Mill Valley roots who have carved out an unmistakable niche in the City of Light. From artist to physics teacher to raconteur, each has experienced the mesmerizing alchemy of two apparently disparate towns that could be the most beautiful spots on the planet.

photos

Paris, Mon Amour

Ask Ken Varcoe what brings him from Mill Valley to Paris, and he’ll offer a characteristically California response: “Karma.”

Varcoe has a particularly intimate connection to Paris—he married a Parisienne. The former computer salesman met his wife, Josette, in 1987 on a flight to India when he was a single dad with two young sons. The couple started chatting and discovered they had the same guru. Now that the boys are long grown, the 60-something perennial truth-seeker spends close to eight months a year in Paris. His wife works as a psychotherapist, and he runs the Paris vacation rental operation that his spouse started in their Mill Valley home as a favor to friends.

As manager of Paris by Heart, Varcoe leases out city apartments owned by Yanks, Brits, Aussies and New Zealanders to their sojourning compatriots. But, truth be told, Varcoe prefers Mill Valley.

“We don’t really drink, and my wife’s a great cook—so we don’t go out to eat much here,” he says, sitting in a Montmartre coffee shop that could be a restaurant straight out of Amélie. “I’m American through and through and through—a Connecticut Yankee—and Mill Valley is the best of America,” he says, wistfully. “It’s beautiful; people greet you warmly and sincerely.”

Even his Parisian-to-the-bone wife is besotted with Marin and has several favorite haunts: Green Gulch, Muir Beach, Blackie’s Pasture, Sushi Ran and the Buckeye. Still, Varcoe spends months in Paris because he yearns to be at his wife’s side, and her blood still quickens to the strains of Edith Piaf. “You can take the girl out of Paris, but you can’t get Paris out of the girl,” he observes.

What’s the first thing he does when he’s back in Mill Valley? “I’m a creature of habit,” he says. “I head to La Coppa, the coffee shop on the square. I have my newspaper tucked under my arm, I sit down with my drink, and I’m set.” Is the Mill Valley coffee shop crowd curi-

ous about Paris? “They ask me what’s the best time to visit Paris.” He laughs. “I tell them: ‘After you’ve won the lotto.’ ”

The Other Left Bank

Gadabout and Jacques-of-many-trades Terrance Gelenter is talking like an American—loudly—and enjoying a favorite mid-afternoon French snack of potato chips with a Bordeaux chaser on a recent sunny afternoon. Contrary to stereotype, Parisians crowded around at Le Danton on the Left Bank (Paris, not Larkspur) smile warmly and banter with Gelenter when he jokes in French about the jammed tables or asks the waiter to pose for a photo.

“That’s what I love about Parisians,” he says. “They accept you for who you are—and I don’t have to edit myself.” Though Gelenter lived 17 years in Mill Valley and still keeps a toe in a pied-à-terre there, he’s beginning to feel more chez moi in Paris and more étranger in Mill Valley. “Seems like you need a child or a dog to fit in back there now,” he says.

JOURNEY

Gelenter raised his family in San Rafael and Mill Valley, working as a media buyer and a Spanish-language film reviewer under the pseudonym Guillermo Medina. Now, he has remade himself as an author and go-to guy for U.S. tourists and expats in Paris: he hosts periodic networking soirees featuring journalists and other speakers, leads daylong tours and market trips, arranges readings for visiting authors and plans to launch a retro film series. Gelenter first visited Paris as a young man and eventually became hooked. “It’s like being in love,” he says. “You can’t quite explain why, but everything in life is better. It’s how she makes you feel.”

When it comes to Marin, he yearns for an old Mill Valley that encapsulated the “best of hippiedom without the drugs,” but he still sees a profound connection between his two homes. “There’s a certain sensibility of people who have elected to live in Mill Valley that gives the town a very different face than the rest of the country,” he muses. The two towns might also be said to have a strain of hedonism in common, “and definitely an appreciation of food,” he adds. “The [custom] of eating healthy, seasonal, local food is very European; you go to the market and see what looks good.”

Walking is another avocation shared by flaneurs in both locations. Gelenter walks everywhere in Paris, and last time he was in Cascade Canyon he spent a pleasurable day “sucking in the oxygen.” His hand caresses a wineglass as he recalls the day, talking of the Mill Valley woods as if they’re just across the Seine.

Proustian Memories

It’s been 20 years since artist Karen Sheckler-Wilson moved to Paris. She eventually became a French citizen, but “my heart is in Mill Valley,” she says. “There are times when I smell eucalyptus, and my whole childhood comes rushing back to me.”

Sheckler-Wilson grew up above the Mill Valley Tennis Club, where she swam to near exhaustion on long summer days until her mom hung a beach towel from a railing on their Manor Hill home that she could spot from the pool. That was her signal to come home for dinner.

Mill Valley was a “sensual, stunningly beautiful town,” she notes, perfect for raising kids but cosmopolitan, too—a place where her Viennese mother and European friends felt welcome and comfortable. Her own favorite haunts? “Definitely Baskin-Robbins—it was far enough away that it was an adventure. And the library; that was a bike ride.”

Despite the fond memories, it was to Paris, where she had studied art, that Sheckler-Wilson chose to move with her husband, James, a composer, teacher and guitar player, to start a family and launch her design business. She felt safer in Europe. She has a touch of fear when she thinks of California, having lived in Mill Valley during the era of the Zodiac Killer. She remembers school drills when students were told to drop to the floor if bus tires popped, because the Zodiac had threatened to fire on school bus wheels, then shoot the children. Later, while she was studying art in Pasadena, the Hillside Strangler was

stalking women in Southern California. She never worried that stranglers would attack her two daughters in Paris. Still, the Bay Area reminds her of Europe in other ways.

“It’s visually stunning, and there’s something about it that’s very continental,” she says. “It’s the human scale, and the appreciation of beauty, food and culture. It’s exciting, but with a softer buzz.” She says she’ll likely stay abroad for the rest of her life, but “I want my ashes scattered under the Golden Gate.”

Stinson on the Seine

What do a student film festival, Mill Valley’s Scout Hall and the subject of physics all have in common? The answer is Laura Schupack, a 20year physics teacher and now film instructor at the American School of Paris. Growing up in the wilds of Blithedale Canyon, Schupack developed a love of hiking and movies in the early years of the Mill Valley Film Festival. “We set up folding chairs in Scout Hall and watched the films on a roll-up screen.”

Who knew that experience would lead the popular teacher to launch the European Student Film Festival, hosted for the first two years at the St. Cloud campus of the American School of Paris? This year, some of the best high school student films from around the world will be screened at the festival in Prague. “Filmmaking [here] was really a project spearheaded by students at the American School of Paris,” says Schupack. “I started the festival, invited experts from top film schools to speak and learned right along with the students.”

Schupack has no doubt that her formative years in Mill Valley, from toddler to Tam High grad, helped shape her interests and her future. Now, with a French husband and sons, she’s unlikely to ever move away from Paris, but she has a soft spot for her Marin hometown. “I loved being outdoors,” she recalls. “It was also an exciting time with the [cultural] flux of the ’60s and rock bands in the area like the Grateful Dead. Mill Valley had a special quirkiness. My mom raised ducks and chickens and rabbits (never to eat!) and that was OK with people because of that weirdness of Mill Valley.”

Schupack left Marin for Paris on a whim, planning to share an apartment with a college pal, after graduating with a science degree from Yale. She soon found a job teaching at the International School in Paris, advertised on a sticky-note on a church bulletin board. She returned briefly to Berkeley for grad school and eventually earned a doctorate at the Pasteur Institute in Paris—but was again lured from the lab to the classroom, this time at the American School.

The two cities are “so different,” she notes. “One is very urban, the other almost rural.” Still, she sees them as somehow kindred towns: “There’s a remarkable quality of life in both places, as well as respect for the art and an awareness of different cultures.” And while nothing quite surpasses the sight of the sun setting over the Seine, she says, “there are few places on the planet where you can walk out your door into the woods and hike to Stinson Beach.”

Mill Valley expats (clockwise from top left) William Martz, Ken Varcoe and Karen Sheckler-Wilson enjoy living in the City of Light.

Fast Water, Slow Living

A family heads into the Idaho wilderness and finds fun, excitement and plenty of peace

BY LISA SHANOWER

“THE DUCKIES ARE TOAST!” The yell —as loud, joyful and wild as the white water that surrounds us — comes from my 11-year-old son, Michael. A “duckie” is rafting lingo for an inflatable kayak, and as we enter the last bend in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in a paddle-boat ahead of the duckies and our take-out, Cache Bar, is in sight, I’m gripping my oar and holding my breath. Between us and the swirling eddy that will spin us safely to land towers a six-foot curl of churning water—the final and biggest yet class IV rapid in our six-day rafting trip in Idaho. We slip from the slick tongue of the rapid into the pull of its froth and paddle hard against the current, trusting—as we have all week—that the steady hand of guide Kate Stoddard (the daughter of a historic rafting family) will keep the rubber boat we are on off the rocks and out of the big holes. We clear easily, but Michael is so right—the few of the group brave enough to navigate duckies are flipped, flopped and flattened. Yep, toasted.

The Allure of Nature

Rivers contain all the ingredients for a perfect family vacation—cool water with sparkling stretches of stillness and heart-racing reaches of rapids; clean air fragrant with the scent of high desert sage and ponderosa pine; and canyons so deep and remote they make the wilderness within them seem infinite.

LEFT : The Middle Fork of the Salmon River winds through scenic pine-covered canyons with occasional rocky beaches, ideal places for restful interludes.

OPPOSITE : Boats at the Boundary Creek put-in are ready for launch.

Last summer I found all that and more when I traveled with Michael, family friend Jesse, and my partner, Robert, to Idaho, where we joined 16 other white-water fans for a journey down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Nearly 20 outfitters provide tours on the Middle Fork and the main Salmon. Keeping it local, we chose Middle River Fork Expeditions, a Sausalito company owned by James Ellsworth of Mill Valley. Ellsworth bought the company in 2007 after a decade of planning 50 expeditions a year for the big international guide company Sobek. Ellsworth and I took to each other immediately. We soon discovered our mutual passion for creating community and our belief that bringing people together in nature connects us with friends, family and fellow travelers. The natural world also gives us a chance to unplug from that other world we’re all so tethered to these days—the digital one of Blackberries and iThis and iThat.

Chef’s Choice Culinary Experience - Stay with us and taste the culinary inspiration of Chef Andrea Di Loreto during an enchanting encounter that includes a one night stay, wine-paired dinner for two with chef’s choice of a seasonal fourth course and a bottle of award-winning HKG Estate Russian River Valley wine.

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Chef’s Choice

One of my favorite moments on the trip happened before we’d ever set foot in the river. We were in Stanley, Idaho, the jumpoff spot for the two-hour bus ride to the Boundary Creek put-in on the Middle Fork. Those in our group were saying good-bye to their wired lives, locking cell phones in rental cars and sending last e-mails, posting final Facebook updates and making frantic calls to the office before, as Ellsworth calls it, going “off the grid” for a week.

For some of these folks, the anxiety over being unconnected was higher than what they would experience confronting one of the wildest rivers in North America. Still, Ellsworth says it only takes one day on the river for people to forget that wired world and embrace the rhythm of the wildlife around them, one lived in the moment with earth, family and the caprice of nature. He wants his clients to take some of that river consciousness with them when they eventually unlock those cell phones again. I certainly did.

The Making of Memories

We arrived at Boundary Creek excited by the adventure ahead. Our group—16 on the tour plus seven crew members—would ride the Middle Fork for 100 miles, descending 3,000 feet from put-in to take-out. Slathered in sunscreen, we lugged waterproof bags holding a few changes of clothes, headlamps, water and massive amounts of moisturizer down a short trail to our waiting flotilla of rafts. The kids and some older folks opted for the big oar boats, which the guides row. The more athletic— or at least we thought— among us jumped into

the guide-led, six-person paddle-boats. (The guides provided a quick lesson in the basics of navigating the rapids that awaited us, all Class IIs to IVs on a scale of six.)

As we moved downriver and our experience grew, so did the group’s derring-do, with the adrenaline junkies taking to the duckies. The Middle Fork was ready for us, though, serving up bigger and tougher rapids as each day passed. The farther we floated downriver, the deeper the canyon became, eventually narrowing to a 6,000-foot-deep slot whose imposing granite walls provided the perfect sounding board for the shouts of the rafters. Those in duckies were dumped into the foam in nearly every big rapid and were then plucked out of the river by the paddle-boat crews that awaited them.

For me, as a mom, experiencing the Middle Fork with my son and other children was satisfying beyond description. What a joy to see them express and test the boundaries of their independence. From day one, the preteen boys scouted their own campsite (as far as they could from ours) and pitched their own tent. At dawn, when the crew screamed “coffee,” the boys would break camp, pack up and meet us for a hot breakfast. On the river in the small rapids, they donned helmets and soloed in the duckies.

We jumped off rock cliffs into the waiting river, hiked trails to ancient petroglyphs from the Sheepeater Indians who called this land home and showered midday in flowing hot springs.

Lunch was more than a break for good, healthy food on a warm sandy beach. The stopping points gave the kids—and us adults— the chance to hike, swim and explore the area. We jumped off rock cliffs into the waiting river, hiked trails to ancient petroglyphs from the Sheepeater Indians who called this land home and showered midday in flowing hot springs.

In the evening, the rhythm of the river also ruled. Scott Wilson, our lead guide, asked us to remember the river rule: slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Said more simply, there is no rush at camp. Moving slowly will get you where you’re going safely—and thereby quickly.

The food from morning to night was delicious and plentiful. With the help of some willing guests, the crew made magic happen over an open fire, then served it up camp-

BOOK IT

Middle Fork River Expeditions Box 70, Stanley, Idaho 83278

800.801.5146; from $1,850 for a six-day trip ($925 for kids 6–11), idahorivers.com

ground style. I expected the grilled food but was amazed at the mouthwatering meals that came from the Dutch oven—fresh apple cobbler and lasagna, for example. The final treat of the evening: guides Scott and Dusty Sturges playing guitar and mandolin, the music as sweet as the night air and as soothing as the omnipresent sound of the Middle Fork moving downriver, hidden in the darkness just feet from our campsite.

On our final night, as the music died down and the river rushed onward, I sat with my boy to one side of me and my man to the other. “Mom, look,” my son said, his voice both hushed and urgent. We raised our eyes to the south. There in the sky above the Middle Fork’s canyon a cluster of shooting stars arced through the heavens, the most I’ve ever seen. They seemed to move so slow, so smooth, so fast. Like the river, they reminded me of how much more we can see when we take the time to look.

MARIN MAGAZINE’S THIRD ANNUAL HOME RENOVATION GUIDE

It’s spring and that means it’s time to start working on your biggest investment: your home. But where to start? Do you tackle the big projects first or the small ones? Do you do it yourself or hire a professional? Do you rip it all out or work around the edges? Marin Magazine’s Third Annual Home Renovation Guide has solutions to many of these questions. Our annual guide has a list of the best local architects, interior designers, landscape and swimming pool professionals, plumbers and electricians, lumber and hardware stores and much more. So go ahead and dive into that project you’ve been waiting all winter to tackle.

Remember to always check business licenses and bonding, save your documents and receipts, make sure you have all agreements in writing and have fun—a beautiful completed project awaits.

APPLIANCES

Dorman Associates, Inc. 234 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley 415.380.7914 dormanassociates.com

Martin & Harris 2158 Fourth St., San Rafael 415.454.2021 martin-n-harris.com

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

Standards of Excellence

530 West Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.453.6070 standardsofexcellence.com

ARCHITECTS

Barbara Brown Architects Sausalito 415.331.5353 bbrownarchitect.com

Chambers & Chambers 420 Miller Ave., Mill Valley 415.381.8326 chambersandchambers.com

Christina D. Hansen Building Design & Consulting P.O. Box 218, Tiburon 415.272.7926 hansenarchitects.com

Crome Architecture 905 Fourth St., San Rafael 415.453.0700 cromearchitecture.com

Danadjieva Hansen Architects, Inc. P.O. Box 868, Tiburon 415.453.5767 www.hansenarchitects.com

Don Olsen & Associates 666 Bridgeway Ave., Sausalito 415.332.0297 dkoarchitects.com

Geoffrey Butler Architecture & Planning 1306 Bridgeway Ave., Sausalito 415.332.3388 gebarch.com

Greg Johnson Architect, Inc. Tiburon 415.923.9386 gregjohnsonarch.com

Henderson Architect/Fifth Resource Group 141 Stony Cir., Santa Rosa 707.237.5240 hendersonarchitect.com

Kathy Shaffer Architect, Inc.

1505 Bridgeway Ave., Ste. 106, Sausalito 415.332.8430

kathyshafferarchitect.com

Kourosh Baradaran Architect 1550 Tiburon Blvd., Ste H, Belvedere 415.789.9222

kbarchitect.com

Lifebox Studios Inc.

425 East 11th St., Oakland 510.922.1547

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

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

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

Michael Rex Associates 1750 Bridgeway Ave. B 211, Sausalito 415.331.1400

rexassoc.com

Miles Berger Architect, AIA 14 Raccoon Ln., Tiburon 415.435.4663 mb-aia.com

Morgan Hall

8A School St., Fairfax 415.455.8464 morganhallarchitect.com

Pacific Grass & Turf San Anselmo 415.987.2249 pacificgrassandturf.com

Patrick LePelch Architecture 203 Morning Sun Ave. #2, Mill Valley 415.339.0432 lepelcharchitect.com

Pfau Long Architecture 98 Jack London Alley, San Francisco 415.908.6408 pfaulong.com

Polsky Perlstein Architects 469 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.927.1158

Robert Nebolon Architects

801 Camelia St. Ste. E, Berkeley 510.525.2725 rnarchitect.com

Rose Architecture 81 Bay Vista Dr., Mill Valley

415.956.0788 rosearchitecture.com

Rossington Architecture 2742 17th St., San Francisco 415.552.4900 rossingtonarchitecture.com

Sutton Suzuki Architects

39 Forrest St., Mill Valley 415.383.3139 suttonsuzukiarchitects.com

Tardy & Associates P.O. Box 32, Mill Valley 415.381.1183 tardy-associates.com

ART SERVICES

Five Senses Art Consultancy 93 Terrace Ave., San Rafael 415.816.5235 fivesensesart.com

AUDIOVISUAL

Audio Visions

100 Pelican Way Ste. B San Rafael 415.459.7900 avisions.com

Construction Audio Services 1925 East Francisco Blvd., Ste. 11, San Rafael 415.485.1222 casaudio.com

High Definition Home

4326 Redwood Hwy., #200, San Rafael 415.499.1400 highdefinitionhome.com

Rolling Thunder

3241 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael 415.456.1681 rollingthundergroup.com

Summit Technology 2450-C Bluebell Ct., Santa Rosa 707.542.4773 summit-e.com

SoundVision 27 Commercial Blvd., Ste. M, Novato 415.456.7000

BUILDING CONTRACTORS

Alliance Custom Builders Novato 415.485.5180 alliancecustombuilders.com

AMP Construction Inc.

