No place like home —celebrating the towns of Marin.
story p. j. bremier, somer fl aherty, dan jewett, tim porter, mimi towle photos tim porter
French Polynesia’s idyllic, exotic and serene island paradise.
story & photos barbara ries
From the Resort at Pelican Hill to the beach in Santa Cruz.
story jim wood, mimi towle
letters
Readers respond to Marin Magazine.
real estate update
The latest Marin County sales pulse. by ian charles
at a glance
Hot tips day by day for the Bay Area.
news from the north
Wine country tastings and happenings. by mimi towle
life style
Larkspur’s Gary Rulli on his personal path. by somer flaherty
fashion trends
Hot summer swimsuits. by somer flaherty
fyi
Causes: Marine Mammal Center. by mimi towle
People: Authors Gary Pomerantz and David Sheff. by jim wood
Community: Sausalito Film Festival founders. by somer flaherty
The Cover
Limantour, by San Anselmo artist Nancy Cicchetti. To see more of her work visit ncicchetti.com, or to purchase a print go to marinmagazine.com/coverart.
calendar
College of Marin’s Frances L. White. by mimi towle 72 81 83 94 114
A roundup of performing arts, events, galleries and more.
snapshots
Out and about, in and around Marin.
dine
Dine Out, an insider’s guide to Bay Area eateries.
microclimate
Novato—building a new energy. by daniel jewett
dialogue
Hard Line Marin. by jim wood 14 18
view from mount tam
The founders of Marin Magazine welcome you to share their vision.
pov
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nikki Wood ext 105 | nwood@marinmagazine.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jim Wood ext 106 | jwood@marinmagazine.com
SENIOR EDITOR Mimi Towle ext 101 | mtowle@marinmagazine.com
EDITOR-AT-LARGE Tim Porter tporter@marinmagazine.com
DEPARTMENTS EDITOR Somer Flaherty ext 103 | sflaherty@marinmagazine.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Daniel Jewett ext 116 | djewett@marinmagazine.com
COPY EDITOR/PROOFREADER Cynthia Rubin
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS P. J. Bremier, Ian Charles
ART
ART DIRECTOR Anne Walzer
PRODUCTION MANAGER Alex French ext 111 | production@marinmagazine.com
PRODUCTION ARTIST Stephen Spoja
INTERNS Austin Geidt, Danielle Goodman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Drew Altizer, Sheri Montgomery, Barbara Ries
ADMINISTRATION
CONTROLLER Maeve Walsh ext 104 | mwalsh@marinmagazine.com
OFFICE MANAGER Linda Reid ext 100 | lreid@marinmagazine.com
WEB
WEB EDITOR Daniel Jewett ext 116 | djewett@marinmagazine.com
Volume 5, Issue 8. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2009. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Marin Magazine LLC. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Subscription rates are $12 per year. Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Sausalito, CA 94965. Phone 415.332.4800, fax 415.332.3048, e-mail editorial@ marinmagazine.com, website marinmagazine.com.
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mjohnson@marinmagazine.com ACCOUNT
Leah Bronson ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER Stephanie Ericson ext 108 | sericson@marinmagazine.com
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CHOICES. CHOICES. CHOICES. Our busy lives consist of an endless series of them: Where to live? Where to eat? Where to shop? And how to get it all done when time seems so short? Fortunately, Marin County provides a bounteous range of answers to those questions. Everyone have his or her favorite Marin place—that little hidden restaurant, that out-of-the-way bookstore, that perfect place to stay healthy. We’re no different—and we’ve put them together in this issue as our Second Annual Editors’ Choice Awards.
This year we’ve arranged our choices by community—from Sausalito to West Marin (north and south) to Novato—and offered you 11 dawn-to-dusk guides on how spend a perfect day in each of those unique communities, from morning caffeine to evening cabernet, with plenty of opportunities in between to explore, relax, and browse. Our choices celebrate the cultural and economic diversity of Marin—from bowling at the classic Country Club Bowl in San Rafael to dining amid the understated elegance
of Marché aux Fleurs in Ross to indulging the shoe-diva within at Mara in Novato. Take a break from making all those choices, and follow ours. We hope you enjoy our perfect days as much as we did compiling them.
This issue also contains our roster of regular features. In Journey, photographer Barbara Ries takes us to Bora Bora, and GO explores the California coast; in Real Estate Update, Ian Charles interprets the local housing market data; Life Style questions Larkspur restaurateur Gary Rulli; Dialogue engages College of Marin President Frances White; Fashion Trends looks at the latest in summer swimsuits; FYI Community focuses on the founders of the new Sausalito Film Festival; and Microclimate profiles Novato.
As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine , as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place!
Lisa Shanower, Publisher
Nikki Wood, Editorial Director
Jim Wood, Executive Editor
Spirit Rock offers a tranquil setting in the rolling hills of west Marin where you can calm your mind and rediscover your natural compassion and good will. We offer retreats, classes, one-day and evening programs rooted in the Buddhist Insight Meditation tradition. We actively celebrate diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds.
Saturday, August 15
As We Age with Anna Douglas Challenges and opportunities for those 55 and older
Sunday, August 16
Write Action and Creativity with Mushim Ikeda Nash and Kenji Liu
A day of writing and meditation for People of Color
Sunday, August 23
Forgiveness and Assertiveness: Love in Action in the Real World with Dr. Fred Luskin and Rick Hanson Bringing the Buddha’s teachings in to the messy world we live in
Sunday, August 30
Insight Meditation with Jack Kornfield and Phillip Moffitt
A day of meditation instruction and teachings
Every Monday Night at Spirit Rock
A popular evening of meditation, inspiring words and friends
Congrats on a great Point of View by Jim Wood (July). Yes, we’re stuck with San Quentin. However, let’s look on the bright side—let’s produce a “Marin County Recorded at San Quentin” album. Years ago, Johnny Cash, backed by a gospel choir from Marin City, sang at San Quentin. Many say it was one of the most moving live performances he ever gave. It happened on Mother’s Day and the energy in that room...wow! All those tough guys gave it up for Mom in a very big way. So I say we keep the rotting old eyesore and brand the San Quentin sound. Millions of consumers will think it’s well worth paying for. I’m ready to go and I’ve worked with Johnny Cash. See scottmathews.com.
Scott Mathews, Mill Valley
Here are two good reasons not to close San Quentin State Prison: As your POV stated, the facility should be in a metropolitan area where there is public transportation so families can visit. Also, the Bay Area has resources that benefit prisoners. A Mills College profes-
sor and her students teach creative writing and there are art classes, drama programs and many donated resources that contribute to prisoners’ rehabilitation. California spends little on preparing inmates for life after prison. We need to take advantage of what the nearby community can offer.
Helen D. Muirhead, Tiburon
I don’t know what these people are thinking in wanting to sell San Quentin. If a developer buys it for $1.5 to $2 billion, think of the houses he’ll need to build on the property to make a return. It would be high-density with no character, bringing with it heavy traffi c. The number of units needed to make it worthwhile would be in the thousands; now multiply that by the number of car trips per unit. I’d rather keep it the way it is: though it’s not the best use of the property, it is better this way than developed with mass housing.
Randy Mason, Greenbrae
Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity and brevity. Send letters to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Or e-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.
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Two weeks ago, I completed jury duty at the Marin County Hall of Justice. I write about it now because the experience revealed a side of supposedly liberal Marin that is costing the county unnecessarily.
The trial involved charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. “You are to determine if the state has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant was incapable of driving with the care and caution of a sober person,” Superior Court Judge James Ritchie instructed us.
On July 7, 2005, the defendant, then a 59-year-old Sonoma PE instructor, was pulled over for going 80 in a 65 mph zone on Highway 37 in Novato. No one contested that the hour was just past midnight, traffic was sparse, and erratic driving was not an issue. However, according to the prosecution, upon approaching the defendant the California Highway Patrol officer “smelled alcohol on his breath and marijuana inside his car.”
The defendant acknowledged smoking pot earlier and having “two and a half glasses of
wine” before leaving a San Francisco nightclub at 11:15 p.m. An hour later, after he was pulled over, two Breathalyzer tests showed a blood alcohol level of 0.07. Then at 2 a.m., after the driver been taken to the CHP office in Corte Madera, a blood sample indicated an alcohol level of 0.06. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. At present, there is no scientific way to measure marijuana consumption.
Still, it was the combination of the alcohol and marijuana that concerned the officer. He testified that the defendant’s eyes were bloodshot, that he’d fumbled while locating his driver’s license and that he performed poorly on field sobriety tests, e.g., putting finger to nose and closing your eyes, putting your head back and estimating when 30 seconds had passed. “He was off by two seconds,” stated the officer.
While en route to Corte Madera, the officer radioed for a “drug recognition expert,” who then interviewed the defendant and performed additional dexterity tests. As a result, despite the defendant claiming (and later testifying) that his bloodshot eyes and questionable dexterity were the result of six major eye operations, he was arrested and spent the night in jail.
Four years later (the delay was never explained) the defendant was facing possible jail time, suspension of his driver’s license, tripling of his insurance costs, a $1,700 fine, a DUI on his record, and attorney fees that could easily reach $15,000 or more.
However, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office spent more than that attempting to prove him guilty. In addition to two CHP officers appearing as witnesses, a phlebotomist flew in from Illinois, a drug toxicologist drove over from Sacramento, and an alcohol toxi-
BY JIM WOOD
cologist came down from Santa Rosa. Then, in addition to Judge Ritchie, present in the courtroom for the four days were a court reporter, a clerk, a bailiff and a county prosecutor.
After our 12-person jury had deliberated for four hours, we determined we were “hopelessly deadlocked.” Half felt driving after smoking pot and drinking wine couldn’t help but render a driver less careful than one who had not ingested these intoxicants. And six (me included) felt strongly that the prosecution had not convinced us, beyond a reasonable doubt, that this scenario was the case. Interestingly, no one changed his/her initial position during the deliberations. We returned to the courtroom and sheepishly reported our stalemate.
Was the trial necessary? Frankly, I felt that after a night in jail, the defendant should have been sternly warned, sent to traffic school, driven to his car and released. Instead, considerable county time and money was expended—and for what? It was a very subjective charge. In fact, once we were dismissed, Judge Ritchie told us jurors, “These are difficult cases to win”
Since then, I’ve learned Marin is the only county in California where a case like this would be tried without a lesser charge instead being offered. “For many years,” says Paul Burglin, author of California Drunk Driving Law and defense attorney in this case, “the county prosecutor has not allowed pleading to a reduced charge of alcohol-related reckless driving in these low-blood-alcohol cases.” That policy is costing Marin unnecessarily; it’s time for a change.
That’s my point of view. What’s yours? E-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.
At Bank of Marin you’ll bank with people who care about the same things you do. We live, work, play, and volunteer right here in our own community. Come visit our Greenbrae office, open in September. Your
a price has to be determined in the context of all the inventory on the market, but it’s hard to argue that short sales and foreclosures will impact the market indefinitely.
SBY IAN CHARLES
tatistics are like bathing suits—what they reveal can be suggestive, but what they conceal is vital. This is especially true about facts and figures in today’s real estate market, particularly in Marin.
For starters, there is no single Marin real estate market. The county is divided into many micromarkets fragmented among various towns and a wide range of property types and values. The price performance of a six-bedroom Ross estate should not be compared with the distressed condo sale in San Rafael. They are not just apples and oranges in size and value; they also attract completely different buyers who have as much in common as a private jet owner and a frequent-flier on Southwest Airlines. Similarly, properties in the same town can have little in common. The person who buys a $1 million property in Mill Valley contrasts greatly with the one who pays cash for a $3 million property.
With those disparate conditions in mind, how is real estate doing in Marin? The answer here also depends on a great number of factors that go well beyond just being in the same county. To say the median home price in Marin is down 20 percent year over year doesn’t necessarily mean your particular home is worth 20 percent less today than a year ago. If your property is a 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom in San Anselmo (in need of repair) that is comparable with a large number of neighboring distressed or foreclosure properties, then, yes, it is probably worth a great deal less than it was last year. However, if you own a 3,500-square-foot, four-bedroom home in Kentfield, you might be surprised how well that particular market has held up in these tumultuous times.
Real estate appraiser Philip Bruce Raful believes most people in Marin feel the Novato market is weak. But that really depends on how we torture the numbers and what they confess to. According to the Multiple Listing Service, the median sales price of detached single-family homes in Novato during the first half of 2008 was $706,250. During
the second half of 2008 it was $625,000. So far in 2009 it’s $535,000. Raful, however, points out that 55 percent of Novato homes sold in 2009 have been distressed or short sales of properties valued at less than $800,000. The incongruities in today’s real estate market appear in sales of more expensive homes in Novato, Raful says. Of the Novato homes that sold for more than $800,000 and were not short or distressed sales, the median sales price during the first half of 2008 was $1,129,500. In the second half of 2008, it fell to $1,071,250. And so far in 2009 it’s bounced back to $1.2 million.
Intrigued? Consider that the median price for homes in Tiburon during 2006 (per county assessor records) was $2 million. In 2007, the median dropped to $1.92 million and in 2008 it rebounded to $2 million. But, so far in 2009, after you remove the short sales and foreclosures, the median value in Tiburon is $2.1 million ($1.9 million including all sales). Of course, a price has to be determined in the context of all the inventory on the market, but it’s hard to argue that short sales and foreclosures will impact the market indefinitely. These “less than optimal sales” are working their way through the system and this view is one way to normalize the data for the true value of some (not all) real estate.
It’s almost an innate human reaction to think that the value of our home has been affected less than that of others in our community. This perception may not be that far from the truth when you look more deeply at the numbers specific to your property. So, the next time someone asks about the state of the Marin real estate market, remember that when the tide goes out it’s easy to see who’s not wearing a bathing suit. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the rest of us are skinny-dipping.
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THRU SEPTEMBER 19
A Musician and Painter
New work from painter and musician Mike Henderson, an artist comfortable with the guitar or his oils. The Mike Henderson Band plays August 8. di Rosa Preserve (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosapreserve.org
THRU NOVEMBER 29
Richard Avedon
See images created between 1946 and 2004 in the only U.S. showing of Richard Avedon’s work. Subjects include Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe and the Beatles. SFMOMA (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org
AUGUST 22–SEPT 23
Larger than Life
See unique paintings on display by John Anderson. It is the first public exhibition of 50 years of work from the artist, who is now limited by Parkinson’s disease. Weinstein Gallery (SF). 415.362.8151, weinstein.com
AUGUST 6
Sustainable Film Festival
Sustainable Fairfax and Permaculture Marin present the film Mad City Chickens and a talk by beekeeper Mea McNeil. Drake High School (San Anselmo). 415.726.3040, sustainablefairfax.org
AUGUST 15
San Rafael Food and Wine Festival
Enjoy food from local restaurants, music and wine from 25 local boutique wineries at this third annual event. Falkirk Cultural Center (San Rafael). cityofsanrafael.org
THRU NOVEMBER 8
John Baldessari: A Print Retrospective
In 1970, John Baldessari gave up painting to work exclusively with photography and text. This exhibit shows the results and includes more than 100 prints representing four decades of work. Legion of Honor (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.org
AUGUST 1–15
Summer Nights 2009
Every Saturday check out a free outdoor concert including Geno Delafose, Vagabond Opera and an African groove night. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org
AUGUST 22-23
Marin Antique Show
More than 60 exhibitors offer items including decorative and fine art, crystal, glassware, pottery, silver, estate and vintage jewelry, clothes and much more. Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincenter.org
AUGUST 2–23
Stern Grove Festival
Enjoy free concerts every Sunday in August in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful, unique natural locations. The last two Sundays feature performances by the SF Ballet and the SF Opera. Stern Grove (SF). sterngrove.org
AUGUST 14
Arj Barker
San Anselmo native and Flight of the Conchords cast member Arj Barker returns home to headline the best of the San Francisco Comedy Competition. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincenter.org
AUGUST 22-23
Tiburon Art Festival
Historic Ark Row comes alive with art, music, food and wine at this third annual event. Kenneth Baker and Kimberly Johansson are jurors. Ark Row (Tiburon). 415.435.5633, tiburon-artfestival.com
AUGUST 23
Arias in the Park
Singing in the summer sun: work on your suntan and enjoy an afternoon of operatic music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Gabrielson Park (Sausalito). 415.289.4151, ci.sausalito.ca.us
CAVALLO POINT AUGUST 21ST-23RD 2009 CAVALLO POINT AUGUST 21ST-23RD 2009 POINT 21ST-23RD 2009
CAVALLO POINT AUGUST 21ST-23RD 2009 AUGUST
CAVALLO POINT AUGUST 21ST-23RD
Late summer is the time for events involving food and wine. For instance, on August 1 film and wine fans can get a little of both at the annual Gun Bun Summer Fun Film Fest. With a nod to the ‘80s, the John Hughes classic The Breakfast Club will play at dusk (gunbun.com). The Russian River area’s annual Grape to Glass, August 14–16, includes a grape stomp, hands-on educational seminars offered by over 25 growers and winemakers, and even an air show (rrvw.org). At the Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival, Sept. 11–13, headlining chef Traci Des Jardins (above) will be sampling new menu items for Manzanita, her yet-to-be-opened restaurant at the upcoming Ritz-Carlton Highlands at Northstar (tahoefood andwine.com).
