Marin Magazine July 2007 by 270 Media

MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y

L I V I N G

JULY 2007

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CONTENTS

Features 54 think

Bambi vs. Bambi

The controversy over nonnative deer in Marin. story & photos tim porter

62 garden

Pool Trends

Marin landscapes designed for swimming. story p. j. bremier photos barbara ries

70 journey

Croatia

Cruising the coastal gateway to Eastern Europe. story & photos ben davidson

76 life

Home Sweet Homes

Afﬂuent baby boomers fueling second home trend. story bonnie monte

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

CONTENTS

116

Departments

letters

at a glance

snap

home decor

fashion trends

life style

fyi

Readers respond to Marin Magazine.

Hot tips day by day for the Bay Area.

Out and about, in and around Marin.

Warm weather grilling. by somer ﬂaherty

Summer active wear. by somer ﬂaherty

San Anselmo’s Lisa Kaiser talks about her life in Marin.

People: Novato’s Robert Thompson. by jim wood Business: Pat Kuleto and Nick’s Cove. by jim wood Books: Martin Cruz Smith’s latest Russian novel. by samantha berry

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

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CONTENTS

154

Departments 50 conversation

A talk with Marin’s state senator, Carole Migden. by jim wood

go La Jolla—a classic Southern California getaway. by grant grifﬁth

102

looking back

106

calendar

St Vincent’s yesterday and today. by jim wood

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

galleries

110

San Anselmo Art and Design Festival. by anne crump ray

flavor

116

Novato’s Kitchen at 868 Grant. by erika lenkert Dine Out, an insider’s guide to Bay Area restaurants.

131 microclimate

Dillon Beach—a world of its own. by jim wood

154 dialogue

Basketball champion Jennifer Azzi. by mimi towle

Columns The Cover Blue Haze, by

view from mount tam

pov

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

Marin artist Eric Zener. His work can be seen at ericzener.com 12

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

Marin’s greenhouse gas emissions. by jim wood

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La Sede Bella European Fabrics, English & French Countr y Furniture

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, Grant Griffith, Erika Lenkert, Bonnie Monte, Anne Crump Ray

Art art director Anne Walzer ext 112 awalzer@marinmagazine.com

production manager Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com

production artists Jonathan Byrd, Abby Zimberg

contributing photographers Drew Altizer, Ben Davidson, Sasha Gulish, Sheri Montgomery, Barbara Ries

Administration controller Maeve Walsh ext 104 mwalsh@marinmagazine.com

535 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960 Open Daily • 415.453.8200

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

MARIN

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Advertising publisher Lisa Shanower 415.332.4800 ext 107 lshanower@marinmagazine.com

advertising director Courtney Q. Roberts ext 108 croberts@marinmagazine.com

account manager Michele Johnson ext 110 mjohnson@marinmagazine.com

account manager Genevieve Luckel ext 109 gluckel@marinmagazine.com

A h e av e n l y j o u r n e y in a Heavenly Place

regional sales offices california media marin associates Lora Dinga 415.898.6400

robert kaufman associates Robert Kaufman 415.721.0558

new york couture marketing Karen Couture 917.821.4429

southeast tlc media Cindy Taylor 404.459.6578

hawaii destination marketing Debbie Joseph Shana Wong 808.739.2200

advertising art director Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com

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Volume 3, Issue 7. 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. marin magazine is printed on 30% post consumer waste paper member of the bpa worldwide:

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

V I E W F R O M M O U N T TA M

STARTING WITH OUR COVER—Mill Valley painter Eric

nonnative fallow and axis deer that roam the park. The

Zener’s languorous image of a bather at rest—this issue

park service sees them as a destructive threat to native

of Marin Magazine dives headlong into poolside living.

deer and other animals; would-be protectors call them

P. J. Bremier tells us about the latest trends in backyard

magical creatures with as much right to life as any na-

pools, from all-natural grottoes filled with salt water to

tive species. Editor-at-large Tim Porter sorts it out for us.

very popular) rectangle.

In the departments, Conversation talks with Carole Migden, Marin’s state senator, and Mimi Towle engages

If staying home and doing laps isn’t your idea of

in Dialogue with basketball champion Jennifer Azzi. And

a getaway, Bonnie Monte has the answer—a second

in Microclimates we head to the north coast of Marin to

home. Baby boomers never met a trend they didn’t

discover the idiosyncratic charms of Dillon Beach; and

love and their latest is buying (or building) vacation re-

then we drive down Highway 1 for a talk with restau-

treats. For Northern Californians, this means a second

rateur Pat Kuleto about Nick’s Cove, his new resort and

home within an easy drive (Mendocino to Tahoe) or a

restaurant in Marshall.

place to enjoy a favorite activity (fly-fishing in Idaho or golfing in Arizona).

Also in this issue, Somer Flaherty guides us through summer must-haves—barbecues and active wear—and

Don’t have a pool? Don’t want that second house?

Erika Lenkert visits the Kitchen at 868 Grant in Novato.

There are other solutions to the summertime stuck-at-

As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy

home blues. Ben Davidson hops continents to Croatia,

Marin Magazine, as we continue to celebrate this

where he finds the Dalmatian Coast perfect for biking,

extraordinary place!

beaching and basking. Closer to home, on the California coast, Grant Griffith visits with the Pink Lady of La Jolla— La Valencia hotel, one of the grande dames of hospitality. Here in Marin, at the Point Reyes National Seashore, hired marksmen will soon begin shooting hundreds of

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

Lisa Shanower, Publisher Nikki Wood, Editorial Director Jim Wood, Executive Editor

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: BARBARA RIES

shimmering infinity pools to the still-classic (and still

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LE TTE R S

Readers respond Thanks for another outstanding issue of Marin Magazine. Your editorial on the ongoing issue of St. Vincent’s/Silveira development was 100% accurate as to the facts and offered a clear and unbiased explanation of why the project should be allowed to go forward in a way that will be fair to all. We have lived and worked in Marin for over 30 years but do not want to be part of the “Not in My Backyard” group. This project will benefit so many it would be a shame to allow the noisy and politically active extreme few to have their way. Let’s say no to the dark vision of exclusion and fear. Thank you for your support. Richard and Jean Gallagher, San Rafael I agree completely with your thoughts and words in your June POV regarding “the Extended Baylands Corridor Proposal.” At some point, we need to think more in terms of the needs of our people and perhaps less in terms of endangered species, lest we become one! Wes Starratt, via email Thank you for the excellent article about the Marin Humane Society and its many innovative programs. And thanks for helping to raise awareness that, in addition to the wonderful dogs and cats that can be adopted, there are also rabbits, chickens, turtles and so many other types of companion animals available. Paula Spencer, San Anselmo Correction: Big Oops! In the June issue, we apologize for cutting off the Marin Humane Society story short of completion (“Animal House,” page 62). Go to Marinmagazine.com for the full story. 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 email jwood@marinmagazine.com.

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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P OV

Marin’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions

BY JIM WOOD

transport electricity—as well as move water and

Plastic grocery bags are a hard habit to

natural gas to our homes—emits considerable

break, but some information sharing might

amounts of greenhouse gases. Here’s where a

help. Imagine this: whenever the person in

FLICK OFF–like slogan is needed.

front of you at the grocery store chooses plas-

Contrary to what you might think, given the

tic, politely inform him or her, “You should

number of hybrid cars on local roads, Marin’s

know these plastic bags are not recyclable—

ecological footprint is oversize. Due to our af-

our local recycling center treats them as gar-

fluent lifestyle—large homes, SUVs, European

bage.” Then, when the cashier asks you the

vacations—the average Marin resident requires

paper or plastic question, say, “Neither, thanks,

more than 27.4 acres of the earth’s land and wa-

I have my own reusable bag.”

ter to support that comfortable way of life. By

At home, a simple way to save energy is by

comparison, Italy’s per-person footprint is about

turning off lights when you’re not using them

11 acres and China’s—with 1.4 billion people—

and taking shorter showers. Imagine Mom

is only five acres. Locally, of the nine Bay Area

comes home to empty rooms, lights ablaze

illionaire Richard Branson’s latest en-

counties, Marin’s eco-footprint is exceeded by

and her teenager enjoying a half-hour hot

trepreneurial effort—besides plan-

only Contra Costa’s and Solano’s.

shower. She immediately exclaims, “I will not

ning flights into suborbital space—is

Considering the above, isn’t it time Marin

have global warming occurring in this house!”

financing a campaign to reduce Canada’s

County developed a slogan for resolving our en-

Hopefully, the family will also switch from in-

greenhouse gas emissions. The drive’s motto is

vironmental concerns?

candescent bulbs to the low-energy compact

“FLICK OFF.” Honest truth. In the campaign’s

For instance, plastic grocery bags are a by-

fluorescents. According to Sen. Barbara Boxer

logo type, the letters “L” and “I” curve together

product of oil (in the United States, 100 bil-

(D-Calif.), if everyone did that with just one

so FLICK looks like… use your imagination.

lion such bags, consuming 12 million barrels of

light fixture, it would save as much energy as

Marin has its own share of environmen-

oil, are used annually). These bags litter road-

taking 6.3 million cars off America’s roads.

tal concerns, not least of which is emission of

sides—Marin’s runners and bikers will attest to

The motto here could be, “Change a Light and

greenhouse gases. A similar, if maybe not so

this—and are nearly impossible to recycle. “We

Change the World.”

edgy, slogan might help Marin get where we

treat them as garbage,” says Patty Garbarino,

Marin’s major source of greenhouse gas

ecologically need to be.

president of Marin Recycling. “They’re not

emissions is the almighty automobile. Consider

In 2000, the county released 3.2 million

recyclable, compostable or biodegradable.” Still,

this: You’re driving down Highway 1 in your

tons of global-warming carbon dioxide into

most of us routinely carry home purchases,

humongous Hummer and reading this bum-

the atmosphere, most of it from our cars, but

groceries or otherwise, in plastic bags.

per sticker on the Prius ahead of you: “Marin Is

homes, businesses and farms also contributed.

There are alternatives. Many markets

Reducing Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions—ARE

In 2003, the Board of Supervisors set a goal of

already offer green reusable grocery bags for

YOU DRIVING WITH US?” Slogans alone won’t

reducing that figure 15 to 20 percent by the

only 99 cents and this summer the Mollie

do the job, but they can provide the spirit that

year 2015. Would a catchy phrase help?

Stone’s Markets in Greenbrae and Sausalito will

makes accomplishment possible. I’ve included a few ideas here. Now let’s hear yours.

Marin burns more than 280,000 megawatts

give away 10,000 reusable bags. I’ve found the

of electricity a year. This number, too, must be

secret to using these bags is buying half a dozen

reduced. The power needed to generate and

so there’s always at least one in the car.

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

Email jwood@marinmagazine.com

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: BARBARA RIES

A slogan and a sense of humor might help reduce them

Robert Phillips, President and CEO Guide Dogs for the Blind

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT. EVEN A “NON-PROFIT” CAN PROFIT FROM THAT. It s not easy to find a bank that understands the special needs of a non-profit organization. At Bank of Marin, we not only serve non-profits like Guide Dogs for the Blind, but we also share their commitment to helping people in need. After all, we know that to truly be a community business bank, you first have to help build a successful business community.

Credit Management Group 415-884-4591 Sausalito 415-289-8710 Strawberry 415-381-2265 Corte Madera 415-927-2265 San Rafael: 415-259-0365 415-485-2265 415-472-2265 Novato: 415-884-2265 415-899-7338 Petaluma: 707-781-2210 707-781-1810 707-658-4210 Wealth Management Services 415-927-8900 www.bankofmarin.com

AT A GLAN C E

JULY 1 Lululemon Athletica

Head to the local farmers’ market and pick up this season’s bounty of heirloom tomatoes, peaches, nectarines, cucumbers and melons.

The yogi outfitter has teamed up with Luna Bar and Yoga Studio for 30 minutes of sun salutations along the bridge. Golden Gate Bridge (Marin). For information email aschumacher@lululemon.com

▼

THRU JULY In Season

Sausalito: Starts at Second and Main at 10 a.m. 415.289.4152, ci.sausalito.ca.us

Novato: Starts at Grant Ave. and Richert Ave. at 10 a.m. 415.899.8900, novatoparade.com

Don’t miss the exhibits, thrilling rides, nightly fireworks displays and more at the 62nd annual fair. Marin County Fairgrounds (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinfair.org

Save our spotted friends and meet Vanessa Bouwer from De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in South Africa, who will speak on the need for protected areas for animals. Safari West (Santa Rosa). 707.579.2551, safariwest.com

JULY 7 & 8 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer The 39-mile event will raise money to treat medically underserved women and men. Various locations (SF). 800.510.9255, walkavonfoundation.org

Itchin’ for a restorative road trip? Check out Doug McConnell’s new website for tested and approved adventures. openroad.tv

JULY 20 Fare Thee Well, Harry

If you can’t make it to the Champs-Élysées, celebrate France’s national holiday with other Francophiles at Sausalito’s Christophe restaurant, where the chef will create special dishes to honor the day.

The newest play takes place in the basement of a trendy restaurant, where the host has to juggle eccentric personalities. Ross Valley Players (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.org

It’s a soiree for the adolescent wizard Harry Potter as the last book in the series is released for sale. Come in costume and take part in themed games. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

▼

At the La Crema—sponsored Vineman, athletes race past vineyards and wineries for a chance to qualify for the world championships in Hawaii. Various locations (Santa Rosa). 707.528.1630, vineman.com

M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

JULY 29 Marin Moonshiners Hike Toast the sunset and watch the full moon rise during this monthly three-mile hike from Four Corners to the Pelican Inn. Pelican Inn (Muir Beach). 415.331.0100 ▼

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JULY 13—AUGUST 19 Fully Committed

JULY 22 Start Stretching

Behind the Wheel

JULY 14 Bastille Day

▼

EVE NT S IN MA R IN & B EYO N D

Ross: Starts at 1 p.m. at COM parking lot. 453-1453 x176

JULY 6 Cheetah Benefit at Safari West

▼

Larkspur/Corte Madera: Starts at Redwood High at 10:30 a.m. 415.924.0041

THRU JULY 4 Marin County Fair

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JULY 4 Fourth of July Parades

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JU LY

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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Marin • Peninsula Marina • Downtown • Noe Valley

S NA P YVES SAINT-LAURENT

BLANCPAIN

Claudia Cividino, Siddhartha Shulka

Nanci Davies, Bilques Smith, Linda Cannon

Luxe Living On Maiden Lane, Yves Saint-Laurent and Nancy Pelosi hosted a pre-party for the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center’s anniversary luncheon with a night to discover (and drool over) the newest “it” bag—the Downtown. The center annually trains 5,000 schoolchildren in safety awareness and assertiveness. At the Fairmont Hotel, the 17th annual California Mille Miglia event showcased vintage automobiles. The classic car connoisseurs were also treated to a sneak peek of the newest watch models from Blancpain. In Tiburon three boutiques, Ko’ze, Citrus and Red Dot, opened their doors for an evening of champagne, cupcakes and fabulous fashions to Jeff Glenn, Steve Glenn celebrate spring.

BLANCPAIN/HEATHER WILEY FOR DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

TIBURON SHOPPING

Leah Gabrielli, Kathy Barni

Diego and Helen Ribadeneira

Kelly and Justin Erickson

Sam Doe, Eli Draganova

Diana Sabur, Paula Figone Morgan Love, Nancy Pelosi

Maureen McEachin

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Erin Miller, Regan Romero

Angelo Servino, Diana Sabur

Hed Alexander, Tamara Schatz

M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

SNAP S.F. INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

George Lucas, John Lasseter Ron Howard, Larry Baer

Bonnie Hunt, Robin Williams

Armistead Maupin, Christopher Turner

CALDWELL SNYDER

A Grand Opening Celebrities and Marinites mingled at the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival’s awards night where local George Lucas was honored. In wine country, the Caldwell Snyder Gallery celebrated the grand opening of the newest St. Helena location with Napa wines and a red carpet welcome. The historical and restored Star Building now houses the gallery’s collection of contemporary pieces by artists like Gilles Marrey and Frank Stella. It was an ecofriendly fête at the new Green Home Center in Nob Hill, where green interior designers and building professionals have come together to offer their services under the same roof.

GREEN HOME CENTER

Carmen Mateo, Dietmar and Sean Brand

Zany Rumon

Karen and Oliver Caldwell

Kimberly Bakker, Elizabeth Thieriot

M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

Julie Plunkett, Gary Friedman, Jennifer Brown

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

CALDWELL/DREW ALTIZER; SF FILM/DREW ALTIZER

Paul Holm, Daru Kawalkowski

“The Fine Art of Fine Property” Tracy McLaughlin Specializing in Marin County Properties since 1997

Tracy McLaughlin 415/464-8686 www.marinfinehomes.com tracy@marinfinehomes.com

SNAP MARIN CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION

Lee Essayan, Joan Kurtz, Marge Seferian

Jayne Lyons, Irene Tabet, Beryl McGreevy, Pat Melcher, Jeri Dexter

Xochie Berger, Linda Hensley, Hilda Hensley

Susan Coonan, Cindy Phillips, Angela Kerwin

Paula McGowan, Naomi McGinn

The Cause Marin Charitable Association held its annual Floral Fling at the Marin Art and Garden Center. This event featured artist Soho Sakai, who presented Japanese ﬂoral design and benefits nonprofit agencies that serve young adults at risk. At the Fairmont Hotel loBarbara Myers, Barbara Concilla

cal philanthropists enjoyed dancing to the music of Encore as part of the black-tie soiree Hope Gala, a beneﬁt for the Bay Area chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

JUVENILE DIABETES

Susan Smartt, Lauren Smartt

Cheryl McInerney, Cheila Verna

Barbara Hills, Jan Pasha, Cynthia Kelly

Sarah Lucas, Amy Grady, Nancy Riley

Mary Ruane, Helen Hayes

Diana and Terry Nelson

M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

JUVENILE DIABETES/DREW ALTIZER

Elizabeth Ann Peer, Ralph and Liz Peer

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

OT ALL BACKYARDS ARE CREATED EQUAL. Immerse yourself in life at Lake Las Vegas. Your new home will be situated on the picturesque shores of our private lake, among golf courses designed by Nicklaus, Weiskopf and soon, Tom Fazio. Quaint shops along cobblestone streets and all the amenities of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas and Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort are just outside your door. Plus, each home comes with an additional recreational perk: complimentary membership in The Club at Lake Las Vegas.*

Homes & Con ominiums MANTOVA by INNOVATIVE COMMUNITIES

BELLA FIORE by PARDEE HOMES

An oasis of lakeside and park-side residences, Mantova offers two distinct resort homes within one community: the lovely Villas at Mantova and the luxurious lakeside condominiums at Mantova. Mantova Building 3 from the mid $500,000s. The Villas start in the mid $400,000s.

Alluring Tuscan-designed residences within this gated enclave boast resort-style living at its best. From the $900,000s.

DELLA MONTAGNA by INNOVATIVE COMMUNITIES Coming soon, interest list now forming. Luxurious single-story estate homes nestled into the cliffs above MonteLago Village, with views of the lake, golf, the Strip and the Village. From the mid to high $1,000,000s.

TREMEZZO by PARDEE HOMES Hilltop estate residences offer a panorama of amenities in an enviable lake-view setting. From the low $1,000,000s.

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Luxury townhome residences in a private, gated community surrounded by lush fairways on the shores of Lake Las Vegas. From the upper $600,000s.

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V by CENTEX DESTINATION PROPERTIES Villa and townhome estates with panoramas of the lake, mountains and resort. From the $700,000s.

Luxurious condominium homes featuring Florentine architecture, lush gardens, a private lagoon, and spectacular lake and golf course views. From the $500,000s.

PRIMA AT VILA DI LAGO by AMLAND DEVELOPMENT Custom golf course homes and lake-view condominiums along Reflection Bay. From the low $600,000s. www.lakelasvegas.com /marin • 702.564.1600 ext. 152 *Through participating guest builders only.

F Y I D ECO R

SUMMER’S SUMPTUOUS SIZZLE

It’s summer—time to head outside to savor the warm weather, good friends and some grilled meat because as Homer Simpson says, “You don’t win friends with salad.” Here are some of our top picks for outdoor grilling. 1. Grilling is a social event. Enjoy the good times around the Jamboree Island barbecue’s

raised bar and prepare meals with the four burners. $2,999 at Barbeques Galore (San Rafael). 415.453.0261, bbqgalore.com 2. The sleek, stainless-steel Charmglow Gas Grill features porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates, a wire warming rack and a dual lid perfect for simultaneous grilling or keeping food warm. $299 at the Home Depot (San Rafael). 415.458.8675, homedepot.com

WORDS OF WISDOM

3. The perfect burger is within reach. The Mini Burger Press is an easy way

When it comes to serving up fall-off-the-bone,

to instantly shape bite-size patties. $26

tender and tasty barbecue, no tool is

at Williams-Sonoma (Corte Madera).

going to replace expertise. Frank Mead, aka

415.924.6799, williams-sonoma.com

the Grillmaster, has been serving up some of the finest BBQ fare for nearly 20 years here in

4. Take the party just about anywhere with this

Marin. Here’s his take on some basics.

Portable Barbecue Pit, which has wheels and a handle for

Cook it fast or slow? The Grillmaster always recommends slowcooking of all your meats. Cover when possible.

easy transport. The slow-cooking feature will caramelize meat on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside. $400 at Sur La Table (Corte Madera). 415.945.0112, surlatable.com — S.F.

What is your favorite marinade? One of the best marinades is What’s-This-Here-Sauce made with Worcestershire, brown sugar, garlic and cayenne. When is it done? Cooking is like making music; you know it’s done when the song’s over. If you can’t hear the music, use a thermometer.

Want to sample his magic in person? Frank is opening a new location at Ignacio Center in Novato, along with his regular appearances at the San Rafael farmers’ market—or just hire him for your own party. Check out franksbarbque.com for more info. — M.T.

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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This page: Long-sleeve ballet top by Tyoga, $48 at Yoga Studio (Larkspur) 415.380.8800. Pants by Prana, $68 at Bay Club Marin (Corte Madera) 415.945.3000 Opposite page: Top left: Long sleeve sheer ballet top by Tyoga, $50 at Yoga Studio (Larkspur). Capri pants by Tyoga, $56 at Yoga Studio (Larkspur). Top row, middle: Deep V-tank by Lululemon. $48 at Lululemon (SF/Corte Madera) 415.776.5858. Capri pants by Tyoga, $56 at Yoga Studio (Mill Valley). Top row, right: Tank top by Bebe Sport, $42 at Bebe Sport (Santa Rosa) 707.570.2322. Pants by Bebe Sport, $69 at Bebe Sport (Santa Rosa). Second row, left: Top by Tyoga, $56 at YBay Club Marin (Corte Madera). Pants by Prana, $68 at Bay Club Marin (Corte Madera). Third row, center: Deep V-tank by Lululemon, $48 at Lululemon (SF/Corte Madera). Reversible pants by Lululemon, $88 at Lululemon (SF/Corte Madera). Third row, right: Mesh tank top by Nike, $36 at Bay Club Marin (Corte Madera). Jacket by Nike, $65 at Bay Club Marin (Corte Madera). Capri pants by Tyoga, $56 at Yoga Studio (Larkspur).

FASHION

Active Wear for Anywhere Ditch the sweatpants and oversize T-shirts. Clothing that works in the gym, on the trails and around town is essential for a multifunctional wardrobe. Plus, if you look good in your workout clothes, chances are you’re more inclined to work out. BY SOMER FLAHERTY

SASHA GULISH

PHOTOS

KATHY WINKLER

MODEL

Mill Valley’s Kathy Winkler,

mother of two, is a triathlete

and kindergarten teacher.

