Marin Magazine April 2025

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”

—John Muir

Where the Trail Ends and Home Begins

Home Begins

Nick Svenson stands apart. Deeply

Nick Svenson stands apart. Deeply rooted in Marin, his knowledge of the area, paired with an authentic, down-to-earth approach, makes him not just an agent, but a confidant. Nick doesn’t just close deals — he opens doors to new opportunities.

The team made the whole process very easy to manage.

Bowman Real Estate Group assisted me in selling my Mother’s house in Marin County after she passed. My brothers and I do not live nearby, so we leaned heavily on the team and they were fantastic! What came easily and naturally to them, to me seemed above and beyond. Jen explained the best way to proceed, laid out options, expertly predicted how it could go and executed perfectly. Elliott was the foreman on extensive work that needed to be done on the house to prep for sale and was enthusiastic and thorough all along the way. Kris provided essential support for our project that did not go unnoticed. For me, the greatest compliment that I can give is that the team helped me to go through the process of selling the house calmly and without worry. The team made the whole process very easy to manage. I would highly recommend Bowman Real Estate to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Marin County.

- John M.

The value of our business is measured in the quality of the relationships we build.

FEATURE

50 Celebrating a Milestone Marin Magazine’s issue highlights from the past 20 years.

SPACES

65 In the Round New life is infused into Mario Cobett’s 1954 circular home in Sausalito’s Wolfback Ridge.

74 Climate Control Nicasio home is renovated to prioritize energy and water conservation.

IN MARIN

29 Currents Cute bunnies, Author Talk, farmers market finds, remembering Joe Garbarino and more.

38 New in Town Everest Curry, Hot Yoga Republic, Lark Shoes, Marin Outdoor Trading Co. and more.

OUT & ABOUT

97 Calendar

A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.

105 Dine

An insider’s guide to dining and food in the Bay Area.

114 On the Scene Snapshots from events around the county.

MARIN HOME

119 Backstory Californina Cool: A Larkspur home gets a breezy makeover.

MOLLY HAAS, LINDA BALSLEV

Dan Fix Landscape Construction is an award-winning, full-service landscape construction firm that hs built & maintained beautiful Bay Area landscapes for 40+years. Letustransformyours...

PRESIDENT / OPERATIONS

Nikki N. Wood nwood@marinmagazine.com

Editorial

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Mimi Towle

DIGITAL EDITOR

Jessica Gliddon

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mimi Pinson

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Emma Robertson

DEPARTMENT EDITORS

Lotus Abrams, Donna Berry Glass

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lynda Balslev, Lisa Boquiren, Jessette Long, Tabi Parent, Jim Wood

Art

ART DIRECTOR

Ryan Mastalerz

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Alex French

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Molly Haas, R. Brad Knipstein, Cesar Rubio

COVER Ryan Mastalerz

Administration

CONTROLLER

Maeve Walsh

Jim Wood, Nikki N. Wood

WAIKIKI’S NEWEST MODERN CRAFT HOTEL

Immerse yourself in the paradise garden inspired OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Paradise Hotel. Dive into an art-rich experience awaiting you from the new pool to the breath-taking open-air lobby. Indulge in craft food & cocktails at Appetito or Japanese teppanyaki at Tanaka of Tokyo. Welcome to Paradise.

Live retirement on your own terms

Are you on track?

GROUP PUBLISHER

Nikki C . Wood

MEDIA DIRECTOR

Lesley Cesare lcesare@marinmagazine.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

If you’re planning for retirement, one of the first steps is organizing your finances so you can do all the things you’ve dreamed about. From creating retirement income, to managing your investments and protecting what you’ve earned, I can help guide you toward a successful and secure retirement.

Strengthening your financial securitySM

Let’s talk—contact me today.

Helen Abe, CIMA®, CPFA™, CRPC®

Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor

Senior Consulting Group

300 B Drakes Landing Road, Suite 155 Greenbrae, CA 94904

(415) 445-8468 helen.abe@rbc.com us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/helen.abe

Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value

© 2024 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved. 24-JD-01356 (05/24)

Sharon Coleman scoleman@marinmagazine.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karen Fraser kfraser@270media.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Michele Kuhns michele@270media.com

ADVERTISING ART MANAGER

Alex French

SALES COORDINATOR

Hayley Swanson

MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Helena Grant

Regional Sales Offices

TAHOE

Karen Fraser kfraser@270media.com

SONOMA Lesley Cesare lcesare@marinmagazine.com

NAPA

Sharon Coleman scoleman@marinmagazine.com

NEW YORK

Karen Couture, Couture Marketing 917.821.4429

HAWAII Alexis Cohen alexis@270-media.com

270 Media Founders

Nikki N. Wood, Nikki C. Wood, Mimi Towle

Reader Services

MAILING ADDRESS

2330 Marinship Way, Suite 300, Sausalito, CA 94965

INQUIRIES: editorial@marinmagazine.com subscriptions@marinmagazine.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Please send letters to editorial@marinmagazine.com. Include your full name, city, state and phone number. Marin Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length and style.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Rates are $12 for out-of-state subscrip tions or free for California subscribers. To subscribe, manage your subscription or change your address visit marinmagazine.com/subscribe.

BULK ORDERS

For information on bulk orders of Marin Magazine, please call 415.332.4800.

A TALE OF TWO NIKKIS

TWENTY YEARS HAVE FLOWN BY. When we first moved to Marin County 23 years ago, my husband, Jim, and I did not think we would get back into publishing. After spending the previous 10 years building Coast magazine in the Newport Beach area and selling it to the Orange County Register in 2000, we moved to Marin in 2002 where daughter Mimi and family were living. It didn’t take long to realize there was no regional magazine at that time and we missed the publishing life we had enjoyed — keeping up with local issues and having a rewarding creative expression. So, we decided to do it again and connected with Lisa Shanower, who had many years in advertising sales, to be our partner in launching Marin Magazine. Daughter Mimi was our first hire and important in developing the editorial team. The business model was a duplication of our Coast magazine template, and the mission was also much the same: to enhance the local economy and contribute to building community. Jim and I literally fell in love with Marin County with all its towns and microclimates, from Sausalito to Novato to Point Reyes Station. The hiking trails, farmland, railroad history, interesting people and vast open spaces gave us much to feature in the pages of the magazine. Because we were newcomers, we looked at it all with

“beginner’s eyes” and much of the content was and still does strive to be inspirational.

It’s been quite a ride, and many people have made the success of Marin Magazine a sustainable business. Through the years our staff have been loyal and hardworking, in order of longevity: Alex French, Maeve Walsh, Lesley Cesare, Sharon Coleman, Jessica Gliddon, Mimi Pinson, Helena Grant, Hayley Swanson, Emma Robertson, Ryan Mastalerz, Karen Fraser and Michele Kuhns. A big thanks to them all! And a big thanks to our loyal readers who have also contributed to Marin Magazine’s longevity and success.

Marin Magazine is now owned by 270 Media LLC, a company founded by Mimi Towle, Nikki C. Wood and me in 2021. The three of us are super excited and proud to celebrate 20 years of publishing this beautiful magazine.

—Nikki N. Wood

OVER 20 YEARS

AGO, when I made the leap from the United Kingdom to Marin County, I instantly fell head over heels for this place. Nestled in Mill Valley, I was captivated by the strong sense of community, the breathtaking scenery and the healthy lifestyle embraced by everyone around. With my background in publishing, it didn't take long for me to think, "What a perfect spot for a lifestyle magazine!"

Nikki C. Wood and Nikki N. Wood

Just six months later, I started receiving congratulatory messages from my new friends about the launch of my publication. Confused at first, I soon realized they were talking about Marin Magazine. Imagine my surprise! While I had just published a global high-tech semiconductor journal, someone else had already captured the essence of Marin. And to top it off, the publisher shared my name — Nikki Wood — same spelling, same job title, same community. What were the odds?

Although I initially missed the boat, what the other Nikki and Mimi created was pure magic — a magazine that truly resonated with our community, filled with inspiring editorials and supported by fantastic ads that keep publications like Marin Magazine going strong. It wasn't about one person; it was about bringing everyone together.

I could spend pages recounting how the two Nikki Woods and Mimi came together as partners in 270 Media and how we revived this beloved voice of Marin. But today, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I'm filled with joy to be part of something we all cherish — a publication that continues to thrive thanks to our incredible partners, writers and, most importantly, our readers.

Here's to you all. Thank you for your unwavering support and here's to many more years of celebrating Marin's extraordinary lifestyle!

— Nikki C. Wood

GENE HILLER MENSWEAR

CONGRATULATIONS MARIN MAGAZINE

As Gene Hiller Menswear marks 72 years of timeless style, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Marin Magazine on 20 years of exceptional journalism and dedication to the community. Here’s to many more years of inspiring stories and shared success.

Also, please don’t hesitate to contact us to book an appointment and plan your next personalized shopping experince at our store.

Looking forward to your visit.

WWW.GENEHILLER.COM

Gene Hiller

729 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94904

Claire’s, Marin Beauty Company, Site for Sore Eyes, and over 55 other stores, restaurants and services

Rowland Blvd Exit, Highway 101

ShopVintageOaks.com

LETTERS

What’s your favorite Marin Magazine story?

We asked our followers:

“January 2025 wedding issue!”

— @alismya on Instagram

“I loved the inspiring stories from the pandemic (front porch or something?) I’m biased because my family was featured but it was fun to read others stories as well! ”

— @bodybybinay on Instagram

Pets Issue

“Thank you so much for featuring us in Marin Magazine! As a Rocket Dog Rescue volunteer (website manager, social media lead) and a Marin resident, this makes me so happy! Organizations like yours help dogs get adopted and we are so appreciative.”

— Marianne Parsons

Sustainable Packaging

“THANK YOU to @marinmagazine for including Half Shell Vodka in your recent article on sustainability in the spirits industry! ”

— @halfshellspirits on Instagram

Have something to say? Email us at editorial@marinmagazine.com and be sure to include the town you live in. Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity and space.

AL FRESCO SHOPPING & DINING

The scoop on Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

[UPCOMING EVENTS]

UNDER THE STARS

May 14, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap, San Rafael

STEP UP MARIN! 2025

May 16, Ribbon Cutting: 4:30pm, VIP Reception: 5:30pm, Event: 6:30pm

Community Action Marin’s New Headquarters: 7665 Redwood Blvd, Novato

Join us for Step Up Marin!—Community Action Marin’s 4th annual signature event—at our new headquarters in Novato. Celebrate this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, powerful stories, and inspiring conversations as we reimagine a Marin where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s shape the future of Marin— together. We can’t wait to see you!

General Ticket: $150, VIP Ticket: $250

camarin.org/StepUpMarin

$175 per ticket. Table sponsorships available RitterCenterUndertheStars.org WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. (VIP reception 5:00 p.m.), followed by an elegant dinner, live auction, and recognition of our Honorees. Since 2019, Under the Stars has raised more than $500,000 to support the Ritter Center’s mission to prevent and resolve homelessness and improve the dignity and wellbeing of people living in poverty in Marin County by providing high-quality, culturally sensitive medical care and social services.

ONE AMAZING COMMUNITY GALA

April 26, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Marin Civic Center

Exhibit Hall, San Rafael

For 43+ years, 10,000 Degrees has unlocked student success at scale by giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality college education and career success. Come celebrate our students and alumni at our annual gala and indulge in cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres, connect with passionate individuals like yourself, meet our inspiring 10,000 Degrees alumni and staff, and be uplifted by riveting tales of real-life impact!

$250 per person oneamazingcommunity.org

Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events? Visit marinmagazine.com/arts-events/on-the-scene

CURRENTS

A Hoppy Ending

Pop-Tart’s foster-to-adopt story is a heartwarming one.

BY EMMA ROBERTSON

When Chantelle Paige-Mulligan and her family wanted to bring a new furry friend into their lives, Mill Valley-based nonprofit SaveABunny was the perfect fit, and it wasn’t long before they adopted Pop-Tart the bunny to accompany their mini pig and rescue mutt.

True to SaveABunny’s mission, PopTart was a legally released lab rabbit they took under their wing in hopes she would find a loving home just like Paige-Mulligan’s.

“She hops up and bumps her nose on us for cuddles constantly and has far more personality than I thought a bunny

could,” Paige-Mulligan says.

While many bunnies are taken in by SaveABunny, Pop-Tart’s transition from a lab to a family is what the nonprofit considers “a beautiful example of the healing, hope and inspiration that SaveABunny embodies and champions regarding rabbit welfare.”

Fellow bunny lovers have plenty of ways to support this mission as well and get a dopamine boost through SaveABunny’s opportunities. Browse their website to see rabbits eligible for adoption or fostering, or sign up to volunteer if you can’t commit just yet.

Volunteer This Earth Day

With Earth Day on April 22, it’s time to consider our impact on the Earth. Around Marin, there are a number of park and beach cleanups this month.

Kent Island Restoration

April 4 & 19 @ 10 a.m.

Take care of the Bolinas Lagoon ecosystem by identifying and removing invasive species. parks.marincounty.gov

Angel Island State Park Restoration

April 5 @ 9:30 a.m.

Removing invasive plant species and dead and downed wood. volunteer.calparks.org

BY MIMI PINSON

Muir Beach Cleanup

April 10 @ 9:30 a.m.

A monthly beach cleanup that repeats every second Thursday of the month. parksconservancy.org

Earth Day at China Camp

April 19 @ 9 a.m.

Help reduce wildfire risk and support ongoing habitat restoration. volunteer.calparks.org

Earth Day at McInnis Park

April 27 @ 9 a.m.

A planting project at the skate park and trash pickup in the park and along Las Gallinas Creek. parks.marincounty.gov

PHOTO: BRILLIANCY.

AUTHOR TALK

BY JESSETTE LONG

Alka Joshi, the internationally bestselling author of The Henna Artist, returns with Six Days in Bombay — a captivating novel of identity, self-discovery and intrigue spanning Bombay, Prague and Paris. This sweeping tale unravels the mystery behind a renowned painter’s untimely death, immersing readers in a world of art, history and human connection.

Joshi takes us behind the scenes of her writing process, weaving together personal history, unexpected discoveries and the powerful connections that fuel her storytelling.

Your books are celebrated for their vivid cultural and historical textures. How do your memories of India, along with your move to the United States at age 9, influence the intricate worlds you create in your novels? It wasn’t until I returned to India with my mother — after an absence of 40 years — that the sounds, smells and tastes of my childhood returned with ferocity: village women in lime green saris slapping wet kurtas on rocks with their henna-laced hands; camphor leaves sizzling in a silver pot of hot ghee as a bald pundit incanted ancient Sanskrit to bless a housewarming; the sharp bite of a whole clove in a spicy biryani. Once I began recording details like these on paper, I couldn’t stop, and before long, I had a set of novels: The Jaipur Trilogy.

Were there any surprising or particularly challenging aspects of the research for this novel? Perhaps a detail or discovery that changed the course of the story? During my research into 1937, the year Six Days in Bombay takes place, I discovered that 5,000 Jews fled Germany, Austria, Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and other parts of Europe, to settle in a welcoming India during the interwar years. Later, on a tearful visit to Prague’s Pinkas Synagogue, as I scanned the names of more than 77,000 deported Jews on the walls, a piece of the story fell into place: With the looming threat of a Nazi invasion in Bohemia, Mira Novak’s Jewish father sought refuge for his family in 1937 Bombay and was using his wealth to establish a ninth synagogue to the city.