Although Yountville’s—aka Food Town USA—Bardessono aims at being the “greenest luxury hotel in America,” the restaurant there is becoming a standout on its own. The 68-seat dining room uses geothermal wells throughout the property to heat and cool the space, the kitchen composts all waste and even the dining room tables were milled from salvaged trees. Chef Sean O’Toole, who was the former group operations chef for Michael Mina’s 14 restaurants and studied under Alain Ducasse and Daniel Boloud, has partnered with local organic gardeners and sustainable fisheries to provide a who’s who of local resources. The menu, which changes almost weekly, includes Tomales Bay oysters on the half shell, Liberty Farm duck, Marin Sun Farms beef, sunchoke soup with earthy Sonoma Coast black trumpet mushrooms, Devil’s Gulch pork and organic herbs and vegetables from the grounds of Bardessono. Not to be outdone, wine director Chris Blanchard’s list denotes wines that practice biodynamic farming and grape growing with the letter ‘F’ and wineries that farm sustainably and organically are noted with a ‘J.’ –SF bardessono.com
Poggio has upped the standard of house wine by serving four tasty varietals created by Brian Graham of Ramian Estates in Napa. poggio.com
Enjoy what the first lady refers to as
“America’s greatest artistic gift to the world.” Which would be jazz, along with wines from Murphy Goode (she didn’t mention the wine), at Murphy Goode’s tasting room: 8/7 Sylvia Cuenca Trio, 8/14 Walter Savage Quartet 8/15 Liar’s Dice Tournament and BBQ. murphygoodewinery.com
Gary Rulli credits his journey to Italy at age 19 as the fateful trip that sealed his future in baking. In Turin, he learned baking was an art and a tradition. And while there, he worked for room and board in a pasticceria, picked up the local language and came home two years later with an important souvenir—a recipe for the mother dough used in Italian specialties like colomba pasquale and a sample of the starter, which he’s still using to bake the Easter brunch staple. Rulli, who has been asked to join the prestigious Academy of Italian Pastry Chefs, says, “It goes to show how one trip can change your life at an early age and put you on an incredible journey all changed by the incredibly talented people you meet on the way.” — S.F.
What is your view of Marin style? It’s part laid-back, part culturally hip and full of natural wonders. Once I’m out of the kitchen, I feel like I’m on vacation.
Where do you love to eat in Marin? At home with my wife Jeannie and my children. Jeannie is an incredibly talented cook. Locally, Pasquale and Alfredo at Angelino’s in Sausalito are two of the most talented chefs I know.
What is the best thing about living in Marin? I grew up in Terra Linda; I always loved the relaxed atmosphere of Marin and its beauty and the fact that it’s still only minutes from San Francisco.
How do you spend your weekends? Lately, in the garden, but we like to drive to Tiburon and walk along the path with my sons, Giancarlo and Alessandro.
What inspired you to open Emporio Rulli in Larkspur? Larkspur reminded me of a small town like in Italy and I thought it would be a great place for my children to grow up in while realizing my dream of recreating a genuine Italian pasticceria.
How did you get your start? Frank’s Mini Mart in Ignacio 30-something years ago. Then I apprenticed at Lafayette (Bakery) in San Francisco and Victoria Pastry in North Beach before going to Italy to apprentice.
If you weren’t a pastry chef what would you be doing? I love architecture and design, but lately I spend as much time in our garden as possible. This year I planted over 40 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, plus lettuce, raspberries and more.
What advice do you have for future pastry chefs? Never stop learning—remember your mentors. We don’t learn on our own.
Any memorable moments at Emporio Rulli in Larkspur? Probably bringing over five incredible master pastry chefs for a Columbus Day anniversary celebration. Being able to thank my mentors and show them what Jeannie and I had accomplished was incredible.
What is your favorite product to bake? Anything with yeast, especially panettone; it is the most challenging.
What chefs have influenced you? Silvano Lulini, Achille Brena, Romano Buoncristiani on the sweet side. Angelo Auriana, the most talented Italian chef I know, always inspires me to take pastry to the next level.
What does the future hold for Emporio Rulli? My wife, Jeannie, and I are remodeling our Chestnut Street location and renaming it Risto-Bar with more of a restaurant emphasis as well as developing a pizzeria wine bar in downtown Larkspur with Angelo Auriana.
What was the last book you read? Viaggio Italiano by Marc Vetri. It’s a book about going to Italy as a young American and learning to cook in Bergamo. The parallels of it to my own experience in Milan are very similar.
A desire to help children heal drew us to pediatrics.
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THE SUMMER SEASON is well under way; but if you haven’t found the perfect suit to hit the beach in, take a look at designers’ newest options for tots, teens and adults.
1. Karla Colletto Contrast Circle Bikini, $115 for the top and $110 for the bottoms at Waterlilies (Mill Valley). 415.383.2782
2. Fraidy Cat sandals by Sanuk, $32 at Proof Lab (Mill Valley). 415.380.8900, prooflab.com
3. Blue Bandana Embellished Bikini by Letarte by Lisa Cabrinha, available at Waterlilies (Mill Valley). 415.383.2782
4. Raisins Moody Blues Kids Beach Bum Set, $46 at Nordstrom (SF). 415.927.1690, nordstrom.com
5. Banana Leaf one-shoulder one-piece by Trina Turk, $147 at M Clothing (Corte Madera). 415.924.8891, martymclothing.com
6. Lovin’ Tank by Teenie Wahine, $41 at Nordstrom (Corte Madera). 415.927.1690, nordstrom.com
Now you can buy Marin Magazine covers for your home or office. Available in various sizes, framed or unframed, with or without the Marin Magazine logo, these professional quality prints are a beautiful addition to any wall. Visit marinmagazine.com/coverart today.
OPENING DAY last June 15 drew over 400 visitors to the brand-new $32 million, 125,000-square-foot Marine Mammal Center campus. Gone are the bathtubs, kiddie pools and chain link fences; they’ve been replaced with sunken concrete tubs, a state-of-the-art water filtration system and a brand-new eco-chic facility. For the past three decades scientists here have conducted research on marine mammal disease immunology and published findings in leading journals. The center’s medical and science staff work with colleagues all over the globe, most notably from England, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Scotland, the Netherlands, France and Germany.
Marin-born-and-raised executive director Jeff Boehm (photo lower right) stands above the 18 holding pens and pools. “I started here last year and the story I like to get across is (that) while we are a hospital at our core with 600 patients a year, it gives us the platform to do other important things like advance education.” While the center could quietly carry out all its work in the headlands without being open to the public, Boehm feels it is equally important to foster awareness. “We have these fantastically charismatic animals, and if we can get our visitors inspired to care more about these animals we can all become better stewards.”
Patients here include seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and sea otters rescued along a 600-mile stretch of California coast from Mendocino to San Luis Obispo Counties. Rehabilitating and keeping them healthy requires around 86,000 pounds of fish a year, with some animals eating upwards of six pounds of fish a day. Care to help? The dollar-a-pound campaign is a great way to directly contribute; each dollar you give produces a pound of fish.
That requires arriving with the right expectations: “This is not a SeaWorld or a petting zoo; it is more of a learning experience,” he says. Visitors are gently reminded that the patients come first; while observation is OK anytime from the picturesque viewing decks, access to the wildlife is restricted to volunteers and staff.
Another enlightening aspect is the 22.5kWp solar energy system designed for the center by SPG Solar. The panels serve two purposes—shading the animals and capturing solar power for use on site. The system was specially designed with materials to withstand the harsh headlands weather and with hidden wires to ensure safety of curious pinnipeds. “We worked closely with the staff to create a custom design,” CEO Thomas Rooney of SPG says. “This was a unique project that not only supports the center’s renewable energy goals but improves the quality of life for the rescued animals.” The system includes an interactive kiosk with online real-time monitoring for use as a guest educational tool.
Seduced by all the cuteness? Apparently so are the 800-orso volunteers who do much of the work at this facility and its satellite locations in Anchor Bay (Fort Bragg), Monterey and San Luis Obispo. From hand-feeding and making fish shakes for the creatures to hosing down pens, the volunteers’ labors make it possible to run the facility, conduct research and educate the public on budget. Interested in joining? The next newcomers’ meeting is August 29, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more info, see marinemammalcenter.org/ get_involved/volunteer/volunteer.asp.
Since 1975, on-site scientists have collected tissue samples from every animal that dies, providing a valuable database for research. One of the the center’s new public viewing areas is the postmortem lab where visitors can watch a necropsy (examination of the body) being performed to learn how the animal died and to collect tissue samples. “This is very cutting edge,” says Boehm. “Most such places have put their staff on display, but no one has put pathology on display. It’s a little provocative, but we hope it inspires the right minds,” i.e., future researchers and veterinarians. Creatures’ bodies are kept in a refrigerated space until the necropsy is performed, and now the lab is seconds away—through a swinging door instead of out the door and down the hill. To prevent accidental viewings by the unprepared, the display area is blocked by a gate with a sign that warns people about what they may see. Afterall, not everyone may be ready for the science behind this unique exhibit.
JIM WOOD
It’s a fact that many published authors live in Marin County—however, evenings like this are rare. The date is early June; the setting is in the hills above Kentfield. One participant is Inverness’s David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy, the New York Times best seller that was Entertainment Weekly’s number one nonfiction book for 2008.
Sitting across from Sheff is Kentfield’s Gary M. Pomerantz, author of several widely acclaimed nonfiction books including Where Peachtree Meets Sweet Auburn; Wilt, 1962; and Nine Minutes, Twenty Seconds. At present, Pomerantz is a visiting lecturer in the Department of Communication at Stanford University.
The occasion is the launch of Pomerantz’s latest book, The Devils’ Tickets: A Night of Bridge, a Fatal Hand, and a New American Age. And Sheff, due to his many interviews of prominent people (John Lennon and Yoko Ono among them), was recently named by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential 100 people. Sheff’s interview of Pomerantz, as it applies to the craft of writing nonfiction, went like this:
David Sheff: Over the years, at our occasional lunches we have shared ideas about topics for books and Gary’s concepts have always whetted my appetite. But three years ago, when he said he was doing a book about the game of bridge, my first thought was: “Bridge? Gary, what are you thinking?” Gary, what were you thinking?
Gary Pomerantz: The idea for The Devil’s Tickets came to me from a conversation between my literary agent and Warren Buffett, an inveterate bridge player. Buffet said that bridge was all the rage in the late 1920s and early ’30s; it was young and sexy. Hollywood moguls, Bess Truman, even Babe Ruth played it. Buffett also mentioned something about a bridge table murder. I looked into that killing and the murder trial that followed as well as the bridge craze that swept the nation. Over time, the story deepened, a best-case scenario for nonfiction. The story became like quicksand. Over the past 3½ years, as I consumed it, it consumed me.
DS: Can you convince us that bridge is hip?
GP: Bridge is absorbing; you have to study it. It’s a partnership game and isn’t life meant to be lived in partnership? You can spend years learning bridge and never perfect the game. Like life, bridge can stir up devilish passions And don’t forget, the 20’s were a disaster-haunted time. Three weeks after the story’s killing occurred, the stock market crashed. Nonfiction needs tension lines and in this book one tension line is the murder that occurred on September 29, 1929. This story also has courtroom drama, sex and sexism, infidelity, showmanship and a cast of eccentrics and rogues plus several strong, impressive women.
DS: In great nonfiction, characters are always the galvanizing forces. Who are some notables in this story?
GP: In addition to the intriguing couple that imploded at the bridge table, Jack and Myrtle Bennett, you have Ely Culbertson, a Russian boulevardier living in New York who uses brilliance and a bit of madness to transform bridge into a cultural movement that would make him rich and famous. And there’s James A. Reed, the most famous man in Kansas City, who smokes cigars with H.L. Mencken, is a friend of Clarence Darrow, twice runs for president, and is Myrtle’s one-man legal dream team. During the trial Reed waxes on about the sanctity of womanhood while secretly carrying on an extramarital affair with his next-door-neighbor, a millionaire businesswoman named Nell Donnelly who is pregnant with his child. Characters like this are why I will never write fiction.
DS: Regarding the research, which is also critical to nonfiction, did you learn to play bridge?
GP: I did, although not as well as I would like. By the way, research is my favorite part –there’s no fun in the writing. I also found my way to Kansas City and walked room to room through the apartment where the bridge table killing took place. Then – and I’m NOT proud to say this – I searched Marin County gun shops until I found a gun like the murder weapon, a .32 Colt automatic. After that, for the first time in my life, I went to an indoor shooting range and fired off two shots. I needed to describe the physical sensations of the shooting. While there, I took off my ear protection, handed the gun to the owner and had him fire two shots more. Those shots sent a shrill siren deep into my inner ear, and I heard only that siren for several minutes. That’s when I thought, “No wonder why one witness testified he never heard the third and fourth shots!”
DS: Finally, where did your title come from?
GP: The Puritans called playing cards “the Devil’s tickets” because cards were believed to be satanic seeds of corruption, vice and laziness. And they hadn’t even met Myrtle Bennett.
DS: What’s next?
GP: My book tour: New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Kansas City and back home to the Bay Area.
50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael, California 94901 415-457-4440
Two locals dream up a unique fi lm experience at Cavallo
BY SOMER FLAHERTY PHOTO TIM PORTER
ALLISON FAUST SAYS SHE COULDN’T ENVISION A BETTER LOCATION. The festival director for the premiere Sausalito Film Festival at Cavallo Point has, along with festival creator Antonio Capretta, gathered 30 films to be shown over three days, August 21–23, in Marin. Films of all lengths and genres are presented—shorts, animation, documentaries and features from around the globe. With film categories such as the Art of Rebellion—stories of courage, controversy and risk; Advanced Global Citizenship—films about people who inspire positive change; and Imagination—out-of-the-ordinary films from experimental to sci-fi, Capretta says it’s “all about making this a unique film experience.” The handpicked films will be shown within two historical, converted theater buildings with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop.
If You Go
Sausalito Film Festival at Cavallo Point, August 21–23. 415.887.9506, sausalitofilmfestival.com
What prompted you to create the festival?
Capretta It was Sausalito. All of Marin is beautiful, but there is something about Sausalito. It has this authenticity. This town, with its history and all the artists and innovators who live here, really needed a film festival.
What is your vision for the event?
Capretta First and foremost, 21 amazing film showings. The films will define us. I have always been drawn to honest filmmaking. Something that transcends the way you think from that point on. We are looking for those types of films. I also feel that Cavallo Point defines the vision. It is a magical place. If you visit Fort Baker the landscape and atmosphere
seem to change every 30 minutes. It is like a shifting canvas. Having a film festival there just feels right.
Why Sausalito?
Faust People around the world are familiar with Sausalito. It is known as a beautiful waterfront town, yes, but also as an artistic, creative town with a unique personality.
What were some of the challenges you faced in planning the event?
Faust Our main challenge has been the economy—certainly no surprise there. We have been planning this festival for well over a year, but there was a point this March when we discussed postponing the event. We soon realized that a great idea must happen, despite economic fears. It’s important to keep growing and fueling ideas. Now more than ever, creative and thought-stimulating events are of tremendous value.
What films are you excited about?
Capretta You cannot always see great documentaries on cable or network TV and there are not that many documentaries that are released theatrically. There are many filmmakers creating superior work about issues and problems that we are not aware of. There are so many stories regarding social change and injustices that are now being revealed through these independent documentaries. Several of these films will be shown in the festival.
What is your favorite film category for this first year’s festival?
Capretta It is the underlying spirit of this festival: the Art of Rebellion. Great films are created by filmmakers who constantly push the edge. All writers, directors, and actors who live on the edge and create groundbreaking films are rebels. This festival celebrates that mentality.
Each new situation requires a new architecture.
polsky perlstein architects 469b magnolia ave. larkspur, ca 94939 415-927-1156 www.polskyarchitects.com
Embracing the best that Marin County towns have to offer
OUR EDITORS' CHOICE AWARDS this year are all about thinking globally and acting locally—in this case, taking on the global economic challenge we all face by spending our time, and our dollars, in our local communities. THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF MARIN are home to merchants as diverse as the communities they serve—wine shops, yoga studios, bookstores, restaurants, farmers' markets and more. All of us should support these local businesses. They are not just the economic foundation of our communities; they also provide the local color, character and context that make each of our neighborhoods unique.
OUT OF ALL THAT MARIN OFFERS, we’ve put together 11 different ways to enjoy a perfect day here at home. These are our choices to relax, invigorate and explore our various communities— and support our local merchants at the same time.
As the sun rises behind the Bay Bridge, the perfect Sausalito day starts with a sneak attack—a gradual approach to the city aboard the earliest run of the Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco on the vessel M.V. Marin. The Society of American Travel Writers named this voyage No. 2 in all the world, and with the Berkeley hills to the right, the Golden Gate Bridge to the left, the San Francisco skyline behind and Sausalito at the bow, there is no better way to arrive in Marin.
If the cool breeze didn’t provide enough of a wake-up, the next step is to head across the street to the Casa Madrona Hotel and Poggio, a classic Italian trattoria, for a real Italian cappuccino and breakfast-style panini.
DID YOU KNOW? PESCADERO, EUREKA AND TEUTONIA WERE NAMES OF PLANNED SAUSALITO STREETS IN AN AREA COVERED BY WATER. MORE THAN 15 PERCENT OF SAUSALITO LIES UNDER WATER.
