Marin Magazine November 2011 by 270 Media

Marin

Saturday & Sunday, December 10 & 11, 2011

1:00 pm & 5:00 pm ~ Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium

Tickets: 415.499.6800 ~ ticketmaster.com

44 A Time for Tradition Chef Michael Mina and his family celebrate their ﬁ rst Thanksgiving in their new West Marin home.

52 The Silent Sentry Battery Construction 129, a World War II bunker in the Marin Headlands, remains one of the area’s hidden historical relics.

58 Marin Giving in Action As the holiday season approaches, many look for ways to help others — and these six locals share how the right help at the right time really can make a difference.

THE COVER Photograph by Tim Porter. To ﬁnd more of his work, go to timporter.com. To purchase a print, visit marinmagazine.com/coverart

Knotty and nice (JIMMY CHOO)

SAN

In Marin

25 Currents The latest eco-news in the county, a store opening in Mill Valley, the world according to kids and more.

32 FYI Marin’s thriving open mic scene offers a venue for almost everyone.

36 Conversation Marin’s newest supervisor, Kate Sears, has a long history of public service.

Destinations

65 Go From aquamarine to royal, the water rules at these favorite winter getaways.

74 Travel Buzz

A local doctor volunteers in Ghana, three deals for ski season, Disney’s Hawaiian foray, a soul-soothing retreat in SoCal and more.

76 Journey Two worlds — ancient and modern — meet in Istanbul, the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Out & About

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

94 On the Scene

Snapshots from special events in Marin and San Francisco.

96 Dine An insider’s guide to restaurants and tidbits in the Bay Area.

Marin Home

117 Backstory

A Novato resident, following her inner calling, returns to Marin and ﬁ nds the perfect home after stints in Chad, Utah and Las Vegas.

120 Details

From wood to iron to stone, these decorative gates around the county say “Come on in!”

Editorial

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nikki Wood

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jim Wood

MANAGING EDITOR Julie Sinclair

SENIOR EDITOR Mimi Towle

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Daniel Jewett

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Tim Porter

STYLE EDITOR-AT-LARGE Somer Flaherty

COPY EDITORS Cynthia Rubin, Shelley Wolson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PJ Bremier, Barbara Ries, Nate Seltenrich

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Logan Link

CONTACT editorial@marinmagazine.com

Art

ART DIRECTOR Veronica Sooley

PRODUCTION MANAGER Alex French ext 111 | production@marinmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Drew Altizer, Mo DeLong, Barbara Ries, Joseph Schell, Nike Van Der Molen

Administration

CONTROLLER Maeve Walsh ext 104 | mwalsh@marinmagazine.com

OFFICE MANAGER Danielle Detrick ext 100 | ddetrick@marinmagazine.com

Web

WEB EDITOR Daniel Jewett

Advertising

PUBLISHER Lisa Shanower ext 107 | lshanower@marinmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stephanie Ericson ext 108 | sericson@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Michele Geoff rion Johnson ext 110 | mjohnson@marinmagazine.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER Leah Bronson ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Alex French ext 111 | afrench@marinmagazine.com

Regional Sales Offices

WINE COUNTRY

Tognetti & Associates | Wendy Tognetti 707.544.3643

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Leah Bronson ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com

NEW YORK Couture Marketing | Karen Couture 917.821.4429

HAWAII Destination Marketing | Debbie Anderson 808.739.2200

The Marin Store

WEB CONTENT AND MERCHANDISING MANAGERS Tanya Naouri ext 113 | tnaouri@themarinstore.com Peter Thomas pthomas@themarinstore.com

Marin Custom Media

CONTACT: PUBLISHER Lisa Shanower ext 107 | lshanower@marinmagazine.com

MARIN MAGAZINE One Harbor Dr, Suite 208, Sausalito, California 94965 PH 415.332.4800 FAX 415.332.3048 WEB marinmagazine.com

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MEMBER OF THE BPA WORLDWIDE

AS YOU MIGHT have surmised from the luscious cranberries on this issue’s cover, we’re in the mood for Thanksgiving — and what a Thanksgiving we have lined up for you. Senior editor Mimi Towle and editor-at-large Tim Porter visited award-winning chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Michael Mina and his family in their West Marin home and came away with not only the story behind their traditional Thanksgiving Day meal but also half a dozen tasty recipes you can duplicate (plus Mina’s tips for making the perfect turkey). Can’t wait for the details? Turn to page 44.

And since no holiday party is complete without a signature cocktail, we connected with celebrity chef Bradley Ogden, cofounder of The Tavern at Lark Creek, who shares his recipe for a winter punch with spiced pomegranate ice (see page 104) — a libation that will surely enliven any soiree.

This season of gratitude is the perfect time to reﬂect on the county’s generous nature, which we do in “Marin Giving in Action” (page 58). From the story of how the community at large came together for Larkspur preschool teacher Tika Hicks — who recently lost her ﬁancé, underwent a double mastectomy and is raising her one-year-old son on her own — to that of college student and Mill Valley resident Sheldon Playdle, off to a bright future thanks to the local group 10,000 Degrees, it’s inspiring to see how the right help at the right time truly can make a world of difference.

Speaking of making a difference, we’ve got a new county supervisor in town — Sausalito resident Kate Sears — who’s determined to do just that. In this month’s Conversation (page 36), we checked in with Sears about her thoughts on SMART, Marin Energy Authority, government employee compensation and more.

Looking to get away for the long Thanksgiving weekend? In “Winter Blues” (page 65), Bay Area travel-industry experts share their all-time favorite winter beach destinations. The thread that ties them all together? Inviting, watery hues from aquamarine to royal.

As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine, as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place!

Lisa

Shanower, Publisher

Nikki Wood, Editorial Director

Jim Wood, Executive Editor

This season of gratitude is the perfect time to reﬂect on the county’s generous nature … it’s inspiring to see how the right help at the right time truly can make a world of difference.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Editor-at-large (and photographer extraordinaire)

Tim Porter focuses his lens on chef Michael Mina and his family, capturing their Thanksgiving Day celebration.

BARBARA RIES (TOP), MIMI

TOWLE (BOTTOM)

A Remarkable Place

Marin residents, look around: We have much to be grateful for.

BY JIM WOOD

WHAT I APPRECIATE about Marin is how people come together. This summer there were parades and art and ﬁ lm festivals; the Marin County Fair drew record crowds; and almost every day, a colorful farmers’ market occurred somewhere. This is community. Moreover, it’s not just quantity but quality. Marin has creative people who willingly share with others.

Let’s face it: The county is doing well. Marin General Hospital, the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) and the Marin Energy Authority (MEA) are all gaining momentum. Challenges lie ahead, but they’re speed bumps, not dead ends; top-caliber people are leading these enterprises. In addition to new county supervisor Kate Sears, the county gained another strong leader in Dominican University of California’s outstanding new president, Mary Marcy — an Oxford graduate and former provost of Massachusetts’ Bard College. Not to be outdone, David Wain Coon, with a stellar 20-year career in higher education, is College of Marin’s new president. Again, Marin is fortunate. And as the late Steve Jobs would say, “Wait, there’s more.“

We are blessed to have the Marin Community Foundation (MCF). The MCF,

along with hundreds of Marin nonproﬁts, support local causes and concerns with over $100 million a year (and countless volunteer hours). The county also has outstanding public schools (let’s retain that quality, vote yes on Measures A and B); remarkable private schools; excellent libraries; top-tier city and county services; and such enriching institutions as Book Passages and the Marin Symphony, Marin Theater Company, Mountain Play, Marin Arts Council, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, Marin Speakers Series, Dominican’s Leadership Lecture Series, Lark Theater, Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center and Marin Agricultural Land Trust.

