DECEMBER 2007
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68
CONTENTS
60
Features 60 life
Marin, Step by Step
A walk, a workout and a world of small wonders. story & photos tim porter
68 home
A Vintage Christmas
Ross’s Ciatti family shares holiday spirit with Tour de Noel. story p. j. bremier photos barbara ries
76 journey
Off the Tracks
Heli-skiing or boarding can be an unforgettable thrill. story & photos ben davidson
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
11
CONTENTS
48
Departments110 22
letters
26
at a glance
28
green
30
album
32
snap
40
trends
42
life style
45
fyi
Readers respond to Marin Magazine.
Hot tips day by day for the Bay Area.
A salute to environmentalist Edgar Wayburn. by mimi towle
Finding Christmas. by tim porter
Out and about, in and around Marin.
Travel takes on color. by somer flaherty
Jason Jennings shares thoughts on living in Marin. by mimi towle
Environment: How green is your tree? Gifts: Don’t show up empty-handed. Care: Marinites give back to the troops. Tech: The latest in cell phones and more. Home: It’s all about the lighting. People: John Benus helps us plan for the coming year.
42 12
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
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76 CONTENTS
Departments
154
82 go
Amador’s new Gold Rush. by samantha bronson
84 looking back
One-room churches—over a century old. by jim wood
88 books
Gift books for the holiday season. by samantha berry
92 galleries
Aperture f/64, Donna Seager Gallery and Catharine Clark Gallery.
96 performing arts
Children’s Theatre Association’s new season. by michal lev-ram
98
calendar A roundup of performing arts, events, galleries and more.
flavor
112
Local bakers share favorite cookie tips. by somer flaherty Dine Out: An insider’s guide to Bay Area restaurants.
138 microclimate
Gerstle Park in San Rafael. by jim wood
154 dialogue
Entertainer extraordinaire Jan Wahl. by mimi towle
Columns The Cover Toyon: Christmas Berry ~
20
view from mount tam
24
pov
The creators of Marin Magazine welcome you to share their vision.
Heteromeles arbutifolia, by Marin illustrator Kristin Jakob. Her work can be seen at kristinjakob.com. 14
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
Bring back the bustle. by jim wood
j^[ L$?$F$i VERY IMPORTANT PRESENTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
C7H9 @79E8I 9BKJ9>" ./+$&& ;79>$ UNION SQUARE STANFORD CENTER NEIMANMARCUS.COM
Editorial editorial director Nikki Wood ext 105 nwood@marinmagazine.com
executive editor Jim Wood ext 106 jwood@marinmagazine.com
associate 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
copy editor/proofreader Cynthia Rubin
editorial contributors Samantha Berry, P. J. Bremier, Samantha Bronson, Ben Davidson, Anne Ray
Art art director Anne Walzer anne_walzer@comcast.net
production manager Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com
production artists Steve Mak, Stephan Spoja
contributing photographers Drew Altizer, R. Gary Ferber, Sheri Montgomery, Matthew Patterson, Barbara Ries
web master Nancy Williams
Administration controller Maeve Walsh ext 104 mwalsh@marinmagazine.com Marin Magazine, One Harbor Dr, Ste 208, Sausalito, CA 94965, phone: 415.332.4800, fax: 415.332.3048, web: marinmagazine.com, e-mail: editorial@marinmagazine.com
16
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
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advertising art director Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com Volume 3, Issue 12. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2007. 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 $36 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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MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
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V I E W F R O M M O U N T TA M
THE PHRASE “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” is taken
kid-size thespian experience via the Children’s Theatre
seriously in the Ciatti household in Ross: family, food and
Association’s performance of Jack and the Beanstalk
friends will fill Janell and Joe Ciatti’s home, one of four
(details in Performing Arts).
featured this year on the annual St. John’s Tour de Noel.
Also in this issue, Green salutes environmental-
P. J. Bremier visits early and tells us about an extended
ist Edgar Wayburn (the man behind the Golden Gate
family whose holiday traditions never go out of style.
National Recreation Area), Dialogue tips its hat to movie
Holidays are also about journeys and in this is-
critic and entertainer Jan Wahl, and FYI People introduc-
sue we present three very different ones. The first is
es us to John Benus, the event calendar man, reminding
an airborne adventure on the upper slopes of British
us that 2008 is nigh upon us.
Columbia with Ben Davidson as he dives into the thrills
Finally, Looking Back revisits the more-than-a-centu-
of deep-powder heli-boarding. Closer to home—and in
ry-old beginnings of the one-room churches in Bolinas,
a venture that’s much more sedate—Samantha Bronson
Nicasio, Tiburon and Tomales, and Microclimate strolls
leads us on a Sierra foothills tour of the new Gold Rush
the sycamore-lined streets of Gerstle Park in San Rafael,
in Amador County. Then Tim Porter climbs the many
where if time hasn’t exactly stood still, it’s surely moving
hidden, and not-so-hidden public stairways scattered
in the slow lane.
throughout southern Marin, finding they’re good for a leisurely walk or a heart-thumping workout. ’Tis the season for gifting as well. That means finding
As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine, as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place!
something fun for holiday hostesses—Somer Flaherty
20
MARIN
has the answer in FYI Gifts. Or discovering a good
Lisa Shanower, Publisher
book to read in front of the holiday hearth—Samantha
Nikki Wood, Editorial Director
Berry’s got the list in Books. Or giving your little ones a
Jim Wood, Executive Editor
DECEMBER 2007
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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Readers respond Jim Wood’s POV column in the August issue “Invasive Plants Are Taking Over Mount Tam”, and the reader responses in the September issue warrant an update on MMWD’s plans for the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed. We are starting a vegetation management study for the watershed, with the control of invasive plants as a primary goal. The study will examine all available weed control options, including prescribed burning, grazing, biological control agents, mowing, hand removal and the limited use of specific reduced-risk herbicides. Be assured that we are committed to managing our natural resources sustainably. Anyone interested in following this issue is welcome to contact MMWD at weeds@marinwater.org. Paul Helliker, general manager, MMWD
Regarding the November POV column: you asked for my point of view, so here it is. A bond to improve the Civic Center—fine. Better ingress and egress—yes. Reduce the ecological footprint in Marin-—yes! Widen Sir Francis Drake where it passes through a beautiful forest of redwoods with cottages nestled within—no! Part of the delight of West Marin is in the journey itself. If you can’t take the time to enjoy the trip on a country road with beauty everywhere, stay out of West Marin. I enjoy reading your POV column and appreciate your sound arguments and opinions. Not this one. If you want to lighten the car’s noise and pollution “footprint,” creating a speedway through a forest is not the way. How about filling in those potholes and doing some major repaving with that money, making the journey to West Marin safer? Sandra Paillon, Greenbrae
535 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, CA 94960 415.453.8200
626 Santa Cruz Ave. Menlo Park, CA 94025 650.328.8300
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.
22
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
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POV
Bring Back the Bustle Keeping Marin downtowns alive and well
BY JIM WOOD
Ferguson, a successful business attorney,
In turn, residents—most of whom will say
confesses to “accosting” friends who drive
they want a vibrant downtown—must make
to Costco instead of supporting their local
more of an effort to patronize nearby small busi-
downtown economy. “And when I point out
nesses. Think about it: besides creating local tax
that this is why shops close, they just don’t
revenues and building a better downtown, buy-
get it,” he adds. “‘What, my little purchase?’
ing close by is also the green thing to do. Why
they ask. ‘It couldn’t make a difference.’ Well,
take a car for miles when you can bike or walk?
of course it makes a difference.”
enough to restore Marin’s downtowns to what
Macy’s, Nordstrom, Barnes and Noble, Borders,
they once were. Like it or not, the dreaded “T-
Ross, and Target that are taking business away.
word” comes in (standing for tourism, not tax-
Then there’s the Internet, where billions in
es). “Our sole proprietors can’t exist on resident
books, barbecues and blouses can be bought
business alone,” says Kathy Severson, CEO of the
with a click of a mouse—without paying for
350-member Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce.
parking meters or gas. Marin’s small-town cen-
“They need consumers coming in from some-
ters aren’t as busy as they once were. Something
where else to survive.” And that means visitors.
M
needs to be done, but what?
arin has a contrarian’s nature.
Actually, these corrective steps won’t be
And it’s not just Costco but Home Depot,
Tourism is San Francisco’s number-one in-
Thirty-five years ago, America
First, downtown merchants must renew
dustry. Last year more than 15 million people
was busy building suburbs, shop-
their quest for excellence in marketing and mer-
visited “America’s favorite city,” injecting $7.5
ping malls and freeways; Marin bucked the
chandising. Just “opening the doors” in afflu-
billion into its economy. If Marin’s small down-
development trend and now the county is 80
ent Marin is no longer a guarantee of success.
towns hope to get their economic mojo back,
percent open space. Today, the county risks be-
Trained (and courteous) salespeople, inviting
they must go after this market. But recent trips
coming part of another national trend—the
retail spaces, enticing product displays and the
give the impression that once tourists leave the
demise of “downtowns.” It’s not an issue in
latest in goods and ideas are imperative to lur-
magnet of San Francisco, they “leapfrog” over
San Rafael, Corte Madera or Novato, where
ing residents—especially recent arrivals—into
the towns of San Anselmo, Larkspur, and Mill
shopping centers and large neighborhood re-
downtown areas. And it’s critical that merchants
Valley and go miles north to Healdsburg, Napa
tail areas keep tax revenues robust and stores
form Business Improvement Districts.
and Mendocino. Why? Because shops and cafes there, according to some interviewed, are “cre-
full. But business for individual retailers and
Under state law, BIDs can receive a per-
independent cafes isn’t nearly as strong in
centage of the sales tax revenues they gen-
Tiburon-Belvedere, Larkspur, San Anselmo and
erate in order to promote and improve local
Does this mean it’s time to adjust our some-
especially Mill Valley.
shopping. This means keeping retail areas at-
what anti-tourist attitude in order for Marin’s
ative,” “varied” and “intriguing.”
“For years, Mill Valley had a vibrant down-
tractive, working to maintain a varied mix
downtowns to prosper? You bet it does. “We
town economy,” says longtime resident Doug
of commercial tenants, and staging promo-
all have a sense of nostalgia about the way
Ferguson. “But now I’m concerned as to
tions that draw locals in. An example of the
our downtowns once were,” Severson says.
what’s causing all these vacancies.” The emp-
latter would be the “Friday Nights on Main”
“However, if we are to strengthen our econom-
ty storefronts he’s referring to include a ven-
in Tiburon-Belvedere wherein Main Street is
ic vitality, while maintaining the charm of our
erable music store, the legendary Sweetwater
closed off, live music is brought in, and res-
small towns, it is imperative that we embrace
Saloon, two home furnishing stores, the orig-
taurant meals are served alfresco to resi-
change in a positive way.” That’s my point of
inal site of Smith & Hawken and soon, the
dents—many of whom might have forgotten
view precisely. What’s yours?
original Banana Republic.
a downtown even exists.
24
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
E-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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THRU DECEMBER Angel Island Lights
DECEMBER 4 Festival of Lights
Help fund the Angel Island Association’s work by adopting one of the holiday lights. Celebrate at Corinthian Yacht Club, Friday Nov 30th. Lights will turn on at 7 p.m. 415.435.3972, angelisland.org
Hanukkah begins at sundown and commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
THRU DECEMBER 23 Gingerbread House
DECEMBER 2 & 9 Live Broadcast
Let your imagination run wild as you create the most delightful candy house on the block. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org
Tom Brokaw and Steve Martin discuss their new books at New York’s 92nd Street Y in live simulcasts broadcast in Marin. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net
DECEMBER 8 Sausalito Lighted Yacht Parade
DECEMBER 8 & 9 Marin Collectors’ Marketplace
The 19th annual event will feature Jim Gabbert, once again, as the grand marshal. Waterfront (Sausalito).
Are you a fan of Antiques Roadshow? Stop by Marin’s version, where free appraisals will be offered. Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org
Marin Ballet’s full-length production presents new scenes and choreography from former SF Ballet dancer Julia Adam. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinballet.org
DECEMBER 9 Children’s Art Show
DECEMBER 9 Christmas Jug Band
DECEMBER 16 ’Tis the Season
Masterworks Children’s Art Studio presents an annual exhibit with art created by students from the fall session. 305 B Montecito Dr. (Corte Madera). 415.945.7945, masterworkskidsart.com
The whole family will enjoy the band’s original tunes and parodies of traditional songs. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com
Join the choral ensembles of Singers Marin as they perform Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs and holiday standards. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org
DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day
DECEMBER 31 Ring in the New Year
With the stockings hung by the chimney with care, did Santa Claus make it down your chimney this year?
Join the SF Symphony as Michael Feinstein performs. When the clock strikes midnight, 2008 balloons will drop from above. Davies Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
DECEMBER 8 & 9 The Nutcracker
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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M A R I N GR E E N
EDGAR WAYBURN: The Conserver We salute the protector of Marin’s open space BY MIMI TOWLE
AS WE PONDER WHOM AND WHAT to be grateful for this holiday season, consider Dr. Edgar Wayburn. A leading force in establishing and expanding Point Reyes National Seashore, Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Mount Tamalpais State Park—about 200,000 acres, all told—he’s remained lowprofile in his highly effective approach to protecting public land. While the Bay Area was his focus, the five-time Sierra Club president also strove to preserve wilderness nationwide. A San Francisco Chronicle profile marking his centennial birthday last year credited him with saving 100 million acres of mountains, meadows and rivers in California and Wayburn’s efforts started nearly half a century ago, as develop-
Wayburn attests. “He has hiked, walked or run almost every day
ers were gaining momentum on projects like Marincello, the planned
of his life,” she says. “Throughout his life he has exercised his mind
community that would have brought over 25,000 new homes, high-
equally, working as a physician through his 83rd year and as a con-
rise apartments, restaurants and hotels to the Marin Headlands,
servationist up through 99 years of age—two simultaneous jobs for
put a Marine World water park on Mill Valley’s Richardson Bay, and
over 40 years.”
built a six-lane freeway between Highway 101 and Tomales Bay.
Having just celebrated birthday number 101 in September, he is
Methodically, he worked with community leaders and politicians, at-
living proof of a recent Buck Institute finding: giving can increase
tending countless meetings locally and in Washington, D.C., in an
life span. Because of his generosity and dedication, generations of
effort to stanch the mid-century development craze. The secret to
Marinites will be able to enjoy a walk in the woods or stroll on a
his longevity and success? He doesn’t have one, daughter Cynthia
deserted beach.
28
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
P H OTO: WIL L R OU SH
Alaska—a million acres per year of his life.
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Calm. Cool. Very Collected.
M A R I N ALBUM
Finding Christmas BY TIM PORTER “I will honour Christmas
YES, VIRGINIA, there was a Scrooge, but grouchy old Ebenezer finally dropped the bah
humbug routine and got with the holiday mood, even though it did take a ghostly triptych
in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
for him to do so. Nowadays, the holidays still inspire a fair amount of scrooging, grinching and all-around grumbling. Too commercial, they say. Too religious. Not religious enough. Just too, too, too much!
— EBE NEZER SCROOGE
Well, to paraphrase another of Mr. Scrooge’s memorable lines: all those humbugging
CH A R L E S DICK E NS,
naysayers should be should be boiled with their own pudding. (Who knew Dickens was
A CHRISTM AS CA ROL
so graphic!) Disregard, if you will, the mawkish music. Ignore, if you please, the bedecked malls. Pass by, if you choose, the street-corner Santas. But don’t, even if tempted, close your heart to a season that, despite its self-indulgences, is rooted in selflessness. Family, community, caring, giving—good words upon which to build a holiday (not to mention a way of life).
dawn. There you’ll find a glorious fountain, moving as slowly as the sunrise. Close your eyes. Meditate on the beauty and passing of time. When you look up, if you’re lucky, you’ll find Christmas right in front of you. 30
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO: TIM PORTER
It’s OK if you have to search for your Christmas spirit (it might be right where you left it last year). It’s around. Maybe just down the street. Try a walk through Tiburon just before
Photos: Keoki Flagg, Hank de Vre’, Court Leve, Tom Day
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SNAP MARIN AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST
Jacques Pepin, Roland Passot
Peggy Skornia, Karen Miller
Happenings in Marin Chef Roland Passot was on hand for the “Farmland Forever” event, a benefit for Marin Agricultural Land Trust at Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur. One hundred and fifty diners enjoyed a six-course meal accompanied by Marin County wines and an auction presided over by Mark Buell. The Marin Art & Garden Center’s gala “Under the Magic group’s grounds, highlighting activities such as children’s field trips,
Elizabeth Gerber, Gena Engelfried
theatre, music, art, garden education and more. All proceeds from the event benefit preservation and upgrades to the building and grounds.
MARIN ART & GARDEN CENTER
Honorary chairs for the gala were John and Maria Pitcairn of Ross. The St. Vincent’s School was the place for gourmands to try local organic food at the Taste of Marin. The event is dedicated to supporting and promoting Marin’s agricultural bounty. Marin chefs were on hand, presenting delicious creations from food grown and produced in Marin. The event brought local farmers, ranchers, cheesemakers and vintners together for an unforgettable showcase.
John and Maria Pitcairn, Mary Poland
Kurt Mobley, Clyde Ostler, Edward Dougherty, Stanley Stern
TASTE OF MARIN Amy Lyman, Fanya Seabrook, Paige Rodgers
Helge Hellberg, Kevin Lunny
32
MARIN DECEMBER 2007
Sam Dolcini
Michael Pichard
Ed Vigil, Leslie Brunal, Ric Cole
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: MARIN AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST/RICK CAMARGO; MARIN ART & GARDEN CENTER/KATHLEEN HARRISON; TASTE OF MARIN/MARGOT DUANE
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SNAP MACY’S PASSPORT
Susan and Bob Mettler, Mark Leno
Mike Montanino, Kay and Dan Edelman
Dita Von Teese, Terry Lundgren
Shop ‘til You Drop
BARNEYS GRAND OPENING
At Macy’s West’s annual Passport event, which focuses on raising awareness and money for HIV and AIDS organizations, guests were treated to performances by Dita Von Teese and the Spirit of Uganda African dance troupe, which teamed up with celebrity choreographer Brian Friedman for an unforgettable dance segment. Downtown, fashionistas were out for the Barneys store grand openCraig Zolezzi, Minnie Driver
Howard Socol Jan Schlottman, Derek Lam
ZENER HOME TRUNK SHOW
ing in San Francisco, which also doubled as a benefit for the Nick Traina Foundation. In Mill Valley, Julie Zener welcomed shoppers for a trunk show featuring swimsuits from Asha Couture and jewelry designs by Sarah Suloff. At Item Shoes in Larkspur, owner Joy Goldberg and Jennifer Wilson of Merrill Lynch teamed up for their first annual fundraiser for Wardrobe for Opportunity, which provides professional clothing to low-income job seekers. In San Anselmo, Kismet boutique owners Erica Miller and Barbara Dryden celebrated with customers their first year of being open. Across the street at Blanc, owner Nancy Blanc Mayer held a trunk show for Rachel
Julie Zener, Sarah Suloff
KISMET BOUTIQUE
ITEM SHOES
Erica Miller, Barbara Dryden Ardith Plimack
Cosima Crane
Joy Goldberg
BLANC
Jennifer Wilson, Barbara Llewellyn, Angela Berry
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MARIN DECEMBER 2007
Rachel Clinnick
Ouida Chichester, Nancy Blanc Mayer
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: MACY’S PASSPORT/DREW ALTIZER; BARNEYS/DREW ALTIZER AND HEATHER WILEY
Clinnick’s jewelry line Thalia.
Mike Ratiani, Mike Guzzardo, Mike Walsh, (Front) Steve Shaffer
SNAP MARIN SYMPHONY
Corey Tong, John and Maria Pitcairn, Lowell Tong
David and Allie Davari, Sally Shekou, Robert Herbst
Hitting a High Note Marin Symphony’s season opening gala, Caviar and Comrades, was a sold-out success. The event featured a pre-concert black tie patrons’ dinner and a post-concert champagne and dessert reception. The evening’s Russian theme highlighted the season-opening screening of Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 silent film classic The Matti Shoja
Sharon and Tom Gangitano
Battleship Potemkin with live orchestral score performed by the Marin Symphony Orchestra. In San Francisco the Opera Guild’s Opera Ball 2007, cochaired by Cheryl Baxter and Marybeth La
OPERA GUILD
Motte, began with a cocktail reception and then followed with the season-opening performance of Samson and Delilah, plus a lavish post-performance night of dinner and dancing. Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony celebrated the opening McCall Associates catered the evening’s dinners; Robert Fountain David Gockley, Susan Kulick
Toni Wolfson
designed the tent pavilion.
SF SYMPHONY
Teresa Medearis, Dolly Chammas
Rosemary and Ed Baker, Jean Larrete
Michael Tilson Thomas, John Goldman
Teresa Medearis, Dolly Chammas Cheryl Baxter, Marybeth La Motte
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MARIN DECEMBER 2007
Richard Barker, Pamela Joyner, Doug Howsley
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PHOTO CREDIT: MARIN SYMPHONY/JAMES HALL; OPERA/DREW ALTIZER; SF SYMPHONY/DREW ALTIZER
of the season with a gala concert, featuring soprano Renee Fleming.