Next, walk off that meal with a browse of the great shops and galleries along Bridgeway Boulevard and Caledonia Street, the twin arteries of Sausalito. Don’t miss the designer clothing at Green Apples, the wine selection at Bacchus & Venus and the quality local art at Robert Allen Fine Art. Sausalito is full of all kinds of historical spots and unique features, such as a very large houseboat community, that are best discovered on two wheels. Stop by Mike’s Bikes for a rental and explore a little, and be sure to leave enough time to cruise the gorgeous Mill Valley–Sausalito bike path. You started at sunrise, and in a city this beautiful it is only fitting that the perfect day end with a sunset. Take a walk along Bridgeway near Horizons Restaurant for an unobstructed view of San Francisco bathed in an orange light that slowly dips behind the Golden Gate Bridge. With all that activity, hunger is surely setting in. Satisfy it at Sushi Ran, named a top Bay Area restaurant by Zagat. Enjoy flawless sushi and wash it down with a selection from the truly impressive wine and sake list—what could be more perfect?
There is one common element to the Sausalito story: water. This city, after all, is one of the anchor points for what is arguably the most famous bridge in the world; a percentage of the population actually lives on the water; and Liberty ships were constructed here for World War II. There are many ways to experience the water: sample fresh seafood in a waterfront restaurant, or take a kayaking class or a ferry ride.
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Cavallo Point Historic accommodations in a national park, a Michelinrated restaurant, cooking classes, hiking, biking—can it get any better? Oh yeah, how about a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from your room? cavallopoint.com
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Green Apples With shoes, jewelry, dresses and shirts from more than 30 designers, here’s where to find the perfect addition to any outfit. shopgreenapples.com
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Bay Area Discovery Museum This one-of-a-kind Bay Area treasure was created more than 20 years ago by four parents with a passion to provide a fun way for young children to learn and grow. baykidsmuseum.org
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Poggio Sausalito restaurant entrepreneur Larry Mindel brings the taste of Italy to the city with his classic Italian trattoria featuring outdoor seating, local ingredients and an everchanging menu. poggiotrattoria.com
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Sea Trek For 27 years Bob Licht and his crew have offered classes, equipment and kayak trips for the novice or the more advanced paddler who wants to experience the bay from a new perspective. seatrek.com
FROM 1922 TO 1941 CARS WERE FERRIED ACROSS THE GOLDEN GATE TO SAUSALITO. HIGHWAY 101 WAS ORIGINALLY GOING TO RUN ALONG BRIDGEWAY BOULEVARD, THUS THE BOULEVARD’S NAME.
DID YOU KNOW? MILL VALLEY WAS INCORPORATED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1900. THE DIPSEA TRAIL INCLUDES 672 WOODEN STEPS.
Wake up early with a view of Mount Tamalpais at the Acqua Hotel on Redwood Highway. Hop in a hybrid and head to Peet’s—the first place to open downtown every day. Grab a tea or coffee and savor its awakening buzz across the street on a bench in Lytton Square, then head to the summit of Mount Tamalpais (2,571 feet) for some serious perspective. Park in the lot and walk the paved 1.2-mile Verna Dunshee loop.
Drive back to sea level for breakfast (including house-made fresh biscuits) at the Dipsea Cafe, a local favorite for over three decades.
A prearranged trail ride at Miwok Stables in Tennessee Valley starts off with a 30-minute lesson in the arena, followed by an hour-long scenic tour of the Marin Headlands. After the ride, stroll west 1.7 miles to Tennessee Beach, where you can sit on a log and nibble on a made-in-Marin Can Do Kid energy bar.
As the sun ticks toward noon, head to Strawberry Village for a therapeutic massage at EVO Spa. During the treatment, contemplate lunch in the mall: Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Italian, French or Mexican? If it’s sunny, take advantage with an outdoor table and a wild salmon salad and mashed potatoes at Asqew Grill. Head back to your hotel room for a shower, and nap if you’re so inclined.
Stroll back to town, past a youth soccer game at Hauke Park, over a footbridge constructed of reclaimed redwood, and through the picturesque Sycamore Park neighborhood. Share a bite of a Magic Mushroom pizza at Tony Tutto’s to stave off hunger until dinner.
This town has gone to the dogs, literally. Most retail businesses offer doggie bowls and treats for fourlegged shoppers. Doggie Styles (grooming service) always has a waiting list, and supply shops such as Alpha Dog, Critterland, Woodlands and Pet Pro draw a loyal clientele. Canine socializing? Don’t miss Friday Nights in the Park (millvalleydogpark.org).
Spend time shopping in downtown Mill Valley — Margaret O’Leary, Canvas, Summer House — and choose an outfit for the opening party of the Mill Valley Film Festival, featuring national and local celebrities and a world premiere. No festival? Take in a movie at the Sequoia Theater or a performance at 142 Throckmorton and have dinner at one of the downtown hot spots.
THE MILL VALLEY OUTDOOR ART CLUB, DESIGNED IN 1904 BY BERNARD MAYBECK, IS A STATE HISTORICAL LANDMARK.
1 142 Throckmorton Theatre
Whether you are there for a famous musician, a comedian or a wedding, this restored venue is a gem. It opened as the Hub Theater in 1915, when tickets to Charlie Chaplin movies were 25 cents. 142throckmortontheatre.com
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The Book Depot This former railroad terminus turned cafe/ bookstore is the undisputed town center. Enjoy a latte, a scone and the newspaper in the fenced-off patio. depotbookstore.com
3 Bungalow 44 Meeting friends for a drink, or drinking to meet friends—here is the place. Oh, and the food is great too. Run by the Real Restaurants group, this spot works for all ages. bungalow44.com
4 Mill Valley Market Besides being the town’s grocery store since 1929, Mill Valley Market is also a great place to grab lunch. Vegans, carnivores, locavores—there’s something for everyone. Owned and operated by the Canepa family from day one. millvalleymarket.com
5 Tim Floreen’s power yoga class at Red Dragon Yeah, there is a lot of great yoga in Mill Valley, but Tim’s Monday and Wednesday class is a guaranteed hour of side-twisting, organ-cleansing, sweat-beading bliss. It is so popular they’ve scheduled two per day: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. reddragonyoga.com
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Koze Darla Fisher’s boutique in downtown Tiburon (the ideal place for a cozy wrap) has thrived and expanded with Koze Beginnings for children. getkoze.com
2 Christopher Salon New York stylist transforms Ark Row beach cottage into shear success. His prices top the local charts, but that hasn’t deterred his happy new clients. christopher-salon.com
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Sweet Things Black Tie Layer Cake What started as a special order for weddings has turned into a best-selling birthday cake. Rich chocolate cake is topped with a luscious white buttercream frosting; serve with zinfandel. sweetthings.com
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Schoenberg Guitars Those in the know know it’s an honor to call this luthier a local. What’s a luthier? A craftsman who makes stringed instruments. Eric Schoenberg plays, too. Check his schedule at om28.com
5 The Ark Newspaper Marilyn Kessler and Barbara Gnoss have been compiling compelling community commentary since 1987. Police logs, photo albums and local sports delivered every Wednesday. thearknewspaper.com WHO LIVES THERE? NEXT HOLIDAY SEASON, THANK THE KASHANI FAMILY FOR THEIR ANNUAL LIGHT DISPLAY AT TIBURON BOULEVARD AND TRESTLE GLEN. BELVERON GOT ITS NAME FROM A GRADE SCHOOL NAMING CONTEST IN THE 1950 S
Achoice day in Tiburon starts with the rising sun. If it doesn’t come streaming into your bedroom window, consider a stay at the Water’s Edge Hotel. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, or join the legions of regulars at Caffe Acri for a pastry and coffee.
Burn off breakfast with a rigorous walking loop. Ask any local to direct you to Old St. Hilary’s Church. Built in 1888, it’s one of the few remaining Carpenter Gothic churches of the 19th century and is now a popular wedding and music venue.
From there hike up to the Vistazo West Fire Road. Look for the trail at Vistazo Creek and take it to the top of Mount Tiburon for 360-degree views of the bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the city of San Francisco.
Retrace your route down the hill and cool off by browsing the boutiques, jewelry shops and art galleries along Main Street and Ark Row.
After a shower at the Water’s Edge, park yourself at an outdoor table on the deck of Sam’s Anchor Cafe, a watering hole for locals and tourists since 1920. Known for its Ramos fizzes and brunches, Sam’s also serves tasty traditional fare like burgers and fries and fresh seafood.
Just after lunch, step onto a chartered boat reserved through SF Bay Adventures and tour the coastlines of Angel Island, Alcatraz and Belvedere. Note the shelter eye candy along the Belvedere shore, some of the priciest real estate in the country, and the Corinthian Yacht Club— positioned at the tip of Corinthian Island—the oldest yacht club on the West Coast.
Movies at the Tiburon Playhouse usually begin about 4 p.m. Watch a Hollywood blockbuster or indie film and afterwards head to Servino to enjoy a cocktail. From there, take a stroll along Shoreline Park to the Caprice restaurant for dinner, a front-row seat to sailboat races and ferrys crossing the San Francisco Bay.
DID YOU KNOW? THE TIBURON JEWELFLOWER, STREPTANTHUS NIGER , ONLY GROWS ON THE SOUTH END OF THE TIBURON PENINSULA.
Many of the best things in Tiburon and Belvedere are free. Summer Concerts-inthe-Park are from 4 to 6 at Belvedere Park. Speakers, the children’s reading room, museum passes, a tech center and thousands of books are all nocharge at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library. There’s complimentary wine tasting Friday and Saturday evenings at Windsor Vineyards, the actual 1950s home of Rodney Strong. And you’ll find priceless views from the donated benches along the waterfront.
DID YOU KNOW? LARKSPUR WOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED LUPINE IF ONE OF THE EARLY FOUNDERS HAD BEEN BETTER AT IDENTIFYING THE NATIVE FLOWERS. CORTE MADERA MEANS CHOPPED WOOD IN SPANISH.
This year Larkspur turns 100 and Corte Madera is less than a decade behind, but the Twin Cities share more than a long history; they have the same police department, Little League and great weather.
A choice day in the area starts with an early morning swim at Bay Club of Marin’s indoor lap pool. For extra motivation, try the masters swimming program, which offers a structured training session with a coach.
Afterward, reward yourself with a focaccia dolce and a cup of coffee at Emporio Rulli. Owner and former Larkspur citizen of the year Gary Rulli’s Magnolia Avenue location roasts and blends all its arabica coffee beans in house and offers eight blends in different strengths. Next, stroll Magnolia, with a stop at Bloomers of Larkspur for a hand-tied European bouquet; walk or drive a little farther on to Embodies for eco-conscious clothing, Item Shoes for women’s accessories and footwear, and Folio for trinkets, stationery or a thoughtful housewarming gift. If you’ve got a few dollars left over, take in the sun on the outdoor deck at R’Noh Thai restaurant along with a giant helping of rice noodles and a house-made iced tea.
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Rick’s Wine Cellar Sample a wine flight and one of Rick’s famous cheese plates at this neighborhood spot, run by Rick and his wife, Candy. Skip the corkage fee at select restaurants by picking up a bottle here and showing your receipt to the server. rickswinecellar.com
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The Lark Theater Indulge in organic popcorn and a glass of wine while catching a new release, a forgotten foreign film or a live feed of the Oscars or a Met opera performance at this 1935 art deco theater. larktheater.net
Then, on to Corte Madera for jewelry by Kathy Kamei at M Clothing and sushi-to-go from Paradise Foods to picnic on at Piper Park, where if you’re lucky, the local cricket club will entertain with a game while the kids tackle the tunnel slide, monkey bars and swings. Before heading home for the night, sink into a cherry leather booth and dine on brie-blue-and-goat-cheese fondue, steak tartare with capers and shallots and an entrée of sautéed halibut at Left Bank. The French brasserie, co-owned by Roland Passot, is packed with regulars most nights and has been a Marin mainstay for more than 15 years.
Larkspur and Corte Madera lure diners with alfresco options. The front patio at Yankee Pier is the perfect spot to keep the kids entertained in the sandbox while Mom and Dad enjoy fish and chips and people-watching. Down the street at Picco Pizzeria, the camaraderie you’ll feel with fellow diners makes up for the cramped outdoor seating area. At Larkspur Landing, grab a bite at E&O Trading Company, where you can get cool summer breezes and occasional live music. When winter hits, sit by the fireplace at Pacific Catch in Corte Madera.
LARKSPUR LIBRARY’S FAMOUS PAPIER-MÂCHÉ MASCOT LARKY WAS BORN IN 1970, WHEN OVER 300 SCHOOLCHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN A CONTEST TO NAME THE HIPPO.
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Coquelicot Can’t fly to Provence? Pick up hostess gifts, French chandeliers, linens and tablecloths at this reasonably priced downtown Larkspur boutique. Twice a year the shop has an unbeatable sidewalk sale. 415.924.0279
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Bryan’s Fine Foods The advertising campaign is one of the best around, but it’s Bryan’s selection of prepared foods and butcher case meats that keep us coming back. Treat out-of-towners—Bryan’s ships overnight. bryansfinefoods.com
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Rustic Bakery Even with the long lines, it’s a must for morning croissants and house-made vanilla pecan granola, but in-the-know locals also pick up tasty hospitality gifts like the organic cheese crackers and chocolate chip cookies. rusticbakery.com
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Half Day Cafe The place to chat with friends over a fresh fruit plate, veggie-tofu scramble or coffeeKahlua-battered brioche French toast with orange butter. The house-baked cinnamon buns and scones are delicious, too. halfdaycafe.com
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Cafe Marmalade Hands down, the best iced drink—on a hot day or not—is the Arnold Palmer here. It’s a perfect concoction of ginger peach tea and minty lemonade. You’ll order a second to take with you. 415.461.2205
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Marché aux Fleurs The Provençal menu takes its cue from the seasons and local offerings and the wine list is excellent. Try the appetizer of cheese-stuffed Medjool dates wrapped in smoked bacon. marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com
4 Woodlands Market Customers make a beeline for the wine department, where wine manager David Curtis has assembled his superb handpicked selection. Wine tastings on Friday and Saturday evenings cost $5. woodlandsmarket.com
5 Bar Method at Bon Air Center It’s pricy, but regulars are addicted and swear by the results. And their long, lean bodies prove their point. Work up to an advanced class. barmethod.com
DID YOU KNOW? THE MYSTERY ANTIQUE ROSE BEHIND THE ROSS POLICE DEPARTMENT IS BELIEVED TO BE THE VARIETY CALLED ‘GOLD OF OPHIR’.
Get up early and take a Bar Method class at the Bon Air Center. You’ll inspire yourself. Browse the stores’ window displays. Solaria’s Toys is a good one-stop shop for playthings; Secret Garden has beautiful classic children’s clothes and Bloomworks has bouquets to go.
Stop in for a piece of fruit at Mollie Stone’s or splurge on a danish at Victoria Pastry. Then follow the path behind the shops through Greenbrae and Kentfield to Kent Avenue, where the charming cottages of Ross make way for leafy drives and luxe addresses.
Ross homes may be large, but the shops are small and the goods are chic. Gala has cool women’s clothing, Number 5 has designer handbags, and Nene Shoes has European footwear for children. Sam the Butcher, an art gallery, exhibits contemporary works.
Rent a bike at Breaking Away Bikes and ride to Lagunitas Road for the trailhead of Phoenix Lake, an easy loop that will take you over bridges and through aromatic trees.
Pick up a picnic lunch at the old-fashioned Ross Grocery and head for the Marin Art & Garden Center. Eat lunch on the lawn, and then wander through the shops and various gardens of the 11-acre site. Exit onto Laurel Grove for a leisurely ride, past manicured landscapes and lovely homes, back to College Avenue in Kentfield. Locals love Pacific Cafe for its excellent seafood, attentive staff and easy parking. If there’s a wait, owner Bill Booth makes it more enjoyable with a complimentary glass of wine. Wind up the evening back at Marin Art & Garden Center with a performance by the Porchlight Theatre Company or the Ross Valley Players.
Take a two-hour introductory course at Marin Rowing Association or sign up for a golf or swim class at College of Marin, where use of the tennis courts is free. Pedal your bike, tackle the par course or walk your dog along the multiuse path; sail or kayak on Corte Madera Creek; or windsurf in the waters just past the Greenbrae Boardwalk. Join a coed soccer team and play on Saturday mornings at Redwood High School.
THE COLDWELL BANKER “CASTLE” WAS THE ORIGINAL SALES OFFICE FOR GREENBRAE CO. THE GREENBRAE BOARDWALK HOMES WERE ONCE HUNTING SHACKS.
DID YOU KNOW? AT 1010 B STREET, THE NEOCLASSICAL ALBERT BUILDING WAS MARIN’S FIRST SKYSCRAPER (CIRCA 1920). THE RAFAEL THEATER WAS ORIGINALLY CALLED THE ORPHEUS.
Peek in on sunrise mass at Saint Raphael Church and the adjacent 1949 replica of the 19th-century Mission San Rafael Arcangel and look for three of the original bells in the museum. Next stop: breakfast. Secure an outside table at Le Croissant on Bellam Boulevard and order the signature item—a big, buttery croissant, plain, almond or chocolate.
Midmorning is a great time to explore the 1,648-acre China Camp State Park, an erstwhile Chinese shrimping village. Poke around the buildings; fish, hike nearby trails or sit in on a seasonal Junior Ranger program. For lunch, spring for spring rolls, papaya salad and pumpkin curry over rice at the popular My Thai on Fourth Street.
It’s serious competition during league time at Albert Park’s bocce ball courts, but you can join in for fun during open hours. While you’re in the neighborhood, pop into WildCare at either of two feeding times to watch the pool birds dive for fish. Head to Fifth Avenue and stroll down mansion row starting at the Marin History Museum at 1125 Boyd Street. Pass Maple Lawn (now the Elks Lodge) and end at Falkirk Cultural Center, a 17room Victorian that was the home of Scottish shipping magnate Robert Dollar.
