24 Wind in Their Sails
Sausalito Community Boating Center provides waterfront access for all.
28 Reconnected
Three Marin adoptees track down their biological families.
32
Samuel P. Taylor Park
There’s a wealth of history behind this golden resource.
PLUS 39
Summer Camp Guide
Comprehensive list of activities for kids of all ages this summer.
In the depths of the ocean’s twilight zone—a region scientists know less about than the surface of the Moon—every dive yields new discoveries. Explore these deep reefs and the fascinating marine life found hundreds of feet below. Get tickets at calacademy.org
17 New in Town New menu for Playa, showroom for Ceramic Tile Center, office for Sieber Plastic Surgery and executive director for Bolinas Museum.
19 Currents Spring blooms, daylight savings, farmers markets and more.
60 Calendar
A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.
67 Dine
An insider’s guide to dining and food in the Bay Area.
72 On the Scene
Snapshots from events around the county.
75 Backstory
A builder and his family’s new home in Ross is designed with an earthy palette and authentic details.
Introducing the new Royal Huaka‘i Suite
In honor of the the birthplace of King Kamehameha III, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa’s newest oceanfront suite offers open-concept luxury with panoramic ocean views from the expansive main patio, perfect for entertaining. Includes exclusive access to the newly renovated Voyager 47 Club Lounge, serving locally-inspired breakfast bites and craft pupu (appetizers), local beers & cocktails at sunset. Experience barefoot luxury, fit for royalty. OUTRIGGER.com
One of the best gifts you can pass on is the gift of education. Finding the right way to save for a child’s education can be difficult, and I can help you create a plan that’s right for you. Contact us today to find out how you can invest in a child’s future.
Call today for a complimentary consultation.
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HVME is a boutique medical spa offering advanced skincare and non-surgical esthetic treatments, including personalized weight loss programs. Our award-winning experts specialize in rejuvenating the skin with advanced Laser, Light, and Plasma Treatments, Injectables, Body Sculpting, Facials, Peels, and Medical-Grade Skincare, including the latest Exosomes and Salmon PDRN Boosters for youthful, glowing skin. Visit our luxury clinics conveniently located in San Francisco and Marin and discover why HVME sets a new standard for beauty and wellness in the Bay Area. Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
At Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital, we provide trusted expertise for every stage of your life. We specialize in minimally invasive gynecologic treatments and surgery for post-menopausal pain, fibroids, heavy bleeding, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine prolapse and more. At Sutter, our whole team is on your team.
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NEXT MONTH MARKS MARIN MAGAZINE 'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY In this space next month you’ll hear from my mother and business partner, Nikki Wood. However, before passing the baton, I wanted to point out a few of my favorite features of that first issue. First of all, the cover! What would be our big splash? Back then I wasn’t as involved in the top line decisions, but I remember the chatter. Our little staff at One Harbor Drive, suite 208, was busy getting ready to announce our arrival. This iconic photo of an orange poppy framed by a bright blue sky by Barbara Ries, topped with Marin, Extraordinary Living, soon flooded mailboxes around the county.
Flipping through the fragile pages of this first issue, I remember doing my part as a working mom with very young kids. At the time, I worked part time and managed the “front of book” and “back of book” departments. Back then we published party photos in the front. A quick glance brings in a flood of memories: Brad Bird, who had just written and directed The Incredibles, poses with his wife. At that same party, Christopher B. Smith (the man, not the theater), smiles for the camera. Next page, Gavin Newsom and Michael Mina both attending a Susan G. Komen Pink Tie Ball in San Francisco, and the one that gave me pause, the dearly missed supervisors Hal Brown and Charles McGlashan at Marin Valentine’s Ball. Brown looks distracted, as if he was willing someone just off camera to do something — he founded the event in 1996, and it continues to thrive. Also photographed is Susan Gilmore, founder and president of North Bay Children’s Center.
In that first issue, Jim Wood started his love affair with Marin history, with an article on the Crookedest Railroad.
We featured a young Dale Bredesen at the Buck Institute. It’s encouraging to read his predictions have come to fruition, as the institute continues to produce gamechanging medical research. One of my favorite faces from 2004 is Sol Hernandez’s beautiful smile featured in an article about her newly opened restaurant, Sol Food, in San Rafael. It’s great to see her success today, we caught her early on.
Kudos to then publisher and co-founder Lisa Shanower, for the pages and pages of ads. Familiar brands, such as the Town Center, The Village and Strawberry Village shopping centers and Whole Foods, luxury brands including Gump’s and Shreve & Co., showcasing a sultry Diana Krall, who has not aged! And some of our longtime partners, who’ve grown their businesses along with Marin Magazine, such as Shana Rohde-Lynch’s young face smiling on a Go2Marin.com ad. Back then she had an AOL email address. Throughout the decades, we’ve been lucky to showcase our amazing home here in Marin, as well as the people that make our county continue to be ranked as housing the healthiest, happiest and longest living population in the country.
Back to the poppy, tag us @marinmagazine on Instagram if you come upon any beautiful wildflowers on your adventures. We’d love to share the floral love.
Finally, please join us at our 20th Anniversary for the Ultimate Garden Party at Marin Art and Garden Center on April 6 to celebrate all things Marin!
Natural wonders abound in Monterey, and there simply is no better place to experience it all than with a stay on Cannery Row. Known for it’s picturesque charm and colorful history, guests to this fabled street can enjoy a unique combination of luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants and captivating boutiques. Come, slow down and enjoy the best of Monterey on Cannery Row.
Bay Area events you’ll want to attend
April 5, 5:30-11:00 p.m.
Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason, San Francisco
“Thank you for publishing the insightful article on school desegregation in Sausalito: ‘The Trajectories of Their Lives.’ In this reactionary and pessimistic moment, where the letters DEI have been misappropriated and used as a political weapon, it is inspiring to see your magazine stand up to that nonsense. I didn’t know about this important transformation happening at Dr. MLK Jr. Academy. Thanks for telling this important story.”
— John Bourne, San Rafael
For over 70 years, Lifehouse has empowered individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead full lives. Don’t miss this annual event—an unforgettable evening of delicious food, fine wines, a thrilling live auction, and worldclass entertainment. Join us for a night of celebration, all while supporting Lifehouse’s essential mission and making a lasting impact in our community!
$500 for individual tickets, Sponsorships start at $6000
greatchefsandwineries.org, 415.526.5300 WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST
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“[Directed to writer Kirsten Jones Neff] I read your Marin Magazine article with great interest… Well done. The article left me with a lingering thought. Why didn’t the powers that be choose to expand the new academy in Marin City vs. Sausalito? I’m sure there are lots of good ‘logistics, planning, etc.’ reasons, which I don’t doubt. But it occurs to me that once again we have moved people of color out of their environment into a ‘white one’ and have burdened them with additional challenges. Let’s pick traveling to school to name just one. We’re adding another challenge to an already under-resourced community. I’m guessing that getting to school wouldn’t likely be an issue for the bulk of the Sausalito children if they had to travel to Marin City.”
— Olivia Perreault
Kirsten’s Response
“The desegregated school was originally two campuses, the Nevada Street campus in Sausalito, housing the elementary school, and the Phillips Street campus in Marin City, housing the middle school. Because enrollment was so low in the middle school it was proposed that they combine the schools to one campus to save money.
Superintendent Huffman asked the Board to make that decision and they voted to move both schools into the Nevada Street campus that had room for the new construction. The subject of Sausalito/Marin City desegregation efforts would be worthy of 10,000 words but alas, we did not have that kind of space for this piece, so I mentioned that the Board voted to combine the schools but didn’t go into the details of how the school ended up on the Nevada Street campus.”
“It was such an honor to help this amazing couple celebrate and bring their vision to life! Watching their day unfold seamlessly with such a wonderful vendor team was an absolute joy and we’re thrilled to see it featured in your magazine!”
— @offthebeatenpathwinecountry on Instagram
Have something to say? Email us at editorial@marinmagazine.com and be sure to include the town you live in. Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity and space.
BY MIMI PINSON
Marin welcomes new developments in dining, home design, beauty treatments, arts and more.
Mill Valley’s Playa is introducing a reimagined menu full of vibrant Mexican and Latin American flavors, plus a new cocktail program. Chef Michael Siegel’s inventive new recipes invite exploration and sharing, from a molcajete stacked with sizzling steak and toppings to a selection of masa-based dishes like tlacoyo. Playa was also recently recognized by Michelin Guide with a spot on their 2024 Bib Gourmand list. playamv.com
For the finest tile, stone, slabs and cabinets, Ceramic Tile Center has been Santa Rosa’s trusted provider since its founding in 1976. Now this family-owned business has expanded to Marin, with a showroom and warehouse in San Rafael. ceramictilecenter.com
The Bolinas Museum appointed Jessica Shaefer as its new executive director. Shaefer carries a deep connection to the Bolinas community and brings experience from previous work in the public art sphere. bolinasmuseum.org
Sieber Plastic Surgery has expanded to Marin with a new Greenbrae office. Their portfolio of nonsurgical options includes natural injectables, laser and skin treatments, medical dermatology and skincare consultations to help you look and feel your best. sieberplasticsurgery.com
Blackie’s Pasture in Tiburon may be popular for its large, bronze statue of a horse — Blackie himself — but don’t discount this spot for plentiful blooms as well. A walk on the Old Rail Trail along Richardson Bay in Tiburon is a delight in the spring thanks to the efforts of the Tiburon Green Team. Be sure to check out the Wildflower Meadow below the Trestle Trail where the Green Team spread wildflower seeds before the recent rains. Their efforts will now be up to Mother Nature to perform her magic.
Didn’t we get rid of daylight savings? The answer lies in a couple civics lessons.
BY
AMERICAN CLOCKS WILL “spring forward” for daylight savings time on March 9 at 2 a.m. (or should I say 3 a.m.?)
If you could have sworn that daylight savings had been abolished by now, you’re not crazy. Multiple high-profile efforts to do away with the time change have occurred in recent years. Most notably, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act by unanimous consent in 2022.
Introduced by then Senator Marco Rubio, the bill would have made daylight savings permanent (as opposed to standard time, when we “fall back” and the sun sets earlier), but the bill expired in the House of Representatives.
California tried its own hand at stopping the time change in 2018, when voters approved Proposition 7, which allowed the state legislature to reform the daylight savings time period. The operative word here is “allowed.” Any changes require two-thirds approval in the state House and Senate and the governor’s signature. And to switch to full-time DST, the state would also need federal approval. Until that happens, try not to watch the clock.
Looking for that perfect place to grab a pint and celebrate our favorite green holiday? Check out a few top spots that boast a suitably festive vibe.