369-B Third St. #456, San Rafael 415.459.8843

Backyard Eichlers 415.491.0718 backyardeichlers.com

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

Cove Constructions P.O. Box 2763, San Anselmo 415.453.0515 coveconstruction.com

Creative Concrete Design 27 Mountain View Ave., San Anselmo 415.806.7002

Dan LeVine Mellion 4080 Paradise Dr., Tiburon 415.435.5611

Dawson & Clinton Design Build San Francisco 415.359.9991 dawson-clinton.com

Fusion Building Company 415.868.0647 fusionbuildingcompany.com

Golden Restoration & Construction 21 Commercial Blvd., Ste. 14, Novato 415.382.8648 goldenrandc.com

Harbinson Construction 1221 Andersen Dr., Ste. H, San Rafael 415.738.2460 harbinsonconstruction.com

Harney Construction 429 Irwin St., San Rafael 415.454.5043 harneyconstruction.com

Ireland, Robinson & Hadley Inc. 85 Beach Rd., Belvedere 415.383.0583 irhadley.com

Lamperti Contracting & Design 1241 Andersen Dr., San Rafael 415.454.1623 lampertikitchens.com

North Coast Pools Novato 415.883.7665

People’s Carpentry P.O. Box 4129, San Rafael 415.306.3340

Plath & Co. 1575 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael

415.460.1575 plathco.com

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

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

Richard Avelar & Sons, Builders 318 Harrison St., Ste. 103, Oakland 415.544.9177

Rosenbach Construction 415.716.1054 rosenbachconstruction.com

Schilling Construction San Rafael 415.336.7422

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

Stroub Construction 300 Main St., Sausalito 415.331.0621 stroubconstruction.com

Ted Wray Builder 59 Brookdale Ave., San Rafael 415.435.5776 tedwraybuilder.com

The Englander Building Co. Mill Valley 415.383.4000 englanderbuilding.com

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

Woodworking West, Inc. P.O. Box 171, Stinson Beach 415.868.2265 woodworkingwest.net

BUILDING MATERIALS

City Stones 4241 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa 707.206.9900 citystones.net

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

Goodman Building Supply 775 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley 415.388.6233

Green Street Woodworks

401 Green St., Martinez 925.917.1103 greenstreetcabinetry.com

Hearth & Home of Marin

902 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael 415.479.2876 hearthandhomeofmarin.com

Hudson Street Design of Marin 3773 Redwood Highway, San Rafael 415.924.8300 hlc-inc.com

Jackson’s Hardware

435 Du Bois St., San Rafael 415.454.3740 jacksonhardware.com

Jim Corbet’s Hardware 800 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.924.7013 acehardware.com

Little House on the Trailer 1840 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma 707.981.7703 littlehouseonthetrailer.com

McNear Brick & Block 1 McNear Brickyard Rd., San Rafael 415.454.6811 mcnear.com

Mill Valley Lumber

129 Miller Ave., Mill Valley 415.388.3532 millvalleylumber.com

Modern Cabana

602 Minnesota St., San Francisco 415.206.9330 moderncabana.com

Novato Builders Supply 800 Sweetster Ave., Novato 415.892.1651 novatobuilders.com

Novato Lumber & Fence Co. 7586 Redwood Blvd., Novato 415.897.1166

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

Pini Ace Hardware

1535 South Novato Blvd., Ste. A, Novato 415.892.1577 piniacehardware.com

True Value

129 Miller Ave., Mill Valley 415.388.3532 truevalue.net

Rafael Lumber & Building Supply

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

Shamrock Materials

548 DuBois St., San Francisco 415.455.1575 shamrocknaturalstone.com

The Sliding Door Company

684 King St., San Francisco sfslidingdoor.com

CABINETRY

AlterECO, Inc. Bamboo Cabinets

P.O. Box 1206, Sausalito 415.331.8342 bamboocabinets.com

Bauerware Cabinet Hardware

3886 17th St., San Francisco 415.864.3886 bauerware.com

Cabinets & Design Studio

999 Andersen Dr., Ste. 165, San Rafael 415.459.8001 cabinetsanddesignstudio.com

Garage Solutions

625 Dubois St., Ste. E San Rafael 415.456.4474 garagesolutions.com

Julie Williams Design

372 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Ste. A, Novato 415.884.4700 juliewilliamsdesign.com

Kitchens, etc. San Francisco 415.454.3572

Mitchel Berman Cabinetmakers

472 Primero Ct., Cotati 415.925.9211 bermancabinetmakers.com

NePalo Cabinetmakers 4328 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael 415.491.1403 NePalo.com

Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry

92 Louise St., San Rafael 415.457.0647 outofthewoods.cc

Woodline Design 707.459.4744 woodlinedesign.com

CLOSETS

California Closets 610-A Du Bois St., San Rafael 415.455.1200 californiaclosets.com

The Container Store 219 Core Madera Town Center, Corte Madera 415.945.9755 containerstore.com

COLOR CONSULTANTS

Anello Painting & Construction 701 Delong Ave., Novato 415.892.8989 anellopainting.com

ARTFUL LIVING: Keatin Holly Color 415.987.2685 keatinholly.com

Inspired Places—Classical Feng Shui & Interior design P.O. Box 2459, Novato 415.300.7175 inspiredplaces.com

Moira O’Sullivan P.O. Box 794, San Anselmo 415.453.1374 moirao.com

Natalie Craig Interior Design 5241 Old Redwood Hwy., Ste. E., Santa Rosa 707.575.7777

Sonja Markreiter Petaluma 707.775.4570 smcolordesign.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Artistic Lighting & Electric 1945 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.456.1656 artisticlightingcorp.com

BOS Electric 1241 Andersen Dr., Ste. C, San Rafael 415.457.5190 boselectric.com

Harney Lighting & Electric 429 Irwin St., San Rafael 415.454.7893 harneyconstruction.com

North Bay Electric Santa Rosa 707.538.8333 northbayelectric.net

Quinto & Young 200 Emerystone Ter., San Rafael 415.472.3804

Redwood Electric Co. 13 Washington St., Novato 415.892.4900

Shanahan Electric 151 Holmes Ave., San Rafael 415.479.1929

Strom Electrics, Inc. P.O. Box 642, San Anselmo 415.453.1200

FLOORING

Architectural Design Carpets 1111 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.458.1717

Bamboo & More

305 Miller Ave. #16, Mill Valley 415.383.8912

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

Broek Hardwood Floors, Inc. P.O. Box 514, Bolinas 415.381.2202 broekhardwoodfloors.com

California Carpet 1197 Folsom St., San Francisco 415.487.3636 calfloor.com

City Carpets

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

Endless Knot Rug Co. 2 Henry Adams St., San Francisco 415.934.9200 endlessknotrugs.com

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

Floorcoverings of Marin County, Inc. 1607 Fourth St., San Rafael 415.453.4500 floorsofmarin.com

Floortex Design 5768 Paradise Dr., Corte Madera 415.924.6545 floortexdesign.com

Haute Textile Flooring 1038 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 3, Mill Valley 415.388.8312

Hendricksen & Natulich Flooring

7120 Keating Ave., Sebastopol 707.829.3959 naturalfloors.net

Just Remnants

900 Andersen Dr., San Rafael 415.455.8882 justremnants.com

Ken’s Carpets

1914 Fourth St., San Rafael 415.454.5367 kenscarpets.com

Marin Hardwood Floors

911 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield 415.456.1639

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

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

Pippa Murray Mosaics 100 Ebbtide Ave. #230, Sausalito 415.637.6217 pippamurray.com

Rafael Floors

822 West Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.456.3656 rafaelfloors.com

Stark Carpet

2 Henry Adams St., San Francisco 415.861.0466 starkcarpet.com

Tamalpais Hardwood Floors 1133 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.459.1800 tamfloors.com

The Floor Store

523 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.457.2011 floorstores.com

FURNISHINGS

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

Bluestone Main

120 North Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma 707.765.2024 bluestonemain.com

Brownstone Furniture 415.861.2426 brownstonefurniture.com

Cabana Home

238 East Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley 415.383.0201 cabanahome.com

Chajo Handcrafted Art Furnishings Napa 707.257.3676 chajo.com

Ciao Bella Italy 819 Bridgeway Ave., Sausalito 415.289.1160 ciaobellaitaly.com

Cokas Diko Home Furnishings

529 Fourth St., Santa Rosa 707.568.4044 cokasdikofurniture.com

Crate & Barrel

320 Town Center, Corte Madera 415.924.5412 crateandbarrel.com

Custom Furniture Design

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

Goodnite Moon 111 Town Center, Corte Madera 415.945.0677 goodnitemoon.com

Halloran & Sons Antiques 108 W. North St., Healdsburg 707.431.7400

Heller’s for Children 514 Fourth St., San Rafael 415.456.5533 hellersforchildren.com

Leftovers

1259 Polk St., San Francisco 1243 Sutter St., San Francisco 415.409.0088 everybodylovesleftovers.com

Michael’s Custom Built, Inc. 1455 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.459.0208 michaelsupholstery.com

Mill Valley Baby & Kids

12 Miller Ave., Mill Valley 415.389.1312 babyandkidscompany.com

Pedersen’s Furniture Fifth & D St., Santa Rosa 707.542.1855 pedersensfurniture.com

Restoration Hardware 1700 Redwood Highway Corte Madera, CA 94925

415.924.8919 restorationhardware.com

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

Ruby Living Design 1 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley 415.381.9095 rubyliving.com

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

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

Summer House 57 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley 415.383.0157

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

Terra Teak

258 Bolinas St., Mill Valley 415.331.1603 terrateakandgarden.com

Urban Hardwoods 553 Pacific Ave., San Francisco 415.397.9663 urbanhardwoods.com

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

The Feathered Nest Novato thefeatherednesthome.com

The Wooden Duck 1848 Fourth St., San Rafael

415.453.0345 thewoodenduck.com

GREEN HAULING

EcoHaul Petaluma 800.326.4285 1800ecohaul.com

GREEN MATERIALS

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

GREEN SHOWROOMS

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

INTERIOR DESIGN

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

Beryn Hammil Designs 415.924.5509 berynhammil.com

Candace Killman Interior Design 469 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.927.0799 candancekillman.com

Cesar Alonso Design 58 Sussex St., San Francisco 415.585.3095 cesaralonsodesign.com

Christa Q Design Sausalito 415.309.6938 christaqdesign.com

CWright Design Mill Valley 415.388.1243 cwrightdesign.com

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

Friedman & Shields 400 South Eliseo Dr. #11, Greenbrae 415.596.9266 marininteriordesign.com

Hershon Home San Anselmo 415.459.4004 hershonhome.com

J. Livingston Home Decor P.O. Box 907, Larkspur jlivingstonehomedecor.com

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

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

Keatin Holly 415.987.2685 keatinholly.com/greenbrae

Larette Design Greenbrae 415.464.0664 larettedesign.com

Linda Applewhite & Associates 431 Golden Gate Ave., Belvedere 415.789.8871 lindaapplewhite.com

MOONES Home Mill Valley 415.845.9746

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

Nest Design 9 Pastori Ave., San Anselmo 415.716.1054 nestdesign.com

Penni Webb Design 1495 Lincoln Ave. #1, San Rafael 415.457.8929 penniwebbdesign.com

Robert Federighi Designs Inc.

24 Mark Dr., San Rafael 415.479.4794 robertfederighi.com

Robin White Interiors 415.271.5554 RobinWhiteInteriors.com

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

Sarah Evers Hoffman Interior Design & Remodeling 415.457.8358 severshoffmandesign.com

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

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

Weaver Design Group 840 Powell St., Ste. 102, San Francisco 415.454.6600 amyweaverdesign.com

KITCHEN/BATH

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

Clare Michael Designs, Inc. 30001 Bridgeway Ave., Ste. 272, Sausalito 415.225.2661 claremichaeldesigns.com

Design Orendain Kitchen & Bath Mill Valley 415.381.5311 kitchensbyjanine.com

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

Kitchen Matrix 101 Henry Adams St., Ste. 410, San Francisco 415.934.1454 kitchenmatrix.com

Kitchens Plus 901 A St., San Rafael 415.456.9589 kitchensplusdesign.com

Lamperti Contracting & Design 1241 Andersen Dr., San Rafael

415.454.1623 lampertikitchens.com

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

Poggenpohl Kitchens 650 Townsend St., Ste. 90, San Francisco 415.865.0443 poggenpohl.com

Sandra Bird Designs 240 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.927.1171 sandrabird.com

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

Sonoma Kitchen and Bath 1480 Guerneville Rd., Santa Rosa 707.526.3535 sonomakitchenandbath.com

Studio Snaidero 835 Fifth Ave., San Rafael 415.258.8222 snaidero-usa.com

LANDSCAPES: ARCHITECTS/ DESIGNERS

AvidGreen Landscaping 283 North Almenar Dr., Greenbrae 415.461.8477 avidgreen.com

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

Brian Powell & Associates. 181 Carlos Dr., #101 San Rafael 415.491.4480 brianpowelldesign.com

Creative Environments 707.827.7980 creativeenvironments.biz

Details Landscape Art 1930 Matzen Ranch Cir., Petaluma 707.769.1600 detailslandscapeart.com

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design San Anselmo 415.602.6282 digyourgarden.com

Gardeners’ Guild Inc. 2780 Goodrick Ave., Richmond 415.457.0400 gardenersguild.com

Geared for Growing 12020 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg 707.473.4333 gearedforgrowing.com

Heritage Landscapes San Anselmo 415.458.8157 heritagelandscapes.net

Julianna Landscape 878 Estancia Way., San Rafael 415.479.9292

Kaiser Gardens San Anselmo 415.699.7423 kaisergardens.com

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

Lynne Steinsieck Landscape Designs San Rafael 415.491.4260 steinsieck.com

Michael A. Cook Landscape Architect Santa Rosa 707.545.5235 mac-la. Net

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

Michelle Derviss Landscape Design 1408 Park Ave., Novato 415.892.3121 dervissdesign.com

O’Connell Landscape 3028 North Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma 415.462.9729 oclandscape.com

Oasis Landscape Construction 1221 Andersen Dr., San Rafael 415.456.2747 oasislandscapeconstruction.com

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

Shepard Design Associates 415.387.7817 shepardandassociates.com

Simmonds & Associates

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

Suma Landscaping, Inc. 415.332.7862 sumalandscaping.com

Summit Hill Builders San Anselmo 415.729.4456

Suzman & Cole Design Associates

1265 Battery St., 5th Floor, San Francisco 415.252.0111 suzmancole.com

Urban Homestead

P.O. Box 1412, Point Reyes Station 415.235.3682 urban-homestead.com

LANDSCAPE: GARDEN SUPPLIES

American Soil & Stone Products

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

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

Eye of the Day

781-A Anderson Dr., San Rafael 415.460.5403 eyeofthedaygdc.com

Fairfax Lumber/Nursery

109 Broadway Dr., Fairfax 415.453.4410

fairfaxlumber.com

Green Jeans Garden Supply

690 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley 415.389.8333

GreenSpace Grass 415.384.0180 greenspacegrass.com

Las Baulines Nursery 150 Olema-Bolinas Rd., Bolinas 415.868.0808

Mostly Natives

27235 Hwy. 1., Tomales 707.878.2009 mostlynatives.com

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

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

Sunnyside Nursery

130 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo

415.456.2701 sunnysideofmarin.com

West End Nursery 1938 Fifth Ave., San Rafael 415.454.4175

Wheeler Zamaroni 3500 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa 707.543.8400 wzsupply.com

LIGHTS & LIGHTING DESIGN

Anna Kondolf Lighting Design P.O. Box 1094, Fairfax 415.456.5472 kondolf.com

Boyd Lighting 944 Folsom St., San Francisco 415.778.4300 boydlighting.com

Eric Johnson Associates, Inc. 1748 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael 415.482.0923 ericjohnsonassociates.com

Light Express 838 West Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.459.1261 light-express.com

Lights of Rafael 4100 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael 415.472.7292 lightsofrafael.com

Lunaria

1108 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.461.0588 lunaria.us

Nowell’s Antique Lighting 615 Irwin St., San Rafael 415.332.4933 nowellslighting.com

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

Vita Pehar Design 10005 Bodega Hwy., Sebastopol 707.829.6363 vitapehardesign.com

PAINTING

Bay Heritage Painting 415.609.2678 bayheritagepainting.com

Boeck & Associates Painting Company 4328 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 200, San Rafael 415.491.1702 boeckpaint.com

Gold Coast Painting & Finishing Novato 415.883.1710 goldcoastbayarea.com

Hayes & Co. Mill Valley 415.388.2087

Kerrigan Painting Novato 415.898.4911

Kunst Bros. Painting 76 Belvedere St., San Rafael 415.456.4044 kunst-bros.com

Marin Color Service 770 Second St., San Rafael 415.453.4065 marincolorservice.com

Marin Wood Restoration 246 Balclutha Dr., Corte Madera 415.925.5005 marin-wood.com

Meyer Painting 757 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael 415.459.3271

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

Tamalpais Paint 5784 Paradise Dr., Corte Madera 415.924.7321 tamalpaispaint.com

PAINTING: FAUX AND TROMPE L’OEIL

Ruby Newman Petaluma 707.765.6824 rubynewman.com

415.888.3269 sanfranciscodecors.com

Tricia George 2955 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael 415.577.5595 camurals.com

PLUMBING

Burkell Plumbing 2000 Bridgeway Ave., Sausalito 415.332.3091 burkell.com

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

Lehmann Plumbing, Inc. 28 Jewell St., San Rafael 415.499.0111

Sinclair Plumbing & Fire Protection Novato 415.883.9400 sinclairfire.com

RESOURCES

Build-It Green 160 Franklin St., Ste 310, San Francisco 510.845.0472 builditgreen.org

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

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

National Association of Home Builders 800.368.5242 nahb.org

San Francisco Decors 10 Liberty Ship Way, #202, Sausalito

National Association of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (North Bay Chapter) P.O. Box 1313, Novato northbaynari.org

ROOFING

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

De Mello Roofing 45 Jordan St., San Rafael 415.456.0741 demelloroofing.com

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

Modern Method Roofing 800.541.1864 mordernmethodroofing.com

Superior Roofing & Gutter Co. 39 Pamaron Way, Novato 415.491.1144 roofingmarin.com

Wedge Roofing, Inc.