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LA DOLCE VITA
SLEEPY HOLLOW KITCHEN TOUR Carolyn Horton, Kim Lear, Tammy Parr, Karen Martin
Janet Pasha, Cheryl McInerney, Marion McInerney, Jeri Dexter
Greg Quiroga, Kathleen and Daniel Tooney
John and Tina Mehan
Around Town
SPIRIT OF MARIN AWARDS
In Greenbrae, over 150 guests attended the Marin Charitable Association annual wine dinner at Giorgio’s Ristorante. The evening raised almost $90,000, which will be distributed to agencies that help children in middle to high school deal with various challenges. In Kentfield, La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) was a sold-out bash at the estate of John and Tina Mehan to benefit Family Service Cynthia Murray, Russ Colombo, Joan Capurro
Jan Wahl, Diane Baker
Agency of Marin. More than $130,000 was raised for the organization’s mental health, child abuse prevention, parent education, and 24-hour suicide prevention and crisis services. At the St. Vincent’s School for Boys, the Bank of Marin hosted the 14th annual Spirit of Marin awards luncheon, which recognizes the achievements and volunteer spirit of local businesses and business people. In addition to the Chamber of Commerce’s recipients, a special award was given to Heidi Kuhn, who founded Roots of Peace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the removal of land mines in third world countries. At the Bay Institute’s annual fundraiser Celebrating H2O, guests in-
Russ Colombo, Heidi Kuhn, Diane Baker, Lynn Colombo
ber Jared Huffman bid on auction items to raise money for the or-
BAY INSTITUTE
ganization. At the fourth annual Sleepy Hollow Kitchen Tour five remodeled homes were showcased, including an updated Eichler. The homes were staged by designers Robert Federighi and Christi Sanford. The event also included chef demonstrations and performances by a quartet from nearby San Domenico School. The nonprofit Warm Wishes recently held its third annual Bocce Ball Tournament. The successful event raised money that will be used to distribute warm winter clothing to homeless people all over the Bay
Chris Robbins, Darren Griffiths
Ashley Dunning, Steven and Susan Machtinger
Erica Miller, Barbara Dryden Area as well as New York.
WARM WISHES
Carolyn and Bob Williams, John Garamendi, Kristen Addicks
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MARIN DECEMBER 2007
John Racanelli
Bill Hamm, Nina Barbalacci, Sam Van Zandt
Adolph Ardito, Mike Ardito, Ralph Ardito, Eugene Ardito
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: SPIRIT OF MARIN AWARDS: RICHARD WHEELER; BAY INSTITUTE: SHERI MONTGOMERY
cluding Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi and Assembly mem-
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5
FA S H I ON TRENDS
3 2
travel takes on color
6
2 3
1
4
It’s no secret that traveling during the holidays is a hassle. Why add the stress of searching for luggage in a sea of black suitcases at the airport carousel? A flash of color isn’t only a quick way to catch your eye but this season’s top choice for designers. —S.F.
1. Monogram Pegase 50 wheeler by Louis Vuitton, $2130 at Louis Vuitton (SF). 415.391.6200, louisvuitton.com 2. The X2 four-wheel Flash in green by Titan, $675 at Flight 001 (SF). 415.487.1001, flight001.com 5
3. Pinup Shoe luggage tag by Fluff, $14 at Lulu Blue (Mill Valley) 415.388.5907, store.fluffshop.com
4. The Gabbi and Lana bag by Benefit, $26 to $38 at Benefit (Mill Valley). 415.383.5577, benefitcosmetics.com 5. Double Deck luggage in circle stripe print by Burton, $170 at Destination 1440 Marin (Greenbrae). 415.925.4384, burton.com 6. PVC Luggage Tag by Yosifa and Penina, $12 at Flight 001 (SF). 415.487.1001, flight001.com
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FA S H I ON
lifestyle Name Jason Jennings Home Tiburon, California and Timber Rock Shore, Michigan Occupation Author and speaker on business leadership What are you wearing? In a nod to the season I’m wearing my go-to-a-party Armani velvet jacket, a Zegna tuxedo dress shirt, a pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans and Ferragamo belt and shoes. To counter the weight of all those designer names, I’m wearing my $15 blue plastic Swatch watch that I picked up in the Zurich airport years ago and the yellow Livestrong wristband I’ve vowed to never take off. A sprig of holly from the garden at home serves as my boutonniere. Where would you wear this outfit? Believe me, only when going to a holiday party! Normally when giving a speech or doing a book signing, author event or meetings in New York I’m fairly buttoned-down. Describe your personal style. Recently, my speaking agent in Washington, D. C., called me a Renaissance man. It was the highest compliment I’ve ever received. My style is defined by my activities: writing, music, cooking, entertaining, studying (learning Spanish), adventure travel and designing and building homes.
demand motivational speakers in the nation, Tiburon’s Jason Jennings is also a best-selling author. His latest book, Think BIG - Act Small, was published in 2005.
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Who are your fashion influences? Soon after I met George Staubli, my partner of 30 years, he shared his most important guiding principle for good taste: that understatement, simplicity and quality equal class and sophistication. I don’t shop without him and his discerning eye. Favorite designers? Armani, Zegna, Versace in that order and, of course, Swatch. Where do you love to shop in Marin? Gene Hiller in Sausalito, Costco in Novato and all the stores and shops in the Town Center in Corte Madera.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
P H OTO: BARBA RA R IE S
One of the most in-
What is always in your bag/pockets? I’m a walking electronics store and am never without my iPod (late ‘70s heavy metal and ‘80s hard rock), Treo 700 (I’ve given up my laptop), Sony Digital camera (you never know when you’ll come across a great shot for the website) and an MP3 recorder (for capturing interviews of up to four hours in length) and the entire tangle of wires and chargers that make them all work. What is the single most essential piece in your wardrobe? My black Armani sports coat. I can pair it with jeans and a T-shirt for travel, dress it up with a pair of Zegna slacks and collared shirt for a cocktail party or combine it with a pair of beaten-up chinos for a casual weekend breakfast. What would you never be caught dead in? For starters, I’d never wear a brown suit, nothing plaid, no loud colors, no class or fraternity rings and I consider wearing any kind of loafer with a suit an offense worthy of life imprisonment! Where do you like to eat in Marin? When we do dine out in Marin my favorites are the Caprice in Tiburon (love the new menu) and any small family-owned Mexican or Thai restaurant. What is your best cheapo secret? I love the Mossimo Twill Jeans from Target. They’re comfortable, are a bit scruffy, fit terrific, look great and are like $20 a pair. What’s your fashion pet peeve? When commuting on the ferry to the city I’m amazed by the scores of high-powered male executives wearing pants that are many inches too short and always find myself mumbling under my breath, “Don’t you have anyone in your life with the taste, courage or compassion to tell you that you look totally goofy in your too-short pants?” If your life were a movie, what would be your theme song? I wish I could answer your question in a way that would make me look cool but can’t. The theme song would have to be a song I grew up singing in church: “How Great Thou Art.” It’s a song about praise, reverence, humility, wonderment, celebration, forgiveness and aspiration. It is the theme song that keeps me going.
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DECEMBER 2007
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Think Global, Buy Local How to have a green holiday tree BY MIMI TOWLE
’T
is the season to deck the halls…and adorn our living rooms with a statuesque, fragrant Monterey pine, Sierra redwood or noble fir. For most of us here in Marin, this means a trip to one of the neighborhood Christmas tree lots and a half-hour perusal
of farm-perfect trees delivered to Marin via farms mostly in Oregon and the Sierras. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, Americans bought 28.6 million trees in 2006. We
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DECEMBER 2007
45
“An acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen for 18 people.” —National Christmas Tree Association in Marin accounted for about 25,000 of those, says the Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority—the people responsible for disposing of the tindery remains
Specialists in the Art of Travel
post–December 26th. As to where they end up after being dropped off or hauled away from your curbside, there’s actually sort of a happy ending to that, says Jeff Rawles of MCHSW. “We contract out a variety of waste haulers, in a collaborative effort, to pick up and dispose of thousands of trees in a very short time,” he explains. “Most of the trees end up being composted and the material is used for the county’s needs, except for the trees with chemical treatment such as flocking. These go straight to landfill.” So it seems the centerpiece of the season need not induce too much green guilt—though there is the matter of the tree often having traveled hundreds of miles to get here, most likely not in a vehicle using low-emission fuel. There are other alternatives. The live tree is a fine choice—especially if it’s planted in an urban
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beauts, prestrung and ready to plug in. But while those are reusable and green in color at least, are they really the best way?
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Surprisingly, the environmentally minded website treehugger.com says no. “Most are actually shipped from China and are generally made with polyvinyl chloride, or PVC,” site staff writer Kara DiCamillo says. “Many PVC products can be a source of hazardous lead. This is why faux Christmas trees carry a warning label that cautions you to avoid inhaling or eating any bits of lead dust that may fall from
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MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
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its branches, and the labels also advise you to wash your hands after handling.”
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Buying a tree from a local tree farm is the best solution, she maintains. “Not only does it support the local community, but it also means you aren’t purchasing a tree that’s been hauled from across the country.” By their nature, these businesses are a sustainable enterprise: once you choose a tree and chop it down, the farmer will replace it with a new sapling to harvest in a few years. And while trees are growing on the farm, they create habitats for other living creatures and turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. Most of these ventures are family owned and open from sunrise to sunset until Christmas. Regardless of where you get your tree this season, be sure to log on to marinrecycles. org to find out how and where to dispose of it once the celebrating’s all done.
These Christmas tree farms are well within an hour’s drive from most points in Marin: Buddy’s Christmas Trees 8575 Graton Road, Sebastopol, 707.823.4547, grandmastrees.com Davis Christmas Tree Farm, 3800 Vine Hill Road, Sebastopol, 707.823.8733 Garlock Tree Farm, 2275 Bloomfield Road, Sebastopol, 707.824.0361 Larsen Christmas Tree Farms, 391 Marshall Ave., Petaluma, 707.762.6317 Liberty Christmas Tree Farm, 241 Liberty Road, Petaluma, 707.792.2150 Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm, 961 Chapman Lane, Petaluma, 707.763.4678 Reindeer Ridge Farm, 3500 Mariola Road, Sebastopol, 707.829.1569 Victorian Christmas Tree Ranch, 1220 Gravenstein Hwy. North, Sebastopol, 707.823.0831
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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DECEMBER 2007
47
F Y I GIFTS
Don’t Show Up Empty-Handed Heading to a dinner party but aren’t sure what to bring the hostess? What if she doesn’t drink? Or is allergic to flowers? Take advice from Cabana Home’s Michael Snyder: “It’s always a thoughtful gesture to show your appreciation so I always like to give something that’s useful. I wouldn’t worry about matching the gift to the event but do match to the recipient’s taste or lifestyle,” he says. This season, head to a local boutique for hostess gifts that range from elegant takes on classics like a handsomely wrapped candle to unique options like flower-shaped dish scrubbers. —S.F.
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■ Cabana Home (Mill Valley) “We have an assortment of beautifully packaged candles by D.L. & Company with unique scents like Exlibris—it smells like a great gentleman’s study and opium den—which is warm and romantic,” says owner Michael Snyder. $38 to $55, 415.383.0201, cabanahome.com
Opposite page, top: Dishwashing gloves, $44 at Coquelicot (Larkspur) 415.924.0279. Opposite page, bottom: Cocktail napkins and place mats, $2.50 to $7.50 at Nancy Koltes (Mill Valley) 415.383.5811. This page, clockwise from left: Dish scrubbers, $10 at Fig Garden (San Anselmo) 415.457.9443. French jacquard dish towels, $22 to $24 at Columbine (Corte Madera) 415.927.8884. D.L. & Company candles, $38 to $55 at Cabana Home (Mill Valley) 415.383.0201. Note cards, $8.95 at Country Gardens (Larkspur) 415.924.6784. Olivina liquid soap, $21 at Tiller Digs (Corte Madera) 415.927.1266.
■ Nancy Koltes (Mill Valley) “Our linen hemstitch cocktail napkins and place mats come in a variety of colors including lilac and taupe,” says owner Janet Cloutier. $2.50 each cocktail napkins and $7.50 each place mat, 415.383.5811, nancykoltes.com
■ Tiller Digs (Corte Madera) “Olivina liquid soap and lotion from Napa Valley come beautifully packaged and are nice for travelers who want something from our area for their hosts,” says owner Mercedes Feller. $21, 415.927.1266, shoptowncenter.com
■ Columbine (Corte Madera) “French jacquard dish towels are a great gift because they come in a variety of colors and patterns and it’s something people don’t buy for themselves, but it makes a fabulous gift,” recommends owner Michelle Sandler. $22 to $24, 415.927.8884, shoptowncenter.com
■ Fig Garden (San Anselmo) “People have been buying these great dish scrubbers that come in the shape of flowers and all you have to do is wrap them in one of our great bags and you’re good to go,” says owner Lesley Madison. $10, 415.457.9443
■ Coquelicot (Larkspur) “Our best-selling gift item for 10 years has been a pair of plastic gloves made by a French artist. They’re great for gardening and dishwashing and come in a variety of colors,” says owner Nuria Sthymmel. $44, 415.924.0279
■ Country Gardens (Larkspur) “Note cards by Carol Fine Arts come embossed with first initials in colors like gold and purple, or pick up one of the 30 other designs,” says Marty Weissensee. $8.95, 415.924.6784
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DECEMBER 2007
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F Y I CA R E
Compassion Trumps Politics Marinites reach out to troops in Iraq during this time of conflict BY SOMER FLAHERTY
Sergeant Edward Watson (second from right) and members of the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq.
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arin Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey is a pas-
and women tangible forms of support, especially during
sionate opponent of the Iraq war, but when it
this holiday season.
comes to supporting the men and women on
Only a few months ago, San Rafael photographer Klaus
the front lines it’s a different story. “As a nation we are in-
Larsen was offered an assignment in Iraq and found him-
debted to every American who has worn the uniform, and
self surfing the web for information about the region. He
we must honor their service and sacrifice,” she says. “It’s
came across a web diary by 25-year-old Sergeant Edward
important that the troops serving in Iraq, and elsewhere,
Watson of the 82nd Airborne Division—the same division
know that while most of us don’t support the President’s
that parachuted behind enemy lines on D-Day.
policy in Iraq, we will always stand beside them and they
As Larsen began reading the soldier’s blog, he learned
have our full support. That’s why I think making an orga-
that coincidentally they were both reading the same book,
nized effort to provide comfort to our troops serving in Iraq
Militant Muslim Combat Methods — “just some light read-
is a great idea.”
ing,” Larsen jokes. He soon wrote to Watson, recommend-
In Marin, several individuals are doing just that.
ing other books on the same subject. After a few more
Motivated not by politics but by compassion, they’re mobi-
e-mails, Larsen mailed a small care package, which got
lizing money and resources to send America’s fighting men
him thinking.
DECEMBER 2007
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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Waiting Time or QualityTime?
“He was very grateful, and I realized that if I could send one, why not dozens, or hundreds?” With this notion, the Marin native created the nonprofit Adopt the 82nd, whose mission is to send care packages to troops overseas. Not only are such parcels greatly appreciated, but mail in general is definitely something the soldiers look forward to. Though Larsen operates on a shoestring budget (the group is currently looking for corporate sponsorship), he’s hoping to start mailing parcels amply stocked with food and personal
“I realized that if I could send one, why not dozens, or hundreds?” With this notion, the Marin native created the nonprofit Adopt the 82nd, whose mission is to send care packages to troops overseas.
Now you have a choice. You know the routine. You promptly arrive at your doctor’s office, sign in, wait… and wait… and wait some more. Finally, when you see your doctor, there is barely enough time to deal with your immediate health issues. There’s very little connection, very little dialogue, and very little time to discuss the larger questions of managing all your health needs. A new direction in medical practice is changing the way doctors and their patients approach effective health care. It is affordable, personalized concierge medicine that allows you to work closely with your doctor on preventative care and managing your health. You will interact in an unhurried, comforting setting that provides a level of service previously not available for most patients. You don’t have to play the waiting game with your health care anymore.
Mill Valley Robert Belknap, M.D.
regardless of our political views, we can all get behind the idea of helping out our brothers and sisters in harm’s way.” Back in 2003, Marin resident Thomas Burford, a veteran himself, created Operation Triple H (Helping our Heroes from Home). To date, the group, with logistical help from Marin Rod and Gun Club and American Storage, has shipped nearly two tons of care packages to the United States Army’s Rest and Recuperation Center in Qatar, in southwest Asia.
To learn more about the Concierge Choice program and these participating doctors, call 1-877-888-5565. Greenbrae Anne Cummings, M.D.
care items to the 82nd Airborne. “I figure that
Over 450 soldiers are seen at the center
Corte Madera Ruth Rubin, M.D.
each day, and Burford says sometimes they’ve been evacuated from duty so fast they come in with only the clothes on their backs. Hence he sends food, clothing, playing cards, books, personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and deodorant and more. Both groups could use monetary support
PERSONAL CHOICE. PERSONAL CARE.
to keep moving those packages overseas. To donate, go to adoptthe82nd.com or contact Burford at marinbackroads@msn.com.
52
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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collection seems too daunting, consider outsourcing the job to Riptopia. Cofounder Kurt Beyer, a former professor of information technology, and chief technol-
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ogy officer Yugal Sharma, who previously worked on the Human Genome Project at the National Institutes of Health, couldn’t have made the process easier. For about a dollar a CD, the company will transfer personal collections onto a customer’s computer or portable music player and categorize it alphabetically by artist, album and genre—making it
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easy for the user to choose which song to listen to. After an order is placed, Riptopia sends prepaid addressed and insured shipping materials to the purchaser’s front door. The client slides his or her CD collection into the protective spindles Riptopia has sent, en-
music player in the box, seals the package and drops it off at the nearest UPS pickup location. In only a few days, the fully loaded iPod and CDs will be back home, ready for listening. Riptopia (SF). 800.874.4921, riptopia.com
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➊
P H OTO C OURTESY OF BIONEERS
closes the iPod or other portable
cellular STOCKING STUFFERS A holiday gift guide for the techies on your list IT’S THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY CONUNDRUM— what to get each person on your list. Thankfully, we’ve
done our homework and come up with unique gifts for the techie (or wannabe) in your life: a guide to the latest cellular phones, and a company that will take the time—and guesswork—out of loading your iPod. Also word on the newest social networking site for kids. BY SOMER FLAHERTY
➊ BlackBerry 8100 Pearl
Mobile Suite or document editing capabilities,
Small is beautiful when it comes to the
but the phone does come with an application
BlackBerry Pearl. The smart phone includes a
called Picsel Viewer Suite, which lets you open
camera, music and video playback, and removable
and view Word and Excel documents, PowerPoint
storage while still being sleek and light. Although
presentations and PDFs.
the keyboard uses the SureType two-lettersfor-each-key system instead of the conventional
➍ Treo 680
QWERTY pad, the Pearl is otherwise business
Although some consumers may buy the Treo
friendly: like previous BlackBerrys, it can read
680 purely for the color options—it’s available in
Word, Excel and PowerPoint files and connect with
graphite, copper, arctic and crimson—the phone
Outlook and Exchange for doing work on the go.
actually works well; in fact, it may be one of the best of its brand yet. The new internal antenna
➋ iPhone
and smaller size make it sleeker than the Treo
A s by n ow w e ’ v e a l l h e a r d, the iPhone
predecessors; it’s got a full easy-type keyboard;
combines Apple’s iPod music and video player with
and it can be used as an MP3 player. The device
a mobile phone and e-mail access. The thin, sleek
includes 64 MB of user-available storage, nearly
design and multi-touch face make the device a
three times the memory of the earlier Treo 650.
design lover’s dream, but it’s the built in Wi-Fi and
Business users will enjoy viewing, editing and
visual voice mail (you can pick which messages to
sharing Microsoft Word and Excel documents and
listen to by sight, in any order) that’s apt to have
opening PDFs and PowerPoint presentations. But
corporate America drooling. The entertainment
some may be disappointed that the camera is only
features may outshine other devices’ but business
a VGA rather than a higher-resolution megapixel
users take note: while the iPhone reads Word and
version, now offered on most new camera phones.
Excel files, unfortunately at this time, the battery is not user-replaceable.
➎ Voyager
➌ Samsung BlackJack
is the closest thing to the iPhone—with an actual
O n e o f t h e t h i n n e st QWERTY keyboard
keyboard. The touch-screen device lets users easily
phones around, the Samsung BlackJack comes with
scroll through long lists of contacts, tap on certain
support for video and music and has 3G technology
parts of HTML web pages using a thumbnail view.
that allows broadband-like connection speeds. The
Although the camera is only 2-megapixel, the
device even includes a smart converter tool for
phone does have V Cast Music and Video, plus in
currency, length, weight and temperatures—perfect
select markets the new V CAST mobile television
for overseas travel. There are no Microsoft Office
streaming technology.
There’s buzz that Verizon’s new Voyager phone
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
A safe social website just for kids? Tiburon resident and Internet veteran Scott Arpajian recently launched dizzywood. com, a new free-of-advertising virtual world for ages eight to 12. “I had the idea a few years ago and decided to pursue it because kids in this age range were being underserved. There weren’t websites that were a fun place for them to be and had a lot of activities,” says Arpajian, who has two young ones himself. Children create their own adventures by customizing a character that best suits their personality; they then can take that character on visits to virtual worlds like a Mayan jungle or a fantasy city under the sea. Unlike on social networking sites for teens, all interaction between players happens via safeguard technology filters and live moderators, which prevents user identities and inappropriate content from being shared on the web.
F Y I H OM E DECO R
BRIGHT
IDEAS 1
If a room still feels lackluster even after choosing furniture and accessories, it may be due to a lack of good lighting. Often a neglected piece of
the home décor puzzle, done right, it can add glamour and drama to any room. Try this season’s newest trend in lighting—designs that are, in and of themselves, artwork.−S.F. 1. Caravaggio P2 pendant lamp, $350 at Design Within Reach (Mill Valley). 415.384.0480, dwr.com 2. Cobweb Chandelier by Carl Dern with Karen Brown, starting at $10,000 at Carl Dern Studio (Fairfax). 415.457.1883, carldernstudio.com 3. Poseidon Globe by Melogranoblu, starting at $569 at Lunaria (Larkspur). 415.461.0588, lunaria.us 4. Lavaliere Luminaire Grand by Thomas Fuchs for the Kentfield Collection, price available upon request at Boyd Lighting (SF). 415.778.4300, boydlighting.com
A good lighting design creates an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and subtle. In the lighting biz it’s referred to as a “layering of light” created by decorative, accent, ambient and task lighting. Here are some tips from Duane Johnson of San Rafael–based Artistic Lighting & Electric Corporation who has been illuminating Marin homes for over three decades. −M.T.
Why should a homeowner consider a lighting designer? Properly designed lighting has a 2
substantial impact on the interior design and architectural elements of the space. With the con-
3 3
stant change of technology being a driving force in the home building industry, a homeowner can be overwhelmed by the expanded use of lighting, audio/video, communication, computer, security and home automation. An experienced lighting designer can assist with fixture selection, placement, lighting control, electrical code issues, maintenance characteristics and energy efficiency.