Downtown Novato’s family-owned Irish bar is the place to be for the holiday. Count on quality corned beef, with sides of Irish potato poppers, local brews and music by Maclntosh Pipe Band.
Though this San Rafael joint is an English bar, the Mayflower often shares in Irish traditions, with regular Celtic music and hearty Irish stew on the menu. Their Guinness pour is as delicious as any.
This spacious Novato tavern offers a diverse selection of beers and live entertainment — perfect for those who want to celebrate with friends.
The Burren House is a striking new hot spot that will transport you to the Emerald Isle, which makes sense given that its furniture, art and millwork are all made by Irish artisans and imported.
It’s all about the beer at Moylan’s, with appropriately themed brews like Danny’s Irish Red, Celt’s Golden Ale and the Hop Craic IPA. This is another roomy spot in Novato, so bring some friends.
Marin’s newest supervisor, Brian Colbert, is always spotted wearing a Hawaiian shirt.
Why? Find out in our exclusive Q&A.
Looking for the best pint of Guinness in town? @spoonlistsf has done the rough research for you this year. Check out her list, as well as some fun facts on St. Paddy’s Day.
If you’re one of the PG&E customers struggling with higher energy bills, you’ve got every reason to be upset. Many of you have called us out, and we want you to know we are listening.
Fact is, rates have increased. And we know, because you’ve told us, that it doesn’t help to hear about how much safer and cleaner our energy system is. We get it. You’re not running the state; you’re running your household. You want to know our plan to fix it. So here goes. One big cost is vegetation management. We spend 1.8 billion dollars a year to cut back trees around powerlines, only to have them grow back, forcing us to do it all over again. Burying powerlines, as we’ve been doing in high fire risk and surrounding areas, is actually cheaper in the long run. Not only can we eliminate tree trimming, but lines underground require less maintenance.
Please understand not a day goes by that we’re not tackling the price issue. We’re working with customer advocates who scrutinize every dollar we spend, and we’d like to keep hearing directly from you as well. Our goal is to lessen the burden of your PG&E bill without sacrificing your safety, reliability, or peace of mind.
We’re keeping our lines of communication open. It’s your right to speak out. It’s our job to hear you.
pge.com/open-lines
BY LYNDA BALSLEV
It’s
Late winter offers up bushels of citrus at the farmers markets. It’s an embarrassment of riches with lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, pomelos and myriad hybrids vying for attention. They are worthy of notice: Citrus fruits are considered a superfood. They are naturally low in calories and rich in nutrients, including immunity-boosting vitamin C, as well as fiber, potassium, magnesium and various plant compounds which have antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects. Let these juicy, tangy fruits brighten your plate and boost your health in the cold weather season.
The infallible lemon shines in these zingy bars which promise to perk up your palate and uplift your mood (which is another contributor to good health). It’s no surprise that the key to a good lemon bar is an intensely lemony filling. It should pack a wallop of puckery tartness balanced by just enough sweetness without being cloying. For this task, rely on the Eureka lemon, the ubiquitous fruit readily found in our markets and gardens. (As much as we love its sweet and sunny cousin, the Meyer lemon, it lacks the cheek-sucking tartness that these lemon bars demand.) Eureka lemons have the requisite zing for the zesty curd that slathers the buttery shortbread base. A smidge of sea salt is the final flourish, which deftly enhances the lemon flavor and tames any sugary excess.
Makes 16 (2-inch) square bars
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened but still cool, cut into cubes
Filling:
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Confectioners’ sugar for sprinkling
Sea salt flakes, such as Maldon, for sprinkling
Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan, then line the pan with parchment.
2. Combine the shortbread ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix until the dough is lumpy and begins to stick together. Dump the dough into the prepared pan and evenly press the dough to cover the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake the crust until it just begins to turn golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, but do not turn off the oven heat.
4. Whisk the filling ingredients together in a large bowl until blended. Pour the filling over the crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is set but not coloring, about 25 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a rack.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and lightly sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Community
BY JENNIFER GENNARI
he fog and chill on a January morning didn’t deter board member Michael Dumont from greeting curious passersby as he stood on a gleaming ramp to the new Sausalito Community Boating Center.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone,” he said. He motioned over to Dunphy Park. “I’ve seen people walk their kayaks and paddleboards to the water and trip on the rocks because there’s no good place to launch.”
Dumont smiled. “And now, we are that good place.”
The recently opened boating center (SCBC) is situated between the Cruising Club and Galilee Harbor in downtown Sausalito. The nonprofit provides not only public access to the bay but also preserves the community’s maritime history and small craft heritage through affordable direct experience.
SCBC board member Raylene Gorum, who grew up in the Bay Area, has lived in Galilee Harbor for about 10 years but doesn’t know how to sail. “I would like to learn,” she said, noting that few people have the opportunity to sail unless they know someone, belong to a private club or are privileged to own a boat.
Dumont, too, is dedicated to making sailing something anyone can take up, at any age. “I only learned to sail in the last six years,” he said. “I wish it had been accessible to me growing up.”
Now that he’s fallen hard for the hobby — he did a 20-day Atlantic crossing with friends in 2023 — he and his wife Annette have become active board members at SCBC. They fell in love with the community when they had the opportunity to live aboard at Bridgeway Marina. Longtime houseboat resident and volunteer Maria Finn is thrilled to see the center open at last. “I want to be out on Richardson Bay, but I don’t want to
own my own boat — it’s a lot of work and money,” she said. “It’s a perfect solution to have a community boating center and share boats.”
Gorum agreed. “We are democratizing access,” she added. “This is the people’s yacht club.”
It's been a long 10 years, with progress slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and now SCBC is open from sunrise to sunset. The center is also part of the Bay Area Water Trail, a regional program that encourages nonmotorized small boaters to safely enjoy the San Francisco Bay.
Locals may remember the camaraderie of the old Cass’ Marina and its affordable rentals. In its heyday in the 1970s and ’80s, the marina offered more than 20 boats to rent and provided sailing lessons. The business shuttered in 2009.
Black Point/Petaluma River Public Fishing Access, Highway 37 and Petaluma River Bridge, Novato
Buck’s Landing on Gallinas Creek, 665 N San Pedro Rd., San Rafael (canoe and kayak)
China Camp State Park , San Rafael
McNears Beach Park , 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael
Mill Valley Bay Front Park on Pickleweed Inlet, 498 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley
Miller Park BLF on Tomales Bay, 23240 CA-1, Marshall
Check with appropriate authorities for boating requirements/limitations and tidal conditions before setting out.
When the City of Sausalito called for proposals for revitalizing the dock, Heather Richard, a U.S. Coast Guardlicensed captain, pitched the idea of affordable access for all. Her vision inspired many, and in 2014, the new nonprofit was granted a 10-year lease to create a place for affordable access to the bay.
Turning the abandoned marina into something safe and viable has taken time, with milestones to pass including acquiring architectural drawings, receiving permits and getting approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission. SCBC received two critical grants: $175,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which funded their shovel-ready project, and a $65,000 grant from the Bay Area Water Trail for ADA compliance and site improvements.
One hurdle was that the Sausalito shoreline is a great place for eelgrass to grow. Protecting the aquatic plant, an important food source for diving birds and a surface for spawning herring, was critical. “You can’t have a big metal overpass blocking the sun,” Gorum said. “Our ramp is designed so daylight can go through to let the eelgrass grow.”
Another step was restricting access to the docks at night and installing an entry gate. When someone asked Gorum if she could make the gate beautiful, she jumped at the chance. “I like unusual canvases,” she said, adding, “I like art that’s found in the wild. There’s no fee to see it.”
Trained as an architect, Gorum creates large-scale public art, including the Marin City underpass mural. The gate, which depicts elements of a boat, water and shiplap, was fabricated by Marin Made. “It’s all local,” she said. “Even the aluminum is from Petaluma.”
The nonprofit’s annual big fundraiser and community gathering, the Herring Festival, will be held in March at the Sausalito Center for the Arts. “It’s herring and friends,” added Dumont, noting that they sometimes can’t count on enough herring, so they pair the evening with locally sourced seafood.
Tying the SCBC festival to the ecosystem deepens and underlines the community’s connection to the bay.
“That’s where environmental stewardship starts — seeing ourselves in relationship with the natural world,” said Finn, who is also the author of the cookbook Forage. Gather. Feast. “That’s why I’ve long advocated eating our local herring. It’s sustainable, abundant, good for you and connects us to the bay in a visceral, intimate way.”
And, it turns out that the herring run, typically in early spring, is a good time of year to gather and have a party. “Herring feed the whole bay,” Gorum said. “The sea lions, the birds are all having a party, too.”
The official first day of SCBC will be April 27, which is “Opening Day on the Bay,” the start of the San Francisco Bay sailing season. Their first programming, offered through Sausalito Parks and Recreation, will include rowing classes, sailing lessons and land-side water safety, such as basic navigation and wind and weather education.
The boating center is proud to have its own fleet of el toros, sandpipers and local wooden gems. “The Charlie Merrill is the flagship sailboat,” said board member Steve Ross, adding that it was built in Sausalito. “Our Butterflute is one that you can row and sail.”
The organization welcomes boat donations although they must be in good condition and suitable for sailing instruction or to rent. They prefer boats that have a historical connection to Sausalito or support their mission to preserve the art of wooden boats.
Education is an important part of SCBC. They are working to become
accredited as a U.S. Community Sailing Center, which emphasizes ecological programming. “One student has been conducting independent observations of oyster growth, hanging a few strings and small cages off the dock,” says Annette Dumont, an ecologist, who works for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Bringing school groups to SCBC will provide a hands-on experience with marine science. “Richardson Bay is part of the biggest estuary on the West Coast. It’s an incredibly diverse, rich and fascinating place,” Finn said. “The more everyone learns about it, the more we will want to protect it.”
To be a sustainable, long-term member of the community, SCBC is seeking partnerships with area recreational groups, local schools and existing maritime businesses. SCBC also welcomes volunteers to help with programming, maintaining the docks and boats and participating in second Sunday work parties.
“It’s everyone’s boating center,” Gorum said. “Help make it awesome!”
SCBC Herring Festival
5 p.m., Saturday, March 22
Sausalito Center for the Arts
Visit sausalitocommunityboating.org
SCBC Grand Opening 11 a.m., Sunday, April 27
SCBC at Cass Gidley Visit sausalitocommunityboating.org
Meet three adopted Marin residents who have tracked down biological family members… and are glad they did
BY MATT VILLANO
or many families and individuals, adoption is the chance at a new narrative, a new future, a new path.
In most cases biological parents put their children up for adoption when they know they are not able to care for them sufficiently, while adoptive parents seek to adopt children when they cannot or do not wish to have children of their own.