In the evening, take in the latest independent film—with or without subtitles—at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center. Afterward, share tapas and sip Spanish wines at Sabor of Spain; then enjoy some live jazz and dinner under the palms in the courtyard at the Panama Hotel and Restaurant. Book a room and spend the night.
San Rafael’s cultural diversity intersects at the table. Within ten blocks, you’ll find a world of tastes: bangers and mash at the Mayflower Pub; pad thai at Citrus & Spice or My Thai; maize porridge at Brazil Marin Cafe & Market; tempura at Tenkyu Japanese; tapas at Sabor of Spain; dim sum at Yet Wah; pizza at Amici’s; tostones con queso at Sol Food; falafels at Falafel Hut; pho at Siamese Dream; tacos at Taqueria San Jose.
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Art Works Downtown With changing exhibits at rotating venues, Art Walks happen the second Friday of the month. Pick up discount coupons at Art Works for food and drinks. Don’t miss the underground “catacombs” of hidden galleries. artworksdowntown.org
2 Country Club Bowling Alley Put your best foot forward in your rented bowling shoe for some retro fun. Forty lanes, a pizza parlor, cocktails and arcade games make Country Club’s assurance that “we aren’t your grandpa’s bowling alley” believable…but Grandpa would like it, too. bowlmarin.com
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Marelli Bros Customers have loved this shoe repair shop whether it was run by Charlie and Louie Marelli who opened it in 1921, their sons who took it over in the ’60s, or Charlie’s three grandsons who run it now. Good work, good material and no newfangled equipment. 415.454.3831
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Downtown San Rafael Farmers Market Festival Is it the food, the music or the people? There isn’t a better place to shop, eat and be entertained than Fourth Street on Thursday evenings April through September.
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Western Boat & Tackle For 30 years, local crabbers have supplied their catches of sweet Dungeness for crustacean-craving Marinites. Take home a quart of freshly picked crab or pick up a chilled crab sandwich. Don’t like crab? You can buy or special-order almost any other fish. 101 Third Street. 415.454.4177
This former railroad town linking Marin and San Francisco is still a hub of activity for locals, with a bustling downtown, hip new restaurants, special shopping options and familyfriendly parks.
Start your day in San Anselmo by grabbing a copy of Dave Eggers’s What Is the What, the 2009 pick for One Book One Marin, at the almost 100-year-old San Anselmo Public Library and a quick masala chai, a spiced tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and vanilla, at Teapod Organic Tea Bar. Chai in hand, walk to Creek Park, right in the middle of bustling downtown, just across the street from the old Tamalpais Theatre. Grab a bench and settle in for a morning of bird-watching. If you’re lucky enough to be at the park after night falls during May through October, the area will be busy with families settling in on blankets and
lawn chairs for Film Night in the Park season.When it’s time to get your endorphins going, try a $10 community mat class (free to San Anselmo merchants) at Grasshopper Pilates of Marin.
With calories burned, refuel at Bubba’s Diner. The restaurant has an improved approach to comfort food—think organic, locally grown fare and cooking oil that’s recycled to make biodiesel. Try an oversize Bubba turkey burger with Point Reyes blue cheese and be sure to take an apple pie home for later.
Walk off lunch by spending the afternoon browsing antique stores in downtown San Anselmo, named “Best in the West” for antiquing by Sunset magazine and known as the Northern California antique capital. Stop in at Pavillion Antiques, San Anselmo Country Store and Yankee Girl.
Treasures found, retire for the evening with dinner at Heidi Krahling’s Marinitas, which serves up Mexican regional specialties. Sit at the bar and sip sangria while you sample the tasty shellfish ceviche and meet your neighbors.
San Anselmo may not have a mall, but the easy-to-navigate downtown is a retail haven for those who like a mix of well-known designer and one-of-a-kind. Recently, trendy Kismet boutique expanded to offer the new Kismet Shoes (a not-to-miss location for Nanette Lepore flats and cute clutches); Blanc is staying fresh with Ashley Morgan and Thalia jewelry trunk shows; kids’ versions of designer wear are available at Dixie Park; hippie-chic scarves and airy day dresses are the ticket at Gioia Boutique; and couture pieces for galas and special occasions are at Lea Designs.
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Comforts is a shoe-in for best Chinese chicken salad, but the restaurant’s catering menu, with favorites like the bitesize panko-crusted chicken or tofu okasan, shouldn’t be overlooked. comfortscafe.com
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Kismet Shoes Seasoned retail veterans Erica Miller and Barbara Dryden’s newest boutique is all about the feet, with trendy selections from sought-after labels like Jeffrey Campbell, Havianas, Sam Edelman, Nanette Lepore and more. shopkismet.net
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Ross Valley Winery Let the downturn work for you. Owner Paul Kreider sells a recession red wine at 0.1 percent of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for that day. The day’s price is displayed on a blackboard in the front window. rossvalleywinery.com
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Chocolate Delights Choose among gourmet chocolates from Belgium and Switzerland, order ice cream for the kids, or just try to stump coffee and tea connoisseur Ryan Gellert, the new owner with a Jeopardy-like knowledge of beverage brews. 415.454.3315
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Seawood Photo Whether you’re an amateur needing a point-and-shoot camera or a professional seeking something more high-end, the shop offers classes, photo finishing, restoration, a darkroom and passport photos. seawood.com
IN THE OLD RAILROAD DAYS, THE CITY WAS KNOWN AS THE JUNCTION, AND LATER THE HUB, BEFORE BECOMING SAN ANSELMO.
Aperfect day usually starts with a good cup of coffee, and in Fairfax the choice is obvious. The Coffee Roastery sits right on the corner of Broadway Boulevard and Bolinas Road in the heart of town. A favorite spot for locals, the Roastery makes great cappuccinos and lattes, but the drip coffee here is the standout.
Now that the blood is flowing a little better, it is time for a hike to a favorite destination spot — Cataract Falls. Find the trailhead by driving about eight miles to Alpine Lake on Bolinas Road. This hike along Cataract Creek is best done after a rain; at that time you can see about nine waterfalls, depending on how you count them. Be prepared for pure California beauty in this redwood forest hike—don’t forget the camera.
DID YOU KNOW? A FAMOUS BASEBALL GAME BETWEEN THE GRATEFUL DEAD AND JEFFERSON AIRPLANE TOOK PLACE IN FAIRFAX IN THE 1960 S . SINGER-SONGWRITER VAN MORRISON ONCE CALLED FAIRFAX HOME.
People in Fairfax like to have a good time. Whether it’s kids playing guitars near the public parking lot or live music in clubs like Peri’s Silver Dollar, 19 Broadway, Iron Springs Pub or the Sleeping Lady, there always seems to be music in the air. And if you can’t stay up that late, Fairfax has many festivals throughout the year, including Brew Fest, the Fairfax Festival and the new Arts and Crafts Faire.
After a 2.6-mile (round trip) hike, nothing tastes as good as a burger, and Fairfax has one of the best places to get one, M&G Burgers. Since 1962 this joint has been asking customers to “stop their motor” and enjoy an organic beef burger with classic crinkle-cut fries. Look for the bright red M&G vintage truck parked outside.
After lunch, stroll downtown Fairfax and its array of fun places. Grab a scoop of organic ice cream at Fairfax Scoop and check out the knickknacks, tchotchkes and trinkets sold at Fairfax Variety. Catch a film at the 60-year-old art deco Fairfax Theatre, renovated in 1993 to include five screens.
For dinner, try the recently reopened Sleeping Lady. It’s a great place to grab some small plates or a full meal, with beer and wine and live entertainment every night of the week. The perfect end to a perfect day.
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Fairfax Variety Owner Polly Knox can set you up with an amazing array of items, including Hula-hoops, Pop Rocks, salt shakers, crystal animals, lunch boxes, fake barf, music boxes and much more. 415.457.2580
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Fairfax Scoop Organic ice cream on fresh cones in unique flavors like lemon almond, orange chocolate, Latin jazz and the everpopular honey vanilla lavender. Heaven. 415.453.3130
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Bookbeat The book covers are displayed face out so you can actually read them, and if you still don’t find what you like, owner Gary Kleiman will order it for you. bookbeatfairfax.com
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Good Earth Whether for weekly supplies or a quick wrap and a smoothie, Good Earth has been the go-to organic and healthy foods destination since 1969. goodearthnaturalfoods.net
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Iron Springs Pub and Brewery
A family that brews together stays together. The Altmans and their crew keep the vibes positive, the food hot and delicious and the beer fun and spirited. ironspringspub.com
FAIRFAX RESIDENTS ARE CALLED FAIRFAXIANS. FAIRFAX WAS NAMED FOR LORD CHARLES SNOWDEN FAIRFAX. 88.3 PERCENT OF RESIDENTS VOTED FOR BARACK OBAMA, THE HIGHEST RATE IN THE COUNTY.
DID YOU KNOW? IN THE 1880 S NOVATO HAD ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST APPLE ORCHARDS. THE G IS PRONOUNCED IN GNOSS AIR FIELD.
Early morning is a good time to hike in this hot part of the county. There are two waterfall hikes in Indian Valley. Take your dog on the longer trail starting at Indian Valley College or young children on a shorter trail off Fairway. Before you go, grab a “scuffin,” a muffin/scone hybrid, and a chai tea latte at Dr. Insomnia’s.
Cowboy up! Novato is still a Western town at heart. Harness your inner equestrian with an introductory riding lesson at Morning Star Farm or a trail ride leaving from Willow Tree Stables.
Some of Novato’s prettiest neighborhoods are hidden. Put the top down and cruise the palmlined boulevard of Bel Marin Keys. Here, residents sail when it’s windy, kayak when it’s calm and wakeboard when it’s hot. For culture that’s easy on the eyes, stop in at the nearby Marin Museum of Contemporary Art at the Hamilton Art Center. Exhibits change regularly.
Swirl, sip and stay for fun. Try cabernet sauvignon at Pacheco Ranch Winery, then reserve your space in mid-August to help bring in the harvest, followed by a traditional barbecue. Sample wine from the 100-year-old zinfandel vines at Heslip Winery and stay overnight in the Guest House B&B. Tastings for both wineries are by appointment.
Pick out cheeses and a baguette for a lakeside picnic at the Marin French Cheese Company.
Stroll Old Town to window-shop. You’ll find salons and a saloon, boutiques and antiques. Rest on one of the Novato-themed art benches on the sidewalk. Our favorite?
The trio of “grazing” horses.
For dinner, stop in at Boca Steak & Seafood (appetizers are half-off from 4 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays), El Encanto for Mexican or Sushiholic.
End the evening under the summer stars watching Shakespeare at the Hamilton Amphitheater or catch a play at Ignacio’s Novato Theater Company.
Who says only Southern Marin rocks the hip boutiques? On Old Town’s Grant Avenue, Mili (sister to the Mill Valley store) recently opened. Alice Becker has fashionable women’s clothing, the Feathered Nest sells home accessories and Sage offers well-edited gifts. Moms love Sweet Potatoes for locally designed children’s cotton clothing—but their kids probably like Powell’s Sweet Shop more; there, candy is king, and Willy Wonka lives forever on the screen in the mini-theater.
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Mara A diva’s dream: Donald J. Pliner and Aquatalia shoes; Versace and Cavalli apparel; European belts, scarves and jewelry. Most of the inventory is in the back, and if you bring in pieces from your wardrobe, owner Roya Tabrizi will coordinate it. 415.892.3732
2 Rickey’s Restaurant Enjoy lunch poolside, and your children (and you) can swim for free. Or, order from the Economic Recovery Menu and choose one of three salads, an entrée (steak, chicken or salmon), any of five desserts and a glass of house wine or beer for $22.50. rickeysrestaurant.com
3 Flour Chylde Bakery Cakes, tarts and cookies that even those with wheat and gluten allergies can enjoy. Try the Little Black Dress (chocolate, espresso and brandy), Rustic Lemon or Vanilla Bean torte. flourch ylde.co m
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Marin Humane Society The group finds homes for about 3,000 animals a year and offers an affordable spay/neuter clinic, classes for puppies and even “difficult” dogs, summer camps for kids and a pet-friendly housing list for families. marinhumanesociety.org
5 Aurora Locals love this new restaurant in Bel Marin Keys run by the owners of Cafe Arrivederci in San Rafael. Try the calamari dishes. 415.382.8488 THE CURIOUS ROUND HOUSE BUILT BY SAM HARKLEROAD IS ON HARKLE ROAD.
DID YOU KNOW? STINSON BEACH WAS FIRST CALLED WILLOW CAMP. PART OF BASIC INSTINCT WAS FILMED AT STINSON BEACH. BOLINAS LAGOON SITS ATOP THE SAN ANDREAS FAULT.
West Marin can be fogbound, especially in summer. No worries—here’s how to make a gray day shine. Have a pint of London Pride and a warm hamand-cheese toasty at the very British Pelican Inn in Muir Beach. Disappear into the Sandtray Room of SelfDiscovery at the Healing Arts Center in Stinson. Eat blueberry pancakes for breakfast at the Parkside. Get spooky in the Bolinas Cemetery, Marin’s oldest (Horseshoe Hill and Olema-Bolinas roads).
Aday in West Marin’s southern stretches— Muir Beach to Bolinas—is about walking, weather and eating, so start with three things: comfy shoes, layered clothes and an appetite. Begin when Muir Woods opens at 8 a.m. You’ll have a touristfree meander through the redwoods. Caffeinate at the Muir Woods café, then go south on Highway 1 to Muir Beach. Encamp under the cliffs at the north end. Break out the books and the iPod. Stay until hunger sets in. Head up Highway 1 and enjoy the westward views. Avoid the temptation to stop in Stinson Beach. You’ll be back. Just north of Stinson, look for harbor seals sunning on Pickleweed Island in Bolinas Lagoon.
At the end of the lagoon, take the unmarked left toward Bolinas. On the way into town, look for the towering poplars that mark the organic fields of Star Route Farms.
Downtown, answer that call of thirst with an icy draft at Smiley’s Saloon, one of California’s oldest taverns. Next, cross the street to the Coast Cafe for a localfood lunch. Afterwards, stroll to the Bolinas Museum, then along the wharf to Bolinas Beach, which offers an expansive look at your next destination: Stinson Beach.
At Stinson, park in the big free lot. Zip over to the adjacent Parkside Snack Bar for a soft ice cream cone, then burn some calories by trekking a mile to the north stub of the sand, where the Bolinas Lagoon meets the sea.
Back in town, cruise the galleries and shops (don’t miss the Live Water Surf Shop and Stinson Beach Books), then head to the Sand Dollar for dinner.
Eat (slowly), imbibe (judiciously) and leave in time for the southward drive on Highway 1 and a sunset show at Muir Overlook’s precarious promontory. A perfect place to end a West Marin day.
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Coast Cafe Fresh fish and chips. Salads with greens from Paradise Valley. Burgers with Niman Ranch beef (from just up the road). Sit in the sunny courtyard or inside by the fireplace. bolinascafe.com
2 Bolinas Museum Coastal culture on display in restored waterfront buildings. Fine art, photography, sculpture and history exhibitions from local artists. bolinasmuseum.org
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Parkside Snack Bar Before you can see the Parkside Snack Bar in Stinson, you can smell it—burgers, dogs and fries served to go. Eat ’em standing up, or sit in the park across the street. parksidecafe.com
4 Live Water Surf Shop Get beach-ready with flip-flops, big-brimmed sun hats and a colorful T-shirt, or rent a wet suit ($10) and a board ($20). livewatersurfshop.com
WILLIAM KENT PAID $45,000 FOR MUIR WOODS. MUIR BEACH POPULATION: 300
5 Sand Dollar Stinson’s oldest and liveliest restaurant. Do the deck on a sunny day with fresh oysters and steak frites. Or, chill in the bar with libations mixed by local boy Zeek Dierks. stinsonbeachrestaurant.com
This northern slice of West Marin, from the San Geronimo Valley to Dillon Beach, includes the Point Reyes National Seashore, where you can (and should) spend a day devoted to its wonders. So, this itinerary is just a sampler, something to entice your repeated return.
Start at the Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station. Grab a supersize blueberrybuttermilk scone, then cross the street to Toby’s Coffee Bar for a creamy cappuccino.
Energized, go south on Highway 1 and turn into the national seashore. Stop at the Bear Valley Visitor Center for history. Walk the San Andreas Fault on the nearby 0.6-mile earthquake trail and then drive out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse (opens at 10 a.m.). On the way back, detour at the Drakes Bay Family Farms oyster farm.
At midday, you’re in Olema. Visit the corner shops. Epicenter has the Dogtown T-shirt you need. Lunch awaits at the Pine Cone Diner in Point Reyes Station (homemade corn beef hash or a monster burger).
Walk off those calories. Stroll Main Street—Point Reyes Books, Marty Knapp’s gorgeous black-and-white photographs, the eclectic art of Gallery Route One—then drive 1.5 miles north of town on Highway 1 to the Tomales Bay Trail (parking on the left) and walk 2.2 rolling miles out and back for views of the bay and wetlands.
What’s better than a day in West Marin? Two days! Here are some other favorite places to overnight: In Olema, the Olema Cottages, Olema Druids Hall and the Olema Inn (often used for weekend weddings); in Inverness, Blackthorne Inn and Golden Hinde Inn (for families); in Point Reyes Station, Ferrando’s Hideaway Cottages, the Old Point Reyes Schoolhouse Compound and the Black Heron Inn
Keeping north on the highway, pull over at the Marshall Store for a photo op and more oysters, then onward to picturesque Tomales—lovely old churches and the William Tell House, Marin’s oldest saloon.
