Marin Magazine May 2013 by 270 Media

36 The A rt of the Cover Celebrating our cover contest winner and 12 runners-up.

44 Garden Party A historic Sausalito estate is the setting for an alfresco a air.

52 Under the I nfluence Marin’s teen binge drinking epidemic.

In Marin

23 Currents Water taxi, barbecue roundup, Mill Valley history, Healthy Palooza, Ross Valley Garden Tour.

28 Q&A Annie Rosenthal Parr keeps them dancing.

30 Style A retro look for sunglasses.

32 FYI Meet the team that brings you the daily news.

Destinations

61 Go A 300-mile coastal road trip.

64 Travel Buzz Motorcycles, cars, golf, hiking, guitars and Legos.

Out & About

67 Calendar A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.

80 Dine An insider’s guide to restaurants and food in the Bay Area.

86 Flavor Farmers’ market bounty.

Marin Home

109 Backstory A family of 13 puts down roots in Seminary.

View From Marin 14 POV 154 Looking Back

PUBLISHER / E DITORIAL D IRECTOR Nikki Wood Editorial

EXECUTIVE E DITOR Mimi Towle

M ANAGING E DITOR Daniel Jewett

SENIOR WRITER Jim Wood

E DITOR-AT- L ARGE Tim Porter

COPY E DITORS Cynthia Rubin, Shelley Wolson

E DITORIAL A SSISTANTS

Sophie Shulman, Calin Van Paris

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jennifer Woodlief Art

ART D IRECTOR Veronica Sooley

P RODUCTION M ANAGER Alex French I LLUSTRATOR

Martin Wickstrom

CONTRIBUTING P HOTOGRAPHERS

Mo DeLong, Jennifer Martiné, Debra Tarrant, Nike van der Molen Advertising

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View From Marin

WE KICK OFF this month’s issue with one of our favorite features of the year — our cover art contest winner and ﬁnalists proﬁles. Get to know the winner — you’ve already seen her art on the cover — and learn what inspires her and why she paints what she does. After that, meet 12 more great artists and take a peek at their work as well. You may be surprised to hear what it takes to produce art at this level or how close some of our participants came to completely missing the opportunity to capture the images they did.

Next up, we take you to a garden party at a historic Sausalito estate. You’ll meet restaurant industry moguls and local food producers and get a look at six recipes from the get-together, including seafood stew, grilled Wolfe ranch quail and fava bean crostini. Delicious.

We wrap up our features with a hard look at teen binge drinking in Marin. I nvestigative reporter and Marin mom Jennifer Woodlief reveals the scope of the issue and ﬁnds that binge drinking is happening here at astonishing levels compared

You may be surprised to hear what it takes to produce art at this level or how close some of our participants came to completely missing the opportunity to capture the images they did.

to other counties. She examines the factors fueling the problem, its e ects on teens and what’s being done about it.

Up front we taxi across the bay, get ready for barbecue season, get healthy with Dr. Elson Haas, tour through Ross and Mill Valley, check out some cool summer shades, meet the local woman behind RoCo Dance and Fitness and make the late edition with the team behind the Marin Independent Journal.

In Destinations we take a long three-day weekend, hopping in the car for a 300-mile coastal road trip. We share more great trip ideas in Travel Buzz — jaunts to places like San Diego and Ojai or, closer to home, San Francisco, Tahoe and Carmel.

Whether you head for one of those destinations or decide to stay local, we hope you enjoy this issue and have a great May. The rain has stopped, so it’s time to get out and play.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

From left: M imi Towle, Nikki Wood, Dan Jewett

Right now, probably 1,200 acres of the Mount Tamalpais watershed are infested with French broom, and that’s expanding at the rate of 30 acres a year.

Battling Broom

Those

yellow blossoms aren’t a happy sign of spring.

FBY JIM WOOD

RENCH AND S COTCH broom are those hardy green bushes with yellow blossoms that are growing everywhere this spring. You can find them along Highway 101, on hillsides in Corte Madera, Larkspur and San Rafael and, according to many hikers, all over Mount Tamalpais. You think it’s pretty? Please, think again.

Broom is a highly invasive, nonnative bush brought over from Europe 150 years ago. Now it thrives not only in Marin, but throughout Northern California as well as South America, Australia and New Zealand. “Broom is a monoculture,” says Jerry Riessen, who led a movement in southern Marin that saved more than 200 acres from development. “Once it takes over, nothing else survives — no critters, no helpful insects or birds and, most important, no other type of plant life.” Those profuse yellow blossoms — and yes, they are pretty — could well spell the end of Marin’s heretofore healthy biodiversity.

Too much alarmism, you say? Here’s what Andrea Williams, vegetation ecologist with the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), says: “Right now, probably 1,200 acres of the Mount Tamalpais watershed are infested with French broom, and that’s expanding at the rate of 30 acres a year.” A single broom plant, according to Williams, will propagate more than 8,000 seeds in a year. “The pods release their seeds ballistically,” she adds, “and seeds are projected as far as 30 feet away.”

French and Scotch broom are not only highly invasive, they pose a significant fire hazard, and MMWD estimates 13,200 homes lie within a mile of the watershed’s boundary. “Because of its density and height, broom burns longer than grass and elevates fire into the canopies of nearby trees,” Williams says.

For more than eight years, the MMWD has been hamstrung in its e orts to eradicate broom

on the Mount Tamalpais watershed by a small but highly vocal citizen opposition. But last month, the Marin County Grand Jury issued a report stating it “strongly believes the high risk of wildﬁres far exceeds the very low risk associated with the controlled use of herbicides.” As the report makes clear, herbicides in this case mean glyphosate. In the minds of those who have been protesting, that means Roundup, the much-maligned killer of weeds.

But the MMWD is not intending to use Roundup on the watershed. “Our plan calls for the limited use of a product named Aquamaster, a less toxic alternative,” Williams says. “It contains glyphosate, but none of the additives found in Roundup that pose a health risk to aquatic organisms such as frogs.” In basic terms, glyphosate attacks an amino acid enzyme found only in plants, not living organisms.

Weed killers containing glyphosate have been on the market for more than 40 years and are considered the most e ective inhibitors of invasive vegetation. They are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regularly monitors usage. The National Audubon Society approves of their use. The National Parks Service, California State Parks and Caltrans judiciously use herbicides containing glyphosate for controlling weeds, as do Audubon Canyon Ranch, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County Parks and most Marin cities.

“The MMWD is conducting a thorough environmental impact report in regard to using Aquamaster on the Mount Tam watershed,” says Larry Russell, its current board president. “And until that’s completed, I won’t comment.” However, according to him, the plan does not call for using any herbicide near a reservoir or a drainage area where it could reach a reservoir. “It’s a conservative handson approach providing maximum protection to Marin’s water, while minimizing the possibility of a disastrous wildﬁre.”

If Marin County hopes to contain the massive spread of invasive, nonnative weeds such as Scotch and French broom in areas including the Mount Tamalpais watershed, herbicides containing glyphosate will have to be used. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

RANCHES AND ROLLING HILLS LANDSCAPE ART SHOW AND SALE

415.663.1158, malt.org WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

Preview sale and lunch: May 18, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Public showing and sale: May 18, 2–5 p.m.; May 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Druids Hall on the Nicasio Village Square, 4499 Nicasio Valley Road

At the preview sale and farm-to-table lunch guests will preview art, meet the artists and enjoy a locally sourced lunch served in the field behind the gallery. This popular event is always lively and fun and will be accompanied by music from the Easy Leaves.

$150 preview and lunch; free for public showing and sale

Friend us to share and view RSVP Hot Ticket photos at facebook.com/marinmagazine

Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events? marinmagazine.com/hotticket

Your Letters

Climate Change Debate

Jim Wood, I read with great interest your interview with Mr. Bill Lindqvist in this month’s Marin Magazine (POV, “On Thin Ice” January 2013). I appreciate your interest in the issue of climate change, as it will be of huge impact to the residents of Marin County. Unfortunately, Lindqvist, who is trained as a geologist and not a climate scientist, does not appear to be qualiﬁed to testify as an expert witness in this crucial matter. As a retired emergency physician, neither am I. But as a physician, I’ve spent my life following the recommendations of the experts in my ﬁeld, and I take them seriously. Evidence-based medicine is what we do these days. Lindqvist apparently does not. I’d like to know what conferences he’s attended. Was it the American Geophysical Union meetings

in San Francisco, or the Heartland Institute? Since he claims to have been a student of this subject for a decade, one might want to know if he’s kept abreast of the increasingly dire predictions of the scientiﬁc community, where there is greater consensus than in my ﬁeld, medicine. I hope you will write a follow-up piece in which you interview a real climate scientist who can set Lindqvist and readers straight. Thank you again for bringing this critical topic to the attention of Marin residents.

PETER JOSEPH, SAN ANSELMO

Your recent article on global warming and the issue of whether it’s about science or politics was interesting. Here’s a thought: Einstein and Darwin are both respected scientists whose most famous works are almost

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ALL ST ARS OF MARIN

May 31, 6–10:30 p.m.

Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley

Legal Aid of Marin celebrates its 55th anniversary with an All Stars of Marin gala theme. Enjoy Major League supper plates by Stacy Scott Catering, Jump Shot cocktails at the Home Dugout Bar and wine and sports memorabilia at the silent auction. Dress up as your favorite athlete and dance the night away with the Soul Satellites Band featuring Bonnie Hayes. Join the fun and party for access to justice. Proceeds go to support Legal Aid of Marin, which has served Marin County for 55 years, providing a level playing field and equal-access justice to low-income residents of the community.

$125 nonprofit or government; $150 general; sponsorships start at $1,000

415.492.0230, ext. 309, legalaidmarin.org

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

[UP CO MING EVE NTS]

CONCOURS COU T URE STYL E P REV IEW

May 11, 1:30–3 p.m.

Center Court, The Village at Corte Madera

In anticipation of the Fifth Annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance, to be held May 19 at the Marin Civic Center, The Village at Corte Madera will host the first annual Concours Couture Style Preview showcasing spring runway fashions perfectly styled for this year’s Concours. Guests will enjoy a pre-fashion-show reception at 1:30 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by the style preview on the runway at 2 p.m. Purchase your favorite ensemble from the show and receive a free general admission pass for the May 19 Concours.

Free 415.460.1288, marinsonomaconcours.org

Friend us to share RSVP Hot Ticket photos at facebook.com/marinmagazine

TAS T E FOR A CURE

May 2, 6–8 p.m.

The Room Gallery, 86 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

The Room Art Gallery is hosting Taste for a Cure, an evening featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting provided by Cameron Hughes and Colagrossi Wines. One lucky guest will win an iPad. Taste for a Cure is an event to raise funds and awareness for the Jeffrey Gottfurcht Children’s Arthritis Foundation. JGCAF’s mission is to make dreams and wishes come true for children living with juvenile arthritis.

$50 suggested contribution payable to JGCAF

415.380.7940, jgcaf.org

universally accepted. Both works have been exhaustively tested for decades and all tests have conﬁrmed the results. Yet global warming is never called a “theory,” it’s always presented as fact and those who dare to question any aspect of it are called deniers or worse. There’s no question in my mind that this issue is about politics and not science.

CURT KRUGER, N OVATO

Wow, an editorial published in Marin County featuring a viewpoint not shared by the majority. And the person who holds this viewpoint was not demonized or ridiculed. Wow again. Thank you Bill Lindqvist for having the nerve to say it and thank you Jim Wood for having the nerve to print it. M AURA COO K , VIA EMAIL

Jim, I really enjoyed your article about the chat you had with the geologist from Tiburon who had his reservations about the human impact on climate change and global warming. Politically and scientiﬁcally, I’m somewhere between you and this fellow. It showed guts and a great amount of integrity on your part not only to interview him and print the article, but to also acknowledge that he made you think a second time about the issue. Good job, and very nice article. TIM A MYX, VIA EMAIL

Celebrate the Parents

Thank you for the interview with Madeline Levine (Conversation, March 2013). I ﬁnd her warnings about the childhood pressures in a uent communities like Marin very thoughtful and useful. But I also think her constant criticism of this generation’s parenting style is sometimes overdone and harsh. Yes, many of us are guilty of over-parenting, but I think there are logical reasons for this and she could show more empathy towards us. Some of us were not parented enough (and are now overreacting) and, for others, the new hypercompetitive economy has left us exhausted and without enough support. To our credit, we are much more aware of child sexual abuse, protecting our children and struggling to deal with epidemic levels of ADHD and autism. We are also much more open to encouraging our daughters as well as our sons to ﬁnd careers and be successful. Let’s celebrate all that we do well in

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addition to learning how to be better. JENNIFER R INGEWALD, NEW YORK, N .Y.

Gun Control

Greetings Jim Wood. I have long subscribed to and enjoyed Marin Magazine. I generally agree with your opinion on guns, expressed in the February 2013 editorial (“What Can Be Done?”). I am also very sad that most pundits conclude that Sen. Feinstein’s proposed remedial legislation hasn’t a chance of passage. What kind of a nation would voluntarily cede control of such an important public health matter to a manufacturer’s lobbying organization? ED BOYC E, SAN R AFAEL

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You’ve Got Mail

In the April issue we showed images of Marin mailboxes (“To the Letter”) and asked readers to send in some of their own. This photo was submitted by Bob Canepa of Mill Valley and shows him by his mailbox with his grandkids Sean and Sophie.

Stay on Target

Your March cover put me over the top and impelled me to express my disappointment. Marin Magazine ’s evolving formula — a few Marin-centric articles, a fashion-oriented feature and a “travel destinations for the rich” segment — detracts from what makes Marin Magazine distinctive. If I want fashion there are dozens of magazines available; same with travel. This is a magazine about Marin. Please stay on target. LAURIE D URNELL, VIA EMAIL

I’m Happy

I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoy my Marin Magazine each month cover-to-cover.

After a job transfer to Port Angeles from Mill Valley, Marin Magazine keeps me upto-date with my hometown. Living on the Strait of Juan de Fuca is nice, but I sure miss my Golden Gate Bridge. I love the new cover format and simply wanted to say “great job” to the team for making this subscriber very happy. ED DE LGADO, PORT A NG ELE S, WASH.

Traffic Tie-Up?

In Jim Wood’s March POV column (“A Marin Roundup”), he mentions the construction of a 180-unit apartment and retail complex o Tamal Vista Boulevard in Corte Madera. Half a mile away, 85 new homes are being constructed on Doherty Drive in Larkspur. With so much new housing and retail in such close proximity, we can expect many more vehicles and tra c problems in our two small Marin towns. Imagine the impact all these additional cars will have. Both Tamal Vista and Doherty, as well as the “larger” surface roads Tamalpais Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue, already experience stop-and-go tra c many times a day. And the problems with Highway 101’s Lucky Drive, Tamalpais and Madera exits will certainly be exacerbated.What kind of plans have the towns of Corte Madera and Larkspur created to deal with all this extra tra c? And if they don’t have a good plan, why aren’t our neighbors making a fuss about an issue that will clearly impact our quality of life? G AL EL ITT, CORT EM AD E RA

Correction

The individuals in the following photo that ran in our April On the Scene section under “Gene Hiller Christmas Party” were misidentiﬁed. The correct identiﬁcation is Beth Zamichow and Vince Betar.

LE TT ERS TO THEE DITOR Your comments may be edited for clarity and brevity. Send letters to Marin Magazine , One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965, or email us at letters@marinmagazine com . Please include the town where you live and a daytime phone number.

Creating Independent Learners

School

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

TAXI ACROSS THE BAY

It’s a first date and hopes are high. You both live in Sausalito and a sunset ferry ride made for a great way to get into the city for a play at the Curran Theater — but dinner at the Slanted Door kept you at the Ferry Building way past the departure time of the evening’s last ferry. How to get back across the bay to Sausalito? Go to tidelinesf.com or punch 415.339.0196 into your cell phone and, violà, Taylor Lewis or another captain will pick you up. “Late at night,” says cofounder Ryan Craves, “getting a couple to Marin runs about $95.” Lewis owns Tideline Water Taxi, a recently launched service that operates a 42-foot Protector boat from a slip near the newly renovated

Trident restaurant in Sausalito to just about anywhere you’d like to go on the bay, including stops in San Francisco. “And during the America’s Cup,” adds Lewis, “we’ll take you to the St. Francis Yacht Club.” Rates for two run from $65 to $95, with additional passengers, up to 12, just $10 each. J IM WOOD

Reading List

Citizenville: How to Take the Town S quare Digital and Reinvent Government by Gavin Newsom, Penquin Press, $25.95. California’s lieutenant governor and Marin’s favorite son introduces city councils and parks and recreation departments to YouTube and Twitter. It’s an introduction, he claims, that’s long overdue. A great read.

So Far From Home: Russians in Early California by Glenn Farris, Heyday Press, $21.95 . More than 200 years ago, Russians — lured by the furs of plentiful sea otters — established an outpost on the Sonoma coastline named Fort Ross. Then, 25 years later, for numerous reasons, they left. Here’s the intriguing story.

Living Land: The Gardens of Blasen Landscape

Architecture , Oro Editions, $40. “The gardens of Blasen Landscape Architecture operate like poems, not calling attention to themselves,” states the foreword to this book, which is filled with photos of subtly enchanting landscapes by this widely acclaimed San Anselmo design firm. Cutting-edge, yet timeless. J IM WOO D

Barbecue Roundup

May is a month of celebrations and beautiful weather. Take advantage of both and attend one of these local, family-friendly barbecues that, in addition to fundraising, o er beautiful natural surroundings and plenty of delicious food. CAL IN VAN

1

41st Annual Muir B each Volunteer Fireme n’s B arbecue Get the family together and enjoy live music, dancing and, of course, some freshly grilled food, all while raising money for the Muir Beach Volunteer Firemen’s Department. Enter a ra e while the kids enjoy a children’s play area that boasts climbing walls and bounce houses. $20 park fee per car includes $10 in coupons for food and drinks. Muir Beach Picnic Grounds, Muir Beach. May 26, noon to 5 p.m., muirbeachﬁre.com.

Annual Mother’s Day Barbecue Join Audubon Canyon R anch and the Marin Audubon Society for a Mother’s Day barbecue celebration. Eat some delicious food and explore the natural surroundings — the event takes place during egret nesting season — or hang out with your kids while they participate in craft activities. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children, with proceeds beneﬁting the habitat protection and nature education programs of the organizations. Martin Gri n Preserve, 4900 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach. May 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., RSVP by May 5, marinaudubon.com.

3 Earth S ave M arin’s Vegan B arbecue

Cook- o ff EarthSave Marin will be hosting its sixth annual spring celebration and vegan barbecue cook-o competition this month. R ing in the season with live music, views of Mount Tamalpais and beverages. Bring your best vegan barbecue dish or dessert and your appetite. Tickets are $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers or bring three guests and get in free. Unitarian Church, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael. May 19, 3 to 7 p.m., earthsave.org.

HISTORY IN MOTION Take a walk into history with the Mill Valley Historical Society Memorial Day weekend. This year’s walk, which takes place on May 26, is a two-mile loop around Throckmorton and Cascade. Participants will be treated to a peek inside Burlwood, the 1893 estate of Joseph Eastland, former president of the North Pacific Coast Railroad and head of the Tamalpais Land and Water Company. mvhistory.org C.V.P.

PARIS

Discover what makes our hand-crafted mattresses so irresistible that owners refuse to sleep on anything else.

GET HEALTHY Looking to brush up on your health knowledge? Skip the Google search and head over to the ﬁrst-ever Marin Healthy Palooza , the brainchild of Dr. Elson Haas (right) and his team at Preventative Medical Center of Marin. Palooza-themed events include seminars, workshops and activities beneﬁcial to attendees of all ages. The May 11 event at the Mill Valley Recreation Center will feature tips and tools to help manage health — until then, here are some fun facts to whet your appetite. marin healthypalooza.com C.V.P.

The largest cell in the human body is the female egg; the smallest is the male sperm.

When you take a step, you are using as many as 200 muscles.

It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood cell to circulate through the body.

Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system.

Sprinkling cayenne pepper in your socks will keep your feet warm.

Sales and Rentals

Building A, Fort Mason Center San Francisco, CA 94123

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artistsgallery@sfmoma.org www.sfmoma.org/visit/artists_gallery

Gallery Hours

Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

1999; photo courtesy of Don

Kim Frohsin

Nob Hill Light,

Felton

GARDEN GREATNESS Whether you’re a fan of community, fine arts or flowers, or all of the above, the Ross Valley Garden Tour is an annual event with plenty to offer. This year — the tour’s 17th — attendees will be treated to visits to five gardens boasting azaleas, redwood groves, fountains and cedars. Proceeds from the tour benefit Ross School’s Fine Arts department, to the tune of approximately $50,000 each year. The funds allow the school to keep its music, art and drama programs up and running with music teachers on staff and plenty of art supplies. Go “Beyond the Garden Gate” on May 11 starting at 9 a.m. Tickets are $40 when purchased in advance and $50 on-site. rossgardentour.org C.V.P.

Marin Country Club Experience the Lifestyle

LOCALLY GROWN

Grown Local Marin County is a collaboration of Marin-based agricultural producers who sell their wares in local farmers’ markets. Look for the new logo. MIMI TOWLE

“I

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9 QUESTIONS FOR

Annie Rosenthal Parr

In September of 1992 professional dancer and Mill Valley native Annie Rosenthal lost her mother in a car accident and then, just a few weeks later, learned that she herself was pregnant. Consideringthe job options available to a single parent, opening a dance studio in herhometown seemed the best employment alternative. The next year, on June 1, Rosenthal opened her studio just two weeks before her baby girl, Amy Jane (aka A.J., named after Annie’s mother), was born. Over the past 20 years, in addition to running RoCo Dance and Fitness, Rosenthal (now Annie Rosenthal Parr) has continued to perform and choreograph in dance festivals and with dance companies. She has traveled the world, even serving as a guest teacher at the Boston Conservatory, where A.J. is a student. She is now married to brand strategist Tim Parr, who is also her business partner; together they have a daughter, Lou Lou (pictured), who has obviously picked up the dancing gene. MIMI TOWLE

What is it like raising two daughters in the town you grew up in? E asy and daunting. I lived in a few different places as a kid. When I got to Mill Valley in middle school, it felt the most like home. I wanted my kids to be able to run through the redwoods and make forts; this was important to me.

Biggest challenges in the past 20 years? Staying on top of the growth of the business while raising kids.

Biggest rewards? Providing an inspirational, creative second home for so many people. So many of my students have returned to RoCo as adults and either continued to take classes or worked as instructors.