I will say this with great hesitancy: Much of what you see and hear in today’s world and national news doesn’t apply to Marin.

If Marin were a city, based on population it would be Buffalo, New York; both have approximately 258,000 residents. As for area, our county compares with Phoenix, with 520 square miles of land. Yet Phoenix has nearly 1.5 million residents — almost six times Marin’s population. Our county is instead ﬁ lled with natural beauty — Phoenix and Kent lakes; Mount Tamalpais; Angel Island; the Marin Headlands; Muir Woods; China Camp; Mount Burdell; and incredibly scenic West Marin — and all provide opportunities to hike, surf, bird, bike, golf, swim, run, sail and ﬁ sh. And after a 30-minute ferry ride, you can be in downtown San Francisco. Enough said.

For a city experience in Marin, go to San Rafael’s Fourth Street. Catch a movie; see a live band; visit one of a dozen galleries; and have a Thai, Indian, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern or French meal, or go American at San Rafael Joe’s. Sure, on Fourth Street you’ll also see the gritty side — but that’s life in the city. And if you choose to stay home, Marin has more than its share of unbelievable food markets and take-out spots; an entire column could be written on all of them.

Marin is a remarkable place; now is a time for being thankful. That’s my point of view. What’s yours? Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

Let’s face it: The county is doing well.… Much of what you see and hear in today’s world and national news doesn’t apply to Marin.

T&B Sports San Rafael and Santa Rosa

Your Letters

Memories of Hong Kong

I was thrilled to see Mimi Towle’s article “City of Treasures” in your September 2011 issue. I saw the picture of the hotel lobby, and it brought me back to 50 years ago when I had high tea with my father at the Peninsula Hong Kong. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon recreating that experience with my family at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. The service, tea, smoked salmon bite-size sandwiches and mini fruit tarts were all as Towle described in her article. It was just as I remembered from my childhood days and was a wonderful experience. FLORA NEE, TIBURON

Thoughts on Public Works

Jim Wood’s call in “Marin Dreaming” (POV, September 2011) to mobilize broadly in support of cleaning up Marin’s roadsides and keeping open its parks is a terriﬁc idea. I would certainly endorse “Marin Beautiful” as a public/ private partnership. Towns, the county, businesses and grant makers working together could set a standard for the rest of the Bay Area to follow. Let’s do it! CARROLL STEVENS, MILL VALLEY

After reading Jim Wood’s idea about changing China Camp into a bikers-only venue in the September 2011 issue, I suggest he take a hike — literally. It’s a beautiful place to visit whether you are biking, hiking or running. Parks need to be all-inclusive, like everything else on the planet.

DEBORAH RODINSKY, SAN ANSELMO

September Fashion Issue

I bought a copy of Marin Magazine’s September 2011 issue at Safeway today. Love it! I was drawn to the fashion cover, and I also enjoyed seeing the pictorial done at the Buck Institute (which, coincidentally, I had toured in June). Classy. I will be picking up Marin in the future. MARCY EMMETT, SANTA ROSA

I read Marin Magazine cover to cover, every issue. And while I like to think of myself as open-minded, I did not like the cover of the September 2011 issue. The image reﬂected nothing of Marin County, a place that is exceptionally beautiful, vibrant and complex. Your cover should show us Linda Rubio’s Miwok ONLINE, WE ASKED YOU

What Are You Thankful For?

“Thankful to live in this beautiful county of Marin.”

Kristi Steadman, Novato

“Thankful for the education I received at Marin Catholic all those many years ago — and for Sundays at Samuel P. Taylor State Park with my brother when we were playing hooky from church.”

Sandy Swopes, formerly of Fairfax

“I’m thankful for the wealth of athletic stores with their neverending styles of yoga pants.”

Jen Gunter, Mill Valley

“I’m thankful I don’t live in ___________.”

David Swope, Sausalito

“I’m thankful for many things, but living in Sausalito — it doesn’t get any better than this, even if you travel.”

Sandra Evans, Sausalito

[UPCOMING EVENT] ANGEL LIGHTS COUNTDOWN

Thursday, December 1, 6–9 p.m.

Corinthian Yacht Club, Tiburon

Angel Lights attendees will enjoy live music, ﬁne wine, superb cuisine, a spirited live auction and raffle, and the season’s ﬁrst lighting of the Angel Lights.

All proceeds from the Angel Lights Beneﬁt fund Angel Island Association’s work in support of Angel Island State Park. Attendance will help to create an awe-inspiring visitor experience on Angel Island — jewel of the Bay.

$125 per person; $225 per couple; sponsorship levels available angelisland.org; 415.435.3972 for tickets; 415.341.3018 for sponsorships

The scoop on Bay Area events

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[UPCOMING

EVENT] GHIRARDELLI SQUARE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Friday, November 25, 5:30 p.m.

Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street, S.F.

San Francisco’s world-famous Ghirardelli Square kicks off the holiday season with the 47th annual Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests are invited to enjoy live entertainment that includes musical performances, a visit from Santa Claus and activities for the entire family. The event will culminate with The Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by the master of ceremonies.

Free

ghirardellisq.com; 415.775.5500

[UPCOMING EVENT] OSKA GRAND OPENING

Friday, November 11, 6:30–9 p.m.

153 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

A grand opening celebration of the new Mill Valley store. Come by and enjoy wonderful sips and snacks provided by La Ginestra and other local restaurants and wineries.

It will be a fantastic event and a great opportunity to see their gorgeous fall collections in person.

Free

415.381.1144; oskanorcal@gmail.com

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Stables, the Buck Institute, Teddy Stray, the Marin Theatre Company — all the great content within the magazine. DIANA DONOVAN, MILL VALLEY

Panhandlers in Marin

Thanks to Jim Wood for his suggestion in “Marin’s Roadside Panhandlers” (POV, October 2011) to give away cards with the addresses of places of help to those in need. In southern Marin there is a hot meal or take-away food available to those in need almost every day — served by the local faith congregations. We also have created small cards with the locations of these, and our congregation members carry them in their glove compartments. Another idea is to keep a box of soft granola bars or oranges to have something to hand out. Soft food is important since regular dental care is rarely accessible when one is homeless. With small serviceprovider cards, we each can look these people in the eyes and offer them information that can be helpful — treating them as the human beings that they are and with dignity. REV. BARBARA ROWE, PASTOR, WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TIBURON

In “Marin’s Roadside Panhandlers” (POV, October 2011), what I believe Jim Wood was really saying is that he wants the panhandlers (or perhaps more accurately, the homeless) to go away. He admits these individuals are burdened by mental illness, alcoholism and drug addiction. He also concedes that the majority of people who ask for money by the side of the road are already aware of the services offered by St. Vincent de Paul and other organizations. So it seems his idea to hand out a printed card listing sources of help will make no difference. We are all going to continue to see the bald man in the dirty red sweatshirt unless a truck takes him somewhere else, which is something I hope we do not do in this county. So Wood should look away or change his route. And he should get out a garbage bag, because there are going to be a lot of note cards littering the highway. SUZANNE ROGERS, TIBURON

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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.

WHEN WHERE WHAT WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

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[UPCOMING EVENTS]

MARIN DESIGNERS SHOWCASE

Thursday, November 30, 6–9 p.m.