Many adoptions unfold through systems that protect the identities of people on both sides of the family equation. Sometimes, however, adopted children do whatever they can once they reach adulthood to track down their biological parents and other family members and establish grown-up relationships.
Here in Marin County, these reconnections happen all the time.
Back in 2019, we published an essay by San Anselmo resident Adrian Jones about how a near-death experience inspired him to track down his birth parents through the official state record of births and the help of a persistent friend.
For Jones, the push was medical — he wanted to know his health history so he could make more informed decisions.
He acknowledged that for other people, the impetus can be something entirely different.
“Everyone should have a right to know their truth and who they are,” Jones said. “For some adopted people, knowing how they came to be and who they are biologically connected to can fill holes in their soul, give them peace, answer questions they have had or give them new questions to answer. Reunion can be critically important.”
Over the years, other adopted Marin residents have had different experiences reconnecting with some of their biological family members. Here are two different stories.
Visitors to the Dillon Beach Resort in Dillon Beach might notice that owner Mike Goebel and Director of Operations Vicki Hoefle look a lot alike. That’s because the 65-year-old Hoefle is the 47-yearold Goebel’s biological mom.
The two have worked together for the last seven years; before taking over the resort, Hoefle worked as a cook at Goebel’s brewery, Brewsters, in downtown Petaluma.
But they didn’t know each other until 2012.
Hoefle gave up Goebel for adoption immediately after he was born. She was 18. At the time, she knew she was too young, and she resolved to go on with her life. “I could barely raise myself at the time,” she said, looking back. “It was a hard decision, but it was the right decision for both of us at the time.”
Goebel grew up in Centralia, Washington, in a home with parents who took in scores of foster kids. He always knew he was adopted but never really got too curious about his biological mom. That all changed when he was 30, when he started wondering: Who is she?
Due to privacy laws (and state rules), Goebel had to work through a third-party mediator to find out. He hired the company, equipped them with limited information and waited.
After several years, the call came in. They’d found her. In Vermont.
Goebel didn’t know what to think. He was excited to know they had found his birth mother, but he wasn’t sure how to proceed.
At the recommendation of the agency, Goebel wrote Hoefle a letter and included some baby pictures. Hoefle took time to
respond but eventually wrote back with pictures of her own. Later, the duo talked on the phone. Eventually they met at Hoefle’s condo in Phoenix and caught up in person. They hit it off.
Over the years that followed, Goebel and Hoefle made up for lost time, meeting for hikes, coffees, dinners and other events. Hoefle introduced Goebel to her family; he introduced her to his.
Finally, when Goebel was building Brewsters, he suggested that Hoefle move to California so they could work together. He bought her a house in Petaluma. The rest is history.
“In many ways I have the best of all worlds,” he said. “I have the adoptive parents who were super supportive, and then I got to find my biological mother when I was 30 and develop another amazing relationship with her. Now I get to see her every day of my life. Honestly, it’s like winning the lottery.”
Hoefle agreed.
“This has become one of the very special relationships in my life,” she said. “It’s hard to describe getting a second chance that also feels like a first chance, but it usually feels like I’ve won the lottery. I’m grateful for it every single day.”
Judi Ratto’s journey to track down members of her birth family followed a common trajectory: connections tracked by genealogy websites.
The 61-year-old former Corte Madera resident always knew she was adopted, and at some point managed to track down her birth mother through a liaison service like the one Goebel used. With the help of a mediator, she learned that her birth mother didn’t want to meet Ratto because she had never told her other children that she had a child before she was married and before they were born.
Ratto accepted that and was willing to move on with her life.
Then, one day in 2019, she received a message on the genealogy site Ancestry.com. It was from a man asking why the two of them seemed to have so many genes in common. Ratto knew right away: This must be her half-brother.
So, the two started talking, first electronically and then by phone. Eventually they met up in Santa Barbara and spent the weekend just getting to know each other.
“I was raised with a brother who also was adopted, so it was mind blowing to connect with another [biological] brother,” said Ratto, looking back. “Even though we had gone all these years without knowing each other, when we got together and started talking the connection just felt very strong.”
Ratto’s half-brother, who asked to be identified only by the name Jeff, agreed.
“I’ve always grown up feeling like, ‘I wish I had a sister I could talk to about certain things,’" he said. “Now I do.”
Since that trip, the two have grown very close. Jeff flew up from his home in Los Angeles to attend Ratto’s 60th birthday party. Ratto has flown down to L.A. to meet Jeff’s wife and kids. Ratto recently moved to Sonoma, and Jeff visited her there, as well.
But the relationship isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. The mother they share has not acknowledged Ratto’s existence and has said she does not wish to discuss it with Jeff and his brother. Jeff, who is now 57, said he often feels like he must keep his relationship with Ratto secret.
“I have an inner conflict between respecting my mother’s feelings and not being able to fully celebrate this the way I want to,” he said. “It has been a challenge keeping it from her.”
As for Ratto, her adoptive parents have both died, and she said it would be nice to reconnect with her birth mom. She added that she will always respect the wishes of her biological mother, even if it means never having a relationship with her.
“My relationship with Jeff is special,” she said. “If that’s all I get out of this, that’s a big win.”
Jones, the San Anselmo man who sought out his biological family members after his heart attack, certainly understands the value of reunion.
Jones is 55 now, and he reunited with his biological family members when he was 48. After they reconnected, one of his three sisters noted that she had always wanted a big brother, and that Jones had finally fulfilled that wish.
The experience was so powerful for Jones that he set out to capture it and share it with others. Through word of mouth on social media, Jones put together a group of other adopted individuals who had gone through the process of reunion with their respective birth families.
The group started meeting in 2017. They called themselves the
Adoptee Supergroup.
For nearly 2.5 years, the group met monthly (or so) at Perry’s in Larkspur and chatted about their experiences. They laughed. They cried. They supported each other. Unconditionally.
“It just felt like being in the company of others who were going through something similar, wherever they were on the journey of reunion, would be helpful,” Jones remembered. “When you’re going through this, there is no playbook. There’s a power in sharing the journey.”
Unfortunately, the group disbanded during the Covid-19 pandemic and has not resumed its meetings. For Jones, however, the mission continues. He continues to write about his experiences and make himself available to other fellow adoptees who have questions about the process of reconnecting with their birth families.
As Jones sees it, reconnecting with his birth family and learning about his medical history quite literally saved his life.
One can only hope it has the same effect on others, too.
There’s a wealth of history behind Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
by zack ruskin
Among Marin’s many outdoor treasures and beloved open spaces, Samuel P. Taylor State Park is a gem for recreation and camping. As we ease into springtime, with creeks flowing and flowers blooming, consider a trip to this park full of trails, wildlife and history.
n many ways Samuel P. Taylor State Park is a living history of Marin County. While it officially opened in 1946, people have been coming to “Camp Taylor” for over a century. Before then, the indigenous Coast Miwok lived here, with a legacy dating back at least 3,000 years.
Today Samuel P. Taylor State Park welcomes about 135,000 visitors a year. Some come to stay at the campground, others to picnic in the redwoods or to hike and view wildlife: Depending on the season, you can spot everything from gray foxes to owls to coho salmon here.
Campsites and cabins offer ready access to the park’s towering redwoods and Lagunitas Creek, which is currently between phases of a habitat improvement project for aquatic species. The watershed houses one of the largest remaining populations of coho in Northern California, and monitoring of the current
spawning season puts their numbers at the highest in 20 years.
A significant change came to the park exactly three years ago, when one of its few remaining old growth redwoods collapsed in a March 2022 fire. The Pioneer Tree, which was 800 years old and stood about 200 feet tall, had been able to withstand previous fires but ultimately fell after being fully engulfed by flames.
Kourtney Boone, a state park interpreter with California State Parks’ Bay Area District, said community members continue to honor the Pioneer Tree by visiting it, reading poetry and observing moments of silence. And in the tree’s absence, Boone noted, new vegetation is growing.
“We have yet to conduct an official survey of plant life post tree fall,” wrote Boone over email, “but due to the tree succumbing to fire, the nutrient release from the tree is rapid.” These nutrients, plus increased sunlight from
the gap in the tree canopy, have let new vegetation thrive in the area. And the Pioneer Tree hasn’t disappeared just yet. From its roots baby redwoods with clonal DNA are sprouting — a phenomenon called “stump sprouting,” which is typical for coast redwoods.
Construction for a boardwalk at the site of the fallen tree is also in the works, along with the improvement of benches and interpretive panels. “We hope to offer interpretive opportunities once the boardwalk is installed,” said Boone.
The park’s fire and new growth serve as a reminder that it’s not the first time Samuel P. Taylor has faced jeopardy only to rise from the ashes. In 2011, the area was among 70 parks in California slated for closure due to state budget cuts. Fortunately, the National Park Service stepped in with funds to offset expenses, ensuring the park’s survival and maybe even strengthening its long-term prospects.
“IT WAS THE TANTALIZING PROSPECT OF RICHES THAT COMPELLED
In fact, the full story of Samuel P. Taylor State Park — one of California’s first recreational camping sites and a pivotal place of industry during Marin County’s earliest years — dates to the Gold Rush days. In 1849, it was the tantalizing prospect of riches that compelled the entrepreneurial Samuel Penfield Taylor to sail from his home in New York for San Francisco Bay. After a few successful years of panning for gold and a stint running a lumberyard, he purchased 100 acres of land where the park sits today and followed in his father’s footsteps by building a paper mill in 1856. The Pioneer Paper Mill Company was the first of its kind on the West Coast, and brisk business spawned a community that became the town of Taylorville.
Despite being the namesake for one of Marin’s most gorgeous expanses of nature, Taylor was hardly an environmentalist. As San Anselmo historian Judy Coy noted in a comprehensive biography of him, a dam built by S.P. Taylor & Co. on Daniels Creek led a jury to find Taylor guilty of failing to install a fishway. In 1882 he was fined $50.39, but apparently
continued to let his operations obstruct fish from traveling upstream. It wasn’t until 1888, two years after his death, that the Marin Journal mentioned installation of a “first class fish ladder” at Taylorville Dam. Taylor was also suspected of dumping chemicals and refuse into the creek; a lawsuit was filed, but a judge ruled in Taylor’s favor.
Coy’s research yields other fascinating details about Taylor’s life. For one, he was not, as some have suggested, a descendant of George Taylor, the Pennsylvania politician best known as a signer of the Declaration of Independence. And Taylor’s wife, Sarah Washington Irving Taylor, most likely had no blood relation to the famed Legend of Sleepy Hollow author for whom she may have been named.
Together, Coy and co-author George H. Stevens discovered a wealth of knowledge on the lineage of both Taylor and Sarah Irving, creating an impressively full picture of the lives of two renowned Marin pioneers.