4 How many RoCo kids have you put on the Marin Civic Center stage? Umm — thousands and thousands.

Why the name RoCo? I purchased Studio M and changed the name to Studio Dance & Fitness. Bad name. I changed it again to RoCo Dance and Fitness a year later. RoCo stands for Rosenthal and Company, which was the name of my first dance company.

6 Any “dance moms” at the studio? No, we don’t do competitions, we do performances — big difference.

How has RoCo evolved in the last 20 years? In 1993 RoCo was an adult-only dance and fitness studio with 2,400 square feet, five teachers, 24 classes a week and 150 students. In 2013 we have two locations [Mill Valley and Fairfax], eight studio spaces — 10,000 square feet total — 35 teachers, 200 classes weekly and nearly 1,500 students.

8 On the business side, what has been your smartest move? Being serious about developing a youth program.

Shout-out to the person who inspired you to open your own dance studio 20 years ago? My dad. Thanks, Dad. m

Dance Studio Owner

Retro Revival

Stay on trend while shading your eyes this summer with modified cat-eye or round-frame sunglasses that evoke the spirit of the ’60s and ’70s.

Annaliesse sunglasses by Oliver Peoples, $365, at 20/20 Optical (San Rafael), 415.453.2020.

Morgan sunglasses in cherry hardwood by Capital , $180, at MuseumStore at SFMOMA (SF), 415.357.4000 and capitaleyewear.com.

Savannah sunglasses by MICHAEL Michael Kors, $99, at Michael Kors at San Francisco Centre (SF), 415.227.0800.

Vulgary sunglasses by Thierry Lasery, price upon request at Rims & Goggles (Mill Valley), 415.383.9480.

Dusky D.P.M. Series sunglasses by IVI, $180, at ivivision.com.

Adventurer sunglasses by Silhouette, $279, at Joseph Torres OD Apoc (SF), 415.772.8282.

Nicole sunglasses by House of Harlow 1960, $125, at BellJar (SF), 415.626.1749.

Celebrating the Hometown Daily

For more than 150 years, the Marin I.J. has kept the county current. By

Jim Wood • Photos By t im Porter

PRI NT I S DEAD? Hmm, billionaire Warren Bu ett doesn’t think so. Over the past 15 months, he’s invested $344 million and scooped up (so to speak) 28 daily newspapers. Here’s what he tells his Berkshire Hathaway investors: “ T here’s no substitute for a local newspaper that’s doing its job.”

T hat the Marin Independent Journal — known a ectionately as the “I.J.” — has been serving local readers since 1861 (more than 150 years) is evidence it’s ﬁrmly in that league.

“I always thought working for the I.J. was a license to snoop into everything going on in Marin,” says octogenarian Beth A shley, who knows more than a bit about both reporting and the county. In the 1950s, she was a

From left to right: Brad Breithaupt, Paul Liberatore, Vicki Larson, Nels Johnson, new editor robert sterling and richard halstead.

fresh-faced Stanford grad running the entire Independent Journal news operation; now, 60 years later, she’s an immensely popular bimonthly columnist for the venerable daily. “Looking back, I was just a kid,” she says, “but the paper had high standards then, and they still set the bar high when it comes to journalism.”

Trailing Ashley only slightly in longevity at the paper is Nels Johnson, who’s worked there for 40 consecutive years and now covers Civic Center politics. “Working for a community newspaper, you have to make your best possible e ort every day,” he notes.

“When you’re this close to your readers, the worst thing possible is to get scooped — or to miss a story altogether.” Among memorable stories Johnson didn’t miss are the 1995 Inverness fire on Mount Vision; the Marin floods of 1982 and 2005; and the murders, starting in 1979, of at least five Bay Area hikers over a two-year period before an arrest was finally made. “Those murders became a worldwide story, and I named the guy the Trailside Killer,” Johnson recalls.

As for politics, he remembers covering the budding career of a then–Marin county supervisor who’s now California Senator Barbara Boxer; the political boldness of former Marin Supervisor Gary Giacomini and the prescience of former Supervisor Denis Rice.

The Tamalpais is a special place to live. Just ask Ruth Davison, who crossed the country to move here! Daughter Jamie, who lives nearby, came to our pool party and loved it. She knew Mom would, too. Now Ruth, the hospitality committee co-chair, enjoys our social events herself, not to mention her freedom from cooking and cleaning. The Tam brought this family together; maybe it could do the same for yours. Call Nancy Martin at (415) 464-1754 to learn more.

“Almost 40 years ago, Denny foresaw the pension problems that are still with us,” Johnson says. The veteran journalist also respects former Supervisor Peter Arrigoni: “In ’72, Pete defeated Boxer for Marin’s Board of Supervisors; he was the only one who ever did that. Also, if it weren’t for Pete, there’d now be a six-lane freeway out in West Marin.”

I know for a fact nobody at a daily community newspaper works 9 to 5; you stay as late as it takes to get the work done.

Opinion page editor Brad Breithaupt has also put in his share of time at the I.J. “It’s been 30 years for me,” he states with a proud smile. “And I know for a fact nobody at a daily community newspaper works 9 to 5; you stay as late as it takes to get the work done.” Breithaupt’s current responsibilities include writing a 600word editorial ﬁve times a week, along with selecting and lightly editing the 40 to 50 letters to the editor that come in every week: “We print maybe a third of what we receive.” Breithaupt arrived at the Independent Journal in 1983, two years after the operation moved to Novato from the facilities it occupied in downtown San Rafael for 25 years. Currently the paper’s editorial o ces are located o Civic Center Drive in (again) San Rafael. The Marin Independent Journal is owned by MediaNews Group, based in Denver; in addition to the I.J. the company owns 60 dailies in 13 states. In the Bay Area, under the name Bay Area News Group, MediaNews Group operates papers like the Silicon Valley Mercury News, the Oakland

Tribune and the Contra Costa Times, which reaches most of Contra Costa County. The I.J. is printed in the East Bay and has a daily circulation of nearly 30,000 readers.

One employee who wears a number of editorial hats is versatile Paul Liberatore.

“I started at the I.J. back in ’72,” he says, “spent the ’80s writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, then came back to the I.J. in ’92 and have been here ever since.” He’s best known for his coverage of Marin’s colorful music scene; his “Lib at Large” column that appears on Friday and his “Press Play,” weekly reviews of locally produced music CDs. “But lately, I’ve been doing page one features, which I really enjoy,” Liberatore adds. “These days, shall we say, I have to do a lotta bit of everything.”

So what do these experienced journalists think of the sentiment “print is dead”?

“You’d have to be wearing blinders and earmu s not to be concerned,” Breithaupt says. “That’s why we’re constantly expanding our online presence, Facebook, Twitter, all of them, while continuing to publish a daily newspaper — which is no easy task.” At the same time, Breithaupt notes, Marin has an educated and older demographic that considers the paper a tradition and he feels that’s why the Independent Journal ’s print edition is still important and popular. “Though we’ve been publishing in the morning since 2006,” he notes, “many readers save their I.J. and instead of reading it with a cup of co ee, they enjoy it with their evening cocktail.” m

With 335 entries in mediums including painting, illustration and photography, this year’s crop of artists entering our cover contest was nothing less than extraordinary. Choosing wasn’t easy, but now we are pleased to introduce our winner and 12 finalists (in no particular order).

BY DANIEL JEWE TT

THE ART OF THE COVER

KATH LEEN LIPIN SKI

Mt. Tamalpais From Richardson Bay 36" x 66", oil on canvas emerylipinski.com

APAST FINALIST IN our contest, Kathleen L ipinski has made fans of us with her artistic work. But it was a special moment captured by the S an A nselmo that our panel felt was especially Marin Magazine cover-worthy.

“I’ve worked from that site for a long time and it has a lot of moving pieces including wind, fog, light and the tides,” the full-time artist says. “But that shaft of light o Mount Tam, I have never seen that before.”

L ipinski quickly shot a few reference photos and set to work in her studio. T he piece took two months to complete and was ﬁnished in December of 2012. “ I love to show the light and beauty of the places in and around where we live,” she says about the work. “It reﬂects my spiritual connection with the land and the sense of timelessness that comes from being fully present in nature.”

Lipinski was born in Detroit in 1950 and says her family really wasn’t that artistic. “We didn’t even go to museums,” she says, adding, “But I have been doing art since I was a squirt; I was always the kid that illustrated her book reports.”

A specialized public high school in Detroit’s inner city offered even more artistic opportunities, which blossomed once L ipinski moved to California in 1968 and met her husband, artist Steve Emery. “ I was so taken with California,” she says. “ It was like a fairyland.”

T hese days the two enjoy making art and also living in Emery’s grandmother’s house — their 24-year-old son, Adrian, is the ﬁfth generation to grow up in the residence. L ipinski has a thriving career producing paintings for the public and institutions as well as pieces used for magazine and book covers and posters. S he is especially pleased to be the featured artist for the 25th anniversary of Marin/S capes, which takes place next month.

GET COVERED Meet

Kathleen Lipinski and the finalists at our Get Covered Contest celebration event May 2, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Town Center in Corte Madera. It’s a great chance to celebrate with the contest winner and to view art from this year’s Marin Open Studios participants.

ELIZABETH GOREK

Ocean View

54" x 48", oil on canvas elizabethgorek.com

Elizabeth Gorek was raised with the smell of oil and turpentine — her grandmother is a 1910 graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and her mother is a well-known landscape painter. Gorek was inspired by her mother to take up the brush at an early age and even more inspired by family photos she found years ago that showed her mother and aunt on the beach in the 1940s. The grace of the two women as well as the look of the old-style bathing suits and caps inspired her work and can be seen in this image as well.

“I am drawn to the unguarded moment, stripped of artifice,” she says. “A caught thought trapped in the body that betrays an inner life.”

DOUG SMITH

A Refreshing Rain

36" x 36", acrylic painting dougsmithartist.com

Born in San Francisco, Doug Smith paints with a clear nod to the Bay Area figurative movement that ﬂourished during his youth.

The Los Angeles painter uses his experience as a graphic designer to paint with a focused conﬁdence. His work is in the permanent collection of several museums and is on exhibition at the U. S. Embassy in Moscow.

“Traditional farmhouses and weathered barns punctuate my vast planes of color, line and texture,” he says about this painting. “The composition evokes enduring themes of the American West such as boundless optimism and wistful nostalgia.”

IGRIFFIN MOON

The Golden Reflections photograph cargocollective.com/moonman

AMONIKA STEINER

Theia

50" x 36", oil on wood monikasteiner.com

t is the unseen aspects of life that interest Monika Steiner. The Fairfax artist born in Switzerland uses her work to better understand metaphysics and meditation, and how abstract art can express what the eyes or mind can’t understand.

“I am attracted to spheres because they are nature’s most e cient shape — requiring the least amount of structure to enclose the greatest possible volume,” she says about the images in her painting. “I am amazed by their ability to conjure entities as massive as planets or as small as subatomic particles.”

t only 26 years old, Griffin Moon is well on his way to a career in the arts. The San Anselmo resident grew up in a creative environment and feels fortunate to have discovered his artistic passions at a young age. When he was a kid, neighbors and family would often see Moon running around with a pen and pencil drawing on just about any surface he

could find. Now that passion is expressed through the lens of a camera (in this case a Canon 7D).

“Being lucky enough to live in Marin County, I have always been inspired by the natural beauty in our local landscapes,” he says. “This is one of my prized photos. I have taken countless photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, but never one like this.”

KEVIN LOZAW

Red Cabin Blue Sky photography

innervisionphoto.com

Although Kevin Lozaw only got into professional photography eight years ago, he appreciated it from a young age watching his grandfather develop photos in a basement darkroom. But with changes in technology, Lozaw is able to do things his grandfather never dreamed of. The San Anselmo photographer uses these new techniques to get his images to look exactly like — from an emotional point of view — they did at the moment of capture.

“While it may not be entirely accurate to refer to my images as photographs, they all started out as photographic images,” he says. “I strive to engage the viewer in my work by its evocative nature rather than by any particular methodology used to create it.”

JJOSE BASSO Gran Arcoiris 60" x 40", oil on canvas bergelli.com

ose Basso is represented by Gallery Bergelli in Larkspur but comes to the contest all the way from Chile, where he was born in 1949. The painter later graduated with a degree in art from the University Of Chile and went on to become an instructor. He paints in a modern style that often portrays dramatic scenes of his environment, as is seen in this painting.

“The house is a concept representing a monolith of extinction, symbolizing not only a way to perish but also a way to return to life,” he says. “The house is a shelter representing the deepest aspirations of mankind — the place where everyone can feel secure before the persistent threat to life and individual freedoms.”

ELAIN E WE ST

Muir Beach With Mom

24" x 30", oil on canvas elaineweststudio.com

KIM FORD KITZ

Tomales Fog

20" x 20", oil on canvas kimfordkitz.com

Kim Ford Kitz’ passion for art comes from her experiences working and living in the Bay Area or sometimes, ﬂying over it. Many of her abstract landscapes are inspired by the simple geography of the area — the composition of buildings, the feel of a road that winds through a rustic setting, even the colorful patterns of land as seen from an airplane.

“The buildings in this painting are near my favorite place to enjoy oysters,” the San Anselmo artist says. “It is also a great place to enjoy wonderful views of the bay.”

Elaine West loves color. She studied art at St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles , where she specialized in drawing and painting, and then went on to enjoy a 30-year career in graphic design. But the Sausalito resident gave all that up to get back to painting, whether it be representational or abstract, in the studio or en plein air.

“My work is often inspired by my travels,” she says. “But wherever the location is, I like my pieces to be color-forward and dramatic.”

THOMAS FLEMING

Greenbrae Trestle 20" x 24", oil on canvas tomsgallery.info

Aweekend painter who has doodled and sketched since he was a kid, Thomas Fleming loves to paint landscapes and marine images. The Corte Madera painter and Marin native has a wide range of interests and skills including kitchen remodeling and selling real estate, which he has done with his wife Pat for the last 25 years. But it is likely a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard that inspired a love of ships and boats, like the one seen in this painting.

“I have an a nity for local Marin County and California subjects,” he says. “Most of my work is on large canvases and I try to create a great deal of depth and intriguing lighting e ects.”

IDONNA MCGINNIS

Bellowing Clouds

60" x 48", oil on canvas

donnamcginnisartist.com

t took a move to wide-open Petaluma to inspire Donna McGinnis’ series of atmospheric landscape paintings.

After the move, the beauty of her new surround ings soon began to ﬁnd its way into her work, including this view of a hill after a rainstorm.

“My paintings are of no particular place but are an accumulation of my experiences,” she says. “I think of each painting as a journey, a timeless interlude.”

ROBERT CAMPBELL Ridgecrest Road photography

Robert Campbell is a retired teacher and school librarian who has worked at Campbell and Lowell high schools and spent 31 years with the San Francisco School District. As a hobby, the San Francisco resident enjoys taking photographs of the local area and editing them in Photoshop. He shot this photo with a Canon EOS Rebel XSI.

“I have many shots at this same spot, but this time I noticed a spectacular cloud formation due north as I was leaving the area,” Campbell says. “I wondered if I would have time to get back to the favored location before the clouds dissipated or moved. I raced back to the spot just in time to capture the scene.”

B RYN CRAIG House in a Meadow 24" x 36", oil on canvas bergelli.com

Longtime Larkspur resident Bryn Craig is well known for his iconic images of Marin, often represented in scenes such as a darkened Larkspur street lit by the marquee of the Lark Theater or the image of the house seen in this painting. The house is actually a structure in San Rafael and the truck and boat are taken from photos of Point Reyes Station, but Craig felt they would

have more impact if he placed them into the meadow he reconstructed from an old watercolor.

“The house in the meadow doesn’t really exist ; at least it doesn’t exist as shown here,” Craig says. “I was much taken by the building’s strength and solidity: it should stand alone on a hill, lonely, but protecting those who live in it, so I moved it.”

Clockwise from top, right side of table: Gonzalo Rivera Jr., Copita executive chef; Joe Erlich, Joanne Weir’s husband; Rico M ilan and wife, Queso Salazar cofounders; Craig Ramini, Buffalo M ilk purveyor; Debby M indel, Larry’s wife; Raul Garcia, Tequila Celestial; Dilsa Lugo, Copita sous chef and gardener; Brian Basmajian, Copita general manager; Joanne Weir, Copita co-owner; Larry M indel, Copita co-owner and Poggio owner; Amy Svendberg, Poggio and Copita managing partner; Benjamin Balesteri, Poggio executive chef.

PARTY Garden

A historic Sausalito estate is the setting for an intimate alfresco affair.

By mimi toWLe • Photos

By JeNNi er m rtiN

FOR MORE THAN a century the 1870 hillside estate originally named Hazel Mount and built by one of Sausalito’s founders, Charles Harrison, has played venue to hundreds of garden parties, large and small. The home still features a few items from the original Tudor-style building, including two doors and a ﬁreplace mantel made from pieces of Harrison’s boat, a stained-glass window and a sprawling tulip magnolia tree thought to be the oldest in the area. The scope of the property includes the house, updated with a Mediterranean feel, a pool, a ﬂat yard and the last buildable lot in Sausalito, which is presently a well-tended garden. The site is owned by restaurateur Larry Mindel and his wife, Debby. As founder of the Spectrum Restaurant Group, Mindel oversaw the opening of popular restaurants Ciao and Prego in San Francisco (both gone) and turned Il Fornaio bakery and restaurants into a successful endeavor. Mindel stepped away from the corporate restaurant world a few years ago and now enjoys a more local and equally rewarding role as owner of Poggio and co-owner of Copita.

This gastronomical garden party was the ﬁrst time the executive teams of Poggio and Copita were able to share an intimate meal on the lawn. A nd as is the way with most garden parties, there were a few other friends in attendance, including bu alo cheese maker Craig Ramini of West Marin and San Rafael tequila maker Raul Garcia.

Clockwise from opposite bottom: Plates from Heath Ceramics bring style to the table; a sunny flat area makes the perfect lunch spot; the water feature runs the entire length of the property and provides irrigation; chef Balesteri prepares the quail dish; tulip magnolia blossoms brighten up the outdoors; time for lunch; fresh cherry cocktails with a kick of tequila blanco; Debby and Larry M indel.

Fava Bean Crostini

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 cups fava beans, removed from the pods

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup water

2 whole bulbs garlic

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 ciabatta, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

¼ cup grated pecorino romano

2 sprigs chopped mint

pinch of chili flakes

DIRECTIONS

Bring pot of salted water to a boil. Add fava beans and cook 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of ice water. Peel off the outer skins and discard skins. Set the beans aside. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the tops off the garlic and place in a small ovenproof casserole dish. Add ¼ cup olive oil and ¼ cup water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake in oven until garlic is soft, about 45 minutes. Let the garlic cool and squeeze garlic from skins. Discard the skins and set aside the roasted garlic. Brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Place bread in one single layer on the baking sheet and brush the tops of the bread with oil. Bake until golden and crispy, 7–8 minutes in the 400°F oven. Place the fava beans, pecorino, roasted garlic, mint, chili flakes and remaining ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil in food processor and pulse until the fava beans are roughly chopped. Hand-chop more mint and fold in with salt and pepper to taste. Use a spoon to spread fava bean puree on a crostini. Serve.

Sea Bass, Mango and Ginger Ceviche

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups navel orange juice

½ teaspoon orange zest

2½ cups freshly squeezed lime juice

2 tablespoons agave nectar

¼ habanero chile

½ cup blanco tequila

1 ½ tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger

kosher salt

1 pound sea bass, cut into small pieces

2 navel oranges, cut into segments

1 cup diced mango

2 green onions, white and green, thinly sliced

¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS

Place orange juice, orange zest, ½ cup of the lime juice, agave nectar, habanero, blanco tequila, ginger and salt in the blender. Blend for 30 seconds and season with salt. Set aside. In a bowl set over another bowl filled with ice, combine sea bass, the remaining 2 cups of lime juice and 1 tablespoon salt. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes. In another bowl, combine the orange and ginger mixture with the mango, green onions and cilantro. Drain the fish and add the mixture. Taste, season with salt and serve with tortilla chips.

Grilled Stu ed Squid with Salsa Verde

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

12 small squid, cleaned, tentacles set aside

1 tablespoon garlic

K cup rock shrimp, cleaned

K cup chorizo

N cup bread crumbs

1 tablespoon parsley

salt and pepper

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

2 anchovy fillets

1 clove garlic, peeled

K cup chives, cut into 1-inch lengths

6 sprigs tarragon, leaves picked from the stem

3 sprigs oregano leaves, picked from the stem

2 cups parsley leaves

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 K tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Finely chop the squid tentacles and set aside. In a medium skillet set over medium heat, cook the garlic, rock shrimp, tentacles and chorizo until the chorizo begins to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the bread crumbs, parsley and salt and pepper. Set aside to cool. Stuff each of the squid bodies with 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the chorizo mixture (until the squid is O full) and use a toothpick to secure the top. For salsa verde, blend the sea salt, anchovy, garlic, chives, tarragon, oregano, parsley, olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. Heat grill on medium heat. Oil grill so the squid does not stick. Place stuffed squid on grill, turn after 2–3 minutes and continue to cook 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Place on plate, drizzle salsa verde over the top and serve.

Seafood Stew a la Mexicana with Chiltomate Sauce and Masa Dumplings

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

½ pound premixed tortilla masa from a Latin grocery store

8 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1 medium yellow onion, minced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 dried chile de árbol, toasted in a dry frying pan

½ teaspoon ground cumin seed

4 cups chicken stock

olive oil

1 pound fresh cod, skinless and cut into 3-ounce pieces

18 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on

30 littleneck clams, cleaned

30 fresh mussels, beards removed and scrubbed

kosher salt

15 cilantro sprigs

1 medium zucchini, cut in half and then half moons

1 medium yellow squash, cut in half and then half moons

3 ounces edible flowers

lime wedges for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Place the masa in a bowl and season with kosher salt. Using a teaspoon, measure out masa and roll into little balls, placing them on a plate apart from each other so they don’t stick together. Dampen your hands with water as needed so that the masa does not stick to your hands. Hold the masa balls in the palm of your hand and make an indentation in each with your pinkie. Place the dumplings on a plate and cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until needed. To make chiltomate sauce, place tomatoes, onio n, garlic, chile de árbol, cumin and chicken stock in a blender in batches and blend for 1 minute. To a large saucepot on high heat, add olive oil and then the sauce mixture. Turn the heat down to low and let simmer for 20 minutes; make sure you cover the pot so sauce does not over-reduce. Season with salt and strain into another pot. To another large saucepot on high heat, add olive oil and wait for 1 minute, then add the cod. Turn the heat down to medium-high and sear the fish until golden brown. Turn the fish over, then add the shrimp and sear on each side. Add the clams and mussels, then add the chiltomate and cook for 2 minutes. Add the dumplings and cook until the mussels and clams are completely open. Discard any mussels and clams that do not open. To present, ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with the cilantro, zucchini, yellow squash and edible flowers. Place lime wedges on the side.