Your novels resonate with readers all over the world. What’s the most memorable feedback or interaction you’ve had with a reader that has stayed with you? After The Henna Artist was released, I received a call from a single mother in Mumbai who said my protagonist’s life mirrored hers. She’d left an abusive husband only to find herself cut off from her family, who felt the unfortunate marriage was her fate. But she persevered, finding a job, an apartment and daycare for her infant son for whom she wanted to model a healthy home life. Now 12, her son insists on washing the dishes because she doesn’t do it properly. Puzzled, I asked what she meant. She laughed and said she was born blind, hadn’t she said? Her courage took my breath away!

Six Days in Bombay

Alka Joshi is the internationally bestselling author of The Henna Artist and The Jaipur Trilogy. Born in India and raised in the United States, her work explores themes of identity, resilience and cultural heritage. Her latest novel, Six Days in Bombay, takes readers on a journey through Bombay, Prague and Paris, unraveling a gripping mystery surrounding an artist’s life and legacy.

Bay Area readers can meet and hear from Joshi at Book Passage, Corte Madera, on Wednesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. More info at bookpassage.com.

Saltwater: A Novel

On the glittering shores of Capri, a privileged family’s secrets unravel when a decadesold crime resurfaces, igniting a deadly game of revenge and betrayal. Join Katy Hays at Book Passage, Corte Madera, on Thursday, April 3, at 6:00 p.m. More details at bookpassage.com.

Boat Baby: A Memoir NBC’s Vicky Nguyen shares a heartfelt, often hilarious memoir of her family’s daring escape from Vietnam, the chaos of growing up between cultures and her rise as a journalist. Join Nguyen at Book Passage, Corte Madera, on Wednesday, April 9, at 6:00 p.m. More details at bookpassage.com.

In Partnership with Book Passage

FARMERS MARKET FINDS

BY LYNDA BALSLEV

These asparagus will put a spring in your step.

pringtime heralds a bounty of tender green asparagus spears at the farmer’s market. Nothing beats the sweet, grassy flavor of fresh asparagus, which peak in April and May. Not only are they delicious harbingers of the new season, green asparagus are a powerhouse of nutrients: naturally rich in potassium, folate and vitamins A, C, E and K. And they are low in calories, to boot.

When choosing asparagus, select rigid (not floppy) stalks with dark, firm tips. To store, trim the ends and refrigerate upright in an inch of water to maintain freshness. When ready to cook, snap off the ends — the woody ends should naturally break off when the stalks are bent at their base. Thinner asparagus are more tender in flavor and require little time to cook. A quick blanch or a few minutes to steam is all that’s needed, whereas the thicker, more fibrous asparagus stalks take more time and are ideal for grilling and roasting, which will coax out their natural nutty sweetness. You can also eat asparagus raw. In which case, opt for thinner, more tender stalks, and enjoy as a crudité or shave the spears into salads. This recipe embraces the simplicity of the asparagus stalk, with a mere three ingredients and minutes to prepare. You can prep them in advance, so they are ready to pop into the oven or on the grill when you want to serve.

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED ASPARAGUS

Makes 12; serves about 4 as a light appetizer

Ingredients:

12 medium-thick asparagus spears, about 1 pound

2 to 3 ounces prosciutto (at least 6 slices), halved lengthwise

Extra-virgin olive oil

Optional garnishes:

Finely grated lemon zest

Finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400°F or prepare a grill for indirect cooking over medium heat.

2. Snap off the tough woody ends of the asparagus and neatly trim the stalks with a knife.

3. Place a piece of prosciutto on a work surface. Arrange a spear at the base of the prosciutto and tightly wrap the ham up around the spear, on the diagonal. Place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or on a grill pan and repeat with the remaining asparagus. Lightly brush the asparagus with oil.

4. Cook until the asparagus are tender but still firm, bright green in color, and the hambegins to dry and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven or grill and garnish with lemon zest or grated cheese, if desired. Serve warm.

There are a few simple tips to ensure success:

You can certainly splurge and use luscious, supple prosciutto di Parma to wrap the spears. However, feel free to substitute a less expensive prosciutto-style ham. The key to these asparagus is to slightly dry out and crisp the prosciutto while roasting, and the nuance of a finer ham may be lost (along with the extra pennies you spend on it).

Choose asparagus of equal thickness to ensure even cooking time. Avoid thin asparagus, since they will cook very quickly, losing their brightness and firmness before the prosciutto is cooked. Medium-thick stalks are best. Once cooked, the asparagus should be tender but firm, not limp.

A BENEFIT FOR SFJAZZ ARTISTIC & EDUCATION PROGRAMS

EVENT INCLUDES VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION & DINNER IN THE VIP TENT, LUMINARY RECEPTION AT THE SFJAZZ CENTER, ALL-STAR CONCERT FEATURING TERENCE BLANCHARD, DON WAS, AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE, MELISSA ALDANA, KURT ELLING, BILL FRISELL, CHARLES LLOYD, JASON MORAN, LARRY GRENADIER, ERIC HARLAND, SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE, PLUS MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED AND A LATE NIGHT AFTER-PARTY FOR ALL! TICKETS & INFO AT SFJAZZ.ORG/GALA

A Spring Adventure at Presidio Tunnel Tops

BY LOTUS ABRAMS

Presidio Tunnel Tops was a decade in the making. Designed by James Corner Field Operations, the firm behind New York City’s hugely successful High Line, the 14-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area parkland site includes scenic overlooks with bridge and city views, trails, gathering areas and gardens that include 180 varieties of native plants.

There are so many areas to explore, but here are six must-do activities when you visit.

Il Parco

Il Parco is an indoor/outdoor eatery perched atop the Tunnel Tops. They’re famous for their focaccia and pizza, which are as local as local gets. Their sourdough starter is fed twice a day, and blended with California-grown and milled flour, along with California-sourced olive oil and sea salt.

Crissy Field Scenic Overlook

Follow the edge of the bluff, 30 feet above Crissy Field and the bay, on the Cliff Walk, which features three overlooks with stunning views of Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Campfire Circle

Gather at the wind-protected gas firepit, with seating for up to 75 people, for ranger talks and other community events.

Picnic Place

Enjoy a picnic at one of the long community tables shaded by a grove of trees strung with lights or grill at one of the barbecues — some facilities are even reservable.

Outpost

Climb, crawl, swing and balance your way through the 2-acre outdoor playscape — for kids of all ages — with large features made of natural elements like wood, stone and water.

Field Station

Especially for kids, explore the Presidio’s natural and cultural world via a “cabinet of curiosities” full of objects including seeds, rocks and historic maps.

SDI Fireplaces

Sustainability / Efficiency / Comfort San Rafael showroom Opening in Summer 2025 SDI-FIREPLACES.COM

SDI Insulation

Insulation is our art. Serving the Bay Area over 47 years SDI-INSULATION.COM

NEW IN TOWN

BY MIMI PINSON

New business openings and new locations open around Marin.

Everest Curry and Momo House

San Rafael welcomed a new spot for authentic Indian and Nepalese Cuisine in January. Everest Curry and Momo House crafts dishes with freshly ground spices, including delicious momos, a rich steamed dumpling stuffed with meat or veggies. everestcurrynmomohouse.com

Hot Yoga Republic

Branching out from its home base in San Rafael, Hot Yoga Republic recently opened its new, second location on Redwood Highway in Mill Valley. Their class schedules include hot yoga, Bikram yoga and Pilates classes. hotyogarepublic.com

Lark Shoes

Founded in 1979, Lark Shoes is a family-owned and operated shoe store specializing in comfort footwear, orthotics and supportive shoes. With five locations across the North Bay, they provide high-quality products and repair services for shoes, handbags, purses and suitcases. Their newest location opens this April in the Bon Air Shopping Center. larkshoes.com

Outdoor Trading Company

This locally owned outdoor gear and apparel business is relocating from San Rafael to San Anselmo. They’ve got gear for fly fishing, backpacking and camping. marinoutdoortradingco.com

Marin

Coming back stronger never stops.

Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital is recognized as one of America’s 50 best hospitals for joint replacement and 100 best hospitals for orthopedic surgery. We never stop striving for excellence, and we use the latest innovations and minimally invasive procedures to help you feel better faster. sutterhealth.org/orthopedics

Mog Asu Wine Bar

It’s all heart at Mog Asu, which means “Let there be love” in Konkani, co-owner Fedric Dcosta’s native language from Goa, India. Dcosta and his wife Emily Lund opened this Tiburon wine bar at Cove Shopping Center, curating a selection of wines from around the world and nearby wineries, plus locally sourced microbrews and delicious small plate bites. mogasu-ca.com

Veterinary Emergency Group

A pet emergency hospital with locations across the country, VEG has opened its fourth Bay Area hospital in Larkspur. They treat emergency and urgent care needs for all kinds of pets — even avians and exotic pets — in their 24/7, open floor plan facilities. veterinaryemergencygroup.com

JOE GARBARINO

BY MIMI PINSON INTERVIEW BY JIM WOOD

In December 2024, Marin lost a pioneer of recycling and local environmentalism. Joe Garbarino and seven partners opened Marin Sanitary Service in 1956. Seeing how quickly landfills filled up with trash, and just how much “garbage” could be reused or recycled, Garbarino imagined a different way forward. He launched the nation’s first countywide curbside recycling program in 1979, and created Marin Recycling and Marin Resource Recovery Center. His work has been recognized by the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, the California Refuse Removal Council, the National Waste and Recycling Association’s Hall of Fame and more organizations.

Marin Magazine interviewed Garbarino in a previous issue. Here’s an excerpt from that interview:

In Marin, trash is collected in three containers — why? It is important to understand this, so let’s make it simple: One container is for recyclable materials — newspapers, cardboard and magazines; glass bottles, metal and aluminum cans and numbered plastic packaging that’s clean with no food in it. Then there’s a bin for garden waste — weeds, tree trimmings and grass clippings — and, on a volunteer basis, this now includes food scraps such as potato peels, chicken bones and spoiled fruit; that kind of stuff. All this material is recycled into compost for farmers. Finally, there’s a bin for garbage. Ideally, this is for empty ice cream, soup, juice and milk cartons, plastic-coated paper and plastic with food on it, dirty plastic utensils and Styrofoam.

Why did you say ideally?

Because some people still put food scraps in their garbage. Better it goes into a pail under the sink and then in the bin with garden trimmings. People shouldn’t waste power and water using their garbage disposal. Like I said, food scraps can all be recycled into soil-enriching compost. As more and more people do this, they can downsize from 32-gallon bins to 20-gallon bins for garbage. Garbage is now mostly dirty food containers. And that’s good, because we can’t do anything with the waxy paper and food-soiled plastic containers that we collect as garbage; that all goes straight to the dump. Only if it’s rinsed out can it go into the recycling bin.

People think of Marin Sanitary Service as being in the trash business, but you sound like an environmentalist. I am absolutely an environmentalist — and proud of it — but it didn’t start that way. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, when we had open trucks, four guys would park under a streetlight and, as three guys hauled the trash in burlap bags and dumped it in the truck, a fourth guy would put paper here, rags there, cardboard over here and tin cans there; you know what I mean? And we would go from streetlight to streetlight until the sun came up. We got the job done, but not very well. Then

Stop the price hikes now, not later.

If you’re one of the PG&E customers struggling with higher energy bills, you’ve got every reason to be upset. Many of you have called us out, and we want you to know we are listening.

Fact is, rates have increased. And we know, because you’ve told us, that it doesn’t help to hear about how much safer and cleaner our energy system is. We get it. You’re not running the state; you’re running your household. You want to know our plan to fix it. So here goes. One big cost is vegetation management. We spend 1.8 billion dollars a year to cut back trees around powerlines, only to have them grow back, forcing us to do it all over again. Burying powerlines, as we’ve been doing in high fire risk and surrounding areas, is actually cheaper in the long run. Not only can we eliminate tree trimming, but lines underground require less maintenance.

Please understand not a day goes by that we’re not tackling the price issue. We’re working with customer advocates who scrutinize every dollar we spend, and we’d like to keep hearing directly from you as well. Our goal is to lessen the burden of your PG&E bill without sacrificing your safety, reliability, or peace of mind.

We’re keeping our lines of communication open. It’s your right to speak out. It’s our job to hear you.

pge.com/open-lines

PG&E customer, Craig, Oroville

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

SFJAZZ GALA 2025

June 12, 8:00 pm - Midnight 201 Franklin Street, San Francisco

CURRENTS

for children at NBCC’s signature event. In addition to a delicious three-course dinner, the evening features fine wines, live and silent auctions, local artisans and more. Our host is Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan. Honoring Neil Hennessy with the 2025 Champion for Children Award. It will truly be a night to remember!

$175/tickets, $2,000+/table sponsorships

nbcc.ejoinme.org/nit2025

Join us for the SFJAZZ Gala with Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard honoring legendary producer and Blue Note Records President Don Was. The Gala is SFJAZZ’s largest fundraiser of the year and includes a festive VIP Dinner, fun cocktail receptions, the lively After Party, and an all-star Gala concert featuring Terence Blanchard, Don Was, Kurt Elling, Ambrose Akinmusire, Charles Lloyd and more.

Prices start at $150 sfjazz.org/gala

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REMEMBERING JOE GARBARINO

the recycling movement began and I started working with wonderful people like Gloria Duncan of Fairfax and Ted Wellman, a remarkable conservationist, and I could see the less waste I took to the dump, the less I had to charge customers and the better my business would become. So you could say I started recycling because I didn’t own the dump. But now I am absolutely an environmentalist.

Do the people of Marin respond in kind? Are your customers good environmentalists?

You mean do they always put the right waste material in the right bin? For the most part, yes. Sure, there will always be the guy who puts dog poop in a tin can and throws it in the recycling bin — I’ve seen it myself. However, that doesn’t happen very often. Ninety-nine percent of the people we deal with in Marin are great people. To be honest, I can’t see many big problems regarding the way people in Marin recycle. The materials we get in — and ship out — are, most of the time, clean as a whistle.

What should be done with plastic bags and chunks of Styrofoam? First, both should be outlawed, worldwide. Clean Styrofoam in large amounts can be recycled into picture frames, but it’s a difficult process and can only be done once. Most Styrofoam gets soiled — and it is garbage, pure and simple. It should go with the dirty plastics and waxy paper food containers in the garbage bin.

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From Fanfiction to Novels: Author

Ciel Pierlot Talks Publishing and Early Career Lessons

At just 26 years old, author and Marin native Ciel Pierlot’s second book, The Hunter’s Gambit has already hit the market — two years after the debut of her first novel Bluebird in 2022.

Despite Pierlot’s recent career ascent, the science fiction author’s journey started over a decade earlier during middle school, when Pierlot spent hours writing what she affectionately dubbed “bad anime fanfiction.”