At its peak, Taylor’s paper mill provided newsprint for local publications like the Daily Alta California , the San Francisco Morning Call and
the Daily Evening Bulletin. His business operations later helped ensure that the North Pacific Coast Railroad had a line running west to Tomales Bay, and at various points in his life he owned a broom factory in San Francisco and served on the board of directors of the Mechanics Institute.
The proximity of Taylor’s land to San Francisco — along with its staggering beauty and nature amenities — compelled a number of city dwellers to venture out for respites from urban living. In 1878, the Bohemian Club held its inaugural outdoor “jinks” there, while a Daily Evening Bulletin ad from 1879 calls Camp Taylor “the most beautiful resort in the state.”
While Marinites historically have gone to great lengths to protect local parks, one way we can help preserve Samuel P. Taylor for future generations is simply to go there — help kids discover the magic of watching a salmon spawn or the joy of eating a sandwich beside a gurgling creek.
ABADÁ-Capoeira Marin Summer Camp, San Anselmo, Sports, 5–12, 415.420.9350, abadamarin.org
Academy Deturk Performing Arts Workshops, Tiburon, Theater, 9–13, 415.456.4297, academydeturk.com
Angel Island Day Camp, Tiburon, General, Nature, Outdoor, 6–13, 415.435.4355x1000, theranchtoday.org
Art and Garden Day Camp, Tiburon, Art, Garden, Outdoor, 4–7, 415.435.4355, theranchtoday.org
Audubon Summer Adventure Camp, Tiburon, Inclusive, Nature, 4–7, 415.388.2524, richardsonbay.audubon.org
Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito, Academic, Adventure, Art, Science, STEAM, 3–8, 415.339.3907, bayareadiscoverymuseum. org
Bay Club Summer Camps, Corte Madera, Kentfield, Novato and beyond Marin, General, Science, Sports, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, 3–15, bayclubs.com
Belvedere Tennis Club, Tiburon, Art, Sports, 4–12, 415.435.4792, belvederetennisclub.com
Bolinas Surf Lessons, Bolinas, Sports, 7–16, 415.847.5489, surfbolinas.com
Bombers Baseball Academy, Kentfield, Sports, 8–14, 415.302.1433, bombersbase ballacademy.com
Book Passage Author's Club, Corte Madera, Art, Creative, Writing, 9–12, 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com
Branson Summer Session, Ross, Academic, Art, Coding, Digital Media, Humanities, Inclusive, Makers, Science, Sports, Basketball, STEAM, STEM, Technology, Writing, 11–18, 415.454.3612, bransonsummer.org
California Film Institute, San Rafael, Arts, Film, 11–18, 415.383.5256, cfieducation. cafilm.org/summerfilm
Call of the Sea-Voyage Seaward, Sausalito, Adventure, Nature, Sailing, Science, 8–13, 415.331.3214, callofthesea.org
Camp Corte Madera, Corte Madera, General, 5–12, 415.927.5073, cortemadera.gov
Camp Funderblast, Fairfax, Mill Valley, General, 4–12, 415.843.1730, funderblast.com
Camp Integem: AI, Robotics, Drones, Coding, AR, Art and Game Design Camp, Larkspur, Kentfield, 10 other Bay Area locations, Academic, Digital Media, Science, Specialty, Technology, 5–18, 408.459.0657, camp.integem.com
Camp Strawberry, Strawberry Recreation District, General, 5–11, 415.383.6494, strawberry.marin.org
Campus Kids, Tiburon, General, Outdoor, Young Kids, 4–5, 415.435.4355x0, theranchtoday.org
Caren Horstmeyer Girls Basketball Camp, Larkspur, Sports, 8–14, horstmeyerhoops.com
Chabad Jewish Center of Novato, Novato, General, Outdoor, Specialty, Sports, Swimming, 3–13, 415.878.6770, jewishnovato.com
Children's Cottage Co-Op, Larkspur, General, 2.5–5, 415.461.0822, cccmarin.org
Chronos Academy Maker Camp, Larkspur, Academic, Art, Makers, Science, STEAM, STEM, Technology, 5–12, 415.383.2283, chronos. academy/maker-camp
Coastal Camp at NatureBridge, Sausalito, Nature, Outdoor, Science, 5+/K-12, 415.331.1548, coastalcamp.org
Creative Cave, Mill Valley, Art, Coding, Creative, Science, STEAM, STEM, Tinkering, 5–12+, teen, 628.252.9173, creativecave.biz
June9-13, 6-20& 17-21
Fun and educational week-long camps for rising 6th-8th graders, taught by Sonoma Academy staffulty and alumni, explore a huge range of topics: Art, Italian Cooking and Baking, Dance, Outdoor Adventures, Taiko Drumming & Storytelling, Photography, Filmmaking, and Floral Design! To find out more and register online, go to www.sonomaacademy.org
Dance Palace Camp, Point Reyes Station, Adventure, Art, Science, Sports, Theater, 6–12, 415.663.1075, dancepalace.org
Dave Fromer’s Annual Marin Soccer Camps, Mill Valley, Sports, 5–12, 415.383.0320, davefromersoccer.com
Dickson Ranch Horse and Activity Camp, Woodacre, Horse, 8–14, 415.488.0454, thedicksonranch.com
Dive Lab, Novato, Sports, Swimming, 8–18, 415.497.8366, divelab.org
Dominican Summer Sports Camps, San Rafael, Sports, 6–14, 415.482.3543, dominicansportscamps.com
Enriching U, Novato/Online, Art, Coding, Science, STEAM, STEM, Technology, 10–15, 415.475.7567, enrichingu.com
Esporterz Marin Gaming and STEM Center, Larkspur, Coding, Esports, Robotics, STEM, 7–17, 415.570.9991, esporterz.com
Fairfax Cycling Camp, Fairfax, Adventure, Outdoor, Sports, 8+, emile@fairfaxcyclingcamp. com, fairfaxcyclingcamp.com
Fantastical Adventures Day Camp, Tiburon, Popular Media, 5–12, 415.435.4355, theranchtoday.org
Funtastic Preschool Adventure Camp, San Anselmo,
Academic, Art, General, 2–5, 415.453.3181, sananselmopreschool.org
Galileo Learning, Kentfield, San Francisco, Outdoor, STEAM, 5–16, 800.854.3684, galileo-camps.com
GymWorld Marin, San Rafael, Gymnastics, age vary, 415.482.8580, gymworldmarin.com
Happy Feet Summer Camp, Mill Valley, Dance, 4–11, 415.381.0811, happyfeetmillvalley.com
Headlands Preparatory School, Sausalito, Academic, Grades 6–12, 415.944.2254, headlandsprep.com
Higgins Summer Tennis Camps, Tiburon, Sports, 4–12, 415.963.2549, higginstennis.com
Katia and Company, Novato, Dance, Theater, 7–16, 415.305.2153, katiaandcompany.com
Ladies Shred, Mill Valley, Sports, Skateboard, Surf, 7+, 415.637.0332, ladiesshred. com
Legarza Sports Camp, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Makers, Science, Sports, Basketball, STEAM, 5–14, 415.334.3333, legarzasports.org
Love2Dance, Novato, Dance, 3+, Co-ed, 415.898.3933, love2dance.biz
Luis Quezada’s Soccer Camp, San Anselmo, Sports, 5–13, 415.302.6779, usasoccercamp.org
Marin Ballet, San Rafael, Art, Dance, Nature, 3–18, 415.453.6705, marinballet.org
Marin Blaster Camp, Mill Valley, Sports, 7–14, 415.816.0529, nerfcamp.com
Marin Christian Academy Summer Day Camp, Novato, Art, General, Music, Religious, STEM, 5–12, 415.892.5713, marinchristian.org
5–17, 415.264.2828, maringreenplay.com
Marin Horizon Summer Mill Valley, Nature, Science, 3–5, 415.388.8408, marinhorizon.org/summer-
Marin Idol Summer PerforMill Valley, Music, 9–18, 415.383.5395, chaikenmusic.com
Marin Primary and Middle School Summer Day Camp, General, Young Child, 2–7, 415.924.2608, Greenbrae, Sports, 12–17, 415.461.1431,
An Innovative Summer Program for Motivated Students & Athletes Ages 8-14
JUNE 9 THROUGH JULY 18
It was one of the best camps my son has attended. There was ample challenge balanced with competent instruction...”
My son enjoyed the variety of summer camp classes. The classes and instructors were both engaging. He also made some new friends . As a parent, it was helpful to have morning and afternoon clubs for flexibility . The lunches and snacks provided were also great...”
scan here or go to shcp.edu/summer for offerings now!