Grilled Wolfe

Ranch Quail with Farro Salad

Serves 4

I NGREDIENTS

4 quail salt and pepper olive oil

¼ cup diced celery

¼ cup diced sweet carrot

½ cup diced yellow onion

2 cups green farro

1 fresh bay leaf

2 sprigs thyme

2 cups cavolo nero

8 cups chicken stock

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 cup Bing cherries, halved and pitted

½ cup toasted chopped almonds

2 cups arugula

¼ cup aceto balsamico villa midori

D IRECTIONS

Season quail with salt, pepper and olive oil the day before and place in the refrigerator. Place ¼ cup olive oil into medium saucepan on medium heat. Add celery, carrot and onion; sauté on medium heat until translucent. Then add farro, bay leaf, thyme, and cavolo nero. Continue cooking on medium heat for 1 minute just to toast the farro, then add chicken stock and simmer 20–25 minutes or until farro is tender. Stir often so as not to scorch the bottom of the saucepan. Cool and place in the refrigerator. When cool, add parsley, then season with salt, pepper and olive oil to taste. Preheat grill on high. Brush grill with oil to prevent sticking. Place quail, breast side down, rotating and flipping until about medium rare, then remove (the tiny bird cooks fast on a hot grill). Place farro salad in center of each plate. Place quail on top of farro. Garnish with cherries, almonds and arugula and drizzle aceto balsamico over the top. Serve.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 pound butter

3 cups cake flour

¼ cup sugar

1 cup water

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups strawberries

1 cup rhubarb

½ vanilla bean

1 cup sugar

½ orange juice

2 eggs, whisked

4 scoops vanilla ice cream

DIRECTIONS

Dice butter into small cubes. Place all dough ingredients (butter, flour, sugar, water, salt) in a mixer with a paddle. Mix on low just until the dough comes together. Remove, wrap with plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour. Dice strawberries and rhubarb into ¼-inch pieces, putting two cups of strawberries aside. Place the other two cups strawberries, rhubarb, vanilla bean, sugar and orange juice in a medium saucepot. Cook on medium heat about 20 minutes until it takes on a thick jam consistency, stirring often in order not to scorch the bottom. Place in refrigerator to cool. When cool, add the additional two cups of strawberries and mix until incorporated. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Dust surface with more flour. Roll dough out into V -inch thickness with a rolling pin, applying flour as needed so dough does not stick. Cut dough with a 4-inch ring mold. Place filling in the center of the circle, leaving space half an inch from the edge. Gently fold the edges up over the filling, pinching the dough over itself to create a cup shape. Brush the crust with egg wash. Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray and place dough on sheet. In a preheated 400°F oven, bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Serve on a plate drizzled with filling; top each crostata with a small scoop of ice cream.

Under the INFLUENCE

The binge drinking epidemic has long-lasting consequences for Marin teens.

BY JENNIFER WOODLIEF

I LLUSTRATIONS BY M ARTIN WICKSTROM

More than of the alcohol consumed by teenagersis consumed in the form of 90 percent binge drinking.

Headlines seem to be popping up everywhere touting teen binge drinking in Marin as the highest in the nation.

The reports are generally supported with anecdotal evidence involving stomach-pumping emergency room visits and worse, tales of parents who answer the phone at 2 a.m. only to learn that their child will never be returning home again. And the stories, all of them, are true — in this county, underage kids are drinking, and particularly binge drinking, at drastic, dangerous and ﬂat-out desperate levels.

According to state-funded reports, the rate of teen binge drinking (deﬁned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as five or more alcoholic drinks in a two-hour period) in Marin is staggering compared to that of other counties in California as well as the rest of the country. Last year, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury issued a report labeling youth binge drinking a public health crisis in the county.

The old adage is that statistics can be manipulated, but it’s hard to see how in this case. Respected national surveys report that anywhere between 16 to 22 percent of teenagers binge-drink. According to the most recent California Healthy Kids Survey (2009–11), the statewide average for binge drinking among high school juniors is 22 percent. In that same survey, 34 percent of Marin 11th-graders admitted to binge drinking in the past 30 days, a rate 55 percent higher than in the rest of the state.

Other studies put those ﬁgures even higher. In a 2012 Marin County Youth Commission survey examining youth access to alcohol, 44 percent of responding sophomores and seniors admitted to binge drinking. And the practice starts at an early age in Marin — 6 percent of seventh-graders in the county admit to it.

With regard to general alcohol consumption, survey results reveal that about one-quarter of Marin seventh-graders and nearly half of ninth-graders have had a full alcoholic drink.

By 11th grade, that percentage increases to almost three-fourths of students, with half having consumed a drink in the past 30 days. An especially terrifying statistic is that many of these kids are then getting behind the wheel — a third of the 11th-graders polled admitted to driving after drinking.

Another statistic that’s hard to swallow (pun intended) and highly relevant to underage binge drinking in the county is that Marin adults lead the state, and the country, in binge drinking rates as well. One out of four adults in Marin is a binge drinker, a rate nearly 50 percent higher than California and national averages. That’s some serious modeling behavior. Add extreme affluence to the mix — widely considered a driving factor in alcohol consumption due to, among other reasons, increased access — as well as intense pressure to perform combined with what some experts politely dub permissive parenting, and you have the makings of a catastrophe teetering on a hair trigger in Marin.

The Issue in Marin

In this well-to-do county, it’s easy to say that some parents may seem more concerned with striving for success than with particulars of children’s lives. The a uence here tends to breed kids with a certain o and brand of entitlement, compounded by parents who are often more engaged in the moving and shaking required to a ord a high-end lifestyle than in keeping track of Junior’s day-to-day doings. Some may even be unwittingly setting an example with their own drinking and permissive alcohol policies (unspoken or not). In fact, for Marin parents wondering why kids are binge-drinking in record numbers, experts have some tough advice: Look in the mirror. Here are specific arguments as to why:

AFFLUENCE

Since the YMCA Marin County Youth Court was founded in 2004, Don Carney, the director, has seen close to a thousand cases, the vast majority involving alcohol abuse. While the program’s goal is to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system and teach them to make better decisions about risk-taking, the

unofficial mission is to get kids through their risk-taking years alive and without an addiction or criminal record. Carney has, to put it mildly, an abundance of ﬁrsthand knowledge about the e ect of wealth on teen drinking.

In his view, the a uence here not only provides access but “leads to a sense of entitlement, and entitlement leads to really stupid risk-taking decisions.” Tremendous prosperity can also foster misleading assumptions about alcohol: For example, if a blue-collar father drinks to excess, it a ects, among other things, the family’s finances. But if Dad is a CEO and throws cocktail parties as a lubricant for business, the kids come to see alcohol as a social asset.

Carney also feels a uence in Marin creates a situation where kids are left to be “parented by their peers” or with Mom and Dad “busy making deals and having au pairs raise the kids, so they are not getting the authentic parenting they so desperately need.” Privileged teens, he warns: don’t "present" as having a problem. With surplus assets, they can keep up their grades and their sports teams and nobody knows how far out there they really are.

When kids are then sent o , psychologically unequipped, to the “hazardous duty” of college, disaster can ensue. He has been to 14 funerals in the last decade, many for kids who started experimenting with substance abuse in high school and went wild once they left home.

2 MODELING BEHAVIOR Being Adept, a nonprofit program founded in 2010 in Marin by Jennifer Grellman, addresses alcohol and drug abuse prevention among young people and provides them with tools to make better choices. Grellman says many parents are appallingly unaware of how their own drinking behavior affects kids, and “this is a community where people drink, no two ways about it.”

Several questions on the survey she gives to students address that topic; as one puts it, “Think of the adult who is most important to you and whom you spend time with. How often do you think that this person uses alcohol?”

Your kids are watching you. They haven’t missed the prevalence of cocktail parties

Approximately

40 percent of the kids who start drinking before age 15 (and nearly half of kids who drink by age 14) end up alcohol dependent later in life.

parents hold and attend in Marin. When moms and dads constantly get together with their friends to drink at brunches or on the sidelines of kids’ sporting events, teens see alcohol as essential for every occasion, whether as a way to rejoice in an occasion or simply get through it. When parents unwind at the end of a tough day with a drink, kids equate alcohol with stress reduction.

While Marin parents may not be encouraging toddlers to set out wineglasses at tea parties, there are some who think it appropriate as a teen rite of passage to take, say, a bunch of 13-year-old friends out to toast the birthday girl with fruity (if virgin) umbrella drinks in martini glasses, mimicking what their mommies do. While the cocktails are nonalcoholic, the message is potent nonetheless.

3 PRESSURE TO PERFORM In a county of high achievers, the success-at-any-cost treadmill starts early — from newborns on preschool wait lists to advanced placement classes aimed at elite college admission. It goes beyond the classroom:

Kids experience extreme pressure to achieve on athletic fields at a very young age (witness the often-astonishing tension among parents and coaches at most any Little League game). And parents in Marin are generally not shy about showing their kids that their own favorite escape from this pressure comes in a glass.

4 PERMISSIVE PARENTING Many experts (and outraged, involved moms and dads who’ve declined to go on record with their beliefs) say lax, liberal parenting is the crucial contributing factor in the adolescent alcohol problem. Sue Hunt LeMay, active in community outreach on teen drinking since the death of her son Alex in a drunk driving accident, is stunned by some parents’ attitudes; they have “no idea what they are sanctioning,” she attests. Among the horror stories she’s culled: A father, learning an

intoxicated teen was killed while driving home from a party bus drop-off location, mused aloud about ways to eliminate the party bus pickup and drop-o spots. Another dad bought his son a sports car and, when he discovered the boy was drinking and driving, bought him a four-wheel-drive truck customized with roll bars to keep him safe.

Some Marin parents have attempted to circumvent tragic consequences on the road by hosting a party in their own house, rationalizing that since kids are going to drink anyway, it might as well be at their home where they can keep an eye on things and assure that their child will not be driving. The logic behind this strategy is deeply ﬂawed. While keeping drunk kids from getting behind the wheel of a car on certain occasions is a victory of sorts, sending the

message to a teenager that it is okay for him to drink, and acceptable for him to break the law, does not then translate into him implementing this behavior only under his own roof and solely under the supervision of his parents.

Jeffrey Lerman, who was president of the Marin County Bar Association when the laws regulating house parties were first gaining momentum, says Marin parents “either turn a blind eye to the issue of teen drinking in their home, taking o for the weekend and ‘what happens, happens,’ or fully open their homes and liquor cabinets to teens and their friends while they go back in their bedroom, shut the door and drink. Parents are letting their kids do whatever they want to do. It’s shockingly irresponsible.”

Lerman believes that the irresponsibility takes a variety of forms. Some parents feel

He has been to 14 funerals in the last decade, many for kids who started experimenting with substance abuse in high school and went wild once they left home.

guilty about how little time they spend with their kids and are overly indulgent to compensate. Others, appearance-conscious and in denial, can’t or won’t accept that one of their kids may have an alcohol problem. Still others blithely see drinking as a mere rite of passage — we were young once, we all did it.

He also notes the oblivious parents who go out of town and don’t concern themselves with what their child might be up to while they are not looking (which experts say kids hear as “you are not very important; I don’t care enough about you to watch out for you”). And some well-meaning parents think nothing of hosting elaborate prom or graduation parties at their homes with an open bar.

Then there are parents whose child is excelling academically and athletically such that they don’t notice she is abusing alcohol. And there are still others whose child is excelling academically and athletically such that they don’t care that he is abusing alcohol (if he is high-achieving, then obviously his occasional partying isn’t a problem, right?).

The Effects of Underage Drinking

Teens are obviously not drinking just here in Marin — alcohol is the most commonly used drug for teenagers in the United States, responsible for nearly 200,000 emergency room visits and almost 5,000 deaths (mostly in car accidents) of people under age 21 each year. Last year in Marin, the California Highway Patrol arrested twice as many teens 18 and younger for drunk driving than they did in 2001, indicating that the problem is on the rise.

Typically, parents presume that protection from such disaster lies in keeping the car keys out of their child’s hands (and keeping their child out of the vehicle of a drunk friend with car keys in his hands), but this limited approach is naive.

Many parents, for example, initiate a talk with little Johnny — a sincere and well-meaning speech that goes something like this: “If you are ever, ever out and have too much to drink, you can call home for a ride, and I will come and get you, anywhere, at any hour of the night, no questions asked, no punishment inﬂicted.” The

weakness of this stance is that it lulls parents into a false sense that they have done enough, that their children will not fall prey to danger now. It begs the question of how much confidence a parent can legitimately expect to have in a teenager’s ability to make responsible decisions when he is jacked up on not just alcohol but also peer pressure and freedom. This outlook fails to take into account that house parties don’t always wind down slowly, and it seems a bit too much to rely on an intoxicated teenager to explain to a kid throwing a party that he needs to make a call and then hang out until his mom or dad comes to collect him.

Moreover, a singular focus on drunk driving can overlook other potentially devastating and long-term e ects of teen alcohol use. Authorities in the field stress that heavy drinking, especially in binge form, can shift a teenager’s life onto a whole other track. It is well-established that alcohol’s lowering of inhibitions makes it a gateway drug for experimentation with other illegal substances, especially marijuana and prescription painkillers, both of which Marin teens partake of in astronomical numbers. And teen binge drinking has myriad other negative consequences, from assaults to suicide to death from alcohol poisoning. Experts frequently point to the significant role alcohol plays in risky sexual behavior, including unwanted, unintended and unprotected contact, leading to related selfesteem issues down the line.

Furthermore, the danger of repeatedly dousing young brains with alcohol extends well past the time a teenager is actually drunk and making bad decisions; there’s a neurobiological consequence as well. Until a person’s mid-20s, the structure, neuron connectivity and physiology of the brain continues to evolve. A teenager’s immature frontal lobes, the brain region associated with judgment, reasoning and decision-making, and the limbic areas, associated with a lowered sensitivity to risk, already make for increased impulsivity and disregard for consequences. In other words, adolescents are innately risk takers, at times believing they are invincible or being literally unable to comprehend they are in danger. Add in alcohol — a central nervous system depressant that

dampens inhibitions — and there’s a gravely intensiﬁed potential for reckless behavior.

Experts say that a young brain is significantly more vulnerable to this type of alcohol-induced injury than an adult brain that’s fully formed. The hippocampus, a part of the brain associated with memory, is greatly impacted by drinking. Consuming even one or two drinks can cause a person to have trouble remembering a new piece of information — a phone number, for example — and drinking a large amount of alcohol can trigger a blackout (loss of memory without loss of consciousness) that prevents recollection of entire events. Marinating a growing brain in alcohol can cause cellular hippocampus damage that may result in lifelong memory problems as well as di culty learning and retaining information.

Mounting research findings suggest other permanent neurocognitive e ects, making the brain less responsive to the neurotransmitter that induces calm and sleepiness. Brain imaging shows that an early disruption in a youth’s forebrain can prohibit him from forming a fully developed judgment center, a ecting his ability to think through the consequences of his actions even later in life. Other possible long-term impairments include inability to concentrate and focus, struggles with spatial skills, and anxiety and depressive disorders.

Ironically, brain injury from alcohol may also undermine a teen’s later ability to protect herself from alcoholism. According to the most recent California Healthy Kids survey, 40 percent of Marin 11th-graders started drinking by age 14, an indicator other research has linked directly to drinking problems as adults. Approximately 40 percent of the kids who start drinking before age 15 (and nearly half of kids who drink by age 14) end up alcohol dependent later in life, a ﬁgure four to ﬁve times higher than statistics for kids who don’t drink in their early teens.

Law Enforcement Perspective

“There is a lot more going on than parents think,” says Sgt. Marcus Bartholomew, a CHP veteran who patrols Marin on the graveyard shift. He sees drunk teens partying every weekend, often in groups of 50 to 100. With

the aid of cell phones, these gatherings form quickly and are very mobile, and for every underage kid he catches drinking, there are “probably 50 others” he doesn’t see.

In most alcohol-related incidents, the CHP o cers covering Marin ﬁ nd that parents have no idea where their children are and what they are doing. All too often the adults are not only away for the weekend but also fail to answer their cell phones, so teens find themselves spending the night in jail or the emergency room without Mom and Dad even knowing.

Bartholomew, whose 17 years working highway patrol all over the state has given him a wide perspective on teen drinking, sees Marin as perched in its own exclusive league: “There’s a lot of drinking in this county, a lot of wine. There are wealthy parents with big homes, great jobs, throwing alcohol-infused parties. When kids grow up around that, it segues into their behavior.”

In Marin, Bartholomew adds, he routinely deals with kids who are remarkably sharp and feel exceptionally enfranchised. “I get a lot of junior lawyers on the side of the road,” he says. “Only in Marin would I get kids telling me what I can and can’t do and how to do my job.”

Moms and dads in the county are “overly permissive and lackadaisical” about the problem, he believes, and he encounters a lot of

adults who “want to be the cool parent.” Bringing an intoxicated teenager home, only rarely does he witness a parent discipline the child or reprimand him in any way. Instead, he almost always sees the child treated as a victim, with parents asking how this traumatic experience could have happened and directing anger and hostility toward the police. “Common sense,” Bartholomew says, “seems to somehow go out the window with these people.”

What’s Being Done

The Marin County Grand Jury report on teen binge drinking concluded that alcohol prevention e orts should begin by age 10 and added, perhaps not surprisingly, that the home is the best place for children to develop skills to deal with the pressure to drink. “The only way to reduce underage drinking is to change attitudes and behaviors throughout the community,” it stated. “Parents … need to work together to send a consistent message: ‘It is not OK for youth to consume alcohol.’ ”

Don Carney of the county’s Youth Court has some simple advice from the trenches as to how parents can increase their awareness: Spend more time with your kids. Keep talking to them. Use “attachment discipline” to make kids spend an entire day with you — in the guise of punishment if need be. By the end of the day, in most cases parents will “get back that 10-year-old who loved you,” he says.

While there is no uniform countywide school curriculum addressing underage drinking, community outreach is at an all-time high. Larry Meredith, director of Marin Health and Human Services, is acutely aware that “kids are dying and lives are changing as a result of alcohol consumption.” In response, HHS has actively helped to fund local coalitions and initiatives that focus on the issue. Saying “ ‘we’re the government and we’re here to help’ doesn’t always work,” he points out.

These ordinances have since caught on in many other Marin towns, imposing fines on adults (generally parents) who have house parties on their property where minors consume alcohol.

The Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth, a community-based social movement that encompasses the YMCA, youth groups, several nonprofits and the city of Novato, is working to change the contributing social norms. An initiative called Healthy Novato, in partnership with the coalition, stresses prevention by making people more aware of the scope of the problem. “The issue goes far beyond the tragic, visible incidences,” director Katie Keating says. “There are so many other consequences that don’t get as much attention.”

In recent years, active underage drinking coalitions have also formed in the Twin Cities and San Rafael. Various schools and towns in the county support Friday Night Live programs that plan and promote events — study parties, glow-in-the-dark capture the ﬂag — to encourage kids to get together socially without alcohol.

The Redwood High School PTSA is also extremely involved in efforts to lower AOD (alcohol and other drug) use. The school’s “Be the Influence” parent pledge sets a goal of parental supervision, and there’s an online directory with contact information for parents who have signed it, an invaluable resource for networking with one other. Participation has increased to 600 parents in just three years, and while some might see the program as a symbolic Band-Aid, it “at least attempts to make a village,” the PTSA’s Laurie Dubin says.

While even deadly car crashes haven’t made local teens fully change their view of drinking and driving — experts say they heed the headlines briefly, but the immediacy fades — the 2005 drunk driving deaths of teenagers Alex Hunt and Scott Van Hootegem in Novato did make a pragmatic difference. That accident was the impetus for enacting a Social Host Accountability ordinance in the county’s unincorporated areas, joining towns that already had such laws in e ect. These ordinances have since caught on in many other Marin towns, imposing fines on adults (generally parents) who have house parties on their property where minors consume alcohol, whether or not the adult is present at the time. Although some community members feel police were initially reluctant to enforce, with a push (and vigilance) by the coalitions, follow-through seems on the rise.

Community peer pressure and a crackdown on house parties are clearly moves in the right direction, but these e orts have also met with setbacks — parents who sidestep the ordinance by renting hotel rooms where teens can party or hiring party buses to drive kids around. After several high-profile party bus fatalities, coalition members expressed outrage, resulting in a new California law, passed last January, requiring such buses have an adult chaperone and ID checks.

At Branson, Head of School Woody Price took a hard line after some kids showed up intoxicated at a dance last September, calling out the parents and “kicking the issue back to the students to fix.” He announced all future school dances were canceled until students themselves came up with a solution; he also sent

parents a letter “encouraging them to do the right thing,” pointing out the school’s “family respect” policy emphasizing parental responsibility, and stating that if parents intended to allow students to “engage in dangerous and harmful activities” in their homes, their children would be asked to leave the school. School dances resumed last January after Branson students devised a written pledge between themselves and adult chaperones, and so far, so good — there were no incidents involving alcohol at that event.

Despite greater focus on the drinking issue, locally the age of experimentation still seems to be plummeting. Through her work in local schools, Jennifer Grellman of Being Adept has heard of kids imbibing at ever-younger ages; a recent survey of Marin fifth-graders revealed that nearly a third of them have tried alcohol. She believes alcohol use here accelerates in seventh and eighth grade and becomes “rampant” in high schools — where kids are “basically hitting a tsunami of alcohol and drugs.” Accordingly, she targets her program, a curriculum that engages students in debates and interactive games, at ﬁfth- to eight-graders countywide. Local parents are “very aware of maintaining what they have,” she notes, so “teen binge drinking isn’t an issue they like to talk about.” Yet even sixth-graders, she says, are quite savvy about alcohol, “so much more than their parents want to know.” Marin parents do not realize “what an epidemic this is,” Grellman insists. “No one wants to believe this could possibly be getting out of control.”

Yet despite differing attitudes and approaches, ultimately parents are all on the same side. Amid a slew of very scary statistics about teen drinking, here is the most relevant — and potentially inspiring — of all: In a nationwide survey, asked what might affect their decisions about drinking, fully three-fourths of children ages 12 to 17 identiﬁed their parents as the leading inﬂuence.