Villa Belvedere, Belvedere

Tour the newly constructed 15,000-square-foot home overlooking the San Francisco Bay, where 24 top designers from Marin, San Francisco and beyond will transform each room into a showcase of understated elegance. The opening night event will be memorable with delicious offerings from Bay Area restaurants and selected wines.

Proceeds beneﬁt the Center for Volunteer and Nonproﬁt Leadership in Marin.

$150 per person (opening night); tours: $30, or $50 with lunch

415.479.5710; marinshowcase.org

SEAGER GRAY GALLERY OPENING

Saturday, November 12, 6–8 p.m.

23 Sunnyside Avenue, Mill Valley

A grand opening celebration and reception for the artists showing in the newly formed Seager Gray Gallery, a partnership between Donna Seager and Suzanne Gray McSweeney. The gallery will continue to bring the best of Bay Area art to Marin County.

Mingle with the artists in the new space while enjoying a glass of wine and light hors d’oeuvres.

Free

415.384.8288; seagergray.com

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There are hundreds of hotels around the bay, but only one directly on it.

Top US Seaside Inns –Travel & Leisure

Michelin Recommended

(3 REASONS TO LOG ON NOW)

Subscribe for Less

Want to save money on your next Marin Magazine subscription? Of course you do. We now offer a special rate to anyone signed up for our weekly Weekend 101 e-newsletter, so sign up and save. marinmagazine.com/ weekend101

There Is Nothing to Do Tonight

We live in the Bay Area; of course there are things to do. The hard part is finding out about them — but we have a solution. Our calendar editor is always looking for cool things to put in the magazine and now, every Wednesday, he adds his five favorites to a list that you can find online or on our iPhone app under the Calendar tab. marinmagazine.com/top5

If Only This Restaurant Were Cheaper

We’ve made finding local restaurants in our Dine Out program — where a $50 gift certificate costs only $35 — easier than ever. Now participating restaurants in our online guide (also on our iPhone app under the Bay Area Dining Guide tab) feature the Dine Out logo. Just click and save or use the handy pull-down menu to find them all. marinmagazine.com/dine

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

MADE IN MARIN HEATH CERAMICS

Mid-century design meets modern style in this 63-yearold business.

BY PJ BREMIER

Cereal bowls, pitchers and salad bowls from Heath Ceramics’ classic “Coupe” line, created in the 1940s and refreshed in new glazes.

IN 1948, WHEN Edith Heath started Heath Ceramics in a factory just up the road from where the company’s tile, dinnerware and tableware are still produced today, Sausalito was in transition. The local ferryboats that had plied the bay had recently disappeared, and so had the bustling wartime shipyard, Marinship. The Beatnik era was still ahead, and within a few years Sausalito would become a vibrant artists’ colony.

“Heath Ceramics was iconic, and the style, the aesthetics and the feel of it was inﬂuential to California design in the mid century,” says Catherine Bailey, a former industrial designer who, with her engineer husband Robin Petravic, purchased the languishing pottery company in 2003. “It doesn’t remind you of English pottery. It’s casual; you can take it outdoors.”

The challenge for the two Sausalito residents was to reinvigorate the company — the designs, marketing and manufacturing — for the next century. “We had to take the whole history and rethink it,” she says. “We had to take the gems and edit the rest. The most important thing was to have people see that Heath Ceramics had a tremendous past, but we weren’t keeping it in the past.”

There are no mid-century style boomerang shapes or graphics in Edith Heath’s work; her roots were in the simplicity of the Bauhaus movement. And the same aesthetic (and California clay) that informed her “Coupe” line in the 1940s, the “Rims” line of the 1960s and the “Plaza” line of the 1980s is still visible in the “Chez Panisse” line that Bailey and Petravic introduced in 2005 for famed restaurateur Alice Waters.

“Heath Ceramics is subtle; you have to hold it in your hand to really get it, to feel its weight and see how the glazes look,” Bailey says. “I

have to see them in stacks to really see how a new design will look.”

There are four dinnerware lines (three designed by Edith and one designed by Bailey in collaboration with Christina Kim and Chez Panisse luminary Alice Waters) that feature both legacy glaze colors as well as new colors and combinations visioned by Bailey since 2003. In the tile lines, there are more than 80 glazes from which architects and designers specify for both interior and exterior applications. Recent introductions to the tile line include “Heath House Numbers” and the budget-friendly “Modern Basics” in a choice of six colors that are kept in stock.

Customers worldwide can shop online, visit a retail location in Los Angeles and at the San Francisco Ferry Building, or stop in at the factory showroom in Marin (to ﬁnd second-quality items and a proprietary glassware line).

The legacy that Edith Heath began in Sausalito in the last century, and that Bailey and Petravic have re-imagined and nurtured in this century, is recognized as a true American art form. In addition to its work being in several permanent museum collections, the company was the subject of Heath Ceramics (Chronicle Books, 2006), authored by Marin resident Amos Klausner; honored by the White House in 2009; and, again this year, a ﬁ nalist in the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards.

“I love coming to my job every day,” Bailey says, grinning. “We were a designer and engineer from mega-corporations. We didn’t expect to feel this good about making beautiful things. It’s an amazing experience.”

Stop by Heath Ceramics’ Open Studio event November 18–27 at 400 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito, during the annual sale to meet the owners and take a tour. You can also watch or participate in the creation process and discover how speciﬁc pieces are formed. For more information call 415.332.3732 or visit heathceramics.com. m

Clockwise from top: A factory worker crafts a casserole dish lid; owners Catherine Bailey and Robin Petravic; the “Tapestry” tile collection; “Eames Heath House Numbers”; a tile in the making.

These are the hands that care for San Francisco.

Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero, by Michael Hingson (with Susy Flory), Thomas Nelson Publishing, $22.99. Hingson, a Novato resident, was blind at birth and has been associated with Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael since he was 14. On 9/11, he was on the 78th ﬂ oor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower. This is the story of Hingson, his guide dog, their relationship and how they survived that fateful day.

Peaceful Places San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area , by Raynell Boeck, Menasha Ridge Press, $14.95. Where to ﬁ nd bliss in the Bay Area? That’s Boeck’s topic, and she recognizes that “one person’s relaxation is another’s all-too-sedentary pastime.” Thus, Boeck presents 110 places to visit to ﬁ nd both relaxation and invigoration. Her picks include San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, Marin’s Limantour Beach and Old St. Hilary’s Chapel, and Angel Island State Park. A worthwhile reference guide.