Pierlot put her fanfiction efforts on pause during high school, but her passion for writing reignited during a gap year she took before college. She wrote daily — sometimes a sentence, sometimes a few hundred words, other times over 3,000 words. Somewhere along the way, her fanfiction turned into unique works, and by the end of 2018, Pierlot thought, “Maybe I can make some money off of this.”

From there, Pierlot’s writing trajectory began a steady upward climb. With guidance from her mother, who was experienced with magazines and technical writing, Pierlot started to navigate the industry. She secured an agent at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic (“A heck of a time to start anything,” says Pierlot), and published her first book a year later.

While navigating the complexities of selling her first book to a publishing house, Pierlot was already working on The Hunter’s Gambit. Now, Pierlot is back at school pursuing the degree that she put on pause when she decided to pursue a writing career (“C’s get degrees, and I need a nine-to-five,” Pierlot says). It’s not in her nature to slow down.

Below is an edited Q&A with Pierlot, who shared her experience navigating the publishing industry at a young age, divulged details of her writing process, offered advice to young writers on how to get started and unveiled some of the less glamorous parts of being a writer.

How does it feel now that your second book is out in the world?

There’s always that sense of wanting to celebrate. But at the end of the day, you’ve got your next book coming up. So you have a little celebration and then you’re like, ‘Okay time to get back to work.’

How was the process different for you this time around, given that you’ve done it ?

It’s always very chaotic the first time around because in traditional publishing there’s so many hoops you have to jump through. You write your first book and you think, ‘This is a great book. I’m done. I get to send it to publishers.’ Well no, first you have to query a literary agent, which can take a long time. Sometimes it can take years. I was lucky that it took maybe one year for me. Everytime you think, ‘Aha, now I’m done,’ there’s another step. With my second book, it was great to have that familiarity and to be able to already know everybody at my publisher. I kind of had a general sense of who I needed to go to for what.

How did you get started in the publishing world so early?

I don’t want to be falsely modest or anything like that. I am a skilled writer, and I work hard. But a lot of the unfortunate truth of publishing is that there is so much luck involved. I got lucky when I found an agent who really liked my work, and my agent and I got lucky when we found an editor who really liked my work. So much of it is timing. There’s a lot that

depends on whether you happen to send an email to the right person at the right time.

I’d also been doing so much writing casually for years. And that’s not to say that my middle school fanfiction was in any way shape or form good writing… because it was not. But the way you become a good writer is by writing a lot of really bad words. You have to write all the really stupid stuff and learn from it. And because I started writing the really dumb stuff very young in life, it gave me a baseline in which to learn how to actually write ‘good.’

A lot of people decide, ‘Oh I really want to go into publishing, I really want to go into writing.’ Oftentimes they decide that in college. And then they think, ‘Oh, well I should wait until I have my degree.’ You don’t have to. You don’t need a degree to go into traditional publishing. I don’t have a degree. So because there’s the expectation that you should get a degree, a lot of people don’t start writing all of the really terrible words you have to write first until they’re finished with college.

How do you think fanfiction has influenced your writing style over the years, as you’ve discovered what “good” writing looks like for you?

I think fanfiction is really amazing. It provides a lot of community where you’re able to engage in a very close friendly way with other authors. The community of fanfiction is deeply helpful, from a ‘You get to make friends’ standpoint and being able to engage with other writers who are in the same field as you. The medium of fanfiction, where you’re working with pre-existing ideas, characters, settings and narratives, is a lot like the difference between creating the picture that is used as the base of a puzzle and playing with the puzzle pieces. In original writing there are a lot of debates about white authors writing the stories of people of color, or debates about authors writing a narrative about parental abuse but they have a great relationship with their parents. And the answer to those debates can greatly affect your livelihood. In fanfiction, you are in a sandbox and you get to play

around. It’s very valuable for gaining skills as an author because it lets you play around without any stakes.

What does the writing process look like for you when you are writing original works?

My routine does change because I’m still in university, so during the semester, when I have classes, obviously I have to work around classes. A lot of authors will block out specific time to write. That does not work for me. I need to be doing multiple things at once. I’ll work on the writing I need to get done, but in another tab I’ll have a fanfiction or whatever other no-stress thing I’m working on. In another tab, I’ll have a YouTube video I’m interested in. And I’ll keep constantly switching between these things. That lets me sustain momentum.

What are your long-term goals as a writer, having already achieved so much at such a young age?

Where I am currently and where I see myself going forward, I would love to be the type of author that puts out a book a year. For me, that is currently very sustainable. I’m a very visual person. One of my jobs is that I am a professional digital artist. So I actually did the painting for The Hunter’s Gambit cover. When I write scenes, I visualize them in the way that you would a keyframe art for a movie or a TV show. I would love to turn any of my books into film or TV because that’s a visual medium that I really enjoy.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I’d give all the boring advice of ‘Keep at it, I know it’s hard’ and ‘Make sure you keep writing often.’ But, at the end of the day, the biggest piece of advice I would give is don’t let it stop being enjoyable. The moment you become so committed to the goal of nebulously being published, and you’re not focusing on what you enjoy about the craft and the process, you’re inevitably going to lose motivation. Make sure it stays enjoyable. And if it’s not enjoyable, rethink what you’re doing.

Marin 20

at

We celebrate two decades of publication with a look back at the stories and personalities that brought our pages to life.

BY MIMI PINSON AND EMMA ROBERTSON

CRANKING OUT a new issue every month, we sometimes forget to take a moment and reflect on all that we have covered and all those we have reached with Marin Magazine . Believe it or not, that’s 240 issues, around 27,840 produced pages and 835,200,000 total reader impressions for our print product over 20 years — a lot of ink and paper. In that time we’ve covered Marin's County's reaction to a nationwide pandemic and dove into important issues with award-winning articles on race equity, homelessness, climate change and more. We hope you enjoy this trip through the last 10 years as we look back at notable stories.

2015

Marin Magazine clocks in a decade of monthly magazines, and our June issue dives deep into each year of our coverage… much like we’re doing now. Our 2015 coverage includes interviews with movers and shakers in the county, from elected officials like Jared Huffman and Marc Levine, to community leaders like Book Passage founder Elaine Petrocelli and musician Narada Michael Walden.

SOUND BITES

FEBRUARY Between the white lab coats and disposable booties, we dove into Marin’s biotechnology industry, including at BioMarin Pharmaceuticals and the Buck Institute.

APRIL Drakes Estero emptied of oysters and shellfish, when the state’s last oyster cannery, Drakes Bay Oyster Company, closed its farm after the National Parks Services did not extend its lease.

AUGUST Sausalito’s iconic recording studio, the Plant, sells its behemoth mixing console to the studio Tiny Telephone Oakland. Now in 2025, the Plant is reopening for a new era as a nonprofit recording studio after 16 years of closure.

SEPTEMBER Marin County got a perfect rating for the water quality of its beaches by California-based organization Heal the Bay.

NOVEMBER We got the behind-thescenes on three Marin artists: Zio Ziegler, who creates monumental oil paintings and murals; multimedia artist Laura Kimpton, who centers words and thought in her art; and muralist, ceramicist, installation artist and sculptor Ian Ross.

We interviewed author Daniel Alarcón, a previous artist in residence at Headlands Center for the Arts, about his One Book One Marin-selected novel At Night We Walk in Circles Since our interview, Alarcón has been long-listed for the National Book Award and received a MacArthur “Genius Grant” in 2021.

The late mayor Ed Lee toasts at the centennial celebration of the Panama Pacific International Exposition, which marked the completion of the Panama Canal.

Ski enthusiast Matthew Poole wrote about the exciting new multimountain passes, like the Epic Pass, a sign of things to come.

In the summer of 2015, the Waldo Tunnel (the “rainbow tunnel”) marking the entrance to our county became the Robin Williams Tunnel, to honor this Oscar winner, internationally renowned comedian and beloved neighbor. Williams was an alumnus of Redwood High and College of Marin and passed away in August 2014.

Robin Williams

2016

The news lit up with election coverage, and Californians lit up for the first time — wink, wink — with the legalization of recreational marijuana. Local improvements promise a new chapter for Marin: the SMART Train prepares to debut, Stafford Lake bike park opens and a 1930s-era gas plant in downtown San Rafael transforms into BioMarin’s new headquarters. We also sat down with the Marinites planning Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. It must have been a success, since it’s coming back for an encore next year.

REMEMBERED

Bill English

Bill English, Marin resident and engineer, built the first computer mouse in the 1960s. On dubbing it the mouse, English said “We had this box and a tail came out of it. Why not call it a mouse?” English passed away in 2020.

Tastemakers: We gathered some of the county’s most prolific chefs for a photoshoot and feature about Marin gastronomy.

SOUND BITES

JANUARY In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Kathmandu, Teri Goldstein reflects on the people, culture and beauty of Nepal.

REMEMBER THIS TENT? It covered the removal of toxic dirt from the old site of a 1930s gas plant — soon to be BioMarin’s downtown San Rafael corporate headquarters.

We explored the subculture of a novel form of transport taking Marin by storm: e-biking.

MARCH Jim Wood interviewed architect Mark Cavagnero about the Seminary housing project in Strawberry. Cavagnero said he, “is in for the long haul.” Debate still continues over the project, for which an environmental impact report was published in July 2024.

MAY Out of 200 submissions, Barrie Barnett’s painting Marin Rowing Association

Juniors wins our cover contest.

JUNE Acclaimed chef Ron Siegel joins Rancho Nicasio as chef and partner. Siegel would deepen his connection to Marin dining in 2017 by opening Madcap, the county’s only restaurant with a Michelin star.

2017

In the wake of the year’s many Northern California wildfires, a few powerful Marin Magazine articles shared both personal experiences and advice from experts to encourage healing within the community. Marin Magazine also called upon local residents for their input with August’s annual Best of the County issue for the first time. Some niche interests of Marin residents were highlighted, including kayaking, mushroom hunting and radio operating.

SOUND BITES

APRIL Now retired Marin County Public Health Officer Matt Willis talks to us about a variety of health-related concerns, such as opioid addiction, the vaccination debate and more.

AUGUST We share the stories of generational Marin families and their ongoing construction businesses, including the Ghilottis of Ghilotti Construction Company and Ongaros of Ongaro and Sons.

OCTOBER Local and beloved awardwinning sports journalist Amy Gutierrez sat down with us to answer 10 questions about her career, what brought her to it and what advice she’d share.

DECEMBER To celebrate Mission San Rafael’s 200th anniversary, we did a deep dive into the history of the penultimate California mission and center of our county’s most populated city.

More residents are finding an interest in brewing their own beer — some have even built businesses out of it.

Marin is often recognized as a

so we talked to some favorite local restaurants like Sol Food (pictured) to get their scoop on their unique food heritages.

Jerry Jampolsky

Child and adult psychiatrist

Gerald “Jerry” Jampolsky was the founder of Sausalitobased Center for Attitudinal Healing and author of a long list of books, all of which carry on his legacy. In a 2017 interview, Jampolsky shared about growing up with dyslexia, and his path as an author and psychiatrist. He passed in 2020.

FIRES The county was stunned by the devastation of the 2017 fires and kicked into high gear to send clothes, food and aid to our northern neighbors. Marin Magazine dedicated ad space to keep people informed regarding ways to help.

We explored ’60s counterculture in San Francisco and Marin, such as with this performance by Jefferson Airplane at the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Festival.

melting pot,

Chris Coomber of East Brother Beer Co

2018

Marin and the Bay Area reached new heights in 2018 — literally, in some cases. The newly opened Salesforce Tower transformed San Francisco’s skyline, and Marin’s own Gavin Newsom reaches the peak of state politics in the governor’s office. Meanwhile, Marin Magazine got new carpets as part of an office remodel. Our award-winning coverage spanned topics like social media dependency, the county’s high suicide rates and the deepening opioid crisis, which was declared a public health emergency in 2017.

REMEMBERED

Anna Halprin

“What interests me is an art that is connected to life, where the social, political, spiritual and aesthetic threads are all interwoven in a real way,” said Anna Halprin in a September 2018 interview. We asked Halprin, then 98 years old, about her decades-long career as a dance artist and choreographer, and her conviction in dance as a healing art — a practice that continues at her Tamalpa Institute. Halprin passed in 2021 at age 100.

Astronaut Scott Kelly came to Marin Civic Center in February to discuss his memoir. On space flight, Kelly told Marin Magazine, “As you would expect, floating is fun but makes most things challenging to do.”

“We live in an era defined by the issue, and it is our generation’s issue to fix.”

— Adam Friedman, then a senior at Marin Academy. Students across Marin and the country walked out in protest of school gun violence one month after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

SOUND BITES

FEBRUARY We “meat” the future of dining with the growing adoption of the Impossible burger, among other meat alternatives.

MARCH Writer Javier Zamora shares his story of growing up in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood. Zamora would turn his life story into the acclaimed memoir Solito, published in 2022, about his solo journey from El Salvador to the United States at age 9.

MAY Our first Celebrating Women issue highlights women business owners and entrepreneurs.

JUNE Harrowing numbers about the prevalence of plastic straws in beach garbage prompt Marin businesses to opt for paper.

OCTOBER A “Looking Back” column by Jim Wood finishes the issue off with the story of the eponymous horse memorialized at Tiburon’s Blackie’s Pasture. Blackie often stood in one favorite spot — where his statue stands today.

DECEMBER Mountain bike racer and (now) Olympian Kate Courtney talks her favorite spots in Marin: tacos at Mi Pueblo and the trails at Tamarancho.

LUST FOR LIKE Kasia Pawlowska’s award-winning series of coverage on social media, “Lust for Like,” included illustrations by Ryan Inzana.

2019

We saw many familiar faces in our 2019 issues — 2024 Model of the Year winner Alex Consani is one, featured on our September cover and inside. Some well-known local residents made appearances too, including Sausalito’s Melissa Blaustein and Rustic Bakery founder and president Carol LeValley. Other important topics of conversation in the county this year include fentanyl overdose, homelessness, food sustainability and sea level rise.

SOUND BITES

JANUARY We talked to David and Nic Sheff, writers of the two memoirs that inspired Hollywood hit film Beautiful Boy.

APRIL Ever wondered why you always hear “420” in reference to marijuana? It was actually born in our own backyard — you can thank five San Rafael teens.

MAY Equity activist and world champion big wave surfer with roots in Marin Bianca Valenti talks about her passions for both. Her dad is also the founder and chef at Marin restaurant Valenti and Co.

DECEMBER San Francisco Ballet celebrated its 75th year of performing the Nutcracker.

Bay Area resident in honor of 2019 having been the 23rd anniversary since

MARCH The San Quentin Handicraft Shop is highlighted as a hidden gem in our currents section.

San Rafael oddities and cars collector Sheldon Donig is notorious for his strangely fascinating collection that includes everything from unsafe toys to a life-size Batmobile.

Writer Zack Ruskin reflected on famous rapper Tupac Shakur’s time as a

Shakur’s passing.

Consani pictured standing in front of the Bay and a view of the San Francisco skyline for our memorable September cover.

2020

You know what they say about hindsight. 2020 started off optimistically in Marin Magazine. The March issue even began by declaring, “Happy March. Happy Future.” Little did we know that on March 16, Marin and five other Bay Area counties would institute shelter-in-place orders to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Subsequent months saw the rise of Zoom meetings, persistent wildfires and a nationwide movement against racism and police brutality, spurred by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, among other deaths. A year to remember? More like a year that’s hard to forget.