By all appearances, parental influence is working to the detriment of Marin teens now. Yet with increased awareness and a whole lot of attention, there is reason to hope — and believe — that this influence could swing the other way. m

For More Information

To ﬁnd out more about the programs mentioned in the article and how you can get involved, contact the administrators listed below.

BEING ADEPT, beingadept.org

Jennifer G rellman, CEO, MS, MF T, jgrellman@beingadept.org, 415.306.6768

FAM ILIES FOR SAFER SCHOOLS

Mark D ale , mark@familiesforsafer schools.org

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

Kristen L aw, klaw@yli.org

HEA LTHY NOVATO, healthynovato.org

Katie Keating , project director, kkeating@novatoyouthcenter.org, 415.493.4322

MARIN COUNTY YMCA YOUTH COURT D on Carney, director, dcarney@ ymcasf.org, 415.459.9622

MARIN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

DJ Pierce , Division of Alcohol and Drug P rograms, chief, dpierce@marincounty. org, 415.473.6652

NOVATO BLUE RI BBO N COA LITI ON , novatoblueribbon.org

Cheryl Paddack , executive director of N ovato Youth Center, cpaddack@novato youthcenter.org, 415.892.1643, ext. 228

REDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL PTSA

Laurie Dubin, VP of parent education (Be the I nfluence program), parented@ redwoodptsa.org

T WIN CITIE S COA LITI ON FO R HEA LTHY YO UTH , tcc4hy.wordpress.com

L arry Chu , cochair, lchu@cityoflark spur.org, 415.591.2737

online

We Need Your Vote

August’s editors’ choice issue is one of our most popular — the kind you keep on the coffee table throughout the year. And once again, we want your input. Click on the link below to cast your vote for your favorite businesses in categories like spa, signature cocktail, burger, bike shop and more. marinmagazine.com/vote2013

Race for the Cup

Marin Magazine is pleased to add former America’s Cup chief communications officer Stephanie Martin to the team to produce an exciting freestanding publication that will be inserted into our July issue. The Race For the Cup: The Ultimate 2013 Summer Guide will contain complete coverage of the Cup, interviews with participants, a calendar of events, best viewing locations and much more. Local businesses will not want to miss the opportunity to market to this exclusive audience — hurry, space is filling up fast. To find out more about what we can do for your business, contact Debra Hershon, dhershon@ marinmagazine.com, 415.332.4800, ext. 120.

Fantastic Apps

We know you love us in print, but now you can also get the latest issue of Marin Magazine on your favorite mobile devices, including Apple’s iPad and iPhone, any Android device and also on Amazon’s Kindle. These apps deliver the magazine in a brilliant format that looks just like print and features text-formatted view, the ability to download the whole issue as well as search, bookmark and share functions. Go to the Marin Magazine home page to see links for each format. marinmagazine.com

Connect WITH US

in person

Cover Contest Winners

Meet Kathleen Lipinski and the 2013 cover contest finalists at our Get Covered Contest celebration event May 2, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Town Center in Corte Madera. It’s a great chance to enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and wine, celebrate with the contest winner and view art from this year’s Marin Open Studios participants.

Presented by

RACE FOR THE CUP

Scenes from last year’s party; the 2012 cover contest winner Greg Martin with his wife, Heidi Darling.

Destinations

THE LATEST LOCAL TRAVEL DEALS AND GETAWAYS PLUS JOURNEYS AROUND THE GLOBE

MARIN TO MENDOCINO

A three-day, 300-mile coastal road trip.

BY JIM WOOD

The Little River Inn offers views, a pub, rooms and even a nine-hole golf course.

Get the most out of your North Coast road trip with this ideal itinerary featuring tips on where to stop, where to shop and where to eat.

Day One

Head out Lucas Valley Road to make 1 M arshall by 12:30 p.m.; that’s when (if it’s sunny) an interesting crowd lines the long redwood plank that sits on barrels bayside next to the Marshall Store (drive slowly, it’s easy to miss). Order a Molson lager and nine oysters (pulled from the bay that morning) — three each: fresh, barbecued and Rockefeller — and be sure to ask for some sourdough bread to soak up sauces. Enjoy. Now push on for eight miles to 2 Tomales; stop at Mostly Natives Nursery (on the left, outside town). There you will ﬁnd lots of intriguing plants and if it’s Friday, a jug band in the afternoon. If it’s any other day, stop at the Tomales Bakery (on your right, in town, open 8 a.m. until they run out of pastries) for a decadent dessert. Wow, it’s already 4 p.m.; let’s get moving. Just over the county line — you’re in Sonoma now — is 3 Valley Ford (population 150); it’s worth a stop. In 1976, this was where Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s 25-mile-long Running Fence crossed Highway 1 and dipped into the ocean. On the right, in that barnlike building, is West County Design, a ﬁne home store with handcrafted objects — colorful and attractive vases, concrete countertops, polished wood tables and paintings of local landscapes. Not everything is pricey — a birdhouse made from weather-beaten wood with an old tin sign for a roof goes for $20. On the south side of Highway 1, in an 1890s-era building, is Rocker

Oysterfeller’s, which, despite its funky name, is a great option for dinner. Try Niman Ranch rib eye with braised collard greens, roasted Sebastopol mushrooms and beer-battered onion rings. Delicious. Can’t linger — gotta make 4 Bodega Bay, which can be, well, touristy, by nightfall. For a pleasant place to stay, try the Bodega Bay Lodge. There is a nice restaurant called the Duck Club, plus ocean views and a golf course, yet prices are reasonable.

Day Two

Rise and shine. Enjoy co ee in your room and breakfast at the Duck Club. Head for 5 Jenner and a walk (or run) on Sonoma Coast State Beach at the mouth of the Russian River. Salty or not, no air is fresher. Take in the wide-open

spaces. Starving? The best bet is River’s End, where you can find local halibut and crab, plus artisan cheeses and wines and killer views. Go easy on the wine — the road ahead is twisty and the cli s are steep. After 13 miles comes 6 Fort Ross State Historic Park, where Russia established a colony in the early 1800s (you can read about it in So Far From Home: Russians in Early California by Glenn Ferris). The park is definitely worth a stop. You will have time to make 7 Sea Ranch for a long walk along the spectacular coastline before having dinner (bar is friendly, food is good, views are great) at the lodge and calling it a day. Sea Ranch began in the 1960s as a “community to preserve the area’s beauty.” Homes blended in with the environment because no painted or reflective

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

surfaces were allowed. There are now 1,300 people, many of them artists, living there yearround. Leave time to explore the many inland and coastal trails, or take out the clubs and tackle the oceanfront golf course.

Day Three

Morning comes and is made perfect once breakfast is brought to the table at the Sea Ranch Lodge. After the sign-free serenity of Sea Ranch, the commercialism of 8 Gualala , the next stop, is jarring. One exception is the Alinder Gallery, where one of the world’s ﬁ nest photography collections includes many of Ansel Adams’ works. After perusing the photos, cruise 14 miles, past Anchor Bay, to 9 Point Arena (population 449), one of the

smallest incorporated towns in California. For kicks, take Lighthouse Road to the Point Arena Lighthouse and foghorn station, which was built in 1870. At 115 feet, it’s the tallest lighthouse in the West, with stairs to the very top. Did climbing those stairs make you hungry? It’s 20 isolated and beautiful miles to lunch. Stop at the Elk Store (just before Greenwood) and buy delicious sandwiches, fruit and wine for a picnic at 7 Greenwood State Beach — the trailhead is opposite the tiny post o ce. A warm, sunny day here is spectacular. But don’t stay too long — 7 Mendocino is half an hour away and there is a lot to do. Check in at the Little River Inn, two miles before the town; there are 65 nice rooms, an outstanding restaurant, a popular pub and a nine-hole

golf course — what more could you want?

Time to hit the town: Mendocino has fewer than 1,000 residents but fi ne shops (Gallery Books, Rainsong Shoes), nice restaurants (Cafe Beaujolais) and a terrific grocery (Harvest Market). For a unique store, try Anderson’s Alternatives. For hikes, do Mendocino Highlands, the mouth of the Navarro River and/or Big River Beach — excursions don’t come any better. For a change of scenery, drive 15 minutes to 7 Fort Bragg and dine at the Wharf in Noyo Harbor, where you will fi nd fresh and well-prepared seafood, obviously. Get back to the Little River Inn for a nightcap in the pub. Tomorrow, head back to Marin via Highway 128 to Highway 101 — it’s only three hours, not three days, until you’re home. m

Clockwise from top left: Highway One; Point Arena Lighthouse; Bodega Bay Lodge; oysters at River’s End; the Little River Inn bar area offers great views; a room at Sea Ranch Lodge.

BETTER IN A BENTLEY

Marin’s Toni Knorr, general manager of the St. Regis San Francisco, has come up with a way to improve the Sunday (or any day) drive. The hotel’s “En Route to Excellence” package includes a one-night stay in a guest suite, breakfast for two at the elegant Vitrine restaurant, an o cial Bentley key chain and unlimited use of a 2013 Bentley automobile with or without chau eur — your choice. The package starts at $2,350 per night and is available throughout 2013. stregissanfran cisco.com MIMI TOWLE

Summer Is San Diego Time

The eighth-largest city in the United States is the perfect place to go in the summer. So pack up the kids and drive or ﬂy down to experience the water, beaches, climate and culture of sunny San Diego.

1 Jammin’ in Your Suite

We’re not talking about breakfast treats here; for those attuned to the beat of their own drummer, consider “The Sound of Your Stay” package at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego. The 420-room property has more than 17 Rock Star Suites (one designed by the Black Eyed Peas), which include Fender guitars and a pair of Soul by Ludacris headphones to ensure maximum volume. Located in the hip Gaslamp Quarter, the hotel also features popular restaurants Nobu (Japanese), Maryjane’s (comfort food), bar 207 and the rooftop pool bar Float. hardrockhotelsd.com M .T.

2 Legendary Legos

California building regulations being what they are, the new Legoland Hotel, adjacent to the Legoland amusement park in Carlsbad, is not made of interlocking plastic bricks. But it’s sure made to look that way — much of the 250-room hotel’s facade and the interior decor has been constructed with the toy building blocks. ALego cityscape surrounds the restaurant, a castle beckons children and Lego animals hide in the corners of hotel rooms. A ll told, the hotel has approximately 3,422 Lego models, created out of more than 3 million plastic pieces. california.legoland. com DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG

3 Fine Dining and M ore

While the entire resort at R anch Valencia Resort and Spa has benefited from a recent $30 million renovation, visitors will especially notice the changes to the resort’s signature restaurant, Veladora. The Pony Room has also been upgraded and features a bar and outdoor patio with fire pits. In addition to the award-winning tennis program (voted No. 1 last year by Tennis Magazine), there’s now an indoor/outdoor yoga pavilion and an expanded fitness center. ranchovalencia.com M .T.

Hike the Rim

Heading to Tahoe this summer? Check out the new Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge, which launches June 1. The Tahoe Rim Trail A ssociation has selected six scenic points along the 165-mile trail, accessible by hiking, biking or horseback riding, that are free and open to the public this season. In existence more than 30 years, the association has a mission to maintain and enhance the trail system. Annual membership is $55. tahoerimtrail.org NI CO LE CH

The Course of History

IF YOU’RE GOING SOUTH anytime soon, consider a drive into history (so to speak). One of the ﬁrst great golf courses in Southern California, the green at the Ojai Country Club, has literally uncovered a link to the past. During a lengthy renovation, developers found two signature holes that had been lost for nearly 50 years on the course, which was built in 1923 by the legendary George C. Thomas Jr. The resort is celebrating its 90-year anniversary with special o ers, notably the “90-Year Legacy” package, which includes accommodations and a $90 credit toward onsite dining, spa treatments, shopping or golf, starting at $339. ojairesort.com M .T.

CALLING ALL BIKERS No pedal-pushers here — we’re talking about two-wheelers with tailpipes. Motorcyclists won’t want to miss the Quail Motorcycle Gathering at the Quail Lodge and Golf Club on May 4. This year the event celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Ducati Monster as well as all antique, Japanese, European, competition, American, o -road, and custom/ modiﬁed bikes and superbikes. The lodge, which has been closed for four years, reopened this month after a $28 million renovation. quaillodge.com M.T.

Sausalito Film Festival May 17, 18, 19 No 5

presenting sponsorsignature sponsors

Out & About

CALENDAR / O N THE SCENE / DINE

BottleRock Napa Valley

Jackson Browne

Calendar

THEA T ER / COMEDY / M USI C / GALLERIES / M USEUMS / E VEN T S / F ILM ED I TED BY S OP HI E SHU L MAN

MUSEUMS

LEG ION OFHONOR Artful Animals A portrait of the animal world, represented in an array of cultures, artistic styles and media, through October 13 (SF). 415.750.3600, legiono onor.org

THEATER

THRU MAY 26

Pericles, Prince of Tyre Shakespeare’s play about a man ﬁghting for his life while his family travels to a palace, brothel and temple.

Thrust Stage (Berkeley). 510.647.2949, berkeleyrep.org

MAY 8 –12 Mary Poppins The theatrical version of the Disney classic about an English nanny. Opheum Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

MAY 9 –J UN 9 Black

Watch A production by the National Theatre of Scotland about war, based on soldiers’ experiences

in Iraq. American Conservatory Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

MAY 16 –J UN 16 All My Sons The Tony Award–winning play about a

man who sold broken parts to the military during World War II. Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, ross valleyplayers.com

MAY 17–J UN 16 Krispy

Kritters in the Scarlett N ight Set in the ﬁctional city of Scarlett; a woman’s magic is discovered by a morgue worker. Cutting Ball Theater (SF). 415.292.4700, cuttingball.com

MAY 19 –J UN 16

The Sound of M usic Mountain Play begins its 2013 season with the story about a governess of seven children. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.1100, mountainplay.org

MAY 22–J UN 9

Terminus The ﬁnal play of the season set in a world of fantasy. Magic Theatre (SF). 415.441.8822, magictheatre.org

MAY 23 –J UN 16 The Beauty Queen of Leenane The tumultuous relationship between a woman and her elderly mother is explored. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5200, marintheatre.org

MAY 23 –J UN 16 The Foreigner A British demolitions expert tries to help his friend overcome shyness in this comedy. Company Playhouse (Novato). 415.883.4498, novato theatercompany.org

MAY 24 –JU L 7 Dear Elizabeth A story about long-distance friendship. Roda Theatre (Berkeley). 510.647.2949, berkeleyrep.org

DANCE

ON GO IN G Israeli Folk Dancing Learn dances that combine Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Latin and African traditions inspired by the ambience of Israeli festivals. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org

MAY 3–5 Les 7 Doigts de la M ain Circus A combination of acrobatics, dance, comedy and music performed by the group PSY. Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley). 510.642.9988, calperformances.org

MAY 3–12 Cinderella San Francisco Ballet’s interpretation of the children’s classic. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.865.2000, s allet.org

MAY 10–12 Eifman

Ballet of St. Petersburg Rodin is a story about the French sculptor and his mistress choreographed by Boris Eifman. Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley). 510.642.9988, calperformances.org

MAY 10–J UN 8 Smuin

Ballet Featured are Chants d’Auvergne, a ballet set to 13 French songs, and Petal, a visually colorful dance set to music by Philip Glass and Thomas

Perromictlan by Rupert Garcia

Montgomery Newman. Smuin Ballet (SF). 415.556.5000, smuinballet.org

MAY 31 Wonderland

Stage Dor’s production showcasing its dancers. Stagedor (Sausalito). 415.339.1390, stagedor.com

COMEDY

TUESDAYS Mark Pitta and Friends

The comic hosts an evening for up-and-comers and established headliners to work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmorton theatre.com

MAY 25 Paula Poundstone The comedian tells tales from her own life and interacts with audience members. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael).

415.444.8000, marinjcc.org

MUSIC

TUESDAYS Swing Fever

The band pays tribute to jazz artists and composers with selections from its roster, every ﬁrst and third Tuesday. Panama Hotel (San Rafael). 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

MAY 3–5 Ambicon 2013

A weekend of live music by Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Michael Stearns, Hans Christians, Tim Story and more. Embassy Suites Hotel (San Rafael). 415.499.9901, hos.com

MAY 5 The Rolling Stones The “world’s great rock ‘n’ roll band” begins its “50 and Counting” tour. Oracle Arena (Oakland). ticketmaster.com

MARIN SYMPHONY

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013 — 3:00 PM PRESENTS

and visuals from 13 classic Disney/Pixar films presented live .

Don’t miss this first-ever in the North Bay, single concert experience on Sunday, June 9, 2013 . Maestro Alasdair Neale will lead our Marin Symphony playing music live with memorable clips and imagery from Brave, Up, Cars, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., Wall-e, Ratatouille, and The Incredibles. Purchase tickets beginning Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Marin Center Box Ofﬁce: 415.473.6800 or online.

Joyce Yang at the Marin Symphony, San Rafael

MAY 5, 7 Vive la France! Marin Symphony’s Program 5, featuring Debussy’s Piano Preludes. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinsymphony.org

MAY 9 A ppleberry

Jam’s Guitar Pull Brad Brooks performs at this event featuring local musicians and lots of improvisation. The Sleeping Lady (Fairfax). 415.485.1182, sleeping ladyfairfax.com

MAY 9–12 Bottle Rock N apa Valley

Performances by 60 acts, including Phil Lesh, Kings of Leon, Jackson Browne and Train, as well as comedians and culinary stars. Various locations (Napa). bottlerock napavalley.com

MAY 10 African Roots of Violin Resident artistic director Regina Carter performs with violinist John Blake. SFJAZZ Center (SF). 866.920.5299, s azz.org

MAY 10–11 The Gathering Mayﬂower Chorus performs American music with Irish stories. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincenter.org

MAY 12 The R ussian Chamber Orchestra Concert Musical director Alexander Vereshagin conducts a program of Handel, Vivaldi, Haydn and Scriabin. Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist

Church (Mill Valley). russianchamber orch.org

MAY 15 Young

Dubliners The band plays Celtic rock inﬂuenced by Irish music. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

MAY 16 Janelle M onae

The Grammy Award–nominated singer joins the San Francisco Symphony, followed by an after-party with live music, cocktails and treats. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

MAY 17 N icola Luisotti Concert Puccini’s Capriccio Sinfonico, Rota’s Piano Concerto

MAY 28–29 Celtic

Woman Produced by David Downes, the show features classic Irish music. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincenter.org

MAY 31 M ill Valley

Philharmonic A presentation by the winners of the Mill Valley Philharmonic Concerto Competition. Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church (Mill Valley). 415.383.0930, millvalley philharmonic.org

MAY 1 –9 Little

Me A musical comedy about a woman who goes from rags to riches. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

GALLERIES

MARIN

Marin Open Studios

Gallery Exhibition A showcase of artwork by each of the 250 participating artists in this year’s 20th-anniversary Marin Open Studios, through May 12. 325 Town Center, Corte Madera. 415.343.5667, marinopenstudios.com

in C and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F Major. Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com

MAY 19 Young A rtists

Concert A showcase of young musicians sponsored by Marin Music Chest and the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society. Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church (Mill Valley). 415.381.4453, marin musicchest.org

MAY 23 Tony Bennett

Anthony Dominick Benedetto, better known as Tony Bennett, performs his interpretation of standards. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 866.920.5299, s azz.org

through May 25. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3436, falkirk culturalcenter.org

Fine Art Etc. Featuring a collection of sculptures and paintings by artists from Northern California and around the world. 686 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.1107, ﬁneartetc.com

Gallery Bergelli Group Show New work by gallery artists and work by Marin Magazine cover contest ﬁnalist Bryn Craig. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, bergelli.com

Gallery Route One

Uninvited Guests Paintings by Suzanne Parker, through June 9. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Oil paintings by Gabriella Spina Drake and classes for artists. 751 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Works Downtown

Open Space, Sacred Ground Paintings by Foad Satterﬁeld, through May 17. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

Bubble Street Featuring genres of fantastic art, imaginary realism, neo-Victorian and steampunk. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.339.0506

Falkirk Cultural Center Annual juried spring exhibit of Marin and Bay Area artists,

Marin County Watercolor Society About the Bay An exhibit of San Francisco Bay–related watercolors, May 6–June 9. Bay Model, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.3870, marincountywater colorsociety.com

Marin Society of A rtists Open Crafts and Sculpture, through May 2. 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael. 415.454.9561, marin societyofartists.org

O’Hanlon Center for the A rts Marin Open Studios A group show of mixed-media artists. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Petri’s Glass Gallery

Art glass and jewelry by various local artists. 675 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.2225, petrisgallery.com

Robert Allen Fine A rt

Abstracted Landscapes and Cityscapes A group exhibition featuring art by Heather Capen, Nick Coley, William Leidenthal, John Maxon and Larry Morace. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robert allenﬁneart.com

Robert Green Fine A rts Suspended in Daylight Art by Mark Erickson. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgﬁnearts.com

Rock Hill Gallery Fiber Dimensions, through June 20. 145 Rock Hill Dr (Tiburon). 415.435.9108, ccctiburon.net

Room Art Gallery New works. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Smith A ndersen N orth Landscapes made with glass plate negatives by Ben Nixon, through May 25. 20 Greenﬁeld Ave, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smith andersennorth.com

Studio 333 Ongoing exhibition featuring more than 40 Bay Area artists’ work in di erent mediums. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

Studio 4 A rt Work by local artists; classes and workshops with materials included. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

SAN FRANCISCO

A rtHaus The Chosen Ones An exhibition of the winners of the gallery’s mobile photo awards and photo essay contest, through

Love Knot by Charlie Kleiman, Marin Open Studios

June. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Berggruen Gallery The Time Is Now A group exhibition of works by Doug Aitken, Darren Almond, Jasper Johns, On Kawara, Robert Rauschenberg and James Rosenquist, through May 11. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com

Caldwell Snyder Art by Douglas Schneider. 341 Sutter St, 415.392.2299, caldwellsnyder.com

Gregory Lind Gallery New work by Jovi Schnell. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Paintings from the Mauritshuis A collection of paintings from the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis at The Hague, through June (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung. famsf.org

Exploratorium Ongoing interactive exhibits exploring science, art and human perception (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Museum of Craft and Design A Sculptural Odyssey Art by Bay Area artist Michael Cooper, through June (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California we/customize A showcase of customized objects as part of artistic and personal expression (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

of false narratives that masquerade as truth, including the collapse of Communism in the 1980s and the current ﬁnancial crisis, through June (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