FA S H I O N

life style Name Lisa Kaiser Home San Anselmo Occupation landscape design What are you wearing? A fitted shirt by IMG, clam diggers by Blue Dot, a belt from Allie*g, shoes from Shoe Envy, earrings and necklace set from a vendor at the San Rafael farmers’ market, and hidden lingerie from Pleasures of the Heart. Where would you wear this outfit? Planes, trains and automobiles, casual yet sophisticated restaurants, but not at a funky Burning Man party! How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? That depends on what I have done the night before. It can take from fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. Describe your personal style. Natural, clean with a flair for the artistic, and a penchant for fuzzy faux leopard skin! Who are your fashion influences? People around me, whether it is a subtle combination of gold eyeshadow and jewelry or someone who is daring with their matching red hair and go-go boots. Favorite designers? I am not very focused on fashion magazines or trends and the hottest designers. But I do enjoy designers who incorporate subtle ethnic styles with

Where do you love to shop in Marin? Allie*g, Columbine, Shoe Envy, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and freshwater ﬁsh stores for my aquarium, such as Pet Club. 36

M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

P H OTO: BARBA RA R IE S

romantic and contemporary themes.

What is always in your bag/pockets? Cell phone, wallet, client purchase receipts, mirror and makeup, pocket knife, old movie stubs, my boyfriend’s lost motorcycle keys (oops!), eyedrops, gum, digital camera, pen and notebook, Chapstick, calculator. What is the single most essential piece in your wardrobe? My motorcycle leathers—I feel very safe in them, whether I’m on a track or riding the back roads of Marin with friends and cohorts in the Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club. Where do you like to eat in Marin? Lotus

Our most famous guests demand their privacy.

of India on Fourth street and their new cafe in Fairfax. Orchid Thai and Taco Jane’s in San Anselmo, Sushi Ran in Sausalito, and E&O Trading Company in Larkspur. What do you splurge on? Rich salty foods like potato chips, shoes, motorcycle track days and plants for my garden. What is your best cheapo secret? I ﬁnd cute and functional work clothes at Marshall’s and fun yet inexpensive clothes at Maryannes on Fourth Street. What’s your fashion pet peeve? Pants with

THE SPA SUITES AT THE KAHALA were

such low waistlines that they expose one’s

created with our most important guest in mind.

posterior anatomy—i.e., “plumber’s bum”! Yuck!

you.

Step through lush gardens into an exclusive realm of indulgent pleasures. What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought? Besides my home it would be my two new motorcycles—a Triumph 955 and a racy new Yamaha R6.

Unique Hawaiian therapies will caress your senses and soothe your spirit. In our hidden oasis, each guest is pampered in the serenity of a private retreat.

Did it make you happy? I am so happy with my home and the sanctuary of my garden, and I am ecstatic with my two new motorcycles. They provide me with a sense of freedom and excitement that is unbeatable! If your life were a movie, what would be your theme song? India.Arie’s “Strength, Courage and Wisdom.” MARINMAGAZINE.COM

For our special Kahala Spa Package, please go to www.kahalaresort.com, call 1.800.367.2525 or call your travel agent. M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

F Y I PEO P LE

Determination Counts

P H OTO: TIM P ORTER

Where some might see obstacles, Novato’s Robert Thompson fi nds an opportunity to work and to “make people’s lives better” BY JIM WOOD

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

The Painters Place Makers of Hand Finished Frames

“It gets down to how bad a person wants a job,” Novato’s Robert Thompson says, and he’s eminently qualified to do so. For five years, Thompson mailed out résumés and sought job interviews, with no success. Finally, something clicked. It was a position as a telerecruiter in Oakland and he jumped at it, even though it involved a long commute and Thompson doesn’t own—let alone drive—a car. Why no car? And why no driving? Because Robert Thompson is blind. “Novato is a lovely area,” he says after waving good-bye to his wife, Marilyn, and leaving his tidy apartment located across from the

Brutus, a mellow sevenyear-old golden retriever, will guide Thompson on his 30-mile commute, which will take two and a half hours to complete. public library. Brutus, a mellow seven-year-old golden retriever, will guide Thompson on his 30-mile commute to the East Bay’s Rockridge district. The journey will involve a Golden Gate Transit District bus, BART, over a mile of walking and will take two and a half hours to complete. Two hours into today’s trek—which Thompson, 57, makes four times a week—is when he makes his remark about “how bad a

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person wants a job.”

Mirrors - Fine Art - Antique Prints

Thomson works for the American Red

1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur

461-0351

San Francisco - Berkeley

Cross, arranging appointments for blood do-

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

nors. He’s been at it for three years. “I like

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a job like this because you feel you’re doing something that makes people’s lives better,” he says. Only one of Thompson’s 15 coworkers is visually impaired. And other than being able to “hear” his computer through a headset, he has no special equipment and receives no special treatment. “Every telerecruiter is expected to make 35 calls an hour,” says Thompson’s supervisor, Madelyn Taylor. “And each is asked

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to wind up with at least four appointments in that amount of time.” Of Thompson, Taylor says, “He has the most positive attitude I’ve ever seen; he does very well.” “Darn,” Thompson mutters softly as a 14th call goes unanswered. “So far, this isn’t

I finally found the one investment advisor

Watching him work, you’d

whose incentive based compensation is directly tied to my performance.

never imagine he can’t see,

”

Noel M., client San Rafael

nor has he ever seen, what a keyboard looks like. a good day.” It’s a Wednesday, in the middle of the afternoon, and there are five East Bay Red Cross blood banks—in Pleasanton, Mount Pleasant, Newark, San Jose and Oakland— where Thompson can direct donors. The work is computer-intense. Every call, every donor— and there are hundreds, maybe thousands of them—must be accounted for. Thompson’s fingers jump lightly over his keyboard. Watching him work, you’d never imagine he can’t see, nor has he ever seen, what a keyboard looks like. “Hello, this is Robert with the American Red Cross Blood Services,” he says energetically when he finally hears a live voice on the line. “Could we possibly, just possibly, sched-

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ule you for a blood donation?” After checking open appointment slots at two blood banks and giving directions to both, he has scheduled a lady in Fremont to donate in Newark. The effort took nearly 20 minutes. In reality, that was probably the easiest part of Thompson’s day. His commute is a challenge worthy of The Amazing Race. Every intersection is potential disaster zone. His life, quite literally, depends on Brutus’s sound judgment.

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Here is how that trip begins: Once aboard the Novato bus bound for San Francisco’s Civic Center, Thompson straps on a headset and listens to a book-on-tape while Brutus curls up at his feet. After stopping at every Marin town along the 101 freeway, the bus glides over the Golden Gate, then down Lombard and up Van Ness. Nearly two hours later, as the turns intensify approaching Market Street, Thompson knows he needs to collect his things and prepare to disembark. Now it’s time to cross busy Market Street and navigate the three-level Civic Center BART station. Thompson and Brutus calmly and confidently make their way as cars, motorcycles, bicycles and oblivious people whiz by on all sides. Two levels below the street, when a PA announcement, barely decipherable, is made— “a ten-car train for Pittsburg now arriving at platform number 2”—Thompson realizes it’s time to board BART. Somehow, so does Brutus. And on board the two settle in for the final leg of their trek. “Got it made now,” Thompson says, breaking into a smile that crinkles his entire face. Next comes a smooth BART ride under San Francisco Bay and up through Oakland’s industrial waterfront, then a five-block walk up College Avenue (including six intersections) to his American Red Cross office. Then, after eight hours of telerecruiting, Thompson and Brutus will repeat the process in reverse and work their way back home to Novato. “Usually, because I start at 12:30 in the afternoon, I don’t make it home until almost midnight,” he says matter-of-factly. For his eight hours of work, Thompson receives $12.63 an hour (“I started at $9.45 per hour,” he says). Combining that with their Social Security Disability Insurance, he and Marilyn, who is partially sighted, “get along just fine.” Yet from the inflection in his voice it is clear Thompson would prefer a job closer to home. “That’s something I pray for every day,” Marilyn confides. “That would be nice,” is all Thompson will attest to. “It gets down to how bad a person wants a job,” he says once more. And Robert Thompson is an inspiring example of that statement.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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16 main street tiburon p. 435 1916 w. getkoze.com open daily 11a-6p…friday’s til 9 pm beginning june

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

F Y I BUSINESS

PAT KULETO AND NICK’S COVE San Francisco’s preeminent restaurateur opens a place in remote Tomales Bay

BY JIM WOOD

Pat Kuleto (left) and his longtime business partner, chef Mark Franz

o people think we’re crazy for doing

Kuleto, who’s been immersed in the com-

“Someday I may be sitting around wonder-

this?” Pat Kuleto asks after conduct-

petitive Bay Area restaurant scene for over 35

ing why I ever did this ‘crazy’ project,” he

ing a tour of Nick’s Cove, his recently

years, then offers an engaging grin along with

says, “but it’s what I’ve been doing all my

opened $14 million restaurant/cabin complex

a slice of his business philosophy: “Nowadays,

life, and there’s no reason to change now.”

straddling a lonely stretch of Highway 1

everything’s a copy of something else,” he

alongside Tomales Bay, north of Marshall.

says. “There’s so little that’s original.”

Indeed. Back in the 1980s, the brash yet unassuming Kuleto opened Fog City

After pausing to reflect, he answers his

Still smiling, he observes that many times

Diner in San Francisco at an Embarcadero

own question: “Well, thank God for crazy

it’s the so-called crazy people who wind

location known as a “graveyard for restau-

characters; without them the world would

up making things happen, creating change

rants.” Earlier still, he’d launched Kuleto’s

become so sterile.”

and leading where others fear to venture.

in a neighborhood many considered at best

MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

P H OTO: TIM P ORTER

“S

questionable for culinary success. Both are still operating, having long ago become San Francisco institutions. Other restaurants Kuleto either opened or has a hand in operating include Farallon, Boulevard and Jardinière in San Francisco and Martini House in St. Helena. And in November, with his longtime business partner, chef Mark Franz, he will open Water Bar and Epic Roasthouse on the Embarcadero south of the Ferry Terminal Building, near the outdoor sculpture named Cupid’s Span. “I’m more excited about Nick’s Cove than any other place I’ve ever opened—I could live here,” Kuleto declares, kicking back in a cushy leather chair in Big Rock, one of eight handsomely restored bay view cabins dating back

& HBME HA NSON B RI DG ET T & MEL A NDER A RCHI TE CT S

“

Vision is reality.

You know when it s working. People inspire each other to be at the top of their game. We create visionary spaces based upon our clients dreams. Jonathan Storper is a mentor and the legal visionary on our team. In the same way our architectural firm seeks to capture the spirit and character of places entrusted to us, Jonathan and Hanson Bridgett enable us to see business and legal issues clearly ahead of time — preventative advice that s priceless. He and HB help free us to be our creative best.

”

to the 1930s. The cabins (they hold a total of 12 units that together can sleep 28 people a night) surround a 50-plus-year-old restaurant that’s been painstakingly rebuilt and refur-

— Kurt Melander & Eric Robinson

bished into a chic indoor/outdoor 21st-century establishment that evokes the roadhouse era of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. But getting to Kuleto’s “I could live here” condition was a long and sometimes lonely battle. Before buying the property, he was assured by a roomful of Marin County’s politicos and powers-that-be that restoring Nick’s Cove

Jonathan Storper Partner Hanson Bridgett

and the nearby cottages would be doable, if not exactly universally welcomed. “Eventually, it took eight years and involved over 50 gov-

Eric Robinson Principal Melander Architects, Inc.

ernmental groups, each having to give its independent approval,” Kuleto reflects. “Our problems were, we were too close to the bay and too far from a source of usable water.”

Kurt Melander Principal Melander Architects, Inc.

In addition, to no one’s surprise, the project’s West Marin neighbors had some worries about “this big-city restaurant guy building a fancy-schmancy resort.” With patience and

San Francisco based Melander Architects, Inc., is truly at the top of its game. They recently won two 2007 IIDA (International Interior Design Association) awards for their Greenwich Village Townhouse and Filmcore, and a 2007 AIA (American Institute of Architects) Citation Award for the California Academy of Sciences Transition Facility. Photo taken at Filmcore, San Francisco

perseverance and the aid of his staff, Kuleto, who years ago spent many a summer fishing on Tomales Bay, overcame the obstacles and opposition and began constructing Nick’s Cove in the spring of 2005.

A law firm inspired by its clients.

“I spoke at more public meetings than I’ll ever remember,” he says with a hint of exhaustion in his voice. “We responded to every possible concern.” Some examples of the challenges:

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

hansonbridgett.com SAN FRANCISCO • SACRAMENTO • NORTH BAY MARIN

J U LY 2 0 07

1. Being limited to only 16 toilets, each requiring “an underground concrete septic tank the size of a boxcar,” Kuleto says. 2. The on-site discovery of the California red-legged frog, an endangered species, which required, among numerous protective actions, hiring a red-legged frog monitor full time during construction. (Kuleto estimates the frog cost Nick’s Cove $2 million, and its menu will note as much. “Across from ‘Redlegged Frog,’” he says, “we’ll list the price as $2 million.”) 3. Installing four 10,500-gallon water tanks behind a row of trees. 4. Restoring to working order a cavernous early 1950s restaurant that “had way too many rotten beams and far too few square corners,” the project’s designer recalls. 5. Taking steps to mitigate the impact of locating the restaurant kitchen directly over a rather lethargic stream, to the tune of more than $750,000. “In hindsight,” Kuleto confesses, “we probably wouldn’t have done this project.” Then, he perks up. “But let’s be honest. We’ve created a space that’s unique to the entire California coast.” Located three and a half miles south of the farming town of Tomales (population 262) and an equal distance north on Highway 1 from the sleepy community of Marshall, Nick’s Cove is a long way from anything remotely comparable. “And look what we have when you get here,” Kuleto says. “There’s a quarter of a mile of beach beside you, lush forests behind you, views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island in front of you, and plenty of chances to kayak, fish, bike and hike all around you.” Nick’s Cove, with seating for 130, will be open for lunch and dinner every day, its menu emphasizing local produce, seafood and meats. “That hillside will be terraced for growing organic vegetables,” Kuleto says, motioning inland. “Before long, we’ll have our own oyster operation,” he adds, gesturing toward the bay. He and his 35 limited partners, many of them Marin residents and businesses, are confident the ambitious project “pencils out.” Sure, there’ll be foggy weekdays when the restaurant will be slow and the colorful cabins

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J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

NICK’S COVE IS MARIN MADE MARINITES WHO ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN OK. PAT KULETO—who now resides in Napa Valley and whose restaurants are mostly in San Francisco—may be the big kahuna of Nick’s Cove, but plenty of Marinites played and are playing leading roles in the resort restaurant’s development and operation. For starters, San Anselmo’s Mark Franz, Kuleto’s chef partner in Farallon and many other ventures, is also a part-owner of Nick’s Cove. Also living in San Anselmo is Alexandra “Alex” Wines, the project’s chief designer and on-site problem-solver, who’s worked with Kuleto for 11 years… Starting eight years ago, Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey, a Woodacre resident, was convinced Kuleto’s organization was ideal for the restoration of Nick’s Cove and Cabins; he encouraged the project to go forward and helped guide it through the maze of regulatory bodies… San Geronimo Valley resident and former Marin supervisor Gary Giacomini was the project’s legal counsel and recently stated, “The place is stunning; I’m very proud of Nick’s Cove.” Gary Ross and Mike Stone of San Rafael’s Tile and Stone Concepts of Marin supplied, among other things, the cabin’s antique bath tiles and the terra-cotta flooring in the restaurant… John Molloy of Fairfax handled the interior and exterior painting, while Peter and Tom Bricca, of Ross, famous for their decorative finishes, provided the trompe l‘oeil and antique touches, and the hand painted signage was done by Woodacre’s Roderick Smith… On-site construction for the $14 million project was the responsibility of Tim Furlong of Furlong Brothers Construction in nearby Tomales. Now that Nick’s Cove is up and running, Marshall’s Luc Chamberland, formerly of Hog Island Oyster Company in the S. F. Ferry Building, is the restaurant’s general manager, and Point Reyes Station’s Greg Cockroft, from Manka’s Inverness Lodge, will oversee cabin accommodations. And finally, a commemorative history of Nick’s Cove—

sparsely occupied, he concedes, but it’s week-

cabins with Ben Franklin fireplaces inside and

ends that will drive the business.

swirling hot tubs outside; and an online pre-

“There are 104 weekends a year,” he says.

registering system that precludes cumbersome

“And we’ll have something going on for every

check-in. “All you do is pick up a key and go

one of them.” Anticipated attractions include

to your cabin,” Kuleto says, “where you’ll find

fly-fishing clinics and contests, kayak classes

a complimentary bottle of wine and a fully

and tours, and classic car shows and rallies.

stocked bar—with normal-size bottles.”

“Nick’s Cove will be the perfect place to get

In addition to opening parties for investors,

married,” he adds, “and it’ll be ideal for a cor-

the trade and “friends and family,” Kuleto re-

porate retreat.” While the cabins, with rates

cently held an extravaganza, complete with

as high as $1,000 a night, are decidedly up-

fireworks, for his Tomales Bay neighbors. “For

scale, the restaurant “will have something for

the most part, they were very supportive of

everyone,” Kuleto insists. That includes “RV

what we wanted to do,” he recounts. And the

tourists and their families, bicyclists in those

same now goes (if not doubly so) for the me-

spandex outfits and the Harley crowd in their

dia: “Every travel magazine in the world, from

black leathers.”

Men’s Journal to Condé Nast Traveler, wants to

Adding to the allure are a fully restored

do a story about Nick’s Cove.” Flashing a smile

fishing pier, including an old-timer’s fishing

of immense satisfaction, he adds, “They’re all

shack, that juts 400 feet into Tomales Bay;

just crazy about the place.”

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Barbara Ries Photography

stretching back over 150 years—was written by West Marin historian Dewey Livingston.

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F Y I B O O KS

The Russia Question In Martin Cruz Smith’s sixth Arkady Renko novel, Stalin’s Ghost, the changing face of Russia once again plays a starring role BY SAMANTHA BERRY

artin Cruz Smith is not a Russia expert. Which is strange, considering that his series of Arkady Renko detective novels sure make him seem like one. In them he traverses the

geography, language, culture and history of Russia with the ease of a native. But the San Rafael resident doesn’t even speak Russian. “If left on my own in Moscow I am bound to get lost,” he says. Of course, this can be a good thing. “When I do get lost, it doesn’t matter—it’s all material, all stuff I didn’t expect.” Smith, who goes by Bill (his real name is Martin William Smith, but when he began publishing there was another writer by that name, so he added Cruz, his grandmother’s name, to distinguish himself), has written more than 25 novels, sometimes under the pen name Simon Quinn, Nick Carter or Jake Logan, but he is best known for the six novels starring Arkady Renko, a cynical Moscow police detective whose ethics and sense of justice make him a pariah in the department. Renko first appeared in the 1981 novel Gorky Park, which won Smith the Golden Dagger Award and was called “the thriller of the ’80s” by Time magazine.

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MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Twenty-six years later Russia has changed a lot and, much to Smith’s surprise, he and Renko have changed right along with it. “[After Gorky Park] I was determined not to write a sequel,” he says. “I had done my Russia book, I thought. But then Russia started to change and I wanted to get back in.” Easier said than done. After the publication of Gorky Park, which was distributed illegally in the Soviet Union, Smith was banned from the country. It became a crime to even own a copy of the novel. To research his next book, he found a way around that by spending time on an American

After the publication of Gorky Park, which was distributed illegally in the Soviet Union, Smith was banned from the country. It became a crime to even own a copy of the novel. trawler that delivered fish to a Soviet ship in the Bering Sea. That way he was exposed to part of Russia without actually setting foot on its soil. By the time the KGB caught wind of his whereabouts, he had enough material for what became the second book, Polar Star. Luckily for him, Smith has chosen a subject and setting that continue to yield rich material for fiction: massive political change, organized crime, corruption, nuclear accidents, an ongoing war and a deep sense of nostalgia that seems to permeate all things Russian. His new Renko novel, Stalin’s Ghost, was

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A man who sent millions to their deaths has now become a figure of adulation. This doesn’t

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happen without the consent of the government. Bit by bit he’s rising from the grave.” The novel begins with late-night subway passengers reporting sightings of Josef Stalin’s ghost on the station platform. Set against the fallout from the Chechen conflict and the culture of corruption in Moscow, the story has murder at its center, but it’s not a simple whodunit. Instead of the genre’s usual red herrings and plot twists, it closely follows Renko who, fueled by personal jealousy and a sense of decency, carefully builds his case

“Democracy as we know it is already over in Russia. It’s very much managed by Putin and his handpicked successor.” against fellow police officers suspected of killing for hire. The story manages to combine an up-till-dawn pace with a literary thoughtfulness to provide an eye-opening portrait of contemporary Russia. And happily for Smith’s legions of fans— many of them in Russia, where his novels are for sale at every street kiosk—it’s not the end of the Renko story. “I am working on another Russia book,” he says. “Democracy as we know it is already over in Russia. It’s very much managed by Putin and his handpicked successor.” This unfortunate state of affairs is likewise rich with fictive potential, especially in the hands of an author who clearly loves to pit the little guys against the big ones. “I am attracted to the form of the detective story,”

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Smith says, “because in any society there are questions that are not asked except when there is a crime involved and then people have to answer them for themselves. It’s an intersection where high and low, rich and poor meet, where the lord has to speak to the lowly policeman.”

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

LOCAL TYPE The Royal Nonesuch by Glasgow Phillips (Black Cat, $14) Marin native (and Branson School graduate) Glasgow Phillips published his first novel to much acclaim at 24. This funny memoir is the story of the next 15 years of his life as Mr. Phillips tried to capitalize on his talent and promise through a series of outlandish and ultimately failed schemes to make it big in everything from Hollywood to the dot-com world to the porn industry. It’s a wonderful account of an era and a generation mesmerized by youth, fame and the idea of instant wealth, told by a very appealing guy. Architectural Interiors by Linda Applewhite (Gibbs & Smith, $30) Marin County interior designer Linda Applewhite’s first book focuses on the “bones” of a space—from windows to mantels to columns. This colorful coffee-table collection is full of inspiration and practical tips for creating warm, bright and, most important, personality-rich space. The Bigger the Better, the Tighter the Sweater: 21 Funny Women on Beauty, Body Image and Other Hazards of Being Female edited by Samantha Schoech and Lisa Taggart (Seal Press, $15) The hilarious writers in this anthology tackle their relationships with their bodies in essays that are at once unflinchingly honest and unapologetically funny. This is no self-help tract. Dealing with everything from puberty to pregnancy, the book manages to paint a varied and very relatable picture of how women think about their looks and their bodies and their expectations regarding both.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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C O N V E R S AT I O N

CAROLE MIGDEN Often combative and always involved, Marin’s state senator challenges presidential voting procedures and the Iraq war. BY JIM WOOD PHOTO TIM PORTER

utting it mildly, Carole Migden loves politics. She’s not up for reelection until November of 2008—Assemblyman Mark Leno (D–S.F.) will oppose her in the primary—but already she’s garnered endorsements from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D–Calif.) and four of five Marin County supervisors (Charles McGlashan is the holdout). Her previous political office includes stints as chairperson of the

California Board of Equalization, state assemblyperson for three terms, and a San Francisco county supervisor from 1991 to 1996. Politics, politics, and more politics. Carole Migden also chaired the San Francisco Democratic Party for eight years, is currently chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, and hasn’t missed a Democratic National Convention

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MARINMAGAZINE.COM

be gorgeous since heading the California delegation for been named “Rookie of the Year” by California Journal and “Legislator of the Year” by the California School Employees Association, and she received the “Lesbian Leadership Award” from the National Center for Lesbian Rights. In 2004, Migden married Cristina Arguedas, a criminal defense attorney and her partner of 20 years (the marriage was later annulled by the California Supreme Court), and the two reside in San Francisco’s South of Market area. Senator Migden’s 3rd District includes much of San Francisco (downtown, the Financial District, Pacific Heights, and the Marina), all of Marin County, and portions of Sonoma County (Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park). In

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521,883 registered voters, 54 percent of them living in San Francisco, 28 percent in Marin, and 18 percent in Sonoma County. “But the critical figure is percentage of voter turnout,”

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Migden remarks. “And in that category, Marin County is far ahead.”