Oyster Culture , by Gwendolyn Meyer and Doreen Schmid, Cameron + Company, $19.95. This tastefully (pardon the pun) presented soft-cover book discusses West Marin’s thriving oyster industry: its history, biology, current conditions and favorite recipes. Intriguing photographs stretch from the mid-1800s to the present. Meyer lives in Inverness and mentions the Marshall Store; the historical hamlet of Hamlet; and Tomales Bay, Drakes Bay and Hog Island oyster companies. Also, the book chronicles how the world loves oysters — and explains why. JIM WOOD

Eco News

Eco-friendly jobs, a LEED-certiﬁed dentist’s office, an electric charging station and more are making Marin greener than ever. LOGAN LINK AND DAVID PASCOE

1 LEEDing the Way Gila

C. Dorostkar, DDS Pediatric Dentistry recently became the ﬁrst privately funded pediatric dental office in the United States to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certiﬁcation. The new, 2,500-square-foot Greenbrae office recently underwent an eco-friendly redesign. drdorostkar.com

2

2 Awarding Their Efforts

Hats off to Avid Green Landscaping, which recently won the prestigious 2011 DesignBuild award from the California Landscape and Contractors Association. The Greenbraebased company works to make its projects eco-friendly by choosing native, organic and low-water plants. avidgreen.com

Help for Green Businesses Dominican University is proud to unveil Venture Greenhouse, an exciting new project that helps small businesses expand through access to the university’s GreenMBA faculty and affordable offices spaces. Working solely with clean-tech/green-focus clients, Venture Greenhouse is already assisting companies, such as ECOLunchboxes in Lafayette and Skip-to-Renew in San Rafael, with great success. dominican.edu

3 Charge ‘Er Up Forget

the gas pump — it’s electric charging stations that are on the rise. Novato’s Inn Marin, in partnership with ChargePoint by Coulomb, installed its ﬁ rst electric charging station, which can be used by hotel guests and customers of Ricky’s Restaurant. The station has been in such demand that a second is on the way. mychargepoint.net

Earth-Friendly Work

Thanks to a $399,000 grant awarded to the Marin Employment Connection, 100 unemployed, underemployed or incumbent workers will receive vocational training in green construction. As part of project GREEN (Green Regional Education Employment Northbay), these workers will be educated in six sectors: green building, renewable energy, clean transportation, water and wastewater, energy efficiency, and green business services. marinemployment.org

Clockwise from far left: The LEEDcertiﬁed ofﬁce of Gila C. Dorostkar, DDS; an electric charging station; one of Avid Green Landscaping’s eco-friendly designs.

BUZZ WORTHY Finally, southern Marin kids can find cool things for their feet with the opening of buzy beez , a new children’s shoe store in downtown Mill Valley. With a focus on shoes that are stylish and durable, owner Britton Barkoff proudly notes the shop is full of whimsy, with a play area for the kids to stay entertained while their parents browse. Brands include Pediped, Gola, UMI and Chooze. 85 East Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley; 415.381.2078; buzybeezshoes.com L.L.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO KIDS

This year marks the 20th anniversary of San Rafael–based Fast Forward, a by-kids, for-kids monthly newspaper that has published interviews with everyone from Dakota Fanning to Harrison Ford to Giants pitcher Sergio Romo. For more information, visit fastforwardweb.com. L.L.

Experience Marin Country Club

for details on

(415) 382-6712

ON THE STREET

Rebecca Rainford, attendee at the San Rafael Food & Wine Festival, Falkirk Cultural Center

You look fabulous. How do you decide what you wear? I love this dress, and I’ve worn it once the entire spring-summer season. I ﬁ gured I might as well utilize it. And the shoes: I like to be tall, because I’m actually 5 feet 3 inches, so I like to fake my height. The dress is Catherine Malandrino, and I bought it at a boutique named Sam’s in Walnut Creek. So you’re an East Bay girl? Yes, I am. What’s your take on Marin? I like it. The people I’ve met so far are very friendly and nice. It seems very down-to-earth and relaxed. Do you always wear sunglasses? Yes, even sometimes at night. That’s quite a bag. What don’t you leave home without? Cell phone and lip gloss. You don’t have nail polish on. Why not? It was chipped, and I couldn’t handle it anymore so I had to take it off this morning. I had time to do my toes and not my hands. What color would you have done? Probably one of two colors: “Dulce de Leche,” which is a gray, or “I’m Not Really a Waitress,” which is my favorite red. Are you a waitress? No, I’m not. I’m not really a waitress. I’m a student and an intern in college sports advertising, and I work at a boutique as well.

Calling All Musicians

Marin’s thriving open mic scene offers a venue for almost everybody.

BY DANIEL JEWETT • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

WHETHER YOU CALL them open mic nights, musician showcases or invitational jams, one thing is for sure: Marin is alive with a musical energy that is being driven at the most basic level — often by just one person at a time with a guitar, a microphone and a new song idea. Here, we highlight three Marin open mic hosts who are helping musicians achieve their dreams while turning traditionally “off nights” into the hottest nights of the week on the Marin music scene.

E KC Turner at Finnegan’s Marin, Novato Turner is celebrating his fifth year hosting the all-ages open mic night at Finnegan’s every Monday. He got started soon after a move to Novato. “There was nothing

going on musically,” Turner says. “So instead of complaining, I met the owner [of Finnegan’s] and sold him on the idea of an open mic night.”

After a slow start in which Turner ﬁ lled the evening by playing for almost two hours to a sparse crowd, the event caught on, drawing mostly singer/songwriter types eager to try out new material. Turner brings the gear, runs the board and tries to make the 15 to 20 people who play feel comfortable. “I treat everyone like Bono and try and take that nervous energy away,” he says. “I treat everyone the same; everyone is welcome.”

WHAT TO LOOK FOR A burger-and-beer special is only $10. Turner is also a local promoter always on the watch for talent to open bigger shows. DETAILS Event runs Mondays from 8 p.m. to midnight with a featured performer up ﬁ rst;

Clockwise from top left: Attendees dance to the music at 19 Broadway; a singer/ songwriter at Finnegan’s; KC Turner’s sign-up sheet with start times.

sign-ups begin at 7 p.m. A sound system is provided; two songs per performer. No cover; all ages welcome. kcturnermusic.com

E Jonathan Korty and Danny Uzilevsky at 19 Broadway, Fairfax

What happens when two well-known Marin musicians get together and decide to invite their friends and the general public to a night of live music every Tuesday? It quickly turns into “the night to go out for a lot of people,” says Jonathan Korty, a 20-year local music veteran and member of bands such as Vinyl and Honeydust.

The night, called Kortuzday, has become so popular that Korty says the best way to get onstage is to “keep coming and bothering us and, eventually, we’ll get you up there.”

Things get started with an hour of music from Korty and virtuoso guitarist Danny Uzilevsky, joined by bassist Dan Duffi n and drummer Dave Burns. Then participants can either join the band or bring their own. Korty provides a complete backline (audio equipment and instruments), so the event is open to drummers, horn players, keyboardists, bassists, vocalists and guitarists in really any combination that seems to work.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Star players, such as Pete Sears, Joe Russo, Barry Sless, Jerry Harrison and Bonnie Hayes, and music in multiple genres. Bring some cards with your personal information, as complete bands have been known to form after jamming together onstage.

DETAILS Event runs Tuesdays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and participants are welcome to join in after the ﬁrst hour; a complete backline including amps and a sound system is provided. No cover; 21 and over only. 19broadway.com

E Krickie at Peri’s, Fairfax

Krickie started her second-Sunday musicians’ showcase six years ago after asking herself one question: “Where are all the chicks?

“I started [the open mic] after noticing it was always guys in the showcase,” she says about her Sexy Sunday events. Although the guys are awesome too, she says, the girls can be “just a little sexier, with a sound palatable for a wider audience.”

Krickie, who got her name after a band member mispronounced her real name, Kristie, has built a loyal audience that hails from all over the Bay Area — but she loves the energy that comes from just down the block. “There have been so many magical moments,” she says. “Fairfax is full of such great musicians.”

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Lots of local female talent and, yes, usually one “token” male performer per evening.