camps fill
Marin Shakespeare Company, San Rafael, Theater, 5–19, 415.499.4487, marinshake speare.org/summer-camps
Marin Tennis Club, San Rafael, Sports, Tennis, 6–14, 415.457.5160, marintennisclub.com
Marin Theatre Summer Camp, Mill Valley, Theater, 4–18, 415.388.5200, marintheatre.org
Marin Treks Science Camp, Novato, Nature, Science, 6–11, 415.250.0988, brian@marintreks.com
Mega Gymnastics, San Rafael, Gymnastics, 5+, 415.257.6342, megagymnastics.com
Mill Valley Recreation Summer Camps, Mill Valley, Art, General, Specialty, Swimming, 3–14, 415.383.1370, millvalleyrecreation.org
Miwok Equestrian Center, Mill Valley, Horse, 8+, 415.383.8048, miwokequestrianctr.com
Morning Star Farm Horse Camps, Novato, Horse, 5–12, 415.897.1633, morningstarfarm.info
Marinwood Camp, San Rafael, General, 3–12, 415.479.0775, marinwood.org
Mark Day School, San Rafael, Art, Science, Sports, Tinkering, 5–13, 415.472.8000, markdayschool.org
Masterworks Summer Art Camps, Corte Madera, Academic, Art, 6–14, 415.945.7945, masterworkskidsart.com
Mathnasium, Mill Valley, Academic, 5–14, 415.797.4902, mathnasium.com
Mt Tam Bikes Camp, Mill Valley, Outdoor, Sports, 8–14, 415.377.9075, mttambikescamp.com
Multi Sport Kids Camp, Larkspur, Sports, Swimming, Tennis, 6–12, 415.924.6226, info@mttamrc.com
Next Level Sports, Marin, Bay Area, Sports, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Volleyball, ages vary, 415.827.1066, nextlevelsports.com
Ninja Camps at Practical Martial Arts, Corte Madera, Fitness, Sports, Martial Arts, 6–13, 415.927.0899, practicalmartialarts.net
No Limits Sports Day Camp, Corte Madera, Sports, Mountain biking, Skateboard, 5–12, 415.717.6925, nolimitsdaycamp.com
North Bay Basketball Academy, Novato, Larkspur, Sports, Basketball, K-8, 415.244.3863, northbaybasketball.com
O’Hanlon Youth Art Camp, Mill Valley, Art, 6–12 (Camp 1 & 2), 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org
O’Sullivan Soccer Academy, Novato, San Anselmo, Sonoma, Sports, Soccer, 5–14, 415.497.8164, osullivansocceracademy.com
Osher Marin JCC Camp
Kehillah, San Rafael, Field Trips, Nature, Science, Sports, Swimming, Pre K-8, 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org/ summercamp2025
Performing Arts Academy of Marin, Mill Valley, Dance, Musical Theater, 4+, 415.380.0887, paamarts.com
Play-Well TEKnologies, Throughout Marin, Science, Technology, 5–14, 415.460.5210, play-well.org
Poekie Nook, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Art, Creative, Makers, 6–12, 415.326.5202 (Mill Valley), 415.462.6455 (San Anselmo), poekienook.com
Ready Set GO Therapy, Various outdoor locations in Marin, Occupational and Speech Therapy, 4–16, 415.339.8800, friendshipexplorations.com
RoCo Dance, Mill Valley, Dance, 3–18, 415.388.6786, rocodance.com
Ross Academy Montessori School Summer Mini-Camp, Mill Valley, General, 2–5, 415.383.5777, rossacademymontessori.com
Ross Recreation, Ross, Academic, General, 3–15, 415.453.6020, rossrecreation.org
Sage Educators, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Academic, Nature, 5–18, 415.388.7243, sageeducators.com
Sailing Education Adventures, San Rafael, Sports, 8–17, 415.717.4809, seasailing.org
San Anselmo Recreation Department Camps, San Anselmo, General, 3+, 415.258.4640, sananselmorecreation.org
San Domenico School, San Anselmo, Art, General, Sports, Theater, 4+, 415.258.1900, sandomenico.org
Scuba Camp, Novato, Sports, 8–14, 415.897.9962, pinnaclesdive.com
Sea Trek Kayak and SUP Camp, Sausalito, Sports, 9–14, 415.332.8494, seatrek.com
Shredders Skateboarding Camp, San Rafael, Sports, Skateboarding, 5–14, 415.529.8364, shreddersskatecamp.com
Slide Ranch, Muir Beach, Garden, Nature, Outdoor, Ranch, 5–11 (Campers), 12–17 (CITs), 415.381.6155, slideranch.org
Snails and Turkey Tails, San Rafael, Adventure, Environmental Education, Nature, Outdoor, Young Child, 2.6–5, snailsandturkeytails@yahoo. com, snailsandturkeytails.com
Spaulding Marine Center, Sausalito, Environmental, Outdoor, Sailing, Woodworking, 10–16, 415.332.3179, spauldingcenter.org
SRD Camp Strawberry, Mill Valley, Art, Nature, Sports, 5–14, 415.383.6494, strawberry.marin.org
Stapleton School of the Performing Arts, San Anselmo, Performing Arts, 4+, 415.454.5759, stapletonschool.org
Join us at MCD for a fun-filled Ballet Summer Camp
All Ages & Levels, July 14-August 1, 2025 info@marinconservatoryofdance.org . marinconservatoryofdance.org
Steve and Kate’s Camp, Corte Madera, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, General, 4–12, 415.604.0078, steveandkatescamp.com
Studio 4 Art, Novato and San Rafael, Art, 4–13, 415.596.5546, studio4art.net, doartdaily.com
Summer Day Camp at SGV Community Center, San Geronimo, General, Outdoor, 5–11, 415.488.8888x106, sgvcc.org
Summer Rocks! at The Gravity Vault Marin, San Rafael, Rock Climbing, 7–12, plus separate Middle School Camp, 415.472.9344, gravityvault.com
Summer Sail Camp, Sausalito, Sailing, Sports, 5+, 415.332.7400x114, sausalitoyachtclub.org
Tam Junction Camp-Mind, Body, Soul, Mill Valley, Academic, Art, Karate, Yoga, K-8, 415.306.4956, mojodojokarate.com
Terra Marin, Marin, SF, Garden, Language, Nature, Outdoor, 3–8, 415.906.2220, terramarin.org
The Ranch Summer Camps, Belvedere-Tiburon, Adventure, Art, Nature, Outdoor, Popular Media, Sports, Tennis, ages vary, 415.435.4355x0, theranchtoday.org
The San Francisco Yacht Club, Belvedere, Sailing, 6–16, 415.435.9525, sfyc.org
Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, Musical Theater, 7–18, 415.383.9600, throckmortontheatre.org
Tiburon Adventure Camp, Tiburon, Adventure, Art, 2–8, 415.435.4366, btccc.org
TinkerTech Camps, Marin County, AI, Coding, Robotics, STEM, Technology, Tinkering, 5–12, 415.290.9964, tinkertechcamps.com
Totally Tennis Summer Camp / RRC Day Camp, San Rafael, Sports, Tennis, 4+, 415.456.5522, rafaelracquetclub.com
TumbleSpot, Mill Valley, Gymnastics, 4–9, 415.888.3726, gotumblespot.com
Tutu School, Larkspur, Dance, 3–8, 415.419.5610, tutuschool.com
US Sports Camps / Nike Sports Camps, Bay Area, Sports, 5–18, 800.645.3226, ussportscamps.com
West America Tae Kwon Do, Mill Valley, Sports, 4+, 415.383.4755, westamericatkd.com
Wildlife Camp at WildCare, San Rafael, Animal, Nature, 4–11, 415.453.1000x190, discoverwildcare.org/camps
Winston Preparatory School Summer Program, San Rafael/Online, Academic, Specialty, 9–18, 415.993.5533, winstonprep.edu
Y Camp at Loma Verde Elementary, Novato, Art, General, Nature, Recreation, Sports, STEM, 5–13, 415.966.8527, ymcasf.org
san rafael corte madera
Come dance with us in our Young Dancer Division
Featuring classes and camps for 18 months – 9+ years in a wonderful, nurturing environment
For registration, schedules, or more information www.MDT.org · 415.499.8891 · info@mdt.org
Academic, Language, 5–18, 415.225.8929, yourlanguage andculturalcenter.org
GREATER BAY AREA, SAN FRANCISCO AND BEYOND
American Dance Training Camps’ Ultimate Sierra Mountains Dance Camp, Lake Tahoe, Dance, 8–17, 866.383.ADTC, american dancetrainingcamp.com
Amplify Life's Camp Lotsafun, Reno, Adults with disabilities, 18+, 775.827.3866, amplifylife.org
Avid4 Adventure, Burlingame, Menlo Park, Oakland, Adventure, Nature, Sports, 3.5–14, 720.249.2412, avid4. com
Birkholm’s Water Ski School, South Lake Tahoe, Sports, All ages, 530.573.1928, birkholmswatersports.com
Camp Chrysalis, Big Sur, Mendocino, Sierras, Nature, Outdoor, 9–17, 510.843.6157, campchrysalis.com
Camp Concord, South Lake Tahoe, Family, All ages (Family Camp), 9–14 (Youth Camp), 925.671.3006, cityofconcord. org/355/camp-concord
campoceanpines.org
Camp Ronald McDonald, Susanville, Kids and adults with disabilities, 12–65, 916.734.4230, rmhcnc.org
Camp Unalayee, Trinity Alps Wilderness, Adventure, Nature, 10–17, 650.969.6313, unalayee-summer-camp.com
Camp Wasiu II, Sierra City, Girl Scouts, Nature, Outdoor, STEM, 5–17, 775.322.0642, gssn.org
Catalina Island Camps, Avalon, Nature, Outdoor, 7–15, 626.296.4040, catalinaislandcamps.com
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp, Echo Lake, General, Nature, Outdoor, 7–14, 510.981.5140, 510.981.6903, berkeleyca. gov/community-recreation/ parks-recreation/camps/ overnight-camps
Gold Arrow Camp, Lakeshore, General, Outdoor, 6–14, 800.554.2267, goldarrowcamp.com
House of Air, San Francisco, General, Specialty, Sports, Gymnastics, 7–12, 415.345.9675, houseofair.com/camp
Lake Tahoe Music Camp, Stateline, Music, 12–18, 775.784.4278, unr.edu
Plantation Farm Camp, Cazadero, Family, General, Nature, 8–15, 707.847.3494, farmcampca.com
Pyramid Gymnastics, San Rafael, Gymnastics, K–6, 415.927.1240, thepyramidgym. com
River Way Ranch Camp, Greater Bay Area, Fresno, Yosemite, General, Nature, 7–16, 559.787.2551, riverwayranchcamp.com
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, San Francisco, Academic, Field Trips, Sports, 8–14, 415.775.6626, shcp.edu
Skylake Yosemite Camp, Outdoor, Nature, 7–13, 559.642.3720, skylake.com
Spanish Immersion Camps with Viva el Español, Lafayette/Online, Foreign Language, 5–10, 925.962.9177, vivaelespanol.org
Summer at Sonoma Academy, Santa Rosa, Cooking, Media Arts, STEM, Sports, Theater, 10–14, 707.545.1770, sonomaacademy.org
Tahoe Rim Trail Association Youth Backcountry Camp, Stateline, Adventure, Nature, Outdoor, 12–17, 775.298.4485, tahoerimtrail.org
Tahoe Summer CampsTahoe Expedition Academy, Truckee, Lake Tahoe, Archery, Art, Backpacking, Blacksmithing, Climbing, Sailing, STEM, 4–14, 530.414.9316, tahoesummercamps.com
The Spring Hill School, Petaluma, Art, Science, Sports, 2–14, 707.763.9222, thespringhillschool.org
Transcendence Kids Camp, Sonoma, Youth Performing Arts, 8–12 and 13–17, 877.424.1414, enrichment.kids/ca/sonoma/ transcendence-kids-camp-1
Two Rivers Soccer Camp, Graeagle, Sports, 7–17, 415.928.6902, tworiverssoccer.com
UC Berkeley embARC Summer Design Academy, Berkeley, Art, Creative, Digital Media, STEAM, STEM, Technology, 16–18, 510.643.1188, uced.berkeley.edu
Vision Tech Camps, Danville, Academic, Digital Media, Science, Specialty, Technology, 7–17, 925.699.9602, visiontechcamps.com
Vision Tech Camps, El Cerrito, Digital Media, Science, Technology, Young Child, 6–17, 925.575.7245, visiontechcamps.com
Young Men's Ultimate Weekend, Lake Berryessa, Adventure, Outdoor, 13–20, 415.479.4100, ymuw.org
3 Two Week Sessions
June 23-27 | July 21-25 | Monday-Friday 10am-3pm June 23-July 3 July 7-18 July 21-August 1
Located at Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo
Individual lessons available from 8:30-9:30am and 3:30-4:30pm
Financial aid available
To sign-up or for more info please email tracey@youngperformersinternational.org
Half & Full Day
Ages: 2 (by June 1) - rising 2nd grade
20 Magnolia Ave Larkspur, CA 94939
Visit mpms.org
LIFEHOUSE PRESENTS GREAT CHEFS & WINERIES
April 5, 2025
Festival Pavilion @ Fort Mason San Francisco, California
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Tickets are available at fundraiser.bid/GCW2025 or by calling (415) 526-5300.