You and Assemblyman Leno will battle it out in the June 2008 Democratic primary. You have almost identical voting records, you’re both gay, and both of you live in San Francisco. Why should a Marin County Democrat vote for you? I think it’s up to him to articulate why I should be thrown out of office.

Okay, you’re halfway through your first term and planning to run for a second; so far, what have you done for Marin County? Last year we helped solve a legal issue regarding ownership that had plagued residents of

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since 1868 and we resolved it. Also, I lobbied hard to get $82 million from the California Transportation Commission for the Novato Narrows improvements and $20 million for adding a second lane to the Highway 101–580 interchange. Another thing: I work with Marin teenagers and the Marin Cancer Project on a bill that requires cosmetic manufacturers to disclose [the presence of] carcinogens in personal care products.

Have you accomplished anything on a broader, maybe national scale that benefits Marin residents? Some may differ, but I think so. I recently authored an Iraq resolution that was the first of its kind in the nation. For the majority of Marin residents who oppose the war and its escalation, this sends their voices to the U.S. Congress. Also, I’m sponsoring SB 37, the National Popular Vote for President bill, which is working [its way] through the state legislature. According to the U.S. Constitution, states can give their electoral votes to whomev-

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er they wish. Before each national election, the National Popular Vote bill would have states that wind up constituting an Electoral College majority enter into a binding agreement to award the electoral votes to whomever wins the popular vote. This would assure the winner of the popular vote winning the Electoral College vote every time. The Los Angeles Times, the New York Times and the Chicago Sun-Times have endorsed the measure; polls show popular support consistently around 70 percent. Similar legislation is pending in 45 states; at best, I think it’ll take effect in 2012.

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Regarding that last item, does the National Popular Vote for President movement favor one political party over another? Not really; look at recent history. In 2000, Gore won the popular vote by 500,000, yet lost to Bush in the Electoral College vote. Then in 2004, a shift of 60,000 votes in Ohio

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J U LY 2 0 07

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

would have given Kerry an Electoral College win despite Bush’s popular vote advantage. It works both ways. The problem now is the presidency is being decided in a few battlegrounds known as swing states. This bill offers the tools for changing that.

Would you comment on affordable housing and San Quentin? Regarding workforce housing, Marin County has to figure out what it’s going to do about the fact it employs a lot of people who can’t afford to live here. The idea of smart growth has to do with the principle that people should live near where they work. In Marin, this may call for a different kind of density. Environmental safeguards are important; at the same time, we mustn’t turn our backs on our vital workforce by requiring they drive dozens and dozens of miles before coming to work for us. As for San Quentin, I wasn’t in the legisla-

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ture when the death row cell block issue was decided. The fact is the state constitution calls for an execution chamber and death row to be here, at San Quentin. Do I think a death row cell block will be built? Yes, I do. The governor is determined because they’re frightened as heck a federal receivership will be imposed due to the court order we’re under because of health problems and overcrowding. Personally, I think violent people should go behind bars and people who use drugs should go free—in California we have 170,000 people incarcerated; 40 percent of them should go out the door—but that’s a different matter. Anyway, yes, I believe the $348 million San Quentin death row cell block will be built.

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Final question: what is your presidential dream ticket for 2008? I’ve been a Democratic National Committeewoman every year since 1984 and I’m very excited about the caliber of candidates on the Democratic side. It’s an exciting and deliciously enticing time. However, I also think it’s too early to forecast.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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THINK

BAMBI BAMBI A National Park Service plan to kill off exotic Point Reyes deer pits one species against another

STORY & PHOTOS TIM PORTER

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J U LY 2 0 07

Two fallow deer—a dark buck with his just-sprouted spring antlers, and a tan doe—graze in a Point Reyes meadow.

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Fallow deer cross a hillside near the Bear Valley Visitor Center in the Point Reyes National Seashore.

Early on a glorious Marin County morning, the rising sun burning off

The plan, approved last August and part of a larger effort to expunge

the last of the night fog and a wisp of salty ocean breeze seasoning the

destructive, nonnative animals and plants from the park, combines hunt-

air, I’m walking up a hillside in the Point Reyes National Seashore waist

ing by professional wildlife sharpshooters with a contraceptive program.

deep in damp, green grass.

The goal is to clear the deer from the park by 2021.

I step softly, stay in a crouch and use the crest of the hill to hide my

As you might expect, the idea of shooting animals described by some as

movement. I walk and stop, walk and stop, walk and stop. Noise is my

“unicorns” and characterized in newspaper headlines as “Bambi” doesn’t

enemy. During one pause, I look back. Below is Bear Valley Road, snak-

sit well with some West Marin locals and animal rights groups. (“Bambi

ing from Highway 1 toward park headquarters; to the north is the blue

Must Die,” proclaimed one San Francisco newspaper; “Easy Target,”

gash of Tomales Bay; to the east is the bulbous hump of Black Mountain.

declared another.)

I move ahead a few more steps. Now I can see my prey.

The plan is supported by environmental groups like the Sierra Club

Three deer, a dark buck and two does, one of them white, the other

and the Marin Audubon Society, who say the nonnative deer are harming

mottled with spots, are grazing 50 feet away. I drop to my knees and

the seashore’s unique ecosystem, and by many local cattle ranchers, who

inch forward to a small bush. The white doe jerks up her head, ears alert,

have had it with the critters grazing in their pastures.

eyes wide, and stares toward me. I go still, thankful I am upwind. Three

The animals are the progeny of a couple dozen fallow and axis deer

trips into the brush and this is as close as I’ve ever gotten. A full minute

bought from the San Francisco Zoo in 1948 by Millard Ottinger, a local

passes with the deer and me in freeze frame. Then it decides the danger

surgeon who owned 5,000 acres on the Point Reyes Peninsula that he

has passed and begins eating again.

and his buddies used for hunting. The fallow are natives of Asia; the axis

The moment the doe lowers its head, I raise my gear to eye, bring the animal into focus and shoot.

originate from India. When the federal government created the 70,000acre Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962, Ottinger’s land became part

Got it. A sharp, tight photograph of a fallow deer.

of the park, the hunting stopped and the imported deer do what all ani-

Starting as early as this fall, this scene will be repeated many times,

mals (and humans) do—they bred (and bred and bred).

but the stalkers will be carrying rifles instead of cameras. The hunt for

Today, about 850 fallow and 250 axis deer roam the park. There

fallow deer—and their equally unwelcome ungulate cousins, axis deer—

would be even more, but from 1976 to 1994 the park controlled the herd

will be part of the National Park Service’s controversial plan to rid Point

with annual hunts that killed more than 2,000 deer. Budget reasons and

Reyes of these imported animals once and for all.

local opposition ending the hunting, according to a park service sum-

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John Dell’Osso, National Park

“Our charge is to preserve an ecosystem. This (shooting) is one method of doing it. Is this the preferred thing? Do we want to go out there and do this? No.”

Service:

cindy machado, Marin humane:

“These deer have been part of the natural landscape as long as they’ve been alive. At what point does a species become no longer nonnative?”

“They’re planning on bringing in this group from New Zealand to fly overhead and sharpshoot the deer. I think it’s ridiculous. We really don’t want the Point Reyes National Seashore to become a killing field.”

ELLIOT KATZ, IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS:

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mary of the new plan. Unchecked since then, the number of deer (par-

“A properly placed gunshot can cause immediate insensibility and hu-

ticularly fallows) is growing. Already, they’ve wandered beyond the park;

mane death… For wildlife and other freely roaming animals, the pre-

one was seen as far east as Woodacre. Unless something is done soon,

ferred target area should be the head… A gunshot to the heart or neck

they will destroy the blacktail population, the park says.

does not immediately render animals unconscious and thus is not consid-

“Our charge is to preserve an ecosystem,” says John Dell’Osso, chief of

ered to meet the panel’s definition of euthanasia.”

interpretation and resource education for Point Reyes National Seashore.

And that’s exactly the specter—the image of a gut-shot deer bleeding

“This (shooting) is one method of doing it. Is this the preferred thing? Do

out to a painful death somewhere in the bush—that gets the blood boil-

we want to go out there and do this? No. But we have a problem and if

ing of opponents to the park’s plan.

we don’t address it, and don’t address it now, are people OK with saying

“We’ve been down this road before,” says Cindy Machado, animal

we won’t have any black-tailed deer in 20 or 30 years in West Marin? Are

services director for the Marin Humane Society, referring to the earlier

people OK with that? I really don’t think that they are.”

hunts in the park. “The public needs to know that when you talk about

The park service says the fallow and axis deer eat vast quantities

shooting wildlife in a capacity that’s a flat-out kill run it’s not like hunting

(one to two tons a day) of the same food needed by the park’s 1,600

big game. This is about creating a bloodbath situation. After the first shot

black-tailed deer and 400 tule elk. They also damage, by trampling

is fired—animals are very wise and very knowledgeable about what’s go-

or grazing, habitat that supports such fragile species as the California

ing on—it’s very hard to ensure a humane death by bullet.”

red-legged frog and coho salmon. And during the fall rutting season,

In the past, says Machado, a 23-year veteran of the Humane Society,

fallow bucks dig up large swaths of ground to make leks—essentially

some wounded deer were left to die on the land. “Many deer got away

sexy (to a deer) bachelor pads designed to lure in passing females.

from park officials,” she says. “Some we had to dispatch.”

(Your lek or mine?) With the situation framed this way, park administrators and scientists say they are forced to choose between the deer and the larger environment. They went with the latter, as did local environmental groups.

The very idea of hunting the deer, regardless of how clean the shooting is, incenses Elliot Katz, a veterinarian who founded and runs In Defense of Animals, a vocal San Rafael advocacy group. “This will be a slaughter,” Katz says. “They’re planning on bringing

The “key issue” is biodiversity, says Gordon Bennett, chair of the

in this group from New Zealand to fly overhead and sharp-shoot the

Marin chapter of the Sierra Club. “It’s unfortunate that has to be main-

deer. I think it’s ridiculous. We really don’t want the Point Reyes National

tained by removing these deer… What people have a hard time under-

Seashore to become a killing field.”

standing is that whatever decision is going to be made, there are going

Natalie Gates, a research biologist, acknowledges that “it is imprac-

to be deer that are going to be dead. The only question is, which deer is

tical to think you will never have shots that are not perfect. If we pick

it? If the exotic deer grow and proliferate, the numbers of the native deer

the right contractor, with the right equipment and they’re allowed to do

are going to be reduced. Given that situation, we choose the native deer.

what they do best, I think we’ll have minimal problems.”

If you want to see exotic deer, go and look at them at the zoo.” The Marin Audubon Society’s position is even clearer—forget the

Nonetheless, critics conjure up images of riflemen hanging from the doors of helicopters gunning down fawns as horrified park tourists look

contraception program; shoot the nonnative deer now and get it over with. “We’re in favor of eliminating them as soon as possible,” says Barbara Salzman, president of the group. The contraception plan is unproven and unduly harsh on the deer, which must be chased, trapped and injected—sometimes more than once, she says. “Ungulates (hoofed animals) are extremely stressed when being captured for injection and it’s not exactly an experience that is beneficial for them. Some even die under those circumstances.” A bullet to the head is more humane, says Salzman. Gunshot is indeed a method of euthanasia sanctioned by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which provides a graphic recipe for killing an animal with a gun in documents from an association panel on euthanasia:

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on. John Dell’Osso, chief of interpretation and resource education for

“The mandate is that everything stays the same. It’s static.

Point Reyes National Seashore, calls such scenarios “totally sensationalis-

Whatever was there you try to preserve, anything new you try to kill,”

tic. We’ve never said that is going to be a form of doing this and it prob-

he says. “As an animal protection person, as a veterinarian, I don’t

ably can’t be for a variety of reasons.”

think that all makes sense. Part of the reason I founded In Defense of

Still, one of the firms reportedly under consideration for the Point

Animals was I realized that, for the most part, when federal or state

Reyes job, ProHunt, a New Zealand company that specializes in ungu-

agencies see a problem with another species they’re very quick to say

late “eradication,” features a large photo of a helicopter on its main

let’s kill, let’s reduce the numbers.”

web page.

Opponents of the park service assert that fallow and axis deer have

Its chief executive, Norm MacDonald, recently told a Chronicle re-

been part of the Point Reyes environment long enough to be granted

porter how his crew used helicopter-borne shooters to successfully

native status. “These deer have been part of the natural landscape as

wipe out 95 percent of the feral pigs on one of the Channel Islands in

long as they’ve been alive. At what point does a species become no

Southern California for the National Park Service. The other five per-

longer nonnative?” asks Machado, of the Humane Society. “The deer

cent had to be tracked on foot. “It’s those little tiny piglets, the ones

are part of the park’s history. They were brought here. Just like the

just big enough to survive on their own, that are the toughest to get,”

dairies out there have been part of the history and we let cows graze

MacDonald said.

on parkland. Why all of a sudden is the deer equation suddenly out of

Katz argues that a “rush to kill” by park officials stems from what he

whack?”

sees as a misguided ethos of preservation, a self-imposed “mandate that

Sixty years doesn’t a native species make, counters Salzman, the

says the park should be kept as it was when they first created the park.”

Marin Audubon Society president. “It would have to take thousands

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J U LY 2 0 07

The deer graze in herds of 20 to 40 in Stewart Ranch meadows, eating as much in a day as 15 cattle, which makes it difficult to prevent overgrazing. of years,” she says. “They (the deer) haven’t been here that long. Nature takes a long time.”

“No long-duration contraceptive has ever been tried on fallow deer,” she says. “We know we cannot do it if we have to (treat) these animals

Still, it’s a fair enough point on the surface.

every year. The purpose of this experiment is to find a drug that will pre-

Ever since Noah loaded up the Ark, humans have

vent pregnancy for the lifetime of the animal (10 to 12 years). This is the

been taking plants and animals from their native

holy grail of wildlife contraception.”

environments and transporting them to new locations—sometimes intentionally, sometimes not.

Should the contraception work as forecast, the plan’s environmental impact statement estimates, then over the 15-year life of the program

Nonnative species have brought us great bene-

1,300 deer (800 axis and 550 fallow) will be shot. Meat from the deer

fit (horses and cattle in North America courtesy of

will be donated to food banks in Marin and Sonoma counties, and some

European explorers) and great harm (the pathogen

will be given to the California Condor Recovery Program.

responsible for the Sudden Oak Death scourge in

Few people in the Point Reyes area have a longer history with fal-

Marin County hitchhiked here from Asia aboard a

low deer than Joanne Stewart, matriarch of the Stewart Ranch, whose

rhododendron plant). A distinction is the difference

lands south of Olema are partly within the Point Reyes National

between non-native and invasive. The Point Reyes

Seashore. Stewart, 78, recalls when Millard Ottinger brought the deer

National Seashore, for example, is riddled with non-

into the area. “There was never a problem with them while hunting

native life. Of the more than 900 species of plants

was on,” Stewart says. “They stayed out on the Point and were hunted

in the park, about one third are nonnative, but not

every year by local ranchers or gun clubs.”

all are invasive. Some, like the daffodil or Monterey pine, merely add to the diversity of the park.

Today, though, fallow deer damage the land on which Stewart and her family raise 200 head of Angus beef cattle. The deer graze in herds of

“An invasive species expands its range and its

20 to 40 in Stewart Ranch meadows, eating as much in a day as 15 cat-

numbers,” says Dell’Osso, the park’s chief of resource

tle, says Stewart, which makes it difficult to prevent overgrazing. “We ro-

education, “simply because there is no control over

tate cattle through different pastures so they don’t overgraze,” she says,

the growth by natural predators or other conditions.” Invasive flora introduced do threaten the Point Reyes ecosystem, says

“but obviously the deer don’t understand this and they continually graze in the same pasture.”

Dell’Osso. He points to proliferation of European beachgrass, which was

Stewart’s view of the park service plan is complex and in many ways

planted on the park’s beaches to stabilize sand dunes. The grass did its

encapsulates the entire debate. The deer “should be managed by what-

job. The dunes don’t move and that means an endangered bird like the

ever means” necessary, she says. “Personally, I don’t think contraception

western snowy plover that nests in the dunes is more easily preyed upon

is very practical. I do think that some of the deer should be euthanized,”

because it loses its natural defense—shifting sand.

but “being practical about it I don’t think the park service will ever elimi-

All told, scientists estimate, 50,000 invasive alien species exist in the

nate or annihilate them.”

United States and cost the national economy $120 billion in control and

As a rancher who raises cattle headed for the slaughterhouse,

eradication efforts. The exact cost of the plan at Point Reyes will depend

Stewart doesn’t flinch at the thought of killing the deer, but, she says, the

on how successful the park service is in sterilizing the deer. It’s much

“animals deserve a very humane death. How you die is very impor-

cheaper to shoot the deer than to give them a contraceptive—$300 to

tant.” In the end, says Stewart, the deer—as cute as they might be—

$400 an animal vs. about $3,000, says Dell’Osso. The contraceptive plan,

should be treated as any other animal that is overbreeding.

which critics characterize as overly complicated and not—in the words

“What do humane societies do with all the unwanted puppies

of the Humane Society’s Machado—“as state-of-the-art as some other

and kittens?” she asks. “Is there a difference really? Should they be

approaches”—uses an unproven drug and is admittedly experimental,

euthanized properly? Very definitely, yes. Undeniably. But animals

says park biologist Gates, but its value beyond any resulting reduction in

of all kinds should be managed, ungulates as well as puppies,

breeding lies in an underlying scientific goal.

dogs and cats.”

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GAR D E NS

POOL T R E N D S Marin landscapes designed for swimming

More than any other landscape element, swimming pools add drama, style and a literal splash of refreshment to any backyard or garden. These convenient oases are an instant ticket to sensuous floating, serious swimming or spontaneous fun.

STORY P. J. BREMIER

With entry-level pools costing about

PHOTOS BARBARA RIES

$50,000, any Marin homeowner with at least that much extra cash and even a sliver of land can have one. What’s popular in pools these days? Take a look and jump in—the water’s great! 62

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ABOVE: Tile pools are long lasting and available in a range of color choices. OPPOSITE PAGE: Classic rectangular pool in Kentﬁeld is a focal point for entertainment.

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CLASSIC R I G HT AN G LE S

The classic rectangular pool remains the top

in San Simeon.) All-tile pools are pricey—at

choice for most buyers, including the clients

least $50,000 to $100,000 more than a plas-

of Michael B. Yandle, a Ross landscape archi-

ter pool—but they don’t require replastering.

tect whose pools can be found in many upscale

And unlike plaster pools, all-tile pools “come in

neighborhoods along the Pacific coast.

a range of colors and color combinations, and

“Many of my clients have classic East Coast

they won’t mottle or change texture over the

shingle or Mediterranean homes, so the land-

years,” says Todd Hendrickson of Petaluma’s

scape and the outdoor furnishings should re-

Aquascape, a builder of many of Marin’s high-

flect the character of the home,” says Yandle.

end pools. “That’s the biggest problem people

Besides the clean aesthetic of the shape, a rect-

have with plaster pools.”

angular pool also has the practical advantage of easily accommodating a cover that retains water heat and provides safety. For his take on a classic pool, Yandle prefers to use natural stone for most copings; a cleanlooking white plaster that resists mottling and fading with age; square or rounded edges; and strategic and subtle lighting. The whole point is to keep the look “simple and elegant,” he says. He buries all mechanical maintenance equipment in concrete bunkers (about a $30,000 expense) for soundproofing: “It’s an extreme measure but it makes the livability around the pool all the better.” A rectangular pool also lends itself well to low diving boards, plinths with waterspouts, laminar fountains, water current jets and, on the decking, large planted pots to frame the pool. When clients want retro, Yandle references the municipal pools of the early 1900s by incorporating tiled overflow gutters, stainlesssteel ladders and a wheel-adjusted white diving board atop a stainless steel platform. One desirably classic style is the all-tile pool, which lends extra dimension and a clean sparkle to the water. (Think Julia Morgan’s celebrated circular Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle

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F R O M H E R E TO

Although popular for years in Europe, infinity-edge pools

INFINITY

appeared in the 197 1 James Bond spy flick Diamonds

didn’t start showing up in American backyards until they Are Forever. At least that’s the theory floated by the trade magaz ine Pool & Spa News. What’s unquestionable is the visual impact these pools have, in part because of their undeniable glamour, but also from the improbable trompe l’oeil effect of one or more edge seeming to extend into the horiz on. To really play up that magical edge, you need the right setting. “They work best with view properties or projects where the pool can match the colors of the sky and sea, blending with the horiz on,” Yandle says. “Everybody loves the infinity-edge pool,” Hendrickson concurs. “They really do look cool. A rimflow, though, where the water comes up to the very top of the pool, is one of my favorites.” It’s also a favorite of Jess Janssen, owner of Janssen Pool Construction in Sebastopol. “What’s great about a rimflow is that it works with any shape of pool and in any environment,” he says. “You don’t need to have a slope like you would for a vanishing-edge pool.” And for swimmers there’s the benefit of being able to glide through the water without working against the waves of the kickback from a pool’s backsplash.

Belvedere homes create a dramatic setting for inﬁnity pools that visually expand the view into San Francisco Bay.

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JUST RE-DO IT If you already own a pool but it’s not the pool of your dreams, change it. That’s what Dick McHaney of San Rafael’s Blu Dolphin Pool Service and Repair suggests. You can rebuild in a new shape; remodel with new plumbing, plaster, tile, coping and decking; or just give it a face-lift. “An outdated pool doesn’t add value to a home,” he says. “In fact, it’s just the opposite: if you’re selling your home, it could take $20,000 to $30,000 off your asking price.” A $15,000 restoration involving new plaster, tile and coping will add to rather than detract from the value of a home.