THRU MAY 27 San Francisco Decorator Showcase An exhibition of work by interior and landscape designers in a Georgian-style mansion, benefiting San Francisco University High School’s financial aid program. 2800 Pacific Ave (SF). 415.447.5830, decorator showcase.org

MAY 3 Gem Faire See more than 70 exhibits of ﬁne jewelry, beads, minerals, gems and more. Marin Center Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincenter.org

Bolinas M useum Asia Then Photography from the 1920s and 1930s by Alfred Palmer, May 4–June 23 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin History M useum Justice and Judgment

A three-part exhibition about Marin’s law enforcement and judicial system, through June (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Rena Bransten Gallery Art by Ian McDonald and Jennie Smith, through May 4. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabransten gallery.com

Marin Museum of the A merican I ndian Explore Native

American history, languages, art and traditions (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

Marin Museum of Contemporary A rt The Altered Book Show, through May 25 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA

A sian Art M useum China’s Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor’s Legacy In an e ort to conquer death, China’s Emperor Qin Shihuang built an underground city guarded by a life-size terra-cotta army. Through May 27 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Nightlife Enjoy

music, creatures and cocktails for adults only and take some time to explore the exhibits and aquarium displays every Thursday night (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of Flowers Butterﬂies and Blooms Explore an English garden with monarchs, swallowtails, painted ladies and more, May 8–October 20 (SF). 415.831.2090, conservatoryof ﬂowers.org

Contemporary Jewish M useum The World Stage: Israel Portraits by Kehinde Wiley, through May 27 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch

San Francisco Botanical Garden California Native Plant Bloom A collection of hundreds of wildﬂowers native to California and a 100-year-old grove of coast redwoods, through May 15 (SF). 415.661.1316, s otanicalgarden.org

SFMO MA Lebbeus Woods, Architect Work presenting shifts, cycles and repetitions within the built environment, through June (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

The Walt Disney Family M useum Camille Rose Garcia: Down the Rabbit Hole, May 9–November 3 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the A rts Without Reality There Is No Utopia An examination

MAY 4–5 Centennial A rt Salon Nationally known Marin artists exhibit their work as part of the Sausalito Woman's Club centennial celebration. Sausalito Woman's Club (Sausalito). 415.331.6606, sausalito womansclub.org

MAY 4–5 The Norway Day Festival A celebration of Norwegian culture with food and music. Fort Mason (SF). 415.345.7500, fortmason.org

MAY 5–6, 12–13 Marin Open Studios Visit local artists’ studios to view or purchase works, meet the artists and enjoy hor d’oeuvres. Various locations (Marin). marinopen studios.com

MAY 8 Bingo Luncheon and Boutique The

Bittersweet by Susan McDonnell at Gallery Bergelli, Larkspur

godmothers of Timothy Murphy School present a day of gift shopping, a silent auction and bingo. Timothy Murphy School (San Rafael). 415.507.4229, godmothers.org

MAY 9 Honor Thy

Healer Zero Breast Cancer recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to breast cancer research. Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.507.1949, zerobreastcancer.org

MAY 11 Marin Healthy Palooza Learn about how to live a healthy lifestyle with activities, samplings, demonstrations and seminars for all ages. Community

Center (Mill Valley). 415.887.9230, marin healthypalooza.com

MAY 11 Marin Human

R ace Run a 5K course with more than 4,000 participants and enjoy music, activities and a pancake breakfast to beneﬁt local nonproﬁts and schools. Fairgrounds and Lagoon Park (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinhumanrace.org

MAY 11 May Madness

Rock and Rollin’ Car Show and Parade The longest-running car show in Northern California returns with a display of rods, customs, classics and more. Fourth St (San Rafael). 415.383.3470, downtownsanrafael.org

An Evening with Paul eroux

See Acclaimed Travel Writer Paul eroux in Conversation with Don George

DATE & TIME: May 17, 2013 at 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Book Passage 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera

Join us for an evening of travel and an epic safari with acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux. On stage with travel editor Don George, Paul Theroux will discuss his new book The Last Train to Zona Verde: My Ultimate Safari - an odyssey that takes him along the western spine of sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa's Cape Town through Cape Province, then north to Namibia and Botswana.

see the difference

Butterfly at Conservatory of Flowers, S.F.

MAY 11 Ross Garden

Tour Take a tour of ﬁve gardens to raise money for the Fine Arts programs at Ross School. Various locations. 415.482.8843, ross gardentour.org

MAY 12 M other’s Day at Oakland Zoo Moms ride the Outback Express Adventure Train, a tour of wallaroos and emus, for free. Zoo (Oakland). 510.632.9525, oaklandzoo.org

MAY 12 Outdoor

A ntique M arket An exhibition of home decor, jewelry, art, collectibles and more. Civic Center (San Rafael). 415.383.2252, goldengateshows.com

MAY 12 Wanderlust Festival Appearances by yoga teachers, musicians and speakers. Marina Green (SF). wanderlustfestival.com

MAY 17 TNDC’s 32nd Annual Birthday Dinner A celebration of the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development’s afterschool program. Hilton (SF). 415.358.3907, tndc.org

MAY 18 Marin General Hospital Foundation Gala Beneﬁt Emergency and Trauma Services at a black-tie event with food and live entertainment. Marinship Park (Sausalito). 415.925.7770, maringeneral.org

MAY 18 Notes and Words Appearances by musicians, comedians, writers and entertainers such as Billy Collins, Lauren Graham and Mary Roach to beneﬁt Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland. The Fox Theater (Oakland). 510.428.3858, notesandwords.org

MAY 18 Uncorked! The Ghirardelli Square Wine Festival Taste and learn about Northern California wine while enjoying music and cooking demonstrations. Ghirardelli Square (SF). 800.310.6563, sresproductions.com

MAY 18–19 R anches and Rolling Hills Landscape Art Show

featuring handmade items, art, antiques, photography, food, live music and a scavenger hunt. Treasure Island (SF). 415.898.0245, treasureislandﬂea.com

MAY 26 Larkspur

FILM

MAY 31

Alma Adentro

A West Coast debut of the 10-piece woodwind ensemble and quartet organized by resident artistic director Miguel Zenon. SFJAZZ Center (SF). 866.920.5299, sfjazz.org

Flower and Food Festival Celebrate the start of summer with bouquets, tasty gourmet food samples, live music and kids’ activities. Magnolia Ave (Larkspur). 415.924.3803, teamproevent.com

MAY 26 M uir Beach Volunteer Firemen’s Barbecue This event honoring the Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department features local musicians, barbecue chicken, prizes and children’s activities. Picnic Grounds (Muir Beach). 415.384.0683, muirbeachﬁre.com

and Sale Artists gather to paint landscapes in West Marin in support of farmland protection. Druids Hall (Nicasio). 415.663.1158, malt.org

MAY 19 Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance Peruse a nationally recognized display of rare and classic cars. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael). 415.479.7727, marinsonoma concour.org

MAY 25 Elephants Day Activities and events about elephants to beneﬁt the Amboseli Elephant Research Project. Zoo (Oakland). 510.632.9525, oaklandzoo.org

MAY 25–26 Treasure Island Flea An open-air market with exhibits

MAY 26–27 San Francisco Carnaval and Grand Parade A large multicultural celebration complete with parade, food and live entertainment. 24th and Bryant streets (SF). 415.642.1748, sfcarnavalsf.com

MAY 27 Memorial Day

Services Celebrate Memorial Day with music and a remembrance ceremony conducted by Marin County United Veterans Council. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincenter.org

MAY 29 Drinking/ Songs The link between beer and song is explored with The Fill A Steins men’s vocal ensemble and six boutique IPAs by Dogﬁsh Head Craft Brewery. 50 Mason Social House (SF). 415.608.0133, drinkingsongs2. eventbrite.com

MAY 4 Mark Cantor’s Giants of Jazz on Film A look at female jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington. Jewish Community Center (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf.org

MAY 17–19 Sausalito Film Festival Watch features, shorts, animation and documentaries from around the globe. Cavallo Point (Sausalito). 415.887.9506, sausalito ﬁlmfestival.com

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

ON GO IN G Foodie Adventures Experience the Mission District, North Beach or Chinatown on a culinary walking tour. Various locations (SF). 888.498.2008, foodie adventures.com

ON GO IN G Mark Twain Walking Tour of Napa and Sonoma Local actor George Webber morphs into Mark Twain as he brings alive the pasts of the historic towns. 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com

ON GO IN G Sausalito Walking Tours Walk the boardwalk back in time and learn about Sausalito’s OtherSide-of-Town. On this one and a half hour walk through town, you learn about the beautiful city’s checkered past. Vina del Mar Plaza (Sausalito). 415.331.3791, travelswithteri.com

M iguel Zenon

Robert H. Byers, MD

Lisa M. Elvin, NP

Jon R. Goff, MD

David H. Goltz, MD

Abbey L. Kennedy, MD

John C. Keohane, MD

Edward S. Moon, MD

Michael J. Oechsel, MD

Ernest H. Sponzilli, MD

Michael S. Stock, MD

Charles A. Stuart, MD

Brian W. Su, MD

MAY 24–26

Marin Greek Festival Enjoy authentic homemade Greek food along with live music, cooking demonstrations and other activities celebrating Greek culture. College of Marin Indian Valley Campus ( Novato). 415.883.1998, maringreek festival.com

ON GO IN G The San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour A threehour walking tour from the San Francisco waterfront to Union Square with seven stops and generous tastings at each. Justin Herman Plaza (SF). gourmetwalks.com

MAY 14 The Social N etwork Effect

Nicholas Carr discusses how social media has a ected modern communication. Nourse Theatre (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

MAY 15 Marin Scuba Club Diving traveler Richard Woulfe talks about his underwater experiences. Saylor’s Restaurant (Sausalito). marinscubaclub.org

MAY 20 Michael Pollan Named one of Time Magazine ’s most inﬂuential people, Pollan discusses cooking. Angelico C oncert Hall (San Rafael). 415.457.4440, dominican.edu

MAY 21 Around the World in 65 Days Karen Keefer discusses her experiences traveling to 12 countries in 65 days. She will share her photos and engrossing stories with the Club –pointing out highlights, surprises, frightening episodes, learning experiences and happy times. Club O ce (SF). 415.597.6700, commonwealthclub.org

Sports Medicine Specialists

As Ofﬁcial Medical Providers to the US Ski Team, our physicians have experience with elite athletes and weekend warriors of all ages. Our physical therapists have a broad range of skills for athletes, and provide care for the US Freestyle moguls team in international competition.

San Francisco Ballet’s Cinderella at the War M emorial Opera House, S.F.

VIPMarin CHOOSE LOCAL FIRST

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Heritage Landscapes

FAST FOOD FRANCAIS French This “frenchified American comfort food” spot opened in February after taking over Plate Shop’s old location. Owned and operated by the owners of Le Garage and L’Appart Resto, F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner, with specialties such as the le bleu burger and a spinach and oyster mushroom omelette. 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com

CORTE MADERA

A.G. FERRARI Italian

Yes, it’s a chain, but it’s a good one. Here a third-generation Italian family mixes delicatessen with specialty ﬁne foods. House-made spinach and ricotta ravioli smothered in organic tomato sauce

with fresh vegetables will impress any dinner guest. 107 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4347, agferrari.com

BENISSIMO Italian

“Benissimo” means “really really good” in Italian. Besides the daily 4 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour, when drinks are $3 to $5 and small plates $5 to $7, specials include all-day happy hour on Monday, free corkage on Tuesday, martini night on Wednesday, and live jazz on Thursday. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316, benissimos.com

BLUE BARN GOURMET

American The ﬁrst Marin outpost of the S.F.–based Sustainable Restaurant Group, Blue Barn Gourmet has proven to be very popular since opening in October 2012. The menu consists of customizable salads, toasted sandwiches, soups and more, prepared with locally harvested produce and proteins. 335 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.1104, bluebarngourmet.com

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian

Good luck getting a seat at this new indoor/ outdoor family-friendly pizzeria in the Village at Corte Madera. Owners Shah Bahreyni and Sam Ramadan’s 142seat eatery features Neapolitan-style pizza topped with imported San Marzano tomatoes and fresh, house-made mozzarella. Other menu items (all made with local ingredients) include roasted leg of

lamb salad, beet salad, a grilled eggplant sandwich and portobello and porcini mushroom ravioli. 1544 Redwood Hwy, 415.924.3021, bocapizzeria.com

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN California/ Eclectic Be prepared for chaos. Easy place to bring the kids: Mom and Dad can enjoy a tasty Thai crunch salad and a glass of wine while the little ones feast on basic, child-size portions of pasta and pizza. 347 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.945.0401, cpk.com

CHAMPAGNE BAKERY

French This casual bakery displays freshly made pastries, croissants, tarts, cookies and cakes to be enjoyed indoors or out on the patio. Brioche French toast and a French dip sandwich with Swiss cheese are among the many menu options. Catering is also available. 103 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.5470, champagnebakery.com

LA MAISON DE LA REINE Vietnamese A refreshing change amid the plethora of Italian, Mexican and Chinese options. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls and combinations of pho are all popular menu items. 346 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.0288

Chevre and Grilled Batard

LA PL ANCHA Mexican

Max’s cozy red booths have been repurposed for this family-style Mexican eatery and tequila bar. 60 Madera Blvd. 415.924.629

MARIN JOE’S Italian

Authentic Italian dishes have been served here for over 50 years. Pick from soup, salad, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and more than 10 pasta options guaranteed to satisfy. Have a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com

RICK’S WINE CELLAR

California This oneroom bar and wine shop is owned and operated by Marin natives Rick and Candy Mendell. You can order by the glass, ﬂight or bottle, all of which pair nicely with the cheeses, salami and hot paninis. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, rickswinecellar.com

SEA THAI BISTRO

Asian SEA stands for Southeast Asian, and co-owner and executive chef Tony Ounpamornchai infuses his cooking with Thai and other Asian ﬂavors to create innovative dishes. The menu features sustainable and local ingredients when possible and includes an extensive wine list. 60 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.8333, seathaibistro.com

THE COUNTER

California/American

The folks at the Counter have taken the “have it your way” motto to a wholenew level. Mostly known for all-natural

Angus beef, turkey, chicken or veggie burgers, the restaurant also o ers options like a bowl (all the ingredients without the bun) or salads. And if you want a martini with your burger, no problem—there’s a full bar. 201 Corte Madera Town Center 415.924.7000, thecounterburger.com

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

Known for farm-fresh, organic cuisine, 123 Bolinas was created by four friends who aimed to showcase seasonal fare in a relaxing, intimate environment. Enjoy locally brewed beer and small-production wines as you take in the view of Bolinas Park through the ﬂoorto-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com

FRADELIZIO’S Italian Family-owned for 15 years, Fradelizio’s blends Northern Italian cuisine with Californiainspired healthy fare using the freshest ingredients possible. The homemade gnocchi is a crowd-pleasing favorite. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618, fradelizios.com

IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American

Grab a beer and a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich, which one Chronicle reviewer calls “the best mushroom dish I have ever tasted.” 765 Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com

PANCHO VILLA’S Mexican A Fairfax favorite for over 30 years. Since 1976, head chef Francisco has been turning out treats like chile relleno

stu ed with jack cheese, cilantro and onion and crab enchiladas topped with a mild tomatillo sauce and sour cream. 1625 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, 415.459.0975, panchosfairfax.com

SORELLA CAFFE Italian

Open for over six years and run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sisters,” serves up fresh Italian food with a northern inﬂuence. Customer favorites include cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and eggplant parmesan. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padana cheese, which is passed around the tables. Easy place to bring the kids. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520, sorellaca e.com

STEAKHOUSE GRILL & BAR American

Celebrating its 90 year anniversary, this steakhouse at Deer Park Villa is more than just a restaurant serving signature Angus steaks and prime rib.

It is a gathering place with daily happy hour, live entertainment and a large heated deck. Events include Ladies’ Night, Prime Rib Weekend and the Redwood Music Series. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparksteakhousegrill.com

GREENBRAE

BISTRO VIS À VIS

California This Bon Air Shopping Center eatery features the cooking of Soo Young Kim, who previously acted as owner, chef and sommelier at Petaluma’s Sooze Wine Bar. The neighborhood spot boasts outdoor seating for casually ﬁne dining. 282 Bon Air Ctr, 415.925.4370, bistrovisavis.com

KENTFIELD

HALF DAY CAFE

American A tuckedaway setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows makes a perfect

SAYLOR’SRESTAURANT

AND BAR California/ Mexican Marin’s first tequila bar offers over 100 tequila options. Nightly meal specials include chicken potpie, roasted salmon, baby back ribs and traditional meat loaf. Happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. M-F. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurantand bar.com

LEFT BANK

RESTAURANT French

Known for awardwinning French cuisine and a lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot on Magnolia Avenue has rated high with locals for well over a decade. Those with a petite appetite or budget can opt for happy hour (4 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, M–F) for appetizers, most of which are priced under $6. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

MARIN BREWING CO

breakfast nook that’s also open for brunch and lunch. The menu includes lattes, exceptional pastries and much more. The place is casual and can get crowded on the weekends. Dine inside or on the outdoor patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com

LARKSPUR

BELCAMPO MEAT CO.

American This eatery serves classic grilled items like the roasted tri-tip sandwich and classic sloppy joe. The meat is delivered from the certiﬁed-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture management. Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.com

EL HUARACHE LOCO

Mexican Bringing authentic Mexico City dishes to Marin, chef Veronica Salazar’s menu has gained quite

a following. From mini huaraches (ﬁlled corn masa cakes) to the footlong huarache with two salsas, crema, queso fresco and two toppings of your choice, you get a true taste of a homemade Mexican meal.

Marin Country Mart, 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.1403, huaracheloco.com

EMPORIO RULLI Italian

Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian specialties and treats. The Larkspur location (there are three others) is a favored spot for lunch as well as co ee and a sweet. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com

FABRIZIO RISTORANTE

Italian Traditional Italian dishes with an extensive wine list from regions all over Italy; outdoor seating makes the experience even more special. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, fabrizioristorante.com

American Grab a cold beer made right on site and pair it with ﬁsh ‘n’ chips — fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce. Marin Country Mart, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com

PICCO California This has been a popular place ever since opening in 2005. Dishes like miniburgers and seasonally driven menu items, along with risotto made every half hour, have kept people coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) but already famous for

Crab Salad

Prosciutto Cotto Bruschetta at Pizza Antica in M ill Valley

its wood-ﬁred pizzas, great wine selection and soft-serve Straus

Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com

RUSTIC BAKERY

California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads and sandwiches are on the menu here, including Meyer lemon mascarpone danishes and a bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun. Two locations: Marin Country Mart, 415.461.9900; 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com

TABLE CAFE Indian/

American This Indiainspired cafe’s unique menu features entirely organic ingredients. Dishes include seasonal salads, incredible soups and fresh juices. The specialty of the house is dosa, ﬁlled with a variety of ingredients and served with savory homemade chutneys. 1167 Magnolia Ave, 415.461.6787, table-cafe.com

THE TAVERN AT LARK CREEK American

The next chapter in the 1888 Victorian Murphy House, formerly known as Lark Creek Inn, is being written by chef Aaron Wright. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, tavernatlarkcreek.com

YANKEE PIER American

This family-friendly, casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924 as a private residence. Though known for beer-battered ﬁsh ‘n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both

coasts. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com

MILL VALLEY

AVATAR’S PUNJABI

BURRITOS Indian A small and friendly place with only a few tables, but myriad Indianinspired burrito dishes to choose from. Try the curry chicken or Jamaican jerk wrapped in warm naan. Cash only, but worth the trip to the ATM. 15 Madrona St, 415.381.8293, enjoyavatars.com

BALBOA CAFE

MILL VALLEY

California The San Francisco institution has already become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after the 142 Throckmorton Comedy nights. Menu items include pan-roasted Alaskan halibut and risotto and burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com

BOO KOO Asian

Authentic Asian street food is now available for $10 or less. The restaurant o ers options for every eater—vegans, gluten-frees, vegetarians and carnivores alike. Menu items include chicken pho, vegan summer rolls, pad thai and ﬁve-spice pork satay, all made with organic, locally sourced veggies and proteins. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE

American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chililime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food 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, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com

BUNGALOW 44

American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 o ers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipid-laden dishes, such as the burger, fried chicken and tru e fries, as well as a few lighter items. The bar is a neighborhood favorite, known for tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

CAFE DEL SOUL

California Beware of addiction. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh Hummus Yummus wrap, you’ll have to return to sample the Chipotle Sunrise Rice Bowl, then it will be the

Thai It Up Wrap with peanut sauce washed down with ginger limeade that brings you back and so on. Casual lunch spot, great for takeout. 247 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net

CANTINA Mexican

The popular family restaurant o ers traditional Mexican fare including soups, salads, sandwiches and sizzling fajitas at lunch portions and prices. An outdoor ﬁre pit provides the option of alfresco dining, while the lively atmosphere indoors makes for a fun outing. Stop by for happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. M-F for drinks and appetizers $5 and under. 651 E. Blithedale, 415.381.1070, thecantina.com

CHAMPAGNE

BAKERY French Enjoy a croque-monsieur alfresco, linger over a ﬂaky, buttery croissant with a cappuccino,

Enchiladas at Salito’s in Sausalito

or pick up chocolatedipped strawberries for your dinner party. 41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.380.0410, millvalley.champagne bakery.com

DIPSEA CAFE Comfort

This longtime breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Try a biscuit with a poached egg, with sausage — or just plain butter. Lunch specialties include BLTs, tuna melts and generous Cobb salads. The restaurant now o ers Greek-inspired dinners. 200 Shoreline Hwy, 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com

EL PASEO HOUSE OF CHOPS American This historic establishment was given new life in 2010 when it was purchased by local musician/restaurateur Sammy Hagar and celebrity chef Tyler Florence. The menu speaks to the restaurant’s elegance, with o erings like

roasted bone marrow, hamachi crudo, smoked trout salad and the El Paseo short rib. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseomillvalley.com

FRANTOIO

RISTORANTE

ITALIANO Italian

Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this spot is a great location for an intimate dinner, large groups and anything in between. Owned by Roberto Zecca and chef Duilio Valenti, both from Milano; the kitchen uses local and organic ingredients. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room. The popular weekday happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com

GRILLY’S RESTAURANT Mexican

Both the Mill Valley and Fairfax locations o er “healthy Mexican food” like grilled chicken,

IL FORNAIO Italian

Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian restaurant franchise. Besides the award-winning breads, pizzas and pastas, the menu offers a variety of salads and noncarb entrées.