What is lighting control? A lighting control system allows the homeowner to control any light or group of lights from any location in the home. It
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What new products have emerged in the residential market? LED (Light-emitting diodes) and fiber-optic technologies have evolved in their usability for residential applications. LEDs can be used for cove lighting, bookcases and various other applications, including color-changing effects for pools, spas and fun interior environments like home theaters. Fiber-optic is used in small display cases for accent lighting, shower lighting and pool and spa lighting. The Merlin Lighting™, also known as “optical framing projectors,” can confine the lighting to match the shape of art or sculpture—the ultimate in artwork illumination. RF (radio frequency) communication technology provides reliable wireless communica-
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DECEMBER 2007
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F Y I PEO P LE
LIST-EN UP!
U
biquitous, ubiquitous, what does it mean? Here’s a twoword definition: John Benus. The guy is seemingly everywhere. On Thursday nights he’s barbecuing oysters for the crowd at Sausalito’s Northpoint Coffee Company. When
the moon is full, Benus is leading the Marin Moonshiners on one of their three-mile moonlit hikes that includes dinner on the trail and concludes with a bonfire at Muir Beach, then socializing at the Pelican Inn. And when Saturday morning rolls around, the smiling optimist is often
BY JIM WOOD
supervising an Adopt-A-Highway crew along Highway 1 near Olema, picking up litter and, in his words, “making the world a little bit better place—and having fun in the process.”
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MARINMAGAZINE.COM
P H OTO: TIM P ORTER
John Benus wants to spread the word on upcoming fun and festivities in Marin and beyond
“I like cleaning up things,” Benus is quick to admit. The longtime Fairfax resident also has a proclivity for planning ahead: “There is so much going on in the Bay Area,” he says, “[that] I thought a viable business could be found in publishing a well-organized, userfriendly calendar of events, enabling people living here to share [info about] fun events with neighbors as well as out-of-town guests.” Enter Benus’s “What’s Happening Calendar 2008,” an easy-to-read listing of more than 500 festivals and events (over 200 of them
Did you know that on the afternoon of January 20, there’s an all-you-caneat crab and cioppino feed at the Grange Hall in Bodega Bay? free-admission) and 70 farmers’ markets that’s now in its third year of publication. Did you know the Marin Symphony has Civic Center performances on January 20 and 22 with tickets available by phone at 415.499.6800? Or that on the afternoon of January 20, there’s an all-you-can-eat crab and cioppino feed at the Grange Hall in Bodega Bay? And that the Cable Car Barn and Museum is open daily at the corner of Washington and Mason in San Francisco—with no admission charge? That and much more for all 12 months of 2008, including locations, websites and phone numbers, can be found in Benus’s guide. Compiling the calendar involved three months of intense reviewing of regional magazines, local newspapers, civic announcements, tourist guides and the web. “This year, I know I made over 2,000 phone calls,” Benus says. “Every event that’s interesting and enjoyable had to be included—and included accurately.” The informative “What’s Happening Calendar 2008” costs $20 and is available at most local bookstores including Book Passage, Book Depot, Barnes & Noble and Borders and at whatshappeningcalendars.com.
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LI F E
STO RY AN D
PHOTOS BY ABOVE: Two women use the North
Street steps in Sausalito for exercise; above, ABOVE RIGHT: Running the stairs in Larkspur off Magnolia Street; OPPOSITE: The second section of the Dipsea Steps, between Cascade Drive and Marion Avenue in Mill Valley. 60
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TIM PORTER
A WALK, A WORKOUT AND A WORLD OF SMALL WONDERS
Marin, Step by Step
I’m walking in the Sausalito hills, looking for a stairway tucked into the cul-de-sac end of Prospect Avenue. The summer fog is already in, the air is thick with eucalyptus and the growing sound of traffic spilling over from the freeway above means I’m close to my destination. All afternoon this is what I’ve been doing, lugging myself and 30 pounds of camera gear up and down. The problem is I don’t see the stairs. There’s nothing at the end of the street except
The stairways were built as shortcuts from the hill neighborhoods what appears to be a wall of bramble climbing up to Highway 101. At the last house on the street a man and a woman stand talking in a driveway. He’s taking a break from yard work. She is dressed in red, the same color as her hair. I ask about the stairs. The woman answers. “If you like stairs,” she says, a wide smile framing her words, “then your dream is just ahead.” Despite the glowing burn in my calves, the steady twitch in my quads and the nagging realization that my aging knees may refuse to ambulate in the morning, I laugh. The line between dream and nightmare is whisper thin and I have a feeling I’m about to cross it. Fifty feet farther down the road, there they are—seven concrete flights, daunting, but not nearly as steep as some I’ve already climbed on my trek up from the waterfront on Bridgeway. A few minutes and some heavy breathing later, I’m on the Spencer Avenue overpass, looking down at the freeway. I feel self-congratulatory, not so much for the physical climb—although it is indeed a grind—but more for overcoming the habit of using four wheels to take me somewhere where two legs will work just as well. As you’ll see, the story of the dozens of hidden and not-so hidden public stairways in Marin is really a tale about getting from point A to point B the old-fashioned way—on foot—and what you might find as you go.
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t
s
to the flats, where the trains or the ferry terminals were. a bit of history
OPPOSITE PAGE: Waiting for the
The hilly cities of southern Marin, from Sausalito to Corte Madera, are dotted with public steps
bus on Bridgeway at the Excelsior Lane steps in Sausalito; ABOVE
and stairways linking one neighborhood to another. Finding a definitive number of these stairways is elusive. Many are mapped. A few aren’t. Many have names, historic markers or signposts. Others seem abandoned. Some accounting has been done, though. A recent effort by Mill Valley to inventory all its steps, paths and lanes found more than 175 such byways, not all of them stairs, but most involving some sort of hill. In Sausalito, local writer Dorothy Gibson detailed the history of more than two dozen stairways and painstakingly counted the steps in each—109, for example, on El Monte, which leads
LEFT: a small garden, complete with drinking water for thirsty pooches, brightens the begining the second leg of the Dipsea Steps; ABOVE: the view at sunset from the top of the stairs connecting Prospect and Spencer avenues in Sausalito.
up from Bridgeway to Bulkley Avenue. In Belvedere, a map (obtainable from city hall) shows how to find the city’s 18 stair-stepped lanes, each marked by a colorful illustrated sign. The first impression many of these stairways present is age—and old they are. Some date back to the 1890s and many others to the early 1900s, remnants of the first days of these cities when cars were still a rarity, electric trains linked Fairfax, San Anselmo, Mill Valley and San Rafael with Sausalito, and the common connection to San Francisco for a commuter or a weekend homeowner was the ferry.
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ABOVE: hand-painted
signs mark the various lanes in Belvedere; RIGHT: a tree as guidepost between the first and second sections of the Dipsea Steps. FAR RIGHT TOP: on the Alcatraz steps in Mill Valley, Cedar Lane in Belvedere, outside a home facing the Dipsea Stairs; BELOW: signs on a fence facing the Bernard steps in Mill Valley.
The stairways were built essentially as shortcuts from the hill neighborhoods to the flats, where the trains or the ferry terminals were. Developers constructed some as enticements for would-be home buyers. Other paths evolved organically as residents (or servants) eschewed the looping switchbacks of hillside roads in favor of more direct routes. The vintage is readily visible. Art Deco–esque pillars bracket the lower entrance of the North Street steps in Sausalito. In Mill Valley, broken slabs of concrete and loose wooden railings make for treacherous passage on the steep Willow Steps above Miller Avenue, and a crumbly dirt path, rippled with tree roots, substitutes for stairs on Alcatraz Lane. Although the years have left many stairways in disrepair, they have also forged character and ambience. Most of the steps ascend and descend through lush bowers of mature bay, oak and eucalyptus. Gardens from adjoining yards spill onto a path, brightening the way with seasonal blooms. On a warm day, the stairways are shaded and cool; when it’s foggy, they darken further into mysterious tunnels with a light that beckons from the streets at either end.
work and a workout Today, the stairs serve many purposes. Some people still find them utilitarian. Any weekday morning in Sausalito the broad stairway of Excelsior Lane across from Plaza Viña del Mar sees steady foot traffic from pedestrians bound for San Francisco by ferry or Golden Gate Transit buses. For others, the stairs are recreational, a means to escalade their way to exercise and burn calories—fighting gravity one step at a time. The Arch Street stairway in Larkspur becomes an outdoor gym on weekends. Personal trainers and their clients join other hard-core types to share the pain produced by trudging up and down the steps, some making the round trip 30 or 40 times. Some routes include a respite. The second section of the Cable Roadway in Sausalito begins with a flat dirt path and a humble bench, acknowledgment that the first leg, from North Street to Crescent Avenue, is a steep-stepped quad-burner. The North Street stairs are interrupted halfway up from Bridgeway with a broad concrete bench set into a garden grotto that offers views of
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RIGHT: A white
house stands out amid the greenery on the first section of the Dipsea Steps in Mill Valley; OPPOSITE PAGE:
a light marks the entrance to a private garden on El Monte Lane in Sausalito.
“
San Francisco and an impressively large agave plant. The bench is dedicated to Suzanne Renee Leider, a cancer activist who died in 2002; a plaque reads, “More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.”
a way to go green Of the Marin cities, Mill Valley seems the most ambitious about convincing residents that its stairways can be used for more than just the annual running of the various Dipsea races, named for the city’s most famous set of stairs, which run in three levels from Old Mill Park to Edgewood Avenue. “The city has made it a priority to renovate the stairs,” says Christine Sansom, city Parks and Rec director. Driven by both environmental motivations—more walkers, fewer cars—and public safety concerns—stairs provide an escape route in an earthquake or fire—the city has set aside $100,000 each of the last two years to fix up the stairs. Already done is Miller Lane, connecting the Depot Plaza area with Ethel Avenue; in the works are the Willow Steps and Marion Lane, between Cascade Drive and Marion Avenue. Victoria Talkington, a former city planning commissioner, pushed for the renovations, along with creation of a useful detailed city map (available at the library) that
Marin’s stairways
shows all of Mill Valley’s stairways and pathways. Her main intentions were green:
take you places —
them within a quarter to a half mile of the house,” she says. “A very easy way to reduce
but slowly. There’s
ways are a “cheap and direct way of getting places that doesn’t use fossil fuel.”
plenty of time to observe what appears along the
“Marin County has an average of 11 automobile trips per household per day, most of
traffic congestion is to get people walking on routes right near their houses.” The stair-
They also send children a positive message about traveling on foot. “With Mill Valley’s changing demographics of more young families, [using the stairs] is a way to educate kids that daily physical activity can be part of their lives.”
and it’s fun! Marin’s stairways take you places—but slowly. There’s plenty of time to observe what appears along the way and to greet fellow travelers. On the Bernard Steps in Mill Valley one evening, I meet a delightful couple en
way and to greet
route to a film festival screening from their home up the hill. He looks familiar, but I can’t place the face. They say they’re step-climbing regulars. “I love it when we can
fellow travelers.
do errands on foot,” says the woman, talking as we walk down Bernard Street. “I feel European.” I ask their names and as I scribble in my notebook and they stride onward, recognition comes. He’s Jim Lange, broadcaster and longtime host of The Dating Game; she’s his wife, Nancy, a former Miss America. The steps are full of surprises. Some lie behind bordering fences, such as gardens— hidden from the street but open to those taking the backstage tour. Others face outward, such as signs clearly intended to amuse or influence those passing by—Thank You for Speaking Softly (on the Dipsea steps), The Road to Enlightenment (Alcatraz Lane) and my favorite: Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much (Bernard steps). There’s more: lovely gates, hand-carved name tags for houses (Casa Isabella, El Monte Lane, Sausalito), gnomes, a ceramic frog, toys hung in trees, Christmas lights lit all year round. It’s all there on the steps of Marin—yours just for the walking.
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H OME
A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS
STORY P. J. BREMIER PHOTOS BARBARA RIES
“ T H I S I S G O I N G TO B E A H U G E C H R I S TM A S , ” Janell Ciatti says. “This year it’s all about family.” Her words underscore a year of good news and wonderful changes. For starters, after successfully handling the operations of the family wine company in South America, her son, Greg Livengood, has taken over the reins as president and he and his new wife, Danielle, the daughter of one of Janell’s best friends, have moved nearby. ❋ This will be their first Christmas in Marin as newlyweds; it’ll also be the first for Stella, the Ciatti family’s exuberant seven-month-old Australian shepherd, whose own stocking will hang alongside the other family stockings over the fireplace in the study. ❋ You can share in the Ciattis’ holiday good fortune because their home, along with three others in Ross, will be on the annual St. John’s Tour de Noel, making it a two-time tour veteran. “The last time was in 1993 when the house was brand new,” Ciatti 68
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The Ciatti wine cellar provides the warm and intimate environment for a sumptuous holiday family dinner setting.
STORY P. J. BREMIER PHOTOS BARBARA RIES MARIN
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OPPOSITE: Janell and Joe Ciatti have lived in their
Ross home for 15 years after rebuilding on the lot that had a 1920s ranch-style home on the site.
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Joe Ciatti’s life is rooted in the wine world: his grandfather Guiseppe Bagnani owned Geyser Peak Winery in Sonoma for several decades after Prohibition ended.
says. “It’s so different now; it has so much patina and has really grown into itself.” Originally, the house grew from a simple desire on the part of her husband, Joe, for a place to store wine. Joe Ciatti’s life is rooted in the wine world: his grandfather Guiseppe Bagnani owned Geyser Peak Winery in Sonoma for several decades after Prohibition ended. And as a young man Joe built his own company, Joseph W. Ciatti Co., into the nation’s largest brokerage of grapes and bulk wines. This year he turned the company over to his stepson, Greg, and is now enjoying a second bloom as CEO of Vintage Wine Trust, a real estate investment trust devoted to wine. Only 15 years ago, however, Joe Ciatti was a wine seller without a home wine cellar. Rather than remodel their home, the couple found a 1920s ranch-style house for sale. Set on two lush Ross hillside acres, it was ripe for rebuilding. They asked architect Robert Gregory of St. Helena to design a Spanish Colonial Revival home for them. “It’s such a beautiful style,” Janell Ciatti says. “There were a lot of homes like that in Southern California where I grew up. I’ve always loved it; it feels so right.” The 9,000-square-foot residence, erected by Redhorse Constructors, is laid out on two and a half levels with intimate patios, a classically designed rear foyer courtyard and a private pool terrace off the master suite. Inside, there’s plenty of room for entertaining friends and business associates: a spacious living room, a large wraparound wet bar, a dining area and, around the corner, an inviting kitchen and family room. Even the more private study has a welcoming feel, with framed family photos and comfortable seating. Upstairs are four bedrooms and a gym. Although a Southern California designer initially handled the interior space planning, it was the owner of the furnishings store Sunrise Home in San Rafael, “Annie Bowman, my dear friend, who took over at the end of the construction phase, and continued to be the interior designer over the years,” Janell Ciatti says.
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Bowman says she was guided by her understanding of Ciatti’s needs: “She’s elegant, friendly, has more friends than anyone I know, entertains a lot but also likes quiet gatherings with her gal pals. So, in the living room we made different seating groups and scaled the furnishings to the architecture.” As for the 2,500-bottle wine cellar that started it all, a custom cabinet designer helped create the room of Joe Ciatti’s dreams. “I had collected different-size bottles over the years and cases of specific wines,” Ciatti says, and he worked with the designer to make sure the racks would accommodate all of his bottles: large ones, .750s, magnums and cases. “I’ve had it to full capacity at times,” he says, “but more recently, because I have not collected much, it has some growing room.” With its rustic tasting table and intricately carved leather-upholstered chairs that Janell Ciatti found in a New Orleans antique shop, the room is a favorite setting for special dinners. Recently, two wine-cellar evenings brought in $6,000 each to benefit the Family Service Agency of Marin. The biggest recent news for the Ciatti family is the successful completion of radiation and chemotherapy treatments for Grandpa Jack, Janell Ciatti’s beloved 83-year-old father. Accordingly, this year, instead of joining several other Ross families at a Mexican resort as they usually do, the Ciatti clan is gathering at home. Janell’s three sisters and their families will come from Southern California and Seattle. Grandpa Jack will come with his companion, Lois Kelly, from Santa Rosa. By then, Janell will have displayed her collection of holiday decorations, including the Santa Claus dolls and the sentimental sterling silver ornaments that hang on manzanita branches in the foyer. She purchases a new one every year for her son Greg and daughter Andrea Livengood, a fourth-grade teacher at Bacich Elementary School in Kentfield. With landscaper Angela Fitzgerald, Janell will cut fresh greens from the trees and shrubs on the property for arrangements and centerpieces, studding them with dried pinecones and pods. A tall, bushy evergreen tree in the living room will be adorned with pinecones and strung with amber lights.
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OPPOSITE: Ciatti
family gathers for holiday cheer. Greg Livengood pours wine for wife Danielle and sister Andrea Livengood.
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If You Go: The 21st Annual Tour de Noel Saturday, December 8 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church 14 Lagunitas Rd., Ross 415.456.1102 stjohnsross.org Tickets: presale $30 Day of event: $35, Lunch: $10
Library serves as a cozy place to watch television and as Joe’s office. 74
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Ciatti Family Recipes ❋ RICH ROLL COOKIES From The Joy of Cooking cream together: 1 cup butter 2/3 cup sugar
beat in: 1 egg combine and add: 2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla Chill dough 3 to 4 hours. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and cut into favorite holiday shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly browned.
❋ LEMON GLAZE mix or blend: 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice
She’ll set aside one day to make her family’s traditional Christmas treats—English toffee for her son and decorated cookies for her daughter. “My mom and I usually invite some of my friends and their moms over before Christmas and we ‘paint’ cookies,” Livengood says. “I love that day.”
Spread unheated lemon-sugar sauce on cookies. After glaze hardens, dip a tiny paintbrush in food colorings to create festive motifs.
Holiday dinners occupy a special place in the hearts of the Ciattis’ children. “I think one of the best Christmastimes here was when we had 20 family members around the table, including my cousin’s brand-new baby and my grandfather,” Greg Livengood says. “There were four genera-
❋ ENGLISH TOFFEE CANDY From Aunt Ileana
tions together. It was a really special year.” This year, out-of-town family members will begin arriving on December 23, filling up the
1 cup chopped nuts
guest rooms in the Ciatti home and their son’s new home in Kentfield. On Christmas Eve, every-
1/2 lb. butter
one will gather for a dinner of chateaubriand and salad served on one of the same sets of holiday
1 cup sugar
plates given to Janell and her sisters by their late mother. Joe Ciatti will pick the wines. “I will
2 tbsp. water
try to pair whites, reds and dessert wines with what we are serving,” he says. “I typically try to
1 large Hershey bar, cut into pieces
do something extra special for holiday celebrations like bring out an unusually big bottle I’ve col-
Lightly buttered 9 x 13-inch pan
lected at auction.” The best surprise of the night might be the premiere viewing of Greg’s video tribute to Grandpa Jack. The next morning, when everyone rises to exchange large stockings filled with presents, Janell
Place nuts in a lightly buttered baking pan. Combine butter, sugar, and water in an iron skillet over high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes a caramel color. It
will serve Ramos Fizzes, egg soufflé and candied bacon. “The children love the candied bacon,”
may smoke slightly. Immediately pour mixture
she says. “If I don’t make tons, they’re disappointed.”
over chopped nuts and top with Hershey
Guests are free to come and go throughout the day, but they hurry back in the eve-
bar pieces, spreading gently to cover nuts
ning, bringing friends with them, for a buffet of lasagna, salad and cookies set out on the
and toffee mixture. Refrigerate and cut into
bar. “It’s very casual and relaxed,” Janell says with a laugh. “By that time, I’m usually dead.”
squares after cooling.
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Heli-skiing o r boarding
can be an un forgettable th rill
O 76
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B Y B E N D AV
ID S O N
J OU RNE Y S T O R Y A N D P H O T O S B Y VA S S I K O U T S A F T I S
S K C A R T THE
Enroute to Istanbul, the author visited the city of Ankara where he took this photo of the skyline from a high-rise condominium building that is home to many senior embassy diplomats from various countries . MARIN
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A
helicopter had just deposited me, my Burton Custom snowboard and a few companions on top of a wintry white peak deep in the British Columbia wilderness and, I admit, I was little freaked. Moments earlier, I had been in the heart of the bustling Whistler Valley, one of the most popular ski areas in the world. Now I was just a speck in a vast snowy expanse. It was humbling—and a bit surreal. The theory was that my board and body would somehow steer me safely down into the white void more than 1,000 feet below, where our whirlybird would collect us and bring us back up top for another run. I had my doubts. Had I gotten myself into something that was literally
have much choice except to follow—and ready or not, I did. With a few whoops and hollers, we plunged into a steep canyon, cutting turns as gracefully as possible through untracked powder that reached our thighs. This was winter fun at its absolute best, the ultimate experience for skiers and snowboarders. It was frosty, fantastic and, despite my racing heart, pure fun.
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P H OTO: BEN DAV IDSO N
over my head? But once our guide disappeared over the edge, I didn’t
WH ISTLER BLAC KC OMB
Snowy white wilderness beckons skiers and snowboarders beyond Whistler-Blackcomb’s expansive terrain, as seen from a whirlybird’s point of view.
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Cutting turns in deep, fresh
snow is heavenly fun for heli-skiers
Heli-boarding: A must-do adventure
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two skiers, had convened at the heli-ski firm’s office and ski rental shop in Whistler Village.
and snowboarders. OPPOSITE: Town of Whistler at dusk.