*As of 1.21.25*
BID PADDLE SPONSOR
Friends of Jacquie Gribens
EMERALD SPONSORS
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PURCHASE TICKETS
Fairs, fests, performances and other excellent events.
Feeling lucky? In Marin County, San Francisco and beyond, discover your own pot of gold at food fairs, film festivals and cultural events. Take a photo with Lou Seal at Giants FanFest. Try a new dish during Oakland Restaurant Week. Ride a float in San Francisco’s 175-year-old St. Patrick’s Day parade. The world is your green oyster.
MARCH 7–9 Marin Arts & Crafts
Show The Marin Center’s Exhibit Hall turns into a market of handcrafts and artisan wares for sale at the Marin Arts and Crafts Show. With jewelry, decor, textiles and more, the show is a hotbed of original designs and craft. artsandcraftsshow.com/ marin
MARCH 15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade A nearly 175-year old San Francisco tradition, this annual parade emphasizes cross-cultural connection — and lots of floats — as it winds from Second and Market to the Civic Center, where a music festival and traditional Irish food stands follow. uissf.org
MARCH 18 26th Annual Persian New Year Jump over the fire and into spring! Attendees will enjoy an evening of lively dancing and delicious
food at this celebration of Nowruz (Persian New Year) at San Rafael’s McNears Beach Park from 6–10 p.m. ipersian.org
MARCH 21–23 California Artisan Cheese Festival Ever been on a cheese crawl? A crawl through The Barlow in Sebastopol is just one of many events during this three-day cheese festival showcasing the best of the California cheese scene. artisancheesefestival.com
MARCH 29 Spring Faire This funfilled, family-friendly event at the Mill Valley Community Center is bursting with exciting activities for all ages and includes a vibrant array of vendors, a world of games, crafts and interactive activities and a Toddler Zone for the little ones. millvalleyrecreation.org
EDITED BY DONNA BERRY GLASS
THROUGH MARCH 4 The Legacy of Marin City: A California Black History Story (1942–1960) Through a series of displays, this exhibit shares the story of Marin City’s Black residents, highlighting their courage, resilience and contributions to American history. It's shown at Dominican University’s Archbishop Alemany Library. dominican.edu
MARCH 1–30 Nobody Loves You
The game of love is on! This madcap musical centers on a wildly popular reality dating show called Nobody Loves You, in which eager contestants compete for love and social media stardom. act-sf.org
MARCH 19–30 Mrs. Krishnan’s Party
As the drama unfolds during this atypical production by Marin Theatre, audience members are immersed in the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s convenience store, where they become the invited guests to a lively South Indian harvest festival with party preparations underway. marintheatre.org
MARCH 22 Groundbreaking Magic
Join Disney Legend Martha Blanding and author Tim O’Day as they discuss Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth, a book detailing Blanding’s incredible half-century career journey at the Walt Disney Company. waltdisney.org
MARCH 28–29 Marin Ballet Spring Concert
Each year, the students of Marin Ballet showcase their artistry and technique in a spring concert series. March’s concert features the company’s older dancers in a series of repertory performances. marinballet.org
THROUGH MARCH Street Scenes
This new exhibit at the Bartolini Gallery in San Rafael highlights the work of six female photographers who have all taken inspiration from what they’ve seen and encountered on the street. marincounty.gov
MARCH 15–16 Marin Symphony Chorus:
The Genius of Mozart Under the direction of Kevin Fox and joined by Marin Symphony musicians, come and enjoy the genius of Mozart as performed by this fine choral ensemble at the Marin School of the Arts in Novato. marinsymphony.org
MARCH 16 Marin Jazz Presents Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra SF-based Anthony Paule Soule Orchestra, renowned for their powerhouse 11-piece, horn-driven orchestra that plays blues and soul of the ’60s and ’70s, brings its own captivating and award-winning sound to Marin Center’s Showcase Theater. marincenter.org
MARCH 20 The Mother Hips Here’s your chance to see the band that Rolling Stone has called “divinely inspired” offering their unique blend of rootsy, ’70s-like rock and power pop. The Mother Hips have found themselves sharing stages with everyone from Johnny Cash and Wilco to Lucinda Williams and The Black Crowes. sweetwatermusichall.com
MARCH 2 Awards Night at the Rafael Take in Oscar’s top winners on the Smith Rafael Film Center’s big screen during this live telecast of the 97th Academy Awards. Even though it’s billed as a casual event, there’s a pre-event red carpet for those who want to show up in style, along with photo ops, trivia, a predict-the-winner contest and a free glass of bubbly for those 21 and over. cafilm.org
MARCH 19–23 Sonoma International Film Festival The 28th annual Sonoma International Film Festival draws in filmmakers and film lovers from around the world. It shows over 100 international films while also celebrating the food and drink that make Sonoma Wine Country world famous. sonomafilmfest.org
OPENS MARCH 21 Unseen Oceans
Explore the mysterious wonders of the deep sea at this new exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, consisting of glowing supersized models of plankton, an interactive deep sea submersible experience, ancient marine fossil replicas and mesmerizing videos of lifesized blue whales, giant squid and manta rays. calacademy.org
THROUGH MARCH 9 Amy Sherald: American Sublime Catch the final days of this exhibit at the SFMOMA featuring nearly 50 of Amy Sherald’s luminous paintings — including her iconic portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, poetic early works and new works on view for the first time. sfmoma.org
14
With a brass band, pie slices and a parade that circles the Pi Shrine 3.14 times, the Exploratorium’s 37th annual Pi Day celebration is packed with activities themed around the irrational number. How many digits do you know? exploratorium.edu
THROUGH MARCH 30 Charles Hobson: Artist’s Books, Variations on a Theme
The small but mighty Bolinas Museum has several eye-catching exhibits running through the end of March, including an exhibition on Charles Hobson who is renowned for his extraordinary artist’s books featuring innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship. bolinasmuseum.org
MARCH 8 SF Giants FanFest at Oracle Park Get in the spirit of the upcoming MLB season at the final stop of the Giants’ FanFest Tour at Oracle Park during this fan-favorite, free event that lets you meet and greet players, broadcasters and Lou Seal; sidle up next to a World Series trophy; and get a rare view of the field from the home dugout. mlb.com/ giants
MARCH 20–30 Oakland Restaurant
Week Ten days of Oakland gastronomy feature Michelin-rated restaurants and neighborhood joints alike. Expect special menus that showcase the city’s widely diverse food culture. visitoakland.com
MARCH 22–23 SailGP on the San Francisco Bay Some of the world’s fastest F50 catamarans take to the water during this international, weekend-long grand prix race. The action happens on the San Francisco Bay just off Marina Green, with the race course set between Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. sailgp.com
MARCH 23 Annual Marin Powwow A number of diverse Native American communities from around the Bay Area gather for the annual Marin Powwow at College of Marin’s Kentfield Campus. This cultural celebration is a full day of traditional music and dancing along with indigenous arts and crafts vendors. marinamericanindianalliance.org
MARCH 29 Novato Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market The old saying, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” comes to fruition at the Margaret Todd Senior Center in Novato, which will be filled with second-hand merchandise for sale at its annual spring flea market. novato.org
MARINHEALTH FOUNDATION
Genny & Andrew Biggs
Marie Boylan & Jeffrey Freedman
Jeanne Scuitti Capurro & Family
Scott Clark & Holly Tate
Leland & Kristin Clemons
THANK YOU TO OUR LEAD SPONSORS*
Jinnie K. Simonsen & John V. Carbone Foundation
Darice & Jeffrey O’Neill
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CAPRI
Heffernan Family Foundation
IBIZA
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Connie & Bob Peirce Family Fund
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Dr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Dietz
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MarinHealth Urology
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The Schultz Foundation
Terri Slagle, MD & Al Oppenheim, MD
Vituity Emergency
Medicine Physicians
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Medicine Physicians
Mark Watrous & Kim Kraemer
Dennis Whipp
We hope you will join us in our efforts to detect breast cancer early and save lives.
With more than 20,000 mammography visits per year, the MarinHealth Breast Health Center is an invaluable resource for local women. The North Bay relies on this state-of-the-art facility for mammography, biopsies, bone density screenings, and more. Statistics show that fewer than half of Marin County women are having regular mammograms. Meanwhile, national breast cancer rates have increased each year between 2012 and 2021, especially in women under 50. This trend spurred the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce to lower the recommended age for a woman’s first breast cancer screening from 45 to 40.
Designed for comfort and convenience, the Breast Health Center is an ultramodern facility staffed by an expert, caring team and equipped with top-of-the line tomosynthesis mammography equipment. Tomosynthesis uses digital x-rays to create detailed, 3D images of the breast, allowing radiologists to detect tiny tumors early, when they are easier to treat. The technology makes it simpler to distinguish between suspicious and normal findings, reducing the number of false positives.
Since we first opened our doors in 2017, tomosynthesis mammography has continued to evolve. To keep up, we are raising funds toward the purchase and installation of new equipment in 2026. The next-generation technology has some important new features and enhancements:
• Significantly faster scans — it takes only 2.6 seconds to capture an image
• Better targeting for denser areas of the breast to reduce radiation exposure
• AI support for sharper, higher-quality images
• Easier and more accurate imaging for patients with dense tissue
• Voice prompts in 27 languages
• Greater maneuverability
With the purchase of advanced tomosynthesis mammography equipment, MarinHealth’s Breast Health Center will be able to serve more women and enhance early detection rates. Our goal is to replace four machines at $500,000 each, for a total cost of $2 million. Every donation can make a difference for the women we know and love.
“ ”
Our Breast Health Center is committed to leading the fight against breast cancer by providing the highest standard of personalized, compassionate, and innovative care to our community. Your generous support will allow us to upgrade our technology and ensure that we continue to lead in early detection, ensuring the safest, most effective, and most comfortable care for our patients.