223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

LA BOULANGE BAKERY

French Known for authentic French pastries and co ee served in a bowl, La Boulange — especially its outdoorarea — is always crowded. Stop by for lunch and enjoy an open-faced sandwich at one of the indoor, picnic-style tables. Strawberry Village, 415.381.1260, laboulangebakery.com

steak or veggie-ﬁlled burritos with glutenfree and vegetarian options. 493 Miller Ave, 415.381.3278, grillys.com

HARMONY Chinese

Dishes here are an infusion of many ﬂavors. The barbecue pork bun is ﬁlled with house-made roasted meat in a savory sauce, and fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea. Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurant group.com

INDIA PALACE Indian

Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; eating on site is also a treat. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350, india palacemillvalley.com

JOE’S TACO LOUNGE

Mexican Joe’s serves up regular fare such as tasty ﬁsh tacos, burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, tofu salad and crab tostadas. Colorful interior and (usually) quick service

make this a fun, easy stop. If there are too many unsupervised kids for a peaceful meal, takeout is easy too. 382 Miller Ave, 415.383.8164

LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or booth here can take awhile. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait sta is also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224

LUCINDA’S MEXICAN

FOOD Mexican This closet-size eatery o the highway is treasured by regulars for its friendly service and authentic Mexican

Capellacci di Zucca

Cobb Salad at Balboa Cafe in M ill Valley

food. Ingredients are fresh and the burritos are highly recommended. The dining space itself is tiny, so call ahead to bypass the line. 930 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.0754

MAMA’S ROYAL

CAFE American

Old-timers love this fabulous kitsch-decorated breakfast spot. The menu o ers crepes, brioche French toast and other a.m. specialties served all day; stay awhile and try the sandwiches for lunch. 393 Miller Ave, 415.388.3261

MILL VALLEY

BEERWORKS American

Known for handcrafted beers, imported and local microbrews and house-made kombucha and root beer, this popular downtown Mill Valley neighborhood brewery recently doubled its space and expanded its food and beverage menu. 173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8218, mill valleybeerworks.com

NOURISH GRILL

American Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Nourish o ers a variety of classic seafood, like ﬁsh ’n’ chips, as well as American grill fare like the Niman Ranch black ’n’ bleu burger. The establishment is also the restaurant for the Club at Harbor Point and is situated on the waterfront and open to the public. Many ingredients are locally sourced and organic.

475 E Strawberry Dr, 415.381.4400, nourish. harbor-point.com

PEARL’S PHAT BURGERS American

Dubbed a silver-spoon alternative to a greasy spoon diner by The New York Times, Pearl’s has a loyal following for the big juicy all-natural patties (vegetarian, turkey, beef, bu alo or grilled chicken) served up with tasty sides such as garlic or sweet potato fries, shakes and seasonal smoothies. Eat in if you can get a seat, or take out. 8 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.6010, pearlsdeluxe.com

House Charcuterie with Pâté at Farley Bar in Sausalito

Farmers’

Market Bounty

A summer vegetable salad that won’t disappoint.

Browsing the farmers’ markets with purpose these days?

This colorful salad is a delicious way to get the most out of the season’s freshest produce. We didn’t have room for this recipe in our Garden Party feature on page 44, but it was so good, we wanted to be sure to share. The executive chef of Sausalito’s Copita Tequileria y Comida, Gonzalo Rivera Jr., created the dish along with the restaurant’s co-owner, Joanne Weir (both pictured).

RECIPE

Early Summer Vegetable Salad with Salazar Queso Cotija and Avocado Puree

YIELDS 6 SERVINGS

I ngredients

12 breakfast red radishes, halved

12 baby rainbow carrots, thinly sliced diagonally

12 asparagus sprigs, diagonally cut into 1 ½-inch pieces

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 ripe avocados

1 small serrano chile, seeds removed

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

10 fresh tomatillos

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest

1 teaspoon ground coriander seed

1 head of escarole, cleaned

5 ounces S alazar cotija cheese cilantro sprigs for garnish

Directions

1 Heat a frying pan on high heat. Toss radishes, carrots, asparagus, 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are lightly charred, 2–3 minutes. 2 Remove from the pan and spread them out on a baking sheet to cool. 3 Place avocado, serrano chile, 2 tablespoons lime juice and 4 tomatillos in a blender and puree on high speed until smooth. 4 Season with salt, place in an airtight container and refrigerate until needed, to help preserve the color. 5 Heat a frying pan on high heat and roast the remaining 6 tomatillos, shaking the pan occasionally until they are marked in several places with black spots, 3–4 minutes. 6 Dice and place in a bowl with cilantro, lime zest, coriander seed and 4 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. 7 Toss with the roasted vegetables and chopped escarole. 8 To serve, spread the avocado puree on the bottom of a serving plate, top with the vegetables and escarole, crumble the cheese on top and garnish with cilantro sprigs.

PIAZZA D’ANGELO

Italian It’s always a party at this longstanding hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, zuppa di pesce or pollo novella, or make some new friends at the bar. Chef Andrea Guilini, originally from Venice, is known for his creative, seasonal dishes like the short ribs and ravioli with butternut squash. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

PIATTI RISTORANTE

AND BAR Italian The sta prides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Try for a table at the window for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Take a peek at the impressive collection of Italian wines to accompany your rustic seasonal Italian meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

PIZZA ANTICA Italian

Although a recent Yelp reviewer praised it for having “by far the best thin-crust pizzas in Marin,” this Strawberry Shopping Center spot also o ers antipasti and hearty salads. Wine is served by the glass, half carafe or bottle. 800 Redwood Hwy, 415.383.0600, pizzaantica.com

PRABH INDIAN

KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Singh family, this restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food with gluten-free and vegan options. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabh indiankitchen.com

ROBATA GRILL AND SUSHI Japanese Robata translates as “by the fireside”; fittingly, food here can be cooked on an open fire and served in appetizer-size portions to pass around the table. Or, simply order your own sushi or entrée from the menu. 591 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com

SHORELINE COFFEE

SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this Mexican co ee shop is (to quote one Yelper) a “funky diner” with a small-town feel. Enjoy the mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085

SMALL SHED

FLATBREADS California

Slow food chef Ged Robertson uses only local, mostly organic ingredients. The restaurant o ers a selection of wine (glass or bottle) to pair with local favorites like the Mt. Tamal-pie, a delicious fresh salad served atop a cheesy ﬂatbread. If you’re in the mood to dine at home, Small Shed also o ers and assortment of take and make options. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, smallshed.com

SWEETWATER MUSIC

HALL CAFE American

Located at the entrance of Sweetwater Music Hall, the cafe is a small oasis of calm, dedicated to the F.L.O.S.S. philosophy: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. O ering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu includes brown-butter scrambled eggs on avocado toast, crispy chicken sliders with gingery cabbage

slaw and vegan Thai spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

TAMALPIE Italian

Traditional pizzas from a 1,500-year-old recipe, with organic ingredients gathered from the farmers’ market twice weekly. Sit indoors or out; enjoy starters like creamy polenta, salads, and pies with names like Hoo-kooE-koo and Railroad Grade. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpiepizza.com

THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of Strawberry Village. Diners come for the tasty kee mao noodles, pad thai, fresh rolls and extensive bar menu. It’s also a great place for lunch. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444, theplela.com

COMFORTS CAFE

American This cozy spot features local ingredients and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Be sure to try the Philly cheesesteak and Chinese chicken salad, both classics. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com

TONY TUTTO PIZZA

Italian Tony has been pouring his passion for pizza into his cooking for two decades and is now sharing his family recipes: “We feature creative artisan-style pizza using the best imported, natural and local organic ingredients.” Mostly outdoor seating, so dress accordingly. Dine in or take out. 246 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646, tonytuttopizza.com

VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience at this one-room trattoria. Try one of the restaurant’s pasta dishes or thin-crust pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343, vascomillvalley.com

NOVATO

BOCA PIZZERIA

Italian Authentic pizza prepared with fresh mozzarella made in house daily and tomatoes imported from

Italy. Other menu items include grilled rosemary chicken sandwiches and braised beef short rib pappardelle. Weekly specials include 50 percent o all wines by the bottle on Wednesdays and half o draft beers on Thursdays. 454 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.2302, bocapizzeria.com

BOCA STEAK & SEAFOOD South

American Bring a date or celebrate a special event at this classic steak house, which features chef George Morrone’s (Aqua, Fifth Floor) Argentinean heritage. The grass and grain-fed steaks are cooked over oak and almond. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com

CHIANTI CUCINA

Italian This cozy eatery features an array of Italian and American choices, including a penne pesto described by one Yelp contributor as a “hot creamy bowl of heaven.” Another

standout menu item is the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Chris Harman. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314, chiantinovato.com

FINNEGAN’S MARIN

American This pub-style restaurant features tasty appetizers, grilled ﬂatbread pizzas and entrées such as New York steak, garlic herb chicken and a braised beef and pork ragu. Wine, beer and cocktails are available. 877 Grant Ave, 415.899.1516, ﬁnnegansmarin.com

HILLTOP 1892 California

Situated on a historic estate in Novato with sweeping views, Hilltop 1892 o ers traditional favorites with a California ﬂair. Open from breakfast through dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com

LEFTCOASTDEPOT

American Located in Old Town Novato, this new eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by chef Mike Garcia formerly of Toast. Fare highlights include chicken pear salad and mac ’n’ cheese. 807 Grant Ave, 415.897.7707, leftcoastdepot.com

MUSCIO’S Italian

Inspired by the tradition of family dinners, Muscio’s is serving up traditional Italian food. Meals include Mom’s Fettuccine with Prawns (gluten-free rigatoni available), My Sister’s Minestrone Soup and pesto chicken pizza. The kids’ menu encourages the whole family to spend an evening at Muscio’s. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, muscios.com

RICKEY’S RESTAURANT

& BAR

American Besides a full-service restaurant and bar (with banquet/ meeting rooms,) this comfort food classic

o ers poolside dining and a garden patio overlooking green lawns. During the summer, dine while listening to jazz by the pool from 6:30–9:30 p.m. 250 Entrada Drive, 415.883.9477. rickeysrestaurant.com

RUSTIC BAKERY

TAVOLAITALIAN

KITCHEN Italian A neighborhood gathering place for friends and family, Tavola o ers locally sourced and sustainable produce, meats and decor. Traditional favorites like heirloom tomato and zucchini panini and minestrone soup pay homage to its Italian roots. Open for Sunday brunch. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.883.6686, tavolaitaliankitchen.com

TOAST American Sister to the popular Mill Valley location, Toast Novato features outdoor dining and contemporary architchture by Stanley Saitowitz. The spacious restaurant is ideal for large parties and families. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com

WILDFOX American

Perched on the hillside o Highway 101, this rustic mesquite grill features smooth cosmos and other beverages and a menu full of comfort dishes like seafood risotto with bits of butternut squash.

Chinese Chicken Salad

In the mood for a cigar? The restaurant has a lengthy list of options. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

ROSS

CAFE ON THE COMMON French A quaint one-room co eehouse centrally situated near Ross Common. Get there early for the full selection of pastries to enjoy with fresh-squeezed orange juice. 22 Ross Common, 415.461.2205

MARCHÉ AUX

FLEURS French This gem of a restaurant is known for cuisine showcasing locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxﬂeurs restaurant.com

TRATTORIA FRESCO

Italian Every neighborhood deserves a one-room trattoria like this one. The service is friendly and the farmers’-market-fresh food is fabulous — especially the gnocchi. 13 Ross Common, 415.464.0915, frescotrattoria.com

SAN ANSELMO

BISTRO 330 French

In the heart of San Anselmo, Bistro

330 features simple French cuisine: steak frites, mussels, crème brûlée and more. 330 San Anselmo Ave, 415.460.6330

BUBBA’S DINER

American Kids will be begging for seconds and so will adults at this hopping local hangout. Burgers, shakes and fries—and homemade apple pie. 566 San Anselmo Ave, 415.459.6862, bubbas-diner.net

Chitarra alla Carbonara at Tavola in Novato

Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa)

INSALATA’S Mediterranean Awardwinning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling o ers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats.

120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com

L’APPART RESTO

French Owners Bruno Denis and Olivier Souvestre, of Le Garage, o er a menu most Francophiles would be proud of, complete with items like smoked herring, bone marrow and cassoulet de legumes. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com

MARINITAS Mexican

The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to ﬂourish as a bastion of creative Latin cuisine in Marin. It may not be as lowpriced as most Mexican restaurants in the area, but this is not your typical south-of-theborder spot. The festive atmosphere and funky decor complement the excellent food for a classy, lively experience. Finish with the rich tres leches cake. This place gets packed, so make reservations.

218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

SAN GERONIMO

TWO BIRD CAFÉ

California This roadside cafe has it all, including fresh ﬁsh and goodies from the garden. These guys were doing local and sustainable even before it was cool. 625 San Geronimo Valley Dr, 415.488.0105, twobirdcafe.com

SAN RAFAEL

AMICI’S EAST COAST

PIZZERIA California The array of pizzas includes gluten-free crust options and the new Siciliano, an enticing mix of mozzarella, slowroasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper ﬂakes, sans tomato sauce. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com

ARIZMENDI BAKERY

California A workerowned bakery, Arzimendi prides itself on using the freshest, most local ingredients available. Known for the famous wolverines and cheese rolls, it also cooks up an assortment of mu ns, pastries and sourdough bread pizzas. 1002 Fourth St, 415. 456.4093, arizmendibakery.org

ODALISQUE CAFÉ

Mediterranean

This casual art cafe was inspired by “La Grande Odalisque,” an oil painting of a slave done in 1814 by Jean-AugusteDominque Ingres. Menu items are built from seasonal items available at farmers’ markets and include persimmon salad, roasted butternut squash risotto and a variety of pizzettas. 1335 Fourth St, 415.460.1335, odalisquecafe.com

SAN RAFAEL JOE’S Italian Guido and Theresa Farina run this Marin institution, which has been famous for sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. Great for large parties, the dining room holds 240. The Paciﬁc red snapper meunière and roast sirloin of beef are standouts. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com

SOL FOOD Puerto

Rican With south-ofthe-border treats like yellow rice, beans and plantains and authentic Puerto Rican specialties, this one-room eatery on Fourth Street just o Highway 101 can be hard to get into, but it’s worth the wait. No alcohol served. 903 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, solfoodrestaurant.com

TAJ OFMARIN Indian

Delicious North and South Indian cuisine, from the $8.95 lunch special to dinners that include goat curry, spinach, lentils and tandoori. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available. 909 4th Street, 415.459.9555, tajofmarin.com

TERRAPIN CROSSROADS

American Phil Lesh opened this waterfront restaurant and music venue serving fresh food and local talent. Menu includes salads, savory dishes and wood-ﬁred pizzas to go with a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Come for the food, stay for the music.

100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapin crossroads.net

WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT

California/Caribbean

Owner and chef Bill Higgins serves reasonably priced and delicious tapas. Save room for delicious ﬁsh tacos and yummy chocolate bread pudding. On Sundays, try the $3 glasses of sangria. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian

Father-and-son chefs Pasquale and Alfredo Ancona o er handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti at this authentic Italian restaurant, which has been showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for the past 24 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com

AURORA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA Italian

The three-year-old Aurora Ristorante in

Luxury Retirement Living in Marin County

In the natural splendor of Marin County there is a 30-acre community for people of independent minds who require homes re ecting their own expressed wishes and active lifestyles. Where distinctive quality, attention to detail, access to health care providers and the abundance of services provide a truly remarkable value.

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Pain Medicine Consultants

• Experts in minimally invasive & non-surgical treatments of back and neck pain.

• If you do need surgery, we have strong relationships with the best surgeons in the country

• Double Board Certified. Trained at Harvard, Stanford, and the Mayo Clinic.

Phone: (925) 287-1256 www.painmedicineconsultants.com Offices in Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, & Novato

The B4 Sandwich at Davey Jones Deli in Sausalito

Ruben Kalra MD

Richard Shinaman MD

William Longton MD

Novato ﬁnally has a counterpart in southern Marin. Aurora o ers traditional Italian food, a full bar and friendly service. Great for families, groups, dates and sports enthusiasts, who can keep up to date on the game via large ﬂatscreen TV. 300 Valley St, 415.339.8930, aurorasausalito.com

CIBO Cafe Marinites love to stop here for outdoor co ee. Husband-and-wife team Alfredo and Tera Ancona o er a menu of tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. Located in the historic brick building at 1201 Bridgeway. 415.331.2426, cibosausalito.com

DAVEY JONES DELI

American Stationed in the New Bait Shop Market since May 2010, Davey Jones Deli boasts house-roasted sandwich meats, healthy condiments and local, organic vegetables. The deli o ers sandwiches, veggiewiches, wraps and

salads with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options. 1 Gate 6 Rd, 415.331.2282, daveyjonesdeli.com

FENG NIAN Chinese Busy at lunch and dinner, this spacious hangout has been a popular spot for wonton soup, pot stickers and daily specials for nearly two decades. For an indulgent treat order the Szechwan crispy calamari or honey-glazed walnut prawn. Free delivery. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com

FISH Seafood It is all about the fresh catch here. You can dine at one of the picnic tables or purchase ﬁsh to cook at home. Casual, and bring cash (lots of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331ﬁsh.com

KITTI’S PLACE Thai/ California Known for the tasty Chinese chicken salad and spring rolls. Owner Kitti Suthipipiat was the cook at Comforts in San Anselmo for many years. Try weekly

BRICK & BOTTLE

California

Sourcing local and artisanal ingredients, executive chef Scott Howard brings simple California cuisine to Corte Madera’s Brick & Bottle. The restaurant features a large bar area, an outdoor patio and family-friendly dining. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.924.3366, brickandbottle.com

SPINNAKER Seafood

Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautiful plate presentations. Set right on the water, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500, thespinnaker.com

specials like the Thai Toast: crispy sliced baguette topped with shrimp and chicken. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com

LEGARAGE French

Escape the touristy Sausalito spots and grab brunch right on the water. The atmosphere is animated with light French music (think Amélie). The Kobe Burger, though not as Parisian as the other menu items, is to die for, and the much-adored croque-monsieur is under $10. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistrosausalito. com

MURRAY CIRCLE

American Enjoy the sun on the deck of this Cavallo Point restaurant. Locals say they come back for the fresh seasonal specials like wild sturgeon and Wolfe Ranch quail. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com

NAPA VALLEYBURGER

COMPANY American

Serving local, all-natural and organic meats, produce and wines, this burger joint o ers classic burgers (glutenfree buns available), fries, salads, tacos and root beer ﬂoats. With outdoor and indoor tables, the space can accommodate up to 100 people. 670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454, napavalleyburgercompany.com

POGGIO Italian A classic Italian trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Executive chef Peter McNee cooks up delicious Northern Italian cuisine using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com

SALITO’S Seafood In a well-known location on Richardson Bay that was most recently home to Paradise Bay. Salito’s features a new look and casual ambience. Enjoy a Nick and Nora’s Cocktail

Special or a signature dish, including whole roasted Dungeness crab, house-made kettle bread served with Straus butter and sizzling iron skillets of mussels. 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, salitoscrabhouse.com

SEAFOOD PEDDLER

Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Varieties of East and West Coast ﬁsh are ﬂown in daily. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com

SEAHORSE Italian

The spacious dining area, stage and dance ﬂoor make Seahorse perfect for both small and large celebrations. Enjoy a modern twist on classic Tuscan coastal cuisine while shaking your booty to the nightly live music and entertainment. 305 Harbor Dr, 415.331.2899, sausalitoseahorse.com

SUSHI RAN Japanese Fresh, innovative small plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-your-mouth good, and the wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barﬂy satisﬁed. The prices don’t deter the herd of sushi enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com

TASTE OF THE HIMALAYAS Himalayan Born in the foothills of the Himalayas, siblings Pemba, Dawa and Pasang serve up favorites from Nepal, Tibet and India. The restaurant focuses on blending di erent cultures and cuisines: spices from India, spirituality from Tibet, hospitality from Nepal and the freshness of ingredients from California. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335, himalayaca.com

THE TRIDENT Seafood

Originally a turn-ofthe-century building constructed in 1898 for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant reopened in October after a remodel. Executive chef James Montejano, known for supporting local farmers, ﬁshermen and organic food producers, prepares dishes like Hawaiian mahi mahi ﬁsh tacos

King Salmon

and grilled swordﬁsh. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com

TIBURON

CAPRICE California

Book the private party room for large groups or just relax in what one Yelp reviewer called “the perfect romantic dinner spot.” Midweek, take advantage of the restaurant’s wellpriced three-course dinners for less than $25. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com

SALT & PEPPER

American This sunﬁlled, hardwood-ﬂoored one-room restaurant with blue-checkered tablecloths is a local favorite. Popular items on chef Abraham Monterroso’s menu include scallops, rib-eye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce. 38 Main Street, 415.435.3594

SAM’SANCHOR CAFE

American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy transfat-free calamari, fresh ﬁsh, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Executive Chef Massimo Covello comes to the kitchen via Frantoio and Piazza D’Angelo; here, he cooks up an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas and seasonal specialties.

A member of Marin Organic and one of Marin’s ﬁrst eateries to become certiﬁed as a green business, Servino uses fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Check the website for the live music schedule. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

TIBURON TAVERN

California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting, with two outdoor patios, two indoor ﬁreplaces and candlelit tables at dinner. No item is more than $20, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. M–F. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com

WEST MARIN

DRAKESBEACH CAFE

American If you’re OK with the long drive, you can’t beat the view and the fresh, local ingredients used to make the burgers, salads and soups at this casual spot (Inverness). Walk on the beach after lunch. 1 Drakes Beach Rd, 415.669.1297, drakescafe.com

NICK’S COVE American Menu consists of the freshest available local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms, including Bodega Bay Dungeness crab cake and Tomales Bay clam chowder (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com

ATELIER ZOBEL

Best of Marin Paciﬁc Sun 2012-2013

Editors’ Choice Marin Magazine 2012

Free Financing

Your Bridal Boutique

For more local restaurant listings, visit us online at marinmagazine. com/dine

Bon Air Shopping Center, Greenbrae CA 94904

From family-night to date-night and special events, Brick & Bottle brings a fresh approach to California cuisine. Enjoy favorites such as thincrust pizzas, Mary’s chicken, braised short ribs, organic salads, and healthy Kids’ meals. Join us at the bar for lite bites and lively conversation.

Brick & Bottle

55 Tamal Vista Blvd

Consistently rated “Best of Marin,” Comforts offers fine city and home-style food. Our menus change daily to reflect what is fresh and in season, using only the best, quality ingredients. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in our café, or choose from a wide range of take-out items. Catering also available. Open 7 days.