Wrap up your day by doubling back to Marshall and Nick’s Cove for dinner and drinks— grilled salmon and Pey-Marin Riesling inside, or margaritas and Tomales Bay clam chowder at the outdoor Boat Shack. The curvy Tomales-Petaluma Road will guide designated drivers home, or better yet, spend the night in a bayside cabin.
THE POINT REYES LIGHTHOUSE WAS FIRST LIT IN 1870. TOMALES POPULATION: 210. DOGTOWN WAS ORIGINALLY NAMED WOODVILLE.
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Point Reyes Books The community’s intellectual center. Owners Steve Costa and Kate Levinson not only sell books, they helped sponsor the West Marin Review and produce a nationally recognized literary conference as well as numerous other local events. ptreyesbooks.com
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Toby’s Coffee Bar The community’s caffeine and social center. Artistically poured organic espresso, yummy scones, Adirondack chairs in the sun and free wi-fi. Big fave with locals and with weekend visitors. tobyscoffeebar.com
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Marin Sun Farms Grass-fed beef, pork and chicken, killer eggs and homemade jerky served out of a butcher shop just outside Point Reyes Station. Look for the big cow sign. Order ahead, pick up on your way home. marinsunfarms.com
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Spirit Matters Feed the mind and the soul at this Inverness Park shop with owner Nonnie Welch’s assortment of “oddities and deities.” Buddhas big and small, Mexican artesania and good karma to go. 415.663.8699
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Nick’s Cove Pat Kuleto and Mark Franz’s new old-style fish shack in Marshall on Tomales Bay serves up oysters “Nick-erfeller,” killer po’ boys, and much more. Eat like a ranch hand, then sleep like a king. nickscove.com
French Polynesia’s idyllic, exotic and serene island paradise
tep onto your private deck in the hours before dawn, when layers upon layers of stars illuminate the sky and whispers of clouds breeze underneath like mist against the dim blue. Off the horizon, a lightning storm rumbles along the dark jagged landscape and silhouettes of mountain peaks rise starkly from the tranquil sea. It’s then, in the silence broken only by the gentle surf, that it hits you: there’s a reason they call Bora Bora paradise, a name that conjures images of the idyllic, the exotic, the serene.
If you’re a travel photographer, there’s only one thing to do in that moment. You stumble around in the dark to find a tripod and camera to capture the miraculous beauty, knowing you’ll never do it justice.
Across these islands are stilted bungalows built over the water that provide sweeping views of iconic Mount Otemanu—towering sharply more than 2,400 feet above Bora Bora’s six miles— and of a barrier reef with many surrounding islets, called motu.
Bora-Bora, 160 miles northwest of Tahiti, is one of the most beautiful of the Society Islands, French Polynesia’s main archipelago.
No high-rises, no malls, no fast food places mar Bora’s natural beauty. There’s only the quiet rhythm of the water lapping against the docks, and the rustle of palms caressed by south Pacific winds.
If you stay in one of the many luxury resorts, there seems to be little reason to leave your bungalow. With your own deck perched over clear coral waters, marine life swims all around you. You can feed the fish through an opening in a glass coffee table or join them by clambering down the deck’s ladder into the lagoon. But if you can pull yourself away, you’ll find adventures around the islands that are not to be missed.
I met my Tahitian guide at the main dock of the Pearl Beach Resort, and we boarded a small skiff draped with strings of tropical flowers. We cruised through water colored amazing shades of electric blue, from pale turquoise to deep cobalt, and dropped anchor in a series of lagoons to snorkel with lemon sharks, graceful manta rays, parrotfish, eels and angelfish.
calendar and compass,
to navigate, to plant, to harvest and even to marry. Without having a clue about how they did that, I had the experience of seeing those same stars and knowing the map still exists.
At a secluded motu called Tenanamu, we stopped for a Polynesian picnic lunch of breadfruit, poisson cru—a specialty of raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk—and barbecued pork prepared over an open fire by a local Tahitian family.
On the main island, we made the obligatory stop at Bloody Mary’s, a tourist haunt that serves fresh catch of the day. The Bloody Marys are so-so, and reviews are mixed on the food. The place’s main claim to fame seems to be a list of celebrity diners—Willie Nelson, Drew Barrymore and 140 famous (and not so famous) others whose names are painted on a wooden entrance sign. Jeep safaris and hiking tours take visitors off the island’s main roads, snaking through lush valleys of tropical flowers and plants such as native hibiscus and island ginger. Azdine Oualid, a University of France archaeology professor, leads a hike through the ancient Valley of the Kings in the shadow of Mount Otemanu and tells historic tales of Bora Bora. The highlight of the tour is a massive banyan tree with a 40-foot trunk. Legend has it that mummified bodies of former island kings were placed upright within the roots of the tree, which over centuries grew to engulf the bodies. (Oualid says a scan revealed at least five bodies inside.)
On the sister islands of Taha’a and Raiatea are quaint villages, botanical gardens and vanilla plantations to explore. A visit to a working black pearl farm is more interesting than merely shopping for them. You see how oysters are grown
From Los Angeles, Air Tahiti Nui flies direct to Papeete, Tahiti. www.airtahitinui-usa.com
From there, Bora Bora is a 50-minute flight on Air Tahiti Nui. Helicopters are available to transfer from Bora Bora to Le Taha’a.
Air Tahiti Nui flies to other islands.
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, a Tahitian-owned property on Motu Tevairoa, Bora Bora. Has 80 over-water bungalows, 10 beach suites and 20 garden suites. pearlresorts.com
and watch workers carefully graft a pearl in each pouch. When mature, the pearls are exquisite, in hues of green, gold, taupe and deep blue, and go for $50 to upwards of $5,000 for those large and well-formed.
Many resorts offer traditional massages and body treatments. The Manea Spa on Taha’a features open-air shower massages, a famous four-hand massage and other exotic treatments in calm surroundings of tropical foliage. Look for a bottle of tamanu nut oil, worth buying for its purported rare healing properties.
A highlight on Raiatea is the archeological site Marae Taputapuatea, the ruins of an ancient religious center where priests and navigators from all over Polynesia would gather to share their knowledge of the universe.
The night sky in Bora Bora is awash with clusters of stars. Swaying in a hammock at the water’s edge, I thought about the Polynesian tradition of observing the heavens. The ancients used constellations as map, calendar and compass, to navigate, to plant, to harvest and even to marry. Without having a clue about how they did that, I had the experience of seeing those same stars and knowing the map still exists.
Somehow it had brought me to one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Le Taha’a Island Resort. Open since July 2002, this exclusive resort is located on Motu Tautau on the coral reef, facing views of Bora Bora. Offers bungalows and luxury private villas. letahaa.com
Motu Picnic Tour, snorkeling excursions with shark and manta ray feedings, offered by Maohi Nui Excursions, maohinui.net
Four-wheel-drive safari excursions and helicopter tours over Bora Bora, boraboraisland.com
Azdine Oualid archaeology tour can be arranged through resortspearlresorts.com/bora
Tour a working vanilla plantation, Tahiti Vanille, Raiatea, tahiti-vanille.com
Visit a black pearl farm, raiatea.com
BY JIM WOOD
WHERE “THE POSSIBILITY OF PERFECTION” IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY
Especially on sunny days, thoughts of an Italian seaside village come to mind. Terracotta roof tiles reflect various colors and are aged to a rich patina, every inch of the lime plaster was hand-applied so each structure has an antiquated look, and dotting the property are olive, pine and palm trees that are in fact half a century old.
The Resort at Pelican Hill is located midway between the chic, bustling coastal towns of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Front and center are 36 holes of the Tom Fazio–designed and beautifully manicured golf course. Adjacent to the property, over three miles of pristine and protected coastline include acres of California sage, miles of well-defined trails and an uninterrupted stretch of sand. And the resort boasts a view of the blue Pacific with Catalina Island on the horizon.
The management and 700-plus employees have settled on four words, “the Possibility of Perfection,” as a tagline to encapsulate the place. One visit here and it’s hard not to ask oneself, if this isn’t perfection, what is? “The Possibility of Perfection means there is no room for error,” managing director Giuseppe Lama austerely states. “It is not a gimmick; we are serious about this.” Every morning Lama gathers the staff to go over the “Pelican Brief”—an in-house newsletter detailing the special events and prominent guests of the day—so that all employees are informed and prepared.
Which in turn means guests at the Resort at Pelican Hill, which is still in its first year of operation, can with a high degree of certainty count on a truly enjoyable experience. In addition to the golf, the nearby three-mile coast
and the shopping, dining and entertainments of Newport and Laguna Beach, the terraced 504-acre site holds several other attractions.
The 136-foot-diameter Coliseum circular swimming pool (kept at a constant 84 degrees) is considered the largest in the world; the 23,000-square-foot Spa at Pelican Hill has 22 private treatment rooms, a 28-foothigh Palladian rotunda, steam rooms, whirlpool and soaking tubs; and the Tuscan-accented ocean-view restaurant Andrea (named for Italy’s renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, whose work inspired much of the resort’s architecture) features 100-year-old balsamic vinegars, a 1,200-bottle wine room and a temperaturecontrolled, one-of-a-kind Pasta Room. All three restaurants on the property are overseen by former Marinite Jean-Pierre Dubray, most recently the executive chef in charge of cuisine at San Francisco’s Ritz-Carlton.
Note that the many lures here are not inexpensive; this is no traditional hotel. Bungalow suites (there are 204, ranging from around 850 to 2,500 square feet) all have ocean views, 42- or 50-inch flat-screen TVs, 500-threadcount sheets, limestone-framed fireplaces and marble soaking tubs; rates start at $695 a night. Villas (there are 128, from 2,200 to 3,600 square feet) also have these features and ocean views as well as personal butlers 24/7, dining areas and fully equipped gourmet kitchens, great rooms with 50-inch flat-screen TVs, two- or three-car garages, and access to an exclusive 10,000-square-foot clubhouse and pool complex; rates start at $1,450 a night. For reservations and information, call 800.820.6800 or visit pelicanhill.com
BY MIMI TOWLE
Looking to rationalize a week or weekend surfside before summer ends? Try this. Traveling is good for the economy. In fact, while other states have been hurting, California, which garners 86 percent of its vacation dollars from its own residents, is doing just fine. “We’ve been able to keep our market share pretty steady,” says Susan Wilcox of the California Tourism Council. “After all, we’ve got every type of experience one could ask for—mountains, deserts and beaches; we are blessed.” Just last year, travel spending generated $2.2 billion in local taxes and $3.6 billion in state taxes. So even if you’ve cut your travel budget, consider one of these recently built or renovated beachfront resorts. Who knows? You could be saving jobs.
L’AUBERGE
While the hotel is not physically on the sand, the white sand beach is just steps away. And most
important, the crashing waves can be heard from the comfort of the newly refurbished rooms, with luxe amenities including; rainfall shower heads, intimate balconies and 600-thread count sheets. Reopened for just over a year, after a $26 million renovation, this 120-room resort has been brought back to its former state of glory with a dramatic 12-foot waterfall and pool bar and contemporary design. If the stress of the sea breezes proves unbearable, head into the on-site 5,000-square-foot freestanding Spa L’Auberge (Del Mar). laubergedelmar.com
If you know Southern California, Huntington Beach is not what comes to mind for luxury or relaxation. Have you been lately? The tide is turning. The locals-only attitude has been countered with an ultra-modern, welcoming visitors’ kiosk, and its central location (near Long Beach Aquarium, Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm) makes Huntington aka “Surf City”
an easy destination for families. The latest in hospitality is the new Shorebreak Hotel right on Pacific Coast Highway. Besides the ocean views, romantic firepits and on-site Zimzala Restaurant and Bar, Shorebreak is pet friendly (dog-sitting available) and located near a dog park (Huntington Beach), shorebreakhotel.com
Part beach retreat, part über-cool British Regency, the trendy Viceroy Santa Monica seems unassuming at first with a white ‘60sstyle nameless concrete exterior, but inside the hipster pad is packed with young locals who
spend warm summer nights drinking mojitos poolside. The Kelly Wearstler designed hotel (a judge on the reality television show Top Design and wife of the hotel’s developer, Brad Korzen) with quirky additions like the 250 pieces of English china hanging on a green-mirrored wall and an oversize cameo above the front desk, isn’t what most envision in a beachside retreat, but watching the sailboats float by from a topfloor ocean-view suite makes the oxymoron “urban-beach retreat” ring true (Santa Monica). viceroysantamonica.com
A quality hotel on the beach in Santa Cruz? It’s not a dream. As of this spring, Joie de Vivre, the hotel company known for hip boutique hotels (Acqua in Mill Valley) reopened this 165-room four-star hotel. Not only has this landmark been completely renovated into beachside-hip, but a new on-site restaurant, aptly named Aquarius, just opened this summer. The 2,900-square-foot eatery serves up sustainable seafood, local organic produce and regional wines. As for the hotel, one of the best amenities is the expansive view of the beach from the private balconies or patios (Santa Cruz). Aquarius or Dream Inn, dreaminnsantacruz.com
Barely a half-tank of gas away from Marin, the Half Moon Bay Ritz-Carlton has completed itsmultimillion-dollar minor face-lift. Included in the primping are the conservatory, expanded wine bar, spa and guestrooms. The Ritz-Carlton Suite and other luxury suites underwent complete renovations. The property is situated atop a secluded cliff overlooking a mile-long stretch of white-sand beach (Half Moon Bay). ritzcarlton.com
Vagabond Opera at Osher Marin JCC August 8
Thru September 27 Marin
Shakespeare On tap this summer is Julius Caesar, The Importance of Being Earnest and Twelfth Night or All You Need is Love. Jay Karnes of the hit television show The Shield plays Brutus in Julius Caesar. Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.499.4488, marinshakespeare.org
Thru August 16 Private Fears in Public
Places The West Coast debut of this new play by Alan Ayckbourn tells the tale of how lives intersect in the most ordinary places. Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com
Thru September 24 Too Big to Fail
The Tony Award–winning San Francisco
Mime Troupe opens its 50th season with a series of free shows in the North Bay. See website for locations and times. 415.285.1717, sfmt.org
Thru September 27 Wicked The cultural phenomenon that started in San Francisco is back for a long stay. Orpheum Theatre (SF). 415.512.7770, shnsf.com
11–September 6 August: Osage County
The Westons return to rural Oklahoma, where they are forced to confront unspoken truths and shocking secrets. Curran Theatre (SF). 415.512.7770, shnsf.com
Tuesdays Mark Pitta and Friends The comic hosts an evening for up-and-comers and established headliners to work on new material every Tuesday. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com
14 Arj Barker San Anselmo native and Flight of the Conchords cast member
Arj Barker returns home to headline the best of the San Francisco Comedy Competition. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincenter.org
8 Triveni Vishnu Tattva Das, one of India’s prominent Odissi dancers, presents Odissi Vilas: Sacred Dance of India. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincenter.org
Tuesdays Swing Fever The band gives tribute to jazz artists and composers, playing selections from its roster of over 1,000 tunes. Panama Hotel (San Rafael). 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com
Thru August 28 Jazz and Blues by the Bay Bring your lawn chairs, wine and a snack and listen to great blues on the waterfront. Gabrielson Park (Sausalito). ci.sausalito.ca.us
1–15 Summer Nights 2009 Every Saturday enjoy a free outdoor concert including Geno Delafose, Vagabond Opera and an African groove night. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org
1–22 Best of the Met The Lark Theater hosts the entire Metropolitan Opera season live in high definition. See La Boheme (Aug. 1), La Fille du Regiment (Aug. 8) and Madame Butterfly (Aug. 22). Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net
2–23 Stern Grove Festival Enjoy free concerts every Sunday in August in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful and unique natural settings. Stern Grove (SF). sterngrove.org
2–30 Summer Music Series Stop by Town Center every Sunday for great music while you shop. Town Center (Corte Madera). 415.924.2961, shoptowncenter.com
3 Reel Big Fish and the English Beat With the Supervillains. Regency Ballroom (SF). 800.745.3000, goldenvoice.com
7–9 Yoshi’s San Francisco Bass player Charlie Haden and Quartet West at Yoshi’s (SF). 415.655.5600, yoshis.com
9 Sexy Sunday A musicians’ showcase featuring female artists who rock. Peri’s Silver Dollar (Fairfax). 415.459.9910, krickie.com
13 Kinloch Nelson This solo fingerstyle guitarist/singer has picked up a few tricks during his 40-year career; hear him play selections ranging from Bach to the Ventures. 142 Throckmorton (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.org
14 Bowie Ball If you love David Bowie you will love this celebration of all things Bowie. Great American Music Hall (SF). 888.233.0449, gamh.com
20 Summertime Family Concert Series Bring the family for an evening of country rock with Power Glide. Marin Art & Garden Center (Ross). 415.455.5261, magc.org
23 The Cult The hard-rocking English band is back. The Warfield (SF). 800.745.3000, thewarfieldtheatre.com
23 Arias in the Park Enjoy an afternoon of operatic music in a beautiful outdoor location. Gabrielson Park (Sausalito). 415.289.4151, ci.sausalito.ca.us
28–30 Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and Beastie Boys headline. Golden Gate Park (SF). 800.745.3000, sfoutsidelands.com
Aperture F/64 Fine art and black-and-white photography. 635 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.482.0480
Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Artwork on display and classes. 1527 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com
Art Bar Ongoing work. 46 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.5999, theartbar.us
Art Works Downtown Painting Large Paintings from all mediums, thru August 29. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org
Claudia Chapline Gallery Gallery artists show their work, thru September. Also, look for the poetry chair and Marin County poet laureate Albert Flynn DeSilver, August 7. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com
College of Marin Art Gallery Ongoing work. 835 College Ave, Kentfield. 415.485.9493, marin.cc.ca.us
Is it a miniature coffin? Or a sequined-sided horse trough? Is that an Airstream trailer painted inside the box? Beginning Sunday, August 9, at Gallery Route One in Point Reyes Station, 150 Marin artists will display their creative efforts in the Box Show, the nonprofit gallery’s major fundraiser.