— Natalya Lvoff, MD Medical Director Breast Health Center
Burmatown Asian
Though the menu remains largely the same (that tea leaf salad! Those bao!) at the new location down the street from the original, the addition of a grill boosts the menu with dishes like kalbi ribs or smoked salmon collars. A long bar on one side of the room serves wine and beer and the front windows slide open for easy access to a large patio. 18 Tamalpais Ave, 415.985.5060; burmatown.com
$
Marin Joe’s Italian
A mainstay for a reason: the menu calls to you with garlic bread, a calamari sandwich and mesquite-grilled prime rib. Sautéed classics of the ItalianAmerican canon as well as oysters doré and pastas have withstood the test of time. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081; marinjoes restaurant.com
Fradelizio’s Italian
A perennial neighborhood gem, the cozy space welcomes all with daily specials (fresh local fish, housemade Meyer lemon fettuccine with salmon, cioppino, a Becker Lane organic
pork cannelloni) and a Napa Valley wine from the barrel program. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618; fradelizios.com
La Gastronomia
Italian Like the town it’s situated in, La Gastronomia is a lively and cozy restaurant best known for its authentic cuisine, fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere. Originally from a coastal town in Italy, owners Elena and her husband Gustavo curate a taste of the Italian coast in the California sun. 123 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.419.5465; lagastronomiadi porchetta.com
BB $
Half Day Cafe American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including coffee drinks, pastries and much more. 848 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.459.0291; halfdaycafe.net
BB $
Rio Rock Açai Café Smoothies Açai bowls, like the Carmen Miranda with cacao nibs and peanut butter, and smoothies
(don’t miss the Popeye with almond butter and spinach) are at the heart of an all-day café that serves up sandwiches (chicken pesto panini, lox bagel) and pastas, too. Boba and espresso drinks are coming soon. 860 College Ave, Kentfield; 415.747.8668; riorock acaicafe.com
$
Left Bank Restaurant
French This Parisianstyle brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, bar or in the elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun experience. The menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331; leftbank.com
Perry’s on Magnolia American Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor dining options. It’s bar is a perennial best of the county winner. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877; perryssf.com
BB
Rio Rock Açai Café, Kentfield
World Green Açai Bowl & Juice Brazilian Come for the bowls — with real açai sourced from Belém, Brazil — and stay for the authentic Brazilian bites, blended juices and friendly faces. Try the popular Yanomami bowl, or the Barry Bonds special (named after a favorite customer). Gluten-free options abound, like tapioca crepes and pão de queijo cheese bread. 546a Magnolia Ave, 415.886.8476; worldgreenacai.com
Buckeye Roadhouse
American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs, and chili-lime “brick”
chicken are a few of the satisfying comfortfood menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails or a light meal. Heated patio seating offers a moment’s respite with a fresh espresso and breakfast burrito from the weekday Buckeye Joe Coffee Kiosk out front. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600; buckeyeroad house.com
BB HH
Bungalow 44
American The bustling bar is ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order of the house’s famous
kickin’ fried chicken. The one-dollar happy hour oyster program still operates from 5–6 p.m., Monday–Thursday and the heated outdoor patio is a town hot spot. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500; bungalow44.com
Corner Bar
Mediterranean
Corner Bar is downtown Mill Valley’s first cocktail lounge… ever! Bring a date or simply come to unwind in the sleek interior, which features two bars plus plenty of window space overlooking the town square. A menu of Mediterranean bites created by Chef Michael Siegel complements Corner
Bar’s artfully crafted cocktails. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8001; cornerbarmv.com
HH
Floodwater
Californian Order a handcrafted “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the long 20 seat bar and watch the game on five huge 4K TVs while noshing on pork belly steamed buns, or dive into Shorty’s Tall Reuben. The patio features multiple fire pits. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545; floodwatermv.com
HH $
Paseo Bistro
Californian
The bistro along ‘el paseo’ exudes the same charm as its
predecessors with a French-inflected menu from executive chef Sylvain Montassier. That translates into dishes of tuna tartare with chicharron and shiitakes, squid ink linguini with local crab and mussels or a Devil’s Gulch pork chop with crispy spaetzle and cabbage. Sip a classic cocktail in the Paseo bar or savor chocolate fondant with salted caramel ganache in one of the inviting exposed brick and wood dining rooms. 17 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley; 415.888.3907; paseobistro.com
HH
Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian A fireplace lounge and open format concept invites lingering over
and newer front patio provide ample outdoor dining space. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000; piazzadangelo.com
BB
Playa Mexican
With a chef from Mexico City, Playa’s food offers traditional dishes with modern flavors and presentations. A Little Gem salad sparkles with tomatillo dressing and enchiladas shine from a glossy coating of house made black mole and micro greens. The bar highlights exceptional tequilas and mezcals but the el Slushie and house margarita have legions of fans and are perfect for sipping on the large, heated back patio. Weekend lunch is available.
refreshed menu items such as house made ravioli with lemon cream and citrus gremolata, roasted mushroom pizza with taleggio fonduta and black truffle oil or roasted salmon with artichokes and Calabrian chili. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525; piatti.com
Piazza D’Angelo
Italian Family owned for over 40 years, Piazza D’Angelo evokes a traditional trattoria dining experience, including the bustling bar. Enjoy a variety of housemade pastas, meat and seafood dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and gluten-free offerings with organic and locally sourced ingredients. A back patio
Tamalpie Italian With views of Mt. Tam from the covered, heated patio, this spot known for its local sourcing also features two fireplaces and a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine and beer. The difference is in the dough, small batch, housemade and gluten-free. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437; tamalpiepizzeria.com
Ayawaska Latin
Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793; thespeakeasy novato.com
$ HH
41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.384.8871; playamv.com
BB HH
Sweetwater Music Hall’s Rock & Rye American
Bay Area chef Rick Hackett (Bocanova, Florio) redesigned the menu to feature South American and New Orleans-inspired dishes with a seasonal focus at Sweetwater Music Hall’s refreshed restaurant. An extensive collection of whiskeys and craft cocktails pays tribute to independent music venues and the 50-seat outdoor patio was redone to reflect how we dine today.
19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850; sweetwatermusichall.com
BB
American An outpost of the Petaluma original fills the space that once housed Hilltop 1892. A menu of Peruvian classics includes lomo saltado and the country’s famous ceviches (try the a la Huancaina with the catch of the day). 850 Lamont Ave; 415.944.2066; ayawaskasf.com
BB HH
Perry’s Novato
American Epic burgers and cocktails, excellent service, signature blue-andwhite gingham tablecloths — expect all of those and more here at Perry’s northernmost location. 224 Alameda Del Prado, 415.506.4212; perryssf.com
BB
The Speakeasy American In addition to the 10 beers on tap, cocktails range from the 1920s to the 2020s. A shareable, tapas-style menu includes grilled maitake mushrooms, escargot and mini street tacos. 504
The Village Italian Restaurant Italian A Novato staple for any occasion, the Village captures hearts with comforting Italian fare served in its spacious downtown locale. They’ve got something for everybody, with ample options for pasta, pizza, salad and entrees like chicken parm or piccata. Don’t miss the puffy, pillowy “pasta bread” — best eaten dripping in garlic butter. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234; the villageitalian restaurant.com
BB
Comforts Cafe
American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasa, Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840; comfortscafe.com
BB $
Creekside Pizza & Tap Room American A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, flavorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside offers
plentiful gluten-free and vegan options too. Their copper bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450; creeksidesa.com
Cucina sa Italian Open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner six nights a week, come by for homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood-fired pizzas that strike a balance between southern Italy and Northern California. Don’t skip the happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, either! 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942; cucina-sa.com
Insalata’s Mediterranean Dinner favorites include cataplana with mussels and chorizo, Middle Easterninspired vegetarian platter, Moroccan lamb flatbread, housemade pastas and the fattoush salad. A takeout counter offers selections for family meals, celebrations or a quick lunch. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.457.7700; insalatas.com
Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen Japanese Kuro Nami, which means “black wave,” is a new restaurant from the team behind The Baan Thai Cuisine. There,
you’ll find inventive sushi rolls, premium sake and a menu of signature dishes that explore the depth of Japanese cuisine. It’s not just sushi — you can try picks like kani miso (grilled miso paste with crab), or their creamy pasta with tempura softshell crab. 69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.459.6969; kuro namimarin.com
Madcap Californian Chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary art-filled space is known for its urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu, available as a tasting menu, incorporates seafood and Japanese techniques in colorful dishes like trout with baby bok choy, purple daikon and dashi that are bold, balanced and bright. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898; madcapmarin.com
Marché Californian Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space, Marché’s owners Darren and Alicia Banks focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, and house made gnocchi with shiitakes is Californian all the way. 23 Ross Common, Ross; 415.925.9200; marchemarin.com
The Baan Thai Cuisine Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn
cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh flavors and just the right amount of sweet heat. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470; baanthaimarin.com
Valenti & Co.
Italian The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti’s famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800; valentico.com
Cafe del Soul Californian
Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in Tam Junction and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. 1408 Fourth St, 415.457.5400; cafedelsoul.net
$
La Toscana Ristorante & Bar
Italian Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation,
transforming an already popular San Rafael gathering spot into a place for any occasion. The menu features daily specials and classics like gnocchi and carbonara and an ample selection of wine.
3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100; ristorantelas toscana.com
Sol Food Caribbean/Puerto Rican Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes with fresh ingredients, just like the ones owner Sol Hernandez grew up eating. All day favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and other fried plantain dishes, but anything tastes good with a dash of “pique” their signature hot pepper sauce, also for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad dressing). They also have a special menu from “Victor’s Crispy Tacos.” 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765; solfoodrestaurant.com
$
Copita Mexican Co-owner Joanne Weir, along with Chef Aaron Sabido, presents fresh Mexican fare in the heart of Bridgeway. The everchanging menu is 100 percent gluten-free, masa is prepared and pressed in house for each and every tortilla, and the in-house tequila bar serves over 100 varieties, ideal for crafting your
own margarita. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watching. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400; copitarestaurant.com
BB $ HH
Fish Seafood
It has been said that this restaurant and fish market launched the sustainable seafood movement, making it the ultimate place for freshly caught, unobjectionable fare. Order any of the day’s offerings — the menu changes — daily but usually has a variation of fish tacos, ceviche and grilled fish. 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474; 331fish.com
Poggio Italian
Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingrdients.
777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771; poggiotrattoria.com
BB
The Spinnaker Seafood
Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations like a classic shrimp Louie salad or linguini with clams. Set right on the water with sweeping views.