5 Casa Grande Rd., Petaluma 888.763.7663 wedgeroofing.com

SOLAR

Real Goods Marin Solar 27 Simms St., San Rafael 415.456.2800 realgoodssolar.com

SolarCraft

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

Sunfirst! Solar Energy Systems 3060 Kerner Blvd., Ste. W, San Rafael 415.458.5870 sunfirstsolar.com

SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTORS

Apache Pool 1010 De Ganado Rd., San Rafael 415.492.3351 apachepools.com

Aquascape Custom Crafted Pools

1120 Industrial Ave. #23, Petaluma 707.769.7212 aquascape.org

Janssen Pool Construction 415.488.4455 janssenpools.com

Riptide Construction

3633 Regional Pkwy #100, Santa Rosa 707.577.0264 riptideconstruction.com

TILE/STONE

Appian Way Paverstones 415.924.6763 appianwaypaverstones.com

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

Blue Slide Art Tile blueslidearttile.com

Ceramic Tile Design 846 West Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.485.5180 ceramictiledesign.com

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

City Stones

424 Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa 707.206.9900 citystones.net

Dennett Tile and Stone Santa Rosa 707.586.5390 dennett-tile.com

Granite Transformations

3485 Airway Dr., Santa Rosa 707.566.9800 granitetransformations.com

Heath Ceramics

400 Gate 5 Rd., Sausalito 415.332.3732 heathceramics.com

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

Laura Lovitt Clayworks 2829 Bridgeway, Ste. 101 Sausalito 415.302.2611 lauralovitt.com

The Legacy Paver Group Santa Rosa 707.573.9080 legacypavers.com

London Tile Co. Mill Valley 415.389.0408

Marin Stone Care 246 Balclutha Dr., Corte Madera

415.925.5005 marinstonecare.com

McNear Brick & Block 1 McNear Brickyard Rd., San Rafael 415.454.6811 mcnear.com

Northcoast Tile & Stone 3854 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa 707.586.2064 nctile.com

Sonoma Cast Stone 133 Copeland St., Petaluma 707.283.1888 x 10 sonomacaststone.com

Villa Terrazza 869 Broadway St., Sonoma 707.933.8286 villa-terrazza.com

Venetian Fresco, LLC 777 Grand Ave., #102 San Rafael 415.505.5394 venetianfresco.com

UPHOLSTERY

Magnolia Lane Soft Home Furnishings 313 Corey Way, South San Francisco 650.624.0700 magnolialane.com

Sal Beressi Fabric Co. San Francisco 415.861.5004

Stoich Designs 274 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.927.2362

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds and Designs 1 Blackfield Dr., Tiburon 415.435.8080 blindsdesigns.com

Casper Screens 415.747.8957 casperscreens.com

Gilman Screens 530 West Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.455.5363 gkandb.com/screens

The Roman Shade Co. 2 Henry Adams St., Ste. 341, San Francisco 415.621.2777 theromanshadecompany.com

Window Accents, Inc. 836 West Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.459.7838 windowaccents.com

WINDOWS/DOORS

Blomberg Window Systems 1453 Blair Ave., Sacramento 916.428.8060 blombergwindowsystems.com

Charles Window & Door 901 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael 415.459.1600 charleswindows.com

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

Mission Wood Products

27 Paul Dr., San Rafael 415.472.2280 missionwood.com

NanaWall Systems

707 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley 415.383.3148 nanawall.com

Pella Window Store

181 Third St., Ste. 10, San Rafael 415.457.3552 pella.com

Rafael Lumber 930 Andersen Dr., San Rafael 415.453.3043

Jenn-Air

Jenn-Air offers ultrapremium suites of appliances in a range of stylish options that will elevate any kitchen space. With finishes ranging from stainless steel to Oiled Bronze and custom overlay, these appliances include a host of innovative details that make cooking and entertaining a pleasure.

While stainless steel is always a popular option, Jenn-Air allows you to go beyond the usual look. An example: the stunning kitchen above, which includes Jenn-Air® Floating Glass appliances, a glossy alternative to stainless steel. Designed by Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, this kitchen blends sleek surfaces with Italian cabinetry specially designed to fit the appliances.

The 42” Fully Integrated Built-In Refrigerator’s flush design blends seamlessly inside cabinetry thanks to concealed hinges and trim pieces. The

32” Glass Collection Perimetric Hood hangs on the wall like a picture frame, providing powerful ventilation with sleek design.

The 36” Electric Radiant Cooktop with Electronic Touch Control offers a smooth, integrated surface as well as extraordinary power and precision. Two 30” Single Wall Ovens with V2™ Vertical Dual-Fan Convection Systems each feature a 7-inch full color touchanywhere LCD display. The Trifecta™ Dishwasher’s three-stage filtration gets every load sparkling clean, while remaining virtually silent.

Whether your taste trends toward modern, French Country, or anywhere in between, you’ll find premium appliances from Jenn-Air to bring your vision to life, gorgeously.

To receive a complimentary copy of The Kitchen Transformed: A Guide to Inspire , go to jennair.com/inspire

jennair.com 800-JENN-AIR (536-6247)

Woodworking West, Inc

or 35 years, Woodworking West has provided superior quality construction services for residential and commercial properties in Marin County and the greater Bay Area. We have worked successfully with homeowners and architects to create beautiful homes of lasting style and function. Whether we are renovating an existing home or building a new one from the ground up, we excel at finding innovative ways to improve design, save time, reduce costs and minimize our ecofootprint on all our projects.

Brian Lanigan, contractor and owner of Woodworking West, manages the business with a keen sense of design and handson approach to detail. His team of talented employees and subcontractors all share Brian’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and exacting standards.

A distinct advantage to our clients is our in-house cabinet shop. It allows our experienced and dedicated cabinet craftsmen to create beautiful custom cabinetry for our client’s unique specifications. Our clients can choose any style, size, or material and have control over cost and completion dates. This level of involvement assures our client that the finished product will fit perfectly into the new construction.

Our commitment to our clients 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.

blanigan@woodworkingwest.net woodworkingwest.net 415.868.2265

SEADRIFT OCEAN FRONT HOME; STEVE WISENBAKER ARCHITECTS; WOODWORKINGWEST, INC. BUILDER

Purcell

TTHERMADOR INTRODUCES

hermador has taken the wall oven from invention to evolution.

And Purcell Murray’s unparalleled network of dealers is proud to partner with Thermador in introducing the world’s first 3-in-1 steam and convection oven.

If you ask a professional chef about steam, you’ll quickly understand its power, especially when combined with convection. As the ultimate culinary tool, the Steam and Convection Oven offers passionate culinary enthusiasts three cooking solutions: steam, true convection and steam and convection.

Steam and convection cooking is effortless and reduces the risk of over-cooking, over-boiling or dried out food. And from gently steamed cauliflower florets to a succulent leg of lamb, the Steam and Convection Oven’s 40 pre-programmed modes automatically set oven temperature

and humidity for optimal results.

The steam locks in the food’s flavors, moistures, vitamins and minerals. As a result, food stays moist on the inside and is perfectly finished on the outside, just like it was being served at a 5-star restaurant. No other cooking tool delivers results like this and no one but Thermador and Purcell Murray can bring it home to you.

To find out more about the Thermador 3-in-1 Steam and Convection Oven, call and make an appointment at a Purcell Murray showroom near you. Their showrooms are designed to put you in the know, with dozens of product education and cooking classes each month.

Murray

Alliance Custom Builders

s it possible to enjoy a remodel? Steve Andre and Chris Chapek, founders of Alliance Custom Builders, believe you can, and their design/build remodeling process has been developed to make this happen for you. Their company is the alliance of a talented designer, an experienced builder, a pool of gifted tradespeople and you.

To Steve and Chris, listening to a client’s wants and needs is a key ingredient in providing creative remodeling solutions. Their design experience, combined with a depth of knowledge in products, materials, and construction techniques, will aid you in making informed choices. By acting as contractor and designer for your project, Alliance is able to establish a fixed price for construction, leading to realistic expectations, accurate scheduling and, ultimately, peace of mind for you. Their mission is to

create a personalized and functional design that enhances your lifestyle and respects your budget.

When investing in your home with a custom remodel, a professionally designed and executed project will provide the greatest value.

Visit the portfolio page at alliancecustombuilders.com for inspiration and to learn more about the Alliance design/build process. They take great pride in their growing list of satisfied homeowners who are enjoying their “Alliance” remodels. Call to schedule a free consultation and let Steve and Chris help you explore your home’s potential and Bring Your Dreams to Life!

info@alliancecustombuilders.com alliancecustombuilders.com 415.485.5180 Novato, CA

Ceramic Tile Design

CCeramic Tile Design has been a fixture in the Bay Area for over 27 years, perhaps because our gorgeous showroom, extensive offerings of unique tiles, and helpful design staff have kept us ahead of the competition. We also supply our products to other tile showrooms and offer a full service commercial A&D department.

CTD works directly with more than 70 diverse factories in Italy, the US, and worldwide. Take a look at some of our extensive offerings:

Our US art tile collections include Trikeenan, Pratt & Larson, Sonoma Tilemakers, McIntyre, Encore, and Ken Mason Tile, to name just a few.

Historic tile factories include Rookwood and the Hearst Castle Collection.

Our numerous glass lines include the best in fine Italian glass tile, like Bisazza and Sicis.

We also stock stone tile and slabs, including travertines, limestones, and slates.

CTD leads the industry in bringing Green products to Northern California. As a member of both the USGBC and Build It Green, six members of our design team are certified in one or both of these organizations. We offer all four of the leading Green countertop products: IceStone, PaperStone, Squak Mountain, and Trinity Glass.

If you haven’t visited our showroom recently, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Be prepared to enjoy a huge selection of beautiful, unique tile in stone, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, porcelain, and durable surfaces, plus the best in recycled and renewable products.

846 W. Francisco Blvd 415.485.5180 San Rafael, CA ceramictiledesign.net

Rosenbach Construction, Inc.

We pride ourselves in decades of complete customer satisfaction and confidence, the ultimate measure of our success. Our respect for the environment, attention to detail, superior workmanship, and completion of on-time, within-budget projects are key to the high level of professionalism, quality and value we bring to each and every job.

415.716.1054 frank.rosenbach@verizon.net Novato, CA rosenbachconstruction.com

AvidGreen Fine Landscaping

DESIGNS, BUILDS & MAINTAINS GARDENS

Enhance your garden with organic, sustainable, ecofriendly and water-wise landscaping. We listen carefully to help enhance your garden to be the cherished refuge you always wanted. Plan colors to evolve seasonally. Attract wildlife to birdbaths and fountains. Grow lemons and limes, apples, pomegranates, plums, blueberries, tomatoes, grapes, vegetables, and herbs. Use indigenous plants to feed native birds, bees, and butterflies.

415.461.8477 avidgreen.com scott@avidgreen.com

Laura Lovitt

EXQUISITELY HANDCRAFTED TILE M

arin County native Laura Lovitt has been making beautifully handcrafted ceramic tile for over a decade. Influenced by the striking contrasts of form and color that abound in the natural world, Laura’s work is an expression of the visual play that exists all around us, especially in this beautiful place we are so lucky to call home. Whether she is meticulously hand rolling, cutting and carving her signature sgraffito tile, or using underglazes and wax-resist to produce whimsically colorful hand painted tile, her attention to detail is evident in every finished piece. Laura works closely with her clients to create totally custom, truly distinctive, one-of-a-kind tile installations and murals. By appointment only. 2829 Bridgeway, Suite 101 415.302.2611 Sausalito, CA lauralovitt.com

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

LANDSCAPE & EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES DESIGN

Simmonds & Associates is founded on over 25 years experience on three continents. The firm specializes in custom residential landscapes and equestrian facilities design, with successful projects throughout Northern California. Our portfolio is varied, as we create unique environments for our clients, based on your dreams and desires, our expertise, and ecological design practices.

330 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Suite B 415.460.0460 San Anselmo, CA simmonds-associates.com

Black’s Farmwood

RECLAIMED WOOD BEAMS, FLOORING & SIDING

or more than a decade, Black’s Farmwood has been a leading provider of reclaimed wide plank wood flooring, rustic paneling, weathered barn siding, antique wood beams and more. We care deeply for the environment and deal only with ecologically responsible sources. Our reclaimed and certified wood products are the finest available and are full of character, history and natural beauty. Our exquisite time crafted reclaimed woods are perfect for your one-of-a-kind remodel, new construction, green building project or historic restoration. We can accommodate designers and architects with detailed information on our products, so quality can be assured. All our wood is 100% reclaimed/recycled, and can be milled to our clients’ specifications. Whether you’re looking for wide plank flooring, exterior or interior siding, ceiling, decking, timbers, or cabinet material, Black’s Farmwood has it all.

FSan Rafael Showroom 415.454.8312 By Appointment blacksfarmwood.com

Mitchel Berman Cabinetmakers

CUSTOM CABINETRY & FURNITURE

Merging sophisticated design with state-of-the-art craftsmanship and technology, Marin resident Mitchel Berman, MFA, has been the Cabinetmaker of choice for the Bay Area’s finest homes and businesses since 1985. Whether you are looking for a custom Kitchen, Bath, Home Office, Library, Audio Visual Center or Fine Furniture and you seek design, quality and value contact Mitchel to discuss your upcoming projects.

472 Primero Court #C 415.925.9211 Cotati, CA bermancabinetmakers.com

City Carpets

Carpets of distinction, exotic hardwoods and elegant area rugs are just a few of the many flooring design products offered by the North Bay’s exclusive Stainmaster® Flooring Center. Working with interior designers, homeowners and business owners the service oriented staff are extremely knowledgeable in pairing lifestyle with flooring selection. Let City Carpets provide the right flooring for your lifestyle. 555 E. Francisco

CA

Miles Berger, Architect AIA

We bring over 30 years of experience in custom home and remodeling design to the critical components of a successful residential project; beautiful, functional design, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of the difficult approvals process. We give form to the client’s vision and bring it into harmony within the constraints of site, function, budget and the approvals requirements of the community.

Pedersen Associates

edersen Associates provides comprehensive land planning, estateresidential and commercial landscape designs. By blending the unique character of a site with a client’s program, tastes, practical needs and budget, Pedersen Associates creates timeless, environmentally sustainable designs that foster a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living areas. The firm is known for beautiful and appropriate plant selections, as well as creating exquisite entries, swimming pools, fountains, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, trellises, fencing, garden spaces, and seamless renovations in an array of classic and contemporary styles that both complement and define the pleasures of California living.

Sarah Evers Hoffman

For nearly 20 years I have collaborated with my clients to design beautiful, comfortable and timeless homes that reflect their personal style. I offer creative, cost effective designs and expert product knowledge that will make your investment, whether it is home furnishings or a new kitchen, enjoyable for many years. The difference really is in the details.

415.457.8358 SarahEversHoffman.com

Sal Beressi Fabric Co.

ur 9,000 square foot warehouse showcases floor-to-ceiling upholstery, drapery, and bedding fabrics. We specialize in a myriad of velvets, mohair, linens, silk, tapestry, damask and vintage cotton prints and wools. Designer close-outs feature new looks for your home or office at great savings.

Our goal is to offer an eclectic, comprehensive selection of fabrics. The bolts on-site are discounted by 40% and in-stock variety of choices are endless. We also offer sample lines from thirty different vendors with discounts from 25-40%.

We make every effort to help our customers find that very special fabric. They bring paint chips, carpet samples, rugs, paintings, furniture pieces, pillows, vases and more to show us the color or pattern that they’re looking for. We enjoy being private detectives so the search is always on!

1504 Bryant Street, 2nd Floor

415.861.5004 San Francisco, CA Beressi.Fabrics@gmail.com

Eye of the Day

Eye of the Day exclusively offers Terrecotte San Rocco, Italy’s leading artisanal manufacturer of terracotta pottery today. Galestro clay is frost resistant, guaranteed to minus 15°F. Classic to contemporary designs are available in a variety of colored clays and traditional Mediterranean terracotta. Rocco has been the choice of garden professionals in Santa Barbara for thirteen years…now available in Marin County.

781-A Andersen Drive

415.460.5403 San Rafael, CA eyeofthedaygdc.com

Marin Stone Care

Marin Stone Care offers natural stone care services for Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Sandstone, Terrazzo, and Concrete-interior/exterior surfaces. We offer maintenance programs from cleaning and sealing to re-grinding, honing, and polishing dull, scratched and unsightly stone surfaces. Includes floors, walls, vanity tops, table tops, tub surrounds, fireplace surrounds, shower stalls, kitchen counter tops, and all exterior natural and manmade concrete stone surfaces.

415.924.5005

marinstonecare.com

Artistic Lighting & Electric

BRILLIANT COMPLETION TO EVERY PROJECT

Artistic Lighting & Electric is one of the North Bay’s most experienced, full service lighting and electrical contractors. Noted for their attention to detail, they remain on the leading edge of technologies and the latest exciting trends. Proud to be the electrical installer for the “Bridge House”, on this year’s Dwell + Marin Magazine Home Tour. They guarantee a brilliant completion to every project.

1945 E. Francisco Blvd., #28

415.456.1656 San Rafael, CA artisticlightingcorp.com

Hudson Street Design of Marin

THE NORTHBAY’S LARGEST DESIGN SHOWROOM

arin’s leading window company, formerly The Window Warehouse in Corte Madera, now Healdsburg Lumber Company’s (HLC Inc.) Hudson Street Design of Marin has relocated to 3773 Redwood Highway in San Rafael (the old Breuner’s furniture store). The new location includes 16 thousand square feet of showroom displays that feature a huge variety of windows, doors, and kitchen and bath vignettes that include the most current trends in cabinetry and plumbing fixtures. Hudson Street has also significantly expanded the hardware department with every imaginable style and finish of cabinet and door hardware. The showroom was designed to serve the consumer, interior designer, architect, and contractor. We hope to see you soon at the North Bay’s largest design showroom, Hudson Street Design of Marin.