“All during August, a silent auction of these treasures takes place,” says GRO spokeswoman Vickisa. “Then on September 13, there’s a live auction that’s really exciting.” Bidding starts at $25 and once reached $5,000, she adds.
“Prices, however, average $125, which is great for the quality of work done.” galleryrouteone.org
Donna Seager Gallery Group show of new works by current gallery artists. 851 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.454.4229, donnaseagergallery.com
Gallery Bergelli New paintings by Greg Ragland. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, gallerybergelli.com
Marin Society of Artists Work from artists from across the country, experience their vision, thru August 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org
Milk and Honey Art Gallery Ask about art camp in August. 384 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.7580, milkandhoneyartgallery.com
Mona Lease Gallery Summer Suites Sea, land and figure paintings by Michael Fram, thru September 15. 39 Greenbrae Boardwalk, Greenbrae. 415.461.3718, monalease.net
Northbay ArtWorks Rotating exhibits and classes. 7049 Redwood Blvd, Ste 208, Novato. 415.892.8188, northbayartworks.com
O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Bay Area women artists. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org
Robert Allen Fine Art Abstract works on canvas, thru August. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenfineart.com
Robert Beck Gallery Early California and contemporary plein air paintings on display. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org
Robert Green Fine Arts Summer group exhibition of gallery painters. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfinearts.com
Sam the Butcher Photography from Mick Laska. 19 Ross Common, Ross. 415.902.1019, samthebutcherart.org
Smith Andersen North The Spirit of the Shadow Sam Francis. 2240 A Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.455.9733, smithandersennorth.com
Studio 333 Josef and friends every Wednesday. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info
Studio 4 Art Work by local artists at this brand-new gallery and workshop offering materials and classes. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net
The Painters Place Oils, watercolors from gallery artists. 1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.0351, thepaintersplace.com
Tomales Fine Art Still Lifes Work by Jeanette Le Grue. 27050 Maine St, Tomales. 707.878.2525, tomalesfineart.com
ArtHaus Temptation New paintings by Andrea Arroyo, thru September 26. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com
Berggruen Gallery Ongoing work. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com
Cain Schulte Gallery A Measure of Art Diane Rosenblum Althoff, at Sagan Piechota
Architecture. 714 Guerrero St, 415.543.1550, cainschulte.com
Caldwell Snyder Gallery Jose Villalobos, Guillermo Pacheco, Alejandro Santiago. 341 Sutter St, 415.296.7896, caldwellsnyder.com
Elins Eagles-Smith Gallery Kengilo Nanao, thru August 15. 49 Geary St, 415.981.1080, eesgallery.com
George Krevsky Gallery Open by appointment only in August. 77 Geary St, 415.397.9748, georgekrevskygallery.com
Gregory Lind Gallery Reincarnation Blues Work by Chris Gentile, thru August 15. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com
Meyerovich Gallery John Baldessari, thru August. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com
Rena Bransten Gallery Ongoing work. Open by appointment only in August. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com
Weinstein Gallery California artist John Anderson, August 22–September 23. 301 Geary St, 415.362.8151, weinstein.com
MARIN
Bay Area Discovery Museum Experience the museum where kids are kings for free every first Wednesday, August 5 (Sausalito). 415.339.3958, baykidsmuseum.org
Bolinas Museum Annual art auction preview starts August 8. (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org
Falkirk Cultural Center The historic Queen Anne Victorian located in the heart of San Rafael is open to the public (San Rafael). 415.485.3438, falkirkculturalcenter.org
Marin History Museum The new exhibit, Growing the Future: Farming Families of Marin reveals the history of farming in Marin and runs all year (San Rafael Council Chambers). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org
Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Dreams and Revelations The fifth annual fall national exhibition, August 15–September 20 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.com
Asian Art Museum Lords of the Samurai
An intimate look at the daimyo, the provincial lords of the warrior class in feudal Japan. The exhibit features more than 160 works from the Hosokawa, powerful military nobles with a 600-year-old lineage, thru September 20 (SF). 415.581.3500, asianart.org
California Academy of Sciences Become a citizen scientist and help collect data for the long-term monitoring project on the academy’s living roof, August 16 and 20. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org
Contemporary Jewish Museum Susan Hiller: The J. Street Project Film and photographs of the 303 roads, streets and paths in Germany that refer to a Jewish presence, thru October 20 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org
de Young Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs After 30 years the boy king is back in San Francisco. See him before he’s gone. The exhibit features more than 130 works from the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as those of his royal predecessors, his family and court officials, thru March 28, 2010 (SF). 415.750.3600, thinker.org
di Rosa Preserve New work from painter and musician Mike Henderson, thru September 19. 5200 Carneros Hwy (Napa). 707.226.5991, ext. 34, dirosapreserve.org
Exploratorium Outdoor Exploratorium Get outside more and learn about your environment with this brand-new collection of innovative experiments. Waterfront/Fort Mason (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu/outdoor
Legion of Honor John Baldessari: A Print
Retrospective More than 100 prints representing four decades of work are on display, thru November 8 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.org
SFMOMA Photographs 1946-2004 See more than 200 images from the iconic photographer Richard Avedon in the only U.S. showing of this exhibition, thru November 29 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Wallworks YBCA’s new Director of Visual Arts, BettiSue Hertz, curates this unique exhibit featuring the large-scale works of commissioned artists, thru October 25 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org
Mondays Boomercize Classes This lowimpact fitness program features dance steps and music from the American Bandstand hit parade. Marcie Judelson leads the onehour workout. Presidio Dance Theater (SF). 415.608.4503, boomercize.com
Thru August 15 Summer Theater
Camps Children ages 2–12 can ignite their passion for theater on the MTC stages. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org
Bring your blankets, chairs and family for film night in the park.
1 Iron Man
8 p.m., Mill Valley
1 Pretty in Pink
8 p.m., Dolores Park, SF
7 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
8 p.m., San Anselmo
8 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
8 p.m., San Anselmo
14 Lost in Translation
8 p.m., San Anselmo
15 Ratatouille
8 p.m., San Anselmo
16 Duel
8 p.m., San Anselmo
1 Galilee Harbor Maritime Day Learn about the harbor’s wetland restoration project, pick up a bird checklist and learn about water safety. Galilee Harbor (Sausalito). 415.289.3023, spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc
6 Sustainable Film Festival Sustainable Fairfax and Permaculture Marin present the film Mad City Chickens and a talk by beekeeper Mea McNeil. Drake High School (San Anselmo). 415.726.3040, sustainablefairfax.org
22 On the Waterfront
8 p.m., Union Square, SF
28 Cool Runnings
8 p.m., San Geronimo
29 Dumbo
8 p.m., Mill Valley
For a complete list of films, show times and exact locations in Marin and San Francisco call 415.453.4333 or visit filmnight.org.
6–9 29th Steinbeck Festival Experience the legends, myths and magic of King Arthur as seen through the eyes of John Steinbeck. Fox Theater (Salinas). 831.775.4721, steinbeckstore.org
7–14 Friday Nights on Main Enjoy food, shopping, music and mingling at this annual event on Ark Row. Main St (Tiburon). tiburonchamber.org
8 Petaluma Quilt Show Live music, raffle and quilts for sale and on display make
for an afternoon of family fun. Downtown Petaluma. 707.775.3661, petalumaquiltshow.com
9 Opera Champagne Gala Meet SF Opera chorus director Ian Robertson and preview the 2009–2010 season at this event hosted by the Marin Chapter of the San Francisco Opera Guild. San Domenico School (San Anselmo). 415.388.6789, sfopera.com
14 End of Summer Celebration Live music and family activities will help you say goodbye to summer. Marinwood Park (San Rafael). 415.479.0775, marinwood.org
14 Marin Family Well-Being and Safety Fair
Keep your family safe with kids ID kits, nutrition and financial advice and safety tips. Mill Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). elainaserotte.com
14-15 Nostalgia Days Live music, hot cars, food and dance are the featured attractions at this summer festival. Grant Avenue (Novato). 415.479.0775, nostalgiadaysonline.com
15 San Rafael Food and Wine Festival Enjoy food from local restaurants, music and wine from 25 local boutique wineries at this third annual event. Falkirk Cultural Center (San Rafael). cityofsanrafael.org
16 Tour d’Organics Choose a 10-, 35-, 65- or 100-mile ride on this tour featuring stops at local farms and great organic food. Sebastopol Community Center (Sebastopol). 707.823.8802, tourdorganics.com
16 West Marin Review, Volume II Enjoy a public reading and launch party for volume II of the popular literary journal. Toby’s Feed Barn (Point Reyes Station). westmarinreview.org
22 Food for Thought Point Reyes Books and Marin Organic present Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating. Toby’s Feed Barn (Point Reyes Station). 415.663.9667, marinorganic.org
22-23 Marin County Antique Show More than 60 exhibitors offer everything from sterling silver to French porcelain. Exhibit
Hall (San Rafael). 415.499.6400, marincenter.org
22-23 Tiburon Art Festival Historic Ark Row comes alive with art, music food and wine at this third annual event. Ark Row (Tiburon). 415.435.5633, tiburon-artfestival.com
26 Tam Valley Speaker Series Author Betsy Stroman discusses the history of the arts community in Sausalito. Tam Valley Community Center (Mill Valley).
28 Friday Forums The monthly luncheon offers discussions of Marin issues. Jason’s Restaurant (Greenbrae). friday.forums@gmail.com
28–30 Napa Fresh Aire Festival Andrew Weil is the featured speaker at this threeday healthy lifestyle festival. Westin Verasa Hotel (Napa). 888.825.5484, napafreshairefest.com
29–30 Bodega Seafood Art and Wine Enjoy live music, wine and seafood creations at this popular event. Bodega Watts Ranch (Bodega). winecountryfestivals.com
31 Kid Lit Salon Beginning and established children’s book authors and illustrators are invited to the monthly salon. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com
Ongoing Sonoma History Local actor George Webber morphs into Mark Twain as he retells the history of Sonoma (Sonoma). 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com
1, 15 Sunset Hike and Dine Join this local club for a monthly two-hour hike on moderate to steep trails on Mount Tamalpais with a mid-hike wine and cheese break. Reservations required. Mountain Home Inn (Mill Valley). 415.331.0100
1 Marin Sierra Club Enjoy a hike on the scenic loop at the Marin Headlands. Meet in the visitor center parking lot in Sausalito at 10 a.m. 415.461.9255, sanfranciscobay.sierraclub.org
1 Marin Art and Garden Center Learn how to compost at home using different methods from instructor Charlotte Torgovitsky. Marin Art and Garden Center (Ross). 415.455.5261, magc.org
7 Moonlight Hike Join the Marin Moonshiners for a monthly three-mile hike to experience the sunset, moonrise and a picnic. Reservations required. Pelican Inn Pub (Muir Beach). 415.331.0100, whatshappeningcalendars.com
8 Orchard Tour Explore the horticulture of growing olive trees and learn about olive harvesting techniques on this special tour. McEvoy Ranch (Petaluma). 707.778.2307, mcevoyranch.com
16 Visual Eco-Criticism Bay Area writer Katie Kurtz takes a look at what the green movement means for art. Headlands Center for the Arts (Sausalito). 415.331.2787, headlands.org
19 Marin Scuba Club Big animal adventures with Amos Nachoum. The Flatiron Saloon (San Rafael). 415.453.9556, marinscuba.org
Edition by Banana Republic This new Banana Republic store features limited edition women’s handbag and jewelry collections and is exclusive to San Francisco. The new store opened on May 15. Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market Street (San Francisco). bananarepublic.com
Item Shoes The Item Shoes biannual sale is a favorite in Marin for good reason. Stop in August 20 and take up to 80 percent off favorite name brand shoes. 1102 Magnolia Ave (Larkspur). 415.925.0109, item-shoes.com
Susan’s Store Room This store has been a fixture in the Marin County community for more than 30 years and is one of the few places to get famous Steiff stuffed animals. The store has recently launched a new website that is full of surprises. 239 San Anselmo Ave (San Anselmo). 415.456.1333, susansstoreroom.com
Over 260 people attended the Marin Services for Women’s 7th Annual Benefit Dinner “Weaving the Vision” at the Mill Valley Community Center. The evening raised $107,000 for the nonprofit, which for over 30 years has provided chemical dependency recovery services and trauma treatment. Top photo: Susan McCabe, Antoinette DeVargas, Jessica Childress, Susan Kennedy, Vicki Marti. Above: Alli Heaney, Anne Simmons, Jim Doeppers, Susan Gray, Tom MacBride.
Over 675 guests raised money to support music, art and drama programs from San Anselmo and Fairfax public grade schools at the Ross Valley School District’s annual YES Foundation Gala at the Marin Civic Center. Guests, including superintendent Robyn Dabora and Wade Thomas principal Bryce Sumnick enjoyed the “British Invasion” theme, which featured the band “The Unauthorized Rolling Stones.” Above: Chad Carvey, Bryce Sumnick, Robyn Dabora, Nancy Vernon, Kyra Kuhn, David Finnane.
Community Institute for Psychotherapy welcomed guests to a Rock n’ Rodeo at Inn Marin in Novato. The event was complete with Mistress of Ceremonies Jan Wahl leading line dancing to country favorites. Proceeds will support low-fee mental health services for Marin families, children and adults. Right: Jan Wahl; below right: Sue Ragen, Robin Berenson, Scott Muldavin.
The Village at Corte Madera partnered with Image for Success, the National Charity League and Project Green Prom for “Get Together and Give.” The event welcomed over 100 Marin moms and daughters to stuff 500 care kits for Image for Success clients. Above left: Kim Koagedal, Lydia Bell; center: Dana and Kaley Brown; above right: Diana Rici, Andrea Raynor.
Larkspur Mayor Dan Hilmer gave out the awards to the winners of the 4th annual Lark Theater Youth Film Festival. The students pictured above won the award for best narrative film in the 10-to-13 year old category for, “Mortal.” Above: Dan Hilmer, Chiara Nicastro, Luca Tedesco, Cooper Shine, Douglas Pardillo.
A black-tie crowd gathered at Fireman’s Fund in Novato for an evening of auctions and dancing to support Lifehouse, which serves people with developmental disabilities. The Great Chefs of Marin event raised over $300,000 for the nonprofit. Above left: Gene and Tracy Redig; above right: Marc Morgenstern.
Guests came out to the Osher Marin JCC’s Hush Hush Club speakeasy soiree to benefit the center’s early childhood education programs. Above: Judy Wolff-Bolton, Elliot and Barbara Lefferts.