Pool design and construction credits: Page 62 (pool at left): Michael B.Yandle Landscape Architecture, Aquascape, S & S Landscaping; page 62 (pool at right): NE Design, Steve Lingnau Construction, Janssen Pool Construction; page 64 and 65: Michael B.Yandle Landscape Architecture, Aquascape, S & S Landscaping; page 66 and 67: Gwathney-Siegel & Assoc., Simmonds & Assoc., Aquascape; page 68 and 69: NE Design, Steve Lingnau Construction, Janssen Pool Construction

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N AT U R E ’ S

WAY

Naturalistic pools have free-form shapes, rocks and boulders, mimicking a wild landscape. With possibilities like fiber-optic lighting, grottoes, waterfalls, slides and diving rocks, this is a Robinson Crusoe– inspired playground for anyone with the heart of a

child. Add a swim-up bar and even the least playful adult might join in the fun. “Everyone wants a pool that fits in with the style of the house. We try to go further and provide a connection to nature,” says landscape architect Warren Simmonds of San Anselmo. “People have stressful lives and being able to connect with nature in your own backyard is very relaxing.” When he designs a traditional pool, his planting schemes provide that connection, but with properties that have an inherent link to nature—a great view, a grove of native trees, a rock formation—a naturalistic pool is often just the logical choice. Simmonds uses faux rock made from a cement product that offers longevity and design flexibility without the weight or environmental costs of real rock. When the pool is finished, he says, the faux rock is “indistinguishable from the real thing.” This style is often enhanced with a beach entry, says Tony Bertotti of Bertotti L andscaping in Petaluma, who uses a sand-colored Pebble Tec finish to achieve the shoreline look. “The ‘ beach’ is shallow and can extend six to eight feet into the pool,” he says. “I think people like to sit in a chaise lounge and dangle their feet in the water and kids like to play in the sand.” Janssen thinks the wave of the future (so to speak) might be the all-natural pool, a good fit for eco-conscious homeowners. For about $2 5,000 or more, a pool of this design can be filtered naturally using ioniz ation, ultraviolet light and water plants. Many pools now are treated with salt water rather than chlorine; in fact, it’s the only type of purification system Aquascape installs. “We prefer this method to adding Naturalistic pools can provide a beach-like setting and an adventuresome swimming environment.

liquid chlorine to pools because liquid chlorine is approximately 12 percent chlorine and 8 8 percent byproducts,” Hendrickson says. “The byproducts make it more stable to transport, but they also negatively affect the feel of the water on your skin.” Saltwater pools have softer water and are more “people-friendly,” he adds. “The salt is about the same salinity as our body water or our tears. It’s not like salt water in the ocean. You can barely taste it and because you don’t have freshwater pulling salt water from your eyes, your eyes won’t burn.”

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J O U R NEY

CRUISING CROATIA’S

The picturesque harbor village of Bol on the Croatian island of Brac.

Back in the limelight, this Adriatic archipelago oﬀers serenity, scenery—and sweat potential STORY & PHOTOS BEN DAVIDSON

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DALMATIAN COAST

agreb, Croatia’s capital city, has intrigued me for years. As I landed I felt the familiar tingle of excitement and trepidation that takes hold whenever I travel to a place for the first time. There was also the unsettling awareness of history—of Croatia’s terrible civil war in the early 1990s. But after more than a decade, I’d been told, reconstruction, healing and even a kind of serenity had prevailed. Croatia seemed ripe for a first-time visit. MARIN

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Island Escape Popular with northern Europeans, Croatia has just recently appeared on the radar of North American travelers. Having heard about this gateway to eastern Europe—specifically the famed beauty of the Dalmatian Coast and its brilliant Adriatic waters, rugged mountains and wondrous historic sites—I was eager to see it for myself. So when an opportunity arose to join a weeklong biking-and-boating excursion with a group of Marin friends, I jumped at it. Meeting up in the Renaissance-era city of Dubrovnik, we took a quick shuttle to Gruz Harbor and boarded the Javorak, a classic wooden-hulled Adriatic cruiser that would be our private boat for the week. I found a spot to relax on top deck as we set sail for Mljet, the legendary isle where Homer’s Odysseus was captured by the sea nymph Calypso. Mljet was the first of four islands we would visit, each with a distinctively beautiful landscape to explore by bike. Three hours later we disembarked in the tiny fishing village of Prozurska Luka, off-loaded our bikes, donned biking gear and slathered on sunscreen for what promised to be an arduous day of cycling across the island, which is blanketed by dense forests and edged with limestone coves.

After a brief bike fitting and orientation, we set out at

ests. Its centerpiece is the city of the same name, a walled

our own pace on the 18 -mile route. Riding in small groups,

medieval town reputed (but never verified) to be the

we followed printed directions mounted on our handle-

birthplace of Marco Polo.

bar bags, traveling Mljet’s narrow, lightly traveled roads

Huddled around St. Mark’s Cathedral, the old quarter

through ruggedly stunning terrain. Pine- and oak-studded

is known for its succession of skinny lanes that branch off

hills rose steeply above the sea, harboring ancient stone vil-

like ribs from the “spine” of the main street—a clever lay-

lages, vineyards and numerous garmas, or collapsed caves.

out apparently designed to protect the townfolk from the

The hilly route to the seaside hamlet of Pomena took

sun and wind. The V enetians came here in the 10th cen-

us through green and unspoiled Mljet National Park,

tury and ruled on and off for more than 8 00 years, leav-

whose primary attractions are two 10,000-year-old

ing a distinct mark on the town’s culture and architecture.

“lakes” (actually inlets) known for their unusually nar-

Today, K orcula is a trove of G othic and Renaissance palac-

row passages out to the sea. An island in the middle of

es, courtyards, churches and graceful arched bridges. The

V eliko Jez ero (“Big L ake”) was home to a 12 th-century

town’s thick walls and imposing towers, once a defense

Benedictine monastery that once served as the cultural,

against marauding pirates, date back to the 14 th century.

religious and political center of Mljet. Our ride ended at

The skies cleared after our walk through town and

the seaside Odisej Hotel, the park’s only accommodation.

we started out on a 2 3-mile pedal to Brna, riding past

L ater that evening we met for beers and a hearty dinner

tidy rows of grapevines and groves of almond trees. We

in the hotel’s taverna.

stopped along the way in Smokvica for a tour of the fam-

The next morning it was raining fairly hard during the

ily-owned Toreta Winery and tasting of some excellent

two-hour boat transfer to K orcula (pronounced Kohr-choo-

regional sweet white wines before arriving at the water-

lah), an island lush with vineyards, olive groves and for-

front Hotel Feral.

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OPPOSITE PAGE LOWER: Cruising the Dalmatian Coast on the Javorak, our island-hopping vessel; LOWER: Korcula’s unspoiled coast; THIS PAGE ABOVE: Biking through an ancient stone village on Brac.

J U LY 2 0 07

OPPOSITE PAGE:

The next day’s ride, only 15 miles, started in the sea-

Late afternoon light brightens the marble facades of Pucisca, a harbor town on the island of Brac. THIS PAGE: Cafe-going in old Hvar Town.

side town of Vela Luka, at the western end of the island. An easy spin along the coast got us warmed up for a heart-pumping, three-mile climb before a drop back into Vela Luka port. From there we took a three-hour cruise to the island of Hvar, a chic destination on the southern end of the Dalmatian archipelago marked by ragged inlets, a steep central limestone ridge and translucent waters. In the town of Hvar, we saw Croatia’s most impressive collection of Venetian Renaissance facades, public squares and bougainvillea-draped homes. Our hotel, the Podstine, was a half mile west of the town center, overlooking a beautiful bay. A leisurely bike exploration of Hvar Island began with a ride overlooking the town. An ascent along the Sveti Nikola (the limestone ridge) provided plunging views in both directions. En route we cycled by ancient stone terraces topped by tiny plots of lavender, grape vines and fig trees. A long downhill leg and a stretch of mostly flat riding—the gentlest route of the week so far—brought us on narrow, lightly trafficked roads to pleasant Stari Grad and sleepy old Faros, a town with a picturesque promenade and outdoor cafes.

dent with cypress, orange and olive trees. Since ancient

Back in Hvar Town, we spent the late afternoon enjoy-

Greek times, Brac has also been renowned for its milky-

ing beers and people-watching in the marble-paved main

white marble (some of which was used to build the White

square, the largest in Dalmatia. Nearby are a 17th-century

House in Washington). Our hotel for the next two nights,

Venetian arsenal, which now holds a theater, and a 15th-

the Palaca Deskovic, is a recently refurbished cultural mon-

century Franciscan monastery with gardens overlooking the

ument, on one of the many bays of the island’s north coast.

sea. This seemed like Dalmatian living at its very best.

The final big ride of the week was a challenging 28-miler. It started with a long climb up and over Brac’s ridgeline

T H E B E AC H E S O F B R AC

followed by a dramatic drop into Bol, a delightful seaside

We shuttled east to the town of Jelsa, returned to our bikes

community with old stone houses and a lively promenade.

and rode along the spine of the island, passing through a se-

Nestled on the far side of Vidova Gora, the highest moun-

ries of tiny villages, climbing to Gdinj and ending in Sucaraj

tain on the Croatian islands, it was a scenic spot for lunch

in the early afternoon. Reboarding our boat, we headed for

on the town’s boardwalk. Bol is best known for its pebble

Brac, the final island of our trip. The four-hour sail was a

beach, Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), which spans the wooded

perfect time to catch up on reading.

shoreline just west of the island’s midpoint, extending like

Brac, pronounced “bratch,” means “the Big One,”

a narrow finger into the sea and a fitting place to celebrate

and this is indeed Dalmatia’s largest as well as most

our truly enjoyable journey along the serene and sunny

Mediterranean island, famed for its cheeses and resplen-

Croatian coast.

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L IF E

HOME SWEET

HOMES BY BONNIE MONTE

“ I T ’ S A M A G N I F I C E N T A R E A . Y O U CA N H I K E F O R H O U R S and see just five other people,”

says San Rafael resident Sandy Hanus about Bend, Oregon. “It has the same pluses as Marin in terms of outdoor recreation, but it’s much more affordable.” Hanus and her husband own a town house in Bend that they bought four years ago primarily as a vacation rental property. But because they love the amenities of the area, especially the golf and skiing at nearby Mt. Bachelor, they use it frequently as a getaway themselves. They’re among the many Northern Californians who are reaping the benefits of secondhome ownership, whether that means a vacation retreat, a source of rental income, a place to retire—or, as for the Hanus family, all three. A National Association of Realtors survey released in April found that vacation home sales across the country rose to record levels in 2006 even as the overall real estate market cooled. Who’s buying? Overwhelmingly, married couples with a median age of 44 and an average household income of $102,200. Twenty-eight percent plan to move into the property full time when they retire.

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Aﬄuent baby boomers are fueling the trend of owning more than one place to hang your hat OPPOSITE: Surﬁng

PHOTO OF DOWNTOWN BEND, OREGON COURTESY OF BEND VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU

is just one of the activities Hawaii has to offer. CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT:

Downtown Bend, Oregon; Palm Springs, California; proximity to hiking trails is a reason for some to choose a second home’s location.

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OPPOSITE: Access to golf

courses is a major deciding factor for choosing a second home location. THIS PAGE: Finding time for horseback riding and other hobbies makes spending time in a second home meaningful.

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It’s no surprise that recreation—beachcombing, fishing, golf, ski-

tion here in all four seasons has allowed us to really get to know the

ing—is such a big draw. David Hehman, CEO of EscapeHomes.com,

place,” she says. She likes the diversity of the people who live there,

which deals exclusively in vacation properties, finds that most Bay Area

too. “It’s not like a retirement town. There are young families here too.”

residents who use his service buy within a three- to five-hour drive from

Bend is comparable in size to San Rafael, she points out, and has every

home—meaning in places like Mendocino, Monterey or Tahoe. But he

amenity—including some great restaurants run by ex-California chefs.

says plenty of Northern Californians also like Oregon, Idaho, Arizona,

At first, Hanus kept the property rented out to weekend vacationers,

and Palm Springs. “And many people are recognizing what a good value

but found it hard to schedule time there for her own family. Then she

Mexico is,” Hehman adds. Buying farther away needn’t mean the prop-

switched to renting it out for long-term stays. “We rent to professional

erty sits empty most of the time; a home in an appealing area can gen-

couples who are building a home in the area and need a place for a few

erate rental income when the owners aren’t using it.

months. That makes it easy for us to sneak in visits between rentals.”

Here’s a look at a few of those spots that are luring local second-

Another recreation-packed magnet for Bay Area residents is Tahoe,

home buyers, along with their insights into how to get the most out of

with its magnificent lake, snowy slopes and forests full of hiking trails.

a secondary property.

“Ten years ago, 50 percent of owners were second-home owners. Now

The Great Outdoors

it’s 70 percent,” says Carl Fair, of Buckingham Lake Tahoe Properties in South Lake Tahoe. Home buyers seeking a place to retire are particular-

Gene Buccola, of the Buccola Group real estate agency in central

ly drawn to the Nevada side of Tahoe because of its income tax benefits.

Oregon, says Bend attracts outdoor enthusiasts. “It’s a golf mecca,”

But the California side gives you a little more property for your money,

he says. “It also offers fly-fishing, world-class rafting on the Deschutes

Fair says, since there’s slightly less demand.

River and nearby skiing.” Plus, it’s sunny—a rarity in Oregon—thanks

One exciting alternative to the typical condo or cabin, Fair adds, is

to its location on the eastern side of the Cascades. And it has very good

the hotel-condo concept. “It’s like a staying in a luxury hotel, with a

health care resources, something to think about, Buccola says, when

concierge service, a pool, fitness facilities, underground heated garage

you’re considering where to retire.

and so on—but it’s wholly owned, not a time-share,” he says. Although

San Rafael’s Hanus is so enamored of Bend that she intends to make

the price tag is hefty for such a unit, it’s “a lock-and-leave package that’s

it her permanent home someday. An avid skier married to an avid golf-

perfect for affluent baby boomers who don’t want the day-to-day con-

er, she makes frequent visits to their town house. “Being able to vaca-

cerns of typical home ownership.”

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Bruce Raskin of Palo Alto had vacationed in southeast Idaho for

But she emphasizes the importance of working with an expert on

years with his family before deciding to buy a piece of land there and

the purchase, since there are many issues to sort out. For instance, hold-

build a second home. But it took him a while to warm up to the idea.

ing title to the land your house sits on is not a given in certain areas

Despite friends’ repeated urgings, he says, “I thought, why buy when I

of Mexico. “If a client knows that up front and they still want to buy

can stay in a cheap motel? I finally realized I wouldn’t be working full

there, that’s fine. It’s just important to be knowledgeable.” Likewise,

time for the rest of my life and could go for extended stays.”

she says, “with cross-border transactions, you need an accountant who

His home is on the Snake River, a locale he chose for its superb

can tell you the tax implications.”

fly-fishing. His wife loves it for the wildlife, hiking and bird-watch-

Lorna Kellogg of Petaluma, who has bought and sold several second

ing. And they have a circle of California friends who own getaways in

homes, is bullish on Hawaii. She originally purchased her Kauai town

the same area, giving them a built-in community when they’re there.

house as a place to stay during her frequent trips to the island, intend-

Because Raskin is now self-employed and his wife is a teacher with

ing to rent it out to vacationers between her own stays. But she found

summers off, they log in as many hours at their Idaho home as they

it tough to find a reliable property manager. “Doing business in Hawaii

would at a weekend home closer to the Bay Area. “We’re able to spend

is very relaxed,” she says. “It requires immense patience, as well as tol-

the whole summer there together,” he says. “And I go back for another

erance for different business standards.”

three weeks in the fall.”

Her solution was to rent to long-term tenants. She handles the rentals herself and has a friend on the island on call for any tenant

Sunny Skies

needs that arise. (Hawaii requires absentee landlords to have a local

The chilly Northern California winters prompt many second-home buyers

property manager.) “It sort of defeated my purpose in buying it,” she

to seek warmth. Arizona, with its abundant recreation and proximity to

says with a laugh, but she’s still delighted because the property has

California, is a favorite spot. The Phoenix area enjoys 300 sunny days a

appreciated substantially. “It turned out to be a great investment,” she

year, attracting a large population of “snowbirds”—retirees who show up

says. Kellogg plans to continue buying Hawaii properties, in particular

for the winter, then migrate back to their primary home in the spring.

on the Big Island. She’s also building a house in Colorado. She finds

Popular choices for warm-weather getaways outside the United States are Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, says Cheryl

traveling to her various long-distance properties simple: “I hoard my airline miles.”

Weber, an agent with the western-states real estate agency Windermere

Wherever you’re considering buying, EscapeHome.com’s Hehman

Realty and an international property specialist. Weber is a keen propo-

advises taking time to assess what you want and really get to know an

nent of buying abroad, for more reasons than just vacation. “The great-

area. Don’t buy on impulse because you fall in love with a property, he

est reward,” she says, “is the opportunity to live in another culture and

says. “By far, we find that the people who are very clear on what they

share [in] that daily life.”

want going in get the most enjoyment out of their property.”

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IF YOU RENT IT OUT Find a reliable, hardworking property manager, Lorna Kellogg suggests. Ask for referrals from other property owners. If you do take your chances with the yellow pages, ask for a half-dozen references. Gene Buccola agrees that referrals are the way to go. “Ask the local bank manager or a mortgage broker. You’ll ﬁnd that the same names come up over and over.” Kellogg advises giving your property manager a ﬁnancial incentive to keep the place booked. Also, she says, insist on a minimum length of stay. Fewer people in and out makes for less wear and tear. As an alternative to a local property management company, Richard Hehman recommends HomeAway.com, which lists and manages vacation rentals online. “Make sure there’s a designated secure area you can keep locked to hold your personal belongings,” says Greg Venezia, author of Buying a Second Home: Investment, Getaway or Retirement. “Otherwise, you’ll be schlepping your stuff back and forth in between renters. Something as simple as an oversize closet in a bedroom or closed storage in the garage may do the trick.” Important: Understand the tax implications. Deductions change depending on how many days per year you rent the place out.

OPPOSITE: Finding a second

home location on a lake provides opportunities for kayaking and other water sports. THIS PAGE: Fly-ﬁshing near Bend, Oregon.

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SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

323 RESIDENCES Lake. Links. Slopes. Serenity. Heavenly. Yours. or buyers seeking to invest in a pampered, year-round resort lifestyle, 323 Residences at Heavenly Mountain in Lake Tahoe, Nevada is the place to be. Vail Resorts Inc. purchased Heavenly Mountain Resort in 2002 and began implementing a plan to take the area from a sleepy little jewel to a first class, year-round resort. Adjacent to both the Boulder and Stagecoach lifts at Heavenly, 323 Residences is the mountain’s newest “full ownership” condominium. With prices ranging from $1.5 million to $5.5 million, 323 Residences is now taking reservations at their Model and Discovery Center, with over half of the Center devoted to modeling a typical kitchen and living area so buyers can experience first-hand the level of exquisite finishes that are standard for this luxury lifestyle. Complete with floor-to-ceiling photos of Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley simulating the views from 323 upon its completion, the Discovery Center features twelve distinct floor plans and interior design boards with the actual materials and color

palettes available in the residences. The Discovery Center also has a high-tech, flat-screen presentation featuring photo-realistic fly-throughs of a standard residence, a penthouse residence, the building’s common areas and actual fly-overs of the mountain to better familiarize buyers with the building location and orientation. 323 Residences will feature two-, three- and fourbedroom plans ranging in square footage from 1820 to 3250 square feet with the buyer’s choice of either lake or valley views. 323 also features 9 two-story penthouses, ranging from 3800 to 6100 square feet and consisting of 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2 living areas and unobstructed views of both gorgeous Lake Tahoe and the serenity that is Carson Valley. In addition to the tax advantages of Nevada home ownership, 323 Residences will also feature the convenience of a “lock and leave lifestyle”, made easy with 24-hour security and an “on-call” concierge. 323 Residences’ Model and Discovery Center is located in the heart of Heavenly Village and is open daily beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.323tahoe.com or call 866LAKE-323 (866-525-3323) for more information.

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View from residences While the 323 Residences’ unobstructed views of Heavenly Valley and Lake Tahoe certainly qualify as a religious experience, the amenities were designed to accommodate more earthly pleasures. From the sublime bliss of a hot tub, a dry sauna, a steam room, and exercise facilities . . . to the divine decadence of having your own lounge, Concierge and on-call masseur . . . the lifestyle at 323 allows you and your loved ones to reconnect, refresh and recharge without guilt. They call it Heavenly for a reason. Come find out why! Model & Discovery Center Now Open in Heavenly Village! 49 Full Ownership Residences 49 Unobstructed Views Tax Advantages of Nevada Ownership “On Call” Concierge Lifestyle 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms 1800 to 6100 square feet

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SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

Elegant California Ranch Living

MAGINE A LIFESTYLE SURROUNDED BY ACRES OF UNSPOILED NATURAL BEAUTY, enhanced by impeccable reputation and amenities, comforted with the knowledge of faultless service and worry-free from traditional ownership irritations. This is living at The Retreat – the premier ownership opportunity at Carmel Valley Ranch, a private luxury resort nestled at the heart of sunny Carmel Valley, California. An exclusive haven of 144 spacious one-, two- and threebedroom residential units, The Retreat at Carmel Valley Ranch is a coveted condominium-hotel address. A $60 million renovation and refurbishment currently underway, is set to heighten the already exemplary offerings of the property, providing a unique opportunity to combine second-home ownership with a true resort experience. Led by acclaimed design firm PMG Architects, all of the Carmel Valley Ranch’s signature suites are undergoing a complete transformation. Each identically-furnished unit combines natural materials intermixed with the latest technological and architectural advances, from cherry hardwood floors and custom kitchenette cabinetry to flat-screen televisions and radiant heated tile floors. The residential ambiance continues with cathedral ceilings, wood-

burning fireplaces and wrap-around decks overlooking amazing views. Residents of The Retreat also enjoy the award-winning services and amenities of the Carmel Valley Ranch resort, including a championship golf course, tennis program, three restaurants, twicedaily housekeeping and a concierge. Ownership benefits include a complimentary Carmel Valley Ranch Premier Club membership, offering preferred pricing and access to many of the resort’s diversions. The combination of property ownership and luxury resort services allows for unparalleled freedom to enjoy The Retreat lifestyle. Owners arrive to find all necessities, like kitchen utensils, bedding and toiletries, supplied within their unit, and have a large owner’s closet for personal storage. In addition, resort management maintains all furnishings, landscaping and upkeep, pays utility bills, provides security and handles cleaning and chores. The Retreat at Carmel Valley Ranch offers fully-furnished units from 800 sq. ft. – 1,400 sq. ft. and priced from $700,000. When not in personal use, condo owners may rent their unit as a traditional hotel room. Sotheby’s International Realty: (888) 658-0888 or visit www. carmelvalleyranch.com.

is void where prohibited by law. All pictures, photographs, and images are owned or licensed by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. or its aﬃ liates. Any use, reproduction or distribution of pictures, photographs, and images without written permission is expressly prohibited. Sotheby’s International Realty. Real estate broker, California Department of Real Estate. One Old Ranch Road, Carmel, California 93923.

WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. Th is is not an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which restrictions and other legal requirements have not been fulfi lled. Th is advertisement

IT’S CALLED A VACATION HOME FOR A REASON. The eagerly awaited Retreat at Carmel Valley Ranch is the only hotel-style, second-home ownership opportunity in all of Carmel Valley. From our championship golf course, designed by Peter Dye, to the 5-star meals prepared by our Zagat-rated chef, you’ll be pampered daily with world class resort services and amenities like linen care and maintenance, gourmet in-room dining, a premier luxury spa, twelve tennis courts and evening turndown service for a second-home living experience like no other. And as an owner, take advantage of our optional rental program. Here, we take care of every little thing, while you enjoy the unbelievable ease of owning a little corner of paradise.

Fully furnished, hotel residences now available and attractively priced from the $700,000s–but they’re going fast. Call us at 888.658.0888 or visit www.carmelvalleyranch.com.

SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ESTRELLA DEL MAR Mazatlán’s Shining Star OR DECADES,VIBRANT,VERSATILE Mazatlán has enticed travelers with its just-right blend of Colonial culture and tropical tranquility. Now, thanks to Pat Butler and his Denver-based Club Acquisition Company, there’s a much more fulfilling way to enjoy Mazatlán: as a homeowner. Butler’s vision, Estrella del Mar Golf and Beach Resort, is the first whole ownership opportunity in Mazatlán. It has everything you’d expect from a top-tier country club community in America: a prime locale, beautiful homes, a championship golf course, a glittering pool, tennis courts, spa facilities, elegant dining and impeccably trained staff. But Estrella del Mar also offers a few things you might not expect—starting with affordable homes. Location, location, location. Just 10 minutes from the airport on secluded Stone Island, Estrella del Mar boasts 816 total acres with 3.5 miles of pristine golden-sand beach. And, though the resort feels like a world unto itself, the legendary local color of Mazatlán is just 30 minutes away.