My companions, another snowboarder and
I had learned to snowboard on a whim after 20
Loading our equipment in a minivan, we shut-
years as a skier. I now enjoy both, switching be-
tled a few miles to a small hut and helipad,
tween the two depending on the snow condi-
where we met our guide, Chris, and pilot, Steve.
tions and mountain terrain. The snowboard, I
After viewing an orientation video, we went out
discovered, is a stable, two-edged platform with
into the snow for a safety exercise using the ava-
amazing versatility in a wide variety of condi-
lanche transceivers we would wear strapped to
tions, especially powder snow. The rhythmic
our chests while on the mountain. After the drill,
edge-to-edge moves, the floating sensation and
a Bell helicopter landed to gather our group.
simplicity of the equipment are especially addic-
Before I could really ponder the sanity of what I
tive. After many seasons of practice, I felt con-
was doing, we were airborne, being whisked up-
fident enough venture out into wilderness by
ward toward the snowy ranges above.
helicopter. For me, heli-boarding was a must-do
Only 10 minutes of exhilarating flight later,
adventure and a test of my snowboarder skills.
we touched down on a windswept ridge. Pellets
P H OTO: BEN DAV IDSO N
ABOVE :
of snow fanned in every direction as we exited the copter, crouched over and walking swiftly to a spot safely away from the spinning rotors. Our equipment was unloaded and the helicopter flew off, leaving us in silence amid a landscape of snowy mountains unfolding to the horizon like a huge white cape. We checked our transceivers and reviewed the protocol: ski one at a time, stay behind the guide, turn parallel to the previous skier’s tracks, stay close to the group—and have a blast. Adrenaline pumping, I followed Chris over the edge, easing my board down the fall line into a powder-lined canyon. When I made my first big turn of the day, the board responded beautifully in the fluffy snow. Two more turns and I was ecstatic. This was bliss. We stopped midway down to take photos of each other cutting turns. Tom, a former ski patroller from Colorado, caught big air over a cornice before landing softly in the fluff. Mark, the other boarder, bulleted past before leaning into a series of long, graceful turns. Near the bottom, we headed into our only tree run of the day. We had to traverse the slope cautiously due to the limited early December snow coverage. Carefully picking a path through the trees in deep snow proved difficult, especially on the snowboard. I became bogged down in a thick section full of serious hazards like “tree wells,” pits of deep snow that collect around tree trunks. Literally crawling out this potentially bad situation, I rejoined the
PH OTO: WH ISTLER BLAC KC OMB
group at the bottom, my lungs heaving and my ego a bit bruised.
Powder skiing is usually for the lucky few who happen to be at ski resorts during or after big powder dumps. But for those with the verve and the cash to hitch a ride into the winter
The helicopter reappeared and touched down agilely on a small, flat clear-
wilderness aboard a heli-
ing. Aboard, we headed toward a ridge called Wolverine, where we made our
copter, there’s powder to
next run: a long, dreamy descent, each turn feeling more elegant than the
be found all winter long. A
next. We lunched on sandwiches halfway down, sharing stories of the day.
four-run Whistler heli-ski-
The sun was already low when we started our last run down Peterson
ing tour (6,000 to 10,000
Glacier, a vast, treeless snowscape of wide bowls creased by crevasses and
vertical feet) costs around
bluish glacier ice. We made turn after turn, gaining speed for a long, flat run-
$800. More information at
out to the landing spot, where our chopper was waiting to take us back to
whistler.com/heli_skiing
the comforts of Whistler Village.
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
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GO
Amador’s New Gold Rush BY SAMANTHA BRONSON
we tasted the first two wines on the extensive list—a Viognier, followed by a Grenache rosé. Naomi Aradi, the wine club and events manager, touted the foothills’ growing allure as she poured—“people are realizing that Napa isn’t mador County, in the heart of the
A
usual specific itinerary-making in favor of a
the only wine area”—noting that it’s not un-
Gold Country foothills along the
more relaxed, adventurous approach.
common for employees of Napa wineries to visit Amador wineries on their days off.
western flank of the Sierras, is at-
Our first stop was the Amador Vintage
tracting a new type of fortune seeker these
Market in tiny Plymouth, where we picked up
Out destination for the night was the Foxes
days, one whose treasure comes from a barrel
sandwiches (curried chicken salad and bar-
Inn, a sumptuous bed-and-breakfast in down-
and not a mine shaft. The wine lover.
becue tri-tip) and roasted veggies for lunch,
town Sutter Creek, where our room had vault-
Amador’s burgeoning wine industry is at-
along with some winery advice. Story Winery
ed ceilings, antique furnishings and a slate-tiled
tracting international notice, with vintages
was the clear favorite for a picnic spot. There
bath. After a game of checkers on the front
gathering up acclaim from critics and medals
we ate beneath shady trees and enjoyed a
porch, we stepped back in time to wander
in wine competitions. So far, though, Amador
sweeping view of the Cosumnes River canyon.
Sutter Creek’s six-block Main Street. Covered
has remained true to its rural roots. The atmo-
Inside, in Story’s unassuming tasting
sidewalks and balconies lend a nostalgic feel,
sphere is low-key and unpretentious. Napa it’s
room—a small wooden house that was the
as do myriad antiques stores and specialty
not—which can be a good thing. Most win-
property’s original homestead—we sniffed,
shops like the Music Box, which originally
eries are family-run, with the owners tending
swirled and sipped our way through the win-
opened in Tiburon in 1989. Down the street
vineyards or pouring in tasting rooms. Tasting
ery’s collection of Zinfandels. Though we’d
at the Sutter Creek Ice Cream Emporium, rows
fees are nowhere to be found, and people with
hardly call ourselves wine experts, it was in-
of candy and cookies line the shelves and the
all levels of wine knowledge are welcome.
teresting to taste the differences between vin-
shop’s owner plays ragtime on the upright pi-
E
About two highway hours southeast of
tages and between grapes grown in different
ano. No chain stores exist downtown, and pe-
Marin, Amador makes for a perfect weekend
parts of the vineyard. A sample of Zinfandel
destrians almost outnumber the passing cars.
getaway. The local vintners’ association lists
port and dark chocolate capped off the visit.
Eager to try more foothill wine, we ducked
more than two dozen wineries on its map,
Leisurely meandering the country back
into Susan’s Place Wine Bar & Eatery just off
so when my husband, Matt, and I set out we
roads, we came upon Wilderotter Winery,
Main Street and found a table in the arbor-
knew it would be easy to find worthwhile
whose Tuscan-inspired tasting room drew us
shaded courtyard. We each ordered a blind
places to visit. Accordingly, we abandoned our
in. We knew it was a good stop as soon as
tasting flight of three, then laughed when we
82
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DECEMBER 2007
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could only correctly identify two out of the six wines, despite all the assiduous sampling of that afternoon’s discoveries. We finished the evening with dinner at the stylishly sleek Caffè Via d’Oro. The next morning after a breakfast, which
the Garden Rings
was served outside in the gazebo—I opted in 18k Gray
for sourdough French toast—we headed back
a n d Ye l l o w G o l d
to Amador’s main wine-producing area, the Shenandoah Valley, for more tasting and a dose of history. The county’s signature wine, Zinfandel, is believed to have been cultivated in Amador since at least 1868; some say miners from Eastern Europe were the first to bring it over. The grape thrived in the area’s dry, hot summer climate and has become a standard at most wineries in the region. Sobon Estates, our next stop, specializes in Zinfandel, particularly old vine Zins. The
OLD GOLD
original winery on the site was founded
www.oldgoldjewelry.com
mendocino
in 1856, yet Sobon is thoroughly modern
] 707 937-5005
in its farming approach—its vineyards are organic. At Shenandoah Vineyards we were
tiburon [ 415 789-9583
800 992-5335
poured the only Cabernet Sauvignon we would try that weekend (the area is generally too
JFEFD8I MN8CC<P :
warm for the grape), and at Vino Noceto we sampled Sangiovese in the tasting “barn.” This
It’s not uncommon for
<8C @E< FLEKIP
employees of Napa wineries to visit Amador wineries on their days off. place had more visitors than we’d encountered thus far, though the crowd seemed smaller than it actually was thanks to the quick pours, the open barn doors and the bocce court outside. Villa Toscana, our last stop, was more estate-like than the others we’d visited, complete with fountain, picnic areas and a deli. The spa-
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cious tasting room had a long bar at the back, and straight-from-the-barrel tastings were poured in one corner. As we headed home, I knew we could have stayed longer. But I also knew we’d be back and that until then, we’d have a little bit of Amador’s gold with us: our trunk was full of wine.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
83
LO O K I NG BACK
One-Room Churches BY JIM WOOD
HISTORIANS CONSIDER THE FOUNDING OF MISSION SAN RAFAEL ARCÁNGEL on December 14, 1817, one of Marin’s most important days. The mission established San Rafael as the center of the county’s religious, social and business life. It also spawned four one-room Catholic churches that still play active roles in their communities. Here’s a closer look at their origins. 84
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DECEMBER 2007
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BELVEDERE-TIBURON LANDMARKS SOCIETY; TOMALES REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER; NICASIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY; NORMAN C. STRAUB, M.D.
Each well over a century old, four community icons are still thriving
Church of the Assumption of Mary, Tomales The Civil War was not yet under way when Tomales pioneer John Keys—who envisioned the town someday being the size of San Francisco—donated a plot of land on what is now Highway 1 to the first Archbishop of San Francisco, Joseph S. Alemany, for a church. Less than a year later, on March 8, 1860, the Church of the Assumption of Mary was dedicated. According to Barry Spitz’s Marin, a History, the wooden church cost $4,000 to build, a lofty sum for those days. The first baptism happened here within six months.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BELVEDERE-TIBURON LANDMARKS SOCIETY; TOMALES REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER; NICASIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY; NORMAN C. STRAUB, M.D.
The first pastor, the Rev. Louis Rossi, traveled by horseback from Healdsburg to deliver his sermons. Forty years later, with the congregation growing, ground was broken for a larger stone church. But the great quake of 1906 destroyed that building, and the original wooden church, whose foundation was damaged by the temblor, was repaired and pressed back into service. And it is still serving. Nowadays, the Church of the Assumption in Tomales has a beautiful plastered ceiling, seven colorful stain glass windows on each side, and three graceful cut crystal chandeliers. The Reverend Robert
K. White leads Saturday night and Sunday morning mass, in both English and Spanish.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Saint
Hilary’s Mission Church overlooking
Saint Mary’s Church, Nicasio
Tiburon, circa 1890s.
The founders of Nicasio, situated in the geo-
road circling the
graphic center of Marin, envisioned the town
front of the church,
as the county seat; in the early 1860s, a town
much of which is
square was laid out with this in mind. In
still in place. THIS
Note the carriage
1867, the three-story, 22-room Nicasio Hotel and the graceful yet simple Saint Mary’s
PAGE, TOP: Easter
Sunday, 1919, Church of the Assumption
Church were constructed facing the square.
in Tomales. MIDDLE:
Like Tomales’s Church of the Assumption of
Saint Mary’s Church
Mary, Saint Mary’s was built on land donated
in Nicasio. LEFT: In
to Archbishop Alemany. This time construc-
this 1879 photo, the
tion was $3,000, thanks in part to use of locally cut and milled redwood. Saint Mary’s first pastor, the Rev. A. F. Herrington, rode in
recently dedicated Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Bolinas sits alone.
from Petaluma to deliver his sermons.
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DECEMBER 2007
85
Napa Valley’s Premier Spa and Fitness Club Today the church looks as it did in 1867. Two hitching posts and a white picket fence were added early on, but more functional wire fencing eventually took their place. In 1921, a thunderous Christmas Day windstorm blew down the steeple and knocked the building off its foundation. In 1958 a front porch was added to protect the handsome redwood doors from harsh winter weather and a gas heater replaced the nearly 100-
holiday gift giving made simple
year-old woodburning stove. The Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West celebrated the church’s centennial in 1967 by placing a
'&& =_\j 9[hj_ÓYWj[i LWbk[ '(&
bronze plaque near the entry, indicating a historic monument. Saint Mary’s now hosts weddings, baptisms and Sunday and Thursday morning mass. The Rev. Cyril O’Sullivan of-
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Mention “Marin” when purchasing. Valid only through December 2007.
ficiates both here and at Saint Cecilia’s in Lagunitas.
Saint Mary Magdalene Church, Bolinas Though a Catholic cemetery was established in 1853 near the corner of the Olema-Bolinas and Horseshoe Hill roads in Bolinas, another 25 years passed before Saint Mary Magdalene (original spelled Magdalen) Church was dedicated at the same location. The land was a gift from Don Gregorio Briones, the owner of Rancho Baulines, who wanted a chapel near the Bolinas Lagoon. At the time, Methodist and Presbyterian churches had already been constructed in the area that soon became known as “Gospel Flat.” Today, only Saint Mary Magdalene remains. From its beginning it was a “mission” church, meaning it didn’t have enough parishioners to support having its own priest. The first pastor, the Rev. James Croke, director of St. Vincent’s orphanage near San Rafael, also officiated at the Mission San Rafael Arcángel. Located just a quarter of a mile from the San Andreas Fault, Saint Mary Magdalene survived the 1906 earthquake virtiually unscathed. Two years later, a distinctive bell tower was added and the church’s one room was extended
86
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by 10 feet to accommodate a new altar. Saint Mary Magdalene had its most active years during World War II when military personnel were stationed in West Marin. Recently, the entire church was jacked up so a new foundation could be constructed. The Rev. John O’Neill of Sacred Heart Church in Olema says mass here Sunday mornings.
Old Saint Hilary’s in Tiburon In 1888 it took 80 days to construct this oneroom church on a rise above the town of Tiburon. The builder was Peter Donahue, whose crews were also constructing the nearby rail yards. The architect is unknown, although Saint Hilary’s style is typically dubbed either Victorian or Carpenter Gothic. Most likely the design came out of a “pattern book,” as virtually identical churches still stand in Montana and California’s ghost town of Bodie. Historically, the church’s
1200 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-3580
Open Tuesday – Saturday • Closed Sunday & Monday
name refers to France’s fourth-century Bishop of Poitiers, Saint Hilary; it was also undoubtedly a nod to to Hilarita, wife of Dr. Benjamin Lyford, who donated the church’s land. According to the pamphlet Old St. Hilary’s: The First One Hundred Years, the first communion took place at the church September 15, 1895, and the first wedding less than a year later. In 1911, a bell tower was built behind the church; sometime later a “sanitary privy” was added. Both still stand, although the privy doesn’t function. Until 1940, the church had no light, heat or running water. By the late 1940s, Saint Hilary’s was deemed too small to serve the community and a new church was built two miles west. To differentiate the two, the original church was renamed Old Saint Hilary’s. In 1959, thanks to the efforts of the late Susanna Dakin and historian Beverly Bastion, the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society bought and restored Old Saint Hilary’s. Today weddings are held regularly held in the redwood chapel. On December 19 at 8 p.m., a women’s choir will present “The Rhythm of the Holidays,” one of a series of monthly concerts held in the church.
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BOOKS
Gift Books Books keep giving long after the tree is taken down and the wrapping paper recycled BY SAMANTHA BERRY
88
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HERE ARE TEN READING recommendations for everyone on your list, from the gardener to the gourmand to the grandkids.
Around the World: The Grand Tour in Photo Albums by Barbara Levine and Kirsten Jensen (Princeton Architectural Press, $55) With photos, notes, postcards and maps these albums evoke not only a long-gone world of steamer ships, train travel and the grand tour, but also the boundless wonder of travel at a time when the world seemed unimaginably vast. As beautiful as it is fascinating.
Creature by Andrew Zuckerman
55 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley 415-380-0880 www.alixandcompany.com
(Chronicle Books, $60) This is wildlife photography as you’ve never seen it. Photographer Andrew Zuckerman has collected 175 studio portraits of exotic wild animals. There is something about viewing an animal against a white backdrop, removed from its habitat, that allows you to comprehend both its form and its character in a whole new light.
Bird Songs from Around the World by Les Beletsky (Chronicle Books, $45) Ever wonder what the African lilac-breasted roller sounds like? Or a red avadavat from Asia? Following up on the huge success of last year’s Bird Songs, this new volume draws on the collection of the Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University and features illustrated portraits and descriptions along with the digitally recorded vocalizations.
the perfect eco-gift: spa kimono wrap in luxurious organic bamboo.
In Defense of Food
Available this Holiday season at . . . .
by Michael Pollan (Penguin, $22)
tela d
The central message of Berkeley author Michael Pollan’s new book is simple: eat food. Food is easy to define. If your great, great grandmother wouldn’t recognize it, don’t eat it. His other rules—including “avoid food products bearing
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
marin’s only all organic boutique 51 bolinas road, fairfax 415.455.9410 teladorganics.com
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
89
health claims” and “get out of the supermarket whenever possible”—are just as intuitive and easy to follow.
Historical Atlas of California by Derek Hayes (University of California Press, $40)
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Using nearly 500 historical maps and many other illustrations, from sketches to beautifully rendered works of art, this lavishly illustrated volume tells a unique visual story of
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California’s past, from pre-Columbian times through the Gold Rush and up to present day. It’s the kind of book that reveals something new each time you look at it.
The Elements of Organic Gardening by HRH Prince of Wales (W.W. Norton, $40) Ever since his pilgrimage to West Marin in 2005, we’ve felt a kinship with Prince Charles.
(415) 892-2255 bettyann869@aol.com 869 Grant Avenue, Novato
Now the old chap has written a book on organic gardening—a good book on organic gardening! His devotion to sustainability, good food and nature conservation are apparent in this useful how-to that serves as both inspiration and guidebook.
The Art Book for Children, Book Two (Phaidon, $20) Two years ago we recommended The Art Book for Children, so we’re delighted to find its creators at it again. In this new volume they take the same approach—illuminating famous works of art by encouraging kids to ask simple questions and notice things like color, line and shape—and apply it to more modern artists like Hockney, Dali and Thiebaud. It makes a nice little refresher course for adults too.
Natural Architecture by Alessandro Rocca (Princeton Architectural Press, $35) This is the next art book for lovers of Andy Goldsworthy. The artists and architects in Natural Architecture have transformed the art of building using natural elements—branch-
www.kitchensplusdesign.com 901 A Street Suite D San Rafael CA 94901 Telephone: 415/453-9589 Fax: 415/257-4332
90
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es, twigs, pebbles, straw—to create sculpture. A pavilion with a roof made from water fro-
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
zen in an exuberant shape and a hut suited for mythical creatures are just some of the inspired structures featured here.
1080 Recipes by Simone Ortega (Phaidon, $40) Last year Phaidon Press brought us the wonderful Silver Spoon Cookbook, otherwise known as the Joy of Cooking for Italy. Now they are doing the same thing for Spain with 1080 Recipes. This is a home cook’s kitchen bible, with recipes for all the old favorites. Think of it this way: if you had been raised in Spain, you’d own your mother’s old, tattered copy of this.
California Trip by Richard Blair and Kathleen Goodwin (Color and Light Editions, $49.95) Here’s a coffee table book with guts. Inverness photographers/writers Blair and Goodwin, creators of Point Reyes Visions, have photographed California for the past 30 years—and this is their journey. Included are exquisite photos of Big Sur, Death Valley, Yosemite, Mendocino, et al. Other shots are of free-loving hippies, mourning Black Panthers, and a thoughtful Steve Wozniak. Insightful copy adds to the impact.
LOCAL TYPE The Greatest Secret of All: Moving Beyond Abundance to a Life of True Fulfillment by Marc Allen ($18, New World Library) This book by the New World Library founder and president takes the manifestation theories behind the best-selling book The Secret a step further by helping readers rediscover that the true source of fulfillment and happiness is not just material but must “always include loving and serving ourselves and others.” Here the author reveals the practices and secrets behind his own success. You Know You’re a Writer When… by Adair Lara (Chronicle Books, $10) A collection of witty observations about the eccentric, quirky, word-obsessed condition that is being a writer from the beloved San Francisco Chronicle columnist and humorist. Example: “You know you’re a writer when… you know more than 10 synonyms for blue.”
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467 magnolia avenue, larkspur, ca 94939 415.924.2500
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91
A RT
Guns, Paper and Steel ‘Tis the season for innovative artistry BY ANNE CRUMP RAY
A
nn Weber’s sculptures have attracted attention and acclaim for their scale,
organic shape, intricate design and innovative use of materials. Her medium of choice is cardboard, harvested from Dumpsters, which she cuts into strips and weaves together into large, beautiful, often gourd-like forms. The finished pieces belie their humble origins, looking more like wood carvings, tribal totems or castings than elements from a recycling bin. From November 5 through December 15, Donna Seager Gallery in San Rafael hosts an exhibition of Weber’s sculpture titled Poetry of Structure, which highlights her gravity-defying compositions and intricately constructed objects. Trained as a ceramicist, Weber became interested in creating pieces that had fewer limitations than the works she made on the potter’s wheel—she strove for lightness and unpredictability, while still favoring the handmade appearance of works in clay. Cardboard proved an unlikely but fitting medium, giving her the freedom to experiment and the ability to reveal her skills in a more physically arresting format. The exhibition at Donna Seager Gallery follows a presentation of Weber’s work by the Oakland Museum of California and complements a selection on view concurrently at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. The gallery will be open during the San Rafael Artwalk on Friday, December 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Donna Seager Gallery, 851 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415.454.4229, donnaseagerAnn Weber’s sculpture created from recycled materials is on display at Donna Seager Gallery in San Rafael.
gallery.com; 11–6 Tue–Wed and Fri–Sat, 11–8 Thu, closed Sun–Mon Aperture f/64 Gallery quietly opened its doors along San Anselmo Avenue one year
92
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The Golden Gate Bridge, taken during construction in the 1930s, is on display at Aperture f/64.
ago with a mission to present a dynamic array
a group show highlighting two of the Bay
beautiful architectural models of churches
of black-and-white fine-art photography. Its
Area’s most recognizable landmarks. The
and mosques and reliquaries. The objects
name refers to the aperture famously advo-
selection includes shots from the bridges’
themselves appealed to him because of their
cated by Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham,
construction in the 1930s by Stackpole,
art historical heritage as prized symbols of
Brett and Edward Weston, and several other
1950s-era prints by Ernest Braun and con-
religious devotion; using a nontraditional me-
photographers in the 1930s who united un-
temporary pictures by Edgar Angelone and
dium in their creation allowed him to visually
der the moniker Group f/64.