REMEMBERED

Dr.

Martin Griffin

Activist and “rebel with a cause” Dr. Martin Griffin answered our questions about his years of efforts to protect the Bay Area’s natural environment. Griffin highlighted the need to protect the National Park Service and defend the environment from a grassroots level. He passed in 2024.

Increased wildlife sightings during the pandemic shutdowns led folks to say, “Nature is healing.” You’re still likely to see coyotes on Hill 88 in the Headlands — one of our Marin Decathlon stops.

“I’ve always been more of a supporter, in the audience, not a leader. So when I got to the parking lot on Tuesday and I turned around and saw so many more people still pouring in for the protest, I couldn’t believe it”

— Mikyla Williams, at 16 years old, co-organized Marin City’s protest for racial justice, which drew over 1,500 people.

PROTEST The protest to support Black Lives Matter in Marin City was one of several in Marin County this year.

FAMOUS FACES

RuPaul Charles, celebrity drag queen and host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, poses with husband Georges LeBar at California Hall of Fame ceremony in February 2020.

SOUND BITES

MARCH Maria Finn detailed the decline of coho, chinook salmon and steelhead trout in California's rivers, highlighting efforts to “rewild” San Geronimo Golf Course to restore key habitat. Today, the golf course is public land, called San Geronimo Commons.

MAY Our special issue, titled Our New Reality, focused on the community reaction to coronavirus. We interviewed public health officer Matt Willis, who contracted one of the county’s first cases of the virus.

JUNE Marin Magazine’s Summer Guide debuts the “Marin Decathlon,” a 10-step outdoor challenge to get moving during social distancing.

JULY Beekeeper Bonnie Morse dispels rumors about the Asian giant hornet, dubbed “murder hornets,” that some feared would threaten honeybees.

NOVEMBER A Marin couple saved for a birthday trip of a lifetime to the Himalayas. Only problem: they arrived Feb. 29, 2020. Cassie Corless wrote a first-person story on their riveting journey back home.

2021

The pandemic’s grip still held on tight into and throughout 2021, and we covered it all, from the strengthened sense of community felt in Marin (remember the "nightly howl" for health care workers?) to negatives like the mass Covid outbreaks at San Quentin. Pandemic aside, 2021 was also the year Oakland native Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female vice president of the United States.

SOUND BITES

FEBRUARY San Anselmo Community Foundation gave $45,000 worth of $1,000 grants to businesses committed to staying open through the pandemic.

MARCH The West’s first racially integrated summer camp was in Marin, so we took a look at its history.

SEPTEMBER Located at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Equator Coffees brought the iconic Round House Cafe back to life.

NOVEMBER Writer Mark Anthony Wilson explores the legacy of Marin County’s namesake, Miwok Leader “Chief Marin,” by looking at the different key spots of Miwok history in the county.

FAMOUS FACES

Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon brings upscale Cantonese cuisine to San Francisco with the Empress by Boon.

Marin native and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza sat down with us to talk about her book The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart.

During the pandemic, people from all over the Bay Area discovered Marin as a hub for stunning trails, so we curated a guide to the best summer hikes in the area.

ARTIST Globally recognized abstract expressionist Sam Francis once lived in Marin. We explored this connection and shared some more of his life and career.

Marin is a hub for stunning trails, so we curated a guide to the best summer hikes in the area.

2022

It’s a new chapter for Marin Magazine. In October, some of the original Marin Magazine crew returned under the new parent company 270 Media, joining the brand to sister site Local Getaways. Marin sees a number of new business openings, plus some milestone anniversaries, like the Golden Gate Bridge’s 85th birthday and Marin City’s 80th anniversary since founding. Though Covid-19 was still on everyone’s mind (it was the era of the Omicron variant), re-openings and in-person events signaled new beginnings.

It was a big year for business openings.

Among them were:

Petite Left Bank and Squalo Vino in Tiburon

Active Culture Café and Trailhead in Novato Club Evexia and Mamahuhu in Mill Valley Cloudbreak Yoga in Sausalito Ounces Outdoors in San Rafael

And a new and improved museum on Angel Island.

The Marin Civic Center displayed a doghouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

SOUND BITES

JANUARY Entrepreneur Jennifer Maxwell talks drumming, nutrition and the launch of her new venture JAMBAR — three decades after Maxwell and her late husband Brian co-founded PowerBar.

FEBRUARY The legacy of redlining comes into focus when the Austin family files a lawsuit alleging discrimination, after an appraisal of their Marin City home significantly increased once they concealed their Black identity. The suit settled in 2023.

FAMOUS FACES

Mill Valley’s Sammy Hagar answered questions about being a restaurateur and rockstar, including how he met Sonoma County chef Guy Fieri.

We interviewed Olympic gold medalist Nathan Adrian about his move to Marin and his 2019 purchase of the Ann Curtis School of Swimming, redubbing it AC Swim Club.

SEPTEMBER Mill Valley Film Festival hosts its first in-person festival since the pandemic began.

OCTOBER Local ranchers and community members remember the monumental 1974 art installation Running Fence by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and recall the process and vision behind the 24.5-mile work that ran through West Marin.

2023

2023 was a big year for us — we launched our Local Getaways app and celebrated our one-year anniversary of getting Marin Magazine back under the 270 Media umbrella. We explored local history in many of our articles this year, such as Mt. Tam’s scenic railroad and the stories of old architecture. Additionally in 2023: Black bear sightings increased in Marin, AI entered the conversation and trade school talk gained some popularity.

SOUND BITES

FEBRUARY Jazz music has strong historical roots in Marin. We explored the musicians who have lived, played and recorded here, and how it’s still relevant to the present-day music scene.

APRIL Marin County begins issuing rebates for swapping gas appliances with alternatives that are less harmful to both people and the environment.

MAY In Alison Loomis’ award-winning article “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Wild Salmon,” she tackles a hard-hitting conversation about why salmon are facing risk of extinction.

Marin hops on the pickleball bandwagon, with folks picking up paddles and courts popping up around the county.

In our “fantastical feast,” we highlighted an entire Thanksgiving meal spread made fully out of desserts, like this turkey cake.

One of local photographer Bob Minkin’s images for his then newly released book Just Bobby with nearly 200 photos of Bobby Weir on and off stage.

Three local Iranian women are combating what’s happening overseas with peaceful yet powerful displays.

Local author Nina Schuyler writes about her experience with this new technology called AI, and we ask our private schools how they are using this technology in the classroom.

2024

The Olympics, solar eclipse and major elections were just a handful of happenings in 2024. In this busy year, Marin County topped lists nationwide for electric vehicle usage, and within California as the most charitable and second happiest county. Marin Magazine coverage also included hard-hitting topics like the home insurance crisis, digital privacy, homelessness in Marin and cancer-causing chemicals that threaten firefighters.

FAMOUS FACES

SOUND BITES

FEBRUARY A group of Marin County youth visit sites of Black history in Alabama and write essays about their experience.

JUNE Our June issue flips out for summer: One side is Marin Magazine, and the reverse side opens up to the Local Getaways Summer Guide.

JULY Jim Wood explores the arguments surrounding California Forever, an ambitious development project for a new city in Solano County. As of writing, the project is in limbo, with many organizations opposed and a referendum to rezone the area for housing withdrawn.

SEPTEMBER Coast Miwok descendants and leaders share about the traditions, history and future of the tribe, including an ongoing cultural resurgence and the purchase of 26 acres of ancestral land in Nicasio.

NOVEMBER Marin teen Anya Duggal of Ross meets Pope Francis in the Vatican as part of his Pelota de Trapo program. Then, the Pope requests a copy of Marin Magazine

Sausalito Center for the Arts exhibits the photographs of Yalda Moaiery, who for two decades has documented unrest in Iran.

270 Media moves into a new office on Marinship Way.

The Martha Property expansion of the Old Saint Hilary’s Open Space Preserve added 110 acres of open space in Tiburon at the end of August.

Jane Fonda and Margaret O’Leary launch a poncho to raise funds for climate change.

CALIFORNIA FLIP FOR SUMMER Explore Bay Area and Beyond

BENEFITTING THE FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM OF SAN FRANCISCO UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

APRIL 26, 2025 – MAY 26, 2025

Experience the 2025 Decorator Showcase, celebrating 46 years as the West Coast’s premier design showhouse event, featuring the work of the region’s top interior and landscape designers.

Decorator Showcase | Designer: Tineke Triggs, Photographer: Christopher Stark

RENOVATING AN ICONIC PIECE OF SAUSALITO ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INTO A NICASIO FARMHOUSE-STYLE HOME.

IN THE ROUND

ES | LO DESIGN STUDIO BRINGS NEW LIFE TO MARIO CORBETT’S CIRCULAR 1954 HOME WITH 360-DEGREE VIEWS PERCHED ATOP SAUSALITO’S MARIN HEADLANDS.

BY LOTUS ABRAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY R. BRAD KNIPSTEIN

ith its distinctive design and lofty position at the top of the Marin Headlands in Sausalito, the historic Wolfback Ridge round house is undeniably atypical compared to most suburban homes. That made it a perfect fit for a pair of architectural enthusiasts from San Francisco with grown children looking to relocate to a quieter locale. The unique architectural design and panoramic views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge easily won them over, as well as the location, convenient to both the city and the couple’s Sonoma retreat.

Built in 1954, the historic Wolfback Ridge round house is one of several in the vicinity designed by respected architect Mario Corbett. This house was designed for the Benson family, who insisted that only a circular home — described in a 1959 issue of Suburbia Today as a redwood and glass “turret in the sky”— could truly capture the site’s magnificent views.

Virtually untouched since the ’50s, the 2,300-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath house was in dire need of an aesthetic update by the time the couple purchased it, and they needed more space. At first, they explored building

an addition that would nearly double the square footage. Eventually, however, they decided to work within the home’s original footprint instead, turning to San Francisco-based ES | LO Design Studio to help modernize the aesthetic and optimize the interior functionality while honoring Corbett’s original vision.

“We were standing in the space together and they said, ‘You know, we really like how it is now; can we just make it nicer?’” says architect Emily StegnerSchwartz, design principal at ES | LO Design Studio, which she and interior designer Lisa Odyniec cofounded in 2018.

As Stegner-Schwartz dove into the project, however, she soon became aware of just how complex the renovation would be, due to the home’s location in a wildland urban interface, its landmark status and circular design. “Nearly every surface is curved, so trying to make rigid materials bend was part of the challenge, not to mention building permitting, fire landscaping and furniture selection,” she says. Another factor to consider was the home’s many asymmetrical elements — all purposeful in their design. The roof plane, for example, is offset to the west of the house to promote passive cooling during the warmest months of the year, and the wall of windows in the living room is staggered strategically to highlight the view of Angel Island, which often pops up above the fog when it blankets the bay. “The whole house twists and spirals up, creating interesting perspectives,” StegnerSchwartz says.

The team, including Devlin McNally Construction and ES | LO senior design associate Marie-Claude Appler, relied on more than a dozen consultants to complete the renovation. Their scope of work included updating all of the home’s structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to comply with the landmark

status as well as the environmental requirements focused on fire prevention, energy efficiency and water management, in addition to elevating the aesthetic and functionality to meet the homeowners’ lifestyle and needs.

To accommodate an office, media room, home gym and additional bathroom, the team annexed a portion of the crawl space on the home’s basement level, adding nearly 500 square feet. In addition, they removed a deteriorating carport and enhanced the entrance by elevating the entryway ceiling and adding clerestory windows and an exterior overhang. The most transformative change the team made, however, was to remove a large fireplace on the first floor that was obstructing the view. That enabled Stegner-Schwartz to relocate the stairwell leading to the lower level from the edge of the living room to a central location. “It wasn’t until we removed the fireplace that I noticed that the front door was on axis with the peak of Angel Island,” she says. “It was those types of things that kept revealing themselves to us with this house. Mario just knew this site and the views so well.”

The new stairwell introduces a sculptural element that redefines the access

Above: The brass handrails of the relocated central stairwell lead the eye toward the view.

Right: The living room features a 25-foot-long, stadium-style Holly Hunt sofa from Kneedler Fauchère, chairs from A. Rudin and Coup Studio, ottomans from Coup Studio and a floor lamp from Arteriors.

through the house and leads the eye from the entryway toward the dramatic views outside the living room windows. Brass handrails echo the shape of the curved walls, splaying out and abutting a built-in, leather-upholstered banquette and custom dining table by Fabian’s Fine Furniture near the center of the main level. As the stairs descend to the lower level, the slatted vertical pickets transition to a partially enclosed, oval-shaped pedestal where an illuminated cast glass sculpture by Bay Area artist Nancy Legge is on display.

Eschewing drywall on visible surfaces, Stegner-Schwartz clad the radiusing interior walls in full-length, clear vertical grain cedar boards, hand selected for uniform appearance, as well as Venetian plaster. The custom cabinetry is also crafted from cedar with radiused fronts that evoke the structure’s circular design. “It felt a lot like building a boat, since you’re bending wood around curves, and we also used a lot of brass and built-ins,” Stegner-Schwartz says.

In the living room, the team updated

the window wall glazing to meet current code while maintaining the original staggered design. Sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains on a custom curved rod and a higher ceiling height, which steps up from a lower height above the stairwell, emphasize the open feeling of the space and the vast views beyond. A 25-foot-long Holly Hunt sofa from Kneedler Fauchère upholstered in silver mohair provides plenty of seating to take in the scenery. “It’s almost like stadium seating because once you open the curtains it’s like a film — you

The media room features fabric wallcovering from Guilford of Maine, recessed shelving, an RH sofa, a Faye Toogood chair, side tables from March in San Francisco and artwork from the Jessica Silverman gallery in San Francisco procured by art advisor Caroline Brinckerhoff.

A cast glass sculpture by Bay Area artist Nancy Legge is displayed at the base of the stairwell.

can just watch the whole day go by,” StegnerSchwartz says.

Adjacent to the living room, the galleystyle kitchen features a peninsula spiraling off the radius of the interior wall, generous push-latch cabinetry, Explosion Blue quartzite countertops with integrated Pitt gas burners and two Gaggenau ovens. Additional windows bring more light into the space, and thoughtful details like a pot filler above the burners and a “secret” doggie door built into the lower cabinetry enhance the functionality.

A bar flanking the kitchen peninsula opposite the dining area features a striking mother-of-pearl tile backsplash, backlit

Plexiglas open shelving, a stone sink and beverage refrigerator. Bi-folding doors conceal the bar when not in use.

On the other side of the living room, the primary suite is accessed through a discreet entrance next to the curtain. The bed is cleverly notched into the curved wall, while built-in bedside tables, his-and-hers wardrobes and ceiling-height cabinetry accessed via a library-style ladder and interior pulldown rod optimize the storage space in the compact room. The bedroom is open to the primary bathroom, which features stone sinks and gleaming Cristallo quartzite walls that extend into the shower. A pocket door separates the space from a petite powder

room where the toilet is located, which can also be accessed from the entryway — an element maintained from the home’s original design.