M3773 Redwood Highway

415.924.8300 San Rafael, CA hlc-inc.com

Dawson & Clinton Design Build

FULL-SERVICE GENERAL CONTRACTING FIRM

We handle every aspect of the job including design, engineering, permits, estimating, project management, construction and sub-contractors. As a full-service contracting firm we are well equipped to act as the single point of contact for all your building needs. Rest assured our team of qualified professionals is committed to providing you with the highest level of quality, accountability and customer satisfaction possible.

PO Box 410471

415.359.9991

San Francisco, CA Dawson-Clinton.com

SUNRISE HOME

FURNISHINGS & INSPIRED INTERIORS

Consistently voted “The Best Place to Shop for Home Furnishings”, we are now celebrating our 34th year in Marin. While we are associated with some of the finest names in furniture, Baker, Henredon, Ralph Lauren, Century and Hickory Chair, we are equally proud to offer many small family owned boutique vendors who pride themselves on their craftsmanship, creating distinctly beautiful furnishings. Keeping American factories vital is important to us and we can happily direct you towards MADE IN AMERICA furnishings that are still competitively priced.

Please visit us soon and see our new Area Rug boutique and Sunrise Junior featuring Kids Furniture.

831 B Street

415.456.3939

San Rafael, CA sunrisehome.com

Kaiser Gardens, Inc.

YOUR LIFE IN BLOOM

Lisa Kaiser is passionate and committed to bringing the artistry of nature to your world, satisfying the yearning for a peaceful garden sanctuary in the midst of the hectic distractions of life. Her extensive knowledge of landscaping and keen ability to work with and communicate fluidly about one’s specific needs consistently delivers beautiful and functional outdoor spaces for her clients.

17 Parkside Court

415.699.7423

San Anselmo, CA kaisergardens.com

Artful Living: Keatin Holly Color

ARTFUL LIVING offers a full range of integrated services that bridge traditional, contemporary and modern styles. The element of color comes into play in almost every design/decorating decision. Color effects quality of life and research shows that it can either upgrade or de-grade your property value. Call Artful Living for solutions you will love to live with.

Residential Commercial

Serving the Greater Bay Area keatinholly.com

Barbara Brown Architects

Barbara Brown and her associates create artful environments through the use of spatial balance, color and simple well-crafted details. The firm approaches each project with fresh eyes and few preconceptions of the end result. While listening carefully and keeping the design process enjoyable and educational for all, the architects design projects that respond to the client’s needs and harmonize with the environment.

SieMatic

Aleader in fine European kitchen cabinetry in over 62 countries on five continents, SieMatic has an unyielding commitment to innovative engineering and manufacturing excellence. Whether transitional or contemporary, SieMatic kitchens are known for distinctive styles and elegant finishes. The new BeauxArts kitchen collection was designed expressly for the American market and complements both new and period homes. The interior also sets a SieMatic kitchen apart. Cabinets can be equipped with MultiMatic accessories, which include transparent canister drawers, silverware pull-outs and glass racks. The company philosophy of complementing a lifestyle, not just offering a product, makes it unique in the industry. From manufacturing plant to showroom floor, SieMatic’s commitment to providing its customers with “the premium lifestyle they deserve” makes the SieMatic brand name synonymous with unparalleled kitchen interior design.

GERMAN KITCHENS; AMERICAN TRADITION

Polsky Perlstein Architects

ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND INTERIOR DESIGN

Polsky Perlstein Architects specializes in fine custom homes and carefully crafted renovation/ additions. Our creative team employs a rich palette of artistic styles expressed in over 500 homes built throughout Northern California. We listen to our clients. We understand budgets and the politics of building, tailoring each project to the site’s opportunities and the client’s dreams.

469B Magnolia Ave.

415.927.1156

Larkspur, CA polskyperlsteinarchitects.com

Garage Solutions

MINUS THE JUNGLE PART.

It’s a cluttered, stressful and chaotic world out there. In your garage, that is. Making that world a calm, cool and very collected place is our mission.

In the garage that means custom wood and metal cabinetry, versatile wall storage, striking floor finishes and hundreds of cool ways to store that avalanche of stuff.

After a one hour design consultation, we create a 3D plan of your new garage, one tailored to your budget, time frame and wish list. Best of all, the visit and the ideas are on us.

At a time when many people want to simplify their lives, the obvious place to start is that concrete jungle outside.

625 DuBois Street, Suite E 415.456.4474 San Rafael, CA garagesolutions.com

Nest Design Co., Inc.

Nest is a small, passionate design studio specializing in residential interior design. From a simple consult to ground up construction, they will partner with you to transform your space into a timeless retreat that is functional and stylish. Nest brings an approachable aspect to design by recognizing the beauty in opportunities beyond what the client would normally think to incorporate.

9 Pastori Avenue

415.294.2554 San Anselmo, CA nestdesignco.com

JENNIFER WUNDROW & HEATHER BROCK

GreenSpace Grass

GreenSpace Grass will affordably transform any space into a soft and safe place to play that is perfect for kids or pets. No mowing, watering, or fertilizing. No pesticides, herbicides or chemicals.

GreenSpace Grass is perfect for: Play Structures; Bocce; Putting Greens; Croquet; Dog Runs; Trampolines; Pool Areas; Practice areas for lacrosse, soccer, baseball or football. FREE sport net with every installation. 415.384.0180 mpile@greenspacegrass.com Mill Valley, CA greenspacegrass.com

Caletti Jungsten

CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDER

Caletti Jungsten Construction is a leader in the construction industry of progressive and sustainable building. We are proud to be one of Marin County’s first Green Certified Home Builders and Remodelers. As a general contractor we embrace the uniqueness of each job and welcome the opportunity for our seasoned and professional team to excel in managing your project. Our company culture is simple: Good Enough Isn’t.

495 Miller Ave. 415.381.3162 Mill Valley, CA calettijungsten.com

California Closets

WHERE FORM MEETS FUNCTION

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.

AImagine 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, San Rafael 415.455.1200 675 Townsend Street, S.F. californiaclosetssf.com

PHOTO BY WAKELY

Leftovers

VOTED SF’S BEST HOME CONSIGNMENT

Come to where savvy San Franciscans love to shop. Leftovers offers an unusual collection of new and used furniture, art, silver, china and knickknackery. From vintage glassware and pottery to modern sofas and dining tables; there are few limitations to what is accepted; creating an endless eclectic assortment of collectables. Open 7 days. Two stores located on lower Polk Street.

1259 Polk Street & 1243 Sutter Street 415.409.0088 San Francisco, CA everybodylovesleftovers.com

Cabana Home

At Cabana Home our approach is a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The lifestyle and climate in Marin County lend themselves perfectly to this type of living. For us redefining your home means making use of every space, we work with our clients to create unique environments that are personal, suited to their individual tastes and are as comfortable and practical as they are beautiful. In our retail showroom we offer a complete range of products and also provide design services for both interior and exterior rooms. We have a complete collection of furniture, accessories, lighting and floor coverings as well as an extensive textile library of indoor and outdoor fabrics for projects including re-upholstery, window coverings, top of bed, decorative pillows and new upholstery. Visit us at our Cabana Home.

238 East Blithedale Ave 415.383.0201 Mill Valley, CA cabanahome.com

Brian Powell & Associates

ARCHITECTS

Brian Powell & Associates is a landscape architecture firm committed to classic design principles and outstanding client service. Our vision and expertise are shown in hundreds of residential gardens in Marin and the North Bay counties. Our philosophy is to emphasize simplicity in design by creating well organized, artful spaces that result in elegant, timeless, and cost-effective solutions.

181 Carlos Drive, No. 101 415.491.4480 San Rafael, CA brianpowelldesign.com

LANDSCAPE

APRIL ARTS & EVENTS GUIDE

THEATER

Thru April 9 Rock of Ages An arena rock love story told through some of the greatest songs of the ’80s. Curran Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

Thru April 17 Quilters This family-style musical tells the story of women’s roles on the American frontier. Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com

Thru April 24 Fuddy Meers Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire presents a comedy

about a woman who awakes every day with no memory. Boyer Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

6–24 Strike Up the Band An American businessman leads the U.S. into a cheese war with Switzerland in this Gershwin classic. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

7–May 1 Little Shop of Horrors One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time features a plant hungry for fresh blood. The play is directed by Blanca

Florido. Company Playhouse (Novato). 415.883.4498, novatotheatercompany.org

7–May 1 No Exit You can check in but you can never leave in this Jean-Paul Sartre classic. American Conservatory Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

8–10 Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles See the show many consider the next best thing to actually seeing the Beatles. The group has been playing together even longer than the fab four. Orpheum Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

Rain: A tribute to the Beatles at the Orpheum, April 8–10

COMEDY

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

29 Kathleen Madigan See the American Comedy Award winner live. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfieldtheatre.com

DANCE

7–20 S.F. Ballet A mixed program featuring three ballets including Chroma, set to original compositions by Joby Talbot with arrangements by Jack White of the White Stripes. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.865.2000, sfballet.org

MUSIC

Thru June 25 S.F. Jazz Spring Season Jake Shimabukuro, Randy Newman and Buddy Guy are just a few of the many acts scheduled to play during the five-monthlong concert series. 415.398.5655, sfjazz.org

1 Independent Music Night Check out the sounds of the Orange Peels, Hollyhocks and the Bye Bye Blackbirds. Hotel Utah (SF). 415.546.6300, thehotelutahsaloon.com

2 Robben Ford and Jonathan McEuen

A night of acoustic music from the fivetime Grammy nominee. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

2 Ali Akbar College of Music Hear the music of North India in this annual concert series. AACM (San Rafael). 415.454.6264, aacm.org

3 Jennifer Stumm and Elizabeth Pridgen

A concert featuring viola and piano as the 32nd season of the society continues. United Methodist Church (Mill Valley). 415.381.4453, chambermusicmillvalley.org

9-10 John Mellencamp The rocker and Farm Aid founder takes the stage. The

BLAZING A TRAIL ZUILL BAILEY

Want to hear where this generation is taking classical music? Don’t miss Zuill Bailey playing Antonin Dvo ák’smajestic Cello Concerto.This cellist blazes a trail with artistry, technical wizardry and an engaging personality.

Sunday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 3 at 7:30 pm Alasdair Neale conducts the acclaimed orchestra

Concert also features Ranjbaran’s Mithra and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1

FREE pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm with Maestro Neale and Mr. Bailey.

SINGLE TICKETS FROM $29 AT THE MARIN CENTER BOX OFFICE – 415.499.6800

Students half price. Find out more at www.marinsymphony.org

MSMarin Symphony

Alasdair Neale, Music Director

Marin Center, San Rafael

The historic landmark designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright

Concerts made possible by LVP Marin Realtors and U.S. Bank with additional support from the Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation. Guest soloist sponsored by Gloria Miner.

Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfieldtheatre.com

13 Broken Social Scene The Canada-based indie band comes to the Bay Area to perform their unique brand of music. The size of the group varies from six to as many as 19 members and includes the use of nontraditional arrangements and song structures. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfieldtheatre.com

14 PJ Harvey The eclectic Polly Jean Harvey comes performs songs from her new album Let England Shake. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfieldtheatre.com

14–17 S.F. Symphony Charles Dutoit conducts music by two French orchestral luminaries, with a performance by soloist Gautier Capuçon. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

17 Guest Concert Series The series concludes with a performance by the St. Lawrence String Quartet. Dominican University of California (San Rafael). 415.257.0128, dominican.edu

GALLERIES

MARIN

Acacia Gallery Watercolor prints by Susan Walsh Harper and new works by Steve Emery, Kathleen Lipinski, Laura Culver and Birgitta Kappe. 4162 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael. 415.479.3238, acaciagallery.net

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

Art Bar Molinar New works from Italy by Kathleen Dunne and plein air landscapes of Marin County by various local artists. 34 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.5999, theartbar.us

Art Works Downtown Re-funkified Solo show by Martin Freeman. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

Barefoot Art Gallery RHAG, film by Roy Gover; ceramic art and sculpture of Christopher Dworin. 20 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.0104, barefootartgallery.com

Claudia Chapline Gallery Contemporary art from Northern California. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

Donna Seager Gallery Art of the Book The popular show returns for the sixth year. 851 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.454.4229, donnaseagergallery.com

Falkirk Cultural Center The annual Mad Hatter’s Spring Tea Party takes place April 30. A juried exhibit is also on display thru May 28. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3438, falkirkculturalcenter.org

Gallery Bergelli Spring Group Show New work by gallery artists and introducing paintings by Jennifer Li and Piort Konkel, thru April. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, bergelli.com

Gallery Route One Life Is Tricky Drawings and mixed media from Vickisa as well as work by Shane Weare, thru May 15. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Arts Council Nature’s Palette Work from 28 member artists features art in various mediums capturing moments in nature, thru April 15. 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael. 415.666.2442, marinarts.org

Marin County Water Color Society Hills of Marin Work from society members at the San Geronimo Golf Course, thru May 8. 5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Geronimo. marincountywatercolorsociety.com

Marin Society of Artists Spring Rental Show Work from some of the 450 member artists. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org

Mona Lease Gallery Inside/Outside Paintings by Lars Johnson, thru April. 39 Greenbrae Boardwalk, Greenbrae. 415.461.3718, monalease.net

Northbay ArtWorks Studios and materials for artists. 7049 Redwood Blvd, Ste 208, Novato. 415.892.8188, northbayartworks.com

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Social Networks and Alternate Realities A juried

show. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Robert Allen Fine Art Works on Paper Works on paper and canvas featuring seven artists and limited-edition prints, thru May 27. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenfineart.com

Robert Beck Gallery Wanda Westberg landscape oil paintings. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org

Robert Green Fine Arts John Grillo Abstract expressionist paintings from the 1940s and 1950s. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfinearts.com

Rock Hill Gallery Oils on canvas by Christopher Olsen, thru April 28. 145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon. 415.935.9108, ccctiburon.org

Sam the Butcher Paintings from Deborah Bertola, who left the corporate world to become a painter. 19 Ross Common, Ross. 415.902.1019, samthebutcherart.org

Smith Andersen North California Continued: New Approaches in West Coast Photography, thru April 15. 20 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smithandersennorth.com

Studio 333 “Why There Are Words,” literary series on the second Thursday of the month. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

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

Sujaro: Gallery of African Art A large collection of antique and ancient artifacts. 11 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.362.6601, sujaro.com

Tamalpais Community Services District Watercolor and acrylic paintings on display. 305 Bell Lane, Mill Valley. 415.388.6393, tcsd.us

The Image Flow A series of abstract photographs is on display as part of the Marin

Marin Ballet presents

A Walk in the Garden

Sunday, May 15, 2011 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm within

Open Art Studios. 401 Miller Ave, Ste F, Mill Valley. 415.388.3569, theimageflow.com

Tomales Fine Art Contemporary art including landscapes, classic still lifes and figurative work. 27050 Maine St, Tomales. 707.878.2525, tomalesfineart.com

SAN FRANCISCO

ArtHaus Renovated Reputations Conceptual paintings by New York–native Kenney Mencher, thru June 25. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Berggruen Gallery Conversations Works by Los Carpinteros, James Casebere, Callum Innes and Iran do Espirito Santo. The gallery was established on Grant Street in 1970 by John Berggruen. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com

Cain Schulte Gallery Wall Sculptures Work from Jessica Drenk and Shawn Smith, April 7–May 14. 251 Post St, 415.543.1550, cainschulte.com

Caldwell Snyder Gallery Recent paintings by Manel Anoro, thru April 15. 341 Sutter St, 415.296.7896, caldwellsnyder.com

Elins Eagles-Smith Gallery Works on Paper and Canvas by Sam Francis. 49 Geary St, 415.981.1080, eesgallery.com

Gallery 291 Swiss photographer Ferit Kuyas. 291 Geary St, 415.291.9001, gallery291.net

George Krevsky Gallery Annual Baseball Show Various artists in mixed media. 77 Geary St, 415.397.9748, georgekrevskygallery.com

Gregory Lind Gallery Paintings by Will Yackulic. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com

Meyerovich Gallery Frank Stella Works on paper. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Paul Mahder Gallery Still Standing New paintings by Yisrael Feldsott, April 9–May 28. 3378 Sacramento St, 415.474.7707, paulmahdergallery.com

Rena Bransten Gallery Vintage prints by Rupert Garcia and sculpture by Ian McDonald. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com

Weinstein Gallery Rolph Scarlett Retrospective Work from a member of the American non-objective school of art. 301 Geary St, 415.362.8151, weinstein.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Step inside a design studio and become an architect, designer or engineer, thru May 8 (Sausalito). 415.339.3958, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum Sacred Walls: Deities and Marriages in Mithila Painting, thru April 17 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin History Museum Come see examples of local history from the museum’s 75 years of collecting community artifacts (Boyd Gate House). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Deep Structure: complex ordering systems of 3 Bay Area artists, thru April 10 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.com

Marin Museum of the American Indian Situated on an actual site of a Miwok village, the museum is devoted to displaying local Native American culture (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance Find out why the Indonesian island is widely known as one of the most vibrant centers of both visual and performing arts in the world, thru September 11 (SF). 415.581.3500, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Toddler Tuesdays Bring your young one every Tuesday for a special story time or craft activity designed for toddlers ages 1 to 3 Also, witness the stages of a young chicken’s life in the academy’s Piazza hatchery. thru April 24. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of Flowers Wicked Plants

A garden of sinister delights inspired by Amy Stewart’s 2009 bestseller, April 7–October 30 (SF). 415.831.2090, conservatoryofflowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Are We There Yet? 5,000 Years of Answering Questions with Questions This unique audio installation utilizes robotic algorithm software and cameras to provide each visitor with a unique auditory experience. The exhibit was created by UC Berkeley professor of robotics Ken Goldberg and Israeli artist Gil Gershoni, thru July 31 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico The Olmec, America’s oldest civilization, developed an iconic and sophisticated artistic style that included the creation of colossal heads carved from giant boulders. See more than 100 examples of this artistic style, thru May 8 (SF). 415.750.3600, thinker.org

di Rosa Preserve Surviving Paradise/ Sobreviviendo el Paraíso Curator Robert

Wuilfe brings together new and recent works by Bay Area artist Enrique Chagoya, thru April 16 (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosapreserve.org

Exploratorium Skateboard Science Learn about the science of shredding as the Exploratorium transforms into an impromptu skate park, April 7 (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave works with leading costume historians and young fashion designers to create pieces using only paper, thru June 5 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.org

Museum of the African Diaspora Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition, Contemporary African American Quilts The work of quilt makers from across the country is on display, thru April 24 (SF). 415.358.7200, moadsf.org

San Francisco Museum of Craft and Folk Art E Is for Everyone: Celebrating Sister Corita A selection of work from the

APRIL READING

BY JIM WOOD

C-Scape: Conquer the Forces Changing Business Today by Larry Kramer, Harper Collins, $27.99. Challenges of the Digital Revolution explained in understandable terms. Kramer, from Tiburon, founded MarketWatch and headed CBS Digital Media. “It’s a revolution in communications not seen since the invention of the printing press,” he claims.