Stefan Kirkeby.
and conceptually address the enduring inter-
The smallest aperture possible on the
The exhibition continues through January
large-format cameras used by these pioneer-
5; the gallery hosts an opening reception on
ing picture-makers, it allowed for crisp, de-
Saturday, November 10.
tailed—and, they argued, unbiased—representations of the world around them. Aperture f/64 Gallery honors the spirit of
connectedness of religion and violence. “The atrocities committed in acts of war absolutely violate every tenet of religion, yet
Aperture f/64 Gallery, 635 San Anselmo
rarely do religious institutions speak against
Ave., San Anselmo, 415.482.0480; 11–6 Tue–
the violations committed in the name of
Sat, closed Sun–Mon
God,” Farrow has said. “In my constructed
Group f/64 with a broad spectrum of photo-
reliquaries, I am playfully employing symbols
graphs drawn from the history of the medium,
From November 29 through January 5, San
of war, religion and death in a facade of ar-
encompassing everything from vintage finds
Francisco’s Catharine Clark Gallery features
chitectural beauty and harmony.”
to contemporary works, by artists such as
large-scale sculptures by Marin’s Al Farrow,
Also on view during the period, in the
Edgar Angelone, Paul Caponigro, Rolfe Horn,
who transforms the hardware of war into
gallery’s video project room, is a new video
Paul Kozal, Roman Loranc, Unai San Martin
religious icons.
piece by John Slepian titled Caged.
and Peter Stackpole.
An accomplished sculptor who once ran
Catharine Clark Gallery, 150 Minna St.,
In November it opens the exhibition
his own bronze foundry, Farrow became in-
San Francisco, 415.399.1439, cclarkgallery.
Bridging the Bay: Photographs of the Golden
terested in using guns, bullets and related
com; 10:30–5:30 Tue–Fri, 11–5:30 Sat, closed
Gate and the San Francisco Bay Bridge,
paraphernalia as potent media for creating
Sun–Mon
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DECEMBER 2007
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Edgar Soberon Yellow 25 x 28 inches, oil on canvas
PER F O RMING ARTS
ON WITH THE SHOW! The Children’s Theatre Association—entertaining kids for over 70 years BY MICHAL LEV RAM
O
ver 70 years ago a group of young Bay Area women got together with the goal of introducing kids to the performing arts. The nonprofit they founded, Children’s Theatre Association, has been putting on
plays for thousands of local youngsters nearly every year since. “Our mission is to expose children to the joys of live musical theater,” says coproducer Alice Steele. About 150 female volunteers, two-thirds of them from Marin, now present plays ranging from Sleeping Beauty to Alice in Wonderland to
and the Beanstalk, the English fairy tale about a poor boy who sells his cow for five “magic” beans, kicks off in early November at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor’s Florence Gould Theater. From the beginning, the San Francisco–based group’s aim was to introduce stage musicals to kids who wouldn’t otherwise be exposed.
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P H OTOS : TIM PORTER
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and many more. This year’s show, Jack
OPPOSITE PAGE, UPPER PHOTO: from left, Peggy
Haas, Benita Truman, Gerri Eszterhas, Holly Noble. LOWER PHOTO: from left, Nancy Martin, Brenda MacLean, Terry Keyes
Under an arrangement with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and local school districts, children from schools across the Bay Area are bused in with their teachers to see free performances each season. About 6,000 schoolchildren attend shows in November and December; then, from January to midFebruary, Saturday shows are open to the public for a nominal ticket price (proceeds help fund the organization). But the real work starts earlier for the women behind the curtain, who begin rehearsing at least twice a week in September. This year, 28 of them have acting roles in Jack and the Beanstalk; the rest work on costumes and sets, among other tasks. Many of the women, like Diane Blackman
272 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
(415) 461-1866
of San Rafael, have been performing with the troupe for over 10 years. “There’s such camaraderie in the group,” she says. “We really have a lot of fun rehearsing and performing. And it’s such rewarding work, especially when we perform for kids who don’t have a chance to see live theater. You feel very good being able to give them this very special experience for an hour.” Although all members devote their time for free—including Steel, who spends many hours reading plays, working with the cast and emailing and making calls—paid professionals are brought in to direct the plays. The group’s musical director, Bill Keck, also works with San Francisco’s popular cabaret show Beach Blanket Babylon. The true payoff ultimately lies in the young audience’s response. “For many of these kids, it’s the first time seeing live theater,” says Steele. “Sometimes you get to a really magical scene in a play and you see how their eyes sparkle.” For more information and to buy tickets to this year’s performance, go to ctasf.com.
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CAL E N DA R
DECEMBER ARTS & EVENTS GUIDE
San Francisco Opera’s Madama Butterfly
Thru 9 Marin Theatre Company Presents Lovers and Executioners The newest production is an adaptation of a classic French masterpiece. The piece is by acclaimed playwright John Strand and was the winner of the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org
Thru February 1 Teatro Zinzanni An evening of European cabaret, cirque arts, original live music and a five-course dinner await. This season features Duffy Bishop, Michael Davis and Les Castors. Pier 29 (SF). 415.438.2668, zinzanni.org
Thru 16 Oh, Lady! Lady! This farce features a man whose wedding plans are derailed by a former flame. Eureka Theater (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org 98
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
Competition Bring in the New Year with this show by four alumni from the San Francisco Comedy Competition and producers Anne and Jon Fox. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org
5—23 A Christmas Carol Featuring nasty old Scrooge and adorable Tiny Tim, this music-infused celebration has been a holiday tradition for years. American Conservatory Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org
Thru 16 Heroes Set in a French military hospital, the story focuses on three veterans who meet every morning and dream of escaping their surroundings. Ross Valley Players (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.org
31 Best of the San Francisco Comedy
COMEDY Tuesdays Mark Pitta and Friends The comic hosts an evening for up-and-comers and established headliners to work on new material. Special guests are a surprise until the night’s performance. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throckmortontheatre.com
MUSIC 1 Corinne West CD Release Combining the energy of bluegrass, country progressive folk, Corinne West delivers her newest recording, Second Sight produced by Mike Marshall and featuring Jerry Douglas, Darol Anger and Tony Furtado. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net
1 San Francisco Symphony Michael Tilson Thomas conducts Shostakovich’s Fifth. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM
P H OTO: TERRANC E MC CA RTH Y
THEATER
C A L L for E N T R I E S
Get Covered! ATTENTION ARTISTS: Enter the Second Annual MARIN MAGAZINE Cover Art Contest. WINNERS: A winner for each of the following categories: painting, photography and illustration, will be featured in the May 2008 MARIN MAGAZINE. EXPOSURE: Each winner will be featured on the May 2008 impact cover unit and will display their work to the public at the opening of the MARIN ART SALON May 8, 2008. ENTER NOW AT: MARINMAGAZINE.COM/GETCOVERED
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Marin Ballet’s The Nutcracker
1 & 2 Marin Symphony Stephen McKersie
8 Seeds of Sun Known as the musical am-
conducts the Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus and Orchestra and the Marin Symphony Youth Chorus in festive carols from around the world. Program includes the traditional audience singalong. Pre-concert music begins 30 minutes prior. Marin Symphony (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org
bassadors of Israel and one of the leading Israeli jazz ensembles in North America, this talented group performs original jazz written in Israel. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org
1—8 Madama Butterfly Get your tickets early: returning for only five performances, this production sold out last year. The heroine of this opera finds herself with a choice: life without dignity or death with honor. San Francisco Opera (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com
2 Mill Valley Chamber Music Society Don’t miss the 34th season of chamber music concerts. Work by Corey Cervosek and Paavall Jumppanen. Mt. Tamalpais Methodist Church (Mill Valley). 415.381.4453, chambermusicmillvalley.org
8 The House Jacks This rock band uses no instruments; their voices can run the gamut from tender love ballads to mile-a-minute funk. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com
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16 Starduster Sundays Hosts Jan Wahl and Cynthia Glinka will get guests moving to the sounds of the big band era. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com
DANCE 1 & 2 Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
9 Christmas Jug Band The whole family will enjoy the band’s original tunes and parodies of traditional songs. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com
Based on Irish folklore, this classic tale of good versus evil is expressed through the universal language of dance. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). 415.512.7770, shnsf.com
1 & 2 Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker This 14 Messugga Beach Party Dressed up like rabbits, Meshugga Beach Party plays traditional Jewish music with a surf music spin. Team Pro Event (Mill Valley). 415.389.5072, murphyproductions.com
6—8 San Francisco Symphony Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique tells the story of a young artist’s obsessive and unrequited love. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org
Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, singersmarin.org
16 Singers Marin Join youth and adult choral ensembles of Singers Marin as they sing familiar Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs and holiday winter standards. Marin
original production brings to life the tale of Clara and the nutcracker prince. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org
1—9 Velveteen Rabbit Contemporary dance company ODC/Dance presents this classic story about the powerful relationship between a boy and his rabbit. YBCA Theater (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM
8 & 9 The Nutcracker This year, Marin Ballet’s full-length production will unveil two new scenes and choreography from former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Julia Adam. The cast features more than 150 students. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinballet.org
9 2nd Sundays Don’t miss these works-inprogress by Denise Lumiere, Amy Lewis, Danica Sena and others. CounterPULSE and Dancers’ Group (SF). 415.626.2060, counterpulse.org 15 Marin Dance Theater: Sophie and the Enchanted Toy Shop This full-length twoact children’s ballet features over 120 dancers plus guest professional artists. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinballet.org
15 San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker In a Victorian-inspired setting, guests will enjoy a holiday luncheon with children’s activities and a matinee performance. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.553.4658, sfballet.org
GALLERIES
SIP
MARIN Aperture f/64 Gallery Bridging the Bay Photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge on display. Work by Edgar Angelone, Stefan Kirkeby, Ernest Braun and Peter Stackpole, thru January 5. 635 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.482.0480 Art Abloom Gabriella Spina Drake founded the gallery in Santa Barbara in 1990 and relocated in 2002 to Marin. The gallery specializes in offering a full-spectrum art experience in a creative and noncompetitive environment. 735 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com Artisan Art Gallery Salon: Best of the Best Hung Salon Style With no theme hindering the artist’s creativity, this open juried show will feature hundreds of pieces of work hung floor to ceiling, thru December 11. 853 Fourth Street, San Rafael. 415.460.5208, artisansartgallery.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM
DECEMBER 2OO7 – FEBRUARY 2OO8
S O N O M A VA L L E Y S AV O R
Please join us for special olive-seasoned events and lodging packages including The Blessing of the Olive, The Feast of the Olives, Martini Madness and more! Visit us at olivefestival.com
C E L E B R AT E
DECEMBER 2007 Olive Harvest Holiday Month JANUARY 2008 Taste of the Olive Month FEBRUARY 2008 Olive + Wine Month
phone 866-996-1090
info@sonomavalley.com
www.olivefestival.com Information and Tickets
The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, 453 First Street East, Sonoma MARIN
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Art Works Downtown Day of the Dead Invitational Sharon Christovic of the Folk Art Gallery and Carol Durham of Art Works Downtown curate this exhibit, thru December 7. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org Atrium Art Gallery Garden Inside An exhibit of paintings and monotypes by St. Louis-born Katherine Warinner, thru January 11. 1350 South Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae. 415.925.7624 Belvedere Tiburon Library Running Fence Fine fiber-artworks created by California artists out of the rare, historic panels of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Running Fence. Artists include Deborah Alastra, Regula Allenspach Weill, Liz Berg, Kay Carlson and others; thru December 15. 1501 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon. 415.789.2656, bel-tib-lib.org Claudia Chapline Gallery Sculptures by local artist Florence Resnikoff, thru December 16. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com
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Edith Caldwell Gallery Ongoing work. 819 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.5003, edithcaldwell.com Falkirk Cultural Center Photographic Narratives A survey of contemporary photography by Ann Baldwin, Lawrie Brown and others, thru December 29. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3438, falkirkculturalcenter.org Gallery Bergelli New work by gallery artists, thru December. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, gallerybergelli.com Gallery Route One After Hours/Secret Lives In this exhibition, gallery artists explore the mysterious world of after hours and the secrets that get revealed thru their works, thru January 13. 11101 Highway One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org Marin Society of Artists Selected member exhibit, December 2—December 16. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org
O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Discovering the Sacred: Art of the Spirit A group show juried by Kathryn Kenworth, December 4 thru December 27. Ben Parker: Yin and Yang, Shadow and Light, in the Loft Gallery. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org Robert Beck Gallery Ongoing work. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898 Robert Green Fine Arts Work by Ed Moses, thru December. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfinearts.com Sam the Butcher Ongoing work. 19 Ross Common, Ross. 415.902.1019 Studio 333 The art gallery features fine art, custom furniture and artist studios. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info The Art Bar Ongoing work. 34 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.3999, theartbar.us
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
The Painters Place Gallery Artists An exhibit of original art by Painters Place gallery artists, thru January. 1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.0351, thepaintersplace.com
SAN FRANCISCO ArtHaus Cocktails & Conversations, an intimate collection of new paintings by Carol Massa. The Photographers, a group show featuring works by Astrid, Jess Johnston, Chris Schiavo and Michael Kerbow, thru December 29. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com Berggruen Gallery Displaced Work by Jonathan Callan, Frank Ebert, Armando Miguelez and more, thru December 15. Pinocchio As I Knew Him This Year, thru January 5. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com Caldwell Snyder Gallery Recent paintings by Alejandro Rivera, thru December. 341 Sutter St, 415.296.7896, caldwellsnyder.com
It was with great anticipation that I added Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), America’s greatest Folk Hero, to my “Great Contributor” series. He is without a doubt one of the most remarkable men in history and certainly the most famous symbol of America’s rustic democracy and innovativeness. In his left hand he holds a key, symbolic not only of his significance in America’s independence and founding but of opening doors in so many aspects of every day life. I invite you to come, sit and take short respite with this amazing man. Perhaps ponder his contemplative smile and consider his approach to life along with his wit, wisdom and humor. -GLP
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Elins Eagles Smith Gallery Selected work by gallery artists, thru December. Geary St, Ste 520, 415.981.1080, eesgallery.com Fraenkel Gallery Photographs by Richard Misrach and Ralph Eugene Meatyard, thru December 22. 3049 Geary St, 415.981.2661, fraenkelgallery.com Frey Norris Gallery Stick and Move Work by artists from Malaysia, Korea and Japan, thru December 13. 456 Geary St, 415.346.7812, freynorris.com Gallery Paule Anglim Work by Tony Labat, thru December 22. 14 Geary St, 415.433.2710, gallerypauleanglim.com George Krevsky Gallery The Unspoken Word Work by Richard Nagler, thru December 8. 77 Geary, 415.397.9748, georgekrevskygallery.com Gregory Lind Gallery New work by Jovi Schnell, thru January 19. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com
Hackett-Freedman Gallery The Structure of Improvisation A selection of paintings by pioneering California abstract expressionist painter Emerson Woelffer, thru December 22. 250 Sutter St, 415.362.7152, hackettfreedman.com Hang Art and Hang Art Annex The Evolution Will Not Be Televised Work by Anthony May, thru December at Hang Art. Treasures Work that is no larger than 16 by 16 inches but makes an impact much greater than its size, thru December at Hang Art Annex. 556 & 567 Sutter St, 415.434.4264, hangart.com Jack Hanley Gallery Work by Fergus Feehily and Ajit Chauhan, thru December 8. Work by Gee Vaucher, thru December. 395/389 Valencia St, 415.522.1623, jackhanley.com John Pence Gallery Work by master oil painter Jacob Pfeiffer and Randall Sexton, thru December 15. 750 Post St, 415.441.1138, johnpence.com
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Marin History Museum Riding the Rails Discover the fascinating story of trains in Marin County as this exhibition celebrates the railroad boom from the first tracks laid by the North Pacific Coast Railroad to the bustling days of the Northwestern Pacific passenger and freight service, thru April 12 (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org Marin Museum of the American Indian Masks of the Americas A combined exhibit of contemporary and traditional Native American and Southwest masks by the museum and California artist Becky Olvera Schultz, thru April 20 (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com
New Exhibit at the Exploratorium Uncovers the Mysteries of the Mind IT TOOK OVER FOUR YEARS for the Exploratorium to develop its new 5,000-square foot exhibit Mind. The exhibit allows viewers to experience their own thoughts, feelings and actions in provocative and unexpected ways through 40 different interactive installations. For example, at the installation “Limelight”, the viewer stands before a simulated lively audience; this leads to an examination of one’s own emotional and cognitive reactions to being the center of attention. At “Masks”, viewers are challenged to communicate feelings without using facial expressions, relying solely on body language. “Poker Face” invites the viewer to try and catch a friend in a lie. “Fast Faces” exposes why the ability to recognize a famous person is more fragile than you may have assumed. These exhibits, activities, demonstrations and artist installations probe the mysteries of thought, emotion and the workings of the mind. The exhibit is on display thru 2008 at Exploratorium (SF). 415.561.0377, exploratorium.edu/mind Lighthouse for the Blind Insights This juried art exhibition features works by artists who are blind or visually impaired. The show emphasizes the diverse range of how people express themselves and how they see, thru December 7. 25 Van Ness Ave, 415.431.1481, lighthouse-sf.org Linda Saytes Ongoing work. Hunters Point Shipyard Bldg, 101 Studio, 2120, 415.824.5756, saytesart.com Meyerovich Gallery Guy Dill: New Work Bronze and aluminum sculptures on display, thru February 1. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com Newmark Gallery New Paintings A solo exhibit by Dutch painter Paula Evers, whose work deals with the dualism in Western thinking, thru December 15. 251 Post St, Ste 412, 415.392.3692, newmarkgallery.com 104
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Paul Thiebaud Twenty-Five Treasures A group show of paintings, sculpture and culture objects that aims to bring together 25 works of art and other unique collectibles, thru December. 718 Columbus Ave, 415.434.3055, paulthiebaudgallery.com Rena Bransten Gallery Sculptures by Ruth Asawa, thru January 12. Works on paper by Rebeca Bollinger, thru January 12. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com
MUSEUMS MARIN Bolinas Museum Holiday Mini Show Works by over 85 artists that are no larger than six inches in any direction on display, thru December 30. (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org
BAY AREA Asian Art Museum Stylized Sculpture: Contemporary Japanese Fashion from the Kyoto Costume Institute Conceived by acclaimed artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, this exhibition spotlights the sculptural essence of contemporary Japanese fashion through the works of Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and others, thru January 6 (SF). 415.581.3500, asianart.org de Young Chim: The Photography of David Seymour Included in this exhibition are compelling portraits of Pablo Picasso, Peggy Guggenheim, Bernard Berenson, Arturo Toscanini, Ingrid Bergman, Kirk Douglas and Audrey Hepburn, thru February 24 (SF). 415.863.3330, thinker.org di Rosa Preserve Gay Outlaw: Recent Sculpture A sampling of new art and work that has never been shown together. This is the latest in a series of Gatehouse Gallery exhibitions featuring recent work from notable artists in the di Rosa collection, thru January 5 (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosapreserve.org Legion of Honor Marie Antoinette and the Petit Trianon at Versailles Upon her accession in 1774, the Austrian-born queen of Louis XVI of France was given the Petit Trianon, a small château secluded in the park at Versailles. The exhibition gives a visual history of the château through 88 pieces of furniture, paintings and sculpture, thru February 17 (SF). 415.863.3330, legionofhonor.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Museum of Craft & Folk Art Change: Craft in our Future Recent alums from the California College of the Arts faculty from the five craft departments at the college, have selected recent graduates they feel best represent the most exciting contemporary craft being made today, thru January 27 (SF). 415.227.4888, mocfa.org SFMOMA Jeff Wall The Canadian artist is widely recognized as an innovator of picture making. This retrospective brings together more than 40 pieces, thru January 27 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org YBCA BioTechnique showcases an assortment of organisms, semi-living objects, and intricate life support systems. The exhibit includes Denise King’s terrarium habitats constructed for her bacteria paintings; lab equipment used by the Tissue Culture and Art Project to grow chimerical cell clusters and hydroponic garden installations by Philip Ross, thru January 6. YBCA (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org
FAMILIES/KIDS MARIN Thru 13 Miss Kitty Clap, jump and sing to
FINGERHUT GALLERY
the sounds of Miss Kitty. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org
OF SAUSALITO Thru 23 Gingerbread Architecture Extravaganza Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they create the most delightful gingerbread house on the block. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org
Gallery works include: Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Smirnov, Jiang, Rembrandt, Wilkinson, Grace Slick, Snowden, Picart, Vanderveen, Dr. Seuss™ and others.