Downstairs, the media room, gym, office, laundry room and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms are designed with a soft, neutral color palette. “It’s a daylight basement with nearly the same views as the upstairs, and the owners wanted it to feel like a serene environment,” Stegner-Schwartz says. Outside, the terraced gardens designed by Blasen Landscape Architecture offer yet another means to enjoy the property’s sweeping views.

Every surface in the kitchen is curved.

Custom built-ins include a bar and leather banquette.

CLIMATE CONTROL

SUSTAINABILITY AND STYLE MERGE IN A NICASIO HOME RENOVATED TO PRIORITIZE ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION.

BY

LOTUS ABRAMS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CESAR RUBIO

Native, drought-tolerant landscaping helps conserve water.

GREG DALTON AND LUCIA

CHOI-DALTON have lived in urban locales around the world, but after a 2012 kayaking outing on Tomales Bay, the San Francisco residents knew they wanted to put down roots in rural West Marin. With its small-town community feeling and scenic setting surrounded by rolling hills, Nicasio proved to be the ideal choice. That same year, the couple purchased a four-bedroom, four-bath contemporary farmhouse-style home built in 1994 in the tiny town, which has fewer than 1,000 residents. “Having lived in San Francisco, New York, Vancouver and Hong Kong, we love the fact that we can walk to the Rancho for a meal, listen to music and pick up our mail,” Lucia says. While the home was in relatively good

condition when the couple purchased it, they hoped to install a pool and make other updates eventually. Greg also wanted to expand the separate garage on the property and convert it into a studio where he could record episodes of Climate One from the Commonwealth Club, the climate change-focused podcast he launched nearly two decades ago following a transformative trip to the Arctic in 2007, and which is now broadcasted on NPR stations across the country.

A decade passed before Greg and Lucia were ready to remodel. As the couple began to explore the possibilities, however, their desire to prioritize sustainability grew, and the scope quickly expanded. They wanted to convert the property to all electric using solar power,

harden the home against wildfires and reduce their carbon emissions overall. In addition, they wanted to conserve water, including by avoiding having to draw water from the community well to maintain the new pool they planned to install. “It’s easy to check boxes and think, ‘We’re good people being green,’” Greg says. “But really, being green requires dedication and working through complicated details about materials (no linoleum!), sourcing (East Coast is not local) and balancing performance and lifecycle impacts of water and energy.”

Greg and Lucia started assembling a diverse team of specialists to execute the complex project. A friend introduced Greg and Lucia to Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors, which has

offices in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. And they hired an owner’s rep and general contractor, Richard Wodehouse of West Coast Project Management, tasked with holding all consultants accountable to achieving their sustainability and energy conservation standards. Ann Edminster of Design AVEnues contributed green building and zero-energy design expertise; Summit Technology Group installed the solar energy system; and Shades of Green designed the native, drought-tolerant landscaping, among a number of other experts on board. “We had an ambitious project with a great team that everyone feels proud of,” Lucia says.

One of the first things the team did was to remove the property’s propane

tank in preparation to convert the home to electric power, including installing induction cooktops and heat pumps to cool and heat the main house and garage studio. “No fossil fuels are used in the home,” Greg says.

In terms of the architecture, architect and founding principal Cass Calder Smith and project architect Björn Steudte focused on creating clean, modern-looking design based on the existing structures while emphasizing sustainability. Siting the pool presented one of the first challenges. “We were kind of boxed in,” Smith recalls. “There was a minimum distance required from the well and there is also a creek that runs through the back edge of the property.” They also had to consider that the house was elevated due to the risk

of potential flooding from the creek.

Surrounded by stone pavers set in sand to support drainage, the new lap pool with an integrated hot tub is located a few steps down from the main house. Most notable, the pool features an electric heating system versus relying on methane gas, which is typically used to heat pools. “We added an extra heat pump on the advice of a professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, who says all-electric pools are now being installed by institutional and residential early adopters around the state,” Greg says. “This is the cutting edge.”

A new 7,000-gallon tank captures rainwater runoff from the rooftops and patios, which Greg and Lucia use to top up the pool and nourish the landscaping, along with the vegetable garden and orchard, via

The decks are constructed from reused composite decking.

a new high-efficiency irrigation system. The system also incorporates gray water from the washing machine.

Offering respite from hot days, the pool is partially shaded by a new louvered wood and high recycled-content steel shade structure, and a corresponding shade structure covers an adjacent deck with a seating area and fire pit, constructed with reused composite decking. A covered porch addition that is semienclosed with retractable glass offers more

protection from increasing temperatures as well as mitigates heat gain inside the home. A shade trellis attached to the garage studio serves a similar purpose. “We tried to make it as livable as possible outside because it gets really hot in Nicasio,” Smith says.

A new standing seam metal roof provides an ember-proof barrier that contributes to the fire safety of the property, and a rooftop solar system connected to Enphase Encharge 10 batteries powers

the pool and home. “We still connect to the grid, but recent reports show that the home produces far more energy than it consumes, even in December, when the home is heated and solar generation is at a seasonal low,” Greg says. “Rooftop solar locks in our electricity price and shields us from PG&E rates, which have increased 50% in just three years and will keep rising.” Helping to reduce the need for heating and cooling, the team strove to seal the building envelope by installing

Louvered wood-and-steel shade structures and a covered porch provide relief during hot days, the standing seam metal roof promotes fire safety, and rooftop solar powers the pool and home.

sustainable wool insulation under the floors and in the attic, cellulose insulation in the walls and Gutex wood fiberboard under the roof.

The project complete, Greg and Lucia’s home now serves not only as their residence and a workspace, but also as a testament to how innovative design and

sustainability can coexist. “This is our country oasis, and we take pride in knowing that we challenged the architects, installers and subcontractors to push the edge on rainwater capture, sealing the building envelope and getting off fossil fuels,” Greg says. “An all-electric house is a joy and a smart investment.”

Homeowner Resources

Drawing from his own experience, Climate One from the Commonwealth Club podcast founder Greg Dalton has provided a list of resources for homeowners who are exploring a sustainable remodel.

THE SWITCH IS ON

Provides a comprehensive guide to electrifying homes, including incentives and contractor connections. switchison.org/ca

REWIRING AMERICA

Focuses on advocacy and educational resources for electrifying homes. rewiringamerica.org

BAYREN

Free service for Bay Area residents offering guidance on energy-saving home improvements, including available rebates and incentives. bayren.org

HOMEINTEL

Analyzes individual energy usage patterns to provide customized energy-saving recommendations. join.hea.com

The separate garage was expanded and converted into a studio.

WINK CATCHERS

THIS SELECTION OF HORIZONTAL FURNITURE APPEALS TO A VARIETY OF STYLE PREFERENCES AND IS FIT FOR PURPOSE — WHETHER FOR CATNAPPING, CATCHING UP ON SLEEP, COUNTING SHEEP OR SLEEPING LIKE A LOG. BY

LISA BOQUIREN

of the FSC®-certified oak frame. Upholstery options include OEKO-TEX®-certified fabric and certified leathers. Handmade in Europe. $5,463 at prevalentprojects.com, 415.888.3257

ARGENTA BED

This elegant handcrafted bed features a solid hardwood (mahogany) frame with veneer details accented with cane matting trim on the upholstered headboard, footboard and side rails. Inquire at palecek.com, 415.626.0866

CLAYTEN BED

Made from kiln-dried maple, this piece features classic lines — a curved headboard and tapered legs, and decorative fluted carvings along the side rails, foot and headboard posts. Handcrafted in North America. $2,950 at ethanallen.com, 415.924.8507

YETI SHEEPSKIN ARMLESS CHAISE BY

TIMOTHY OULTON

The 1970s called. They want their glam rock vibe back. Wrapped in long-haired New Zealand sheepskin with a bold silhouette and sink-in comfort, this luxurious lounger effortlessly meets the challenge. Available in four color options including Ivory (shown here). Starting at $4,295 at RH, rh.com, 628.266.2040

MIHAELA BED

Inspired by the stained interiors of wine barrels, this bed features a craftsman-built frame — made from handharvested, solid Romanian oak. Hand-carved detailing is artfully painted to resemble metallic brass accents. Shown here in Chestnut, $5,699 at arhaus.com

TK8 DAYBED BY THOMAS BO KASTHOLM

Leather, wood and stainless steel combine to create this clean and simple design. Perfect for private settings, this daybed also adds style to public spaces, such as Copenhagen Airport. Available in two sizes with optional leather pillow. Available through Carl Hansen & Søn, carlhansen.com, 415.658.7198

ELPHINSTONE CHAISE (BUTTONED) BY GEORGE SMITH

Prim and proper, and reminiscent of the Victorian chaise (or fainting couch), this long chair is perfect for reading, relaxing or napping. Shown here in Ankara Velvet Moonstone. From $10,725. Inquire at hewnsf.com, 415.962.7833

BUBBLE BED BY SACHA LAKIC

the PERFECT FINISH

SAN JOSE

BERKELEY

DUBLIN Rare & exotic stone, luxury porcelain & handmade tile

PHOTOGRAPHY: KATHRYN MACDONALD

SPRING

Home Renovation Guide

Sonoma Forge

LUXURY PLUMBING FIXTURES

Sonoma Forge marks 25 years of excellence with an artisanal celebration of metal in the heart of the California Wine Country, where we have elevated humble plumbing parts to designer status. The aesthetic of utility and reclamation complements any décor, and is at home everywhere from country cottages, mountain retreats, urban lofts, and the most modern of homes.

Whether you aspire to create a stylish bath suite, the kitchen of your dreams, or the ideal shower for the perfect backyard or garden setting, your designer or architect will love working with the robust outdoor offerings from Sonoma Forge. Our shower fittings lend style, while bringing a variety of customizable options that enable designers to create easily adaptive signature looks.

Sonoma Forge’s luxury plumbing fixtures are available with numerous options for customization including a choice of five rich standard finishes: Rustic Nickel, Satin Nickel, Rustic Copper, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, and Matte Black. Visit www.sonomaforge.com to discover a wide range of unique faucets, showers, tub-fillers and a comprehensive range of distinctive accessories.

Products sold through Sonoma Forge distributors across the Bay Area and around the world.

133 Copeland Street, Suite A, Petaluma, CA 800.330.5553 • info@sonomaforge.com

Gardens & Gables

ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE

415.499.0331

gardensandgables.com

Architect #C27229

Landscape Contractor #779218

With 35 years of designing, building and maintaining custom gardens in Marin, Gardens & Gables is expertly poised to handle all of your landscape needs from a spring garden refresh to a complete renovation.

Gardens & Gables is founded on enthusiasm for creation and respect for the natural environment. They delight in creating beautiful, functional landscapes with a seamless flow between indoors and out where you and your family will enjoy the best of Marin County living.

Fire safety and water conservation are always part of the conversation in developing the best approach for your landscape. Whether a tranquil sanctuary, a gourmet outdoor kitchen and entertainment space or anything in between, G&G can bring your vision to life. Their design build team will be with you from concept to the final details of installation and ongoing maintenance to ensure a smooth and easy process and a beautiful landscape for years to come.

Give Gardens & Gables a call to start planning your new landscape today!

HSH Interiors

COMFORTABLE SPACES GROUNDED IN GLAMOUR

501 Broderick Street

San Francisco, CA

415.702.6460

INFO@HSH-INTERIORS.com hsh-interiors.com

Located in picturesque Olympic Valley, home of Palisades Tahoe ski resort, this newbuild, 5,000 square foot home designed by HSH Interiors and MWA Inc. Architects, and built by Heller Construction Inc. is a testament to the sophistication of Japanese rustic minimalist and Scandinavian highly functional design styles. The light, airy wood clad interior coupled with dramatic openings cased in blackened steel creates the backdrop for this contemporary and comfortable mountain home for a Bay Area-based family.

HSH Interiors brings to life a timeless sensibility guided by a keen reverence for architecture, and expressed through comfortable spaces grounded in glamour. Led by creative director Holly Snow Hollenbeck, the studio thoughtfully tailors each project to meet the client’s unique needs, while channeling Holly’s vision around joie de vivre and a sense of place and people, not an era or style.

HSH Interiors’ portfolio includes luxury residential and multi-family projects in San Francisco, Marin County, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Martis Camp, Incline Village, Manhattan Beach, Beverly Hills and the Dominican Republic.

North Coast Tile & Stone

3854 Santa Rosa Ave Santa Rosa, CA

707.586.2064

nctile.com

The leader in the North Bay for tile and granite installation for residential, new home construction and commercial work. Family owned and operated for over 30 years, North Coast Tile & Stone specialize in customer service, dedicated to making sure that clients are taken care of on every level with the highest quality of craftsmen in the county, the best designers on staff and the most beautiful selection of stone and tile in the area. Over 250 bundles of stone to choose from as well as a hand curated tile collection.

They also work seamlessly with your designer and/or contractor if you already have one. Expertise, knowledge and trust as well as a ‘one stop shop’ makes them the perfect choice for your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor kitchen project. Designer: North Coast Tile & Stone. Architect: Zimmerman + Associates. Owner/Builder: Michael Muscardini.

Badeloft

MODERN. SIMPLE.

Badeloft takes a modern yet minimalistic approach to the design of their bathroom fixtures. They specialize in Stone Resin freestanding bathtubs, freestanding sinks, wall-mount sinks, under-mount sinks and counter-top sinks. Their Stone Resin products are made from marble and limestone mixed with a polyester resin. This year, Badeloft has introduced new stainless steel bathroom sinks, in brushed steel, rosegold brushed steel and gold brushed steel.

As far as bathtubs go, people are moving away from the acrylic and fiberglass tubs as they have zero heat retention. Since Badeloft products are made with natural minerals and the tubs are one-piece, solid fixtures, they have noticeably strong heat retention and will help the water inside stay warmer, longer.

Badeloft is a global brand based in Berlin, Germany. With showrooms throughout Europe and N. America, their US offices and showroom are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their products are designed in Berlin ensuring that all of them demonstrate both practicality and modern innovation. They are confident that their products will be the focal point of your new bathroom.

2829 Bridgeway, Suite 101, Sausalito, CA

7305 Edgewater Drive, Suite D, Oakland, CA 877.892.3445 • badeloftusa.com

Bradanini & Associates

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Bradanini & Associates have been creating sophisticated residential designs for over thirty years. A commitment to design excellence has resulted in a high standard for creative problem solving. California’s tradition of gracious outdoor living is experienced through a combination of space, color, fragrance and sound which capture the individuality of each project, resulting in gardens of simple elegance and enduring beauty.

90 Throckmorton Ave, Suite 16 • Mill Valley, CA 415.383.9780 • bradanini.com

Sunrise Home

Sunrise Home is celebrating their forty eighth year as Marin’s oldest, largest family owned showroom, Specializing in American made furnishings of their own design they champion high quality beautifully crafted collections, Stepping into the thirty thousand square foot showroom one is immediately embraced by the beauty and breadth of their offerings, Meandering through room after room of amazing spaces it becomes apparent that they have mastered the art of home design.

Clearly exhibiting an aesthetic that is classic, tasteful and current they eschew the trends in favor of pieces that will go the distance. Offering full service Interior Design and in home furniture consultations as well as a financial partnership incentive they are a wonderful and treasured Marin resource when furnishing a home!