DETAILS Event runs from 9 p.m. to closing every second Sunday of the month; a complete backline and sound system is provided. Full bands are welcome (20-minute sets each); advance sign-ups are recommended. No cover; 21 and over only. krickie.com m

Clockwise from left: KC Turner at the controls of the sound system; Krickie onstage at Peri’s; full band jam at 19 Broadway; a classic backstage door at 19 Broadway; Jonathan Korty lays down some keyboards.

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Kate Sears

BY JIM WOOD • PHOTOS

TIM PORTER

IMAGINE YOU ARE applying for a job (agreed, it’s a frightening thought). In the section marked “Education” you write: “B.A., Carleton College; masters degree, University of Washington; Ph.D., University of Michigan; law degree, Harvard University.” Under “Work Experience,” among other career highlights, you list: “Lead attorney for The People of the State of California v. Countrywide Financial Corporation ” — a lawsuit that accused the bank of predatory lending practices and resulted in an $8.6 billion settlement, one of the largest to come out of the 2008 financial meltdown.

Next, you file your application with Gov. Jerry Brown. A month and a half later, you have the job. Your name is Kathrin “Kate” Sears, and you’re now a Marin County

Marin’s newest county supervisor has a long history of public service.

Clockwise from left: A meeting of the Marin County Board of Supervisors; District 3 Supervisor Kate Sears, in her ofﬁce; Sears and District 1 Supervisor and Board President Susan Adams. Opposite: Sears talks with an audience member after a Marin Conservation League breakfast meeting.

What I’m most proud of is probably the year it took to work out the battles over the city’s Public Safety Building. There was a lawsuit and countless hearings, and I chaired a committee of more than 20 community-minded residents, each with deﬁnite ideas regarding what should, and shouldn’t, be built.

supervisor representing Belvedere, Marin City, Mill Valley, Strawberry, Sausalito, Tamalpais Valley and Tiburon, replacing Charles McGlashan, who died suddenly of a heart attack at 49.

Spend a few minutes with Sears, and you’ll know she has the energy to handle the demanding sunup to past-sundown job. She appears ﬁt and energetic and is almost always smiling — if not laughing. Sears is both selfdeprecating and articulate. However, does she have the smarts? Recall that job application: In addition to a Harvard law degree she has a B.A. in Asian studies, an M.A. in China studies and a Ph.D. in political science. Rather impressive. A close look at Sears’ job experience reveals the 59-year-old worked at two prestigious Bay Area law ﬁ rms before joining the state attorney general’s office in San Francisco, where she worked until being named a county supervisor in May.

“I was born in San Francisco, and we moved to Mill Valley when I was 5,” Sears says. “Ten years later, we relocated to Sausalito, where I’ve lived ever since — that’s almost 45 years.” Sears is divorced and has no children. “But don’t forget Josie, my dog,” she says, laughing, “and Roxie and Pootie, my two cats — all of them from the pound.”

Sears served on several Sausalito civic committees, including the planning commission from 1999 to 2004. “What I’m most proud of,” she says, “is probably the year it took to work out the battles over the city’s Public Safety Building. There was a lawsuit and countless hearings, and I chaired a committee of more than 20 community-minded residents, each with deﬁ nite ideas regarding what should, and shouldn’t, be built.”

As county supervisor, Sears will also sit on the boards of the Bay Conservation and

Development Commission; Marin Telecommunications Agency; Transportation Agency of Marin; Richardson Bay Regional Agency; Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO); and the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) and Marin Energy Authority.

You had never run for elective ofﬁ ce and, outside of Sausalito, few had ever heard your name — what inspired you to apply to be a supervisor? Last April, a group of us were talking about whom we’d support to replace Charles McGlashan after his unfortunate passing. Someone suddenly asked, “What about you?” At the time, fortunately, I was ﬂying back and forth to Washington, D.C., as part of my work with the attorney general’s

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office. So I had plenty of time to think. And I decided I wanted to do it. My decision was helped in that my parents, who had only recently died, were both strong environmentalists and were active in the community. This seemed a great way to carry on their legacy; they’d raised me with an ethic of public service. As for why the county level? Being involved in Sausalito was fabulous, but communities can become insular — focused on their own projects. At the same time, the state has so many challenges. I felt the county was where I could really make an impact. Therefore, I applied. Somehow I got the job.

Why — out of a ﬁ eld of seven, many of them experienced politicians — do you think you were chosen? I got to know Governor Brown, his wife Anne Gust, and their staff when he became California’s attorney general in 2007. Almost immediately he got involved with the consumer aff airs section, where I was working at the time. And because the Bank of America/Countrywide case was such a big lawsuit, it got his attention right away. I’m not sure what role that played in my appointment, but if you know Jerry you know he is very independent-minded; he does what he wants to do. So yes, I thought the case might help with my selection. In addition, part of my thinking was that I respect the governor so much and was excited about what he was going to accomplish. His ideas about

In a way, I feel like I’m back in the ’60s and ’70s when Marin’s environmentalists were battling against the widening of the 101 freeway. And I’m no more in favor of that now than I was then.

realigning state and county responsibilities are exciting. An example is the A.B. 109 bill, which ascertains who will be in prison where; it will return prisoners and the resources for housing them to the county level. Having Jerry Brown as governor made my decision so much more interesting and exciting.

Sears, after a Board of Supervisors meeting, talks with a constituent.

You are now on the boards of SMART and Marin Energy Authority — both are hot topics in southern Marin. How are they doing? And what about the high salaries being paid to their CEOs? Let’s take SMART fi rst. My goal is to see the full train built, from Larkspur to Cloverdale. One of my fi rst votes on the Transportation Authority of Marin board was to commit $8 million to SMART. My goal is to see that what the voters of Marin and Sonoma approved — namely a 70-mile commuter rail line — comes to fruition. And if anyone can make it happen it’s Farhad Mansourian, Marin’s former head of public works, who is now SMART’s general manager. He’s very capable of delivering a fi nished product. I am very hopeful, and, thinking long range, I can see SMART enhancing feeder bus service in areas of the county that SMART doesn’t go through. Yes, at fi rst I was a doubter. But once I got on the Board of Supervisors and witnessed fi rsthand the will and commitment of the people involved to make SMART happen, I was very encouraged. At the same time, I am concerned about the fi nancial challenges lying ahead — especially federal cutbacks in transportation funding. However, we have to

take a long-term view. Yes it involves subsidies, but it’s a transportation project and they all involve subsidies — a road, buses, ferries, they all do. In a way, I feel like I’m back in the ’60s and ’70s when Marin’s environmentalists were battling against the widening of the 101 freeway. And I’m no more in favor of that now than I was then. And yes, many of my longtime friends are mad at me for taking this stand, but we have to get people out of their cars.

Now your thoughts regarding Marin Energy Authority, or MEA. I’m excited about MEA. Boy, my timing here was lucky: All the heavy lifting had been done when I came on board. Charles McGlashan and his aide, Leslie Alden, who is now my aide, along with everyone involved, deserve a lot of credit for getting MEA off the ground. Its success in getting subscribers to receive energy from renewable sources is exciting. Actually, MEA is also of interest to Governor Brown, who has several good environmentalists working with him. They’re all excited about MEA’s potential.