Comforts Cafe

415.924.3366

Corte Madera, CA brickandbottle.com

wine list. Each month, a special regional dinner menu is featured. Groups of all sizes are welcome!

Il Fornaio

223 Corte Madera Town Ctr

335 San Anselmo Avenue

415.454.9840

San Anselmo, CA comfortscafe.com

NOW OPEN! LaPlancha Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar. Sizzling with flavor, LaPlancha uses authentic recipes and adds unique twists with a fresh salsa bar, organic tortillas and fresh squeezed juices. Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

LaPlancha Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar

415.927.4400

Corte Madera, CA ilfornaio.com

60 Madera Boulevard

415.924.6297

Corte Madera, CA laplanchagrill.com

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speak up

What is your business mantra?

alan roberts, owner at pelo Cycling and Fitness

Pelo is a fun, challenging and life-changing ﬁtness experience designed for everyone. Our focus is on indoor cycling, with state-of-theart bikes and a proprietary system that adjusts every rider’s workout to his or her individual ﬁtness level. We also offer yoga and TRX classes to complement and complete the cycling workout.

Most people would like to be more ﬁt, but there are three obstacles that usually get in the way: time, motivation and intimidation. Our mantra is “remove the obstacles to ﬁtness” so, to that end, we provide a great workout in just 60 minutes. Our instructors are fun and inspiring and our studio is friendly and comfortable so everyone feels at ease.

Why indoor cycling?

I rediscovered my love for cycling when my family moved to Marin

scott sherman, president/CEo at AvidGreen Fine Landscaping, Vineyards and Backyard Farms

AvidGreen builds beautiful, sustainable gardens. Drawing on deep scientiﬁc training and construction experience, we design for ornamental beauty, seasonal colors, abundant wildlife, fragrant ﬂowers, delicious fruits and vegetables and fresh culinary herbs. Our gardens are water wise, organic and eco-friendly. We passionately aim to create gardens that give deep pleasure every day of the year.

Brieﬂy describe your business philosophy.

We work with nature, drawing upon deep scientiﬁc knowledge, to build beautiful and productive gardens. Often the gardens include vineyards and backyard farms. Our methods and designs are organic, sustainable, water wise and eco-friendly.

Your thoughts regarding working with a spouse, family or partner?

I’d love our three teenage sons to spend more time with us in the ﬁeld. Landscaping is a deeply rewarding profession where science, design, biology, ecology and art intersect. We affect the daily lives of our customers. That is a special responsibility that I am honored to take on. Collaboration can be key on projects. We can work with almost anyone.

eight years ago. Riding helped me lose 45 pounds and changed my life, but riding outdoors is just not for everyone. Indoors, we can control the climate, crank up the music, guide the workout and measure results. There is also a great social environment of people who want to stay ﬁt and have fun doing it.

What is your competitive edge?

Well, we do have a huge technological advantage over other cycling studios because we designed and own our Power Zones training system, but really our edge is our customer service. All of our customers are part of the Pelo tribe and we’ll do almost anything to ensure they have a great experience here. Whether we stay one studio or become 100, this will always stay the same.

Whom is Pelo for?

We’ve tried to create a system that serves a large cross section of people and it seems to be working. For busy people who want to stay in shape, we’re a superfun workout with great music and inspirational teachers. For cyclists, we’re a workout that translates directly to the bike and to riding outdoors. For competitive athletes, we’re using technology to provide real, measurable training that is based on sound exercise physiology.

PELO CYCLING AND FITNESS, 171 THIRD STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, 415.459.7356, PELOFITNESS.COM

What is your competitive edge?

I have an M.S. in horticulture and viticulture from UC Davis, plus a lifetime of hands-on gardening experience. We also have topcaliber craftsmen who can build virtually anything.

Which product or service that you offer is your favorite?

Bringing visions and dreams to life with hardscapes, trees and plants that thrive. We do this while conserving water.

What makes you excel at what you do?

We excel because we have a sincere passion for what we do, born of a love of garden and outdoor design, a deep science education and a passion for biology and horticulture.

AVIDGREEN FINE LANDSCAPING, VINEYARDS AND BACKYARD FARMS, 283 NORTH ALMENAR DRIVE, GREENBRAE, CA 94904, 415.461.8477, AVIDGREEN.COM, SCOTT@AVIDGREEN.COM

On the Scene

SNAPSHOTS FROM SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARIN AND SAN FRANCISCO EDITED BY D ANIEL JEWETT

MARIN CATHOLIC FASHION SHOW AND FUNDRAISER

More than 1,100 people attended the “Hooray for Hollywood” event March 16 at the Marin Civic Center. Proceeds from silent, live and wine auctions and a marketplace helped raise $340,000 for the Kentfield high school.

BOUQUETS TO ART More than 125 of the Bay Area’s most innovative floral designers created arrangements inspired by masterpieces on view at the de Young Museum. The March 19 opening gala benefited the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

A shley, Gail and Carsten Andersen

Clara Firestone, B ob Gossett and Shelly Dorr

Suzanne Galuszka, Kathy R yan, Tim Navone, Shannon Alten and B eth Walker

M ARIN YOUNG PROFESS IONAL S NETWORK Marin’s up-and-comers celebrated the first anniversary of the networking organization with casino games, dinner and dancing at the StoneTree Golf Club on February 15. Proceeds benefited the Marin Humane Society.

MARIN ADVOC ATES FOR CH ILDREN KPIX channel 5 reporter Julie Watts hosted an evening of delicious food, live music, a silent and live auction and a raffle, all benefiting MAC. Funds raised were used to provide prevention and advocacy services for Marin’s most vulnerable.

NATIONAL CHARIT Y LE AGU E The League will honor the 2013 senior class on May 5 at Ross School. These young leaders have volunteered more than 2,000 hours with 22 local philanthropies in Marin and San Francisco over the past six years.

Jennifer Bowes, Eugena Kelly Valera and Krystalynn Schlegel

Back row: M egan Daly, Payne Cowley, L auren M annix and Blaine Darden. M iddle row: Cassidy Lynch, Celeste Carswell, O livia LaRocca, Alaina Waluk and Hillary Fazekas. Front row: M adeleine Tsao, Isabel Verhille, Alexandra Welisch, Isabelle Carbone and Alexandra Hood.

Jennifer Wana, Denise Thomas and Kevin Chen

Melissa Lasky and Mollie Squires

Marin Magazine Celebrates ART!

This year we’re excited about our renewed partnership with Marin Open Studios, the popular art exhibit that takes place two weekends in May — May 4–5 and May 11–12, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m — throughout Marin County. Below is a sampling of Marin artists who are opening their studios for public viewing.

My own intention as an artist is to open and widen the viewer’s gaze, to take them to a certain point and let them finish the journey. Call for a fun appointment or stop by during open studios.

Francis Snyder

Open Studios: May 11 & 12; 1pm5pm 40 Ross Ave., Apt 2, San Anselmo, CA

415.823.4837 francissnyderart.com

I love to paint. Sometimes the work flows almost without my help; other times it resists. We start over, the paint and I. Then the harmony begins again.

Judith Miller

Open Studios: May 11 & 12; 11am6pm 41 Frustuck Ave., Fairfax, CA

415.258.9851 jjart.com

Aurora Art Studios is a combination gallery and artist studio space located in San Rafael. Come by to view exceptional representational art works from: Dirck Brinckerhoff, Dusty Divine, Victoria Divine (painting shown), Jim Fish, and Zimou Tan.

Aurora Art Studios

Open Studios: May 4 & 5, 11 & 12; 11am-6pm 1350 4th Street, San Rafael, CA

415.457.1577 auroraartstudios.com

Painter Emmeline Craig welcomes you with an array of serene and whimsical works at her brand new Blissful Gallery in Stinson Beach. Open Friday through Monday, Noon to 5pm, every week.

The Blissful Gallery

3415 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, CA

415.868.2787 emmelinecraig.com

CONNECTED WITH STAY

Marin Magazine is now available on the Apple Store, Google Play and Amazon appstore. All for FREE. Print . Online . Mobile . iPad FEATURES l IN MARIN l DESTINATIONS l CONVERSATION CALENDAR l DINE l MARIN HOME l LOOKING BACK

Y FOR YOUTH LUNCHEON Youth artists served as emcees and provided live music and original art for the March 8 luncheon at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. More than 400 guests attended the annual event benefiting the YMCA of San Francisco.

RACE FOR CUP Marin Magazine announced its plan to publish a special guide for the 2013 America’s Cup at a party at the Trident in Sausalito April 3. Guests enjoyed appetizers, heard from guest speakers and learned more about Race for the Cup: The Ultimate 2013 Summer Guide.

C ANA L ALL IANCE 30TH A NNIVER SARY The alliance celebrated 30 years of service to the immigrant community of Marin County late last year at Osher Marin JCC and honored community leaders Gail and Larry Siegel and Rosa Felix.

David Freeman, Charlie Thornton, Roxanne Richards, Josh Thornton and Bob Zerbst

M ichael and Stephanie M artin and Euan Taylor

Andrea Schultz, Dan Rheiner and M aria Pitcairn

James Demmert and Adrienne Coenen

Tom Wilson and Gail and Larry Siegel

LIGHT IT UP B LU E Sites all over the country, including a tree at Vintage Oaks in Novato, were covered in blue lights on April 2 for World Autism Awareness Day. Shop owner Nicole Hitchcock, mother of an autistic son, spearheaded the Novato event.

E XPLORATORI UM LAUNCH

PARTY Guests celebrated the launch of the Exploratorium’s new waterfront campus at Pier 15. The March 7 event took place at the Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco.

Julia M usgrove and Nicole Hitchcock

Karen Kaplan, Cheryl M arkowitz and Laura Briggin

Elizabeth Fullerton, Sandy O tellini, G eorge Cogan, Cameron Phleger and Fannie Allen

Laura M iller and V’Anne Singleton

Patricia Arellano, Scott Marlowe and E mma Tookey

Join Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) and celebrated artists for the 16th Annual Ranches & Rolling Hills Landscape Art Show and Sale.

Proceeds from the art show protect Marin County’s family farms and the delicious local food they produce.

MAY 18 TH 2 pm – 5 pm • May 19 TH 10 am – 4 pm PREVIEW LUNCH MAY 18 TH 11 am – 2 pm DRUI D ’S HA LL, N ICASIO

For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to www.malt.org or call 415-663-1158.

SPONSORS: COWGIRL CREAMERY, EDIBLE MARIN & WINE COUNTRY, LA BOULANGE CAFÉ & BAKERY, MARIN COUNTRY MART, PAM FERRARI CUSTOM CATERING, POINT REYES FARMSTEAD CHEESE CO., PG&E, ROOST, THREE TWINS ICE CREAM, UNITED MARKETS, WHOLE FOODS MARKET

Create Your Dream Garden

• Majestic Trees, Seasonal Wildflowers

• Fragrant, Colorful Blossoms

• Butterflies, Birds, Bees & Hummingbirds

• Organic Fruits & Vegetables

• Beautiful Stonework

• Integral Arbors, Trellises

• Custom Green Houses

• Eﬃcient Irrigation

• Sustainable, Organic Living

Linda Banks Interiors

The Restylane family of products includes Restylane� , Restylane-L®, Perlane� , and Perlane-L®. These products can be used to add volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). Restylane may also be used for lip enhancement in patients over 21 years. Ask your doctor which is right for you.

Products in the Restylane family should not be used by people with previous bad allergies, particularly to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria, or by people with serious allergies to drugs that have previously required in-hospital treatment. These products should not be used by people with bleeding disorders. Products should not be injected anywhere except the skin, just under the skin (Perlane and Perlane-L only), or in the lips (Restylane only).

Restylane-L and Perlane-L should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to lidocaine.

Use at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. In these instances, product use could delay healing or make your skin problems worse. After treatment, you might have some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, or tenderness. These are typically mild in severity and normally last less than 7 days in nasolabial folds and less than 14 days in lips. Swelling may be more likely in patients under 36 years, and bruising may be more likely in patients over 35 years. Rarely, the doctor

may inject into a blood vessel, which can damage the skin. Although rare, red or swollen small bumps may occur. If you have had facial cold sores before, an injection can cause an outbreak. To avoid bruising and bleeding, you should not use the products if you have recently used drugs that thin your blood or prevent clotting. Products should not be used during pregnancy, when breastfeeding, or in patients under 18 years for nasolabial folds.

Treatment volume should be limited to 6.0 mL in wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and limited to 1.5 mL per lip (Restylane only), as greater amounts significantly increase moderate and severe injection site reactions. The safety or effectiveness of treatment in areas other than nasolabial folds and lips (Restylane only) has not been established in controlled clinical studies.

The Restylane family of products is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete product and safety information is available at www.RestylaneUSA.com.

Marin Home

A SEMINARY SANCTUARY

A family of 13 puts down roots.

By PJ Bremier • Photos By tim Porter

The three-story hillside home has great views and plenty of room.

EVERY TIME M ARIA King, her husband, Greg, and their 11 children left her parents’ San A nselmo home for a return trip back to Benicia, a pang would hit her.

“I kept thinking this is the wrong way,” she recalls. “ It felt like I was turning my back on my parents and, as much as we all loved B enicia, it felt like we should be going the other direction.”

Finally, she and Greg, an electrical engineer, began looking at homes where they could rear and educate their children, ranging in age from 19 months to 23 years old, in the Seminary area, the same San A nselmo neighborhood where she and her six siblings grew up.

Six years ago, the couple found a home they really liked, but the price tag for the 4,300-square-foot, four-bedroom, threebathroom house on a sunny half-acre was too high. “It didn’t sell so we kept praying about it and, three years later, it came on the market again,” she says. Still, it was too expensive.

By this time, the Kings — adults, children and pets — had moved into a two-bedroom home just down the hill from her parents’ home and across from a local school. “It was a sweet house but just too tight for us,” Maria says with a laugh. “I kept getting bruises every time I turned around.”

Then, last year, the home they had prayed about for six years came back on the market. This time, they could a ord it.

“Nobody was snapping it up and we were just so excited,” she says. “ T his house felt like home right away and when we got it, everyone just exhaled. We were up here eating ice cream before you knew it.”

The three-story home was constructed in 1991 in the same Craftsman style of the house that formerly occupied the site. In addition to the four bedrooms, there’s a spacious kitchen with two refrigerators and a pantry, a large dressing room, an o ce cum “new puppy”

room, an elevator, two ﬁreplaces and the children’s classroom.

Horseshoes in the driveway and hitching rings on the stone wall pay homage to the estate’s former stables, now a two-story, 1,100-square-foot cottage just below the main house.

“T his home was originally built as a summer home in 1917 and was one of the largest properties in the area,” explains Rosalie Weigle, the selling agent. “ I sold this same home to other clients almost 20 years ago and always rented the magical cottage for them. E veryone who rented it — six in all — became pregnant with boys.”

T here’s a magical tranquility to the garden, too, where a path winds its way along the house, o ering access to an enclosed vegetable garden, a terrace for entertaining, an orchard ﬁlled with fruit, nut and citrus trees and a hilltop swath of lawn.

“We love the serenity of this property,” Maria says. “It means everything to us that the kids have peace in their lives and that they’re happy and healthy. Still we can just run downhill and be in the middle of San Anselmo anytime we want.” m

Top: Maria and Greg with 10 of their 11 children and the family’s three dogs. Bottom: A simple desk with a backdrop of hillside views.

THE DETAILS

WHERE THEY PURCHASED The Seminary area of San Anselmo

WHAT THEY BOUGHT A three-story shingled Craftsman-style house with two-bedroom guesthouse

LISTING AGENT Rosalie Weigle, Frank Howard Allen Realtors

SELLING AGENT David Formichi, Coldwell Banker

STATS Average cost per square foot for homes in neighborhood: $500

Clockwise from top left: Pathway views from the kitchen; the kitchen has plenty of counter space; the dining room; Greg gives son G eorgio a push on the swing; the living room with the classroom beyond; the master bath overlooks the upper garden.

More Space

A large San Rafael family looks to reclaim the living and family rooms.

BY SOPHIE SHULMAN

THE LIVING ROOM and family rooms were remodeled in 2012 in this home in the Dominican area of San R afael. T he owners, a couple with four young children, envisioned moving family activity from small spaces to the largest room, the living room, which had previously sat empty and unused. T hey chose interior designer A nnie L owengart after falling for her fresh and youthful design style. Her practical creativity, balance of form and function and ability to stay on budget sealed the deal.

after Family Room

before

CHANGES

Painted the walls a high gloss (Benjamin Moore Polo Blue) to give them a more contemporary feel. Juxtaposed different patterns like the geometric shapes in the carpet and the dots on the pillow. Made custom 24-inch pillows that were good for both lounging and pillow fighting. Had a custom sectional built to fit the room and maximize the space by Partridge Associates. Added lime green color for a touch of whimsy.

CHALLENGES

Before the redesign, this room had almost no architectural detail. To create contrast in the small space, Lowengart chose a chocolate and navy palette. Because the room is used for relaxation, she incorporated seating that was comfortable, durable and aesthetically pleasing.

P RI C ES

Coffee table Crate and Barrel, “Lodge” model table, $699

Custom sectional Partridge Associates in San Francisco, $10,000

Custom chair Partridge Associates in San Francisco, $4,500

after

Living Room

CHANGES

Used custom Schumacher ikat window treatments and pillows to make the space feel sophisticated, young and fun.

Created three different seating groups to provide separation and reduce the perceived size of the space.

Added table and floor lamps at different heights to give the lighting some depth.

Mirrored the sofa with the Restoration Hardware English Roll Arm Sofa and added big pops of color to contrast with the neutral walls.

Introduced a Jonathan Adler United States needlepoint pillow and some funky turquoise and green accessories.

CHALLENGES

Because the space is large with very tall ceilings, Lowengart had to create different seating groups to reduce the room’s cavernous feel.

PRI C ES

Custom drapes Schumacher “Darya Ikat” fabric, $3,000

Sofa Restoration Hardware English Roll Arm in Vintage Velvet, $2,780

Stools Wisteria “X-Base” with custom slipcovers, $600 each

I NTERIOR

For the past 12 years, Lowengart’s Marin-based business has grown from just kitchen and bathroom remodels to entire house redesigns and major interior decorating projects. Daily life is where she gets inspiration, and it sometimes pops up unexpectedly.

DESIGNER: ANNIE LOWENGART

Congratulations to Our Top Producing Agents

CHAIRMAN’S CLUB 2012

ancy Bandettini

my Rae Berman

Bruce Berlin er Jenni er Bo es Michael Barano ski

Donald Caruso

rances Donlan

Bob Donlan

Myra Drotman

Rose De n elo

Jasper Jari sterhuizen

adia errua

Donna alzon

David Galla her ndre alk

ric Gelman

ndrea orta

Diane o man

Congratulations to Our Top Producing Agents

CHAIRMAN’S CLUB 2012

Gene Laico

Julie Mendonca

Meryl Manthey

Kathleen Murphy Steven Level

Ryan Murphy

Beth Sasan Martin Sanz

Carol Scott Danielle Salk

Patricia Skipper

Cj Spielman

Deborah Solvason

Matt Thomas Zamira Solari

John Vantress

Spirit Wiseman

Laura Watts

PR SI NT’S CLUB 2012

Simonetta De La Renta

Joey Dibono

Michele Barton ermin Boyadjian Colleen Cornell

Chris od e

Carol Matney Michelle McCarthy Bill art

Lyndasue Johnson rlene Manalo

Peter arris

Dale aust

Lorraine Gemi niani Carolin Guerrero

Bob llis Sandra ittin Suzie itzpatrick

my Diller Laudensla er

Sheri ave Dito

Kenneth Praszker Carolyn Reid Sale

Domini ue ave Conroy

Sondra czkus Stella Perone

rinn Millar

Susan S an Jill To nsend Michael Williamsen

Sandy Sverdlo

lain Thillois Jeanne Thorsson

Mona Skyler

Raymond Bako ski

DANA JOHNSON PARK

6 Duff Lane, Ross • Offered at $5,295,000

This magnificent 5 bedroom, 5 bath traditional home is situated in the most desirable neighborhood in Ross. Gated and private, the approximately 3-acre property is truly stunning. Its floor plan features spacious rooms displaying superb craftsmanship and architectural details throughout. The main floor includes a formal entry, grand living room with fireplace, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with adjacent family room with fireplace, office with private full bath which can be used as a bedroom or guest suite and French doors in most rooms leading to the landscaped yard, patios, level lawn and swimming pool. Four bedrooms and three baths are on the upper level, including an exquisite master suite with gallery entrance and extensive closet space. Separate au pair or in-law suite with full bath and private entrance are on the lower level, as are the three-car garage, large utility room and wine cellar. This special estate offers the utmost in luxury and convenience.

SHOWCASE OF HOMES

431 BRIDGEWAY BOULEVARD, SAUSALITO

OFFERED AT $2,875,000

You won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the incredible views of San Francisco, shing boats busily reeling in their nets full of today’s catch, diving pelicans and migrating ocks of birds. Every room of this property opens out to views of sailboats, ferries and the occasional pirate ship by day, glittering bridges by night, not to mention spectacular sun and moon rises, Angel Island and Alcatraz. Be a spectator to America’s Cup while resting in your Master Bedroom, Dining Room, Kitchen or Living Room. e two-car garage safeguards your Ferraris and Smart Cars. e million-dollar view enhances this beautiful custom home -- a one of a kind property on the Sausalito waterfront. Here you can live in a charming village environment with the entire San Francisco area at your doorstep and separated from downtown only by the marvel of the engineering that is the Golden Gate Bridge. With the National Recreation Area and great malls only minutes away, the perfect location. www.431Bridgeway.com

211 4TH STREET, SAUSALITO OFFERED AT $1,335,000

Not in MLS, this 2006 construction with fabulous view of the City and e Bay, features morph with traditional detailing including custom closets and cabinetry, bamboo and travertine oors on the main level, wall-to-wall carpet upstairs, granite and marble counters, gourmet kitchen with separate pantry, lovely traditional replace in the living room, o ce alcove, laundry area, landscaped yard, main oor balcony and master bedroom suite with gas replace and French balcony to create a convenient and beautiful living space. Storage is cleverly incorporated throughout. A one-car garage o ers additional storage area, and there is additional parking space outside. Expert craftsmanship throughout make living in this artistic home a joy. First oor open layout, entertaining is a breeze for large parties or an intimate dinner. e backyard is perfect for BBQs or quiet meditation. Quick and easy drive to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway 101, 2 blocks to buses or a waterfront stroll to ferries and Sausalito restaurants and shops could be considered a great amenity.