Dorman Associates

ELEVATED LIVING, EFFORTLESSLY DESIGNED

Transform your property with a bespoke ADU by Dorman Associates. Designed for elegance and functionality, our guest houses, studios, and retreats offer refined comfort with impeccable craftsmanship. Whether for hosting guests, creating a private workspace, or enjoying a personal retreat, our ADUs provide the perfect balance of luxury and practicality.

With a deep understanding of architecture and interior design, we craft spaces that seamlessly integrate with your home, enhancing both aesthetics and livability. From highend materials to thoughtful layouts, every detail is carefully considered to ensure a timeless design that meets your unique needs.

At Dorman Associates, we bring the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail to our ADUs as we do to our custom homes, delivering exceptional quality at every scale.

229 Flamingo Road, Mill Valley CA

415.380.7914 • DormanAssociates.com

Alfresco Heating

OUTDOOR WARMTH, ALL YEAR ROUND

Alfresco Heating is Marin County’s national outdoor heating company. They provide expert advice, high quality permanent, portable, gas, and electric patio heaters, plus installation and repair services. They would love to bring warmth to your outdoor living area.

30 Pamaron Way, Suite A, Novato, CA

415.884.2880 • alfresco-heating.com • glow@alfresco-heating.com

Collier Windows and Doors

EXPERIENCE. QUALITY. INNOVATION

41 Simms Street, Unit E

San Rafael, CA

415.920.9720

colliergroup.com

Design. Performance. Possibility. For nearly five decades, Collier Windows and Doors has been the Bay Area’s trusted source for premium windows, doors, and skylights.

As a proud dealer of Marvin Windows and Doors, we believe in their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and design flexibility. Marvin’s three signature collections, Elevate, Ultimate, and Modern offer solutions for every architectural style and need.

Elevate: A perfect balance of strength and beauty, featuring durable fiberglass exteriors with warm wood interiors.

Ultimate: Designed for timeless style and superior performance, with premium wood interiors and durable aluminum exteriors.

Modern: Sleek, minimalist designs with narrow sightlines and high-density fiberglass for maximum strength and efficiency.

Marvin products are built to enhance natural light, improve energy efficiency, and elevate your home’s aesthetic. Whether you’re renovating or building new, our team provides expert guidance to help you choose the right solution. Visit our new showroom in Marin at 41 Simms Street, San Rafael, California, to experience Marvin’s exceptional windows and doors firsthand. At Collier Windows and Doors, we don’t just sell windows we help you bring light, beauty, and innovation into your home.

TRAVEL

Sip and sing in Wine Country

New tasting rooms and an intimate music experience to draw you to Napa and Sonoma.

The River Club

Wine Country’s New and Updated Tasting Rooms

BY MIMI PINSON

Despite a difficult year for the wine industry, 2024 still saw a number of new tasting rooms in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Among Napa Valley’s recent additions is Rutherford’s Bella Union Winery, a remodeled Belle Epoque sanctuary situated on 120 acres. Cabernets and blends delight in its modern setting, and hospitality shines between pours. Within the city of Napa, two family-owned wineries, Paper Planes and Belong Wine Companies, joined forces for The River Club. Its unassuming parking lot hides a gem of a riverfront view and a cozy tasting room. And it’s kid and dog friendly.

Not exactly new, Signorello has been serving estate-grown vintages on the Silverado Trail since 1977. The winery reopened last summer for tasting by appointment after years of closure due to the 2017 Atlas Fire. Another known entity, Louis M. Martini’s winery in St. Helena debuted a permanent art installation by Abraham Cruzvillegas, reflecting the transformative experience of winemaking through geometric patterns.

“Unconventional” is cool at two plaza-adjacent spots: Obsidian Base Camp by Sonoma Plaza sources grapes from a vineyard with volcanic soil, and Stressed Vines Cellars by Healdsburg Plaza likes its vines old and at high elevation for vibrant flavor.

For fans of all things sparkling, Healdsburg Bubble Bar will impress with European and Californian selections of Champagne, prosecco and brut. Sebastopol’s Kanzler Estate opened its tasting room last summer, nestled among vineyards of chardonnay and pinot noir (they also offer farm stays). And Freestone, a hamlet west of Sebastopol, gained its first tasting room last year with Black Kite Cellars’ Jasper House, which pours single-vineyard pinot noir and chardonnay in a charming, rustic tasting room.

Black Kite Cellars

The River Club

For the Love of Songwriting (and Wine)

This weekend of Americana music is a backstage experience.

It’s a crowded field for spring and summer music events in Wine Country, but SIP Napa (short for Songwriters in Paradise) stands out as one that gathers exceptional songwriters for exclusive performances at Napa wineries. And I do mean exclusive: Audiences are capped at 100–150 people, and the ticket includes considerable perks, like complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres and shuttles to the partner hotel.

Between songs, singers share backstories and interpretations that can only come from devotees to the craft. The lineup’s artists may not be household names, but they have penned songs that have rocked the charts, radio and even the Country Music Awards. Event creator Patrick Davis, for one, has written for Jimmy Buffett, Lady A, Morgan Wallen and other stars. There’s also Kristian Bush, one half of the duo Sugarland; Matraca Berg, behind “You and Tequila” by Kenny Chesney and “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter; and more passionate modern troubadours. Beyond the no. 1 hits and accolades, it’s the love of song that sets this experience apart.

SIP Napa runs April 9–13. Learn more: songwritersinparadise.com

Dreaming of Maui?

Let us help you book your next Maui vacation.

We’ll help you Travel like a Local to get the most out your time on the island of Maui.

Black Kite Cellars' Jasper House

Charles Krug Songwriters Round

> 4:30pm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony > 5:30pm VIP Reception > 6:30pm Event Commences

OUT ABOUT

Community Ongoings

Fairs, fests, performances and other excellent events.

Easter Egg Hunt

CALENDAR

With spring in bloom and the arrival of Earth Day, it’s the perfect time to enjoy nature-inspired festivals, participate in community cleanups and get into the great outdoors to view Marin’s bountiful wildflowers, abundant birds, majestic redwoods and more. Speaking of spring sunshine, we’re celebrating 20 years of Marin Magazine with the ultimate afternoon garden party, and you’re invited!

FEATURED EVENT

APRIL 6 Marin Magazine Turns 20!

We’re throwing an anniversary party to toast the people, places and things that make our community the best place to live — and you’re invited to help us celebrate. Held at the Marin Art & Garden Center, there will be live music, catered bites, hand-crafted cocktails and more… get your tickets at 270media.com/events. See you there!

EDITED BY DONNA BERRY GLASS

APRIL FESTIVALS AND FAIRS

APRIL 12 Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Holiday Parade and Festival Honor labor activists and United Farm Workers leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta in this yearly parade through San Francisco’s Mission District. A festival finishes out the afternoon with food, dancing and lots of union and Hispanic pride. cesarchavezday.org

APRIL 12–13 & 19–20 58th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Taiko drumming, steaming ramen and the beautiful flowers of cherry blossoms — head to San Francisco’s Japantown for two weekends of events showcasing Japanese and Japanese American culture. sfcherryblossom.org

APRIL 19 Butter and Eggs Day Parade Petaluma’s agricultural history shines in the 42nd annual parade celebrating the community and local business. Keep an eye out for local celebrity Clover the Cow, who usually makes an appearance. petalumadowntown.com

APRIL 25–27 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival Did you know that Point Reyes National Seashore boasts the most avian diversity of any U.S. national park? Unplug for the weekend and enjoy the 16th year of this West Marin nature extravaganza. pointreyesbirdingfestival.org

Point Reyes Birding Festival

ARTS, LECTURES & THEATER

APRIL 1–13 Hamlet Tony Awardnominated Eddie Izzard brings her acclaimed solo performance of Hamlet to San Francisco. Infused with her signature wit and storytelling, Izzard brings to life 23 characters in a dynamic new staging of Williams Shakespeare’s iconic play. act-sf.org

APRIL 8–18 Broken Love Fans of Frida Kahlo’s surrealist art will appreciate this duo of short performances. Broken Wings explores the life of the celebrated Mexican painter and is followed by Marguerite and Armand , a story of fervent love, heartbreak, sacrifice and forgiveness. sfballet.org

APRIL 10–13 ODC/Dance's Dance

Downtown A weekend of exhilarating movement takes over the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts with ODC/Dance's Dance Downtown. The thoughtprovoking works invite audiences into the reflective and uplifting power of dance. odc.dance

APRIL 12–13 Churchill In this one-man show, British actor Daniel Payne brings to life Winston Churchill, who poignantly (and amusingly) talks about his constant battles with fellow politicians in Britain, his relationship with America and two special women in his life — his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth II. marincenter.org

APRIL 15 History of Point Reyes and Tomales Bay with Dewey Livingston Presented by the Marin History Museum, historian and author Livingston discusses the highlights of his new book about the intriguing history of Point Reyes and Tomales Bay. marinhistory.org

MUSIC

APRIL 4–5 Jorma Kaukonen with special guest John Hurlbut The progenitor of psychedelic rock and a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, Kaukonen is considered by many a music legend. Don’t miss the chance to see this Rock & Rock Hall of Famer who has been performing for more than a half-century. sweetwatermusichall.org

APRIL 6 December ’63 Enjoy a night of timeless classics at this tribute concert featuring the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, with unforgettable songs like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” marincenter.org

APRIL 13 The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight A spellbinding, 90-minute spectacle infusing iconic rock & metal anthems from bands such as Metallica and AC/DC — performed by 14 classical musicians in an ethereal candlelit setting. broadwaysf.com

APRIL 12–13 Haimor Conducts Dvorak One of Marin Symphony’s music director finalists, Fawzi Haimor, takes his turn with the baton to conduct a trio of Ramal by Kareem Roustom, Mozart’s concerto for flute and harp in C major and Dvorak’s final symphony. marinsymphony.org

APRIL 19 Slinky Thing This tribute band to the music of Steely Dan and Donald Fagen makes its Rancho Nicasio debut. ranchonicasio.com

FILM

APRIL 11–13 International Ocean Film Festival Explore the deep ocean with groundbreaking films about seas and underwater ecosystems. Can’t make it to the live screenings at Cowell Theater at Fort Mason? The festival also broadcasts films online after the live event concludes. intloceanfilmfest.org

APRIL 17–27 San Francisco International Film Festival The longest running film festival in the Americas, the 68th annual SFFilm Festival attracts top filmmakers for a packed five days of premieres showing at venues in the city and in select Bay Area theaters. sffilm.org

MUSEUMS

THROUGH APRIL Dino Days This spring, sink your teeth into prehistoric fun as animatronic dinosaurs come to life in the California Academy of Sciences’ outdoor gardens. Marvel at 11 different ancient dinosaurs that ruled the Earth millions of years ago, including the massive and mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. calacademy.org

OPENING APRIL 5 Ruth Asawa: Retrospective This new exhibit at SFMOMA presents the full range of San Francisco artist Asawa, offering an indepth look at her expansive output and inspirations through more than 300 artworks. sfmoma.org

OPENING APRIL 12 Isaac Julien: I Dream a World British artist Julien’s expansive film and video exhibition — the largest of its kind in the United States — solely consists of multiscreen video installations exploring themes around race, class, gender and sexuality. Shown at the de Young Museum. famsf.org

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

THROUGH APRIL Marin Wildflower Walks April means spring flowers, and Marin’s open space promises them in abundance. Marin County Parks hosts multiple guided wildflower hikes throughout April, including trails on Ring Mountain, Mount Burdell/Olompais, Rock Spring and Baltimore Canyon. parks.marincounty.org

APRIL 19 Free National Parks Day Every year, the National Park Service grants a handful of free days for national parks around the country. Check out some great nearby parks like Muir Woods or Pinnacles, or seize the opportunity to escape to far-flung places like Yosemite or Sequoia. nps.gov

APRIL 26 Wildcare’s Family Nature Day

This annual event at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary draws in animal lovers of all ages. Along with fostering a love and appreciation of nature and wildlife, the event features “Mrs. T's Nature Scavenger Hunt,” a game to learn more about birds and how they fly. discoverwildcare.org

EVENTS

APRIL 12 The Great Tomato Market At this popular spring event for home gardeners, (pro tip: come early!) UC Marin’s Master Gardeners sell tomato starts designed specially for growing in Marin gardens at simultaneous events happening in Greenbrae and Novato. marinmg.ucanr.edu

APRIL 19 Sausalito Egg Hunt and Parade

For many, Sausalito is ground zero for candy-filled egg treasure hunters at the city's annual Easter egg hunt. Even grownups can get in on the action during the 21-and-over adult egg hunt with $4,500 in prizes. sausalito.gov

Jorma Kaukonen

Our alumni are lighting the way—transforming communities and inspiring us all to dream bigger and work harder for a better world. Join us to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our students and alumni. Together, we can amplify their light and empower them to shine even brighter.

OUR LEAD SPONSORS

Pepe Gonzalez & Dr. Denise M. Lucy, Gala Co-Chairs

$50,000 SUMMA CUM LAUDE SPONSOR

Herb & Jane Dwight

$15,000 DOCTORATE SPONSORS

Dennis & Susan Gilardi

Janet & Michael Verlander

$10,000 MASTER’S SPONSORS

Suzanne Badenhoop & Guy Lampard

Eric Bindelglass & Gabrielle Tierney

Graham & Talia Brandt

Susan & Mitch Cohen

David & Elaine Freed

Deborah Freed Goldman & Jonathan Goldman

Vanessa Holton & Lloyd Aubry, Jr.

Sheila & Thomas Larsen

Tracy Solomon

Denise & Mark Steele

Confirmed Sponsors as of 2/26/25

Kickoff the art season at our Local Treasures Benefit for Art

Saturday April 26th

6-10 pm

750

April 25-May 11

Wed-Sun 11-5pm

Center

Open Studio Weekends

Artists invite you to their studios May 3-4 & May 10-11 marinopenstudios.org

APRIL 19 Bay Area Brew Fest For one day only, 70+ breweries set up shop on the Presidio Main Lawn. Admission includes unlimited samples from participating breweries, plus access to food trucks to keep you sane. bayareabrewfestival.com

APRIL 22 San Rafael Clean & Green Day

Help spruce up downtown San Rafael and the West End Village for Earth Day! Volunteers will be removing graffiti, polishing up parking meters and sidewalk fixtures, pulling spring weeds and removing litter. downtownsanrafael.org

APRIL 25 Play Marin’s Player’s Night

In partnership with Marin Magazine, local nonprofit Play Marin brings back its annual “adult playdate” fundraiser in Sausalito with dinner, drinks, music and a whole lotta games, “cuz grownups are players too.” playmarin.org

APRIL 27 Re-Loved and Re-Sourced

Market Time to clean out your closet and find some new gems for your wardrobe. The Mill Valley Community Center is hosting a day dedicated to sustainable fashion and creativity, bringing together a community of fashion enthusiasts and eco-conscious shoppers. millvalleyrecreation.org

APRIL 27 Children for Change Challenge

This annual event brings families together with community leaders and nonprofit partners for a day of youth-led advocacy and volunteer activities. Families enjoy food, music and community alongside partner organizations Multicultural Center of Marin, Love is the Answer, Cedars and others. children4change.org

Sausalito Center for the Arts

Bridgeway, Sausalito

Pick Your Treasure!