100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500; spinnakersa sausalito.us
Petite Left Bank
French A smaller version of the Larkspur original features an all-day menu of French bistro classics. A notable wine list, artisan craft cocktail menu, and spirit-free beverages round out the lively experience. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and daily morning coffee and pastry service coming soon. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon; 415.910.1010; petiteleftbank tiburon.com
$
Servino Ristorante Italian Chef and owner Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood-oven pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on Ark Row, Servino also prides itself on its extensive sustainable seafood program and deep Italian wine list. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676; servino. com
BB HH
The Caprice Californian Expansive bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel. The revamped menu of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in filet mignon, Colorado lamb chops) and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore), also features classic cocktails and a wine list that leans towards
American, Italian and French offerings. Complimentary evening valet provided. 2000 Paradise Drive, 415.435.3400; the caprice.com
BB HH
The Caviar Co American Belvedere resident Petra Bergstein expanded her San Franciscobased business with a downtown shop and restaurant dedicated to the briny delicacy. Caviar flights, along with Champagne by the glass or bottle and small plates like grilled cheese with truffles, are available to enjoy in their tasting room or to take home. 46A Main Street, Tiburon; 415.889.5168; info.the caviarco.com
Nick’s Cove American
This historic, beloved escape and its cozy cottages recently underwent a refresh to maximize enjoyment of the picturesque views from its perch on Tomales Bay. Take a seat outside along the pier, at the boat shack over the water or in the waterfront lounge and enjoy barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails incorporating homegrown ingredients. The cozy bar and fireplace in the main dining room makes the most of fog-whipped and rainy days. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall, 415.663.1033; nickscove.com
Rancho Nicasio American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from crispy calamari to braised lamb shanks, open seven days a week, including brunch. Whatever you choose, the outdoor space welcomes all with plenty of shade and space between tables. 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, 415.662.2219; ranchonicasio.com
BB
Side Street Kitchen American
The fine-casual eatery serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, and pork-belly BLTs as well as vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves gluten-free beer. The cozy patio is shaded and dogfriendly. 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303; sidestreet-prs.com
BB
Protects pollinators
Boosts biodiversity
Supports clean waterways
Builds healthy soils
Pack your picnic with organic items from Good Earth Natural Foods
Come join us for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch! From stuffed, pecancrusted French toast, to delicious scrambles and flavorful salads, our menus change regularly to reflect the seasons. We also offer special holiday menus from our catering department, such as our upcoming Easter and Passover menu! Visit our website or call us to place your holiday orders. Happy Spring!
COMFORTS
335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.9840 comfortscafe.com
Lunch service begins at Creekside daily at 12 noon with delicious salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, gourmet pizzas, plus vegan and gluten free options.
Creekside is your destination for Marin’s best craft beer selection, with over 25 breweries on 40 taps, plus our curated California-focused wine list. Happy Hour every day, seven days a week at 4PM. We invite you to visit downtown San Anselmo for great shopping, award winning restaurants, and enjoy our family friendly town here in the Heart of Marin.
638 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 415.785.4450 www.CreeksideSA.com
BY DONNA BERRY GLASS
Art Attack at Fog Preview Gala
Two thousand members of the creative community gathered at Fort Mason on Jan. 22 for the annual Fog Preview Gala, celebrating art and culture in grand style. The gala marked the opening night of Fog Design+Art — a four-day event that is de rigueur for art collectors and dealers on the West Coast and beyond — and also served as a vital fundraiser for SFMOMA’s exhibitions and education programs.
Turning Up the Volume on LA Fire Relief
On Jan. 26, KC Turner Presents hosted a sold-out benefit concert for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation at HopMonk Tavern in Novato. The eighthour event attracted a crowd of 450 attendees who rocked out to 14 different acts including Fantastic Negrito, The Brothers Comatose and Petty Theft. The concert raised $30,000 through ticket, merchandise and bar sales, 100% of which went directly to the beneficiary.
The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) hosted its 32nd Annual Heart of Marin Awards on Jan. 9, honoring outstanding contributions to the Marin community. More than 540 attendees gathered at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall to recognize 102 nominees and celebrate award winners in eight categories. Honorees included local businesses, volunteers and nonprofit leaders making a significant impact, with $35,000 in total awards distributed amongst the nonprofits and youth volunteers.
On Jan. 25, the City of Sausalito hosted the second of its three planned community workshops on strategies for shoreline adaptation as Sausalito confronts projected sea level rises of 10 inches by the year 2050 and 37 inches by 2100. More than 120 people, including former Sausalito mayor Janelle Kellman, attended the event at the Bay Model Visitor Center, where they listened to a presentation by consultant WRT Design and participated in breakout sessions to share their feedback on proposed mitigation plans.
A builder and his family’s new home in Ross is designed with an earthy palette and authentic details.
BY LOTUS ABRAMS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
Bay Area natives Nick and Ashley Ghirardelli bought the first property they saw when they moved from a two-bedroom condo in San Francisco to Marin. “We let our real estate agent, Barr Haney, know that we were looking for the worst house in the best neighborhood,” says Nick, a third-generation builder who owns a namesake construction firm and was undaunted by the prospect of tackling a “project.” When Haney showed the couple a small, older home nestled in the redwoods in the coveted Winship Park neighborhood of Ross, they knew it was the one.
The home turned out to be in much worse shape than the couple initially realized, however. Located at the base of a hill, it had significant drainage and structural problems. “It felt a bit like it was being held up by termites holding hands,” Nick jokes. In addition, the home wasn’t maximizing the buildable space on the lot, yet the siting limited possibilities for expansion. After a year and a half of living in the
Completed last year, the Ghirardellis’ 2,850-square-foot, threebedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home features an earthy, warm color palette that honors its Spanish architectural style. “The palette really resonated with Nick and Ashley, and it’s also the palette of the surrounding landscape,” Nelson says. The corresponding materials palette features richly stained white oak flooring, custom cabinetry, natural stone countertops, plaster-finished walls and bronze and wrought-iron accents.
In the kitchen, custom cabinetry is paired with green- and plumveined Calacatta Monet marble countertops and hand-painted terracotta tile from Tabarka Studio. Pendant lights sourced from Obsolete in Los Angeles hang above the island, which is supported by wroughtiron legs, while dainty Hector Finch wall lights illuminate the workspaces.
Design
CONSTRUCTION
Ghirardelli Construction
house, the couple decided to scrap their renovation plans and build a new home for their family on the property instead.
With plans and permits approved for a new California-style modern Spanish home designed by Sutro Architects, the project got underway, and the Ghirardellis began thinking about how to lend authenticity to the design. Ashley was able to procure some century-old, handmade Spanish tiles for the roof from a Tuscan villa undergoing demolition nearby, but the couple wanted help fine-tuning the interior architecture to meet their aesthetic and family’s needs. A mutual friend introduced them to San Anselmobased interior designer Lauren Nelson, whose work Ashley had admired on social media, and it was a natural fit. “I normally like to be very involved in design decisions on my client projects, but as the homeowner here, I was able to take a new approach: Just say yes to whatever she recommended,” Nick says.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the living room invites lingering with a plaster-wrapped fireplace, cozy built-in bench and a softly textured rug from the Workroom Shoppe in Mill Valley. “It’s a big room, but we wanted it to feel intimate,” Nelson says. “One way we did that with interior architecture was to add beams on the ceiling that connect the two spaces and also add visual interest.” A vintage chair and abstract paintings by Los Angeles artist Ali Enache complete the space.
The ceiling beams extend into the dining room as well, the focal point of which is a built-in bar embellished with boldly hued Pandora quartzite and leaded-glass doors. Finishing the space are the Southwest-inspired Jacob May table and Paul Ferrante iron chandelier.
Nelson applied her attention to detail in the home’s bathrooms
as well. The primary bathroom features custom cabinetry, a freestanding tub, vintage sconces, brass fixtures, a checkerboard limestone and marble tile floor and Tadelakt shower walls by San Rafael-based Mineral Concept. The centerpiece in the powder room, meanwhile, is a stone sink carved from a single block of rare green Calacatta marble set atop a burlwood cabinet. Additional accents include dark plaster walls, an Urban Electric porcelain and brass double sconce, a vintage mirror and handmade floor tiles.
Throughout, the home reflects the Ghirardellis’ desire for comfort, elegance and authenticity — achieved through thoughtful collaboration. “They deferred to me on the build and execution, and I had the utmost confidence in Lauren to steer the ship on the design front,” Nick says. “The end product speaks for itself. We’re so happy with what Lauren and her team pulled off.”
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They lasted a short while and left a lasting impression.
BY JIM WOOD
the Bible, God told Noah to build an ark. The ark Noah built was eight times longer than the arks in this 1895 photo of Belvedere Cove. Shorter they may be, but far more creature comforts they had. For example, the ark in center foreground, the Nautilus, consisted of four San Francisco streetcars that were barged across the bay and bolted to a large raft. Thus the Nautilus’ cozy interior had ample seating and enough windows to easily view the nearby hills of Tiburon. The typical ark of those days had four rooms and a kitchen with numerous bunks being essential. That’s because several families owned most arks jointly and friends were frequent guests. Ark owners — from San Francisco, Oakland and throughout Marin — used their arks primarily for summertime fun. Once the season was over, powerboats would haul the arks under a Beach Road drawbridge into Belvedere lagoon to shelter them from winter storms. According to Pictorial History of Tiburon, the early 1900s saw ark-fun at its highest. That’s when “Night in Venice” festivals were staged with prizes for best decor or best skit, the latter being staged by groups named “Descendants of Noah” or “Venetians of the West.” Research gives
little idea of how many arks existed at any one time. The Sausalito News of May 18, 1894, reported, “Along with a number of yachts and small boats, that night there were 15 arks anchored in the cove between Belvedere and Tiburon. It made for a beautiful sight.” But their numbers started to decline with the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 when many arks were used to house those who’d lost homes in the disaster. And in 1928 the Beach Road drawbridge was eliminated in favor of a permanent crossing, trapping
many arks in their wintertime refuge where they slowly deteriorated. However, a few remain to this day. In San Francisco, the Maritime National Historical Park at Hyde Street Pier has the restored six-room Lewis Ark and it’s available for public viewing. In Marin, Tiburon’s Historic Ark Row shopping venue boasts of two arks. One has been reconfigured into an office; and the other, at 116 Main St. in Tiburon, is Trattoria Servino’s friendly Enoteca Bar. And if you happen to go there, tell the barkeep: “Jim sent me.”
Whether four-legged or two, the right partner can change your life.
For Matt, home is where his rescue pups are. As a client advisor at Whittier Trust, Matt applies that same sense of care and security to helping families grow, protect, and manage their wealth. From real estate to comprehensive family office services, he ensures that every investment—financial, personal, or generational—thrives in the right hands.
1923-1994
Sam Francis was one of the most significant Post WWII American painters who helped bring forth the 1st truly American “home grown” art style: Abstract Expressionism.
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Rober t Green Fine Ar ts, established 1969, exhibits primarily painterly, abstract expressive work by painters that thoroughly take advantage of the sensually evocative nature of color and form.