A thriving Colonial city in the midst of a cultural renaissance, Mazatlán has much to offer—world-class sport fishing, one of the region’s finest aquariums, beautiful artisan jewelry, an opulent opera house, and more. Links worth living on. Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., Estrella del Mar’s championship 18-hole course is one of the top-rated courses in all of México—and one of only two in Mazatlán. Overlooking miles of undisturbed beach, the golf course winds through the entire resort and serves as the community’s centerpiece. Six of the course’s holes and fairways are situated along the shore with the ever-photogenic Pacific as a backdrop. Quality, accessibility, affordability. At Estrella del Mar, all homes and condominiums adhere to stringent U.S. building standards; these are true luxury homes you might find in the finest American communities, using only the most distinctive materials and finishes. Yet golf course homesites start in the mid-$300s, and oceanfront condominiums start in the mid-$400s—literally a fraction of what one might pay in the U.S. For more information, call 800.431.5562 or visit www.estrelladelmar.com.

SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MARTIS CAMP Summer camp. Tahoe style. HERE WAS A TIME IN YOUR LIFE when you looked forward to the return to camp all year long. The lure of the great outdoors. Crisp clean air. The friendship. The adventure. The purity of it all. You were never more alive. What if you could experience that feeling all year long? And share it with your entire family? Martis Camp is a luxury community in North Lake Tahoe that blends youthful anticipation with refined living. Situated on 2,177 gently-sloped acres of grand ponderosa forests and rolling meadows, Martis Camp offers serenity set alongside a picturesque, alpine meadow stream. The community plan allows for approximately 650 estate and cottage homesites, offering owners the opportunity to build within spacious setbacks that ensure a natural fit with the terrain.

Martis Camp will redefine the traditional concept of a family community by adding a unique multigenerational dimension. One that allows your children, grandchildren and parents to enjoy it with you. Golfers will savor the Tom Fazio 18-hole championship course. And everyone will be drawn to the Camp Lodge complete with dining and spa services as well as the Family Barn and Amphitheater, which will feature high-caliber concerts, artists-in-residence and live theatre performances. Like the land it embraces, Martis Camp will resonate with a certain authenticity that is free of pretense and formality. Life here will be simple, refined, unhurried and memorable. The Phase I Grand Opening at Martis Camp was a tremendous success, selling out in record time. Phase II is shaping up to be just as successful with pricing from $700,000. For more information, call 800.721.9005, or visit MartisCamp.com.

We’re adding Tom Fazio. And letting nature take its course.

Martis Camp. The Tahoe You’ve Always Imagined. TM

This time around, camp is all grown up. Reﬁned. And enriched. Martis Camp is a private gated community that is introducing a limited number of families to a new level of authentic North Lake Tahoe luxury. With 2,100 acres of natural splendor at your door, you’ll recapture the wonder, the spirit and the camaraderie of the summers of youth. The Martis Camp lifestyle will be made all the more spectacular with available access to the Martis Camp Club, which will feature a Tom Fazio Championship Golf Course, a Camp Lodge with ﬁne and casual dining, a state-of-the-art Club Spa, Outdoor Concert Park and Amphitheater and a Family Barn complete with Movie Theater and Bowling Lanes. You can’t go back in time. But you can go back to camp.

Phase I was a tremendous success, selling out in record time. Our Phase II Launch is shaping up to be just as successful with pricing from $700,000. Call 800-721-9005 to reserve your homesite at Martis Camp today, or visit MartisCamp.com for more information. The club amenities described above are proposed but not yet built. Access to and use of the club amenities are not included in the purchase of homesites and require separate membership, which is subject to application, approval, and payment of applicable fees and dues. Obtain and carefully review the offering circular for Martis Camp Club before making any decision to purchase a membership. All features, dimensions, drawings, conceptual renderings, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice, and Developer expressly reserves the right to modify, revise or withdraw any or all of the same in its sole discretion. Pictures and renderings are Artist Representations and are not necessarily an accurate depiction. All improvements, design and construction, are subject to first obtaining appropriate permits and approvals. Areas shown are based upon gross square footage. All prices are subject to change without notice. The information provided in this advertisement is strictly for informational purposes and shall not be construed as an offer in California or any other jurisdictions where prior registration or other advance qualification of real property is required.

SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MISIÓN LA SERENA A Lifetime of Luxury. njoy an exclusive, oceanfront deeded-interest resort offering whole and fractional ownership in 75 two-, three- and four-bedroom residences on 9.98 acres of pristine beachfront within the master planned development of Puerto Los Cabos, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, México.

on to the terrace and infinity-plunge pool. Exquisitely designed master baths have separate toilet, a double sink and vanity area, a wet area with multiple nozzle shower, elevated plunge tub and a terrace with open-air shower. Each building has a rooftop social area and whale-watching deck where owners may enjoy private massages and treatments, candlelight dinners and barbeque cookouts.

This resort community boasts a 400+ slip marina, two signature golf courses, one by Nicklaus and one by Norman, and luxury hotels. Scheduled for completion Fall 2008, or early 2009, Misión La Serena will define the high-end private residence, resort experience in Los Cabos, exemplifying the ultimate vacation lifestyle.

A gym and fitness center, yoga, and meditation complement the many recreational opportunities nearby, including six championship golf courses, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, boating, windsurfing, sport fishing, horseback riding, whale watching, and outback desert and marine excursions.

Each two- or three-bedroom residence opens onto an entertainment area, with foyer and half-bath, a spacious living room with fireplace, a flat screen home theater with DVD player and Bose sound system, and a dining room comfortably seating six. Glass pocket sliders flank the living room, leading to the lounge terrace and infinity-plunge pool. Classically appointed with understated elegance and original art, residences feature rich and inviting textures of travertine pattern floors. Master bedrooms are replete with kingsize bed, flat screen TV, DVD player, and safe-deposit box, and open

Misión La Serena’s privileged location is just steps away from the private 400-slip Puerto Los Cabos marina, scheduled for completion Fall 2008. Marina facilities include a fuel dock, Port Captain and Customs and Immigration services, sport fishing docks, dry stack storage, and full marina supplies and services. Slips from 30-feet and yacht club memberships are available to Misión La Serena owners. U.S. title insurance is offered on all sales. Ownership for the residences start under $200,000 USD. For more information, call 1-866-341-1190, or visit www.misionlaserena.com

SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OLD GREENWOOD North Tahoe’s Premier Year-Round Resort Community

ESTLED ON 600 ACRES in the mountains of North Lake Tahoe, Old Greenwood offers a rare escape to a fortunate few. With a limited number of home-sites, custom homes, luxury Cabins and Town-Homes and resort amenities, Old Greenwood is the gateway for enjoying not only the endless offering of year-round activities this region has to offer, but also membership privileges to the area’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Part of a larger vision created by East West Partners, the acclaimed group responsible for such world-class projects as Colorado’s Beaver Creek, Old Greenwood is one of four communities that fly the banner of Tahoe Mountain Resorts. They adhere to the same high standards of design and environmental stewardship represented by all properties developed by East West Partners.

One of the most unique and exciting offerings at Old Greenwood are the Cabins and Town-Homes. “We’ve taken the concept of shared ownership to a different level”, says Greg Traxler of East West Partners. “Instead of offering a fixed fractional ownership in a condominium like many of the latest private residence clubs, we provide ownership in a high quality single-family home located right on the golf course with a flexible use-plan allowing our owners to customize a level of ownership that’s perfect for them.” Ownership also provides membership in Tahoe Mountain Club with amenities such as; privileges to two golf courses; an Alpine Club and private restaurant at Northstar; a swim, tennis, fitness facility and spa at Old Greenwood; and members Wild Goose Restaurant on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Coming this summer, owners will even have access to “The Wild Goose II” a 36ft classic mahogany boat for charter on the Lake. For more information, please call 800 754 3070 or visit www.oldgreenwood.com

SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PRONGHORN Inspired by Tradition. Yours. RONGHORN OFFERS A GOLF EXPERIENCE AS FRESH AND inspiring as the high-desert that surrounds it. After just a short flight from the Bay Area to unspoiled Central Oregon, you will find the West’s only side-by-side Nicklaus and Fazio golf courses embellishing a spectacular high-desert landscape. Here you’ll enjoy amenities befitting a five-star resort and an authentic, uncrowded quality of life, forged from rugged natural beauty and a legendary level of service. But majestic architecture and rustic romance are only the beginning of this world-class experience. Bordered by 20,000 acres of fragrant juniper and sage, Pronghorn is the best of the New West. Pronghorn Adventures offers the opportunity to “rediscover your sense of adventure and reinvent your relationship with nature.” Then relax with the kids by the pool, savor gourmet Northwest cuisine and rare vintages, take a lesson at the on-site Nicklaus Academy of Golf or simply enjoy the peaceful pace and the pure high-desert air.

Pronghorn offers a variety of ownership opportunities that perfectly balance a California lifestyle. Estate living is the heart of Pronghorn’s allure. Nestled among thousand-year old junipers or hugging the curves of tournament quality fairways are elite homesites and breathtaking high-desert estates which are luxury destinations unto themselves. The Residence Club at Pronghorn is a perfect option for those who want to enjoy Bend part-time. These fractionally-owned, multi-million dollar villas start for under $200,000 and are on the 18th hole of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course Travel + Leisure Golf rated “One of the Top Ten Best New Courses in the World.” Residence Club owners also enjoy reciprocal exchanges at fine leisure assets around the world. Just 20 minutes from Pronghorn is the resort town of Bend, Oregon, offering world-class bistros, Mt. Bachelor ski resort, seasonal festivals, charming coffee houses, wine bars and boutiques and a downtown riverfront promenade. For more information visit www.pronghornclub.com or call 800-541-9424.

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4HIS ADVERTISEMENT IS INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE SALE OF 4HE 2ESIDENCE #LUB AT 0RONGHORN 6ILLA #ONDOMINIUMS A LUXURY VACATION HOME OFFERING AVAILABLE IN SHARED OWNERSHIP INTERESTS CLASSIFIED BY SOME STATESµ LEGISLATION AS A VACATION OWNERSHIP OR TIMESHARE PRODUCT 4HIS IS NEITHER AN OFFER TO SELL NOR A SOLICITATION TO BUY WHERE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN FULFILLED !S THIS IS A MULTI PHASED DEVELOPMENT CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION OCCUPANCY DATES MAY VARY )NITIAL OCCUPANCY *ULY ! FULL EXPLANATION OF 4HE 2ESIDENCE #LUB AT 0RONGHORN MAY BE FOUND IN THE (OMEOWNERS !SSOCIATION DOCUMENTS %QUAL (OUSING /PPORTUNITY .7 7ALL 3TREET "END /2

SP ECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE WORLD Travel the World Without Leaving Home HE WORLD, THE ONLY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY AT SEA. Imagine finding the ultimate home or vacation option that meets the demanding expectations of the savviest of us - offering fabulous design, welcoming community, superb service and the best destinations. Choosing a home aboard the globe’s largest private yacht, The World is, as one Resident explains, “the perfect solution.” Beyond eliminating travel hassles and the ability to visit the most exotic destinations, this truly unique ship has created a community of likeminded Residents and Guests intent on experiencing the globe in style while staying in one of 165 privately-owned residences (125 three-, two-, and one-bedroom apartments, and 40 studios). Since christened in 2002, The World has visited over 100 countries from Albania to Zanzibar, traveling slowly and lingering in port for several days at a time (average 2.5 days). In 2007, The World will sail to the many wonders of Europe including Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, France, and Mediterranean. The 2008 route includes visits to Namibia, South

Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, India, Egypt, Turkey and Greece. Enjoy the amenities of the onboard “village at sea” with a staff of 250 to ensure the 150-200 Residents and Guests have a memorable experience. The ship boasts four first-class restaurants including French, Italian and Asian dining options. The chefs can even be booked to cook privately for you in your residence. Other amenities include: full-service spa equipped with superior health and fitness facilities, two swimming pools, full-size tennis court, and a theatre for movies and lectures. A number of reading rooms, deck cafés, bars and card room allow for a variety of evening pleasures. Enjoy a leisurely morning playing tennis on the only regulationsize tennis court at sea, hit golf balls from the onboard golf facilities, or play with water “toys” from our Marina deck at the ship’s stern. For adventurous and discerning travelers who enjoy the comforts of a private villa or vacation home combined with a passion for the sea, The World is a perfect lifestyle fit. For more information on rental or purchase aboard The World, please call Cruise Specialists at (415) 895-3900 and ask for Lindsay Murphy- The World Specialist. The 2007 itinerary can be viewed at www.CruiseSpecialists.com/aboardtheworld

Welcome to

The World Milos Santorini Míkonos Skíathos Istanbul Vama Constanta Odessa Yalta Dikili Kos Rhodes Kusadasi Bodrum Alexandria Port Said

Travel the world without leaving home As a successful and enterprising free spirit, you are determined to enjoy life, explore every corner of the globe but demanding of the highest standards as well as comfort, security and privacy.

The World. Sailing since 2002 www.aboardtheworld.com For purchase and rental information please contact Cruise Specialists: Ask for Lindsay Murphy - The World Specialist

Tel: (415)-895-3900 www.CruiseSpecialists.com Novato, CA / Seattle, WA

UBI 601123743 Carlson Travel Group, Inc. dba Cruise Specialists AD088 07/07

Life aboard The World is the life for you. A life which allows you to travel without leaving home – whether for a short stay, a lengthier sojourn or a lifetime. Join us aboard The World – live a life like no other.

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La Jolla

It’s ready when you are BY GRANT GRIFFITH

I H AV E A G O A L O F V I S I T I N G every grande dame in California, and I

don’t mean the ones with heartbeats and multiple strands of pearls. I mean the older, elegant hotels that have stood the test of time; they may have had a few face-lifts, but their original glory is undeniable.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

There is something I find soothing about these

weather, surfing (including a place for Jane to

classic bastions of hospitality. For the cost of a

learn), art galleries and a grande dame of a

night’s stay and a few drinks in the bar, I can

hotel: La Valencia.

walk in the footsteps of celebrated internation-

Originally built in 1926 as an apartment

al dignitaries, Hollywood celebrities of long ago

hotel, for a then-stupefying price of $300,000,

and wartime soldiers who came before me.

La Valencia had 28 rooms, a restaurant and

After more than six months of dating Jane,

two shops—one sold antiques and the other

I felt we were ready for a romantic getaway. By

offered needlepoint items. The “Pink Lady

now, we understood each other’s daily rhythms

of La Jolla,” as she is called, has the bone

and requirements. Jane is someone who needs

structure of my favorite classic Califonia des-

to run, or at least sweat, at some point dur-

tinations: thick stucco walls, high ceilings,

ing the day. And sometimes I need to nap. Jane

Spanish-tile floor, turn-of-the-century artwork

had suggested a trip a few months earlier and

and lots of ocean views.

I’d strategically dodged the idea with some

The 90-minute flight from SFO was easy,

mealy-mouthed excuse. If we traveled too ear-

as was securing the convertible I had booked

ly in the relationship, I reasoned, without that

through Orbitz. Within 30 minutes of San

basic understanding of how to get along, the

Diego airport, we’d left the interstate mad-

trip (and relationship) might be doomed.

ness behind and pulled onto La Jolla Village

So last month I brought her to one of my

Parkway, and then Prospect Street. The famil-

favorite Southern California destinations. The

iar pink Spanish-style tower of La Valencia ma-

coastal enclave of La Jolla had the elements we

terialized on the right, looming over the row

both wanted for a long weekend away: warm

of small shops, restaurants and storefronts that

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have grown around it over the past 80 years.

plore the coast on kayaks, lounge by the pool,

pieces such as the Mona Lisa using materials

Thanks to recent renovations to the tune of

or shop—to Jane’s morning. She’d enjoyed her

like peanut butter and jelly. “He is a genius,” she

$10 million, the hotel has received accolades

introduction to surfing, she said, and was look-

mused, as we sat in the old-timey comfort of the

including being on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold

ing forward to tomorrow’s lesson, where she

Whaling Bar at La Valencia. Though she’d been

List and Travel & Leisure’s top 500. I’d booked

hoped to actually catch and ride a wave. She’d

a Muniz fan for years, finally getting to see his

one of the new ocean villas, which come with

also stumbled on an unexpected surprise dur-

work in person was not what she had expected

amenities like a steam shower, whirlpool tub

ing a post-surf walk: at the northern end of

when I told her we were going to a beach town

and private butler service.

the mile-long shore is Black’s Beach, one of the

for the weekend. After a cocktail, we moseyed

Surfing was high on our list of priorities.

world’s most popular clothing-optional surfside

across the lobby to the Mediterranean Room for

Windansea, a legendary surf spot just a few min-

hangouts. “Good thing I was wearing my sun-

the most delicious calamari steak appetizer and

utes south of the village, was made famous by

glasses,” she said.

fresh halibut I’ve ever had. We were happy to

Tom Wolfe’s book The Pump House Gang, which

We reserved two kayaks for the next after-

find Stubbs Chardonay on the menu, and once

celebrates youthful dominance of that particular

noon and spent the rest of the day relaxing. As

we had polished off the bottle, we somehow

strip of sand in the 1960s. These days, a more

expected, our definitions of relaxing diverged.

started talking about Marin with our waitress.

fitting moniker for the local zeitgeist might be

I felt I had to kick off my flip-flops and take a

Turns out, she was headed up here with a friend,

“Old Guys Rule,” the mantra printed on so many

nap in our villa with the windows open. The

and was planning on hiking in Muir Woods. Ever

decals, coffee mugs and faded T-shirts worn by

cool, sea air and muffled sounds of surf and

the ambassador, Jane gave her my son’s phone

silver-haired surfers nationwide. To keep this va-

screeching gulls would lull me to sleep. Jane,

number in case she needed a guide. Beyond the

cation in the happy-memories category, I signed

as I like to say, runs hot, so for her, relaxing

wall-size windows open to the Pacific, the surf

Jane up for Surf Diva’s Weekend Surf Clinic at

meant taking a walking tour of the town.

was pounding the rocks of La Jolla Cove, as an

La Jolla Shores, three miles north. This long,

While La Jolla has been a tourist destination

army of pelicans rode on the air currents backlit

gentle, soft-sand-bottomed shore has excel-

for decades, it’s also home to over 40,000 full-

by the languid setting sun.

lent conditions for beginners. (“The best surfer

time residents—many listed among the Forbes

“Here.” Jane broke the spell by setting a

out there is the one having the most fun,” Surf

400 richest Americans as well as professors

paper bag next to the remains of our choco-

Diva’s website attests.)

and students from University of California San

late torte.

The weather was ideal—no coastal fog,

Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

I put my hand in the bag and felt the fa-

warm enough to be comfortable in a bathing

This eclectic population, along with the ever-

miliar shape of a framed picture. Apparently, as

suit, but not too hot. Life in La Jolla is good.

present tourists, makes for an interesting mix

Jane walked through the museum and art gal-

After a morning of separate surfing adventures,

of shops and amenities.

leries in town she was inspired to search for the

we enjoyed a well-earned lunch and light,

Jane’s favorite spot was the Museum of

perfect memento to bring home. Surprisingly,

crisp, homemade brew at the La Jolla Brew

Contemporary Art, where she stumbled on an

she said, she found it at the Wyland Gallery:

House, up the street from the hotel. Our con-

exhibition of works by the Brazilian artist Vic

a simple line drawing of a turtle. “It reminds

versation floated from what to do next—ex-

Muniz. Muniz is known for re-creating master-

me of you,”.

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Places to Stay

Things to Do

Places to Eat

La Valencia When La Valencia opened in

Surﬁng Private and group lessons available

Alfonzo’s Enjoy casual, family-style Mexican

1926, a room for two people was $5 a night.

for all levels. 858.454.8273, surfdiva.com

food indoors or out. Great margaritas,

Today’s nightly rates start at $300 for a

Kayaking Explore the coastal coves

ﬁsh tacos and carne asada burritos.

room in the hotel and $695 for the luxury

including the picturesque seven caves

1251 Prospect St., 858.454.2232,

Ocean Villas. 800.451.0772, lavalencia.com

and Underwater Park. 858.459.1114,

alfonsoslajolla.signonsandiego.com

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Sign up for

lajollakayak.com

La Jolla Brew House Good for lunch or

a week of tennis or golf at this popular

Snorkeling Beneath La Jolla Cove lies

dinner, plenty of homemade brews and

spot. Rooms and suites from $169 to $689.

San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park &

a wide variety of comfort food and eye

800.640.7702, ljbtc.com

Ecological Reserve—6,000 acres of ocean

candy. 7536 Fay Ave., 858.456.6279,

La Jolla Shores Hotel Set right on the

bottom and tidelands, from Scripps Park

lajollabrewhouse.com

beach; rooms and suites start at $179 to

in La Jolla, north across La Jolla Shores

The Mediterranean Room and Tropical

$499. 866.392.8762, ljshoreshotel.com

to the upper end of Torrey Pines State

Patio Take in the views of the Paciﬁc and

The Grande Colonial Another historical

Reserve, where crystal-clear waters reveal

enjoy a cozy atmosphere any time of day.

elegant hotel on the coast. Brand-new

a wealth of sea life, including bright orange

On Sundays check out the champagne

suites available in summer of ’07, starting

garibaldi, tiger sharks, and spiny lobsters.

brunch, voted “Best Brunch” by the La

at $375 per night. 888.530.5766,

858.454.1010,

Jolla Light Reader Poll. 1132 Prospect St.,

thegrandecolonial.com

sandiegobikeandkayaktours.com

858.551.3765, lavalencia.com

Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa Selected by

Stephen Birch Aquarium This aquarium-

Jack’s La Jolla It’s any gastronome’s dream:

Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “Hottest

museum focuses on ocean science

three distinct restaurants and four bars in one

New Hotels in the World” in 2005, this is a

education through its 34 aquarium

space. Choose the Dining Room, where the

great spot to go as a family or with a large

displays, demonstration tidepools, ocean

chef, a former three-Michelin-star winner, turns

group. Starting at $299. 858.550.1000,

science museum and tropical seas gallery.

out contemporary American cuisine. 7863

estancialajolla.com

858.534.3474, aquarium.ucsd.edu

Girard Ave., 858.456.8111, jackslajolla.com

GARY FREDRICKS LANDSCAPE DESIGN

web email phone

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

garyfredricksdesign.com gary@garyfredricksdesign.com 415•887•9257

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101

LO O K I NG BACK

St. Vincent’s Then and Now The school in today’s headlines dates back 150 years

WOULD YOU TAKE THIS BAIT? Hundreds of acres of prime Marin real estate are yours, provided you have “a school or seminary of learning” completed on the site in two years. No way, you say? It takes too long to get any project through planning, entitlements, design review boards and final approvals? Maybe so, but that was the offer tendered in 1853 when Marin was a wide-open county and San Rafael had a dozen or so disheveled homes and a mission in even worse condition. And, it wouldn’t be easy, because the person capable of pulling off the feat was 2,800 miles away.