And what about the hefty compensation packages recently awarded to the CEOs of SMART? When I was in the attorney general’s

Sears talks with Dr. Curtis Robinson and his wife, Xania, after his appointment to the Marin Community Foundation board.

office, we were the worst-paid public lawyers in the state. So I look at those salaries, and I think, wow. [SMART’s Mansourian receives $246,000 annually plus beneﬁts and $37,000 in deferred compensation; MEA’s Dawn Weisz

Work with me; help me. Help me bring all of us together. Marin is a fabulous place to live and work, and clearer lines of communication will only make it better.

receives $198,000 annually plus beneﬁts and a $50,000 performance bonus.] I also understand the perspective of the individuals involved and the respective boards. They want to get the best people they can ﬁ nd to run these agencies properly — and you always get what you pay for. Meanwhile, you are competing with private-sector salaries for the good people. Dawn Weisz worked for seven years on the development of MEA; no one knows it like she does. As for SMART and Farhad Mansourian, the fact that a recall of the entire project is being threatened upped the salary range of a director because of the position’s uncertain future.

If the 50,000 people you represent as a supervisor were in front of you, what would you ask of them? Work with me; help me. Help me bring all of us together. Marin is a fabulous place to live and work, and clearer lines of communication will only make it better. Please engage with me. That is my message. [Contact Sears at 415.499.7331 or sears@co.marin.ca.us.]

Will you campaign for the ofﬁ ce when it comes up in November 2012? Robin Sweeney, a former Sausalito council member and longtime family friend, says I should answer that question with either “I’ve learned all this about the county; it’s an awful job, and I’m quitting now” or “I’ve learned all this about Marin, and why should I let it go to waste?” I’m not publicly committing on the subject right now. However, I will say this: I’m loving my job. m

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Tradition FOR ATime

Chef Michael Mina and his family celebrate their ﬁrst Thanksgiving in their new West Marin home.

BY MIMI TOWLE • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

EVEN AN AWARD-WINNING chef and successful restaurateur can misread his audience. And apparently, this is exactly what happened 23 years ago to Michael Mina, the then-rising star of the San Francisco hot spot Aqua, when he made his ﬁ rst Thanksgiving meal for his girlfriend, Diane, and her mother, Judi Tirado. Judi, described by her daughter as “ﬁ ve-foot-nothing and 95 pounds with a keen sense of humor,” had already developed a great rapport with her future son-in-law — so she didn’t hold back on her opinion of his “highfalutin” menu.

“I might have been trying a little too hard to impress Diane and her mother,” Michael says, smiling. “I made lobster ravioli and put fancy fruit in the stuffi ng, and I made squab breast with cornbread. I can remember the disappointment that it wasn’t traditional turkey. I never made that mistake again!” What he learned that day was in order to have a successful Thanksgiving meal, he had to keep it simple and stick to tradition.

When our guests are involved in the dinner prep, it makes them feel more relaxed, and I think they enjoy the fact that they have contributed to this grand meal.

Tradition, the Egyptian-born Mina learned at Mount Stewart elementary school in Ellensburg, Washington, was the lesson obtained from the spirit of the meal of thanks shared by pilgrims and Indians. “It really is a wonderful holiday,” he says. “It’s all about getting together with family and friends and sharing the bounty of our harvest.”

And in West Marin, the harvest is bountiful: Most items on the menu come from nearby ranches and farms, if not his own 1,200-square-foot garden on the family’s three-acre estate. This year is an extra-special affair, as it marks the ﬁrst holiday season in their new home since moving from Novato in July.

As could be imagined for a chef with 18 restaurants, Michael enlists help with the preparations. “I usually get a

call from Chef on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving for our shopping list,” says Diane. (She only calls him “Michael” when he’s in trouble.) “It used to drive me crazy, but now I’m used to it, and I know it always works out.”

Guests chip in, too. Over the years, the Mina Thanksgiving celebrations have turned into an open house for friends, family and colleagues, and as a guest, you are ﬁ rst offered a choice of beverage — most opt for Diane’s signature Bloody Mary — and are then assigned a task. “When our guests are involved in the dinner prep,” says Diane, “it makes them feel more relaxed, and I think they enjoy the fact that they have contributed to this grand meal. Some of our guests even say, ‘Wow! I didn’t realize how much was involved in preparation.’ ”

San Rafael resident Dale Schumacher, sales manager at RAB Motors and longtime family friend, has been in attendance for the past 10 years. “I have cooked crab cakes and grilled bread and other items,” he says. “I have riced and helped ﬁ nish Michael’s famous Crushed Potatoes. Mostly I help serve and clear, as do about a quarter of the guests. There is always interesting prep work and plenty of time to question Chef on how various items are prepared and finished. Certainly, if you have no interest in food or wine, this might seem like work. But of course for me, it is heaven on earth.”

Scenes from the day, including sons Anthony and Sammy following in their father’s footsteps as they assist with preparations; Anthony preparing his signature chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches; Chef Mina sautéing indoors; and Athena, one of three family dogs, content with the day’s happenings.

Michael Mina’s Three Things Not to Forget for Making the Perfect Turkey

1 Preheat your oven.

2 Season (or brine) generously.

3 For really nice crispy skin, leave the turkey uncovered in the refrigerator two days prior to cooking to let the skin dry out.

Michael Mina’s Thanksgiving Shopping List

✔ Turkey Willie Bird Turkeys, williebird.com

✔ Walnuts Keep Farm, walnutkeep.com

✔ Beets Marin Roots Farm, marinroots.com

✔ Brussels sprouts, radishes Dirty Girl Produce, dirtygirlproduce.com

✔ Ice cream Straus Family Creamery, strausfamilycreamery.com

✔ Goat cheese Andante Dairy, andantedairy.com

✔ Wine Sandhi, sandhiwines.com

Brussels Sprouts

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds Brussels sprouts

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup chicken broth

1 bunch thyme

1 bunch bay leaves

DIRECTIONS

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook Brussels sprouts in the water for two minutes or until tender. Drain and place sprouts in an ice bath to cool. In a separate pan, heat the butter, sugar and vinegar and reduce until syrupy. Stir in broth and reduce by half. Toss in sprouts with the thyme and bay leaves and cook until glazed. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Cranberry Sauce

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

16-ounce package of cranberries

½ cup water

¼ cup orange juice

1 cup sugar

2 star anise

1 cinnamon stick zest of ½ orange

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

DIRECTIONS

Wash and pick over cranberries. In a saucepan, bring water, orange juice and sugar to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add cranberries and return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries burst. Add star anise, cinnamon, orange zest and ginger; simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature and then chill in refrigerator. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

Chestnut Stuffing

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

6 cups small cubed brioche

2 pounds unsalted butter

1 quart chestnuts, peeled and chopped

1 bunch sage, minced

4 medium white onions, small dice

20 shallots, small dice

10 cloves of garlic, minced

1 quart chicken broth

1 cup panko bread crumbs

salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F. Place brioche cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 ½ hours, checking and rotating pan every 15 minutes, until cubes are golden brown. Melt 1 pound of butter in a large pot; start to brown it. When butter is light brown, add chopped chestnuts and sage. Cook until nuts turn golden brown. Add the onion, shallot and garlic and turn down the heat to let them “sweat.” Once onion mixture is soft, about 10 minutes, turn up the heat and add the broth and remaining butter. Stir until the butter is incorporated, remove from heat and fold in the toasted brioche and panko.

Olive Oil Crushed Potatoes

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

olive oil, about 3 cups 8 cloves garlic, peeled 4 pounds ﬁngerling potatoes, washed, dried and reserved whole salt

chives, minced

DIRECTIONS

Heat a large pot with olive oil and garlic. Simmer over low heat until garlic is very soft and golden, approximately 30 minutes. Drain, and set garlic aside. Add oil back to pot with potatoes.