Writing the Silences by Richard O. Moore, U. C. Press, $19.95. This nonagenarian founded Pacifica Radio, helped start KQED and produced over 100 progressive documentaries. With this engaging work he hopes to become a “new voice in poetry.” Richard Moore lives and writes from The Redwoods senior community in Mill Valley.

legendary pop artist and teacher Sister Corita Kent marking the 25th anniversary of her death, thru June 5 (SF). 415.227.4888, mocfa.org

SFMOMA New Work: Anna Parkina The artist’s new works on paper draw on massculture imagery to reflect on the changes in Moscow since the collapse of the Soviet Union, thru May 22 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Song Dong: Dad and Mom, Don’t Worry About Us, We Are All Well Song Dong’s large-scale installation is composed of items that his mother and grandmother collected over five decades, June 12 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

1 Crafted Help raise funds for the Museum of Craft and Folk Art and honor premier craft collectors George and Dorothy Saxe. Four Seasons Hotel (SF). 415.227.4888, mocfa.org

Emotional Currency: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Relationship with Money by Kate Levinson, Ph.D., Random House, $14.99. “Beautifully written (for men, too),” writes U.C. Professor Robert Reich.

“It deals with the terrifying confusion between net worth and self worth.” The author is the co-owner of West Marin’s Point Reyes Books.

1 Notes and Words Musical guests Megan Slankard, the Family Crest and HYIM are joined by authors Michael Lewis, Kelly Corrigan and Beth Lisick for a Children’s Hospital Oakland benefit. Fox Theater (Oakland). notesandwords.org

2 Give Back Gala This second annual event features food, wine and fashion, all benefiting Career Closet and Woman Inc. Marriott Ballroom (SF). 415.771.8600, sfgala.eventbrite.com

2 Heroes for Children Join Michael Pritchard for an evening of dining and auctions benefitng Marin Advocates for Children. StoneTree Golf Club (Novato). 415.507.9016, marinadvocates.org

2-3 Bowl For Kids’ Sake Enjoy a day of bowling benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Country Club Bowl (San Rafael). 415.453.3800, bfks.org

3 Youth Film Festival Young filmmakers show their best works at this annual film festival. Lark Theater (Larkspur) 415.924.5111, larkspur.net

The Kennedy Detail: JFK’s Secret Service Agents Break their Silence by Gerald Blaine and Lisa McCubbin, Simon & Schuster, $28. An intimate and chilling description of the days leading up to November 22, 1963—and the weeks that followed. An insightful, factual and emotional read. Coauthor Lisa McCubbin lives and writes in Belvedere.

4, 7 T. Boone Pickens The well known oilman and philanthropist describes his plans to reduce America’s reliance on fossil fuels through the use of natural gas, wind and solar power. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, speakerseries.net

6 SFMOMA Art Auction Bid on more than 70 items representing a wide range of work at this biennial fundraising event. SFMOMA (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

6–10 Sonoma International Film Festival

Celebrate film, food and wine at this 14th annual event. Downtown (Sonoma). 707.933.2600, sonomafilmfest.org

7–15 Tiburon International Film Festival

The Tiburon International film festival is back for its 10th year. Downtown (Tiburon). tiburonfilmfestival.com, 415.381.4123

8 Earth Day/National Poetry Month This special second Fridays Art Walk event features poet Rebecca Foust, illustrator Lorna Stevens and environmental artists Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang. Marin

HOT TICKET

Looking for a fun night out that will also contribute to the good of all?

Marin Magazine is excited to introduce this new department you can turn to each issue to find upcoming events in the Bay Area—events that you won’t want to miss. As Molière noted, “Every good act is charity. A man’s true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.” And we agree.

SUPPORT THE BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM

WHEN April 30, 6:00 p.m. WHERE Palace Hotel, San Francisco. For the sixth annual Playdate Gala, the main fundraising event for the Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM), board members thought it was time to try something new. “For the first time we are off-site, at the historic Palace Hotel,” says Jennifer Caleshu, Director of Communications for the BADM. “It will be fantastic to be in that historic garden court.” WHAT TO EXPECT Caleshu says guests can expect a fabulous evening with a full seated dinner prepared by the award-winning Palace chefs, specialty “speakeasy” cocktails celebrating the evening’s 1920s theme and silent and live auctions for prizes such as a week in Bermuda or the chance to have a fully stocked wine cellar constructed in your home. “We encourage attire inspired by the ’20s,” Caleshu says. “It would be great to see a drop waist and a feather or two.” The evening concludes with dessert and dancing to the sounds of the 13-piece Fil Lorenz Orchestra. WHY YOU SHOULD GO Guests who attend will help support the Bay Area Discovery Museum in its most important fundraising event of the year. The Sausalito-based museum has featured indoor and outdoor events and activities to help children develop creativity for more than 20 years. The one-of-a-kind museum, located just under the Golden Gate Bridge, gives children 6 months to 8 years a chance to experience the arts, science and environmental issues with a unique hands-on approach. FIND OUT MORE Visit baykidsmuseum.org/playdate or call 415.339.3958.

LAST MONTH’S HOT TICKET

View more photos of the March RSVP Hot Ticket— Kiddo’s Spring Gala that took place on March 12—online at marinmagazine.com/hotticket.

Share RSVP Hot Ticket events with your friends online at facebook.com/marinmagazine.

UPCOMING HOT TICKET

Mark your calendars for Marin General Hospital’s English Gardens event on June 11, which benefits the cancer center. Look in our May issue’s RSVP Hot Ticket for details.

Visit marinmagazine.com/hotticket for more upcoming events.

Arts (San Rafael). 415.666.2442, marinarts.org

9-10, 20 Live from the Met Experience works from the Metropolitan Opera House live in high definition. This month, Le Comte Ory starring Juan Diego Flórez. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net

13 Annual Floral Fling Enjoy lunch, shopping and unique floral designs by Kate Stanley, all benefiting Marin Charitable. Meadow Club (Fairfax). 415.441.5502, marincharitable.org

13 An Evening With Greg Mortenson

Small Class Sizes • Strong, Interactive & Multidisciplinary Curriculum • Distinguished Music & Theatre Programs • Award Winning Athletics • Value Integrity, Community Service & Fairness • Embrace Diversity Excellent High School Placement

SIGN UP ON-LINE TO TOUR OUR CAMPUS

Mortenson describes his efforts to promote education in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

16 Angel Island Cleanup Volunteer for the California State Parks Foundation’s Earth Day 2011 restoration and cleanup project. Angel Island (Tiburon). 415.435.1915, calparks.org

17 Earth Day Family Celebration

Enjoy hikes, stewardship projects and arts and crafts projects at this family event. Headlands Institute (Sausalito). 415.332.5771, naturebridge.org

23 Marin County Half Marathon Lace up those running shoes for this annual event featuring the Sun Kings at the finish line. Point San Pedro Road (San Rafael). 415.479.1013, marinmarathon.com

28 Food for a New Generation Celebrate the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Growning Green Award winners with locally grown food and live jazz. Yoshi’s (SF). 415.875.6100, nrdc.org

28 Scholarship Night 2011 Enjoy cocktails, dinner and a live and silent auction benefiting 10,000 Degrees (formally the Marin Education Fund). Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.451.4001, 10000degrees.org

28 Gardens, Art and Architecture Tour

five picture-perfect gardens, enjoy lunch at the Maybeck Clubhouse and help benefit the Outdoor Art Club. Various locations. 415.455.4695, theoutdoorartclub.org

29, May 1 Marin Home Tours Dwell and Marin magazines come together for a firstever Marin home tour event. See beautiful homes ranging from a classic Lucas Valley Eichler to a hand-built Sausalito houseboat. Various locations. 415.332.4800, marinmodernhometour.com

30 Workout in the Park Get in shape with Alison Sweeney, host of the Biggest Loser and author of The Mommy Diet Little Marina Green (SF). selfworkoutinthepark.com

30 Playdate A 1920s theme complete with dinner, cocktails, dancing to a live band and live and silent auctions, all benefiting the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Palace Hotel (SF). 415.339.3958, baykidsmuseum.org

30–May 30 S.F. Decorator Showcase

Enjoy the West Coast’s preeminent design event to benefit San Francisco University High School. 2950 Vallejo St (SF). 415.447.3115, decoratorshowcase.org

30 Lifehouse Great Chefs and Wineries

More than 50 top restaurants and wineries join for this black-tie benefit gala. Fireman’s Fund (Novato). 415.472.2373, lifehouseagency.org

NATURE WALKS/TALKS

2, 30 Sunset Hike and Dine Join this local club for a monthly two-hour hike on moderate to steep trails on Mount Tamalpais with a mid-hike wine and cheese break. Reservations required. Meet other avid Marin hikers. Mountain Home Inn (Mill Valley). 415.331.0100, meetup.com/sunsethike

16 Moonlight Hike Join the Marin Moonshiners for a monthly three-mile hike to experience the sunset, moonrise and a picnic. Reservations required. Meet other people interested in the great outdoors. Pelican Inn Pub (Muir Beach). 415.331.0100, meetup.com/moonshinershike

20 Marin Scuba Club Todd Steiner discusses the Turtle Restoration Project and the process of tagging turtles and sharks. The Flatiron Saloon (San Rafael). 415.456.5628, marinscuba.org

BLUESTONE MAIN

Hostess with the Mostest

Spring has sprung, and we’re ready to entertain company in style. Channel your inner domestic god or goddess without breaking a sweat with oven-ready puff pastry appetizers, gourmet European-style cookies, artisan simple syrups, local handmade chocolates and seasonal flowers and home accents. We’ll even help you get started: until April 30, save 10% on your Marin Store order when you use the discount code SPRING (excludes Dine Out).

seasonal jam gift set

This seasonal gift set from contains one 6 ounce jar each of Blue Chair Fruit’s Cranberry Jam, Meyer Lemon/Blood Orange Marmalade with Rose Geranium and End-ofSummer Tomato Jam. Made in tiny batches in traditional French copper jam kettles using local organic ingredients, this set comes in a beautifully wrapped gift box. • 1797 $36

Shipped frozen and unbaked, these mouth-watering bakeat-home appetizers are made with high quality brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry, with a seasonal sunflower design. Fillings include garlic/ pine nut/basil, mushroom/ garlic/scallion, cranberry/ pecan/brown sugar, jalapeno/ artichoke/garlic and sun-dried tomato/garlic/basil. More pastry designs available online. • 1869 $35 lush seasonal centerpiece

Liven up your table with this gorgeous centerpiece of seasonal berries, roses, hydrangeas, orchids, seasonal fruits, vines and flowers from Terri Jaffe Floral Design, all in a clear glass vase. 10” X 5” • 1472 $150

TERRI JAFFE FLORAL DESIGN | SAN RAFAEL

sunflower brie

CLARINE’S FLORENTINES | BERKELEY

signature florentines

Clarine’s Florentines awardwinning cookies offer a mouthwatering balance of caramel flavor with crunchy toasted almonds and Guittard bittersweet chocolate. These European style sweets are beautifully wrapped and perfect either as a hostess gift or for enjoying at home with a cup of coffee, tea or a scoop of ice cream. HALF DOZEN • 1852 $10

• 1853 $20

DÉLICE | EMERYVILLE

salty caramel collection

A sophisticated melody of savory and sweet goodness, Coco Delice’s insanely popular Salty Caramels offer a soft ganache made with semisweet chocolate and cream, generously infused with their special caramel and organic sea salt. 6 piece set. • 1716 $9

chartreuse leaves dishes

Handmade in the Bay Area, Hope Johnson’s lovely Chartreuse Leaves dishes have many uses: as prep plates when cooking, elegant serveware, jewelry receptacles, or simply for decoration.

DIPPING DISH (4” X 3.5” X 1”) • 1870 $24

SMALL PLATE (5” X 5” X ½”) • 1870 $28

APPETIZER/DESSERT PLATE (6” X 6” X ¾”) • 1870 $32

COCO

DOZEN

HOPE JOHNSON CERAMICS | SAN FRANCISCO

cherry blossom cupcake stands

Whitney Smith’s Cherry Blossom Cupcake Stands are perfect for those who love presentation but don’t want to commit to an entire cake (they also do double-duty as candle pedestals when not occupied with cupcakes). Shown in milk white with pink cherry blossoms; more colors available online. Sold separately in two sizes or as a set (one small, one large).

SMALL • 540 $44

LARGE • 540 $54

SET • 540 $90

smoked bacon & fresh sage sea salt

Rich with the aromatic essence of fresh smoked bacon and fresh sage, this sea salt is equally perfect for the adventurous foodie or comfort food lover. Full of fresh herbs, this salt blend from Woody’s Gourmet bursts with a scent and complexity that may surprise you.

3.2 OZ • 1771 $9.99

black truffle p.i.y. kit

Perfect for a sophisticated yet fun night at home or as an utterly original gift, 479° Popcorn’s Black Truffle Pop It Yourself Kit will turn any occasion into a party. This kit includes 32 ounces organic heirloom popcorn, 16.5 ounces La Tourangelle Black Truffle oil, 2 packets gourmet black truffle sea salt, 10 glossy paper popcorn cones, recipe cards, and popcorn-making instructions and pairing suggestions. • 1871 $45

paisley apron

This cotton kitchen apron from Swizzlestix is perfect for channeling your retro modern domestic goddess in. With a fab paisley pattern, this apron also features three front pockets and neck and back ties. Available in white (shown) or orange paisley; more prints available online. • 1872 $42

WOODY’S

hibiscus placemats

Entertaining in style while minimizing clean-up is a snap with Out-N-In’s Hibiscus Placemats. Made of a special outdoorready vinyl-coated polyester material and featuring a gorgeous graphic print, these placemats are water-resistant, UV protected and machine washable. More prints available online.

SINGLE • 1065 $10

SET OF 4 • 1065 $36

the “o” simple syrup gift set

A must-have for any sweet tooth or dessert chef, this set features natural and delicious artisan simple syrups from Sonoma Syrup: Cinnamon, Mint, Lavender, Acai Black Currant, White Ginger and Pomegranate. Set of six; items also sold separately online.

375 ML EA • 1726 $75.99

the original set

The ingredients speak for themselves with Salt Side Down Chocolates’ Original Set. Made of fresh Clover cream, E. Guittard dark chocolate, and a careful reduction of local Sonoma County artisan wine, these handmade truffles are finished with a garnish of sea salt, for an exceptionally concentrated flavor.

BOX OF 9 • 1702 $20

BOX OF 12 • 1702 $25

BOX OF 24 • 1702 $45

Around Town

Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin met with A.C.T. supporters at the annual Producers Circle Dinner, which celebrates the American Conservatory Theater’s donors. Pictured: Armistead Maupin, Nancy Livingston, Christopher Turner.

as “an

Foodies came together at the Mill Valley Community Center for the first-annual Loving Spoonfuls: Marin’s Soup and Dessert Challenge, a fundraiser for Community Institute for Psychotherapy. Guests sampled dishes from 14 restaurants including Sabor of Spain, Toast and Vin Antico and then voted for the best tastes of the day. Pictured: Scott Scheidt, Kevin Duffy.

by

and a

his upcoming

Hailed

important new thinker,”

The Los Angeles Times

“science prodigy” by The New York Times, Jonah Lehrer spoke about

book, Imagine: The Science of Creativity, at the Bay Area Discovery Museum forum.

Pictured, below left: Richard Winefield, Mark Fishkin, Po Bronson; below right: Linda Goodman, Diana Miller; right: Jonah Lehrer, Richard Winefield.

Arianna Huffington and Twitter co-founder Biz Stone (pictured) served as honorary co-chairs of WildCare’s annual gala. The event raised $350,000 to help underwrite the group’s programs.

At Neiman Marcus San Francisco, CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist Prabal Gurung—whose work appeared in our spring fashion shoot—was on hand to introduce his newest collection to locals. Pictured: Prabal Gurung, John Capizzi.

Stellar Spa and Raw foods expert Diana Stobo hosted a Get Naked at the Spa event to benefit the local nonprofit Beyond Hunger. Guests met with a relationship coach, enjoyed mini spa treatments from the Corte Madera spa and tasted raw chocolates from Coracao Confections. Pictured, below left: Hooman Khalili, Diana Stobo; below right: Maryanne Comaroto, David Raynal.

Marinites crossed the bridge for the San Francisco Ballet opening night gala La Belle Époque at the War Memorial Opera House, followed by the Moulin Rouge–themed post-performance party at City Hall. Pictured: Laura Miller, Niki Lowry.

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

ad lib

Duilio Valenti and Tom Buswell Frantoio Ristorante, Mill Valley

“As a family-run business we are proud to have been part of the Marin community for the past 15 years,” says Frantoio general manager Tom Buswell. “We take great care in sourcing only the finest ingredients and serving locally produced fruit, vegetables,

Bill Higgins Whipper Snapper Restaurant, San Rafael

“Whipper Snapper is a fun, vibrant San Rafael restaurant featuring delicious tapas, sangria and reasonably priced organic specials,” says owner and chef Bill Higgins. “The California-Caribbean cuisine blends local farm-fresh ingredients with Latin flavors. We’re open for lunch and dinner and the restaurant is festive for parties, catering and carryout. Enjoy the back patio—it’s a tropical oasis!”