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF ST. VINCENT’S SCHOOL FOR BOYS ARCHIVES

BY JIM WOOD

Here’s the story: on his deathbed, San Rafael land grantee Timothy Murphy promised 317 acres of land to Joseph Alemany, the first Archbishop of San Francisco. But as with any good Irishman, there was a catch to Murphy’s offer: the acreage would revert back to Murphy’s heirs unless a school was operating on the premises within two years. And as often happens, the best man for the job was . . . a woman. At the time, however, Sister Frances McEnnis was living with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in Emmitsburg, Maryland. According to A Mission That Endures: A History of St. Vincent’s School for Boys by Peter Rudy, when notified by Archbishop Alemany that the Sisters of Charity were needed to care for children orphaned by a recent cholera plague, Sister McEnnis and a small band of nuns agreed to make the hazardous trip and immediately headed west. After a grueling cross-country journey, they raised the necessary funds and made sure

OPPOSITE PAGE: Boys

the school was open for students on January

at St. Vincent’s in

1, 1855—beating Murphy’s deadline by

1890. The three-

ten days. As for naming the school, Sister McEnnis reached back to her roots: it would be called St. Vincent’s.

standing today, had been recently built following a ﬁre that

By 1868, the orphanage was housing

swept the campus

150 boys. By 1884—after initiation of farm-

in 1888. THIS PAGE,

ing operations, building expansion and out-

LEFT: In 1934, two

reach, and bringing in the Dominican Sisters to help with teaching—St. Vincent’s was PHOTO: COURTESY OF ST. VINCENT S SCHOOL FOR BOYS ARCHIVES

story building, still

boys admire the Most Holy Rosary Chapel, which was

home to nearly 500 orphaned as well as ne-

completed in 1930

glected or abused kids.

and today still holds

On May 19, 1888, half the St. Vincent’s campus was leveled by a disastrous fire; fortunately, no one perished. As one era ended, another began. Soon an expansion was un-

Sunday services. UPPER: St. Vincent’s

buildings—located off the 101 freeway between San Rafael

der way, involving gas-lighting, a new wing

and Novato—and

and a pre-graduation technical training pro-

completed in 1930,

gram for the boys. In 1893, when a consis-

are now falling into

tent source of water for bathing, drinking

disrepair.

and fire protection was discovered nearby, St. Vincent’s had not only recovered from the fire, but was well on its way to a safe and independent existence.

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Around the turn of the century the Dominican Sisters stepped out from St. Vincent’s and the Christian Brothers stepped in. A 34-piece band plus football and baseball teams were worked into the curriculum. In the 1920s, Father Francis McElroy was named director of St. Vincent’s; his first moves were to bring back the Dominican Sisters and commence a rebuilding effort, which produced the Renaissance-style buildings—including the spectacular Most Holy Rosary Chapel—that dominate St. Vincent’s today. “Father McElroy was a friendly man, a wonderful man,” recalls Angelo Leoni, 87, a resident of St. Vincent’s from 1934 to 1937. “He was very proud of the school and we were always afraid of offending him.” Dr. Leoni, who went on to attend USF and medical school in the Midwest, has been a Petaluma general practitioner for decades (as well as father of ten and grandfather to 27). “St. Vincent’s set me on a good path,” he says. “Everyone had a job; we all had to work.” Mill Valley’s Jim Conley, now 83, also lived at St. Vincent’s during the 1930s, but had a slightly different experience. “Even though I was always in trouble, Father McElroy was like a father to me,” he says. Crowley’s mother died when he was six and, in May of 1936, when he was 12, Father McElroy tenderly informed Conley that his father had just passed away. “Without Father McElroy and St. Vincent’s, I’d be in San Quentin today,” he confides. “I was definitely headed that way.”

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II, the school was home to nearly 350. “Father McKenna had replaced Father McElroy,” he recalls, “and though in his picture he looked mean as all hell, he was a kind and nice person.” By his own admission, Zanandrae,

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known as “Zany” at St. Vincent’s, “was always getting into trouble, quite a few fights; I didn’t

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like the confinement.” Yet in retrospect, he feels his years there were good for him: “The school was practically self-sufficient and there

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was always competition—football, baseball,

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basketball—and being on a team was the only way we could get off campus and meet girls.” Zanandrae, now 72, lives in Larkspur with Lynn, his wife of 47 years. In the 1950s and ’60s, St. Vincent’s evolved from its institutional past to become a residential facility serving a younger male population

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in need of longer-term acre. Then in the 1980s, St. Vincent’s established a Foster Home Program to enhance the prospects for some of the boys returning to their birth parents. St. Vincent’s also created the Timothy Murphy School— named for the Irishman who issued the longago deathbed challenge—to provide for the boy’s special needs. Under the leadership of Michael Marovich, the school also became more attached to the Marin County community. A 25member advisory board was created and special

nanette lepore norma kamali save the queen isabel de pedro suzi roher autumn cashmere trina turk ella moss vince

projects—a pumpkin patch, a Christmas tree lot—brought the surrounding Marinites closer to the organization and its mission. Today, St. Vincent’s is part of the Catholic

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Charities CYO, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to boys regardless of religious affiliation or socioeconomic status. The school is registered as a residential treatment center with the State of California’s Department of Social Services. Currently, St. Vincent’s accommodates 60 at-risk boys from

DISAPPEARING SCREENS FOR DOORS & WINDOWS

abusive and troubled backgrounds. EDITORIAL NOTE: Unfortunately, St. Vincent’s

itself is currently at risk. Due to a lack of adequate funding, its magnificent 80-year-old buildings are falling into serious disrepair. This fall, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will be considering restrictive land use policies recommended by the county planning commission for St. Vincent’s 780 acres of land. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, these policies will effectively preclude any opportunity for St. Vincent’s to develop less than 15 percent of its acreage for an affordable senior citizens’ housing complex. If allowed to proceed, such development would generate funds necessary to build new facilities, restore the historic buildings, and establish an endowment enabling St. Vincent’s to continue the work that was begun over 150 years ago.

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CA LE N DAR

JULY ARTS & EVENTS GUIDE

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare staged at Forest Meadows Amphitheater in San Rafael, July 6 through August 12.

THEATER Thru 14 Enchanted April In 1922, four women share the rental of an Italian villa for a monthlong holiday in Portoﬁno. Porchlight Theatre Company at the Marin Art and Garden Center (Ross). 415.488.7126, porchlight.net 6—August 12 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare In this popular farce three actors attempt to perform all of Shakespeare in less than two hours. Forest Meadows Amphitheater (San Rafael). 415.499.4488, marinshakespeare.org 13—August 19 Fully Committed In the basement of Manhattan’s trendiest new restaurant the phone is constantly ringing off the hook, which leaves the host juggling a variety of eccentric personalities. 106

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Ross Valley Players (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.org

13—15 The Garbage Cantata Discover how to reduce, reuse and recycle in this musical comedy. Dance Palace (Point Reyes). 415.663.1075, dancepalace.org

nal Round Table Pizza spokesman) and others blend wit and improvisational skills for an unforgettable night. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

MUSIC COMEDY Tuesdays Mark Pitta & Friends You’ll have to see the show to ﬁnd out who’s performing but it’s worth getting a chance to watch bigname headliners and up-and-coming comics work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

12 Dinosaurs of Improv Watch Diane Amos (the Pine-Sol lady), Bill Bonham (the origi-

Thru September 9 Summer Music Series An eclectic selection of music from jazz to swing, folk and Latin will take the stage and enhance the shopping experience in Corte Madera. Town Center (Corte Madera). 415.924.2961, shoptowncenter.com 1 Der Rosenkavalier In this opera, the Marschallin embarks on an affair with a young nobleman, Octavian. Their relationship is interrupted by the Marschallin’s MARINMAGAZINE.COM

cousin who announces he will marry the beautiful and innocent, Sophie. The Marschallin has Octavian deliver the customary silver rose to Sophie to announce the proposal. However, Octavian and Sophie fall in love. The Marschallin soon realizes that the real act of love is to give up her relationship with Octavian. San Francisco Opera (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com

1 & 22 James Moseley Band The Bay Area guitarist and vocalist is back in Mill Valley. Sweetwater Saloon (Mill Valley). 415.388.2820, sweetwatersaloon.com

5 Mother Truckers The Austin Music Awards honored this group as the best roots rock band. See the country band live in Marin. Sweetwater Saloon (Mill Valley). 415.388.2820, sweetwatersaloon.com

13 Mozart and Beethoven Pianist Jeremy Denk performs some of the most-loved music from two geniuses. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org 14 Chris Botti with the San Francisco Symphony Botti’s recent albums To Love Again: The Duets and When I Fall in Love have raised the bar of excellence in the interpretation of pop-jazz standards. Don’t miss this Grammy-winning artist performing with the San Francisco Symphony. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org 14 Vinyl The music of Vinyl blends oldschool funk, Latin percussion, reggae and R&B into signature instrumental grooves. Vinyl’s live shows are notoriously highenergy parties that unite fans of many musical styles. Sweetwater Saloon (Mill Valley). 415.388.2820, sweetwatersaloon.com

5–8 High Sierra Music Festival The entire family can enjoy four days and ﬁve stages of shows including Les Claypool, the Waybacks, Chicago Afrobeat Project and more. Take a break from the beats to enjoy yoga, Pilates, daily parades and a craft fair. Plumas-Sierra Fairgrounds (Quincy). 866.468.3399, highsierramusic.com

27 Neil Sedaka The rock and pop pioneer and author of more than 1,000 songs performs in San Francisco for one night only. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

DANCE

Mahealani Uchiyama, Chhandam School of Kathak Dance, KaUaTuahine Polynesian Dance Company and more. Regents Theater (Oakland). 510.845.2605

GALLERIES MARIN Aperture f64 Gallery Black and white ﬁne art photography on display, thru July. 635 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.482.0480 Art Abloom Ongoing work. 735 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com Art Works Downtown Allegory A group show of paintings and sculptures by eight Bay Area artists working with allegorical themes, thru August 3. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org Claudia Chapline Gallery Bay Area painters and sculptors including Marianna Goodheart, Pamela Blotner and more, through September 3. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

6 & 7 Pink Martini A 12-piece ensemble known for a mix of musical styles inﬂuenced by Latin music, jazz, cabaret and more. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

7 Dance in the Key to Life An annual concert presenting dance and music from Hawaii, Tahiti, North India, New Zealand and Africa. Featuring performances by

Donna Seager Gallery Figurative painting, ceramics, handmade books and more. 851 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.454.4229, donnaseagergallery.com

11 Victoria George With a ﬁercely independent point of view, Victoria George is a performer with the power of a great voice and fresh song. Sweetwater Saloon (Mill Valley). 415.388.2820, sweetwatersaloon.com 12 Tango Don’t miss what promises to be an evening of seductive, ﬁery music coupled with dancers Pilar Álvarez and Claudio Hoffmann, who perform live with the orchestra. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org 13 Danesh & the Super Human Crew Opening The Marin guitarist and Sweetwater local has played with many famous artists such as Santana, Henry Butler and Ravi Coltrane. Sweetwater Saloon (Mill Valley). 415.388.2820, sweetwatersaloon.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

James Moseley Band will perform live at Sweetwater Saloon in Mill Valley July 1 & 22. M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

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Edith Caldwell Gallery Ongoing Work. 819 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.5003, edithcaldwell.com Falkirk Cultural Center Patterns of Intention Richly colored oil paintings and monotypes by Holly Blake, Jennifer Kelley and Katherine Warinner, thru August. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3438, falkirkculturalcenter.org Gallery Bergelli Work by Chilean painter Mario Gomez, thru July. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, gallerybergelli.com Gallery Route One Richard Allen: Selected Work A tribute to Inverness resident and photographer Richard Allen, who died in 2005; Worked Books Tim Graveson and Zea Morvitz collaborate on this work, thru July 22. Box Show Par Excellence There are 150 artists, boxes and unique ideas in this show, July 27. Wild Book Show A fundraiser for Artists in the Schools, thru July 15. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Society of Artists Open Fine Arts Show All Northern California artists are invited to submit works, thru July 29. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org Novato Art Center Artfully Reclaimed III A juried competition featuring ﬁne art made from recycled materials, thru July 15. 500 Palm Dr, Novato. 415.506.0137, artleagueofnortherncalifornia.org O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Nela Wattley: A Retrospective As a longtime member of the gallery, Wattley paints whimsical abstractions using watercolors and acrylic. July 3—July 31. 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

Area ﬁgurative tradition. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgﬁnearts.com Sam the Butcher Southern Accents Work by Marin-based artist Dani Roach, thru July. 19 Ross Common, Ross. 415.902.1019 Studio 333 Studio space for local artists; art lessons also available. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info The Painters Place The custom frame shop and gallery. 1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.0351, thepaintersplace.com William Lester Gallery New work by Ezra Katz, Paul Kratter, Pamela Priest Naeve and Stefan Alexis Pastuhov, thru July. 11101 Shoreline Hwy, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.9365, williamlestergallery.com

SAN FRANCISCO Robert Green Fine Arts The gallery focuses on contemporary, painterly, nonobjective work with occasional forays into the Bay

Ampersand International Arts Fin de Partie/Endgame Work by Marion Jannot

New work by Mario Gomez

10 - 4 Daily

483 Magnolia Avenue / Larkspur 415.945.9454 www.bergelli.com MarioGomez GomezElElDueno DuenoDel DelTiempo Tiempo39” 39”x x47” 47”Oil Oilon onCanvas Canvas Mario

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and Cesar Cofone-Dadamo, thru July 13. 1001 Tennessee St, 415.285.0170, ampersandintlarts.com ArtHaus An emphasis on the presentation of quality works, diverse in subject matter, media and style by New York and Bay Area artists. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com Berggruen Gallery Watercolors by Mark Adams, thru July 7. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com Caldwell Snyder Gallery Recent paintings by Manel Anoro. 341 Sutter St, 415.531.6755, caldwellsnyder.com

Frey Norris Gallery Wolfgang Paalen: Implicit Spaces Over 20 fumages from 1922 to 1956 will be showcased in the most comprehensive Paalen exhibit in the United States since 1954, thru July 12. 456 Geary St, 415.346.7812, freynorris.com Gallery Paule Anglim CCA Centennial Show Honoring Alumni Work by former students and faculty, July 5—28. 14 Geary St, 415.433.2710, gallerypauleanglim.com George Krevsky Gallery San Francisco Scenes Work by Dorothy Winslade, John Haley and others, thru July 28. 77 Geary St, 415.397.9748, georgekrevskygallery.com

Elins Eagles Smith Gallery New paintings by Gary Komarin, thru July 15. 49 Geary St, Ste 520, 415.981.1080, eesgallery.com

Gregory Lind Gallery Works from emerging and mid-career artists from the United States and abroad. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com

Fraenkel Gallery Several Exceptionally Good Recently Acquired Pictures, thru August 11. 3049 Geary St, 415.981.2661, fraenkelgallery.com

Hackett-Freedman Gallery Passionate Gesture Work by Cavallon, Ferber, Goldberg, Hoffman, Lobdell, Mitchell, Neri, Nevelson, Reinhardt and Vicente; on dis-

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play July 12—August 31. 250 Sutter St, 415.362.7152, hackettfreedman.com Hang Art and Hang Art Annex Work by Jylian Gustlin, thru July at Hang Art. New Faces Work from new artists and recent MFA students, thru July at Hang Art Annex. 556 & 567 Sutter St, 415.434.4264, hangart.com In Color 2 Contemporary photography on display thru July. 2475 Third St, 415.861.3997, incolor2.com Jack Hanley Gallery A group show by curator Keegan Mchargue, thru July. 395/389 Valencia St, 415.522.1623, jackhanley.com John Pence Gallery Introductions 2007 Work by Bennett Vadnais and Sam Wisneski, thru July 28. 750 Post St, 415.441.1138, johnpence.com Linda Saytes Ongoing work. Hunters Point Shipyard, Bldg 101, Studio 2120, 415.824.5756, saytesart.com

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Newmark Gallery Summer in the City This third anniversary exhibit features a variety of gallery artists, thru August 25. 251 Post St, Ste 412, 415.392.3692, newmarkgallery.com

SAN ANSELMO ART AND DESIGN FESTIVAL BY ANNE CRUMP RAY Summer is the season of the street festival, and the city of San Anselmo stands ready to show the Bay Area how it’s done. Now in its 24th year, the San Anselmo Art and Design Festival transforms the city’s typically quiet downtown streets into a bustling and colorful marketplace, complete with the usual assortment of arts and crafts, food and entertainment, plus a dedicated children’s area and demonstrations galore. Traditionally a June event, the festival moves to July 14 and 15 this year, offering a bigger-than-ever midsummer celebration in honor of San Anselmo’s hundredth anniversary. The lineup includes approximately 200 arts-andcrafts vendors, more than a dozen food stations, performances by a variety of local musicians, a well-stocked kids’ playland (with teacup rides, face painting, games and a climbing wall), and cooking and landscape design demonstrations by some of Marin’s top practitioners. Festival producer Steven Restivo notes that the design angle really sets the San Anselmo festival apart from its cousins in the area, providing interesting spins on culinary, home design and gardening trends. Presented by the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce, the Art and Design Festival is free and open to the public, with eight hours of activity offered both Saturday and Sunday. For more information and updates, call the festival’s toll-free phone number or visit the ofﬁcial website. San Anselmo Art and Design Festival, San Anselmo Ave. between Tamalpais and Bolinas Aves., free; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. July 14–15; 800.310.6563, artanddesignfestival.com

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Paul Thiebaud Selection of gallery artists, thru July. 718 Columbus Ave, 415.434.3055, paulthiebaudgallery.com Rena Bransten Gallery New Work Paintings by Jessica Snow and mixed media by Joana Vaszoncelos, thru July 7. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com

MUSEUMS MARIN Bolinas Museum The Art of the Psychedelic Dance Hall Posters: San Francisco 1965—1967 Local works from the ’60s. Jan Gauthier in the Photography Gallery, Rob Setrakian in the Coastal Marin Artist Gallery, thru August 12. (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

ists, Sugimoto is known for his ongoing multiple series of hauntingly beautiful blackand-white photographs, which explore the themes of time, memory, dreams and natural histories, thru September 23 (SF). 415.863.3330, thinker.org di Rosa Preserve CCA Alumni Show To celebrate the centennial anniversary of the California College of the Arts, work by Robert Arneson, Robert Bechtle, David Ireland and others on display, thru July 14 (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosapreserve.org Exploratorium Untitled No. 128 Scottish artist Aeneas Wilder, who is known for transient artworks that are architectural-type structures, will create Untitled No. 128 out of wood in a live building performance (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu Legion of Honor Rembrandt to Thiebaud: A Decade of Collecting Works on Paper Shown for the ﬁrst time will be drawings by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Anthonie Waterloo, Giacomo Balla, Edward Hopper, Hans Arp, Andy Warhol, and Wayne Thiebaud, along with prints by Federico Barocci, George Stubbs, John Constable, Paul Gauguin, Giorgio Morandi, Pablo Picasso, and Gerhard Richter, thru August 7 (SF). 415.863.3330, legionofhonor.org

Marin History Museum Time to Play Toys from years past are on display in this new exhibit, thru August 3 (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Museum of Craft & Folk Art Beyond Craft A photographic essay detailing the process of creating handmade paper, along with an extensive collection of the paper itself, thru July 22 (SF). 415.227.4888, mocfa.org

BAY AREA

SFMOMA Martin Munkacsi: Think While You Shoot The artist’s photographs represent the speed and energy of modern life. His pictures have inspired some of the best photographers in history, including Richard Avedon and Henri Cartier-Bresson, thru September 16 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

Asian Art Museum Yoshitoshi’s Strange Tales: Woodblock Prints from Edo to Meiji One hundred prints by Taiso Yoshitoshi are featured in this two-series exhibit. The ﬁrst series is from the beginning of Yoshitoshi’s career and the other from the end. The two are stylistically so unlike that they could be by different artists; thru September 2 (SF). 415.581.3500, asianart.org de Young Hiroshi Sugimoto The extraordinary 30-year career of photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto is celebrated in this retrospective of 120 luminous photographs, made from 1976 to the present. One of Japan’s most important contemporary art-

FAMILIES/KIDS MARIN Thru August 24 Summer Camp Sign up for a different Discovery Camp each week and enjoy guided exploration and openended play. Camp themes include visual MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PAINTING BY M ARK MA NSARRAT

Meyerovich Gallery Robert Motherwell: Works from the Artist’s Estate Works on paper, including collage, aquatints and more, thru August 15. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Kiku Imports

and performing arts, building, natural history, science, crafts and more (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Japanese Tansu & Antiques

Thru September 9 Joshua’s Journey: A Black Cowboy Rides the Chisholm Trail Attendees will be introduced to life during the trail drive era as seen through the eyes of a 16-year-old boy. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Camp Motivated young musicians and singers who want to acquire new skills and explore new musical forms are encouraged to attend this camp, which culminates in a full-scale stage show. St. Stephen’s Church (Belvedere). 415.420.2960, youngperformersintl.org

B AY A R E A 1—August 26 Oops! A Make-Break Fest Experience the challenge of trying to make your own homemade scientiﬁc toys, including rewiring a lamp and ﬁxing a broken toaster. Exploratorium (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Tuesday thru Saturday, 10am to 6pm 415.929.8278 • www.kikuimports.com 1420 Sutter Street, San Francisco

23—29 Marin Jazz, Pop and World Music

Sergey

EVENTS

Smirnov

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

1953-2006

A Retrospective

Opens July 14th - 7-9 PM Featuring the release of two New Smirnov Estate Signed print editions. Geisha in Red, print as pictured 50" x 32"

Saturdays and Sundays thru July 15 Annual Migration Visit Bolinas Lagoon Preserve to see the return of hundreds of great blue herons, snowy egrets and great egrets for their nesting rituals. After, enjoy eight miles of trails and a picnic lunch. Audubon Canyon Ranch (Stinson Beach). 415.868.9244, egret.org

FINGERHUT GALLERY OF SAUSALITO

Gallery works also include by: Picasso, Miro, Montesinos, Vanderveen, Matisse, Jiang, Picart, Snowden, Chagall, Rembrandt, Wilkinson, G. Slick, Dr. Seuss™ and others.

Thru 4 Marin County Fair Don’t miss the events and exhibits, thrilling rides and attractions and world-class entertainment of the 62nd annual fair. For a special treat, every night of the fair the sky will be ﬁlled with a dazzling ﬁreworks display. Marin County Fairgrounds (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinfair.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM

800-700-1842

690 BRIDGEWAY

www.fingerhutart.com/gallery/sausalito.html

E-mail: sausalito@fingerhutart.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON: MARIN COUNTY FAIR Showcase a recycled beach trash sculpture, submit a bottle of homemade vino or mold a sandcastle creation for a chance at the ultimate prize—a blue ribbon at this year’s Marin County Fair. However, if the competitive spirit isn’t in you, rock out (for free) to KC and the Sunshine Band, Pat Benatar (pictured at right) or the Village People and take in the kaboom-appeal of nightly ﬁreworks displays. Mermaids and sea nymphs will take joy in this year’s theme—aquatic adventures—which brings an up-close encounter with sea lions and demonstrations from Dr. Jenifer Hurley, direct from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. With over 120,000 fairgoers expected to attend, arrive early to snag a spot on the 10-story giant Ferris wheel or one of the other 28 free carnival rides. With so many attractions at this year’s event, the biggest dilemma is deciding what to do first. Marin County Fair (San Rafael), 415.499.6800, marinfair.org

Thru 4 Marin/Scapes Check out original works of art depicting contemporary life in Marin. Escalle Winery (Larkspur). 415.457.6966, ext. 732, marinscapes.org

address the needs of middle and high school age youth at risk. The grants committee is now accepting applications. Marin Charitable (Ross). 415.297.6540, marincharitable.org

Thru August 17 Marin Charitable The association supports programs that proactively

Thru October 6 Film Night in the Park The annual cinematic event is back. Catch

a flick outdoors at a community park in Marin or San Francisco on the new wide screen. Features include a tribute to Paul Newman with screenings of The Sting, Cars, The Hustler, Torn Curtain and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; plus screenings of digitally animated feature films created by Marin residents including Happy Feet and Open Season. Various parks (SF/Marin). 415.453.4333, filmnight.org

Thru November 4 Chomp! San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers becomes a Little Shop of Horticultural Horrors with an exhibition of carnivorous plants. Visitors enter the Big Bog, a swampy paradise for meat-eating plants like the white trumpets of the American Southeast, the pitcher plants of Borneo and the sundews of South Africa. Conservatory of Flowers (SF). 415.666.7001, conservatoryofﬂowers.org 1 Fillmore Jazz Festival Art and soul come together at this neighborhood festival, which draws almost 90,000 visitors each year. Fillmore District (SF). 800.731.0003, ﬁllmorejazzfestival.com

Real Estate - A Good Investment The most comprehensive public website of active listings and real estate professionals in the North Bay.