8 Marin Humane Society Bring the kids to the Discovery Museum to meet animals who are available for adoption and learn about their behavior and training. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org
9 Children’s Art Show Masterworks Children’s Art Studio’s annual children’s exhibit features art created by students from the fall session. 305 B Montecito Dr. (Corte Madera). 415.945.7945, masterworkskidsart.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Miro, Barcelona #597, etching and aquatint, 41.75” x 27.5”
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E-mail: sausalito@fingerhutart.com
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Joy to Your World Take Advantage of Our Marin Collection’s Exclusive Winter Offer
15 & 16 Teddy Bear Tea This annual event features antique tea settings, live music and a life-sized teddy bear character. Tea sandwiches and sweets will be served. Children can dress up and bring their favorite teddy bear for an afternoon to remember. Falkirk Cultural Center (San Rafael). 415.485.3333, falkirkculturalcenter.org BAY AREA
Enjoy $50 off when you book a two-night stay at any of our hotels. Call to make a reservation or book online at marinhotels.com and enter promo code: MARINJOY
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Thru 2008 Mind: A Major New Exhibit In the Exploratorium’s new exhibit Mind the viewer is the exhibit. Experience your own thoughts, feelings and actions in this 5000square-foot exhibition featuring over 40 interactive exhibits that were four years in the making. Exploratorium (SF). 415.561.0377, exploratorium.edu EVENTS Tuesdays and Thursdays Doodlebug Knitting Night Learn the basics of crocheting or felting, expand basic knowledge and try something new with fellow enthusiasts. Doodlebug (San Anselmo). 415.456.5989, doodlebugmarin.com Sundays Boomercize Classes A low-impact fitness program features dance steps and music from the American Bandstand hit parade. Marci Judelson leads a onehour workout. Presidio Dance Theater (SF). 415.608.4503, boomercize.con Thru December Angel Lights Help fund the Angel Island Association’s work on Angel Island State Park by adopting one of the lights that shine from the top of the park each December. 415.435.3972, angelisland.org Thru December Get Ready Marin Public safety representatives from all over Marin have come together to create the free Get Ready Marin classes, which teach how to prepare for, survive and recover from a disaster. Various locations (Marin). 415.485.3131, getreadymarin.org Thru 2 Holiday Crafts Fair Ceramics, toys, ornaments, clothing, jewelry, homemade jams and more on sale from over 40 craftspeople at this local fair. Dance Palace (Point Reyes). 415.663.1075
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Thru 7 Ritter Center Holiday Program Brighten the holidays for Marin’s low-income and homeless residents. Donate new items such as clothing, toys, backpacks and more. The center will organize the gifts and distribute them to participating families in a traditional holiday morning style, complete with pictures with Santa Claus. Ritter Center (San Rafael). 415.457.8182, rittercenter.org Thru 23 The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Hundreds of costumed characters bring over 100,000 square feet of space to life. Discover one-of-a-kind pieces for sale, dazzling entertainment and roasted chestnuts freshly prepared before your eyes. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls (SF). 800.510.1558, dickensfair.com
1 Abstract 9 This group of Bay Area painters, including Bob Armstrong, Ila Coombs, Mary Delave, Michele DiGregorio and others, display their recent works. The artists will be available at the reception to discuss their work. Third Street Grill (SF). 415.538.0804
1 Belvedere-Tiburon Landmark Society Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale Shop for paintings, jewelry, crafts and fine food by local artists to benefit the society. Landmarks Art and Garden Center (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org 1 Discover the Bay Help restore the bay while taking a scenic paddle to protected island sites that are inaccessible and off-limits to the general public. On these remote islands volunteers are needed to help restore the islands’ native vegetation. Loch Lomond Marina (San Rafael). 510.452.9261, ext 119, savesfbay.org 1 SF Camerawork’s Benefit Auction of Photographic Prints Vintage and contemporary prints on auction by more than 200 leading artists. SF Camerawork (SF). 415.512.2020, sfcamerawork.org
2 Piazza D’Angelo Winterfest An afternoon of fun for the entire family, including sledding on trucked-in snow, caroling, a visit from Santa. Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots. Lytton Square (Mill Valley). 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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6 A Century Ago: The Films of 1907 Journey back to a key year in the development of motion pictures. The film offers a lively survey of international filmmaking from 1907 with a selection of short trick films, actualities, primitive dramas and gag films. 415.454.1222, cafilm.org 6 Flu Shots OnSite Wellness will provide flu and pneumonia vaccinations for children over four with a prescription from their pediatrician and to adults without a prescription. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (Novato). 415.892.3700, pharmaca.com
decorations by local designer and celebrities to support Special Olympics Northern California-San Francisco Region. Fairmont Hotel (SF). 415.593.3250, sonc.org
7—29 Creativity Explored’s Annual Holiday Art Fair At this one-of-a-kind sale, choose from thousands of original and affordable gifts. Creativity Explored is San Francisco’s premier gallery of work by artists with developmental disabilities. Half of the proceeds from the sale of the work go directly to the studio artists. Creativity Explored (SF). 415.863.2108, creativityexplored.org
7 Glide Annual Holiday Festival Dr. Maya Angelou and others will honor Janice Mirikitani for her 40 years of selfless work in San Francisco. The evening’s festivities will include a host of inspiring women and music provided by the Glide Ensemble and the Change Band. The Hilton (SF). 415.674.6072, glide.org
8 & 9 KPFA Crafts and Music Fair One of the largest weekend fairs of its kind in Northern California; more than 100,000 collectors and holiday shoppers are expected to attend this event. Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). 510.848.6767, ext 646, kpfa.org/craftsfair
7 Spirit of the Season Start the holiday season in style at this elegant black-tie gala with live music, silent and live auctions, and
8 & 9 Marin Collectors’ Marketplace Are you a fan of the Antiques Roadshow? Stop by Marin’s version and shop for antiques,
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collectibles, jewelry and more. Free appraisals will be offered. Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org
9 Vaccination and Microchip Clinic Bring in your cat or dog for this monthy clinic. Marin Humane Society (Novato). 415.506.6262, marinhumanesociety.org 14 All in This Tea Bay Area filmmaker Les Blank has spent years documenting the stimulation of taste buds throughout the world. In this new adventure he and co-director Gina Leibrecht follow American tea importer David Lee Hoffman into some of the most remote regions in China in search of the finest handmade teas on earth. Film Center (San Rafael). 515.454.1222, cafilm.org 31 Ring in the New Year Join the San Francisco Symphony with a grand celebration. Michael Feinstein will perform favorites from Gershwin, Kern, Berlin, and Porter. When the clock strikes midnight, watch out as 2008 balloons will cascade from above. Davies Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
LECTURES/WORKSHOPS 2 Tom Brokaw: Aftershocks of the ’60s The best-selling author and anchor discusses his new book at New York’s 92nd Street Y in a live simulcast broadcast in Marin. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net
5 Molly Katzen The award-winning local author is credited with bringing vegetarian cooking into the mainstream. After selling over 6 million copies of the Moosewood Cookbook and other cookbooks, Katzen has created a new book full of the vegetable recipes she loves most. Join Katzen at this special Book Passage event to celebrate her new book The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without. Left Bank Restaurant (Larkspur). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com
8 Healing Ourselves: Body, Mind and Spirit Self-proclaimed channeler and intuitive counselor Alyne Jacobs helps connect guests with their spirit guides. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (Novato). 415.892.3700, pharmaca.com
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9 Steve Martin The writer, actor and performer speaks about his recent memoir, Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life at New York’s 92nd Street Y in a live simulcast broadcast in Marin. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net 13 Freedom from Addiction and Depression Corinna Kaufman will share a fun and simple 10-step process with new information on recovery from addiction, depression and more. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (Novato). 415.892.3700, pharmaca.com
NATURE WALKS/TALKS Ongoing Sonoma History Local actor George Webber morphs into Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, as he retells the history of Sonoma through Twain’s eyes in this lively, interactive production; specific dates on website (Sonoma). 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com 8 Techniques for Drawing Birds Learn the basics of bird anatomy and tricks to help you
quickly draw birds in the field. Practice the skill of deconstructing a bird with your eyes and how to simplify complex patterns and shapes for greater artistic ability (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org
9 The Wonderful World of Wild Mushrooms Discover a world of wonder at your feet by exploring Point Reyes for examples of the fantastic fungus among us. Learn to find and appreciate mushrooms with biologist Debbie Viess. Examples of edible, poisonous and incredible mushrooms will be shared through an illustrated classroom lecture and handson material (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org
RETAIL THERAPY Thru 24 European Designer Sale Don’t miss this once-a-year sale when European handbags and shoes will be offered at 50 to 80 percent off in Marin. Must-have items include leather totes, clutches, boots, wedges, flats, sandals and more. Junbesi Group and Neely Mack (Sausalito). 415.332.6833
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CALL THE SHOT!
Thru December Union Street Fantasy of Lights A month-long celebration of happenings on this famous shopping street. Local businesses will be adding white lights to their buildings setting the stage for holiday festivities. Merchants will also be showing off their creativity by decorating their store windows with unique holiday themes. On specific dates, merchants will be offering free gift wrapping, special shopping hours and open houses with entertainment. Union St (SF). 800.310.6563 1—2 Art Deco and Modernism Sale More than 200 dealers from across the United States will sell collectibles from 1900 to 1980 at one of the largest art deco and modernism sales in the country. The event features a vintage fashion show, dance demonstrations and a book signing. Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). 650.599.3326, artdecosale.com
Call the Shot has a simple premise: Tell us where this picture is and win a $100 gift certificate that can be used at Ora Restaurant in Mill Valley.
How well do you kno w Marin?
To win, your answer must be specific. You have to do better than just name the city. Give us an exact location and tell us what this is. Here’s a clue: you might see this while on your way to a movie. Here’s how to play: Go to marinmagazine.com, agree to the rules and submit your answer. Simple. We’ll choose the winner randomly from all the correct answers. Good luck! And the winner is:
1 Fritz & Mischell Studio art jewelers Fritz & Mischell return to present their newest designs from the collections Organically Grown and Reflections on Color. Spirits in Stone (Sonoma). 707.938.2200, spiritsinstone.com 5—6 Akris Spring Trunk Show Couture Salon, Neiman Marcus (SF). 415.362.3900, neimanmarcus.com
6 Appel and Frank The popular shopping event is back with designer digs at low prices. Tonight’s event, “Stockings and Stilettos,” is sure to be a hit. Come early for the muchtalked-about gift bags. Appel and Frank (SF). appelandfrank.com
6 Shop For a Cause Don’t miss this evening holiday trunk show featuring ecofriendly apparel and accessories. Embodies (Larkspur). 415.461.6462
Myrna Faulds of Mill Valley won October’s Call the Shot by correctly identifying the view of Mount Tam seen from the corner of San Rafael Avenue and Tiburon Boulevard in Belvedere. “The picture is where,” she says, “my father took my brothers and I fishing in 1972 and — believe it or not — we caught a flounder.”
7 & 8 Gellner Jewelry Collection Cultured pearls and extraordinary designs established the name Gellner as one of Europe’s most recognized and respected jewelry companies. Claremont Resort and Spa (Berkeley). 510.486.9050, spiritsinstone.com
9 Gellner Jewelry Collection Jewelry on display. Spirits in Stone (Sausalito). 415.332.2388, spiritsinstone.com 110
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WINE COUNTRY Thru 2 Festival of Trees The Napa Valley Symphony League’s annual fundraiser features a fashion show luncheon with clothes provided by Helen Lyall and a holiday concert performed by the New York Voices. Meritage Resort Hotel (Napa) and Lincoln Theater (Yountville). 707.226.6872, ext 24
1 Antique Evaluations Have you ever wondered what your favorite antique or family heirloom was worth? Participants can bring up to three items and consult with experts. Please, no furniture or modern collectibles. Bonhams & Butterfields Appraisal Workshop at the Sonoma County Museum (Santa Rosa). 707.579.1500 8 Holiday Candle Light Tour Napa County Landmarks present an opportunity to tour period homes. Enjoy holiday music, local wines and desserts. Various locations (Napa). 707.255.1836 8 Sustainable Winegrowing Hike With Docent Bill Myers See sustainable winegrowing and nature’s beauty up close at Kunde Estate. Hikes conclude at the winery tasting room, and guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Kunde Estate (Sonoma). 707.833.5501, ext 334
Art, Gifts & Accessories Mon. - Sat. 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
47 C Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera (415) 945-8863 • Across from Book Passage
10—24 Santa on the Wine Train Enjoy a train ride to Yountville from Napa with Santa Claus and his elves. Passengers will be treated to Christmas caroling and pictures with old Saint Nick. 1275 McKinstry St (Napa). 800.427.4124, winetrain.com 25 Christmas Dinner Join the Sonoma Valley community for the annual free Christmas dinner at the Sonoma Community Center. The holiday meal features gourmet foods, a hosted bar, live music and more. Sonoma Community Center (Sonoma). 707.938.4626, ext 1
31 New Year’s Eve Ball Head to étoile, a fine dining restaurant at Domaine Chandon winery, for an over-the-top New Year’s Eve celebration. Come dressed in festive masquerade attire and join the Bay Area’s Blue Moon Band for get-up-and-dance music. Domaine Chandon (Yountville). 800.736.2892, chandon.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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F L AVOR
’TIS THE SEASON Local chefs dish on holiday cookies FOR MOST, an endearing memory of the
holidays is spending time with family and friends—and what better way to do that than
ing through the home? Whether you’re pairing them with a glass of milk for Santa Claus or serving the treat with holiday cheer, take these helpful hints from local bakeries Debbie Does Dessert, Sweet Things and Eat My Kookies to create the perfect batch in your own home.
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CH EF PHOTOS: S HERI M ONTGO MERY
with the smell of freshly baked cookies waft-
Debbie Does Dessert Debbie Gonnet EVERY YEAR I adorn my
Christmas tree with iced gingerbread angels. By the time Christmas comes, many are missing and half eaten. It’s become a yummy tradition that my children look forward to. In making a good gingerbread, I like to add Chinese five spice in addition to ginger and cinnamon. It gives an extra warm and toasty kick. Make the dough the night before and refrigerate. Give a slight knead and roll out the cold dough. This keeps the shape and makes the task a lot easier. Investing in silicone cookie tray liners is well worth the expense—they keep cookies from sticking and insulate poor cookie trays to control even baking. Got milk?
Sweet Things Sharon Leach and Marsha Lasky SUGAR
COOKIES
are
wonderful when they are crisp and thin. The
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ingredient that makes them so crisp is powdered sugar. The dough should not be overmixed but blended just until the flour disappears. Include a hint of lemon in the dough for a twist and roll them really, really thin. Cut them into seasonal shapes and sprinkle coarse colored sugar on top.
Eat My Kookies Paul Patrikus IT’S
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shortbread cutouts with cream cheese frosting and great memories— Gene Autry records playing in the background, dad putting up the tree and my mother presenting a tray of cookies to decorate. The in-
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gredients for a perfect holiday cookie.
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Local • Seasonal • Sustainable
Let us Season Your Next Event
All Seasons A
C A T E R I N G
C O M P A N Y
415-383-9355 201 Seminar y Drive, Mill Valley, Ca.94941 www.allseasonscatering.com
INSIDER’S GUIDE
DINE OUT CORTE MADERA BENISSIMO Italian Benissimo…it means, “really really good” in Italian and that says it all. From margharita pizza to veal parmagiana to mocha mud pie Benissimo is a true taste of Italy. A wonderful neighborhood restaurant with an authentic Italian atmosphere. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316 benissimos.com CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Cal/Eclectic Be prepared for chaos. Easy place to meet with kids; Mom/Dad can enjoy a tasty Thai crunch salad and decent glass of wine while the little ones feast on basic kid-size portions of pasta and pizza. 347 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.945.0401 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, izzyssteaksandchops.com
CRAVING ITALIAN? ASIAN?
LA MAISON DE LA REINE Vietnamese A refreshing change amid the plethora of Italian, Mexican and Chinese options. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls, and combinations of pho are delicious. 346 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.0288 MARIN JOE’S Italian Pasta and other Italian dishes have been served up here for over 50 years, and with so many menu items to marvel at, it’s hard to make a choice! Pick from soup, salad, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and over ten pasta options guaranteed to satisfy any hankering. Have a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com MAX’S CAFE American Located across from Town Center, Max’s is well known for casual ambience and large portions. The menu changes with the season but features year-round favorites like matzo ball soup and BLTs. Besides decadent portions or comfort food and desserts, the menu also offers seasonable, local produce and healthy items too. 60 Madera Blvd, 415.924.6297, maxsworld.com
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ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY I SPORTS MEDICINE I SPINE CARE
PACIFIC CATCH Pan-Asian This well-priced fresh grill eatery offers a bounty of Pacific Rim—inspired small or main plates, like the generously portioned wasabi bowls filled with rice (white or brown), veggies and your choice of fresh or raw fish, chicken or beef. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.com
FAIRFAX CAFE AMSTERDAM American-European The former Broadway Video store is now a cozy spot to enjoy live music, a weekend brunch, dining on the heated patio and a large selection of local beers on tap. 23 Broadway, 415.256.8020, cafeamsterdamlive.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. Come for the famous veal parmesan—or your next big celebration. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparkvilla.com
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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 CAFÉ Italian Not only is the food satisfying and tasty; the service is friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520
KENTFIELD HALF DAY CAFE American A tucked-away setting of intertwining ivy and great white windows makes the perfect breakfast nook. The ambience 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 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
LARKSPUR CAFE Z American A pleasant surprise in the Bon Air shopping mall. Dishes like grilled chicken pesto pianni and savory crepes have quickly made this intimate spot a local favorite, and inventive meals keep people coming back for more (Greenbrae). 282 Bon Air Center, 415.461-9444, cafez.com
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E & 0 TRADING COMPANY Southeast Asian Chef Edwin Cabriloa-Torres is keeping the restaurant’s innovative plates like Indonesian corn fritters and Thai seafood clay pot 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. This 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 LARK CREEK INN American This flagship eatery for the Lark Creek Restaurant Group opened back in 1989 and was hailed by the New York Times as having “the best home cooking you can imagine.” It remains a perennial special occasion spot and is still known for inventive country cooking—as well as a cozy bar scene. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, larkcreek.com LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning French cuisine and its lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot has held court with the locals for well over a decade. Those with a petite appetite/budget can opt for happy hour (4-6 M-F) and enjoy appetizers, all priced under three dollars. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com MARIN BREWING CO American Grab a cold beer made right on site and pair it with fish and chips—fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce. 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com PICCO California Chef and celebrated restaurateur Bruce Hill deserves the accolades he has received for this eclectic shared-plate heaven. Dishes like mini-burgers and seasonally driven menu items, along with risotto made every half hour, keep people coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) but already famous for its wood-fired pizzas, great wine selection and soft-serve Straus Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com
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TABLE CAFÉ, Indian/American Indian-inspired cafe offers a unique menu featuring entirely organic ingredients. Menu includes seasonal salads, incredible soups and fresh juices. The specialty of the house is dosia, filled with a variety of ingredients and served with savory homemade chutneys. You can also take home a choice of three or four gourmet dinners freshly packed daily. 1167 Magnolia Ave 415.461.6787 RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads, and sandwiches are on the menu here. The Meyer lemon mascarpone danish and the bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun are perennial temptations. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com THE MELTING POT French Just across the street from the Larkspur Ferry terminal is a round red-brick haven for fondue fans. Share the “Big Night Out” feast featuring chef’s speciaties, or design your own spread with cheese fondue, salad, choice of meat entrée and chocolate fondue dessert. 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.461.6358, themeltingpot.com YANKEE PIER American This family-friendly casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924 as a private residence. Though known for beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips, clam chowder and MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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beautiful at NewSkin Clinic: 415.945.9555
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tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts with special dishes by renowned chef Anthony Bowman. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com
MILL VALLEY 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, serving up tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com CACTUS CAFE AND TAQUERIA Mexican Recently under new management; the food is better than ever. They still offer the lunchtime bargain burrito, as well as fish tacos, caesar salads with grilled chicken or shrimp. Be sure to opt for the diablo sauce on enchiladas and burritos. 393 Miller Ave, 415.388-8226 CAFE DEL SOUL California Beware of addiction. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh Hummus Yummus wrap, you’ll have to come back to sample the chipotle Sunrise Rice Bowl; then it will be the Thai It Up wrap with peanut sauce washed down with ginger limeade that brings you back, and so on. Casual lunch spot, great for takeout. 247 Shoreline Highway, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net
Brighten Your Holiday Spirit with...
DIPSEA CAFE Comfort One word: biscuits. This longtime Mill Valley 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 Highway. 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com
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EL PASEO French Keiko Takahashi, a prominent Tokyo chef known for her modern French cuisine, transports her flair to Mill Valley. With a cottagelike feeling, this fine dining restaurant serves meals that are nothing less than exquisite. Reservations recommended. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseorestaurant.com FRANTOIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this is a great location for large groups. Ask to sit in the press room for private parties. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com INDIA PALACE Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; however, eating on site is a treat too. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350
LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or comfortable booth can take a while. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait staff is also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224 ORA Pan-Asian An inventive small and large plate menu mixed with an impressive wine list and original bar menu, including sake flights. It’s an easy place to pop in for a drink and bite to eat, but call ahead for large groups. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.381.7500. oramv.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 PIZZA ANTICA Cal/Italian Light and delicious thin-crust pizza with toppings like fennel, spicy sausage, bacon, pesto and goat cheese, as well as a variety of fresh green salads and entrées. Acoustics are an issue; otherwise, a great meeting spot. Strawberry Village, 415.383.0600 RAIN TREE CAFÉ American/Homestyle Find in the newly remodeled Strawberry Village Shopping Center wonderful American fare: soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and gourmet crepes. Savor the Mill Valley Crepe: smoked salmon, capers, spinach, & Dijon wrapped in a fresh warm crepe. Breakfast is served all day. 610 Strawberry Village, 415.380.8886, caferaintree.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 VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience at this one-room trattoria. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343
NOVATO BOCA STEAK & SEAFOOD South American George Morrone, of Aqua and Fifth Floor fame, has been serving up an Argentinean-inspired menu in Novato with much ado. House specialties include provolenta, gambas al ajillo, and empanadas, as well as hand-cut (grass- and grain-fed) steaks. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com CACTI GRILL Southwestern 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 MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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CHRISTOPHER’S Italian/American A hidden place worth the effort to find in Bel Marin Keys. Christopher, the owner, offers a casual menu of innovative “Italian” type fare. 8 Commercial Blvd 415.382.8488 KITCHEN American Restaurateur Henry Hautau has succeeded in creating an intimate 45-seat restaurant in downtown Novato. The menu offers items like orange-and-spice-scented house-brined pork chop and star-anise-braised short ribs. 868 Grant Ave, 415.892.6100, kitchen868.com WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off Highway 101, this rustic mesquite grill offers a menu full of comfort food and drinks, like the smooth cosmos, and seafood risotto, with bits of butternut squash. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com
ROSS CAFE MARMALADE French This quaint oneroom coffeehouse is centrally situated near Ross Common. Get there early for the full selection of pastries to enjoy with fresh-squeezed orange juice. 22 Ross Common, 415.461.2205 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. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com
Firm thighs. Lifted seats. Flat abs.