Buy Tickets Here

Preview Gallery

See work from 275 artists in one place!

Sausalito

for the Arts

Ruth Asawa and granddaughter Emma Lanier

With Host ERIC LUCAN

Marin County Supervisor

Honoring NEIL HENNESSY 2025 Champion for Children

Tickets are available at nbcc.ejoinme.org/nit2025

CHAMPION SPONSORS

BENEFACTOR SPONSOR

CONTRIBUTOR SPONSORS

Dennis & Susan McQuaid TeamLogic IT

TABLE SPONSORS

Dennis & Becca Ryan

ForeMeta Coaching

Healthy Petaluma District

Marin Sanitary Service

Stan Hoffman

Ultragenyx

FRIEND SPONSORS

ADVOCATE SPONSORS

SUPPORTER SPONSORS

Alten Construction

George Peterson Insurance Agency

Marin-Sonoma Produce Co.

Primark Benefits

MEDIA SPONSOR

Marin Magazine

PURCHASE TICKETS

WINE SPONSOR

Rodney Strong Vineyards

*Sponsors as of March 5, 2025

DINE

CORTE MADERA

Burmatown Asian

Though the menu remains largely the same (that tea leaf salad! Those bao!) at the location down the street from the original, the addition of a grill boosts the menu with dishes like kalbi ribs or smoked salmon collars. A long bar on one side of the room serves wine and beer and the front windows slide open for easy access to a large patio. 18 Tamalpais Ave, 415.985.5060; burmatown.com

$

Flores Mexican

With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and flavors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around gluten-free masa. The daily-made tortillas are a highlight. 301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145; floressf.com

BB HH

Marin Joe’s Italian

A mainstay for a reason: the menu calls to you with garlic bread, a calamari sandwich and mesquite-grilled prime rib. Sautéed classics of the ItalianAmerican canon as well as oysters doré and pastas have withstood the test of time. 1585 Casa Buena Dr,

415.924.2081; marinjoes restaurant.com

RH Marin American

Ride up the goldenhued elevator to the top floor restaurant bedecked in RH style and linger over a shaved vegetable salad, a truffled grilled cheese sandwich on Panorama Bakery sourdough or a namesake RH Burger. This rooftop sunroom and outdoor lounge boasts glass ceilings and walls for an epic view of Mount Tam and a feeling of floating above it all. 1750 Redwood Highway at The Village, 628.266.2040; rh.com

BB

FAIRFAX

Barefoot Cafe

American Chef Tony Senehi’s all-day cafe is known for California-inspired dishes made from local, organic ingredients. Pear almond pancakes and eggs Benedict (ask for “the Brady” to get lox) are popular at breakfast, while a BBQ pulled pork sandwich is a hot seller at lunch. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.460.2160; barefootcafe.com

BB $

Fradelizio’s Italian

A perennial neighborhood gem, the cozy space welcomes all

with daily specials (fresh local fish, housemade Meyer lemon fettuccine with salmon, cioppino, a Becker Lane organic pork cannelloni) and a Napa Valley wine from the barrel program. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618; fradelizios.com

La Gastronomia

Italian Like the town it’s situated in, La Gastronomia is a lively and cozy restaurant best known for its authentic cuisine, fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere. Originally from a coastal town in Italy, owners Elena and her husband Gustavo curate a taste of the Italian coast in the California sun. 123 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.419.5465; lagastronomiadi porchetta.com

BB $

Sorella Caffe Italian

Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella serves fresh Italian with a northern influence. Favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli, pollo alla Sorella and the garlic bread. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520; sorellacaffe.com

$

GREENBRAE / KENTFIELD

Gott’s Roadside

American At its only

Marin outpost, Gott’s features the signature California-inspired dishes the restaurant is known for (burgers — regular, ahi and Impossible — shakes, salads and fries) as well as a 30-foot-long pine table for community-style eating and an expansive patio out front. 302 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.785.4233; gotts.com

$

Guesthouse

Californian Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco, heads up the kitchen, partnering with restaurateur Dustin Sullivan on this 110-seat space. Look for well-executed

California cuisine with weekly specials like Prime Rib on Mondays and fried chicken on Sundays, plus killer cocktails — the Sunburn and Easy Money are local favorites.

850 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.419.5101; guesthousemarin.com

HH

Half Day Cafe

American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including coffee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual daytime meal inside or out on the

patio. 848 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.459.0291; halfdaycafe.net

BB $

Rio Rock Açai Café Smoothies Açai bowls, like the Carmen Miranda with cacao nibs and peanut butter, and smoothies (don’t miss the Popeye with almond butter and spinach) are at the heart of an all-day café that serves up sandwiches (chicken pesto panini, lox bagel) and pastas, too. Boba and espresso drinks are coming soon. 860 College Ave, Kentfield; 415.747.8668; riorock acaicafe.com

$

RH Marin, Corte Madera

LARKSPUR

Left Bank Restaurant

French This Parisianstyle brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, bar or in the elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun experience. The menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331; leftbank.com

Perry’s on Magnolia American Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American

cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor dining options. It’s bar is a perennial best of the county winner. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877; perryssf.com BB

Rustic Bakery Californian Organic bread and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups make this a staple. 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900 and 1139 Magnolia Ave; 415.925.1556; rusticbakery.com

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chicken are a few of the comfort-food menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. Heated patio seating offers a moment’s respite with a fresh espresso and breakfast burrito from the weekday Buckeye Joe Coffee Kiosk. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600; buckeyeroad house.com

BB HH

Bungalow 44

Floodwater

Californian Order a handcrafted “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the long 20 seat bar and watch the game on five huge 4K TVs while noshing on pork belly steamed buns, or dive into Shorty’s Tall Reuben. The patio features multiple fire pits.

152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545; floodwatermv.com

HH $

Paseo Bistro

Californian

or roasted salmon with artichokes and Calabrian chili.

625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525; piatti.com

Playa Mexican

World Green Açai Bowl & Juice

Brazilian Come for the bowls — with real açai sourced from Belém, Brazil — and stay for the authentic Brazilian bites, blended juices and friendly faces. Try the popular Yanomami bowl, or the Barry Bonds special (named after a favorite customer). Gluten-free options abound, like tapioca crepes and pão de queijo cheese bread. 546a Magnolia Ave, 415.886.8476; worldgreenacai.com

MILL VALLEY

Buckeye Roadhouse American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs, and chili-lime “brick”

American The bustling bar is ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order of the house’s famous kickin’ fried chicken. The one-dollar happy hour oyster program still operates from 5–6 p.m., Monday–Thursday and the heated outdoor patio is a town hot spot. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500; bungalow44.com

Corner Bar

Mediterranean

Corner Bar is downtown Mill Valley’s first cocktail lounge… ever! Bring a date or simply come to unwind in the sleek interior, which features two bars plus plenty of window space overlooking the town square. A menu of Mediterranean bites created by Chef Michael Siegel complements

Corner Bar’s artfully crafted cocktails.106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8001; cornerbarmv.com

HH

The bistro along ‘el paseo’ exudes the same charm as its predecessors with a French-inflected menu from executive chef Sylvain Montassier. That translates into dishes of tuna tartare with chicharron and shiitakes, squid ink linguini with local crab and mussels or a Devil’s Gulch pork chop with crispy spaetzle and cabbage. Sip a classic cocktail in the Paseo bar or savor chocolate fondant with salted caramel ganache in one of the inviting exposed brick and wood dining rooms.

17 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley; 415.888.3907; paseobistro.com

HH

Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian A fireplace lounge and open format concept invites lingering over refreshed menu items such as house made ravioli with lemon cream and citrus gremolata, roasted mushroom pizza with taleggio fonduta and black truffle oil

With a chef from Mexico City, Playa’s food offers traditional dishes with modern flavors and presentations. A Little Gem salad sparkles with tomatillo dressing and enchiladas shine from a glossy coating of house made black mole and micro greens. The bar highlights exceptional tequilas and mezcals but the el Slushie and house margarita have legions of fans and are perfect for sipping on the large, heated back patio. Weekend lunch is available.

41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.384.8871; playamv.com

BB HH

Piazza D’Angelo Italian Family owned for over 40 years, Piazza D’Angelo evokes a traditional trattoria dining experience, including the bustling bar. Enjoy a variety of housemade pastas, meat and seafood dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and gluten-free offerings with organic and locally sourced ingredients. A back patio and newer front patio provide ample outdoor dining space.

22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000; piazzadangelo.com

BB

Insalata’s, San Anselmo

Sweetwater Music Hall’s Rock & Rye American Bay Area chef Rick Hackett (Bocanova, Florio) redesigned the menu to feature South American and New Orleans-inspired dishes with a seasonal focus at Sweetwater Music Hall’s refreshed restaurant. An extensive collection of whiskeys and craft cocktails pays tribute to independent music venues and the 50-seat outdoor patio was redone to reflect how we dine today. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850; sweetwatermusichall.com

BB

Tamalpie Italian

With views of Mt. Tam from the covered, heated patio, this spot known for its local sourcing also features two fireplaces and a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine and beer. The difference is in the

dough, small batch, housemade and gluten-free. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437; tamalpiepizzeria.com

NOVATO

Perry’s Novato

American Epic burgers and cocktails, excellent service, signature blue-andwhite gingham tablecloths — expect all of those and more here at Perry’s northernmost location. 224 Alameda Del Prado, 415.506.4212; perryssf.com

BB

The Village Italian Restaurant Italian

A Novato staple for any occasion, the Village captures hearts with comforting Italian fare served in its spacious downtown locale. They’ve got something for everybody, with ample options for

pasta, pizza, salad and entrees like chicken parm or piccata.

The carbonara? Che buono. Don’t miss the puffy, pillowy “pasta bread” — best eaten dripping in garlic butter. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234; the villageitalian restaurant.com

BB

Trailhead American Order breakfast, shareable snacks, paninis, salads, and Equator coffee drinks at the counter before grabbing a seat on the all-day café’s shaded patio. The baked goat cheese is a standout and pairs with the 10 local beers and two wines available on tap or from the craft can program. 127 San Marin Dr, 415.493.6902; trailheadnovato.com

$

SAN ANSELMO / ROSS

Comforts Cafe American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840; comfortscafe.com

BB $

Creekside Pizza & Tap Room American A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, flavorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside offers plentiful gluten-free and vegan options too. Their copper

bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450; creeksidesa.com

Cucina sa Italian Open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner six nights a week, come by for homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood-fired pizzas that strike a balance between southern Italy and Northern California. Don’t skip the happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, either! 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942; cucina-sa.com

Insalata’s Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Krahling’s downtown restaurant features soulful Mediterranean fare for 25+ years. Dinner favorites include cataplana with mussels and chorizo, Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian platter, Moroccan lamb flatbread, house made pastas and of course, the fattoush salad. An expansive takeout counter offers a wide range of selections for family meals, celebrations or a quick lunch option.

120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.457.7700; insalatas.com

Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen Japanese Kuro Nami, which

means “black wave,” is a new restaurant from the team behind The Baan Thai Cuisine. There, you’ll find inventive sushi rolls, premium sake and a menu of signature dishes that explore the depth of Japanese cuisine. It’s not just sushi — you can try picks like kani miso (grilled miso paste with crab), or their creamy pasta with tempura softshell crab. 69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.459.6969; kuro namimarin.com

Madcap Californian Chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary art-filled space is known for its urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu, available as a tasting menu, incorporates seafood and Japanese techniques in colorful dishes like trout with baby bok choy, purple daikon and dashi that are bold, balanced and bright. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898; madcapmarin.com

Marché Californian Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space, Marché’s owners Darren and Alicia Banks focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, and house made gnocchi with shiitakes is Californian all the way. 23 Ross Common, Ross; 415.925.9200; marchemarin.com

Sorella Caffe, Fairfax

The Baan Thai Cuisine Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh flavors and just the right amount of sweet heat. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470; thebaanthai cuisine.com

Valenti & Co.

Italian The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti’s famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert. 337 San Anselmo Ave,

415.454.7800; valentico.com

SAN RAFAEL

Cafe del Soul Californian

Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in Tam Junction and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. 1408 Fourth St, 415.457.5400; cafedelsoul.net

$

La Toscana Ristorante & Bar

Italian Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation, transforming an already popular San Rafael gathering spot into a place for any occasion. The menu features daily specials and classics

Sol Food Caribbean/Puerto Rican Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes with fresh ingredients, just like the ones owner Sol Hernandez grew up eating. All day favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and other fried plantain dishes, but anything tastes good with a dash of “pique” their signature hot pepper sauce, also for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad dressing). They also have a special menu from “Victor’s Crispy Tacos.” 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765; solfoodrestaurant.com

like gnocchi and carbonara and an ample selection of wine. 3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100; ristorantelas toscana.com

Red Rooster Brick Oven American Roasted in the brick oven, then brushed with sweet and spicy garlic sauce, Red Rooster wings are a must-order at an allday Italian American restaurant with a sprinkling of Asian flavors. A thin crust pizza pulled from the brick oven is available at breakfast, too. The buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich with house made chipotle aioli has a dedicated following and the Boston clam chowder might just convince a few New Englanders to relocate. 901 B St., 415.234.8414; redroosterbrick oven.com

$

for freshly caught, unobjectionable fare. Order any of the day’s offerings — the menu changes — daily but usually has a variation of fish tacos, ceviche and grilled fish. 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474; 331fish.com

weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and daily morning coffee and pastry service coming soon. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon; 415.910.1010; petiteleftbank tiburon.com

$

$

SAUSALITO

Copita Mexican Co-owner Joanne Weir, along with Chef Aaron Sabido, presents fresh Mexican fare in the heart of Bridgeway. The everchanging menu is 100 percent gluten-free, masa is prepared and pressed in house for each and every tortilla, and the in-house tequila bar serves over 100 varieties, ideal for crafting your own margarita. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watching. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400; copitarestaurant.com

BB $ HH

Fish Seafood

It has been said that this restaurant and fish market launched the sustainable seafood movement, making it the ultimate place

Kitti’s Place Thai

This home-style family-run restaurant has been in town for over 20 years. It features Californiainspired favorites like lettuce cups stuffed with chicken and almonds, soft spring rolls and a curried turkey burger. A patio out front gets midday sun. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390; kittis place.com

$

Poggio Italian

Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingrdients. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771; poggiotrattoria.com

BB

TIBURON

Petite Left Bank

French A smaller version of the Larkspur original features an all-day menu of French bistro classics. A notable wine list, artisan craft cocktail menu, and spirit-free beverages round out the lively experience. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with

Sam’s Anchor Cafe American Sam’s boathouse feel and boat tie-ups with boatside service are part of its charm but most come for the spiffy white umbrellas and deck chairs on the expansive waterfront patio. All-day cocktails remain a fixture as does the signature cioppino, while offerings like crab toast, a roaming oyster cart, and a raw bar reflect the menu’s enduring seafood focus. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527; samscafe.com

BB HH

Servino Ristorante Italian Chef and owner Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood-oven pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on Ark Row, Servino also prides itself on its extensive sustainable seafood program and deep Italian wine list. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676; servino. com

BB HH

The Caprice Californian Expansive bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel. The revamped menu

Petite Left Bank, Tiburon

of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in filet mignon, Colorado lamb chops) and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore), also features classic cocktails and a wine list that leans towards American, Italian and French offerings. Complimentary evening valet provided.