Cook potatoes in olive oil over low heat until soft, approximately one hour. Drain potatoes, and put them back in the pot. Reserve oil for another use. Mash potatoes with a potato masher or fork with the cooked garlic and salt, mixing in a small amount of reserved oil to desired consistency. Top with chives.

Chef Mina gets prep help from son Anthony (top) and Mina Group Corporate Chef David Varley.

Bourbon-Dijon Mustard–

Glazed Pork Loin

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 gallon water

1 ½ cups kosher salt

¾ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

2 tablespoons black peppercorns, toasted

2 tablespoons coriander seeds, toasted

1 tablespoon fennel seed, toasted

1 head garlic, cut in half

6 bay leaves

½ bunch, plus 3 sprigs of thyme

5 pounds bone-in pork loin (four bones, one chop per person)

½ cup honey

½ cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons chicken broth

2 tablespoons bourbon for the glaze

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the brine the day before cooking and serving the pork loin. Bring water, salt, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, peppercorns, coriander and fennel seeds, garlic, four bay leaves and ½ bunch thyme to a boil in a large pot. Cool in ice bath. Place pork in a large bowl, and pour brine over the meat; let sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Glaze: Bring honey, mustard, sugar, broth, and remaining thyme and bay leaves to a boil in medium pot. Simmer and reduce to glaze consistency. Strain everything out. Stir in bourbon. Use the glaze during and after grilling the pork.

To cook the pork loin, start a charcoal grill and bring it to 400°F. Season liberally with salt and black pepper. Place pork on grill rack approximately six inches above the ﬂames.

Turn occasionally, making sure to get a nice sear and caramelized crust without burning. Cook to desired doneness (for medium, approximately 45 minutes). Set aside to rest in a warm place for approximately 15–20 minutes, then carve.

Marin Chicory Salad With Tangerine Vinaigrette

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

I head frisée

1 head radicchio

2 heads Belgian endive ¼ cup tangerine juice

3 tablespoons sherry vinegar

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

salt

black pepper to taste

4 tangerines, segmented

2 tablespoons tarragon

2 tablespoons mint

2 tablespoons parsley

2 tablespoons chives fresh goat cheese

DIRECTIONS

Wash and dry the chicories (lettuces) and herbs. Trim lettuce ends. Pull off individual endive and radicchio leaves and slice them lengthwise into four pieces.

Vinaigrette: In a sealable container mix tangerine juice, vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, honey, salt and pepper. Shake vigorously. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Mix the chicories with the herbs, scatter the tangerine segments on the greens and top with spoon-size pieces of goat cheese. Dress with the vinaigrette and serve. m

The Mina family, from left: Michael, Anthony, Sammy and Diane.

BY NATE SELTENRICH

PHOTOS BY JOSEPH SCHELL

The Sentry

This past April, photographer Joseph Schell and two friends decided to ﬁnd their way into Battery Construction 129, which they’d heard referenced as a sort of Holy Grail for local urban explorers. Declassiﬁed building schematics helped them narrow their hunt, and a History Channel clip provided a solid visual on the scene at the surface. After a failed day of searching, they eventually discovered and descended into the secret bunker, camera equipment in tow.

There, in absolute darkness lit only by their headlamps, they encountered an unusual scene: at least ﬁve decades’ worth of graffiti, a makeshift visitors’ journal on torn scraps of paper, and ﬂoors littered with both recent debris and scrap metal dating to the bunker’s original occupation in wartime. In a central chamber used by generations of kids for clandestine partying, they saw chairs arranged around concrete benches that had been draped in red-and-white-checkered picnic tablecloths. On and around the ersatz tables were empty wine and beer bottles, mason jars, a bucket, a golf club, cigarette butts, soda cans, candles and additional evidence of past soirees in the underworld.

IT’S NOT EASY to ﬁ nd Battery Construction 129, and once you do, it’s not easy to get in. First you must crawl backward through a gap (just big enough for a body) between the forest ﬂoor and a low concrete shelf — possibly the result of an earlier attempt by the National Park Service to keep people out.

Once inside, you turn carefully to ﬁ nd a comparably expansive vertical ventilation shaft below, about six feet square and equipped with a rusted service ladder descending 75 feet into a black abyss. At the bottom is the cool, dank air of an underground world: 82,000 square feet of chambers and small rooms connected by stark concrete corridors, all buried beneath Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands.

Of course, now you can’t get in at all. The World War II–era munitions bunker, long a treasured hideaway of Marin teenagers and urban explorers, has been sealed off — presumably for good. In July the National Park Service went to great lengths to ensure that no one would be able to access the space any longer, ﬁ lling the air shaft with high-grade expansion foam, sealing the entrance with concrete and topping it all off with a fresh load of dirt.

The bunker will need that additional level of obscurity later this year when the park service sets out to remove 235 non-native Monterey pine and cypress trees from Hawk Hill. Their seeds were inadvertently transplanted by the army in

It’s not easy to ﬁnd Battery Construction 129, and once you do, it’s not easy to get in.

The climb from the Headlands’ surface to underground in Battery Construction

129. Opposite: Grafﬁti and makeshift tables tell a tale of the bunker’s usage in more recent days. Previous spread: Walking through one of the bunker’s stark tunnels.

Battery Construction 129’s entrance on Hawk Hill.

soil used to cover the bunker in the early 1940s. Partly designed to restore habitat for the endangered Mission Blue butterﬂ y, the project will convert what’s now a lush forest into coastal grassland in which any concrete structure would be hard to hide.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area spokesperson Howard Levitt says the timing of the landscaping with the sealing off of the bunker is just a coincidence. The tree work is intended to mitigate ecological impacts from road and trail construction elsewhere in the headlands, he says, and the bunker closure results from the park service’s recent discover that members of the public were entering it more frequently. The agency decided to act both for safety’s sake and to protect the site from graffiti, which is already pervasive. “These are historic resources, and no one wants vandalism of a historic resource,” he says. “It’s a potentially serious safety hazard. It’s highly risky to enter bunkers.” According to Levitt, the bunker is unlikely to ever be accessible to the public again.

Interest in the bunker has grown since a ﬁlm crew from the History Channel visited in 2009 — blindfolded and escorted by members of the Suicide Club, a San Francisco–based group known for elaborate pranks and public stunts that has explored and safeguarded the bunker since the late 1970s. Once word of Battery Construction 129’s closure got out, prospective and past visitors expressed their disappointment. In a forum on a website called Urban Exploration Resource, online users kvetched: “I never even had a chance to go;” “I just found this bunker last week;” and “It only takes one moron to ruin things for everyone.”

Decades ago, Joshua Nelson visited the bunker — and at least a dozen others in the Headlands — as a teenager growing up in Marin. Now 40 and living near Fairfax, he’s sad to think of Battery Construction 129 being lost, although he’s not so sure the closure will even work. “It’s like trying to bury a pyramid,” he said. “The more they try to hide it and bury it, the more people are going to be drawn to it.”

PERHAPS PART OF THE ATTRACTION is the story behind the batteries, which tells of a fascinating time in U.S. history when the country was convinced a West Coast attack was coming by sea. Taking their place in a long line of coastal fortiﬁcations built to defend the Golden Gate, both Townsley and Construction 129 were designed to house the latest in heavyduty marine artillery: a pair of massive guns with 16-inch barrels. The guns and their magazines, power rooms and crew (the weapons were the size of a truck and required many hands to operate) were kept safe and out of sight in the bunkers.