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
SAUSALITO ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Father-andson chefs Pasquale and Alfredo Ancona offer handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti at this authentic Italian restaurant, which has been serving food from the Campania region for the past 24 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com ARAWAN THAI RESTAURANT Thai Known for its consistently tasty Thai food and efficient, gracious service. For light fare try the imperial or Siamese rolls (vegetarian), or dig into the delicious pad thai noodles or garlic and pepper prawns. Arawan Thai has been a local favorite for over nine years. 47 Caledonia St, 415.332.0882 arawan.com
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CAFFÉ DIVINO Tuscan Sure, you’ll find great coffee drinks in a funky one-room setting, but locals also come for the tasty pastas and salads cooked by Tuscan-born chef Elana Fabbri. Free delivery in Sausalito. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, caffedivinosausalito.com FRED’S Coffee Shop A local hot spot for over 40 years. Don’t miss the famous deep-fried French toast or the traditional Swedish breakfast. Not a breakfast person? The bacon bleu cheeseburger on a sourdough roll with fries is delicious too. Open daily from 7-3. Breakfast served until 2. 1917 Bridgeway, 415.332.4575, fredscoffeeshop.com
GAYLORD INDIA Indian Rated a “Restaurant of Excellence” by Zagat, Gaylord’s new location in Sausalito also features million-dollar views of San Francisco and the bay. All the dishes including samosas, curries and tandoori are made with fresh local produce, seafood and artisan meats. 201 Bridgeway, 415.339.0172, gaylord.com KITTI’S PLACE Pan-Asian Watch out Comforts (aka the best chicken salad in town), Kitty’s serves up a delicious crunchy fresh chicken salad, as well as light tasty spring rolls too. Popular with the lunch and take-out dinner crowd. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390 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 SALSALITO TACO SHOP Mexican The menu features cheese enchiladas with mole, and fish and shrimp tacos with a spicy sour cream topping. Although they serve only wine and beer the wine margarita shouldn’t be missed. Authentic Mexican atmosphere and fare with outdoor seating and heat lamps. 1115 Bridgeway, 415.331-5595
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SCOMAS Seafood Whether it’s for the view of San Francisco or the historical background, visitors flock to this location for a romantic setting. The array of fresh seafood and meat dishes are appetizing as well as their Italian pasta dishes. 588 Bridgeway 415.332.9551 scomassausalito.com SUSHI RAN Japanese Fresh, innovative small plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-your-mouth good and the wine, cocktail and sake lists keep the pickiest barfly well satisfied. Even the prices don’t deter the herd of sushi enthusiasts, who line up nightly to partake; reservations required in main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com
SAN ANSELMO 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 CUCINA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR Italian Proprietor Jack Krietzman (of Pacific Heights’ Jackson Fillmore) has brought Milan to Marin with his 42-seat family restaurant. Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice from the to-die-for thin pizzas, topped with items like truffle oil and fontina cheese. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942 DEBBIE DOES DESSERT Bakery Besides sweets, the menu offers tapas on weekends and savory dishes such as grilled duck aux peche with lavender honey sauce on galette de mais. Lunch and brunch are served daily as well. 556 San Anselmo Ave, 415.721.2901, debbiedoesdessert.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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FORK California This intimate spot was awarded a “Top Food in the Bay Area” designation by Zagat for 2007. Opt for the five-course tasting menu or seasonal à la carte options. Dining early? The three-course special for $20 is available during the first seating. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, marinfork.com
Good for 1/20th of a cent off everything.
INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com
Let’s say you are reading a magazine like this one and see nothing but money saving coupons. If you’re like me and own Bryan’s, you need to strike back quickly. Like a cat. Enter the dotted line and tiny scissors. This is international code for “value.” Not 1/60th. Not 1/40th. I’m talking a full 1/20th of a cent off everything. Apply it to my pre-made Buttersquash Risotto made with sage. Or my zippy BBQ ribs that have everyone squealing like pigs. Or my unspeakably fine cuts of prime grade beef, pork, lamb or chicken. You choose. With savings like these, it’s almost like you can walk out of here with more money in your wallet than you came in with. But not quite. Come buy everything.
Bryan’s Fine Foods Corte Madera Town Center
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LOCOCO’S PIZZERIA Italian Worth driving to from all over Marin, and it’s an easy place to meet with friends and family. The pizza crust is divine as is the house salad. Easy spot to come with the entire family.Closed Mondays. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.1238, lococossananselmo.com TACO JANE’S Mexican Named after the owner’s mother, this casual but colorful atmosphere welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade agave margarita or griddled plantains with Jane’s crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com
SAN RAFAEL BOMBAY GARDEN Indian Family-owned restaurant offering a large menu of richly flavored Northern and Southern Indian Cuisine that is consistently fresh and delicious. The four-course dinner for two is a great variety of food or try any of the native dishes. There are often Bollywood movies or videos playing on a flatscreen TV to add a little entertainment to the meal. 909 4th St, 415.459.9555 dinebombaygarden.com CAFE GRATITUDE Raw The waiters might push the affirmations theme a bit too much, but the tasty (and healthy) food is worth it. Besides supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, the raw food and vegan samosas are hard to resist. Best to bring a group and sample lots of items on the menu. 2200 Fourth St, 415.824.4652, withthecurrent.com CREPEVINE American Bistro/Creperie Offering casual dining, outdoor seating and a diverse menu of savory crepes (such as the Italian crepe filled with roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce and mozzarella). Sweet and savory crepes are available all day long, as is breakfast. 908 4th St, 415.257.8822
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. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com SEAFOOD PEDDLER Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Varieties of East and West Coast fish flown in daily. Dine indoors or out, or better yet, rent out the banquet room for a party. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.460.6669, seafoodpeddler.com SOL FOOD Puerto Rican With south-of-theborder treats like yellow rice, beans, plantains and authentic Puerto Rican dishes, this tiny one-room eatery on Fourth Street just off Highway 101 can be hard to get into, but worth the wait. 732 Fourth St, and 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765 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
TIBURON GINZA Japanese The old Tiburon Tommie’s space is now the spot to find great sushi in downtown Tiburon. The double hamachi roll is not to be missed. 41 Main St, 415.789.5123 GUAYMAS Mexican Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront. Great place to bring visitors [city views] on a warm summer night. Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Menu includes specialties like puerco macho—pork loin chop with grilled plantain, topped with an ancho chile, garlic and onion sauce. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com ROONEY’S CAFÉ & GRILL American If you’re old enough to remember Cheers on prime time, this is your dinner spot. There’s not a long bar, nor a bartender named Sam (he’s across the street); however, there is an undeniable neighborhood feeling in this one-room cottage dining room. 38 Main St, 415.435.1911 SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy trans-fat-free calamari, fresh fish, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com
MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won first place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his Mushroom Lovers Pizza— sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce atop a fresh pizza crust. Located across from the Smith Ranch Road movie theatres, it’s a great place to grab dinner and a movie. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com
SERVINO RISTORANTE Italian With people like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates raving about his pizza, Angelo Servino is doing something right. Some people come for the spacious and popular bar; some people come for the great food and friendly service; the titans of industry, it seems, opt for the pepperoni. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com
SABOR OF SPAIN Spanish Named Best Tapas/ Small Dishes restaurant in Marin by the Pacific Sun in 2006, this Spanish-only wine bar is a great place for a date or a big party. 1301 Fourth St, 415.457.8466, saborofspain.com
THREE DEGREES California Opt for the outside patio, white tablecloths in the dining room, or the swank modern setting of the bar, and enjoy the local, seasonal menu options like grilled Niman Ranch New York “cowboy” strip steak
or Dungeness crab risotto. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, threedegreesrestaurant.com
WEST MARIN DRAKES BEACH CAFE Local If you’re OK with the long drive, you can’t beat the view and the fresh local ingredients used to make the burgers, salads and soups at this casual spot (Inverness). 1 Drakes Beach Rd, 415.669.1297, drakesbeachcafe. com OLEMA INN California One of the most charming settings around, this inn and restaurant is a great destination lunch spot for a Sunday drive, or dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The menu includes tasty and imaginative combinations using regional and organic greens and artisan meats (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.9559, theolemainn.com
HANE Y
O R T H O D O N T I C S
We would like to invite you to become a patient in our family orthodontics practice. We welcome new patients of all ages, and look forward to caring for you and your family. Specializing in both braces and Invisalign®
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, al fresco] but lunch and dinners are great here too. Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce and artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com PINE CONE DINER American Just off the main road, Joannie Kwit has re-created the ultimate neighborhood diner. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but homey menu featuring local fare (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, pineconediner.com
1600 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo, CA 94960 www.haneyorthodontics.com
(415) 453-7880 p (415) 453-0602 f info@haneyorthodontics.com
SAND DOLLAR American Originally built as three barges in Tiburon in 1921, The Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year and still exists today (though slightly revamped thanks to new owners). Enjoy live music along with local barbecued oysters, New England clam chowder or a crispy tofu and avocado sandwich (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy 415.868.0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com SURFER’S GRILL American The view doesn’t get better than this—nor does the surf salad. Built right out on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot is offers up tasty fresh organic salads alongside corn dogs, burgers and fries (Stinson). Stinson Beach Park, Hwy 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com
SAN FRANCISCO AME Pan-Asian On the ground floor of the St. Regis Hotel, Ame Restaurant was designated “Best New Restaurant in 2007” by the Zagat guide. Known for raw treatments such as sashimi, crudo, tartare and carpaccio. Dinner only, reservations recommended. 689 Mission St, 415.284.4040, amerestaurant.com Facials • Massage • Body Polishes & Wraps • Waxing
BOBOQUIVARI’S THE STEAK Steak/Seafood In the mood for surf and turf? Head out to Bobo’s and be sure to order the iron skillet-roasted mussels, Dungeness crab, and of course, the steak dry-aged for four to six weeks. The proprietors (also of the Stinking Rose) claim it’s the only one of its kind on the West Coast. 1450 Lombard St, 415.441.8880, boboquivaris.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Natural Face-Lifting • Detox/Wellness Programs • Airbrush Tanning Acupuncture • THERMOGRAPHY • SPA BOUTIQUE • GIFT CARDS 216 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA 94941 • www.evo-spa.com Call for Reservations 415.383.3223 Monday – Saturday 9am – 9pm • Sunday 10am – 7pm
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BONG SU Vietnamese Brainchild of Tammy Huynh, executive chef and co-owner of the popular Tamarine in Palo Alto. The interior is a mix of the modern and traditional; silk, wood and steel elements such as a giant bong su (plumeria), and floating orchids in towering glass vases. Recently voted one of Esquire magazine’s top 20 in 2006. 311 Third St, 415.536.5800, bongsu.com CANTEEN Cali/French It’s not easy to get a seat in this nationally noted California-French restaurant, partly because of its reputation and partly because there aren’t many. Ever since the former Rubicon chef Dennis Leary turned a rundown downtown coffee shop into one of the best spots in the city, people have been lining up to sample the goods. 817 Sutter St, 415.928.8870 HARRIS’ RESTAURANT Steak house A San Francisco institution for nearly a century. Wine Spectator ranked Harris’ as one of the nation’s top ten steak houses. 2100 Van Ness Ave, 415.673.1888, harrisrestaurant.com JONES RESTAURANT Comfort If you’re thinking of crossing the bridge, check out the brand new Jones Restaurant in the spot formerly occupied by the Marina Sports Bar. The bar manager, Tony Devencenzi, has created a menu featuring fresh ingredients and inventive takes on the classics. Don’t miss the muddled Cucumber-Basil Gimlet or the freshly squeezed 2400 Greyhound. 2400 Lombard, 415.440.2000, jones-sf.com MAMACITA Mexican Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and 100 percent pure agave tequila margaritas, this Marina restaurant has quickly become a local favorite. 2317 Chestnut St, 415.376.1629, mamacitasf.com
women’s clothing & accessories
Sanctuary Nanette Lepore Twelth Street Michael Stars Twill 22 Rachel Pally Diane von Furstenberg Theory True Religion Ella Moss Velvet Hudson Splendid Rock and Republic Tibi Milly and more... 601 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo . 415.454.2629 www.shopkismet.net 124
MARIN DECEMBER 2007
MYTH Cali/French Innovative cuisine by chef Sean O’Brien, formerly of Gary Danko, has made this one of the most popular spots in town. 470 Pacific Ave, 415.677.8986, mythsf.com PERBACCO Italian The seasonal Italian menu focuses on the northern Piemontese region, featuring handcrafted charcuterie, homemade pastas and regional dishes such as quail with persimmon and apple salad. 230 California St, 415.955.0663, perbaccosf.com PRES A VI International/Small plates Known for a wine list that’s sure to please any oenophile, including a large selection of flights and by-theglass choices to pair with chef Kelly Degala’s shared small plates menu. One Letterman Dr, Building D, Ste 150, 415.409.3000, presavi.com PRESIDIO SOCIAL CLUB California Originally the barracks for enlisted men; menu features steaks, pork chops and fresh oysters. Throwing a party? Try the private room, which can accommodate 30 people. 563 Ruger St, 415.885.1888, presidosocialclub.com QUINCE California Book a reservation at least a month in advance to get a seat at one of the 15 tables in this tiny restaurant. The farmers’ market creations by chef Michael Tusk, formerly of Chez Panisse and Oliveto, are sure to please. 1701 Octavia St, 415.775.8500, quincerestaurant.com
Union Street Goldsmith - The Client + The Design Team + The Craftsman. It all happens here. This collaboration facilitates the creative atmosphere. The result is evident in our work.
Perfect – give year-round, daily, scenic gourmet excursions, aboard
1909 Union Street San Francisco, CA
Historic Downtown Napa Napa, CA
415.776.8048 unionstreetgoldsmith.com
lavish Pullman Railcars, Lunch or Dinner. All meals freshly prepared onboard. 100+ Napa Valley Wines or Cocktails.
800.427.4124 winetrain.com
green apples
Ladies, shopping is easy at The Apple! We have everything for your holiday events. Great lines, great selection, great customer service. DVF, Theory, Milly, Trina, Velvet…and so much more!
110 Caledonia Street Sausalito, CA
415.331.8227 shopgreenapples.com
Give the gift of a Marin getaway. Gift certificates for Marin’s finest boutique hotel collection: Waters Edge Hotel, Mill Valley Inn and Acqua Hotel are available. Call or visit any of the hotels for details. Acqua Hotel, Mill Valley Mill Valley Inn, Mill Valley Waters Edge Hotel, Tiburon
415.380.0400 415.389.6608 415.789.5999
display there are items from our award winning furniture collection, unique decorative objects, gifts, and jewelry by international and Bay Area artists.
Fine Italian papers, luxurious Florentine throws, Venetian albums and elegant Umbrian linens…EyeItalia offers exquisite Italian treasures for everyone on your holiday gift list. Give the best of “Made in Italy”.
74 Main Street Tiburon, CA
Online at eyeitalia.com In Marin, By Appointment
Ruth Livingston Studio - is located in Tiburon’s Ark Row. On
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
415.435.5264 RuthLivingston.com
info@eyeitalia.com 415.332.6838
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Holiday Gift Guide
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Holiday Gift Guide
ADVERTIS I NG PROMOTI O N
Brinco 360 Gold Earrings
pinestreet papery Old Gold Featuring classic hand fabricated and die struck jewelry, as well as the work of contemporary masters in jewelry design and technique......two romantic locations, Tiburon and Mendocino. 17 Main Street Tiburon, CA 415.789.9583
6 Albion Street Mendocino, CA 707.937.5005
Fine wrappings and embellishments. Holiday cards, gifts and amusements. Calendars, journals, party favors and more. Find a little something for almost anyone on your list and find the wrappings too!
42 1/2 Caledonia Street Sausalito, CA
415.332.0650
Ciao Bella Italy
perfect holiday gift! Gift cards also available.
Visit Ciao Bella Italy for a beautiful assortment of Holiday gift items! Create your own gift basket or let us create one for you. Shipping available.
514 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo, CA
467 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA Tues - Sat, 11am - 5:30pm
Blanc - Offering the finest in women’s fashion and jewelry for the
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415.485.0104 Mon - Sat: 11am-6pm, Sun: 11am-5pm
415.384.0222 ciaobellaitaly.com
Stellar Spa is Marin County’s premier day spa, offering many innovative, relaxing and luxurious products and services. Gift certificates and spa packages are available for the holidays and any occasion!
taloolah - An exquisite assortment of paper goods, gifts and
26 Tamalpais Drive Corte Madera, CA
237 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo, CA
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415.924.7300 stellarspa.com
other miscellaneous whimsical whatnot you are sure to admire and cherish.
415.459.7100 taloolah.com
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
The Sanctuary Spa - Reward yourself with the gift of relaxation and renewal. Ease into the holidays with a luxurious massage, body wrap and facial. The Sanctuary Spa at Bay Club Marin. Pamper yourself, you deserve it.
Dazzle with diamonds! It is the season to sparkle. An alternative to the malls, we offer an extensive collection of carefully chosen designer jewelry from Europe, as well as One-Of-A-Kind pieces designed “in house”.
The Sanctuary Spa at Bay Club Marin 220 Corte Madera Town Center
1226 Fourth Street San Rafael, CA
415.945.3030 bayclubmarin.com
415.459.5808 stephanhill.com
At Home at Sweet Things. Agnona • Henry Dean • John
doodlebug The Gift of Imagination • toys & games • pottery
Derian • Armand Diradourian • Dransfield & Ross • Etro • Maison de Vacances • Deborah Rhodes • Kim Seybert • Astier de Villatte.
painting • classes • parties • art & craft supplies • ideas, inspiration & encouragement.
Cove Shopping Center Tiburon, CA
641 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo, CA Sunday - Wednesday 10 - 7pm
415.388.8566 sweets@sweetthings.com
The Place in Marin for Art, Gifts & Accessories We have
doodlebugmarin.com 415.456.5989 Thursday - Saturday 10 - 9pm
a wide range of unique gift items, accessories and art on display. Many of our artists and designers are local and will do custom orders.
Betty Ann - Fine Women’s Fashion and Accessories - unique selection, top designers - Theory, Nicole Miller, Trina Turk, Vince, Nanette Lepore. Experienced staff can help you choose for yourself or for a gift.
47 C Tamal Vista Blvd. Corte Madera, CA
869 Grant Avenue Novato, CA
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
415.945.8863 Mon - Sat 10:30am - 6pm
415.892.2255 bettyann869@aol.com
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Holiday Gift Guide
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Laura Gibson expresses her art with a style uniquely sophisticated and casually elegant. Found exclusively at Julianna’s Fine Jewelry.
The best things in life are delivered. Babies, roses and now dinner! Give the perfect gift - world inspired cuisine made with the freshest of ingredients delivered to your home.
1632 Redwood Hwy Corte Madera, CA
415.485.1122
Laura Gibson - Using color and texture as her creative compass,
415.924.9711 juliannasfinejewelry.com
The Bar Method Revitalize your spirit and stay fit this holiday season with our challenging one-hour class that will strengthen and stretch your body and refresh your soul. Clothing, DVDs, and childcare also available. 208 Bon Air Center Greenbrae (behind Mollie Stone’s)
415.461.4461 barmethod.com
jessieetlaurent.com
Lang Antiques. One-of-a-kind Antique and Estate Heirloom Jewels are always the right gift. In our store, or online, expert advice is part of the Lang shopping experience.
323 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA
415-982-2213 langantiques.com
women’s clothing & accessories
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Gifts that give pure joy! Wrap up your holiday shopping at Goodnite Moon! Shop our eclectic selection of toys, games, baby gifts and endless stocking stuffers!
Kismet Boutique - Shop, eat, drink, and be merry as we stay
111 Corte Madera Town Center Corte Madera, CA
601 San Anselmo Ave San Anselmo, CA
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415.945.0677 goodnitemoon.com
open late every Thursday in December. Enjoy refreshments while you pick out the perfect gift! Gift cards also available.
415.454.2629 shopkismet.net
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Evo Spa • Give a gift that shows you really care. An EVO Spa Gift Card Renews, Rejuvenates and Nurtures Body, Mind & Spirit.
Baby & Kids Company brings a fresh and sophisticated line
216 Strawberry Village Mill Valley, CA
12 Miller Avenue Mill Valley, CA
415.383.3223 evo-spa.com
of baby and children’s furniture, clothing, linens, toys, and gifts targeted to babies, children and expectant mothers.
888.709.BABY babyandkidscompany.com
Exquisite handmade silver jewelry and gifts from the heart of the Sahara. Trunk show on Ark Row in Downtown Tiburon November 23 - December 1.
Distinctive jewelry with the whisperings of the distant past, paired with delightfully fresh details. Hand-crafted, feminine pieces with a clean, contemporary twist.
80 Main Street Tiburon, CA
Etcetera...etc. 80 Main Street Tiburon, CA
Daily 11am - 9pm TuaregJewelry.com
Swing a kid’s store - This holiday season join us at Swing and step into a magical winter wonderland with clothes, toys and accessories in downtown Larkspur. Our knowledgeable staff will help you select the perfect holiday gifts. 467 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
415.924.2500
Holiday Trunk Show 10am to 6pm December 11 - December 13
Hawaiian Host - Hawaii’s original maker of chocolate covered macadamias. Give the gift that perpetuates the Aloha spirit. Find Hawaiian Host at a retailer near you.
Honolulu, Hawaii
hawaiianhost.com
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Holiday Gift Guide
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ADVE RT IS IN G P R OMOT ION
adl i b
Gene Hiller
Jessie et Laurent, San Rafael
Johann and Robin de Blaauw, Paul and Sarah Comerford
Jessie et Laurent provides families and individuals
Johann Paul Jewelers, Greenbrae
“Gene Hiller Inc. is one of the finest menswear
meals that are delivered directly to their door. The
Johann de Blaauw and Paul Comerford love jewel-
stores in the country, as acknowledged by the Ital-
company changes its offerings every week, which
ry. They began 35 years ago, fresh from New Zea-
ian Trade Commission, Gentlemen’s Quarterly and
include entrées, soups, salads, side dishes and des-
land, making a line of hand-engraved rings called
Esquire magazine,” says owner Gene Hiller. The
serts. “We essentially fill your refrigerator, so when
Kiwi Gold. They sold their designs to 100 stores up
Sausalito store features three working fireplaces
you get home, dinner is just minutes away,” says
and down the Pacific Coast. Then, 20 years ago,
and knowledgeable salesman and tailors.
owner Jessie Boucher.
with the help of their wives, they opened a petite
Describe your business philosophy. Our philosophy is to exceed our client’s expectations. We strive to have every aspect of our business convey our genuine concern to provide quality food and service.
Describe your dream client. Clients who are adventurous in their tastes, appreciate handcrafted foods and are hungry for a special dinner every night!
Your thoughts regarding working with a spouse?
cently, Johann Paul Jewelers underwent a remodel and expansion, which tripled the floor space. For the last two years, the store has been voted a Best of Marin by the Pacific Sun.
What were you going to be when you grew up? I was exposed to men’s clothing at an early age, having found work in a quality men’s store. I worked after school and on Saturdays. My responsibilities included delivering clients’ clothing and sweeping the floors at closing. However I was
Describe your business philosophy.
permitted to sell on Saturdays. That was an excit-
We strive to provide the best product and cus-
ing experience, and an idea set in. Someday I was
tomer service to every person who walks through
going to own my own store.
our door. We do not differentiate between a customer who asks for a watch battery or a 10carat diamond.