2000 Paradise Drive, 415.435.3400; the caprice.com

BB HH

The Caviar Co American Belvedere resident Petra Bergstein expanded her San Franciscobased business with a downtown shop and restaurant dedicated to the briny delicacy. Caviar flights, along with Champagne by the glass or bottle and

small plates like grilled cheese with truffles, are available to enjoy in their tasting room or to take home. 46A Main Street, Tiburon; 415.889.5168; info.the caviarco.com

Tiburon Tavern Californian Food service at the Lodge at Tiburon is in the hands of Luna Blu’s Renzo and Crystal Azzarello who run the Tiburon Tavern bar, restaurant and other on-site eating opportunities. Executive chef Selvin Vicente is on board to handle the flow from breakfast and brunch through dinner. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.3133; lodgeattiburon.com

BB HH

WEST MARIN

Nick’s Cove American

Take a seat outside along the pier, at the boat shack over the water or in the waterfront lounge and enjoy barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails incorporating homegrown ingredients. The cozy bar and fireplace in the main dining room makes the most of fog-whipped and rainy days. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall, 415.663.1033; nickscove.com

Rancho Nicasio

American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything

from crispy calamari to braised lamb shanks, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week, including brunch. Whatever you choose, the outdoor space welcomes all with plenty of shade and space between tables. 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, 415.662.2219; ranchonicasio.com

BB

Side Street Kitchen American

The fine-casual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, and porkbelly BLTs as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves gluten-free beer. The cozy patio is shaded

and dog-friendly. 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303; sidestreet-prs.com

BB

Station House Cafe

American Known for their house made popovers, this cozy cafe is also recognized for fresh oysters, grassfed burgers, and an “everything fresh, local and homegrown” ethos. Dining in the garden is as popular on weekdays as on the weekends. 11285 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1515; stationhousecafe.com

BB $

BY DONNA BERRY GLASS

ON SCENE THE

Historic Documentary Sparks Current Insight about Desegregation in Marin

On Feb. 11, 270 Media invited the community at large to a special screening of the 1968 BBC documentary, The Mood of America, which captured the aftermath of a voluntary desegregation plan that occurred in 1965 within the Sausalito Marin City School District. Nearly 150 attendees filled the room to watch the film and listen to a panel discussion moderated by longtime Marin Magazine contributor Kirsten Jones Neff. The seven-member panel, which included community activist Royce McLemore, former teacher Shirley Hasley and a present-day parent of children enrolled at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, all offered deeper insight into what has shifted — and what has not — in the school district and its surrounding communities.

1 Phil Logan, community schools director at Sausalito Marin City School District, introduces the event; 2 Audience views the 1968 BBC documentary, The Mood of America; 3 All panelists and speakers from the event; 4 Panel discussion led by Kirsten Jones Neff

My name is Chris Catalano and I am a cosmetic dentist in Marin County. My passion is helping people feel beautiful when they smile. I spent half of my career in Southern California learning and teaching cosmetic dentistry. The other half I have spent in Marin County. Living in these two distinct regions has allowed me to see and deliver the full spectrum of veneers. From the Hollywood bright smile to natural subtle beauty, I know how to deliver your personalized smile.

Spreading the Love to Marin’s Youth

The county’s hottest lovefest, the Marin Valentine’s Ball, attracted 380 attendees to the Marin Civic Center on Feb. 8 in support of three Marin charities: North Bay Children’s Center, Godmothers of Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys and Side by Side. The event raised a whopping $340,000 to fund critical safety-net services geared to Marin’s children and youth. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner by Sage Catering, a ceremony honoring longtime educator Don Meroff and a post-dinner musical set with Jon Chi & The Pacific Syndicate.

Don’t Stop 'Til You Drop

On Feb. 2, the San Rafael Community Center was filled with 100 enthusiastic individuals ages 7 to 83 with a single purpose in mind: to dance nonstop to pop and hip-hop music for three straight hours. They were there for the Fourth Annual Stop Drop and Dance-A-Thon hosted by Grace Yu of The Power With Grace. Along with being a physical challenge, the event was a celebration of the inclusivity, positivity and joyfulness found through dancing. It also raised nearly $5,000 for a previous dancer who recently moved to Pacific Palisades and whose house burned down in January during the LA fires.

1 High flying entertainment at the Marin Valentine's Ball;

2 Jon Chi & The Pacific Syndicate

1 Grace Brewster; 2 Participants take on three hours of nonstop dancing; 3 Heather Davidson and Jenn Macievich

AN EVENING DEDICATED TO THE 1K+ MARIN NEIGHBORS LIVING UNDER THE STARS

MAY 14, 2025

The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap 5:30 PM (VIP Reception 5:00 PM)

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring an elegant sit-down dinner, an engaging program, and a special tribute to our distinguished honorees—all in support of Ritter Center’s mission to end homelessness in Marin County.

2025 HONOREES

Shining Star Honoree

Rhea Suh, President & CEO

Marin Community Foundation

Hope and Resilience Honoree

Jalynne Allen

Ritter Center Client & Advocate

Beacon of Service Honoree

San Domenico Upper School Interact Club (Rotary Club of Ross Valley)

YOU TO OUR

MARIN HOME

family of four’s Larkspur home gets a breezy, modern makeover.

BY LOTUS ABRAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOLLY HAAS

WHEN A YOUNG FAMILY MOVED into their new home in Larkspur, they knew it would need an update. The 2,800-square-foot, four-bedroom, threeand-a-half-bath home felt dark, heavy and characterless inside, and the kitchen was cramped and cut off from the family room. With young twins, however, the homeowners weren’t ready to embark on a big project just yet. Instead, they settled for making a few cosmetic updates, executed by interior designer Ansley Majit’s San Francisco-based firm, L+P Interiors. “We just made the house feel a little bit more comfortable for them until they were ready for a full renovation,” Majit says. Three years later, Majit got the call from her clients that the time was right, so with San Rafael-based Cal Summit Builders, the team embarked on a full-scale remodel that touched every inch of the home. Along with opening up the kitchen, Majit’s key priorities included brightening up the

spaces overall and elevating the design while maintaining a family-friendly vibe. Taking a cue from the family’s love for spending time outdoors, Majit imbued the home with a breezy, California-inspired aesthetic by incorporating plenty of natural wood; woven textures; and a palette incorporating cheery blue, green and yellow accents punctuated with black for a modern touch. “They really wanted a great-looking house that would work well to host their adult friends but also be appropriate for kids,” Majit says.

Details

WHERE Larkspur

WHAT

2,800-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home remodel

INTERIOR DESIGNER L+P Interiors

CONSTRUCTION

Cal Summit Builders

The kitchen underwent a complete overhaul, starting with the removal of a wall dividing it from the family room, which enabled the team to add an island. Featuring distinctive rounded edges, the island is painted in a warm, dusty dark

gray shade from Farrow & Ball, contrasting the creamy Calacatta Borghini marble counters and custom floorto-ceiling white oak cabinets crafted by local firm Di Build. Behind the island, the focal point of the kitchen is the hand-painted, geometric Tabarka tile backsplash and custom plaster hood floating in front of a window that offers a glimpse of the pool and garden outside. Keeping appearances tidy, since the kitchen is now part of the great room, a coffee bar and appliances are tucked away in a cabinet with receding doors.

The dining area was enhanced to easily transition from cozy family dinners to formal entertaining with a built-in upholstered bench, oval Ethnicraft table, black chairs by Stowed, additional storage

The renovated kitchen features a round-edge island, white oak cabinets and a Tabarka tile backsplash.

cabinets, rift-sawn white oak wall paneling and an oversized rattan Palecek pendant light. Plaster built-ins around the fireplace and repainted shelving were among the key upgrades in the family room, where Majit also replaced the bulky pony walls in the stairwell with a new custom glass railing. A custom white oak-paneled bar in the lounge off the kitchen features concealed dishwasher drawers and a wine refrigerator; its rounded edges, which mimic the design of the kitchen island, and a colorful Pierre Frey wallpaper backdrop make a distinctive style statement.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom features a custom closet behind the bed. The centerpiece of the spalike primary bathroom is the dark-veined marble countertop on the custom floating double vanity, which the clients fell for during a trip to Da Vinci Marble in San Carlos. A steam shower with two marble floating benches, limestone flooring, Visual Comfort sconces, zellige tile and Waterworks fixtures complete the space.

The home’s other bathrooms were completely reimagined as well — each filled with color and personality. In the guest bathroom, glossy green pillow cushion tile from Ann Sacks is complemented by textured green Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, a custom vanity painted in Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball and terrazzo flooring. The kids’ bathroom, meanwhile, features a yellow-pattern shower curtain made from Christopher Farr Cloth fabric, oversized penny tiles and terrazzo floors from Tile Fever in Sausalito, woven mirrors, a pale blue custom double vanity, concrete-style Caesarstone countertops and a Dutton Brown pendant light. Finally, the powder room, completed in the first round of updates, is embellished with an indigo and white pattern St. Frank wallpaper and blue Clé floor tile. “We were really able to infuse some happiness into the house to complement this bright, outgoing and energetic family,” Majit says.

Removing a wall between the kitchen and the family room opened up the layout.

Highlights in the primary bathroom include the dark-veined marble countertop and zellige tile.

VIEW FROM

Exquisite Private Compound in Coveted Ross

THE LUXE Collection

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SOLD Off-Market - 2381 Mar East St, Tiburon | $4,507,000

This world class Tiburon residence was sold before ever reaching the MLS. Leveraging our extensive network, we secured a premium sale price for the seller while ensuring complete privacy. Our expertise in off-market sales allows us to connect buyers and sellers through exclusive opportunities, delivering exceptional results. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited

ERIN FARBER

Luxury Property Specialist 415.297.7574 | erin.farber@cbrealty.com ErinsHomeConnections.com | CALRE#02161774

This iconic Belvedere estate offers breathtaking panoramic views of Corinthian Island, Belvedere Cove, Old Town Tiburon, Raccoon Strait, and the San Francisco Bay. Rich in history, this landmark estate retains the significant tax advantage of its Mills Act Agreement.

• A true haven for entertainers, the enchanting park-like grounds feature a large ceramic-tiled pool, multi-level gardens with mature plantings, and multiple terraces and balconies.

• The grand living room boasts coffered ceilings, an impressive wood-burning fireplace anchoring the room, wonderful natural lighting, and a tiled Juliet balcony with Marvin French doors overlooking the picturesque grounds.

• A state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen boasts carefully selected Calacatta Oro marble countertops and backsplash, hardwood floors, a 10’6” x 3’4” center island, two pantries, and a breakfast area with Marvin glass folding doors that open to a balcony with sweeping views.

• No expense has been spared in seamlessly integrating modern amenities and high-quality finishes to create timeless living spaces. Separate entrances for au pair suite, in-law suite and/or home offices. Abundant storage.

Modern Resort-Style Living in Mill Valley

Welcome to this stunning resort-style retreat nestled on a sunny ridge in Mill Valley above downtown. Thoughtfully designed with an organic modern aesthetic by Dorman Associates – celebrated local architect of green luxury residences. This newly constructed one-of-a-kind estate seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living showcasing luxurious finishes at every turn. With a focus on smart and sustainable living, the home integrates cutting-edge technology fire hardening and eco-friendly features, offering unparalleled convenience and energy efficiency without compromising on comfort or style. This home is a true sanctuary offering elegance, luxury and the best of Marin County living.

KathleenRyanBeaver@gmail.com Cal

Spring Listings

Marin Bay Park, San Rafael, CA

4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths

5,514 sq. ft. | 1.24 +/- acre lot 55MarinBayPark.com

COMING

Glenwood, San Rafael, CA

4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths

1,951 sq. ft. | 0.178 +/- acre lot Pool, Privacy, Bayside Community

Peacock Greens, San Rafael, CA

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths

3,325 sq. ft. | 0.413 +/- acre lot Pool, Privacy, Cul-De-Sac

Peacock Gap, San Rafael, CA

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths

2,866 sq. ft. | 0.200 +/- acre lot Pool, Flats, Prime Location

Dominican, San Rafael, CA

4 Bedrooms | 4 Baths

4,044 sq. ft. | 0.340 +/- acre lot Iconic Home, Pool, Prime Location

Heritage, San Rafael, CA

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths

2,146 sq. ft. | 0.551 +/- acre lot 26HeritageDrive.com

LOOKING BACK

Remember this photo?

It played a pivotal role in forming Marin Magazine’s character.

you recall this photo you’ve been around Marin for at least 20 years. At left is Lisa Shanower, I’m in the middle and my wife, Nikki, is on the right. Nikki and I met Lisa through a party in the fall of 2004 and — after months of dreaming and scheming — a version of this photo appeared in Marin Magazine ’s first issue in April of 2005 and every issue thereafter for the next seven years. It ran alongside “The View From Mount Tam” which previewed each issue’s features. About now you might be wondering, why? Why the three of us? Why Mount Tamalpais? And why the same shot of the same people for 80 issues?

The easy one to answer is “Why us?” We were the co-founders of Marin Magazine; Lisa was “Publisher,” which meant she managed ad sales; Nikki was “Editorial Director,” meaning she put every issue together; and I was “Executive Editor,” which had me driving Bolinas to Belvedere digging up stories (the one fun job!). More involved is answering why a Mount Tam hillside? That’s because we thought long and hard about what it is that all Marin residents have in common? Is it Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic civic center? Or that Highway 101 is our “Main Street”? Finally, after agreeing no

BY JIM WOOD

one specific shopping center brought us together, we settled on Mount Tam as Marin’s unifying entity. Nearly everyone in Marin sees it every day; and from its summit you can see all of Marin. As to why that particular hillside, it was pure chance. As our first issue deadline was getting dangerously close, we piled in photographer Barb Ries’ SUV and headed out Panoramic Highway to “somewhere, anywhere on Mount Tam, the higher the better.” After turning right on Pan Toll Road heading to Mountain Theater, we

spotted a gentle slope with good sun and pulled over. Barb got the shot in 15 minutes and it lasted for 8 years. Evidently we had placed ourselves at “the heart” of Marin and have never looked back. So far, so good; really good. And on Sunday, April 6, starting at 3 p.m. at the bucolic Marin Art and Garden Center on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, the staff of Marin Magazine will celebrate our publication’s 20th Anniversary and we want you, dear reader, to join us. For details please go to 270media.com/events

SAM FRANCIS

1923-1994

Sam Francis was one of the most signi cant, in uencial Post WWII American painters, who helped bring forth the 1st truly American “home grown” art style: Abstract Expressionism. The creative balance of power was shifting from the Paris to New York. The immediate postwar years were an extremely important time in American art history.

Rober t Green Fine Ar ts, established 1969, exhibits primarily painterly, abstract expressive work by painters that thoroughly take advantage of the sensually evocative nature of color and form.