What is your competitive edge?

Our upbeat staff provides genuine hospitality. I personally create the food and handpick the wines. We have the best fish tacos, killer sangria, delicious bread pudding and relaxing, outdoor dining.

Which product or service is your favorite?

I really enjoy going to the farmers’ market and seeing Andrew at Full Belly Farms and my other farmer friends, then coming back to the restaurant and creating from there.

What makes your work worthwhile?

When the restaurant “hums.” Everyone is on the same page from the dishwasher to the managers.

seafood and meats. We support the local economy whenever possible while remaining loyal to our Italian roots.”

Briefly describe your business philosophy.

We are all about “la famiglia.” When a customer comes to Frantoio they become part of the family, and we treat them as we would in our own homes.

What is your competitive edge?

Our food. Chef Duilio takes great pride in sourcing only the finest ingredients available and all our dishes are made fresh daily. All natural, all the time!

Which product or service is your favorite?

It’s hard to say; all our dishes are wonderful. However, Duilio’s house-made pappardelle with pulled braised rabbit, wild mushroom sauce and garlic-rosemary scent is hard to beat. So much flavor!

What makes you excel at what you do?

Our entire team really cares about a customer’s experience. We are determined to show all our guests true hospitality, so they feel at home and want to return time after time.

DUILIO VALENTI AND TOM BUSWELL, FRANTOIO RISTORANTE, 152 SHORELINE HWY., MILL VALLEY, 415.289.5777, FRANTOIO.COM

From a business standpoint who is your inspiration?

My father taught me the value of a dollar, not to waste, to reuse when possible and that when you take care of the little things big things take care of themselves.

BILL

HIGGINS, WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT, 1613 4TH ST., SAN RAFAEL, 415.256.1818, WHIPSNAP.BIZ

Deals on Meals

Enjoy local restaurants and save 30 percent on meals. Check out the participating restaurants in our “Deals on Meals” section and experience big savings. Spend only $35 for a dining certificate worth $50. Simply go to marinmagazine.com/dineout to purchase a dining certificate from a restaurant in this section and we will mail it to you. Try a new restaurant or purchase a certificate for an old favorite. A perfect gift for any occasion. Limited supply each month. Dine local — save big time!

go to marinmagazine.com/dineout and save 30 percent on meals

Taj of Marin offers exquisite North and South Indian cuisine in a luxurious setting. The menu includes meat, seafood, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. We carry a wide selection of beer, fine wine, and traditional Indian drinks. Live music Thursday and Saturday evenings. Certificate for dinner only.

Drakes Beach Café …Almost a Secret… Open beach hours, Friday through Monday. A spectacular setting for private parties and events. Venture out

Monday and receive a 20% discount by mentioning Marin Magazine. (A concession of the Point Reyes National Seashore.) Drakes Beach Café

Amici’s offers a taste of the Northeast’s distinctive Italian fare, including authentic thin-crust pizzas, and freshly made pastas and salads. Amici’s offers dine-in and takeout as well as delivery of their entire menu to local homes and businesses. A Gluten Free menu is also available at the San Rafael location.

Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria 1242FourthStreet

The Counter offers a mouth-watering list of ingredients giving you 312,120+ combinations to build your own unique burger. The Counter is a great place for family, friends, great music and a full bar. Voted best burger in Bay Area by SFGate.com readers on Baylist 2010.

415.455.9777 SanRafael,CA amicis.com

Fresh things are happening in Greenbrae* with bistro vis à vis and its up-and-coming new chef Mike Fredsall. Come in and enjoy his seasonal and innovative menu and appetizer specials 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 40% off wines by the glass until 6! *Anne Haight, Marin IJ

bistro

282BonAirCenter

415.925.4370 Greenbrae,CA bistrovisavis.com

SEA Thai Bistro in Corte

Flavors of Thai and neighboring countries infused in each dish using organic and local sustainable products. Chef Tony

creates each plate with pride of his native Thai at heart.

SantaRosa,CA

Cibo 1201Bridgeway

Sausalito,CA cibosausalito.com

707.528.8333 Petaluma,CA

707.766.6633

seathaibistrosr.com

Madera.

Ounpamornchai

Cibo = Food We are open breakfast and lunch serving seasonally inspired food sourced locally from farmers and purveyors whom dedicate themselves to their products’ quality. Cibo serves Blue Bottle Coffee, House Made Panini, Savories, Pastries and Desserts in a contemporary dining environment with indoor and outdoor seating.

Saylor’s Restaurant is a local favorite with fantastic food. Award winning Chef Sean Saylor’s flavorful menu includes fresh seafood, quality steaks, pastas, fresh tossed salads, and Mexican favorites, not to mention specials that change daily. Enjoy Marin’s best Margarita with 175+ tequilas to choose from.

Frantoio tantalizes your taste buds with it’s authentic Italian cuisine. Serving locally produced fruit, vegetables, seafoods and meats the restaurant supports the local economy wherever possible whilst remaining loyal to its Tuscan roots. Enjoy fantastic salads, pasta, pizza and entrees in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

Frantoio Ristorante

152 Shoreline Highway

LoCoco’s Pizzeria has been a favorite in Marin for over 40 years. Our antique family recipe is the secret to our success, and our authentic pasta sauces reflect the traditional Sicilian style. Dishes such as cannelloni, seafood, and salads complete a picture-perfect comforting meal.

415.289.5777 Mill Valley, CA frantoio.com

Il Fornaio offers an authentic Italian dining experience Specialties include artisan cocktails, an award-winning wine list, housemade pastas, fresh salads and soups, a wide variety of desserts, and fresh baked bread. Each month, a special regional dinner menu is featured. Groups of all sizes are welcome!

Il Fornaio

223CorteMaderaTownCtr

LoCoco’s Pizzeria 638 San Anselmo Ave.

415.453.1238 San Anselmo, CA lococossananselmo.com

In Japanese, Robata means “by the fireside” and refers to the grill-style cooking of northern Japanese fishermen. Our menu offers traditional as well as contemporary fare. Over 25 premium sakes. Come see why we’ve been Mill Valley’s favorite Japanese restaurant for over 27 years.

Robata Grill & Sushi

415.927.4400 CorteMadera,CA ilfornaio.com

Thank you for voting for DISH as one of the top three new restaurants to open in Marin in 2010. Join Dish for Dinner to taste our new chef’s delicious, affordable Californian comfort food. We have a great breakfast and lunch menu as well.

dish Mill Valley

507 Miller Avenue

415.388.DISH (3474) Mill Valley, CA dishmillvalley.com

591 Redwood Hwy.

415.381.8400 Mill Valley, CA robatagrill.com

Dining in? Try one of the great recipes in Organic Marin. Produced by Marin Magazine, this seasonal cookbook celebrates the organic farmers of Marin County and over 40 delicious recipes from local restaurants. 35% off with the code DINEIN. Go to themarinstore.com/organicmarin

BThe Wright Stuff

Lark Creek chef’s recipes for spring eating

BY MIMI TOWLE

y the time this article is published, the Tavern at Lark Creek’s executive chef, Aaron Wright, should be exhausted, blurry-eyed and ready for a vacation—not because of his all-hours kitchen gig but his job as father to new son Evan. In the chef’s hat, Wright has pleased palates in Seattle at Canlis Restaurant; Earth and Ocean in W Hotel; Andaluca in the Mayflower Park Hotel; and most recently, Calistoga Ranch. We asked him for the dish on his background and to share some favorite recipes for spring.

Where did you learn to cook? First, from my family, who would plant backyard gardens and cook elaborate holiday feasts. Secondly,

plants and vegetables. Also bicycling and spending time with family.

How long does it take to prepare the tombo tuna salad (below right), and what can be done ahead of time? If you are serving four people, I would say it wouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to prepare. The mango, avocado and dressing can all be done ahead.

How long does it take to prepare the soup? What can be done ahead of time? The soup can be made in 30 minutes with a simpler garnish. Garnishes can be made ahead, and [that] is suggested since soup is always better the next day. The time lets the flavors develop.

in the kitchens of the Pacific Northwest, working alongside and learning from multiple chefs and restaurateurs.

What do you like to do when you are not in the kitchen? You can find me most often in my backyard container garden tending to my

How do you keep the avocado looking fresh in the salad? Olive oil, salt and a little squeeze of lime, kept in a bowl with plastic wrap pressed against the avocado to eliminate all air exposure.

Is tombo on the Seafood Watch list? If it is, what can it be substituted with? Tombo tuna, also known as albacore tuna, earns a “best choice” from the Seafood Watch list. This salad [also] works great with Dungeness crab and shrimp.

Where did you get these recipes? I helped develop the tuna dish for the California Avocado Commission while working at Canlis in Seattle. The asparagus soup is a crowd-pleaser that I’ve made multiple times before.

ASPARAGUS SOUP

Presented here, the dish is accompanied by crispy prosciutto, grated pecorino lucano and crushed pine nuts. Note: Pouring soup tableside is an elegant way to serve it to guests. Or, pour into a pitcher and place on the table for self-service.

1 medium onion, peeled and sliced thin

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic

B⁄c pound asparagus

B⁄e cup white wine

2 cups chicken broth

B⁄c cup whipping cream (optional)

B⁄c pound baby spinach

salt and pepper to taste

In a large pan, over medium-high heat, sauté the onions in butter until they start to caramelize. Season during this period to help extract liquid from the onions. Add garlic, stir in and sweat it, then deglaze with white wine and reduce the liquid. Add the chicken broth and cream (if using), bringing the mixture to a boil. Add asparagus and allow mixture to return to a boil. Transfer mixture to a blender, add the spinach leaves and blend until smooth. Force the puree through a strainer, pressing hard on solids to extract the soup. Discard the tough fibers left in the strainer. Season soup to taste with salt, pepper and a splash of sherry vinegar if it seems needed. Serves 4.

SEARED TOMBO TUNA WITH AVOCADOS, MANGOES AND TOMATOES

2 one-ounce portions tombo tuna

1 ounce mangoes, diced small

1 ounce avocados, diced small

1 teaspoon chives, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

B⁄c ounce green onions, sliced on a bias

B⁄c ounce microgreens or sprouts

B⁄c ounce tomato vinaigrette (recipe follows)

3 cherry tomatoes

B⁄i ounce white fish caviar (optional)

B⁄c teaspoon capers

Clean and portion the tuna; set aside. Dice mangoes; set aside. Dice avocados; place in bowl. Mix in chives and olive oil, season with salt and pepper; set aside. Halve tomatoes; set aside. To assemble, choose a plate to assemble the mangoavocado salad and seared tuna. In a ring mold, add mangoes with a spoon, filling the bottom half inch of the mold. Add avocado mixture with a spoon for another half inch, smoothing off the top. Add microgreens or sprouts, dressed with a little olive oil, on top of the avocado. Carefully remove ring mold. Dress the plate with the tomato vinaigrette.

Season tuna with salt and pepper and set aside. In a sauté pan, heat oil to smoke point and sear tuna on one side. (This gives a nice contrast to the tuna.) Once the tuna is done, remove from pan and arrange on plate. Finish by arranging tomatoes, caviar (if using) and capers around the tuna.

TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

1 pint cherry tomatoes

3 ounces extra-virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Rinse and dry tomatoes; add to blender. Blend on medium-high, slowly adding the olive oil; season mixture with salt and pepper. Reserve and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

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DINE OUT

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian Benissimo means “really really good” in Italian. Besides their daily 4–7 happy hour where drinks range from $3–$5 and small plates $5–$7 this popular family style (and family run) eatery has something happening every night of the week. Monday: happy hour all day, Tuesday: free corkage, Wednesday: Martini night and Thursday: live jazz. 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

BRICK & BOTTLE California Sourcing local and artisan ingredients, executive chef Scott Howard brings simple California cuisine to Corte Madera’s Brick & Bottle, opened May 2010. With a cheerful vibe that resonates in the restaurant’s comfortable design, Brick & Bottle features a large bar area, beautiful outdoor patio and family-friendly dining. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.924.3366, brickandbottle.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 Ctr, 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 Ctr, 415.927.0288, lm-vietnamesecuisine.com

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

MAX’S CAFE American Located across from Town Center, Max’s is known for casual ambience and large portions. The menu changes with the season but features year-round favorites like matzo ball soup and BLTs. Besides decadent portions or comfort food and desserts, the menu offers seasonable local produce and healthy items. 60 Madera Blvd, 415.924.6297, maxsworld.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 cooked or raw fish, chicken or beef. Modeled after the Paia Fish House on Maui, down to the chalkboard menu and Hawaiian music. 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.com

P. F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO Chinese

The combination of an attentive staff, lively atmosphere and consistently delicious meals makes for a solid dining experience. Items like the lettuce wraps and Mongolian beef keep the customers loyal. 301 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.413.9890, pfchangs.com

RICK’S WINE CELLAR California This one-room bar and wine shop is located in the same spot where Marin’s first wine bar 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

SEA THAI BISTRO Asian SEA stands for Southeast Asian, and co-owner and executive chef Tony Ounpamornchai works to infuse Thai and other Asian flavors with American tastes to create innovate dishes. The eatery, which uses sustainable and local ingredients when possible, also offers an extensive wine list. 60 Corte Madera, 415.927.8333, seathaibistro.com

THE COUNTER California American The folks at The Counter have taken the “have it your way” motto to a new level. Mostly known for all-natural Angus beef (humanely raised and handled, of course) turkey, chicken or veggie burgers, the menu offers options like a bowl (all the ingredients without the bun) or salads. Cheeses range from herb goat cheese spread, gruyère or plain ol’ cheddar; toppings and sauces are equally varied. And if you wanted a martini with your burger, no problem they have a full bar. 201 Corte Madera Town Center 415.924.700, thecounterburger.com

FAIRFAX

FRADELIZIO’S Italian Home-style comfort food, fresh fish, and good wine add up to an excellent place for a family night out. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618, fradelizios.com

IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American Grab a beer and a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich—which one Chronicle reviewer calls “the best mushroom dish I have ever tasted” —at the former Ross Valley Brewing Company. 765-A Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com

PANCHO VILLA’S Mexican A Fairfax favorite for over 30 years. Since 1976, head chef Francisco has been turning out treats like chile relleno stuffed with jack cheese, cilantro and onion and

crab enchiladas topped with a mild tomatillo sauce and sour cream. 1625 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, 415.456.4331, panchosfairfax.com

SORELLA CAFFE Italian Open for over six years, and run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sisters,” serves up fresh Italian food with a northern influence. Customer favorites include cioppino, butternut ravioli and eggplant parmesan. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padana cheese, which is passed around the tables. Easy place to bring the kids. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.com

GREENBRAE

BISTRO VIS A VIS California Bon Air Shopping Center welcomes Bistro Vis à Vis with chef Mike Fredsall, who was with the Campton Place when it earned a four-star rating from the Chronicle, with Aqua when it earned its second Michelin star and Madera—yep, a Michelin star appeared here too during his time. Menu items include seared sea scallops and celery root “ravioli” with gala apple salad and celery root puree, and Creekstone Farms New York steak with portobello-shiitake bread pudding, broccoli rabe and natural jus and truffled risotto cakes. 282 Bon air Ctr,, 415.925.4370 bistrovisavis.com

JASON’S Italian The restaurant’s 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 Who says you can’t go back to being a carefree teenager for a night? This family-friendly hot spot has surfboards hanging from the ceiling, fun-in-the-sun music, a full bar and large televisions displaying surfers riding waves. The only thing missing is the sand at this surf-style, upbeat eatery. 302 Bon Air Ctr, 415.461.7400, wipeoutbarandgrill.com

KENTFIELD

HALF DAY CAFE American A tucked-away setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows makes the perfect breakfast nook. Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch; the setting is casual and can get crowded on the weekends. The menu includes lattes, exceptional pastries and much more. Dine on the outdoor patio or inside. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com

LARKSPUR

EMPORIO RULLI Italian Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian specialties

and treats. The Larkspur location (there are three others) is a popular spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com

FABRIZIO RISTORANTE Italian Traditional Italian dishes with an extensive wine list from regions all over Italy; outside seating makes the experience even more special. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, fabriziorestaurant.com

PICCO California This has been a popular spot ever since opening in 2005 . Dishes like miniburgers 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 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, including Meyer lemon mascarpone danishes and bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun. 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

TAVERN AT LARK CREEK American The next chapter in the 1888 Victorian Murphy House is being written by chef Aaron Wright and culinary director Adrian Hoffman. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, tavernatlarkcreek.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. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com

BEERWORKS BREWERY AND BEER CAFE

American With a beverage menu of handcrafted beers made on site, imported and local microbrews and housemade kombucha and root beer, this Mill Valley brewery is set to keep the local palate pleased. Don’t miss the small beer hall selection of pretzels, salumis and cheeses. 173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.336.3596, millvalleybeerworks.com

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfortfood-type menu items that have made this

S ANDRA B IRD D ESIGNS

What do you love about Marin?