CHAMPAGNE BAKERY French This casual bakery displays fresh-made pastries, croissants, tarts, cookies and cakes, to be enjoyed indoors or out on the patio. Brioche French toast or the French dip sandwich with Swiss cheese are among the many menu options. Catering is also available. 103 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.5470, champagnebakery.com
IL FORNAIO Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian 23-restaurant franchise. Besides the award-winning breads, pizzas and pastas, the menu boasts a variety of salads and noncarb entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com
IZZY’S STEAKS & CHOP HOUSE American
The legendary San Francisco steak house has moved north. Known for great steaks and seafood as well as its fine wine selection, this is a great spot for a group or intimate dinner for two. 55 Tamal Vista, 415.924.3366, izzysrestaurant.com
PACIFIC CATCH Pan-Asian This well-priced fresh grill eatery offers a bounty of Pacific Rim—inspired small or main plates, like the generously portioned wasabi bowls filled with rice (white or brown), veggies and your choice of fish, chicken or beef. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.com
RICK’S WINE CELLAR California Owned and operated by Marin natives Rick and Candy Mendell, whose customers call it the “Cheers of Corte Madera.” Offerings include a glass, a flight or a bottle, all of which pair nicely with the cheeses, salami and hot paninis. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, rickswinecellar.com
DEER PARK VILLA Italian This “best place for a party” (Pacific Sun) sits on four garden acres; the Ghiringhelli family has been turning out Italian favorites here since 1937. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparkvilla.com
IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American Grab a beer and a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich—which one Chronicle reviewer calls “the best mushroom dish I have ever tasted”—at the former Ross Valley Brewing Company. 765-A Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com
SORELLA CAFFÉ Italian Not only is the food satisfying and tasty; the service is friendly. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.com
JASON’S Italian The restaurant’s new Greenbrae location (it was formerly on Andersen Drive in San Rafael) fills the space that was formerly Giorgio’s. A crowd of regulars enjoys creative seafood dishes with Italian flair. Enjoy the ceviche, crab cakes or blackened salmon on the large outdoor covered patio. 300 Drakes Landing Rd, 415.925.0808, jasonsrestaurant.com
WIPEOUT BAR & GRILL American Who says you can’t go back to being a carefree teenager for a night? This family-friendly hot spot has surfboards hanging from the ceiling, fun-in-the-sun music, a full bar and large televisions displaying surfers riding waves. The only thing missing is the sand at this surf-style, upbeat eatery. 302 Bon Air Center, 415.461.7400, wipeoutbarandgrill.com
HALF DAY CAFE American A tucked-away setting of intertwining ivy and great white windows makes the perfect breakfast nook. The setting is casual but elegant; the menu includes lattes, exceptional pastries and much more. Dine on the outdoor patio or inside where the view is just as divine. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com
WILLIE’S CAFE American Stop here for down-toearth atmosphere and reasonable prices. This cozy spot offers breakfast, lunch and dinner; favorites include corn pancakes and veggie frittata. 799 College Ave, 415.455.9455
E & 0 TRADING COMPANY Southeast Asian New chef Arnold Eric Wong is keeping the restaurant’s innovative plates as tasty as ever. Without reservations, try a spot at the large communal table. 2231 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.0303, eotrading.com
EMPORIO RULLI Italian Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian specialties and treats. The Larkspur location (there are three others) is a popular spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com
LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning French cuisine and its lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot has rated high with locals for well over a decade. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com
RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads, and sandwiches are on the menu here including Meyer lemon mascarpone danishes and bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com
TABLE CAFÉ Indian/American Indian-inspired cafe offers a unique menu featuring entirely organic ingredients. Dishes include seasonal salads, incredible soups and fresh juices. 1167 Magnolia Ave, 415.461.6787
TAM CELLARS Wine bar This wine shop includes an elegant bar with seating for up to 36 people, 30 wines by the glass and tasting flights. Tam Cellars specializes in hard-to-find wines and smallproduction wineries. Enjoy a glass or bottle to pair with the selection of appetizers. Live music on Thursdays. 1803 Larkspur Landing, 415.461.9463, tamcellars.com
TAVERN AT LARK CREEK American The next chapter in the 1888 Victorian Murphy House is being written by chef Randy Lewis and culinary director Adrian Hoffman. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, tavernatlarkcreek.com
BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has already become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after the 142 Throckmorton Comedy nights. Come for the pan-roasted Alaskan halibut or risotto but stay for the amazing burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com
BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food-type menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm dark-wooded bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com
BUNGALOW 44 American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 offers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipidladen dishes, such as the burger, fried chicken and truffle fries, as well as a few lighter items. The bar is a neighborhood favorite, known for tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com
CHAMPAGNE French Enjoy a croque monsieur alfresco, linger over a flaky, buttery croissant with a cappuccino, or pick up chocolate-dipped strawberries for your next dinner party. All that and more, at this French bakery cafe. 41 Throckmorton Avenue, 415.380.0410, millvalley.champagnebakery. com
DIPSEA CAFE Comfort One word: biscuits. This longtime breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Try a biscuit with a poached egg, a biscuit with sausage—or just plain butter. Lunch specialties include BLTs and tuna melts and generous Cobb salads. Now serving dinner. 200 Shoreline Hwy, 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com
FRANTOIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this is a great location for an intimate dinner, large groups
and anything in between. Happy hour starts at 4:30 in the sizable, comfortable bar area, where you can snack on antipasti or order your whole meal. Owned by Roberto Zecca and Chef Duilio Valenti, both from Milano; the kitchen uses local and organic ingredients—it’s the Italian way. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com
HARMONY Chinese Dishes here are an infusion of many flavors. The barbecue pork bun is filled with house-made roasted meat in a savory sauce; fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea. Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurantgroup.com
MARIA MARIA Mexican The menu at Maria Maria draws from diverse regional cuisines of Mexico, including slow-braised duck tacos, guacamole prepared tableside and Guajillo Marinated Red Snapper Filet. 651 E. Blithedale, 415.381.1070. mariamariarestaurants.com
PIAZZA D’ANGELO Italian It’s always a party at this long-standing hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, zuppa di pesce or pollo novello, or make some new friends at the bar. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com
PIATTI RISTORANTE AND BAR Italian The staff prides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Try for a table at the window for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Take a peek at the impressive collection of Italian wines to go with your rustic seasonal Italian meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com
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ROBATA GRILL AND SUSHI Japanese Robata translates as “by the fireside”; fittingly, food here is cooked on an open fire and served in appetizersize portions to pass around the table and share. 591 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com
SMALL SHED FLATBREADS California As a slow food chef, Ged Robertson uses only local, mostly organic ingredients. Crowd favorites include the mt. tamal-pie, a delicious fresh salad atop a flatbread. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, smallshed.com
THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of the new Strawberry Village. Diners come for the tasty kee mao noodles, pad thai, fresh rolls and extensive bar menu. It’s also a great place for lunch. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444, theplela.com
TOAST American Take the kids for an omelet or pancake breakfast at this cozy venue; lunch and dinner, too. 31 Sunnyside Ave, 415.388.2500, toastmillvalley.com
TONY TUTTO PIZZA Italian Tony has been pouring his passion for pizza into his cooking for two decades and is now sharing his family recipes: “It’s all about excellence in pizza, sprinkled with musical flavors and kissed with colorful passion. We
feature creative artisan-style pizza using the best imported, natural and local organic ingredients.” Mostly outdoor seating, so dress accordingly. Stop by or take out. 246 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646, tonytuttopizza.com
VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience at this oneroom trattoria. Try one of the restaurant’s pasta dishes or thin-crust pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343
CACTI GRILL American Grill A former bell tower church, the family-friendly restaurant now boasts a covered patio and serves a 21-day dry-aged steak and filet mignon enchiladas. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, cactigrill.com
GRAZIE Italian Locals love this family-owned and -run Grant Avenue restaurant for delicious paninis, salads and the unbeatable homemade cookies. Enjoy good weather on the outside patio or people watch in this always-bustling restaurant. 823 Grant Ave, Ste E, 415.878.0202
PORTELLI ROSSI Italian This casual cafe offers huge portions (most priced under $20), a garden patio and a family-friendly environment. Stop in on Saturday and Sunday nights for the live jazz band on the patio. The early-bird special includes a three-course meal for only $12 every night if you’re seated before 6 p.m. Closed Mondays. 868 Grant Ave, 415.892.6100, portellirossi.com
SONOMA LATINA GRILL Mexican The menu includes standbys like tacos, burritos and enchiladas made with fresh, local and organic ingredients, plus a list of favorites from the Sonoma location. 5800 Nave Dr, Ste D, 415.883.2662, sonomalatinagrill.com
TOAST American Sister to the popular Mill Valley location, Toast Novato features outdoor dining and architecture by Stanley Saitowitz and still has the great dishes by executive chef Michael Garcia that have made the southern Marin spot a not-to-bemissed destination. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com
WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off Highway 101, this rustic mesquite grill offers a menu full of comfort food and drinks, like the smooth cosmos, and seafood risotto, with bits of butternut squash. In the mood for a cigar? The restaurant has an extensive list. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com
MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS French This gem of a restaurant serves up locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch. The wine and beer list is extensive. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com
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TRATTORIA FRESCO Italian Every neighborhood deserves a one-room trattoria like this one. The service is friendly and the farmers’-market-fresh food is fabulous—especially the gnocchi. 13 Ross Common, 415.464.0915, frescotrattoria.com
AVA California Chef Dan Baker, of Marché aux Fleurs in Ross, has another winner with AVA, which features a California-only wine list and a menu where nearly all the ingredients come from within 100 miles—if not the Marin County Farmers’ Market. The small menu includes seasonal flatbreads, pasta and six seasonal main dishes. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3407, avamarin.com
COMFORTS Cafe This cozy spot features local ingredients and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Be sure to try the Philly cheesesteak and Chinese chicken salad, both classics. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com
DREAM FARM California As the website claims, a taste of rural Marin in downtown San Anselmo, showcasing the bounty of our area’s award-winning farms, dairies, and fisheries. Best yet is the price point: dishes range from under $6 to nothing over $20. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, dreamfarmmarin.com
INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic
Call the Shot has a simple premise: Tell us what this is a picture of and win a $50 gift certificate for E & O Trading Company in Larkspur.
To win, you must be specific. Sure, its a bucolic, leafy Marin road, but where is it? Even better, give us the name of the city where it is located.
Here’s how to play: Go to marinmagazine.com/shot, agree to the rules and submit your answer. Simple. We’ll choose the winner randomly from all the correct answers. Good luck!
And the winner is: Camilla Masca of Sausalito, who won June’s Call the Shot by identifying the Melting Pot in Larkspur.
produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com
LOCOCO’S PIZZERIA Italian Worth driving to from all over Marin, and it’s an easy place to meet up with friends. The pizza crust is divine as is the house salad. Good spot to come with the entire family. Closed Mondays. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.1238, lococossananselmo.com
MARINITAS Mexican The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to flourish as it brings Latin flair home to Marin. It may not be as cheap as most Mexican restaurants in the area, but this is not your typical south-of-the-border spot. The festive atmosphere and funky decor complement the excellent food for a classy, lively experience. Finish strong with the rich Tres Leches Cake. This place gets packed so make reservations. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net
ORCHID THAI Thai Owners Peggy and Tom Thongnopneua create an inviting atmosphere with their warm smiles and helpful menu suggestions. The fare here has won “Best of Marin” awards many times over. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470, orchidthairestaurant.com
CAFE GRATITUDE Raw The waiters might push the affirmations theme a bit too much, but the tasty (and healthy) food is worth it. Besides the knowledge you’re supporting local farmers
and sustainable agriculture, the raw food and vegan samosas are hard to resist. Best to bring a group and sample lots of items on the menu. 2200 Fourth St, 415.824.4652, withthecurrent.com
LOTUS RESTAURANT American Bistro/ Creperie Lotus Restaurant has earned Hall of Fame kudos from Pacific Sun readers for nearly a decade. Family owned and operated, it serves up North Indian cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options in a casual pink-tablecloth setting. 704 Fourth St, 415.456.5808, lotusrestaurant.com
MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won first place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his Mushroom Lover’s Pizza—sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce atop a fresh pizza crust. Located across from the Smith Ranch Road movie theaters, it’s a great place to grab dinner and a movie. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-street-pizzeria.com
SABOR OF SPAIN Spanish Named Best Tapas/ Small Dishes restaurant in Marin by the Pacific Sun in 2006, this Spanish wine bar is a great place for a date or a big party. The gazpacho is world class here and a must-try. 1301 Fourth St, 415.457.8466, saborofspain.com
SAN RAFAEL JOE’S Italian Guido and Theresa Farina are now running this Marin institution, which has been famous for serving up sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. Great for large parties, the dining room holds 240. The Pacific red snapper meuniére and roast sirloin of beef are standouts. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com
SEAFOOD PEDDLER Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Varieties of East and West Coast fish flown in daily. Dine indoors or out, or better yet, rent out the banquet room for a party. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.460.6669, seafoodpeddler.com
SOL FOOD Puerto Rican With south-of-theborder treats like yellow rice, beans, plantains and authentic Puerto Rican dishes, this tiny oneroom eatery on Fourth Street just off Highway 101 can be hard to get into, but worth the wait. 732 Fourth St, and 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, solfoodrestaurant.com
SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience will be rewarded with tasty and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 869 Fourth St, 415.721.0392
THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD American Cooking like Mom used to make. Drop by for eggs Benedict, tuna melts, coffee and some of the best milk shakes around. 817 Fourth St, 415.259.0182, theresa-and-johnnys.com
WEST END CAFE AND DELICATESSEN American Stop in for an all-American breakfast or lunch in a homey environment, or take out one of the premade sandwiches for later. 1131 Fourth St, 415.454.1424
YET WAH Chinese Named after the founder’s wife (Yet refers to the moon, Wah to brightness), this beloved mainstay offers dim sum daily along with the traditional Chinese menu. Groove to live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.com
ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Father-andson chefs Pasquale and Alfredo Ancona offer handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti at this authentic Italian restaurant, which has been serving food from the Campania region for the past 24 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com
AVATAR’S Indian Looking for “the best meal of your life”? Let owner Ashok Kumar order for you. One-room casual dining for lunch and dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, eatavatar.com
FENG NIAN Chinese Busy at lunch and dinner, this spacious hangout has been a popular spot for wonton soup, potstickers and daily specials for nearly two decades. For an indulgent treat order the Szechwan crispy calamari or honey-glazed walnut prawn. Free delivery. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com
FISH Seafood It is all about the fresh fish here. You can dine at one of the picnic tables or purchase fresh fish to cook at home. Casual; cash only (and bring a lot of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331fish.com
HORIZONS Seafood/American There isn’t a better place for waterfront deck dining with stunning views of Angel Island, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline. Horizons is a favorite with locals and visitors. Enjoy lunch, dinner and brunch daily, featuring fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, pasta and steak. Deck dining, valet parking and docking facilities available. A full bar serves draft beers and specialty cocktails and has an extensive wine selection. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, horizonssausalito.com
LE GARAGE French Escape the touristy Sausalito spots and grab brunch right on the water at this cherished site. The atmosphere is animated with light French music playing in the background (think Amélie). The Kobe Burger, though not as Parisian as the other menu
BY DANIELLE GOODMAN
Fans of Italian restaurant, Angelino, will be delighted with the newest member of the Ancona family’s restaurant stable: breakfast/lunch spot Cibo. Husband-and-wife team Alfredo and Tera Ancona created a menu filled with tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. Tera’s favorite is the smoked salmon panini made with herbed mascarpone cheese, grilled red onions, arugula, balsamic and bread from artisan San Francisco bread company Panorama. And now Marinites no longer have to drive over the bridge to get famous Blue Bottle coffee; Cibo is the only restaurant in Marin to sell it. Not big on coffee? Try Tera’s homemade organic dark hot chocolate. Located in the historic brick building at 1201 Bridgeway. cibosausalito.com
A few blocks south from Cibo is a tiny Venetian gem, Piccolo Teatro Owner D.J. Pufferti, a Sausalito local, spends half the year in Venice, so you can be sure this is authentic northern Italian cooking. All ingredients are organic and local. Try the famous stuffed eggs featuring duck, mustard, chives, salami with chili flake, and parsley. Or in the evening cozy up to the huge fireplace with a glass of wine and the grand canale (a combination of two meat and cheeses with pickled vegetables). Open daily for breakfast, lunch, intermission and dinner. piccoloteatrodisausalito.com
items, is to die for. Also consider the muchadored croque-monsieur for under $10. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistrosausalito.com
MURRAY CIRCLE American Enjoy the sun on the deck of this Cavallo Point restaurant. Locals say they come back for the fresh seasonal ingredients like wild sturgeon and Wolfe Ranch quail that chef Joseph Humphrey cooks up. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com
High-Five Perry! Congratulations to Kentfield’s Perry Butler, who opened Perry’s on Union Street back in 1969. Join him and other San Francisco personalities on August 23 at Perry’s S.F. for an anniversary and block party open to the public. 1944 Union St. (S.F.). perryssf.com
PARADISE BAY American Enjoy the sun or dine under the stars at this waterfront restaurant. Patrons’ favorites are the organic beef sandwiches and fresh Maine lobster clubs. 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, paradisebaysausalito.com
PICCOLO TEATRO Italian Translating into “Little Theater” in Italian, Piccolo Teatro used to be a theater before it became the exquisite restaurant it is today. Executive Chef Travis Flood spends weeks mastering each dish. Customers seem unanimous in finding the food quality, service, and ambience phenomenal. 739 Bridgeway Blvd. 415.332.0739, piccoloteatrodisausalito.com
POGGIO Italian A great place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out. Executive chef Peter McNee cooks up delicious Northern Italian cuisine using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com
SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND BAR California/ Mexican Marin’s first tequila bar offers over 100 tequila options. Nightly meal specials include chicken pot pie, roasted salmon, baby back ribs, and traditional meatloaf. If you’re in for a wild night of entertainment there are frequent events
like margarita night and flight night tequila-tasting parties. The private dining room is perfect for large parties. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurantandbar.com
SCOMA’S Seafood Whether it’s for the view of San Francisco or the historical background, visitors flock to this location and its romantic setting. The array of fresh seafood and meat dishes are as appetizing as the Italian pasta dishes. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomassausalito.com
SPINNAKER Seafood Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautiful plate presentations. Set right on the water, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500, thespinnaker.com
SUSHI RAN Japanese Fresh, innovative small plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-your-mouth good and the wine, cocktail and sake lists keep the pickiest barfly well satisfied. Even the prices don’t deter the herd of sushi enthusiasts, who line up nightly to partake; reservations required in main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com
THE CAPRICE California Expansive Angel Island and San Francisco skyline views and an intimate atmosphere make this waterfront restaurant a top pick for romance. Beyond these attractions, locals like it for the food, including a three- to five- course menu created by executive chef Gregg Sessler
—who according to Michael Bauer “has crafted a menu that can stand up to the big boys.” 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com
COTTAGE EATERY California Foodies rejoice. Executive chef Edward Carew doesn’t disappoint with his creative and thoughtful menu full of locally sourced foods. The restaurant itself is family-friendly and has a homey, bed-and-breakfast feel. The baby octopus and the meatballs are consistently raved about. Closed Mondays. 114 Main St, 415.789.5636, thecottageeatery.com
SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy trans-fat-free calamari, fresh fish, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com
TIBURON GRILL California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting with two outdoor patios, two indoor fireplaces, and candlelit tables during the evening. No item is more than $20, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, thelodgeattiburon.com
NICK’S COVE American This collaboration of famed restaurateurs Pat Kuleto and Mark Franz has attracted visitors (and accolades) nationwide. Large windows open the 130-seat eatery to the
picturesque Tomales Bay and Hog Island. Menu consists of the freshest available local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms including Bodega Bay Dungeness crab cake and Tomales Bay clam chowder (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com
OSTERIO STELLINA California Whether strolling in from a day of hiking or celebrating a romantic anniversary, Osterio Stellina accommodates any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired using organic, local ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the Goat Shoulder, a favorite by locals and tourists alike. Don’t leave without indulging in the standout lemon ice cream sandwich (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com
PARKSIDE CAFE American Most people know it as the ultimate breakfast spot (think Guatemalan scramble or waffle with blood orange–strawberry compote and whipped cream, alfresco) but lunch and dinners are great here too. Choose from organic locally grown produce and artisan meats and seafood. The quail, the Hawaiian butterfish and the rib-eye steak are standouts (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com
SAND DOLLAR American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year and still exists today. Enjoy live music along with local barbecued oysters and New England clam chowder. Sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com
August 22-23 , Saturday 11-7, Sunday 10-6
Art • Music • Family Entertainment Beautiful Ark Row in Tiburon
Donation $5 • Children 12 and under free www.tiburon-artfestival.com
Sponsored by the Belvedere Tiburon Recreation and Belvedere Tiburon Chamber of Commerce
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ven though it is the second largest city in Marin, Novato, existing on the border of Sonoma County far up Highway 101, is often not given its due in the lexicon of Marin cities. But Novato has changed much in the last 10 years and is breaking out of its role as gateway to Sonoma and Napa counties.