What makes your work worthwhile? Treating my associates with the generosity, thoughtfulness and sensitivity I would hope to ex-
What is your competitive edge?
perience if the situations were reversed. I attempt
We are jewelers. Paul did a 10,000-hour appren-
to recognize those associates who have extended
ticeship in the jewelry arts in New Zealand and
themselves beyond reasonable expectations by
Johann is a master metalsmith and stone setter
giving them a substantial interest in the store.
What makes your work worthwhile?
who began his career as an aircraft engineer. Our
That is forever a high to me. Aside from the pride
Being trusted to provide a family’s dinner is an
staff is extremely well-educated in all aspects of
of creating a beautiful store, the personnel are my
honor. We are constantly being thanked for doing
the jewelry world.
family. By supporting one another they have cre-
We have been married and working together now for over 20 years. What a pleasure to share in the creation, challenge and success of our business.
what we love to do, which is bringing people back to the dinner table.
PHOTOS: SHERI MONTGOMERY
retail store in the Bon Air Shopping Center. Re-
Gene Hiller Inc., Sausalito
ated a one-for-all and all-for-one attitude.
Your thoughts on working with family? Working with our wives for the last 20 years at
What is your competitive edge?
Jessie, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Johann Paul Jewelers has allowed us to raise our
The store gained its competitive edge by building
families with more flexibility. Having a family busi-
an unsurpassed team in management, sales force
I was always comfortable in the wilderness so I
ness raises the bar on customer service, because
and alteration shop and then gaining the distinc-
thought I would be a mountaineering instructor.
there is pride in ownership.
tion of carrying lines of luxury and elegant clothing.
Jessie and Laurent Boucher, Jessie et Laurent, 1945
Johann and Robin de Blaauw, Paul and Sarah
Gene Hiller, Gene Hiller Inc., 729 Bridgeway,
East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael, 415.485.1122,
Comerford, Johann Paul Jewelers, 272 Bon Air
Sausalito, 415.332.3636, genehiller.com
jessieetlaurent.com
Center, Greenbrae, 415.461.1805
PHOTOS: SHERI MONTGOMERY
Jessie and Laurent Boucher
MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP
QUEENZ WAREHOUSE HOLIDAY SALE
INSPIRE * DELIGHT * PAMPER * AMUSE * BEAUTIFY * BEGUILE
HIGH-END, FUN BATH & BODY PRODUCTS FOR SALE AT 20-40% OFF RETAIL
GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS! DECEMBER 8 & 9 SATURDAY - SUNDAY 11AM - 5PM 53 GLENAIRE DRIVE, SAN RAFAEL (PARK MINDFULLY) 415.203.8940 TO VIEW PRODUCTS GO TO: WWW.QUEENZBATH.COM
Shop Ark Row for Unique Holiday Gifts! Ruth Livingston Studio • Windsor Vineyards Gallery 108 • Keith Bartel Goldsmith • Giftique Pilates Studio • Saint Germain’s Jewels & Art Schoenberg Guitars • Matilda Bos Interiors Eva Claiborne Skin Institute • Etcetera...etc.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
MARIN DECEMBER 2007
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pinestreet papery
Distinctive jewelry with the whisperings of the distant past, paired with delightfully fresh details. Hand-crafted, feminine pieces with a clean, contemporary twist.
Holiday Trunk Show at Etcetera...etc. 10am to 6pm, Tuesday, December 11 - Thursday, December 13
42 1/2 Caledonia, Sausalito 415.332.5458
Encore
80 Main Street, Tiburon CA 310.597.2643 for information
Come Experience the Flavors of Italy
from the Staff of
Marin’s Finest Consignment Shop
Now Featuring Upscale Winter & Party Clothes for the Savvy Shopper! Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Consignments Taken Tues - Sat 10am - 3pm (415) 456-7309 • 11 Mary St., San Rafael (next to Peets)
Visit us and you will find a vast, beautiful assortment of handmade, handpainted Italian Ceramics. Beautiful Holiday gifts for everyone.
Ciao Bella Italy Italian Ceramics
467 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley www.ciaobellaitaly.com
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(415) 384-0222 Tuesday - Saturday 11am-5:30pm
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
DESIGNS
Jewelry of Your Dreams Unique Gifts For Everyone 1137 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.461.2212 www.lehrerdesigns.com Yellow & White Diamonds, Ruby & Platinum Earrings
It’s a Wrap! For All Your Holiday Shopping!
190 Bon Air Center Greenbrae, CA PHOTO: MICHAEL STARS MARINMAGAZINE.COM
415.461.2133 sandbx@earthlink net mon-sat 10-6:00 sun 12-5:00
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Real Estate - A Good Investment
The most comprehensive public website of active listings and real estate professionals in the North Bay.
Marin’s Original Reclaimed Wood Company wide plank flooring, siding and beams www.blacksfarmwood.com San Rafael Showroom By Appointment 415.454.8312
Information on GreatHomes.org is provided by the 10,000 Real Estate Professionals of Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc.
STEPHANIE CANNELL. INSURANCE AGENT? OR OBJECT OF AFFECTION? SM
BOX CANYON BUILDERS AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BUSINESS
415-388-7979 134
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MILL VALLEY, CA TELLURIDE, CO 415-710-7843 SINCE 1989 www.boxcanyonbuilders.com ca lic. #890728
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
20
06
A Century of Service Painting • Wood Preserving • Waterproofing • Pressure Washing • Restoration of Natural Wood Homes & Decks •
Kelli, Nick & Julie Johnny & Shane
Free Estimates Kunst Bros. Painting Contractor Inc. www.kunstbros.com, (415) 456-4044 phone, (415) 457-6261 fax 76 Belvedere Street, San Rafael CA Lic. #256121
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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Retirement Living At Its Finest!
Villa Marin
Villa Marin is designed for comfort, security and the enjoyment of leisure • Purchase your own condominium with 100% equity, from $260K to $1.5M • Physician and rehab services in our clinic, Skilled Nursing & Personal Care on-site • Activities, excursions, lectures and entertainment • Exercise classes, indoor pool, hot tub and more!
Contact Bobbie O. Heldt for a personal tour: (415) 492-2408 • www.villa-marin.com Cal. Lic. # 210108102
CCRC Lic. # 158
Santa couldn’t check his list once, let alone twice, without his Cheaters!
What’s in your stocking? Come To CHEATERS And You’ll See! The Village At Corte Madera 924-6894 • CheatersReadingGlasses.com
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MARINMAGAZINE.COM
MARIN DECEMBER 2007
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MI CR O C LI M AT E
GERSTLE PARK Marin’s enclave of 100-year-old homes has an established community spirit BY JIM WOOD PHOTOS TIM PORTER
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WHAT DO A MAN NAMED HUGO a plaster
dragon and the Panama Hotel have in common? Here’s a clue: they’re in the middle of Marin’s most populated area. Give up? Hugo, the dragon and the hotel are all core components of the San Rafael community known as Gerstle Park. “I don’t want to see Gerstle Park lose its character, its charm,” says Hugo Landecker, who for the past 35 years has labored tirelessly to make sure that does not happen. “I’ve worked with San Rafael’s mayor, city council and whomever else it takes to see that mansions and dense zoning don’t come to Gerstle Park.” Hugo and his wife, Cynthia, are also the community’s self-appointed historians. “The Gerstle fam-
dragon a green body with bright red words on the beast’s back stating
ily were wealthy fur trappers and traders who lived in San Francisco,”
‘No More War,’” Ballard says. The winner, however, was Carrie Souza,
says Hugo, “but in the late 1800s and early 1900s they had a Victorian
whose yellow-and-brown motif will soon be professionally applied.
summer home here,” where popular Gerstle Park now sits.
That winning entry was announced at the Panama Hotel—a col-
And snarling inside that park’s sandbox is a 12-foot-long plas-
orful, cozy inn and restaurant that serves as community gathering
ter dragon. “Our dragon is a community icon,” declares Gerstle Park
place. “You could say we’re the ‘heart’ of Gerstle Park,” says owner
Neighborhood Association President Muriel Ballard. So much so that
Dan Miller, who’s also on the GPNA’s board of directors. “Lots of as-
the GPNA recently sponsored a contest for area kids to come up with
sociation meetings are held here, including social mixers that bring
a new color scheme for the rather pallid creature. “One entry gave the
together members of the neighborhood in a relaxed atmosphere. And
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
MARIN
DECEMBER 2007
139
we have live jazz dinner shows on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for
Gerstle Park single-family home ever sold for is $2,150,000, she says;
anyone and everyone in Marin County. We serve lunch on weekdays,
“that was for a five-bedroom, five-bath estate on two acres.” A cur-
dinners Tuesday through Sunday and brunch on Sundays.” The place is
rent $1,449,000 listing, her own, includes a two-story, three bedroom,
also a bona fide inn, with “14 rooms, no two of which are alike,” adds
three-bath home with a backyard and grotto-style pool, along with a
the affable bachelor, who’s lived in Gerstle Park 45 years and owned “the
three-bedroom, one-bath 1889 “cottage” on the property and a three-car
Panama” since 1982.
garage. The lowest-priced property she’s seen is a three-bedroom, one-
So there you have it, a neighborhood in a nutshell—but not quite.
bath “fixer” with 1,200 square feet that sold a year ago for $460,000. An
“Oh, there’s more to Gerstle Park than that,” insists GPNA President
average price for Gerstle Park, “if there is such a thing,” says Ballard, “is
Ballard with a smile. For starters, there are the spectacular tree-lined
just slightly under $1 million.”
streets, the friendly neighbors, the classic pre–World War II homes, the
For those who aren’t house-hunting but would still like to sample
strong sense of place. There’s the proximity to downtown San Rafael—
the neighborhood’s charms, there’s the enchanting Gerstle Park Inn on
the shops, cafes and theaters of bustling Fourth Street are just a short
Grove Street. “The inn carries an air of sophistication wonderfully com-
walk away. Every spring a communal garage sale is held; fall brings
plemented by a homey and welcoming ambience,” wrote Karen Brown
a well-attended annual picnic in the park and a Make a Difference
in her famous bed-and-breakfast guidebook published by Random
Cleanup Day; there are Halloween and Christmas decorating contests.
House. And it’s true: originally an 1895 mansion owned by the Voss
And over half the community’s 800 households have voluntarily joined
family (neighbors to the Gerstles), the 12-room inn, restored by Jim and
the GPNA, Ballard points out. “Neighbors share a passion about preserv-
Judy Dowling in the early 1990s, is now considered one of Northern
ing the community’s integrity, whether through strict code enforcement
California’s nicest.
or just plain old neighbor-to-neighbor peer pressure. Gerstle Park is a re-
To reach Gerstle Park, take Wolf Grade north off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Kentfield, or go south on D Street from Fourth Street in
ally great place to live.” As for what it costs to live there, the prices “just might surprise you
San Rafael. If you do you go, say hello to Hugo Landecker, check out the
with their reasonableness,” adds Ballard, whose day job is that of a re-
plaster dragon in the park (on San Rafael Avenue) and have lunch or
altor with Frank Howard Allen’s Greenbrae office. The highest price a
dinner at the Panama (on Bayview Street). You’ll be glad you did.
Sean Maley • Sr. Loan Consultant 415 383-8834 (d) • 415 845-9700 (c) sean@seanandpartners.com
Make your move Call me today and get pre-approved for your next home loan
495 Miller Avenue #205 • Mill Valley, CA 94941
140
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DECEMBER 2007
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
-
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7\f]ghaUg HfYY <]`` 7fUZhgaUb H<=G B9K 7F5:HGA5B <CA9 is centrally located on Corte Madera’s Christmas Tree Hill and enjoys Spectacular views of the Bay, Richmond Bridge, and East Bay hills from nearly every room. Imagine waking up to gorgeous sunrises in your own master suite or enjoying world class sunsets from your living room. In addition, this custom home includes five bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen and great room, formal living and dining rooms, wine cellar, oversized project room and more. Interior features include some of the finest uses of stone, marble, cherry hardwood, designer carpets and custom paint. Exterior finishes include custom shingle siding and windows, a level lawn, view deck and more. Tremendous attention to detail was used to create this masterpiece conveniently located within minutes from all of Corte Madera’s fabulous shops and restaurants. Call Ji mmy toda y for a private showi ng of th is brand new custom home. Additional photos available at www.JimmyMarin.com. Financing provided by Mark A. Samuel, Bridgeline Capital Group, Inc. 415.249.6105.
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visionrealtors.com Wherever you are, any time of the day, any day of the year, we give you the facts. We have now made available to everyone real estate data that we had originally only provided to clients and the news media. Our website has the latest Marin County real estate facts and resources including:
t sales statistics t demographic information t school rankings t personalized home search Not only will you get all the latest facts on the single– family and condominium markets, but also recent sales of homes in your neighborhood including sales price information.
Go to www.visionrealtors.com and register at the home page for The Marin Report ®. We are proud to be able to provide this valuable information as a service to our clients and the community.
Focusing on Marin The beauty of its landscape, the charm of its towns, the value of its neighborhoods, the commitment of its people, the reputation of its schools. We know Marin and the market. Go to www.visionrealtors.com and register at the home page for The Marin Report®.
VISION REAL ESTATE ONE OF MARIN’S FASTEST GROWING BROKERAGES
Ron Parks Founder, Broker and CPA 415.297.9000 rparks@visionrealtors.com
LD Offered at: $3.4 million
Offered at: $3.3 million
405 Marion Ave, Mill Valley
Offered at: $3.395 million
5 Lafranchi Road, Nicasio
SO
Offered at: $1.650 million
SO
LD
SO SO 88 Tamalpais Ave, San Anselmo
Offered at: $3.199 million
LD
230 Forbes Ave, San Rafael
LD
7 Grace Court, Corte Madera
Offered at: $3.2 million
SO
SO
Offered at: $4.995 million
LD
18 Ross Terrace, Ross
455 Woodland Road, Kentfield
LD
LD
135 Laurel Grove, Kentfield
SO
SO
LD
Coldwell Banker proudly congratulates Germana Fabbri for an exceptional year of outstanding service to her clients.
Offered at: $625,000
Germana Fabbri, REALTOR® 350 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae 415.302.6985 cell • 415.461.3220 office germana@comcast.net
NEW CONSTRUCTION - Stunning contemporary Sausalito home located just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. World-class views that include San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island, Mt. Tamalpais, Richardson Bay, Tiburon, Belvedere, and the Sausalito harbor. Custom-built, and two and one-half years in the making, this rare and exceptional architectural masterpiece is nearing completion. Highlights: Four bedrooms, four baths plus office; solid cherry hardwood floors; radiant heat color-stained concrete floors; gorgeous soapstone counters; Italian fixtures and glass tiles; soaring ceilings throughout which include a barrel vault ceiling in the family room; dramatic living areas; floor-to-ceiling windows; gallery walls; nine foot French doors; fabulous kitchen; romantic master suite; impressive, large guest suite; two-car garage. Perfect for outdoor entertaining, the backyard is appointed with an oval shaped in-ground spa, fire pit, built-in barbeque, modern plaster benches, and patio. This streamlined and modern home conveys sophistication. By the time this publication is in your hands, this home will be ready for your personal tour.
Price upon request.
For more information and photographs, please visit: www.MarilynRich.com.
Marilyn Rich
415.464.3741
San Anselmo 161 PROSPECT AVENUE
P
rivate and serene property featuring stunning architecture with a gracious entry, fabulous living room with high beamed ceiling and fireplace, formal dining room, kitchen with garden views and center island, powder room, master bedroom and bath with deck and patio on main level, three bedrooms, one bath and laundry room on upper level, pool, spa and lush gardens with outstanding Mt. Tamalpais views. This is a very special property! Offered at $2,795,000
Offered exclusively by
For additional information, please call:
Susan Bowman Morgan Lane Marin
The Fine Art of Fine Property
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
415/448-1111 www.morganlane.com sbowman@morganlane.com
MARIN DECEMBER 2007
149
BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH MORTGAGE PLANNING.
Jesse Caveney 415.454.7378 jesse@premier-equity.com
Are you effectively managing your real estate equity? Mortgages are a large part of your investment portfolio; financial instruments that can help you create and augment your wealth. John J. Sutherland
At Premier Equity Resource Corporation, we work together as a team drawing on each other’s experience and knowledge to help manage your mortgage and provide you the greatest opportunity to increase your net worth.
415.454.7379 john@premier-equity.com
Become part of our family of clients who with our help, have created their own arbitrage, taking the next step toward their financial freedom.
Jake Bordessa 415.454.7376 jake@premier-equity.com
Premier Equity Resource Corporation 10 F Street, Downtown San Rafael 877.454.PERC (7372) Robert Bradford
www.premier-equity.com
415.454.7375 robert@premier-equity.com
Real Estate Broker - CA Dept. of Real Estate Lic #01811655
Since 1977, Paradise Properties, a family owned and operated boutique firm specializing in residential and commercial sales and property management. Natasha Najafi, Real Estate Broker PARADISE PROPERTIES 1001 Bridgeway, Sausalito 415.332.7900 • www.paradisep.com
Dennis Morrow, Realtor
CURRENT LISTINGS
MILL VALLEY 3 bdrm/2bath with oversized family room and over 1500 sq ft of decks.
TIBURON 2 bdrm/2bath condo with large family room and private patio and one car garage.
Offered at $1,295,000
Offered at $869,000
GREENBRAE Remodeled 3 bdrm/2.5 bath plus den/study, stunning pool and water/Mt. Tam views. High quality finishes throughout! Must see!
JUST SOLD 51 Belle, San Anselmo Sold at $1,679,000
Offered at $1,749,000
55 Sir Francis Drake, Ross Sold at $1,400,000
“Service to our client is our first priority.”
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MARIN DECEMBER 2007
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Cliffside Estate in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico An architectural marvel, this magnificent 20,000 sq.ft. Tuscan-inspired villa has been carved into its own secluded cliffside within the Pedregal development of Cabo San Lucas and offers sweeping views of Lands End, Lovers Beach and the Pacific ocean. Completed in 2002, Villa La Roca offers a gourmet kitchen, domestic quarters, expansive patio cabana with infinity pool, 6 private terraces, a separate business conference center with kitchen and home fitness center complete with sauna and steam. Interiors feature 28-ft ceilings, travertine flooring, marble, classic Mexican tile and state-of-the-art electronics throughout. $12,500,000 US Dollars. For more information and additional properties, contact info@aboutvillalaroca.com, or call 501.352.6371 (US) -- 011.52.1.624.122.0294 (Mexico) .
*UST A FEW MINUT MINUTES NORTH OF THE 'OLDEN 'ATE YET A MILLION MILES AWAY IS 3TINSON "EACH &OR OVER YEARS 3EADRIFT #OMPANY HAS BEEN THE EXPERT IN 2EAL %STATE SALES AND PREMIUM VACATION RENTALS IN 3TINSON "EACH AND THE PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY OF 3EADRIFT #ALL US TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR BEACH HOUSE FOR A
Stinson Beach landmark residence
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Architecturally significant beach house with unobstructed ocean views. Private, raised setting directly on the sands. Designed by John Marsh Davis, this unique property is alive with wit, detailed with fine craftsmanship, and situated on one of the finest beaches in the world. Offered at $3,685,0000 www.realtour247.com/33calledelsier ra 6)%7 /52 02/0%24)%3 /.,).% !4 777 3%!$2)&42%!,49 #/- !.$ #!,, 53 !4
What do my returns have to do with Disney?
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MARIN DECEMBER 2007
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Judy LeMarr
Best Wishes for a Joyous & Healthy Holiday Season
FRANK HOWARD ALLEN REALTORS 415-380-4642 jlemarr@fhallen.com www.marindreamhome.com
. . . And a sincere Thank You to everyone who helped make 2007 another successful year.
Service
Experience Results
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MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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D I A LO GUE
Jan Wahl
BY MIMI TOWLE
You could live anywhere. Why Marin? I’ve lived in Marin for 26 years. It’s a magical place [full of] beauty, history . . . a place that celebrates eccentrics, those of us who march in our own unique parade. What makes you happy in Marin? The views, the fingers of fog climbing over the hills, the animals and the people who love them. The rainbow tunnel, the quest for inner peace and higher consciousness. What bothers you here? Traffic. What do you value every day? An attitude of gratitude. What is your personal idea of luxury? Time to read, swing-dance (142 Throckmorton Theatre and Marin Center) and swim.
W
ithin two years of graduating from San Francisco State with a B.A. in radio and television in 1975, Jan Wahl held an
Emmy in one hand (for producing and writing a comic documentary on the Lee Marvin palimony case) and an invitation to join the Directors Guild of America in the other. “I was thrilled to be the youngest woman inductee,” says Wahl, who brought along her mom to accept
What person has influenced you the most? Patrick Dennis’s fictional Auntie Mame, who said, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death”; filmmakers Billy Wilder and George Stevens; Ruth Gordon as Maude in Harold and Maude and every woman who was and is not too invested in what others think of her. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your work? When young people tell me that I have them looking at theater, music or movies in a new way and that they are viewing and studying people they would never have known about, from Tennessee Williams to Cole Porter to Barbara Stanwyck to anchorman Howard Beale in the movie Network.
her award. “My mom always told me that women can do anything and she has always encouraged me to draw outside the lines.” That sage advice has guided Wahl over the past three decades as she’s established herself as a star both on camera and off (winning another Emmy along the
What’s your desert-island favorite book or album? Albums by Janis Joplin, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. I am an avid reader of biographies and books on classic Hollywood and Broadway. What’s your favorite place to unwind? Anyplace with live music playing swing or traditional rock ’n’ roll, dog parks.
way). For nearly 20 years she’s been discussing or dishas well as radio, newsprint and other media. Nowadays, always in a bonny chapeau, Wahl spends much of her time emceeing community events and teaching classes on entertainment. We caught up with her last month just as she was about to catch a Crystal Cruise ship to Iceland—not as a guest (though she undoubtedly could use the rest) but as a seminar leader. 154
MARIN DECEMBER 2007
Do you have a favorite Marin view? The amphitheater on Mount Tam and Sausalito waterfront. What do you like about yourself? Enthusiasm, kindness, warmth, willingness to speak out, to plant my feet and tell my truth (always backing it up with specifics—that’s what I teach in my critical thinking classes!). How do you want to be remembered? As a woman who lived out loud, with zest, passion and opinions! And who once in a while made a difference.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO: BARBA RA RIES
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