Information on GreatHomes.org is provided by the 10,000 Real Estate Professionals of Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. 112

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4 Independence Day Check out a good old-fashioned parade. Afterward, enjoy a town picnic in the park with food, entertainment and games. Second St and Main St (Sausalito). 415.289.4152, ci.sausalito.ca.us 7 & 8 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer The 39-mile walk will raise money for medically underserved women and men to be treated for breast cancer and hardworking research teams to help ﬁnd a cure. Various locations (SF). 800.510.9255, walkavonfoundation.org 7 Carrera de San Rafael A favorite race for professional cyclists and spectators, the event takes place on the picturesque streets of downtown San Rafael. After the race, stroll over to browse the 60 booths and sample and demonstrate the newest health products around. Downtown San Rafael (San Rafael). carreradesanrafael.com

7 Wine Tasting Enjoy various varietals and learn about the new wine club. Tam Cellars (Larkspur). 415.461.9463, tamcellars.com

18 Scuba Club Join other divers for exciting club meetings. Seafood Peddler (San Rafael). 415.453.9556.

19 The Many Varieties of Melons Head to Simmer Restaurant and enjoy a dinner club event to celebrate the one-year anniversary. The event features a ﬁxed-price menu and a professional guide to navigate patrons throughout the dinner. The goal of the club is to feature unique items in appetizer, main courses and desserts. Simmer Restaurant (Corte Madera). 415.927.2332, simmerrestaurantmarin.com

27 Couture for the Cure Event Attend this annual fashion show and live auction of oneof-a-kind creations modeled by breast cancer survivors and friends and supporters of the cause. San Francisco Design Center Galleria (SF). 415.490.5800, sfdesigncenter.com Facials • Massage • Body Polishes & Wraps • Waxing

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Natural Face-Lifting • Detox/Wellness Programs • Airbrush Tanning

8 Writing Mamas Salon An encouraging place for mothers to talk about motherhood and writing. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

216 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA 94941 • www.evo-spa.com

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Acupuncture • THERMOGRAPHY • SPA BOUTIQUE • GIFT CARDS

Call for Reservations 415.383.3223 Monday – Saturday 9am – 9pm • Sunday 10am – 7pm

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SPOTLIGHT ON: SONOMA SHOWCASE

in themed games. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

21 On Maker’s Culture: A Conversation The do-it-yourself spirit of crafting and creating has long been a part of the Bay Area. What are the ethos and practices of a maker’s culture? Join the conversation with D.I.Y. community vanguards: art curator LadyBee of Burning Man, editor Dale Doughtery of Make Magazine and others. Exloratorium (SF). 415.561.0360, exploratorium.edu

NATURE WALKS/TALKS Ongoing Sonoma History Local ac-

This month, make a trip to wine country

Save room for the flagship Taste of

and take part in the annual Sonoma County

Sonoma experience on Saturday and

Showcase Weekend of Wine and Food, cel-

Sunday. Amid the vineyards of MacMurray

ebrating the region’s epicurean lifestyle.

Ranch, thousands of wines will be poured

The four-day charity event begins with inti-

from more than 100 wineries while more

mate meals at top-rated wineries like Chalk

than 60 local chefs will create pairings for

Hill, Pride Mountain and Paul Hobbs, where

the selected wines.

guests can chat with the winemakers and

Although the weekend’s activities can be

sample local artisan food from area chefs.

enjoyed à la carte, four options include a

The weekend includes a vineyard experi-

stay in a private winery guest house, a lux-

ence giving oenophiles a chance to get their

ury tent at Safari West, a secluded casita at

hands dirty and learn what it takes to create

Mayacama Golf Club or the Kenwood Inn

the perfect bottle of vino.

and Spa and come with VIP access to all the

After a long day among the grapes, head

showcase events for one price.

to the Friday night benefit and gala, when

Sonoma County Showcase Weekend of

six chefs will interpret the recipes and tradi-

Wine and Food (Sonoma). 707.522.5848,

tions of Sonoma wine families.

showcase.sonomawine.com

11 Enzymes, the Key to Good Nutrition Through Better Digestion Learn what enzymes are, what they do, how they are important and why not everyone has enough of them. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (Novato). 415.892.3700, pharmaca.com

new “Jimi Hendrix: His Life and Music” class at the College of Marin. Rock historian and Hendrix biographer Steven Roby will speak from his 40 years of experience. Revolution 9 (Fairfax). 415.459.7999, r9fairfax.com

tor George Webber morphs into Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, as he retells the history of Sonoma through Twain’s eyes; speciﬁc dates on website (Sonoma). 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com

Thru 15 Audubon Canyon Ranch Volunteer ranch guides are stationed throughout the preserve to answer questions about anything from newts to nesting egrets. Audubon Canyon Ranch (Stinson Beach). 415.868.9244, egret.org

7 Drawing in Perspective Learn to create believable images and the principles of oneand two-point perspective drawing (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org 14 Creating Dynamic Outdoor Images Learn the technical elements of exposure, composition and framing of a subject, then in the late afternoon, head out in a ﬁeld session to test your newly acquired skills (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org 29 Marin Moonshiners Hike Eat and toast the sunset and full moon rise during this monthly three-mile hike from Four Corners to the Pelican Inn. Pelican Inn (Muir Beach). 415.331.0100

19 Lose the Blues Learn how speciﬁc 11 1,000 Places to See in the U.S. and Canada Before You Die Author Patricia Schultz speaks about her newest book. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

foods, herbs and nutrients stabilize mood, enhance energy and clear a cloudy mind. Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (Novato). 415.892.3700, pharmaca.com

20 Fare Thee Well, Harry Enjoy a soi14 & August 11 Jimi Hendrix Class Get out of that Purple Haze and celebrate the Summer of Love with a sneak peek at the 114

M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

ree for the adolescent wizard Harry Potter as the last book in the series is released for sale. Come in costume and take part

WINE COUNTRY Thru September 3 Summer of Love Celebrate the 40th anniversary with a return-to-the-’60s spa package, which includes a patchouli oil bath, strawberry oil massage, ﬂower petals, a tie-dye linen wrap and music from the era. Garden Spa at MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MacArthur Place (Sonoma). 707.938.2929, macarthurplace.com

6 Cheetah Beneﬁt at Safari West Meet Vanessa Bouwer from De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in South Africa and enjoy a rafﬂe, a silent auction and more. Safari West (Santa Rosa). 707.579.2551, safariwest.com

Furniture Made from Recycled Wood

6—7 Hot Dog Weekend Choose a hot dog one of three ways—classic dog, kraut dog or chili dog—and enjoy a glass of wine that has been specially paired with your choice. Back Room Wines (Napa). 707.226.1378, backroomwines.com

12—15 Sonoma County Showcase of Wine and Food This epicurean festival features four days of the best wine, food and lifestyle experiences the area has to offer. Enjoy meals at the wineries, hands-on projects in the vineyards and wine tasting under luxury tents. Various locations (Sonoma). 707.522.5848, showcase.sonomawine.com

13—22 Festival del Sole Violinists Joshua Bell and Nikolaj Znaider, cellist Nina Kotova, pianists Piotr Anderszewski, Christopher Taylor and others are on hand to perform at various Napa venues during its second season. Other events include a post-concert dinner presented by the Napa Valley Vintners and a glittering gala and auction beneﬁting the festival’s young artist programs. In addition, exclusive lunches and dinners will take place at some of the Napa Valley’s premier wineries, including Far Niente, Darioush, Gargiulo Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery and Peju Province. Various locations (Napa). 707.944.1300, festivaldelsole.com

22 Vineman At the La Crema–sponsored Vineman, athletes will swim, bike and run past vineyards and wineries. Contestants get an opportunity to qualify for the world championships in Hawaii. Various locations (Santa Rosa). 707.528.1630, vineman.com

1848 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 • 415.453.0345 • Wed-Sat 10-6/Sun 12-5 2919 Seventh Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 • 510.848.3575 • Mon-Sat 10-6/Sun 12-5 www.thewoodenduck.com

Summer Fun Headquarters! • Sign up for Camp (or evening classes for adults) • Stop by the Studio for pottery painting, paper-crafts, making mosaics and more • Select the perfect travel toy, game or craft activity

27—29 De Loach Vineyards’ Private Yoga Retreat Start the day with a restorative yoga session, then venture into the organic garden and pick food to prepare for lunch alongside a gourmet chef; end the day with a relaxing dip in the pool. De Loach Vineyards (Sonoma). 415.289.4544, deloachvineyards.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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F LAVO R

Pancetta-wrapped venison loin

Fine food in Novato BY ERIKA LENKERT

Originally chef Christopher Douglas oversaw

Many restaurant menus aim to avoid main-

Kitchen’s rustic American menu. But the fare

dish “palate fatigue” by focusing on rock star

has taken a decidedly more sophisticated turn

appetizers. But at Kitchen the entrées are so good

since Jason Hoffman stepped up from sous chef

it’s worth going easy on starters to wholeheartedly

to executive chef more than a year ago. A third-

indulge in gorgeous garlic-sautéed Florida hopper

generation San Franciscan, Hoffman honed his

prawns with chorizo, sweet peas, couscous and

skills in some of the city’s stalwart restaurants

parsley sauce or pancetta-wrapped venison loin

under such revered chefs as Bruce Hill at the

with toasted brussels sprouts, a thick slab of

Waterfront, Jody Denton at Azie and Roland

potatoes gratin, foie gras butter and rich and

his spring, Old Town Novato’s already

Passot of La Folie. He also made a stop at San

silky red wine demiglace.

quaint main street finally showed

Anselmo’s Insalata’s before landing in Novato.

For dessert, simple presentations of ginger

signs of a renaissance—coming to life

If the menu is American, it is a San Franciscan’s

cake with hard sauce or apple-berry crisp with

with a handful of chic home stores and fashion

version of America, where an everyday meal

vanilla ice cream adequately satisfy the after-

boutiques. Ironically, what brought me back

is founded on organic local ingredients,

dinner sweet tooth.

to the area is the very thing that first led me

internationally influenced, with familiar foodie

to it—and is likely to bring me here again. Its

bells and whistles.

As in all good restaurants it’s the little things that make the difference. Here those

best-known dining room, Kitchen at 868 Grant,

You’ll find truffle oil drizzled atop an elegant

details include a great small wine list featuring

was a worthy choice when it opened in early

cauliflower soup, truffled ponzu surrounding a

outstanding by-the-glass and bottle options,

2005, but after changing chefs and settling in,

standard ahi tuna tarare capped with a tangle

enthusiastic floor managers invested enough in

this American restaurant with global influences

of seaweed salad, and American sturgeon

the place to have their own in-house business

has firmly established itself as the small town’s

caviar gracing a toast disc in the “quartet of

cards, and incentives like the three-course $15

unpretentiously top-flight dinner destination.

aqua gems” appetizer.

dinner special served from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.,

As the name suggests, the kitchen is visible

Ironically, dishes with less obsequious

half-price wine bottles on Tuesdays, and bargain

from all angles of the 44-seat dining room. Framed

ingredients are the most exciting. Crunchy and

fixed-price menus other nights of the week. An

by a back-wall dining counter and cute curtains,

flavorful fried artichoke salad—crisped heart

added bonus is the required detour to Novato’s

it offers glimpses of the cooks in action without

slices with grilled radicchio, parsley, dry jack

commercial sweet spot, which means you’ll get a

detracting from the cozy and richly appointed

cheese and Meyer lemon vinaigrette—was truly

rare taste of small-town charm with your meal.

seating area. Faux-finished bronze walls, a deep

inspired, and the only curiosity in the seared

red ceiling, frame-to-frame mirrors lining one

pancetta-wrapped day boat scallops atop coconut

Kitchen, 868 Grant Ave., Novato, 415.892.6100;

wall and rural-theme color photographs along

risotto with Thai curry and wild mushroom ragout

kitchen868.com. Entrées $18–$28 dinner, $11–$16

the other create a warm, intimate environment.

were a few rogue chewy fried mushrooms.

lunch; lunch Thur and Friday, dinner Tues–Sun.

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PH OTO CRED IT: TIM P ORTER

KITCHEN AT 868 GRANT

INSIDER’S GUIDE

DINE OUT CORTE MADERA 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

rolls, and combinations of pho are delicious and healthy. 346 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.0288 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

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

CAFÉ 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

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

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

L A MAI SON D E L A R EI N E Vietnamese A refreshing change amid the plethora of Italian, Mexican and Chinese options in town. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring

SORELLA CAFÉ Italian Not only is the food satisfying and tasty; the service is friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting. A plate of olives is presented before the meal and a colorful bowl

of Gummi Bears is brought out once your dinner plates are cleared—nice touch. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520

LARKSPUR E & 0 TRADING COMPANY Southeast Asian Chef Edwin Cabriloa-torres is keeping the the restaurant’s innovative plates like the 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 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 P I CCO California Chef and celebrated restaurateur Bruce Hill deserves the accolades

Nothing Says Elegance Like a

Roman shades create a classic and elegant look to any room. Since 1992, The Roman Shade Company has been the leader in custommade roman shades and window coverings. We’re e x p e r t s Our service, knowledge and expertise are second to none. Our professional designers actually come to your home and offer their design creativity, product expertise and installation knowledge to create the perfect window coverings for your home. If you’re looking for the finest in window coverings, then look no further than the professionals at The Roman Shade Company. Visit our showroom or call 415-621-2777 for estimated pricing and consultation.

Simply elegant San Francisco Design Center | 2 Henry Adams Street, Suite 341 | San Francisco | 415-621-2777 | www.theromanshadecompany.com

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Rated #1 Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar ~ Best Selection of Wines from Spain in the County! • Tapas, Vinos, Paellas • Flamenco and Opera Events • Wine and Gourmet Food Shop • Banquets, Catering, Take-out

Live Music and Flamenco Shows

2006

2007

2006 Customer Service Excellence Award 2007 Best San Rafael Business of the Year

1301 Fourth St. @ C St., San Rafael www.saborofspain.com (415) 457-VINO (8466)

Look Better Feel Your Best Dr. Winﬁeld treats the full range of skin problems, from acne to skin cancer to rare dermatological conditions. Dr. Winﬁeld, a Tiburon resident, is a family dermatologist specializing in adolescent acne and cosmetic dermatology.

We are pleased to annouce that we offer: Medical Grade Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Botox®, Collagen, Restylane®, Juvéderm™, Photorejuvenation with IPL, Personalized skincare and more. “All procedures performed by M.D. or Esthetic RN.”

Julie Anne Winfield, M D (415) 388-0660 • 239 Miller Avenue, Suite 8, Mill Valley 118

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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 YANKEE PIER American This family-friendly casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924 as a private residence. Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts for 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. 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 CAFE DEL SOL 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 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, 414.289.5777, frantoio.com LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years, getting a table or comfortable booth can take awhile. 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 INDIA PALACE Indian Know as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; however, eating veggie samosas, shahi khorma, or bhindi special (okra) on site is a treat too. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350 MARINMAGAZINE.COM

A WATERFRONT GETAWAY FOR ALL SEASONS ORA Pan-Asian An inventive small and large plate menu mixed with an impressive wine list and original bar menu, including sake flights. Some favorites include Belgian endive cups, green papaya salad, and anything on the sushi list. 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

PIZZA ANTICA Cal/Italian Light and delicious thincrust pizza with toppings like fennel, spicy sausage, bacon, pesto and goat cheese, as well as a variety of fresh green salads and entrees. Acoustics are an issue; otherwise, a great meeting spot. Strawberry Village, 415.383.0600 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

Imagine yourself minutes away from downtown San Francisco. Located on a historic dock along Tiburon’s picturesque Main Street, the Waters Edge Hotel’s intimate size will remind you of a more relaxed way of life. Many rooms feature private decks and vaulted wood ceilings. The San Francisco Bay can be viewed from the Grand Waterfront Deck. Enjoy complimentary in-room deluxe continental breakfast, evening wine reception and the best views in town.

25 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920 • marinhotels.com Phone: 415.789.5999 • Reservations: 877.789.5999 The Waters Edge Hotel is a distinctive Joie de Vivre Hotel. Join the Joy of Life Club and receive unique rewards. jdvhotels.com

Photos: Cesar Rubio, Marge Samilson

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

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E YOUR WANDERLUS

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 KITCHEN American Restaurateur Henry Hautau has succeeded in creating an intimate 45-seat restaurant in downtown Novato. Executive chef Jason S. Hoffman, who has worked at Insalatas, Azie and Waterfront, offers items like orange-and-spice scented house-brined pork chop and star-anisebraised short ribs. 868 Grant Ave, 415.892.6100, kitchen868.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com LOCOCO’S PIZZERIA Italian Worth driving to from all over Marin, and it’s an easy place to meet with friends and family. The pizza crust is divine as is the house salad. Closed Mondays. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.1238

SAUSALITO ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Father and son 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 St, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com 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 GAYLORD INDIA Indian Rated as a “Restaurant of Excellence” by Zagat, Gaylord’s new location in Sausalito also features million-dollar views of San Francisco and the bay. All of 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. Everything on the menu, from the pad thai to the BLAT made with thick bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado, is excellent, which is why this little one-room spot is always bustling. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390

Kitchen’s special assorted desserts

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

ROSS MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS French This gem of a restaurant serves up locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com TRATTORIA FRESCO Italian Every neighborhood deserves a one-room trattoria like this one. The service is friendly and the farmers’-market-fresh food is fabulous—especially the gnocchi. 13 Ross Common, 415.464.0915

SAN ANSELMO AVA California Chef Dan Baker, of Marche aux Fleurs in Ross, has another winner with AVA, which 120

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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 (also of Pacific Heights’ Jackson Fillmore) has successfully brought Milan to Marin with his 42-seat family restaurant. Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice from the todie-for thin pizzas, which are topped with items like truffle oil and fontina cheese. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942 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 INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic

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 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 RAFAEL 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 MARINMAGAZINE.COM

A Vineyard Oasis Called Home

INTRODUCING THE ORCHARD RESIDENCES AT THE CARNEROS INN, A PLUMPJACK RESORT

Surrounded by the Carneros vineyards, T H E O R C H A R D is a community like no other. A special destination designed to celebrate the good life, provide an escape from the ordinary and transport visitors to a more simple time and a slower pace. T H E O R C H A R D is a perfect balance of modern design, old world ambiance, rural charm and luxury resort. A place where relaxation and indulgence are priorities but authentic connection to the land and rich, social experiences are equally important. A casual, serene retreat in the heart of Napa – less than one hour from San Francisco, yet a world apart.

Fractional ownership starting under $300,000. To learn more about this limited opportunity, call 888.PlumpJack or visit TheOrchardatCarneros.com This invitation is not intended to be an offering in any jurisdiction other than in California. In particular, this invitation is not intended to be an offering in any jurisdiction (other than in California) if such invitations are subject to qualification, registration or other regulation.

S ummer S ale On Now

Certiﬁed eco-friendly hard woods

HOUSE OF LEE Chinese Locals love House of Lee for the generous portions, low prices and tasty pot stickers, pork buns and more. Very casual, easy place to bring kids. 885 Fourth St, 415.457.9977

Buy it today and enjoy it tonight

COMFORTABLE

SABOR OF SPAIN Spanish Named as Best Tapas/ Small Dishes restaurant in Marin by the Paciﬁc Sun in 2006, this bustling corner hot spot with a Spanish-only wine bar is a great place for a date or a big party. 1301 Fourth St, 415.457.8466, saborofspain.com SAN RAFAEL JOE’S Italian Guido and Theresa Farina are now running this Marin institution, which has been famous for serving up sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com

E LEGANT

SEAFOOD PEDDLER Seafood Don’t be fooled by the industrial location; the food is great. Fresh 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

CASUAL  Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley • .. • TerraTeakAndGarden.com @ Stinson Beach Off-ramp, Next to Sea Planes

FEATURING VENTANA FINE OUTDOOR FURNITURE

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 ROONEY’S CAFÉ & GRILL American If you’re

Rug by Masland

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

Visit Marin’s premier ﬂoor covering showroom. Discriminating tastes from around the world. Newly remodeled showroom, under new ownership. 5768 Paradise Drive • Corte Madera, CA 94925 • 415.924.6545

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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. Check out comedy night every Thursday. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com SERVINO RISTORANTE Italian With people like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates raving about his pepperoni pizza, Angelina Servino is doing something right. Some people come for the spacious and popular bar; some people come for MARINMAGAZINE.COM

the great food and friendly service; the titans of industry, it seems, opt for the pepperoni. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com THREE DEGREES California Opt for the outside patio, white tablecloths in the dining room, or the swank modern setting of the bar, and enjoy the local, seasonal menu options like grilled Niman Ranch New York “cowboy” strip steak or 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 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

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 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), floating orchids in towering glass vases…and possibly the most talked-about design feature, the barely there hostess uniforms. The restaurant was 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 run-down 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 FO R B E S I S L AN D California Rent out the entire “island” (formerly a floating house) for MARINMAGAZINE.COM

a party, or head over with a date, to dine on organic pan-seared salmon, roasted pork rib chop or a variety of local vegetarian options. Pier 39 M-1, 415.951.4900

Pork butt.

HAR R I S’ R E STAU R ANT Steak House This San Francisco institution has hosted local and international luminaries 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 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 MYTH Cali/French Innovative cuisine by chef Sean O’Brian, 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 crudo handcrafted charcuterie, homemade stuffed pastas and classic regional dishes such as Wolfe Ranch quail with persimmon and apple salad. 230 California St, 415.955.0663, perbaccosf.com P R E S A V I I n t e r n a t i o n a l /S m a l l p l a t e s Known for a wine list that’s sure to please any oenophile, including a large selection of flights and by-the-glass 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 serving as barracks for enlisted men, the 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

Maybe it’s just me. But I believe any time you can say “pork butt” and not wet your pants, you should. That’s what I think anyway. The reason I can say “pork butt” without excusing myself is because that’s the main ingredient in my brand new pulled pork sandwiches and ﬁxings. I pull my pork butt straight out of my brand new smoker which was the brainchild of my brand new Brian (the tall guy) who knows his pork head from his pork butt let me tell you. So if you’re like me and want something as fun to say as it is to eat, you now know how serious I am about my delicious new pulled pork sandwiches made with real pork butt. Don’t laugh.

SCOTT HOWARD American The former chef/ owner of Fork in San Anselmo, Scott Howard packed up his talent and moved it to the big city, in the former location of the Cypress Club on Jackson Street. 500 Jackson St, 415.956.7040, scotthowardsf.com TH E H E LM A N D Afghan Partially famous for having the best Afghani food in town (not many choices) and for owner Mahmoud Karzai, whose brother is Hamid (as in the president of Afghanistan), the Helmand is a culinary adventure not to be missed. Meals start off with customary flatbread with dipping sauces and proceed to a spice-filled culinary tour of Afghanistan. 430 Broadway, 415.362.0641

Come buy everything.