BY DANIEL JEWETT PHOTOS TIM PORTER
“We don’t use the word gateway anymore,” says Denise Athas of Athas and Associates Realty. “We want people to come here and experience Novato for themselves.”
When selling real estate in Novato Athas points to strengths like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods (coming soon) and destination stores like Target and Costco at Vintage Oaks as well as street and facade improvements and beautification programs that have brought new life to shopping districts like the one along Grant Avenue. “The city stands behind its businesses,” she says.
BY DANIEL JEWETT PHOTOS TIM PORTER
Athas, who always came to Marin to do her shopping anyway, finally moved to Novato from El Cerrito 15 years ago after meeting her husband at a Pacific Sun singles party. “It was love at first sight,” she said of the meeting. “And moving here was the best thing I ever did.”
And Athas should know, as the current president of the Downtown Novato Business Association and a city council candidate in the upcoming November election.
“There are so many wonderful things here; I always bring clients to experience it firsthand,” she points to a full roster of community activities such as Tuesday evening farmers’ markets, outdoor movies, parades, and festivals like the art and wine festival and nostalgia days.
Mayor Jim Leland, who moved from Larkspur to Novato in 2002 for the warmer weather, chose the community for the way it differs from much of Marin.
“Novato is full of families and kids of various ages; it has a whole different feel,” he says. “We found all that excitement and a different kind of neighborhood and lifestyle here.”
“There are not a lot of opportunities for young families to buy in Marin,” he adds. “But with the military base conversion in the late ’90s we have constructed a lot of new housing and office space by Marin standards and it has really changed the complexion of the town, allowing younger folks to move here.”
Hamilton Field was a base used by the army, air force and Coast Guard (the Coast Guard remains) and was one of the first in the nation to be decommissioned when it went out of service in 1974. Since that time new housing has been constructed and cutting-edge technology and biotech companies have moved into the converted hangar spaces. The hangars now contain companies such as ImageMovers, Disney’s 3-D anima-
tion studios, Birkenstock Distribution, Sony ImageWorks, Smith & Hawken, Oracle, Activision and Cytograft Tissue Engineering as well as a library, the Marin Community Foundation and the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, located near the entrance to the hangars.
“All this has attracted younger workers,” Leland says. “There is a different energy in Novato than there was 10 to 15 years ago. It has changed a lot in the last 10 years and most people think it is for the better.”
Marketing guru Kristi Frlekin, owner of Kristi Frlekin Advertising and Design, has seen the change for herself since moving to Novato from San Anselmo in 1977. “It is beautiful and wide open; I have always been a champion of Novato,” says Frlekin, who did early branding work for the downtown area and now handles Novato clients such as DriveSavers. “Now people are starting to notice how great it is. It has great merchants and restaurants and there is a reason to come from out of town and visit.”
According to Frlekin, the quality of some of Novato’s homes is a little-known
OPPOSITE : Get inspired at Unity in Marin located at Hamilton Field or stop by the farmers’ market. THIS PAGE : Coffee from Dr. Insomnia’s will speed you up while charming neighborhoods and beautiful vistas on or off the water offer a slower pace.
secret. “Some of the most incredible homes in Marin are in Novato,” she says. “Real hidden treasures.”
But how much is it going to cost to get you into one of these homes? According to Athas, most of what is selling are condos, bank-owned and short-sale properties. Over the last year the low end for condos was an “unheard-of” $140,000 sale, while the high end topped out at $599,000. Houses over the
August 14-15 The 13th annual Nostalgia Days Rod and Kustom Car Show offers a little something for everybody and is a favorite downtown Novato event. Put on your dancing shoes for the sock hop or sit back and enjoy the parade, food and live music. Grant Avenue (Novato). nostalgiadaysonline.com
last year hit a low of $135,000 for a one-bedroom fixer-upper and ranged all the way up to $2.2 million. Over the last year 395 homes sold, and as of press time there were 140 active single-family home listings and 42 active condo listings.
Athas says she sees a huge difference in the market and feels that it is improving. She has one piece of advice for those who wish to purchase in Novato.
“We have hit bottom, so if you want to get involved, you better do it now,” she says.
K. Fox
Spectacular bay and city views surround this 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bath waterfront Strawberry home on almost an acre. Private gated new boat dock, large remodeled gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, large garage, level lawn, expansive redwood decks and more.
Completely remodeled with new roof, 2 new furnaces, new 200 amp electrical, upgraded plumbing, newly painted exterior and interior, new carpet, and new construction of third level which includes large media/ great room, two bedrooms, bathroom, second laundry room and decks for entertaining. Easy San Francisco commute location, excellent Mill Valley Schools. Offered at $1,360,000
Glen Drive, Mill Valley Offered at $1,995,000
Rare opportunity to live in the Country Club area, one of the best neighborhoods in Mill Valley. Enchanting, level, magical, sunny lot with mature beautiful landscaping. One story, three bedroom, three baths, with fourth bonus room/guest room. Refinished hardwood floors, charming living room with flagstone fireplace. Family room & dining room, both overlooking backyard. Newly replaced deck across the back of the house. Hot tub with nearby instant hot water shower. Backyard lighting. 2 car attached garage for smaller cars plus easy parking for multiple cars. Just next to Marin Open Space hiking trails.
at $2,800,000
Tucked away in a private, gated, and secluded setting, you will find this perfect crescent shaped white sandy beach with unobstructed San Francisco, Golden Gate, and Bay Bridge views. Consisting of 3 legal parcels, this ¼ acre flat and level property offers the perfect south facing beach setting. Lot line adjustments have been completed to create 3 perfect sites to create your dream. Enjoy sea gulls flying by and seals on your own secluded beach. Watch the sunrise over the city and sunsets behind Mt. Tamalpais from your own secluded and private paradise. This will be the most exciting surprise you have ever seen.
www.10MiddenLane.com
116McCoy.com
415.261.8344
Tranquil Blithedale Canyon Home Classic Blithedale canyon 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, ±3049 sq. ft. home on private street-to-street lot overlooking Corte Madera Creek and close to town and open space. Cathedral ceilings, stone mantle, hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen, huge master suite, 2 decks. $1,395,000
Melissa Crawford 415.302.0057
m.crawford@deckerbullocksir.com 401EldridgeAve.com
Anna Pennington-Boucher 415.860.1399 Romantic Tiburon Mediterranean Grand double entry doors open to San Francisco views with romantic living and dining rooms with high ceilings and hardwood fl oors. French doors open to adjoining terrace that overlooks lovely gardens and level play area. Five bedrooms, 4.5 baths. 3 fireplaces. $3,375,000 A. Dean Jones 415.609.9000
Grega 415.515.2218
d.grega@deckerbullocksir.com www.ExpectGreatRealEstate.com
Tiburon. This exquisite property with its surroundings reminiscent of Provence is sure to delight with its private, easy living. The well designed light-filled home with panoramic views gently welcomes you with elegant terra cotta steps and a majestic wooden entryway opening to a two story foyer with arched windows and terrace doors. An open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, nursery/study and and 3.5 baths designed by Hunt, Hale and Associates shows off the flowing formal spaces, high ceilings, private terraces and immense windows framing the beautiful views. Set on an expansive private cul-de-sac lot, adjacent to the Ring Mountain Preserve, the property includes a level yard, gorgeous landscaping and mature olive trees. $3,400,000
Tiburon. An elegant and inviting five bedroom, four and a half bath home in Tiburon with a truly Tuscan style completely remodeled. This is a one of a kind custom home situated on a private 47,393 sq. ft. lot with room for expansion. It offers an artful blend of open spaces, light-filled rooms and an easy floor plan. The entry level features three spacious bedrooms; one out of two expansive master suites opens to a a large deck with panoramic view of Belvedere Lagoon, Sausalito and Marin Headlands. The gourmet kitchen flows openly to a wood beam vaulted ceiling living room and a formal dining room. Perfect for entertaining, preparing meals, dining or lounging by the fire, this ideal floor plan surrounds the heart of the home – a beautiful interior gated courtyard $2,995,000
Kentfield. Relaxed sophistication with incredible attention to details surrounds you in this beautifully appointed, three-bedroom, three-bath home in Kentfield. Nestled in the rolling hills this home offers privacy and comfort with a spacious living room, hardwood floors, beautiful open beam ceiling, wood burning fireplace, remodeled kitchen and master suite with fireplace. An extensive deck with Hot Springs Spa off the family room and master suite with great views and surrounded by mature woodlands is perfect for entertaining. Mature landscaped gardens with level lawn. Downstairs, a full guest suite with kitchenette, temperature controlled wine cellar and separate entrance is ideal for an office, play or media room. Two-car attached garage with additional storage. $1,799,000
Beautifully done West Shore waterfront. Big WOW-factor with two-story formal entry with Murano Chandelier, pillowed limestone f loor and view straight through the living room window to the bay. Sunny kitchen with center isle, walk-in pantry and view-side famil y room with adjacent deck, pier, floating dock and Mt Tam to San Francisco financial district views. Formal living and dining rooms, office and large top-floor master with separate study, fireplace and balcony. Three other top-floor bedrooms and two baths (one en suite). 70-year land lease
(39.5
remaining). Current lease price is approximately $11,000 per year. Four bedrooms, three and one-half baths… $3,500,000 Rare 2.8 vacant acres in the Woodlands, mostly level and street to street, with up-close views of Mt Tam and the bay. Plan and permit approvals for construction of 9,300 sq. ft. house and pool… $5,500,000
Approximately 5,200 square foot, 3-story office/retail/ residential building with roof deck and dazzling view of the bay and San Francisco skyline. Great opportunity for buyer to complete construction according to buyer's own needs. In south Sausalito directly across from Horizons Restaurant and waterfront… $2,495,000
For more photos and information, visit globalestates.com
167 Dipsea Road, Stinson Beach │ $2,200,000
This exquisite, one-of-a-kind gem sits on the lagoon in the gated community of Seadrift only 40 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. The airy, glass house boasts soaring barrel ceilings trussed with wrought iron. The spacious interior is perfect for cozy nights by the fire or hosting large gatherings. The two bedroom, two bath home includes a gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art stainless appliances; a separate guest house with built-in office completes the double-sized lot with 90-foot dock. Ideal for year-round living or as a weekend retreat.
10 Leona Drive, San Rafael │ $1,895,000
One-year-new view home with acreage on a private, serene lane. This almost hidden, custom masterpiece has all the high-end touches. A luxurious master suite, three more en-suite bedrooms, a chef’s granite kitchen, high ceilings, crown molding, theatre quality surround sound, Andersen windows and doors, ultra high efficiency heating and A/C, level yard, Mt. Tam view, and a 3-car garage afford you high luxury living and peace of mind. Minutes to China Camp Beach, hiking trails, and the Marin Farmers’ Market.
Web │ 167Dipsea.com
Web │ 10LeonaDrive.com
Don’t want to leave Marin, but need a change?
How about a renovated turn-of-the-century, oceanfront 4,000+ sq.ft., south-facing “cottage” with SF & Mt. Tam views! Complete with an assortment of bedroom suites; chef and prep. kitchens; formal and informal dining areas; grand living room plus den each with FPs; loft and covered sun porch; decks, patios and gardens; sauna, hot tub and surfer’s shower; storage areas and gated parking. This is a surprisingly private property on a dog and horse-friendly public beach, located in a vibrant, working Marin beach town, just a bit over an hour from SFO! Asking $4,400,000.
Flower Fraser, Broker (415) 868-1234
flower@seashore-realty.com
DRE #0063418
Debra Allen, Realtor (415) 380-6137
deballen@deballen.com
DRE #01002768
Stunning new home designed by renowned architect Jerry Kler. Soaring 30 foot high ceilings, elevator servicing all three levels, master suite plus two en suite bedrooms, over 3000 square feet of decks, guest house, Bisazza tiled pool with spa. This home looks as if it belongs in the Hollywood Hills but is nestled behind an enormous row of eucalyptus along the 101 corridor at Tiburon Boulevard. This estate home has sweeping southwest views of Mount Tam and allows its owners to live comfortably in the middle of life's hustle and bustle, yet enjoy privacy, Marin’s best weather, striking architecture and easy access to San Francisco.
• Main house with 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths
• Over 5,500 square foot home on .96 acre lot
• Guest house, pool and spa Offered at $3,295,000
SITUATED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS AND SOUGHTAFTER MIDDLE RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD, a sunny locale just minutes to the heart of downtown Mill Valley, this dramatic 3900 sq.ft. contemporary masterpiece was designed by renowned Hatfield Architecture. The smartly laid out open floor plan features light-filled grand scale common areas with voluminous ceiling heights, industrial window casings, high tech lighting and excellent finishes throughout. Offered at $2,495,000
Two single level homes; each with well designed layout and easy flow to outdoor living. You can find that one level home amidst the beauty of the hillsides of Marin. Great opportunities for downsizing in this market! Call Patricia at 987-3215 for details.
Just a few minutes north of the Golden Gate, yet a million miles away, is Seadrift at Stinson Beach. For over 30 years, Seadrift Company has been the expert in Real Estate sales and premium vacation rentals in Stinson Beach and the private gated community of Seadrift. Call us today to reserve your beach house... for a week, a summer or a lifetime.
BY MIMI TOWLE | Frances L.
White, Ph.D., came to the College of Marin in 2004 and is said to have turned it around from being on the state chancellor’s watch list and at risk of losing its accreditation to a financially well-managed and academically thriving institution. Enrollment has increased by 12 percent overall this past spring semester and 92 percent at the Indian Valley Campus since 2006. And while the college is known for its excellent medical (nursing, paramedicals) education, COM’s academic programs claim one of the highest transfer rates to UC Berkeley of any community college in California. According to Cathy Summa-Wolfe, of COM, White deserves much of the credit for the turnaround, including passing a $250 million facilities improvement bond; revitalizing the Indian Valley Campus through partnerships and programs; and launching a much-needed Basic Skills Initiative. White has also proven her affinity for green issues by creating a number of sustainable programs at the campus including signing the national Presidents Climate Commitment, which pledges to reduce the college’s carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent by midcentury. Characteristically, she does not take all the credit. “Everybody should enjoy all the good things happening at COM,” she says. “I’ll only take credit for my part in improving the institution, but many faculty, staff and trustees deserve credit as well.” Her summer plans include a trip to Washington D.C., to confer with fellow community college board directors, a road trip with her husband, a Women in Business award from the North Bay Business Journal and sharing countless plates of local oysters with friends on the deck of the Sand Dollar restaurant in Stinson.
You could live anywhere. Why Marin? I grew up in the outskirts of Houston, Texas with lots of land, and since I hardly went downtown, I became used to the feeling of open space. Once I had the opportunity to work here (after living in urban settings) I happily took it. Marin does not remind me of Houston, but the open (green) space and beauty is very comforting.
What bothers you? The traffic on 101 and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
What do you value every day? I value life and making a difference by helping others.
What person has influenced you the most? My mother, who was a very beautiful, educated and talented woman.
Most fulfilling moment in your work? I love education because there are so many fulfilling moments from the first days of Kindergaten through college graduation. I am reminded of this every year at the annual commencement.
What’s your favorite book or album? Book: “In Search of Excellence”. Album: I like numerous styles of music including jazz, classical and gospel.
What’s your favorite place to unwind? In my garden or at the beach with my husband Harley.
Favorite Marin view? Mount Tam whether I am standing at the college, driving along Highway 101, or sitting in my gazebo, seeing the mountain makes me feel connected to nature and life.
What do you like about yourself? I appreciate nature’s beauty, and I look for beauty in people.
How do you want to be remembered? As a person who made a difference and who helped others.
Even more than Marin’s natural beauty, what makes this a special place to live is the way people and businesses show up for their community. Paci fi c Union Real Estate and our agents are investing our time and promotional dollars in community organizations that make this a better place to live – including Senior Access.
Senior Access is dedicated to helping people care for their mothers, fathers, spouses, sisters, brothers, and friends with Alzheimer’s disease and chronic illness. It provides Marin families with adult day programming which enables seniors to stay in their homes and connected to their communities.
The Wilfred George Adult Day Center 70 Skyview Terrace, San Rafael, CA
Senior Access welcomes families seeking assistance and volunteers sharing their time. With public and private funding diminishing, we invite you to partner with us by contributing at www.senioraccess.org or calling 415-491-2500
You’ll love the luxurious comfort of our Adria Sofa, upholstered in a velvety white microfiber. Or choose from a variety of custom order fabrics and leather colors. There’s a lot to choose from.