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, known for tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

CHARLIE HONG KONG Asian Finally Mill Valley has an Asian street food restaurant and best of all, dishes are $10 and less. Charlie Hong Kong is in downtown Mill Valley in the spot formerly occupied by Ino Sushi (near Baskin Robbins) and offers something for every type of eater; vegan, wheat-free, vegetarian and carnivore. Menu items include chicken pho, vegan vegetable medley or vegan summer rolls, pad thai, chow mein and gado gado—all made with organic, locally produced veggies and all-natural, vegetarianfed, sustainably raised proteins. 25 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.8303, charliehongkong.com

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CAFE DEL SOUL California Beware of addiction. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh Hummus Yummus wrap, you’ll have to come back to sample the chipotle Sunrise Rice Bowl; then it will be the Thai It Up wrap with peanut sauce washed down with ginger limeade that brings you back, and so on. Casual lunch spot, great for takeout. 247 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net

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

DISH California Sit inside or out at this hip casual eatery on Miller Avenue. The result of a vision of Mill Valley locals including Peter Schumacher and Mike House, DISH was created as an all-day gathering spot serving healthy, organic food and drinks. Start the morning with a cappuccino, or stop in after midday yoga for a salad or sandwich and end the day with a glass of wine (free corkage) on the outdoor patio watching the sun set behind Mount Tamalpais. 507 Miller, 415.388.3013, dishmillvalley.com

FRANTOIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian

Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this spot is a great location for an intimate dinner, large groups and anything in between. Happy hour starts at 4:30 in the sizable, comfortable bar area, where you can snack on antipasti or order your whole meal. Owned by Roberto Zecca and Chef Duilio Valenti, both from Milano; the kitchen uses local and organic ingredients—it’s the Italian way. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room. 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

GRILLY’S RESTAURANT Mexican Now open after a five-month remodel, both the Mill Valley and Fairfax locations serve “healthy Mexican food” like grilled chicken, steak or veggie-filled burritos with gluten-free and vegetarian options. 493 Miller Ave, 415.381.3278, grillys.com

HARMONY Chinese Dishes here are an infusion of many flavors. The barbecue pork bun is filled with house-made roasted meat in a savory sauce; fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea. Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurantgroup.com

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 a seat at the counter and enjoy the action. 382 Miller, 415.383.8164

LA BOULANGE BAKERY French Take your pastries and coffee in a bowl and lounge on the patio for a relaxing morning as you’re practically transported to Paris at this adorable bakery. 800 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.1260, baybread.com

LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or booth can take a while. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait staff is also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224

MAMA’S ROYAL CAFE American Old-timers love this fabulous kitsch-decorated breakfast spot. The menu offers crepes, brioche French toast and other a.m. specialties served all day; stay awhile and try the sandwiches for lunch. 87 Miller Ave, 415.388.3261

MILL VALLEY COFFEE SHOP American Sure, it could use a steam clean, but the regulars keep coming back for the pancakes and eggs. Great place to bring the kids. 4 Locust Ave, 415.388.6958

PEARL’S PHAT BURGERS American Deemed by the New York Times, as a silver-spoon alternative to a greasy spoon diner, Pearl’s has a “hipster denizen” (another NYT phrasing) following loyal to the big juicy all-natural patties (vegetarian, turkey, beef, buffalo or grilled chicken) served up with tasty sides such as garlic or sweet potato fries, shakes and seasonal smoothies. Eat-in if you can get a seat, or take it home for dinner. 8 East Blithedale Ave, 415.381.6010

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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, pretty is as pretty does

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 The staff prides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Try for a table at the window for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Take a peek at the impressive collection of Italian wines to go with your rustic seasonal Italian meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

PIZZA ANTICA Italian Although a recent Yelp reviewer called its pizzas, “by far the best thin crust pizzas in Marin,” this Mill Valley spot also serves up antipasti selections, hearty salads, pastas and protiens. Wine is served by the glass, half carafe or bottle. 800 Redwood Hwy, 415.383.0600, pizzaantica.com

ROBATA GRILL AND SUSHI Japanese Robata translates as “by the fireside”; fittingly, food here can be cooked on an open fire and served in appetizer-size portions to pass around the table. Or simply order your own sushi or entrée from the menu and enjoy a table.. 591 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com

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, theplela.com

TOAST American Take the kids for an omelet or pancake breakfast at this cozy venue; lunch and dinner, too. 31 Sunnyside Ave, 415.388.2500, toastmillvalley.com

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-style pizza using the best imported, natural and local organic ingredients.” Mostly outdoor seating, so dress accordingly. Stop by or take out. 246 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646, tonytuttopizza.com

TSUKIJI SUSHI Japanese Named for the largest fish market in world, Tsukiji is owned by Roy and Chanel Liu. The couple earned their sushi stripes operating Morpho in San Francisco and Akira in San Rafael. Helping them behind the sushi bar is former Sushi Ran head sushi chef Haruo Komatsu. 24 Sunnyside Ave., 415.383.1382.

NOVATO

BOCA STEAK & SEAFOOD South American Bring a date or celebrate a special event at this classic steak house, 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-fixe dinner. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com

CACTI GRILL American 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

EL ENCANTO Mexican Barbed wire orbs, lights, festive music, and an addictive bean dip sets this family-friendly restaurant apart from the plethora of others in Marin. The sting of waiting for a table can be relieved by the En Canto House Margarita on the patio. 940 Seventh St, 415.892.1471, encantorestaurant.com

EXTREME PIZZA American Pizza by the slice or pie. Come up with your own creation or choose one of the restaurant’s favorites like the Mr. Pestato Head: homemade pesto sauce, potatoes, red onions, feta, fresh basil and mozzarella. 104 Vintage Way, 415.898.6575, extremepizza.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

GOLDEN EGG OMELET HOUSE American

Previously called the Old Town Bistro, this Novato favorite is back by popular demand with its original name and menu. Open for breakfast and lunch, the Golden Egg Omelet house offers an assortment of organic and locally grown foods,

and 101 different types of omelets. 807 Grant Ave, 415.897.7707, goldeneggnovato.com

HILLTOP 1892 California Situated in a historic estate in Novato, with sweeping views, Hilltop 1892 offers traditional favorites with a California flare. Open from breakfast through dinner, including Sunday Brunch. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com

PORTELLI ROSSI Italian This casual cafe offers huge portions (most priced under $20), a garden patio and a family-friendly environment. Stop in on Saturday and Sunday nights for the live jazz band on the patio. The early-bird special includes a three-course meal for only $12 every night if you’re seated before 6 p.m. Closed Mondays. 868 Grant Ave, 415.892.6100, portellirossi.com

TOAST American Sister to the popular Mill Valley location, Toast Novato features outdoor dining and architecture by Stanley Saitowitz and still has the great dishes by executive chef Michael Garcia that have made the southern Marin spot a not-to-be-missed destination. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com

TUSCANY COUNTRY GRILL Italian The Chicken Pesto Panini and Eggplant Parmigiano are among many of the favorites at this charming and spacious Italian eatery. The menu is eclectic, prices are fair and the portions are enormous. Can get crowded during lunchtime so make reservations or arrive early. 1516 Grant Ave, 415.998.2800

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. In the mood for a cigar? The restaurant has an extensive list. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

ROSS

CAFE ON THE COMMON French A quaint oneroom coffeehouse centrally situated near Ross Common. Get there early for the full selection of pastries to enjoy with fresh-squeezed orange juice. 22 Ross Common, 415.461.2205

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, frescotrattoria.com

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 Proprietors Donna and Jack Krietzman (of Pacific

Heights’ Jackson Fillmore) have brought Milan to Marin with their 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, cucinarestaurantandwinebar.com

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

LOCOCO’S PIZZERIA Italian Worth driving to from all over Marin, and it’s an easy place to meet up with friends. The pizza crust is divine as is the house salad. Good spot to come with the entire family. Closed Mondays. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.1238, lococossananselmo.com

MARINITAS Mexican The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to flourish as it brings Latin flair home to Marin. It may not be as low-priced as most Mexican restaurants in the area, but this is not your typical south-ofthe-border spot. The festive atmosphere and funky decor complement the excellent food for

a classy, lively experience. Finish with the rich Tres Leches Cake. This place gets packed, so make reservations. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

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

AMICI’S EAST COAST PIZZERIA California

A bevy of pizza options include gluten-free crust and the new Siciliano, an enticing mix of mozzarella, slow-roasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper flakes sans the tomato sauce. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.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

IL DAVIDE Italian A large selection of both Italian and Californian wines by the glass along with the dolci menu’s tiramisu have kept locals coming back for years. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net

LOTUS RESTAURANT American Bistro/Creperie Lotus Restaurant has earned Hall of Fame kudos from Pacific Sun readers for nearly a decade. Family owned and operated, it serves up North Indian cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options in a casual pink-tablecloth setting. 704 Fourth St, 415.456.5808, lotusrestaurant.com

MCINNIS PARK GOLF CLUB RESTAURANT

American Chef Tim Harmon has created an eclectic menu for brunch, lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is popular, as well as the full bar with a selection of premium Scotches, small-batch bourbons and over 50 wines from California’s finest vineyards. McInnis Park, 415.491.5990, mcinnisparkgolfcenter.com/restaurant.html

MIKADO SUSHI Japanese This beautifully decorated, family-owned sushi spot has been open for about two years in its Terra Linda location. Serving both raw and cooked dishes and 20 different choices of sake. Dine in or stay home and get it delivered. 248 Northgate One, 415.446.5543

MIKEY’S Spanish New chef Freddy Caamel has added a Cuban menu to the mix in this casual restaurant. Try “Mikey’s special” for breakfast, nachos for lunch, the ropa vieja from their new Cuban menu for dinner. 783 Anderson Dr, 415.454.6453, eatatmikeys.com

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, mulberrystreet-pizzeria.com

PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT American The tropical garden is a must-dine-at location for people-watching and for taking advantage of San Rafael’s warm weather. The Sunday brunch menu is a hit with kids, who can’t get enough of the Panama Waffle served with bananas, warm chocolate sauce and whipped cream. 4 Bayview St, 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

SABOR OF SPAIN Spanish Named Best Tapas/ Small Dishes restaurant in Marin by the Pacific Sun in 2006, this Spanish wine bar is a great place for a date or a big party. The gazpacho is world class here and a must-try. 1301 Fourth St, 415.457.8466, saborofspain.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. Great for large parties, the dining room holds 240. The Pacific red snapper meunière 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 oneroom 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, solfoodrestaurant.com

TAJ OF MARIN Indian Delicious North and South Indian cuisine from the $8.95 lunch special to dinners that include goat curry, spinach, lentils and tandoori. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available, 909 4th Street, 415.459.9555, tajofmarin.com

WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT California

Owner and chef Bill Higgins serves reasonably priced and delicious tapas. Save room for delicious fish tacos and yummy chocolate bread pudding. On Sundays they offer $3 glasses of sangria. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz

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

AVATAR’S Indian Looking for “the best meal of your life”? Let owner Ashok Kumar order for you. One-room casual dining for lunch and dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, eatavatar.com

CIBO Cafe Husband-and-wife team Alfredo and Tera Ancona offer a menu filled with tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. And now Marinites no longer have to drive over the bridge to get famous Blue Bottle coffee. Or opt for homemade organic dark hot chocolate. Located in the historic brick building at 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.CIBO, cibosausalito.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

FISH Seafood It is all about the fresh fish here. You can dine at one of the picnic tables or

purchase fresh fish to cook at home. Casual and bring cash (and lots of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331fish.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. Deck dining, valet parking and docking facilities available. A full bar serves draft beers and specialty cocktails and has an extensive wine selection. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, horizonssausalito.com

LE GARAGE French Escape the touristy Sausalito spots and grab brunch right on the water at this cherished site. The atmosphere is animated with light French music playing in the background (think Amélie). The Kobe Burger, though not as Parisian as the other menu items, is to die for. Also consider the much-adored croque-monsieur for under $10. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistrosausalito.com

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

POGGIO Italian A great place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out. Executive chef Peter McNee cooks up delicious

The North Bay’s Largest Design Showroom

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 Marin’s first tequila bar offers over 100 tequila options. Nightly meal specials include chicken pot pie, roasted salmon, baby back ribs, and traditional meatloaf. If you’re in for a wild night of entertainment there are frequent events like margarita night and flight night tequilatasting parties. The private dining room is perfect for large parties. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurantandbar.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

CAPRICE California Yelp reviewer called, “the perfect romantic dinner spot.” Midweek take advantage of the restaurant’s well-priced threecourse dinners for less than $25. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.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 make it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. 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 at this 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

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. Spacious bar, and weekend music is also a big draw. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

TIBURON GRILL California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting with two outdoor patios, two indoor fireplaces, and candlelit tables during the evening. No item is more than $20, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, thelodgeattiburon.com

WEST MARIN

DRAKES BEACH CAFE American 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

NICK’S COVE American This collaboration of famed restaurateurs Pat Kuleto and Mark Franz has attracted visitors (and accolades) nationwide. Large windows open the 130-seat eatery to the picturesque Tomales Bay and Hog Island. Menu consists of the freshest available local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby. (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.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 every night. 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 Whether strolling in from a day of hiking or celebrating a romantic anniversary, Osterio Stellina accommodates any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired using organic, local ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the goat shoulder, a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Don’t leave without indulging in the standout lemon ice cream sandwich (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 recreated 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 is great in the afternoon (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com

STATION HOUSE CAFE American Fresh local homegrown foods, served as available, are showcased on the chef’s menu. Stop in on weekends for the live music and enticing wine and beer lists. 11180 State Route One, 415.663.1515, stationhousecafe.com

SURFERS GRILL American The view doesn’t get better than this—nor does the surf salad. Built right out on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot offers up tasty fresh organic salads alongside corn dogs, burgers and fries. Stinson Beach Park, Hwy 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com

Diners at Poggio, Sausalito

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Natalie Bzowej, MD, PhD Hepatology

Stewart Cooper, MD Hepatology

Lorry Frankel, MD Pediatric Critical Care

Nima Grissom, MD Breast Surgery

Timothy Davern, MD Hepatology

Todd Frederick, MD Hepatology

Mahin Golabi, MD Pediatric Genetics

Jonathan Katz, MD Neurology

Kenneth Laxer, MD Neurology

Marilyn Kutzscher, MD Internal Medicine

Louise Lo, MD Ped. Hematology-Oncology

Denise M. Main, MD OB / GYN

Elliott Main, MD OB / GYN

Raphael Merriman, MD Hepatology

David Tong, MD Neurology

Robert Miller, MD Neurology

V. Ram Peddi, MD Nephrology

Mark Singer, MD Otolaryngology

William J. Snape, Jr. MD Gastroenterology

Nikola Tede, MD Pediatric Cardiology

Robert Vazquez, MD Family Medicine

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Decoration

Create Your Dream Garden

• Majestic Trees, Seasonal Wildflowers

• Fragrant, Colorful Blossoms

• Butterflies, Birds, Bees & Hummingbirds

• Organic Fruits & Vegetables

• Beautiful Stonework

• Integral Arbors, Trellises

• Efficient Irrigation

• Sustainable, Organic Living

See our gardens and vineyards, find ideas for your garden: www.avidgreen.com • 415-461-8477

Saturday, April 30

The Bay Area Discovery Museum’s most important fundraiser of the year will be awash with glamour and glitz at the San Francisco landmark Palace Hotel. Sip cocktails and nibble on hors d’oeuvres as you browse and bid on swanky packages to the swell tunes of our jazz trio. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the award-winning Palace Hotel chefs and a thrilling live auction, then foxtrot the night away with the 13-piece Fil Lorenz Orchestra.

SolematesShoes

CORDANI

BELVEDERE

From a Depression-era risk to multimilliondollar homes

BY JIM WOOD PHOTOS TIM PORTER

“I thought you were crazy,” neighbors often tell Belvedere’s Bill Rothman. They’re referring to his protests against America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which he has led every Friday afternoon for the past nine years— from a prominent corner in Belvedere, no less. “But now I agree with you,” they often add when walking away.

Rothman is Belvedere’s token gadfly. His favorite attire is a worn pair of denim bib overalls, and for kicks he drives his 1908 Stanley Steamer through town, leaving billowing plumes of white behind him. Oh, and he raises chickens on the land surrounding his multimilliondollar home that has breathtaking views of Richardson Bay, Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Belvedere and Rothman are two of a (very different) kind. For years, Rothman has been of the opinion that the Pledge of Allegiance should not be recited at the start of city council meetings. “First of all, I don’t believe in God,” he says, “and I’ve always felt the pledge had a childlike quality to it.” Now, when attending council meetings, as he often does, Rothman remains silently seated. Meanwhile, the Belvedere city council continues (and pledges) to do what it maintains is best for Belvedere.

The town of just over 2,000 residents is one of the smallest and most conservative in Marin County—with registered Republicans just a few percentage points behind the Democrats (36.2 percent to 36 percent, as of 2009). In another rarity for Marin, almost 97 percent of Belvedere’s

residents are white. (Overall, the average in Marin County is about 80 percent.) The town’s per-capita income of $113,600 ranks it first in the U.S. for cities with populations of over 1,000. While Belvedere’s city limits encompass 2.4 square miles, almost 80 percent of the town is— pardon the expression—underwater; with just over half a square mile being dry land.

Belvedere was first settled in the 1890s and incorporated in 1896; it opened its post office a year later. How and why did the town come about? One word: Fog. San Francisco had it; Belvedere did not—and city folks wanted an escape. Therefore, the Belvedere Land Company was formed and began selling lots—sunny side up—on the island that was just 30 minutes by ferry across the bay. Don’t forget, back then there was no Golden Gate Bridge, and only a narrow dirt road all the way out the Tiburon Peninsula to

opposite: A look at Belvedere Lagoon, a neighborhood created from pre–World War II mudflats. left: Cedar Lane is one of Belvedere’s many paths that connect residential areas with downtown. below: China Cabin is a Landmarks Society attraction that opens this month.

Belvedere, and to nearby Tiburon, which was a rough-and-rugged railroad town.

In fact, to keep its residents from having to shop in Tiburon, a small downtown—which was made up of a market, drugstore, soda fountain and hotel—was developed in the neighborhood where the still-thriving Belvedere Land Company and the always-active San Francisco Yacht Club now reside. “It was in 1935 that my grandfather bought the Belvedere Land Company,” says its current president, the affable Jim Allen. “The purchase included some apartments, an office building and about 200 acres of land—half of which was bay mud.”

Allen acknowledges that his granddad was strongly advised against the purchase. “The Depression was on, and a world war was looming,” he points out. “The purchase was in the $250,000 range, which for then was a lot of money and a huge risk.” Now, well—suffice to say Belvedere is some of the priciest property on the planet.

“And I love it to death,” affirms Kathy Perasso, a young Marin mom of six-year-old Kelly and wife of lawyer/consultant Claude. “Ten years ago, I came kicking and screaming from San Francisco,” she continues. “Now I feel we have the best of both worlds: I see the city and can get there in minutes, and I live in paradise.” High on Perasso’s “things to do in Belvedere” list are weekends at the Tiburon Peninsula Club, entertaining friends at home and supporting her daughter’s school.

“Reed School not only has outstanding teachers,” she says, “but creative administration.” To express her appreciation for Belvedere’s excellent schools, Parasso, an interior designer, is co-chairing this year’s Reed Regatta, the spectacular fundraiser staged in a massive white tent on Blackie’s Pasture that hopes to raise $200,000 for the Foundation for Reed Schools.