MADERA BLVD

is sunny 3 bedroom/1 bath home is a stellar opportunity to live in sought-after Madera Gardens, just a few blocks from award-winning Neil Cummins Elementary School and Corte Madera’s Town Center. Solid home in need of updating, perfectly located for a car-free life: great shops, cafes, services, and parks are all within a block or two. Golden Gate Transit stops just around the corner, so easy access to the city and the heart of Marin are truly right out your door.

Katrina

Kehl

Luxury Property Specialist

Paciﬁc Union is Proud to Welcome Katrina Kehl

Contact 415.378.9267

katrina.kehl@pacunion.com pacunion.com/agents/KatrinaKehl

DRE#00891615

About Katrina

Katrina Kehl has been happily involved in real estate for 27 years. For many years, she was a commercial real estate leasing broker in San Francisco with corporate clients including Yahoo and Peat Marwick, before transitioning to residential real estate sales. As a residential real estate broker for Paciﬁc Union in Marin County, Katrina is committed to helping home buyers ﬁnd that “Aha” property and home sellers make the optimal real estate deal happen.

825 Stony Hill Road

Tiburon Exclusively Listed at $3,950,000

This idyllic location encompasses serenity and privacy while displaying sensational framed panoramas of San Francisco, Golden Gate, Bay, and Mount Tamalpais. At the end of a cul-de-sac yet close to the bike path, this four bedroom, two and two half bath elegant custom contemporary home displays visually striking interior and exterior spaces. The estate displays a certain panache with alluring amenities that include a luscious pool and spa, three ﬁreplaces, huge two story art studio or very large family recreation room, o ce, exercise room, two car garage, three car carport, elevator, double door sound proof room for music practice and amazing storage everywhere. The residence provides a fabulous arrangement of indoor/outdoor living and dining areas that take advantage of the expansive panoramas. An atmosphere of hospitality and grace enchants the approximate 4,244 square foot residence on over an half an acre (27,000 sq.ft.)

The interior of the two level home delivers a rare blend of sophisticated elegance and relaxed modern ﬂair. Friends and family can reach the living level by a stunning atrium staircase or a comfy elevator. The impressive and well proportioned formal and informal living and dining rooms display soaring ceilings with doorways that spill out too relaxing decks, patios and gardens.

Clean lines and expansive wall space contribute to an interior that is conducive to art.

There is a contiguous 28,000.00 square foot lot which is also available for sale for one million dollars. This lot is located below this residence and fronts Stony Hill Road.

www.825stonyhill.com

DRE#01378539

Summit, Corte Madera

Howard Wynn Estates Director

12 Madrone Way

Exquisite Kent Woodlands Estate

Contact

415.828.9966

hwynn@pacunion.com

www.HowardWynn.com

DRE#01211722

Exceeding Expectations. Consistently. Top 1% in Marin County.

Exquisite shingle style home in the flats of Kent Woodlands. Custom designed and completed in 2007, this gated and private four bedroom, five and one-half bath home is defined by the finest quality materials and extraordinary craftsmanship. Highly functional floor plan with rooms of a grand scale, most with immediate access to the outdoors. Top quality finishes include distressed hickory floors, 10” custommoldings, a sumptuous master suite, a state-of-the-art media room, a 4,000 bottle temperature controlled wine room, and a kitchen, featuring a magnificent Belgian Hardwood island, that the finest chef would be pleased to call his or her own. Splendidly sited on ± .84 sunny, beautifully landscaped acres with a swimming pool & spa, lawn, and bocce ball court. Fully equipped solar, a 25,000+ gallon-per-day well, infrared digital security, a 200 Amp generator, an exercise room, a loggia with an outdoor fireplace, two garages with parking for up to nine cars, and a possible additional guest suite are among the many fine features of this stunning and distinctive home.

O ered at $7,995,000 www.12Madrone.com

10 Lagoon Road, Belvedere Listed for $1,850,000

Light-ﬁlled home on the Belvedere Lagoon with sunny Southwest exposure, the charm of a Nantucket vacation home, lawn, garden, boat dock, and privacy. French doors open to wrap-around porch. Perfect for enjoying swimming, stand-up boarding and sailing. Open kitchen, skylights, tiled baths and attached garage. Just steps to biking and walking path to downtown for the Ferry, shops, and restaurants.

Luxury Tiburon Home Listed for $3,250,000

This luxurious 5 bedroom, 5 bath Tiburon home with great presence was featured in California Home + Design magazine. Over 4400 sq. ft. of beautifully renovated and designed space on over half an acre with custom pool. Spacious living room with ﬁreplace, separate Formal dining room, expansive Great room, and doubleheight entryway with high volume ceilings. Call for address and appointment.

460 Ridge Road Tiburon Price Upon Request

Innovative modern architecture nestled in an inspiring Tiburon hills setting. This newly constructed 5000 sq.ft., five bedroom, five bath contemporary home is a statement of refined style and cutting edge technology fused with privacy in a natural setting. Located on an impressive half acre site in one of Marin County’s most coveted locales, this home is surrounded by superior Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and Bay views. 460 Ridge Road was thoughtfully designed and built with an eye for clean, simple and sophisticated lines incorporated into a functional flow for easy, modern living. A design masterpiece in harmony with its environment. For more information please visit www.460RidgeRoad.com

A Member of Real Living

Penny Wright-Mulligan

Luxury Property Specialist

Contact

415.601.8191

penny.wright-mulligan@pacunion.com

pennywrightmulligan.com

DRE#01495932

Early 2013 Sales & Activity

94 Saint Thomas Way, Tiburon Listed for $2,695,000

Buyer Representation

4221 Shelter Bay Avenue, Mill Valley Listed for $515,000

Seller Representation

215 Currey Lane, Sausalito Listed for $1,088,000

Buyer Representation

365 Crown Road, Kentﬁeld Listed for $1,195,000 Represented Seller with multiple o ers!

Also Coming Soon

Tiburon Waterfront Property

3+Br/2.5Ba home with a deep water boat dock. Beautifully ﬁnished with the ease of indoor/outdoor living! Please call me for more details.

328 Laurel Way, Mill Valley Listed for $995,000

Buyer Representation

574 Summit Avenue, Mill Valley

4Br/4Ba home with gorgeous views in desirable Middle Ridge.

Sausalito Duplex

3Br/2Ba plus studio, just a short walk to downtown. Great rental income. Please call me for more details.

$1,650,000

Ideally

www.24DelCasaDrive.com

Sexy, Chic, and Sophisticated, this mid century modern home with water views features a light, bright and open ﬂoor plan. Contemporary yet comfortable, this home boasts a pampering master suite, a chef’s kitchen, a gorgeously landscaped yard, and a large view deck o living/dining area ideal for entertaining! Easy access to 101 and just minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge! www.237Cleveland.com

237 Cleveland Avenue, Mill Valley

Marilyn Rich Luxury Property Specialist

Whitney Rich Luxury Property Specialist

Sophisticated Sausalito Contemporary

$5,380,000

erfectly set atop olfback idge on a nearly acre level lot, this magniﬁcent 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath residence overlooking San Francisco Bay boasts stunning views spanning from every room. The property has undergone a major transformation by renowned local architect Scott Couture, tastefully updated throughout with today’s most luxurious amenities. www.11WolfbackRidge.com

Architectural Masterpiece

$11,950,000

This premiere estate in one of Tiburon’s most exclusive neighborhoods boasts lavish interiors, spectacular gardens, and awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area. Retractable sunroof, spacious roof top terrace, and elevator enhance the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms. www.1PlaceMoulin.com

k.tavakoli@deckerbullocksir.com

San Rafael

$2,499,000

This three bedroom, two and one half bath custom Bayside Acres estate home offers stunning architecture, exquisite design & expansive Bay views. Designed for entertaining, the main level features include a grand entry, dramatic kitchen/great room, formal dining room, wine cellar and home office. The lower level features a luxurious master suite that opens to private spa and gardens, inviting home theater & third bedroom. Three car garage, workshop & hiking trails at your doorstep complete this fine home.

Sausalito

$3,995,000

This four bedroom, five bath classic New Victorian style home blends old world charm, luxury & elegance with dramatic views of the Bay & San Francisco. Built in 2005 with the fine attention to detail & highest quality finishes throughout. Ideal “Banana-Belt” location with fenced yard, four car garage, decks, patios, mature gardens, majestic oaks & easy access to town, ferry, Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

tional entﬁeld Estate e ed at $8, 00,000

Beautiful, private and gated, 2-story residence of exceptional quality and style with over 10,200 sq. ft. of interior living space comprising six bedrooms, seven and one-half baths in the main house, and separate one bedroom, one bath guest house. Dramatic gallery entrance foyer with sweeping staircase. uge family game room is of unmatched si e and style with stone fireplace, large arrara marble kitchen with breakfast room and fireplace, opening to rear courtyard, lawns and pool area. arge master bedroom with fireplace and balcony, large walk-in closets, and spa-like master bath with steam shower. arge butler s pantry, full service bar, wine cellar, separate gym. Meticulously landscaped on 1.20 acres, with large level lawns, pool, spa, gardens, courtyard with outdoor BBQ & kitchen, sport-court, and -car garage with double gated driveway. lose to award winning schools. Truly rare outstandingvalue.

Resort Style Estate in Tiburon

A world apart. Experience the best in casual living in intimate seclusion among country club-like grounds. An unassuming entry leads to your own private resort, close to everything yet situated in a quiet neighborhood. This 5 bedroom home features naturally illuminated rooms with its south east exposure. The spacious kitchen family room flows naturally to an expansive outdoor entertaining area with a BBQ terrace surrounded by gardens and level lawn, ideal for grand entertaining or intimate family gatherings. The master bedroom includes a fireplace and private terrace overlooking the views. Views of San Francisco and the Bay provide ever changing vistas. The lower floor includes an additional downstairs family room, media room and wine cellar. The indoor pool allows year round entertainment plus amenities such as wet & dry saunas and a full sized exercise room. The outdoor spa sits just outside the pool house. Among the landscaped grounds you will find an orchard, vegetable plot and cutting garden for your enjoyment.

www.60VistaTiburon.com

$4,995,000

East Coast Charm in Tiburon

Enter through the garden gate to this charming single level home on a level lot in a convenient location to schools and bike path into Tiburon. Recently remodeled with top of the line kitchen and baths.

Surrounded by a level lawn and gardens, this home features 4 bedrooms, a remodeled kitchen with eat-in area and adjacent family room. French doors open to an expansive deck for easy entertaining with spectacular vistas of sunsets and the Bay. High ceilings lend a feeling of spaciousness and hardwood ﬂoors provide a casual atmosphere. The formal living room has a ﬁreplace for intimate conversation and opens to the deck

The remodeled master suite is private and sunny with easy access to the outdoors. The master bath features u-heat ﬂoors and opens to a private en garden with fountain for moments of peaceful contemplation. www.luxhomesmarin.com

$1,900,000

Dominican Estate

$2,995,000

Featured as the 2007 Marin County Designers Showcase, this historic estate features ±6,700 sf on a 5 acre parcel adjacent to open space. Beautifully remodeled kitchen baths, lower level in-law area with separate entrance, ﬁ ne details, 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. Large spacious rooms, great outdoor space.

3052 Octavia Street, San Francisco

$3,999,000

This 4-bedroom, 3 full- and 2 half-bath home has received a stylish top-tobottom remodel. The contemporary design features an open ﬂoor plan, spacious rooms, high ceilings, attached garage, landscaped yard and decks. www.3052Octavia.com

Mark Millstein 415.601.9240

mark.millstein@sothebysrealty.com marinpremierhomes.com

Wonderful Winship Park

$1,425,000

Private and serene 3 bedroom, 2 bath Winship Park home in Ross. Great kitchen, full dining/living/family rooms. Beautiful deck with garden area. Close to schools and town. www.21LomaLinda.com

Matt MacPhee 415.816.2269

matt.macphee@sothebysrealty.com www.matthewmacphee.com

Kim Strub 415.218.4255

kimberly.strub@sothebysrealty.com www.kimstrub.com

Stylish House

$997,000

Located in Upper Lucas Valley on a corner lot with landscaped yard, pool and spa. Four bedroom, . bath ﬂoor plan boasts an open living dining room combo. Great Indoor/Outdoor Living! Located in the Dixie School District. www.1LuizCt.com

John Zeiter 415.720.1515

john.zeiter@sothebysrealty.com www.johnzeiter.com

Rare Sausalito Waterfront Home

$7,995,000

ebuilt to the highest standards and ﬁnishes in , this s uare foot ay Front home is one minute from the olden ate ridge offers luxury and the technological advantages of our time. reat for entertaining with direct access to San Francisco ay. This property includes plans for a boat dock. 40Alexander.com edroom Suites . athrooms Media oom fﬁce - ottle

SOON!

Sausalito’s “Laurel House” Call for Price uilt in , the aurel ouse one of Sausalito s oteworthy Structures and Sites. n the market after years, this special home en oys spectacular ay and San Francisco views. urrent owners have restored the residence retaining its historic moldings and ﬁnishes while updating the kitchen and baths for today s lifestyle situated in the anana elt one block above the ay and downtown.

Owners Unit: edrooms, aths, Family oom, Fireplaces, arge eck

Rental Unit: edroom, ath, arge iving- ining oom, itchenette - ar overed arport uest arking on riveway www.36Bulkley.com

SOON!

Ultimate Sausalito Garden Home Call for Price

This warm and inviting s . ft. home, originally built in , has been meticulously restored and is situated on over . acre. Stunning views, privacy, patios, decks, level nglish gardens as well as the desirable anana elt location and easy access to ighway , make this a rare find. bedrooms . baths library office fireplaces storage car parking deck bedroom- bath rental au pair unit www.108Spencer.com

COMING

Storybook Estate

Located in the desirable Seminary neighborhood of bucolic San Anselmo is a one-of-a-kind storybook Tudor estate. Formerly owned for 27 years by Lee Bunnel of the band America, the current owners purchased in 2003 and have lovingly renovated and restored the 1930 estate with the utmost integrity and meticulous attention to detail. The home boasts over 5,300 sq. ft. with 6 bedrooms, 5 full and 1 half bath, legal in-law/au pair, wine room, 2 laundry rooms, and 2-car garage. The gated property is 1.4 acres of gorgeous grounds with pool and breathtaking sweeping views of Ross Valley This truly special property offers privacy yet is so close to San Francisco and wine country. www.SanAnselmoEstate.com

$4,350,000

Stunning Lodge Property

Gated lodge home, perfectly set upon a private 2 acre knoll in the desirable Seminary neighborhood of San Anselmo. alk inside and find an inviting great room with stone fireplaces, tongue and groove beamed cathedral ceilings, chefs kitchen with Thermador 6 burner range, and breathtaking panoramic views directly to Mt. Diablo spanning from Oakland to Napa. Accented throughout, with knotty alder wood doors and cabinets, Montana slate and hardwood floors, granite countertops, plaster walls, and carrera marble in the bathrooms. Other features include a refrigerated wine cellar, swimming pool and hot tub, stone driveway, 2 car garage, and 5 wood burning fireplaces. ook no further for that retreat like home offering the perfect balance of comfort and taste.

$3,195,000

Beautifully remodeled and expanded contemporary with stunning views of Mt. Tam and surrounding scenery and great floor plan perfect for entertaining or private family gatherings. Elegant two-story entry foyer with grand staircase, open upper gallery and marble floor, sunken living room with hardwood floor and fireplace, formal dining room, and gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, large center isle with bar seating, and adjacent eating area open to large family room with built-in cabinets and fireplace and access to the view-side terrace. Two bedrooms (one currently used as an office) and one and one-half baths complete the entry level. Upper level master suite with lavish bath and large dressing room/closet, large ensuite bedroom, and 2 additional bedrooms with hall bath. Great location with end-of-street privacy and easy access to 101. Six bedrooms, four and one-half baths, three-car garage…

$2,695,000

Single-story family home on large level lot, filled with light from sunrise to sunset. The views are panoramic from Angel Island to the Tiburon Hills, Belvedere Lagoon, Richardson Bay, Mount Tamalpais, Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge. The property is situated on a private road with no through traffic and is very peaceful and quiet. Remodeled in 2007, it features an open floor plan with four bedrooms, three full baths, living room and dining room areas, wood burning fireplace, spacious kitchen, family/media room, office and a two car garage. Kitchen is appointed with custom bamboo cabinetry with some decorative glass, limestone countertops, Blanco sink, stainless steel appliances, Faber stainless steel and glass hood located over island cook top, and counter that serves as an informal eating area. Exterior includes a large level back yard with patio and a large level entrance and driveway… $3,795,000

Panoramic vistas spanning the San Francisco city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Belvedere Island and Sausalito from this spacious modern home. Formal living room with high ceiling includes an upper level gallery, fireplace, hardwood floors and access through French doors to the view-side deck. Formal dining room with access to deck, large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and center island with bar seating, family room with fireplace, and large master suite with lavish bath and large walk-in closet. The upper level has an en-suite bedroom, two additional bedrooms and hall bath. Lower level of house has an en-suite guest bedroom and a gym. Manicured courtyard garden and a terrific location up the hill on a cul-de-sac backing up to open space creates a deep sense of privacy. Five bedrooms, four and one-half baths, two car garage… $2,999,500

183 Lagunitas, Ross • Offered at $7,599,000

A long tree-lined lane leads to this fabulous estate located on 4+/- private acres in the heart of Ross. The dramatic foyer opens to all of the main living areas; formal dining room, living room and library. The spacious kitchen and family room are part of the enviable entertaining area which includes the pool, spa and built-in barbecue. Main house includes

and

along

Stinson Beach

$2,450,000

Beautiful 3/2 contemporary lagoon front home with stunning water and Mt. Tam ridge views in the gated community of Seadrift. Spacious open floor plan with separate sunroom and customized wet bar area. The serene home is filled with natural light, high end finishes such as clear French Travertine tile, top-of-the-line windows, granite counters and custom formed stainless steel bathroom fixtures. Multiple outdoor patios and deck areas for entertaining, relaxation and play. This home is a refuge. It offers a lifestyle to decompress, to enjoy with family & friends in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. www.179seadrift.com

Cristina di Grazia

It’s All About The Land

Rarely available, this unique Middle Ridge property with magnificent Mt. Tamalpais views is comprised of two separate parcels of .75+/-acre and .5+/-acre with a charming 4 bedroom, 2 bath house. West-facing with a large amount of level "terra firma", it affords multiple opportunities for building/ remodeling/development. The site is ideal for building a family compound with a pool and/or tennis court and guest house. www.309TamalpaisAve.com

$2,475,000 Keeping Your Real Estate Needs Center Stage for 35 Years

Baltimore Avenue, Corte Madera 2bd/1bd main house. 4 separate structures on a double lot: main house, master cottage, artist’s studio with full bath & laundry room. All connected by a courtyard exquisitely maintained in the Japanese Farmhouse style.

$2,199,000

Jeff Brown 415.637.3172

Locust Avenue, Ross

Not on MLS. 3bd/2.5ba in a bucolic setting on a cul-de-sac just off Shady Lane on .25+/level acres near the Ross K-8 award-winning school.

LifeStyleMarin.com

$1,800,000

Donna Goldman 415.509.2427

Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio Handsome, 4bd/4ba gated country home on over 3 acres. Spacious rooms, abundant light, views from nearly every room and poolside entertaining are just a few of the features of this wonderful home. Close to SGCC.

1250NicasioValleyRd.com

$1,500,000 Rick Trono 415.515.1117

Biscayne Drive, San Rafael The Best of Peacock Estates. Remodeled 4bd/3.5ba on the 9th tee of the Peacock Golf Club. Wonderful one-level living, soaring ceilings, fabulous kitchen. Private & peaceful with stunning golf course views!

632Biscayne.com

$2,195,000

Marlys Hooper

415.717.8200

Via Navarro, Greenbrae 4bd/2.5ba. Views from Mt Tam to The Bay Bridge. Fabulous southern exposure, new Brazilian hardwood floors, new Andersen windows/doors, remodeled kitchen, family room, dining room, large 2-car garage. 60ViaNavarroViewHome.com

$1,399,000

Jenn Pfeiffer 415.302.3198

Wild Blue Yonder

Mill Valley’s Seaplane Adventures has a long and storied past.

BY CALIN VAN PARIS

THE PHOTO WAS taken in September of 1965, but the planes of Mill Valley’s S eaplane Adventures have been flying out of Richardson Bay and over the Golden Gate Bridge since 1945. In other words, seaplane passengers have admired the bridge from above for 68 of the 76 years it has existed. Originally dubbed Commodore Seaplanes by World War II veteran Bob Law, who founded the business as a flight school, Seaplane Adventures has had a total of five owners since its creation, the most recent being Marin locals Aaron and Ti any Singer, who purchased it last year. The company is not only one of the oldest continually operating businesses in Marin, it’s also the only commercial seaplane operation in the state, a feat made possible by the unique designated seaway that begins about 10,000 feet from

the inlet into Richardson Bay. S eaplane Adventures’ three floatplanes are always ready to give tourists or locals a one-of-akind view of the Bay Area. “We do up to 10 flights a day and bring thousands of people to Sausalito and Marin every year,” Singer says about his business. “I’ve flown people from all over the world on this tour.” m

Former Residence of Jerry Garcia

This Stunning Residence is regarded as one of the true jewels of Nicasio, if not all of Marin. Its location offers 300° views including Mt. Tam, to the Berkeley Skyline and gazes west toward the Pacific ocean. This Gated approximately 7,000 square foot Mediterranean Style home sits on +/- 11 acres and when you arrive onto its long driveway with circular lead around an island of twin palm trees, you instantly feel as though you’ve entered onto a fabulous private villa in the Mediterranean countryside. This property can be purchased with www.nicasiogreenacres.com which is +/- 115 acres and is independently owned.

•6.8 miles from Hwy 101 •35 Minutes to Nob Hill in San Francisco •+/- 11 Acre Estate with complete privacy • Approximately 7,000 square foot Home •Approximately1,500 square foot out building/ Artist’s Studio •Olympia Generator with 450-gallon dedicated propane tan • Deepest Well on the Ranch, producing 14,000 gallons per day with water purification system •Two 900-gallon propane tanks dedicated to home •Solar optional/supplemental heating for pool •Organic Garden •Top ranked school in Marin •This home was owned by Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia and was the last home he owned until his death in 1995.

$1,250,000 Close to the College of Marin, Ross and San Anselmo, this