Bryan’s Fine Foods Corte Madera Town Center

927.4488 www.bryansfinefoods.com M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

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caroline vesey design INTERNATIONAL

INTERIOR DESIGN 415 789 1275 • www.carolinevesey.com • Belvedere CA

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“walking Table” 2006 Padouk and Maple

Artistry in Wood

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Marin’s Original Reclaimed Wood Company

BOX CANYON BUILDERS MILL VALLEY, CA TELLURIDE, CO 415-710-7843 SINCE 1989 www.boxcanyonbuilders.com

www.blacksfarmwood.com San Rafael Showroom By Appointment 415.454.8312

ca lic. #890728

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HOME OFFICES

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designs for living 415.479.8180 • 2750 Northgate Mall, San Rafael Exterior of Mall, near Theater entrance, across from RiteAid

Serving Marin since 1978 • www.marinﬂoorcompany.com 777 Grand Ave. @ Second Street, San Rafael • 415.453.3310

Thank you Marin! Successful since 1989! Visit Our Showroom Choose from a wide selection of styles & designs

Custom Configurations, Fabrication and Installation Available

1217 North McDowell Blvd. Petaluma 415.453.0236 707.773.2898 800.924.2614 fax empireshowerdoors.com License #683909

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While others view accounting as a way of analyzing yesterday’s performance, we view it as a tool to anticipate and improve tomorrow’s.

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SOLAR ENERGY IN YOUR HOUSE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Benefits to adding a solar system now: • Reduce or eliminate your PG&E bills. • Protect yourself from any future electricity rate increase. • Take advantage of significant rebates and recent Federal tax credits. • Increase your property value without increasing property taxes. • 100% financing solutions available. • Power your home with clean, renewable energy. Schedule a FREE home energy analysis with a SolarCraft expert and your thinking on solar energy may change.

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Encore

Marin’s Finest Consignment Shop Manolo Blanik Jimmy Choo Prada Chanel Gucci Hermes St. John …and more Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Consignments Taken Tues - Sat 10am - 3pm (415) 456-7309 • 11 Mary St., San Rafael (next to Peets)

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Serving all of Marin. Bolinas: (415) 868-1885 • Please call for appointment. Tiburon: 1520 Tiburon Blvd. • (415) 435-0041 • Open 7 Days!

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BRAND NEW ON THE MARKET! The answer to a breathable vacuum hairpiece, worn by our client pictured below. Designed by Charle to look as natural as a vacuum unit with the benefit of being cooler and more comfortable. Sensitive solutions for hair loss due to: Alopecia Areata/female hereditary thinning/Chemotherapy/radiation treatments/Trichotillomania Offering human hairpieces for women, men and children

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Susan Martling, M.D. 770 Tamalpais Drive • 3rd Floor • Corte Madera Town Center

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Jewelry of Your Dreams 1137 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.461.2212 www.lehrerdesigns.com

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ACTIVE

SILHOUETTED AGAINST A BACKDROP OF FABULOUS MT. TAMALPAIS VIEWS, this stunning, light-filled home boasts unparalleled serenity and privacy. Arched doorways and enormous windows, thick designer moldings, coved and soffeted ceilings, skylights, and maple hardwood floors in the main living areas, compliment the home. Features include: Extra large living room/dining room combination with fireplace, wet bar, spacious master suite with travertine master bath, terrific gourmet kitchen with fireplace and eat-in breakfast area leading to a private view patio, and media/family room that opens to the pool area. Ross schools. Two-car attached garage. List Price $3,495,000 SOLD

5 Verona Place, Corte Madera ~ Sold in May 2007 ~ List Price $3,595,00

The luxury market is alive and well. We are pleased to report that we have sold over $45,000,000 in luxury sales since January 1, 2007.

MARILYN RICH

415.464.3741 www.MarilynRich.com

WHITNEY RICH

415.250.9914 wrich@pacunion.com

M IC ROCL I M ATE

DILLON BEACH Marin’s most northwestern community lives in a world of its own BY JIM WOOD PHOTOS TIM PORTER

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TOP: Dillon Beach Resort, the town’s only business, rents out three

ocean-view cabins. MIDDLE: Dillon Beach has a wide and windswept beach ideal for jogging and long walks. BOTTOM: Stella Logan and her dog Sam live in Oceana Marin, a hillside enclave of newer homes above Dillon Beach that sell for over a million dollars.

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO Dillon Beach, you’re missing a treat. But getting there isn’t “half the fun.” It’s a long haul! The faster route: take 101 to Petaluma, go left on East Washington (which becomes the TomalesPetaluma Road) to Tomales, then jog right to Dillon Beach Road, drive another 15 minutes until, voilà, you’re there. Founded in the 1880s by George Dillon, Dillon Beach hasn’t seen much change since 1926, when the hamlet was promoted by Howard Lawson, of Lawsons Landing fame, as “the Family Playground of Marvelous Marin County.” Dozens of newer homes were built in the 1970s and ’80s in Oceana Marin, the residential area that sits on a hill overlooking “the village” of Dillon Beach. And if anything happens in Dillon Beach, it happens in the village—a seaside nest of twisting narrow roads, weathered picket fences, and board-and-batten beach houses painted mostly in pastels. The village’s center of activity includes the post office and Dillon Beach Resort (dillonbeachresort.com), the town’s only business. Originally, this was the hotel that town founder Dillon had hoped to build an entire resort around. Now it is an accommodating general store with groceries and sundries, a delightful cafe for weekend meals, and three ocean-view cabins that its brochure says “are big enough for a family, perfect for a honeymoon.” As for the weather, “Sure, we have our foggy days, but we have great days too,” amiable resort manager Mike Murphy reports. “And when it’s sunny in Dillon Beach, it’s really great!” Just down the road is Dillon Beach’s third main residential area, Lawsons Landing (they’re all fairly equal population-wise, 200 residents each). If you like Dillon Beach for its laid-back, throwback qualities, you’ll go overboard for this enclave (lawsonslanding.com). For fifty years, people (many of them weekenders from the Sacramento Valley) have been here in their trailers enjoying the rural coastal life and all it has to offer. There is plenty of space left for all to enjoy a weekend of camping, RV life, running among incredible sand dunes, or walking, may-

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New Listing! 67 Molino Avenue, Mill Valley

Featured in International Publications - Mill Valley Above Old Mill Park Splashed with light, this refurbished and renovated vintage home is defined by high ceilings, over-sized windows and French doors within a footprint of approximately 4300 square feet*. A timeless blend of both European and East Coast influences. Be in town in a matter of minutes. • Five bedrooms • Four baths & one-half bath • 60 ft. long dining room/ gallery/library with wall of glass • English-styled kitchen with walk in pantry; Carrara marble; stainless steel appliances; two refrigerators; custom lighting • Living room with fireplace & boxed beamed ceilings; crown moldings

Please call Listing Agent for showing!

Stephanie Wickham Witt Fourth Generation Mill Valley Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate 37 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley 94941 415-380-6136 / Direct

• Master with ensuite period bath room, bead & board walls • Au pair suite or in-law unit with separate entrance • Approximately ¾’s of an acre; sloping land with patio & grounds • Parking for 10 cars *(as per tax records)

Offered at $3,950,000

TOP: Signs on weekend homes clearly convey the low-key lifestyle of Lawsons Landing. MIDDLE: A bait-and-tackle shop, along with a boat launch and outboard repair shed, are the only businesses serving the remote trailer park and RV campground. BOTTOM: During the summer, Lawsons Landing charges $25 a night for parking a trailer or RV.

be clamming, on a nearby beach that’s as wide and wonderful as anything along the California coast. As for living full time in Dillon Beach, no one does it better than Stella Logan, a longtime Marinite and a resident here for 15 years. “The interesting thing about living here is we have to be a community,” she says, sitting in the sunroom of her gracious Oceana Marin home. “We are so dependent on each other; if there’s a problem, all you have to do is pick up the phone and someone’s there to help, in minutes.” Logan and her dog Sam take regular walks on the nearby open beach, make daily stops at the Dillon Beach post office (“it’s where everyone meets”) and, as “a way of touching people,” Logan works twice a week at the general store. “We’re one big family out here,” she adds. “Dillon Beach is a very spiritual place.” One could say it’s also a relatively inexpensive place. Frank Howard Allen’s Marian Sichel has an upgraded two-bedroom, two-bath plus bonus room home listed in the village for $748,000. And according to Karen Karlow, who works in Santa Rosa for CPS Realty but lives in Dillon Beach, “A nice little house, with two bedrooms but no ocean view,” is available for $650,000. As for the high end of the market, Karlow reports that a 3,380-square-foot home in Oceana Marin with unobstructed ocean view and seven bedrooms recently closed at $1,410,000. “I say it’s half and half,” Karlow concludes. “Half our buyers are full-time residents, and half buy second homes so they can enjoy Dillon Beach on weekends and when it’s sunny.” Whether for permanent living or an occasional “out-of-the-ordinary-world” experience, Dillon Beach could be your perfect place to be.

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Stunning Mill Valley Estate This exceptionally private, gated estate sits on approximately two acres of spectacular landscaped grounds. Located in the sunbelt Country Club area of Mill Valley, this lovely residence benefits from warm southwestern exposure and all day sun. The home has remarkable privacy and tranquility yet is in close proximity to a lovely neighborhood park, the Mill Valley Golf Course and the charming Mill Valley Tennis and Swim Club. Newly constructed in 2004, this Tuscan inspired home has been built with the highest attention to detail and finishes. The gracious layout and open floor plan are perfectly suited for both everyday living and entertaining. French doors through out the home help create a peaceful indoor-outdoor feel. • One of Mill Valley’s best weather areas – southwestern exposure • 6 bedrooms & 5 baths on approximately 2 acres • Swimming pool with two-story guest house • Short distance to Mill Valley Tennis Club and Golf Course • Three car garage • Newly constructed in 2004

Eric Altree 415.218.4047 ealtree@pacunion.com www.EricAltree.com

OFFERED AT $5,250,000 ON THE WEB www.16Sheridan.com

www.pacunion.com SAN FRANCISCO

MARIN

NAPA

SONOMA

CONTRA COSTA

ALAMEDA

Kent Woodlands 4 WOODLAND PLACE

legant Mediterranean built in the mid ‘90s with ultimate privacy on 4+ acres. This four bedroom, 3.5 bath property consists of a lavish entryway, formal living and dining rooms, open-plan kitchen with walk-in pantry and family room opening to sunny terraces. The master suite opens to the pool, lush gardens and custom designed waterfalls. Guest suite plus two additional bedrooms and bath, three car garage and ample storage. Expansive patio with pool, spa and entertaining area from which to enjoy the amazing views of the East Bay and beyond! Offered at $3,495,000

Kent Woodlands 7 RIDGECREST ROAD

ith near complete privacy and full sun, this is one level living on over an acre. On one wing is a gorgeous living room, a formal dining room, the kitchen with adjacent office/pantry and family room. On the other wing is the spacious master suite plus three additional bedrooms and bathroom. In the rear, the pool with changing room/cabana and hot tub area with forever views make for great entertaining. There is also an ample storage area with the potential for expansion. A fabulous opportunity in the excellent Kentfield School District! Offered at $2,295,000

Offered exclusively by

For additional information, please call:

Susan Bowman Morgan Lane Marin

The Fine Art of Fine Property

415/448-1111 www.morganlane.com sbowman@morganlane.com

Ross

88 LAUREL GROVE AVENUE

d . y g h g s m o r o m e

mazing estate type property situated on .83 acres of lush grounds in the heart of Ross with pool, hot tub and abundant parking. Perfect for entertaining with a gracious living room with fireplace, formal dining room, elegant kitchen with adjacent laundry room, family room with fireplace, adjoining patio and library which could also double as guest quarters with bath. The upper level has a luxurious master bedroom with fireplace and bath plus two additional bedrooms and bath. Office, workshop and au pair are on the lower level. Offered at $4,200,000

Ross

40 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BOULEVARD

l . , h . r s h b t e . t

his is the first time this custom designed home has come on the market. A gracious entry hall leads to the living room with fireplace and French doors leading to the pool area and gardens. The main level also has a formal dining room with bay windows, a beautiful kitchen with adjacent family room and a separate laundry room. On the upper level you will find the master suite plus three additional bedrooms and bathroom. The private backyard with lush foliage, pool and patios makes for great entertaining. Amazingly quiet! Offered at $2,295,000

0 Offered exclusively by

For additional information, please call:

Susan Bowman Morgan Lane Marin

The Fine Art of Fine Property

415/448-1111 www.morganlane.com sbowman@morganlane.com

Mill Valley $729,000 1BD/1BA Mid-Century Modern retreat. Bay and Bridge views. 20 Minutes to Stinson Beach or San Francisco.

Larkspur Upon Request 4BD/3BA Brand new construction. Traditional architecture with finest finishes, Mt. Tam views, in-law unit, close to town.

Mill Valley SOLD! 4BD/2.5BA Turn-of-the-century Spanish revival in downtown Mill Valley on private 1/2 acre. Gorgeous period details and pool.

San Rafael $1,595,000 3BD/3.5 BA Stately home with private guest suite. Gorgeous grounds, level lawn, convenient location.

Mill Valley $925,000 3BD/2BA Stunning Bay, Sausalito, SF views. Ruggedly sophisticated, remodeled kitchen, master suite, distinctive, private.

Mill Valley SOLD! 2BD+Loft/2.5BA Incredible Pacific Ocean and Muir Woods views. Great Room with 16’ curtain wall of glass. Level lawn.

Mill Valley $2,295,000 4BD/3.5BA Views, acerage, privacy and prestige. Over 4,600 sq ft on 1.5 acres, media room, large master suite, level lawn.

Pt. Richmond $650,000 3BD/2BA Charming bungalow with remodeled kitchen and baths. Lovely gardens, close to town.

Mill Valley SOLD! 2BD/1.5BA Refined, historic, Turn-ofthe-century charmer. Craftsman details, incredible grounds, custom finishes.

Mill Valley $995,000 3BD/2BA Single level contemporary home. Remodeled kitchen/baths, indoor/outdoor living, 2 car garage, close to town.

Mill Valley Upon Request 2BD/1BA Remodeled Cottage on over 1 acre of mostly level land. Bay views, Private, terrific development opportunity.

Pacific Heights SOLD! Designed by renowned Bay Area architect Joseph Esherick, this is a tribute to the ‘midcentury modern’ genre of architecture.

MATTHEW POULIOT 415.265.7020 www.PouliotProperties.com ROBERT D. YOUNG 415.407.7775 www.RobertYoungRealEstate.com

Representing the most extraordinary Featured Property San Rafael 23 Leona Drive

Currently Available Properties Mill Valley, 33 Rose Avenue $2,695,000 www.33RoseAvenue.com Sausalito, 507 Easterby, 4-Plex Price Reduction! $1,395,000 www.507Easterby.com San Rafael, 15 Leona Drive, Lot for Sale $795,000 San Rafael, 23 Leona Drive $2,495,000 www.23LeonaDrive.com Call me about my current luxury properties or new listings in Sausalito and Mill Valley. Affiliations Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco www.luxesf.com Unique Global Estates www.uniqueglobalestates.com Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate www.luxuryrealestate.com Marin Based Top Agent Network

W W W. 2 3 L E O N A D R I V E . C O M Offered at $2,495,000

properties in Marin & San Francisco This private gated Zen Retreat is situated on approx. 3/4 of an acre. This two story home has quality wood and stained glass craftsmanship throughout. The minute you enter through the gates you are greeted with the views of a sunny pool area with Sauna and the front of the home. The home consists of 2 bedrooms (Library could be converted back to make it 3 bedrooms) 2 full baths, laundry room, breakfast room, formal dining room and spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and wonderful fireplace with stained glass skylights.

Featured Property Mill Valley 33 Rose Avenue

The separate detached guest house has a kitchenette and bath and has been used as a meditation room. Another lovely feature of this home is the private wine cellar. This home certainly lends itself for entertaining and is close to the Dipsea and Cypress trails. There is a redwood grove pathway that meanders around the property to a Buddha garden, waterfalls and a viewing deck. There are wonderful views of Mt. Tam and the property is both sunny and very unique. Offered at $2,695,000

Anna K. Pennington-Boucher Luxury Home Specialist McGuire Real Estate 415.860.1399 anna@worldclassproperties.com www.worldclassproperties.com

W W W . 3 3 R O S E AV E N U E . C O M Offered at $2,695,000

MARIN METROPOLITAN PRESENTS AN EXTRAORDINARY BAUHAUS INSPIRED HOME

City, bay and mountain views • Formal dining room • Formal living room • Expansive chef’s kitchen • 5 bedrooms • 4 new bathrooms • Family room • Laundry room • Au pair’s kitchen and laundry • 2 car garage + additional parking • Flat yard • Great central Mill Valley location

2006 Mill Valley Ofﬁce Top Producer

126 Marion Avenue, Mill Valley

Craig Swanson (415) 717-0607 cswanson@pacunion.com www.marinmetropolitan.com

Judy LeMarr 415-380-4642 jlemarr@fhallen.com www.marindreamhome.com • 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths • Large Deck Areas on Each Level • Master Suite Upstairs • Family Room on Lower Level • Approx. 1/3 Acre with Large Level Lawn

Service

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Results

Offered at $1,595,000

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MODERN MILL VALLEY HOME

366 Lovell Avenue MILL VALLEY, CA

FEATURES: • New Construction: 5 Bedrooms / 4.5 Baths • Stunning canyon and Mt. Tam views • Open floor plan incorporating light and views • Eat-in gourmet kitchen with Thermador appliances • Large Family / Media Room

P R E S E NTE D BY

• Surrounded by gardens and 3 lawn areas on 1/3 acre • 2 car side by side garage plus driveway parking A CREATIVE APPROACH TO REAL ESTATE

• Close to Downtown Mill Valley & hiking trails t // e // i //

• Offered at $4,395,000

415_401_9966 Payton@PaytonsList.com www.PaytonsList.com

Photos at www.PaytonsList.com

J ENNIFER L IVINGSTON COMPLETE HOME STAGING DESIGN (415) 453-5538 P HONE

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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(415) 453-5537 FAX

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JEN N IFER @ JLIV IN G STO N H O MEDECOR . COM

M A R I N J U LY 2 0 07

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Just a few minutes north of the Golden Gate, yet a million miles away, is Seadrift at Stinson Beach. For over 30 years, Seadrift Company has been the expert in Real Estate sales and premium vacation rentals in Stinson Beach and the private gated community of Seadrift. Call us today to reserve your beach house... for a week, a summer or a lifetime.

VIEW OUR PROPERTIES ONLINE AT WWW . SEADRIFTREALTY . COM AND CALL US AT 415.868.1791

OPES/opés/ • n./latin for wealth

Jeffrey T. Smith Melanie Victor-Smith 101 Larkspur Landing Circle Larkspur, CA 94939

(415) 464-9500 Palo Alto • Marin • San Mateo Real Estate Broker – CA Dept. of Real Estate License # 01458652

opesadvisors.com

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Your home & mortgage - two of the largest numbers on your balance sheet - do you know how to think about this? We can help. Refinance

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Construction Advice

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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

VISIT A FEW OF OUR OUTSTANDING PROPERTIES: TIBURON

PETALUMA

www.35andrew.com 3 bd/2 bath with 3 decks, stunning Mt. Tam and SF views

www.4087petalumablvd.com 2 bd/1 bath adorable remodel

www.30andrew.com 2 bd/1 bath remodel with granite counters, slate floors and SF and bay views www.3245paradisedrive.com 4 bd/2 bath on over 1 acre, surrounded by gardens, waterfalls and bay views coming soon! 99 Lyford, $899,000 2 bedroom with views

ROSS www.55sirfrancisdrake.com 3 bd/3 full bath remodel with family room, office + pool

SAUSALITO (JUST SOLD) www.265santarosa.com 3 bd/2.5 bath with bay views

“Service to our client is our first priority.”

Downsizing Anyone?

Chic Owner’s Residence in a Wonderful, Sunny Residential Area RARE OPPORTUNITY • 4-plex with sophisticated owner’s unit • Single story • 3 bedroom/2 bath • Stylish gourmet kitchen • Open ﬂoor plan • Fireplace • Private garage and patio

PLUS! 335 Willow Avenue, Corte Madera

3 recently remodeled one-bedroom units Offered at $2,199,000

Marian Sichel, Broker (415) 279-5420 msichel@fhallen.com

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to one of these luxurious properties with nothing to think about except what to take with you! If you would like to learn more about The LUSSO Collection, or other premium real estate investment opportunities, please call Jimmy for a private consultation. View all of Jimmy’s current listings at www.JimmyMarin.com

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D I A LO GUE

Jennifer Azzi

BY MIMI TOWLE

You could live anywhere. Why Marin? Quality of life is everything to me and Marin has it all. And it’s very health-oriented; it’s great to be at a dinner party and discuss hiking trails. I love being out on the trails and am thankful that the residents have protected the land. What makes you happy in Marin? Everything! I especially enjoy the people. I appreciate the attitude toward the environment and our natural resources. I am in the process of getting a hybrid vehicle. I am inspired and more conscientious living here. What bothers you here? Not much. Lack of gratitude is all that would bother me. What is your personal idea of luxury? Getting a massage once a week; otherwise, my desire is to always be thankful for what I have. I try to keep it simple and enjoy great food, stimulating conversation … and I have a weakness for a nice California pinot noir (which I had way before the movie Sideways!). What person has inﬂuenced you the most? My parents have inﬂuenced me so much. I learned a lot of my values from them. Both of my parents were instrumental in my decision to go to Stanford. They greatly value education.

ext time you’re standing in line at the Mill Valley Peet’s, the statuesque thirtysomething brunette behind you could be Jennifer Azzi, the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame’s most re-

cent inductee. She moved into town not long ago and has already picked out her favorite Marin haunts: Cafe del Sol, Piazza D’Angelo, Canvas and the aforementioned Peet’s. A quick Google search retrieves pages and pages dedicated to Azzi (rhymes with hazy). Click through the links to ﬁnd her own fan club—articles lauding her days as a point guard for the Detroit Shock team; her gold medal win at the 1994 Goodwill Games as well as

What has been the most fulﬁlling moment in your work? Seeing young girls have the opportunity and the motivation to excel, to dream big, and to feel that they can accomplish anything makes me proud. Throughout my athletic career, part of the “work” was speaking to kids about working hard and following their dreams. It gives me great joy to hear a young person tell me that I somehow inspired him or her to try a little harder and study just a little bit more. What’s your desert island favorite book or album? I might go crazy on a desert island! I don’t have a favorite book, and am all over the map with my taste in music. I like biographies and nonﬁction. What’s your favorite place to unwind? Without a doubt, my favorite place to unwind is my house, sitting out on the deck.

the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta; and an NCAA Basketball ball, Azzi tapped into her experiences as an elite athlete to become a wellness and training coach. Her own website, jenniferazzi.com, re-

Do you have a favorite Marin view? I am still new here, so I know there are many spectacular views to be seen. On a recent hike, I absolutely loved the view from the top of the Miwok Trail looking at San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

veals the evolution of her career as a motivational speaker, which has her traveling all over the country. In fact, tracking her down for an interview was a challenge. We caught up her with at Mill Valley’s Book Depot just before she ﬂew to Montreal, to talk about why she has chosen Marin as home. 154

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What do you like about yourself? I’m positive about life. Sometimes my attitude gets in the way, but I see good in most everything. How do you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered for loving.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: BARBARA RIES

Championship title earned while she was at Stanford. Post basket-

Representing and Marketing the most Extraordinary Properties in Marin If you are considering buying or selling a home, please call for a private consultation.

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