With that million-dollar segue, let’s discuss Belvedere real estate. “Frankly, it’s rather slow,” says Jean Cromwell of Frank Howard Allen Realtors in adjacent Tiburon. “However, that’s great news for buyers.” Overall, according to Cromwell, prices are down about 20 percent from previous highs, and there are currently 31 active listings and five properties in escrow. And while Belvedere’s “buy-in” price is still above $1.5 million. “There’s a nice three-bedroom on the Lagoon for $1.9 million listed for sale,” she says. Cromwell notes that there are three homes priced at over $25 million and one at $19.5 million.

Regarding her own five-bedroom listing, a $3.65 million home on the Belvedere Lagoon, Cromwell exclaims, “It’s a beauty—a perfect floor plan on a big lot! Every room you’d want to be on the lagoon, is on the lagoon.” Her parting words: “Spring is always the best selling season.”

Even in multimillion-dollar Belvedere—where over 75 years ago much of the town was purchased for “around $250,000”—that just might be true.

Jewel of Yolanda Park

Situated at the helm of one of San Anselmo’s most idyllic neighborhoods, this Julia Morgan inspired architectural gem circa 1920 is one of the most landmark properties in all of Marin County. An incredibly gracious floor plan perfectly marries the charm and character of a bygone area with the modern sensibility of 2011.

Step across the threshold into a particularly warm living room that features glass front bookcases, plate rails, moldings, wood-burning fireplace…off to one side there’s a lovely arch windowed family room. The formal dining room which will readily seat a dozen or more offers a private anteroom ideal for that pre-dinner glass of wine or morning tea. An eat-in country kitchen is infused with great natural light and steps directly out to rear deck, yard and inviting swimming pool. Upstairs one will find a generously proportioned master suite along with three additional bedrooms, all surrounded by outlooks over the lush landscaping and local environs.

Amongst the most notable bonus features is a fully fenced yard rich with foliage that includes a collection of Japanese maples, date palm, persimmons, Seville orange, ornamental crab apple, dogwoods and more. Extra pluses include user-friendly rear cabana ideal for home office or play room and a full basement that currently serves as a home gymnasium. Maybe just once in a lifetime does such a signature home with rich heritage and detailing become available…carpe diem!

Home

Harnessing the balance between nature and man, this architecturally significant home (built in 2006) was consciously designed to celebrate the relationship it has with the iconic presence of Mt. Tamalpais (approx. 2500 feet). With its 7.8 acres of land, the privacy and quiet of the scene is palpable.

Iconic Stinson Beach

Excellent location close to the village and beach. This iconic home with its modern charm has much to offer. Sunken living room with walls of glass. Fabulous ocean view decks. Spacious, centrally located kitchen with lovely cabinetry and abundant counter space. Formal and informal dining areas. Huge storage/office area on entrance level. Separate studio and a real workshop. Large rear private, yard. A very special property. Only 45 minutes from SF. Offered at $1,199,000.

Call for more information and an appointment to view.

www.pacunion.com/agents/DinoWilson

CUP, right in your own backyard! The location and views do not get any

Enjoy a spacious, one level condominium in “Old Town” Tiburon, just moments away from downtown, the Tiburon Ferry, great restaurants and Shoreline Park. Two bedrooms, master en suite and second full bathroom, a grand living room/dining room, den/study, artist porch/studio, two car attached garage, expansive deck and no HOA dues. Yes, this is a very special property. Additional details at www.2336ParadiseDrive.com

S ophisticated, 4bd/3.5ba, newly built, 3023+/-sf Mill Valley home situated on a .25+/-acre lot with level yard, 2-car garage on a special 6 home cul-de-sac. The formal entry hall offers views to the living and dining rooms, as well as the family room ahead. The adjacent gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, a granite central island and breakfast area. Also located on the main level there is a private master suite with serene views to the lovely, surrounding mature trees. Special features to note are two fireplaces, sawn oak hardwood floors on the main level, custom tile and stone throughout, sophisticated lighting and creative landscaping. Award-winning schools. 59SouthKnoll.com Offered at $1,799,000

90 Idlewood Road, Kentfield

10 Hillcrest Road, Tiburon

157 San Marino Drive, San Rafael

124

Red Hill Circle, Tiburon

21 Sunshine Avenue, Sausalito

250 Morningside Drive,Corte Madera

69 Esmeyer Drive, San Rafael

36 Eugene Street, Mill Valley

Buy Four Distinctive Lifestyle Homes at a Fractional Price

Lake Tahoe Waterfront retreat

San Francisco Historic Mansion

Napa Valley 43-acre Estate

Pebble Beach Golf Villa

Enjoy The Best of Hawaii… The River Queen

LUXURY VACATION RENTAL WITHOUT THE LUXURY PRICE

BigIsland,Hawaii

Located within the Mauna Lani Resort, The Islands at Mauna Lani is a private, gated community consisting of just 46 luxury townhouses on 22 lushly landscaped acres. Each of these dwellings is large, spacious, and constructed to the very highest standards, featuring oak doors on the first level, 10’ ceilings with perimeter sof fi ts, crown moldings and some rooms with white oak ceilings. Each home is fully air conditioned with separate zones for upstairs and downstairs. For the exclusive use of Islands residents is a pool and recreation complex with rock grotto waterfalls, a free form swimming pool, two entertainment pavilions, a whirlpool spa, full kitchen, and professional quality gas barbecues. A gated, landscaped courtyard precedes entry through massive, etched glass doors into the spacious living room looking beyond to the gracious yard..

Guests enjoy entry to the private Mauna Lani Beach Club and Beach Club Restaurant/Bar, a beautiful protected, white sand beach perfect for snorkeling or just swimming. Also enjoy reduced fee golf privileges at the Francis H. I’i Brown North and South golf courses.

3 Master Suites • 2700 sf 4 Flat Screen TVs • Bose Sound System $450/night

www.BigIslandHawaiianHolidays.com

RUSSIAN RIVER VACATION RENTAL

Tired of airline delays, volcanic ash, changing currency, detailed planning? A simple vacation is just minutes away…

An Old Time Family/Friend Vacation can be yours by driving only 1.5 hours from Marin to Monte Rio on the beautiful Russian River. This very special 5,000 sq. ft. home was built in the 1930’s as a summer home for the Koret family, was formerly an operating Bordello, and has now been restored to its former glory. Now owned by Karen and Basil Plastiras, we can attest to how much fun you can have there.

• 7 Bedrooms / 5.5 Baths

• 2 large scale rock fireplaces, 2 living rooms, 2 kitchens

• Sleeps 20 people and is dog friendly

• Kayaks, Canoes, water toys, hot tub, pool table, ping-pong, basketball hoop, horseshoes & more Call Russian River Getaways to book your vacation now, 1 800 433-6673 $1180/night

3 Nights for Price of 2 thru Memorial Day www.RiverQueenVacation.com

131 Esperanza Street, Tiburon

This exquisite in-town home has been freshly remodeled with gorgeous fi nishes and meticulous craftsmanship. Smashing San Francisco & Bay views from the generous public rooms and romantic master suite with fireplace and private deck. Kitchen with adjacent family room, 3 en suite bedrooms plus legal one bedroom rental, of fi ce with separate entrance and 4 car side by side garage. Lovely fl at backyard, fully fenced. Minutes to the ferry, downtown and TPC.

Coming Soon

$3,175,000

Mill Valley’s Premier Trophy Property

Price Upon Request

Five bedroom Colonial-inspired home with a pool in a fabulous Tiburon location. This wonderful traditional home has a formal living room, formal dining room, and family room off the kitchen. All the bedrooms including the master suite are upstairs. It has all been freshly updated and is ready to go!

Grand Traditional Estate

This grand home is located on 2+ acres of natural splendor. Uninhibited bay views capture Tiburon’s Gold Coast. This imposing mansion has almost 7,000 sf of living space. Upstairs, the romantic master has a large, private sitting room with a fireplace. 3 Additional bedrooms on this floor also open to decks and views. The main floor boasts a formal dining room, formal living room, library, family room, & chef’s kitchen. There is an additional in-law unit and a three car side-by-side garage. This is an incredible deal!! $2,995,000

Minutes from downtown, this private 3+ acre estate with postcard, panoramic views including San Francisco & Mt. Tam offers the ultimate in lifestyle. It’s all about nature & quiet. Entertain and celebrate life on a grand scale. Hike & bike forever. Traditional fl oor plan with soaring entry foyer, magni fi cent living room & 4 massive fireplaces. This gorgeous Sundance-style home evokes country charm coupled with world-class sophistication. $6,500,000

Stunning Views

Gorgeous New Listing on Tiburon’s premier street boasts wonderful panoramic bay views complete with 4 bridges (Golden Gate, Bay Bridge, San Mateo, & Richmond/ San Rafael bridge). Lovely 3,250 sf home with a master suite & gorgeous newly remodeled onyx bathroom & 3 additional bathrooms & media room or downstairs family room. Entry level has incredible view living room, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen and eating area in kitchen. Priced to sell! Please call Karen Plastiras for a private showing. $3,195,000

Tiburon

$12,950,000

This premiere estate is located in one of Tiburon’s most exclusive neighborhoods and boasts lavish interiors, spectacular gardens, and awe-inspiring 360- degree views of the entire Bay Area. 6 BD, 7.5 BA

Gazzi Vineyard Estate

$4,900,000

A rare opportunity to own an ultra-luxurious 5 BD, 5.5 BA custom home offering the finest craftsmanship, distinctive architectural details, spacious outdoor entertaining areas, and a revenue producing 6.5 acre vineyard.

$2,400,000

The ultimate Northern California view property. Walls of glass overlooking the Bay. 3 Beds/3.5 Baths. Watch America’s Cup 2013 in the comfort and beauty of your new home. 7 Wolfback.com

Nicasio

$1,695,000

Representing buyers (B.G. Bates, listing agent). Period Arts & Crafts Design on 6+ acres. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2 courtyards. Impeccable details and built by a master craftsman.

Tiburon

$5,950,000

Extraordinary residence atop Tiburon’s exclusive Ring Mountain. Park-like open space surrounds this 8,000 sf custom home providing unparalleled serenity & privacy a short distance from downtown Tiburon. 6 BD, 6 full & 2 half BA

Equestrian Property

$2,300,000

This charming country property offers a modern home, a vintage cottage, two creeks – each with its own engineered bridge, indoor stables, outdoor stables, ring, arena, and an artist's studio on ±23 acres. 595DeerCreek.com

$1,995,000 Panoramic views spanning the Golden Gate Bridge to downtown San Francisco from this 33,000+ sf lot. In one of Tiburon’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Rare opportunity to build your 5000+ sf dream home.

Mill Valley

$1,595,000

This gorgeous custom home in Cascade Canyon was designed by its architect-owner. Completed in 2008 this lovely. 2,222 sf, 3 BD, 2.5 BA home backs up to open space & offers incredible privacy & serenity. 90Evelyn.com

fi eld

$5,500,000 Represented Buyers. This gracious old world home was rebuilt 4 years ago. Now a smart house with pool, steam room, & gourmet kitchen. The attention to

$2,495,000

Stunning Mediterranean home offers sweeping views of the Bay, 3,234± sf of remodeled living space, and 4 Beds/3.5 baths. Outdoor entertaining area provides for the best in indoor/outdoor living. 90UpperToyon.com

Valley

$1,995,000

This 3,259± sf, 4 BD, 3.5 BA Strawberry home features an open floor plan, stunning water views, a chef’s kitchen, family room which opens to a deck and fl at lawn, and a first floor master bedroom.

Greenbrae

$1,275,000

This lovely 4 BD, 2.5 BA waterfront home in Cape Marin offers the ultimate access to Marin outdoor activities. Panoramic water & Mt. Tam views, renovated in 2009, & in the Kent field School District. 19Gretchen.com

Mill

EXQUISITE BELVEDERE HOME

Beautifully appointed, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3600 sq. ft. Wonderful views of Belvedere Cove, Tiburon and the Bay. Completely remodeled, expansive picture windows, chef’s kitchen showcased with dramatic vaulted ceiling, spectacular indoor/outdoor space, luxurious

entrance for guests or au-pair, no detail missed. www.138madrona.com $2,395,000

MID-CENTURY ESHERICK DESIGNED HOME – BELVEDERE ISLAND

Situated on two lots (8/10 acre) near the top of Belvedere Island on a private road among more than 30 mature oaks on the sheltered side overlooking S.F. Bay, designed by the distinguished award winning architect Joseph Esherick. Known for its well balanced light which changes throughout the day as a result of its many tall windows and seven skylights which capture its many views and contribute to ever-changing shadow patterns. Five view decks enhance numerous living spaces including 4+ bedrooms, 3 baths, a high-end professional kitchen, and an office. 11Crest.com $3,995,000

STUNNING VIEWS

This spectacular property offers nearly one-half acre located on one of Belvedere’s best west side locations. Original condition home provides the occasion to renovate, expand, or build a new dream estate. World class location, views and privacy.

With more than 30 years of real estate experience, Mark provides his clients with in-depth market analyses and exceptional marketing and results. To view and receive his Residential Real Estate Reports, go to marinpremierhomes.com.

on a private lane above town with a park-like setting and plenty of indoor/outdoor living. www.2111BridgewayBlvd.com

$1,795,000

www.42SanCarlos.com

$6,875,000

Fabulous outdoor living on over one-half acre and stunning interior renovation. Elegant indoor-outdoor living between two-story main residence and four-room, one-bedroom, one-bath cabana/guest house. Two-story foyer with gracious curving staircase, step-down living room with fireplace and high ceiling, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen which opens to eating area and family room with fireplace, wet bar, and built-in media center, all adjacent the patio and pool area. Upper level with huge master suite with fireplace, travertine flooring, his and her walk-in closets and master bath with steam shower and soaking tub. Two bedrooms connected by Jack & Jill bath with double sinks, and fourth bedroom with en suite bath. Sparkling pool surrounded by patios with numerous seating areas, outdoor barbecue kitchen area and spa, beautiful gardens, level lawns, f ire pit, secluded wrought-iron gazebo, raised vegetable beds and circular drive. Four bedrooms, three and one-half baths, plus one bedroom, one bath guest house… $4,475,000

15 Toyon, Belvedere • $1,695,000

15Toyon.com

This lovely home, situated on a serene, tree-lined lane in Belvedere, has much to offer. Very close to the village of Tiburon with its quaint shops, restaurants and ferry dock, it provides a location that could not be more convenient. The main level consists of a gracious garden entry, bright living room warmed by a wood-burning fireplace, spacious dining area and open kitchen with breakfast area. These rooms open to decks and focus on the views over the Belvedere Lagoon, Old St. Hilary’s church and the lights of the Tiburon hills. On this level you will also find a luxurious master suite with a maste r bath evocative of resort living. The main floor is completed by a cozy book-lined library with a window seat looking out to the garden. There is also a powder room. The lower level has two additional bedrooms, each with its own particular charm, and another bath. A very large family room is located on this level. Decks and terraced gardens provide space for indoor/outdoor living.

Karen Z. Hardesty

Mill Valley • $4,995,000

321SummitAvenue.com

This beautiful, gated estate combines quality craftsmanship with a comfortable, well-designed 5 bed/4.5 bath floor plan. Situated on a south-facing lot with spectacular views, the home features a formal living room, dining room, family room, TV room, office and solarium.

Greenbrae • $1,695,000

355VistaGrande.com

Beautifully remodeled 3 bed/3 bath home with large master suite, chef’s kitchen with family room opening to expansive deck plus an extra office/bonus room. Spectacular sunrise to sunset views surround you from inside the home.

IDEAL FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST A SHORT WALK TO FABULOUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS THE BEST SUMMERS! EASY COMMUTE TO SAN FRANCISCO A GARDENER’S DELIGHT Life without

147 LAGUNITAS ROAD ~ ROSS, CALIFORNIA

This magni cent Craftsman style home, surrounded by lush, manicured gardens and mature trees with meandering brick and agstone paths throughout, represents the beauty and understated perfection characterized in the Craftsman ideals. Tastefully remodelled in the ‘90’s with timeless nishes. A gated entry opens to a park-like setting. A long circular drive leads up to the residence that is shielded from the street by lush landscaping. Just a few minutes walk to the Ross School or Town of Ross, trailheads at Phoenix Lake or the Lagunitas Country Club.

Judy LeMarr 415.793.5030 jlemarr@fhallen.com MarinDreamHome.com 5 bedrooms 4.5 Bathrooms Library/Music Room Solarium Two Family Rooms Office 1.22 Sunny Acres Infinity-edge Pool Gym

Offered at $6,375,000 For more information, please visit www.147Lagunitas.com

Linda Mayne, Broker DRE #00843231 Of ce 415.460.0900 mayneco@comcast.net

[CIRCA 1975]

BALD WAS BEAUTIFUL

So was Synanon, until it became a cult

BY JIM WOOD

IN 1958, A GROUP NAMED SYNANON was founded in Southern California as a treatment center for drug and alcohol addiction. But by the late 1960s, the organization was promoting itself as an “alternative lifestyle” community and expanding into Central California and western Marin County. In the 1970s, Synanon had over 1,000 members living in three different West Marin locations that, combined, totaled over 3,000 acres. “Initially, shaving members’ heads was a form of punishment,” writes Dave Mitchell, in The Light on Synanon (Seaview Books, 1980).

“Then the leadership made it a regulation for all male and female members.” At the time, Mitchell was the co-owner and editor of the Point Reyes Light, a weekly newspaper that would win a Pulitzer Prize for exposing Synanon as a corrupt, violent and self-serving cult. Mitchell, who still lives in Point Reyes Station, recalls: “The hierarchy wanted members to feel self-conscious when out in public, making Synanon the only place where they fit in.” By the early 1980s, the cult had been found guilty of fraud, tax evasion and various criminal acts, and had disappeared. Synanon’s former sites were purchased by the county, thanks to a grant from the Marin Community Foundation; they are now a conference center, a youth camp and an organic dairy.

Luxury Estates and Properties

February 20, 2011

A Letter of Recommendation

“I am truly honored to write a letter of recommendation for Anna Boucher. I cannot express enough how happy I am with her work. My home had been on the market for several years, and had gone through three different realtors. Anna marketed my home with a fresh new energy. After so many years on the market, most realtors felt that they knew the house. Anna brought them back into the house to consider again by creating fun events. Enthusiasm spread, and the house quickly sold.

Anna works tremendously hard and is brilliant at solving problems, but it is her joy and her positive outlook that get the job done seamlessly.

Work with Anna and you will meet your goal whether you are selling or buying with an incredible partner.”

Sincerely,