On July 1, 1940, the first 16-inch round ever fired from the Paciﬁc Coast of the continental U.S. went off at Battery Townsley. The 2,100-pound projectile was expected to sail ﬁve miles beyond the Farallones, but it went even further — more than 30 miles from the coast. The whole mountain shook with the gun’s force. Battery Townsley and its counterpart,

Perhaps

part of the attraction is the story behind the batteries, which tells of a fascinating time in U.S. history when the country was convinced a West Coast attack was coming by sea.

Battery Davis, built around the same time on the south side of the Golden Gate at Fort Funston, became prototypes for the army’s planned new coastal defense system.

Despite the considerable effort required, the army was so assured of its vulnerability that it planned to install at least 25 more 16-inch gun batteries along both coasts. The building of Battery Construction 129, located at Fort Barry, began in June 1941. It was built even more heavily than Townsley and Davis, and it quickly became one of the busier bunkers among the many in the Marin Headlands.

Yet after it became clear that the Japanese would not be attacking American ports, construction on the still-unnamed battery came to a halt in November 1943; it was closed up and classified “suspended.” And while the basic structure and much of the interior infrastructure — distributed across an area at least 500 feet long — was already complete, including a kitchen, living quarters and arms storage, it would never be used again. Its massive guns, delivered but never installed, ended up on the scrap heap.

Today, the only remaining signs of the facility’s intended use are deteriorating communications, plumbing, and electrical lines and ﬁ xtures scattered throughout — plus a rusted overhead rail, once capable of carrying heavy artillery.

Even with the recent news of its closure, some adventurers are using online forums to plot their way back into Construction 129. It may all be idle talk, given the lengths the National Park Service has gone to keep them out. But their attitude reveals the appeal of the unknown, the powerful pull of the forbidden, that has attracted people to the bunker for decades. For now it waits, dark and empty, like an alluring concrete time capsule. m

BUNKER EXPLORATION Those looking to enter a bunker in a safe, clean and legally sanctioned setting are not out of luck. Fort Cronkhite’s restored Battery Townsley, similar in size and function to Battery Construction 129 and located only a mile to the north, is open to the public on the ﬁrst Sunday of each month from noon to 4 p.m.

As the holiday season approaches, many look for ways to help others — and these six locals share how the right help at the right time really can make a difference.

Marin Giving IN ACTION

DANIEL JEWETT, TIM PORTER AND MIMI TOWLE

PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

TIKA HICK: Moving Past Loss

From the offers of childcare and neverending food … to the endless stream of cards to the hugs and well-wishes, everyone has been so wonderful and has helped tremendously.

The headline this past summer was devastating: “Bay Area Man Killed While on Vacation in Maui,” but the story behind the story is what ignited a frenetic community-wide effort to help the woman widowed by the tragedy. Marin native Tika Hick, a preschool teacher at Marin Primary in Larkspur, was in Maui with her fiancée David Potts, their son Indigo, and friends and family for some R & R the week before she was scheduled for a double mastectomy. In one horriﬁc moment a rogue wave took the love of her life. Several days of search and rescue turned up nothing.

“As you can imagine, leaving Maui without my David was absolutely heart-wrenching and the hardest thing I have ever had to do,” recalls Hick. Once back home, Hick went through with her surgery and is well on her way to being cancer-free.

Needless to say, this holiday season will be tough. Hick, however, is strengthened. “The way people have rallied around me has been incredible,” she says. “From the offers of childcare and never-ending

food to the financial donations and assorted benefits to the endless stream of cards to the hugs and well-wishes, everyone has been so wonderful and has helped tremendously.” Hick says she feels fortunate to be surrounded by close friends and family and is further bolstered by a larger network of support from school and organizations such as A Band of Wives, who have helped coordinate fundraisers. Hick’s story has clearly touched many people. One of her favorite musicians, Michael Franti, heard of her tragedy and has been a source of ongoing comfort, checking in on her almost daily and visiting her frequently.

“At this point it’s hard to look too far into the future,” she says. I just need to be here for my baby and do my best to raise him the way David and I had always wanted to.”

Hick’s medical bills are still daunting as is her cost of living, so her family has set up a fund. Checks can be made payable to Tika Hick and sent to her c/o Matt Johnson, Bank of Marin, 501 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Suite 100, Greenbrae, CA 94904. M.T.

SHELDON PLAYDLE: Getting a Solid Education

Sheldon Playdle, a bright 19-year-old son of a Mill Valley nanny, is just a number — but what a number it is. The sophomore biology major at Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo, is one of the 10,000 students from low-income households the San Rafael nonproﬁt 10,000 Degrees wants to put “on the path to a college degree each year.” Formerly the Marin Education Fund, 10,000 Degrees helped Playdle navigate the college application labyrinth and awarded him a scholarship that partially offsets the $17,000-plus his tuition and housing will cost.

“I was prepared for college through Branson,” he says, “but I never really knew how I was going to pay for college. I didn’t know about all the different sources you could go to in order to get money. My whole life, I’ve had scholarships, but when it came to college I didn’t really know where to go.”

Playdle got his answers at 10,000 Degrees’ college-prep boot camp, the Summer Institute. “They guided me through the process,” he says, “how I’m supposed to pay for college, how I’m supposed to apply, the deadlines — everything.” Playdle intends to be one of the 83 percent of 10,000 Degrees’ students who complete a four-year degree. “I’m not sure exactly what I want to do,” he says, “but I feel like I want to go into the biotech world.” If he does, he’ll join his older sister, who also participated in 10,000 Degrees and is now a molecular biology researcher at Children’s Hospital in Oakland.

By putting 10,000 students from low-income households on the path to a college degree each year, 10,000 Degrees believes its efforts can change the world. All gifts, small or large, are critical to keeping its operation strong; 415.459.4240, 10000degrees.org. T.P.

I

was prepared for college through Branson, but I never really knew how I was going to pay for college.

MAYRA

MONCADO: Growing a Successful Business

Thanks to all that I’ve learned, I can now depend solely on my salon for my income.

Mayra Moncado divides the history of her business into two phases: before and after Women’s Initiative. “I opened up my salon in 1999, but it didn’t go well at all,” she says. “I had the business, but I didn’t know how to run it. I had to have a side job in order to make ends meet because my salon wasn’t generating close to enough income to support my children and me.” Although taking the Women’s Initiative course was a challenge, Moncado persevered. “It wasn’t a diffi cult one for me because I love learning new things,” she says. Her courses there taught her to give more focus to her desired clientele’s needs and also motivated her to invest in her business. Women’s Initiative also helped her get over her fear of appearing pretentious by charging a certain amount for her services. “Thanks to Women’s Initiative I have more conﬁdence in myself and my abilities. Now, I introduce myself as Mayra the salon owner, not just Mayra the stylist,” Moncado says. “Thanks to all that I’ve learned, I can now depend solely on my salon for my income.”

Women’s Initiative, a training and support service, was founded in 1988 and expanded to Marin County in 2008. Seventy percent of graduates report being in business ﬁve years after ﬁnishing the training program. Women’s Initiative is currently raising funds and support to expand nationally to New York and Chicago; 415.641.3460, womensinitiative.org. M.T.

TINA NOBLE: Finding Loving Care

“Why did I get Alzheimer’s? Why me? And how did I get it? I’m so young — just 55.” Tina Noble wrote those words five years ago, just after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Today, the former college professor with a Ph.D. in anthropology lives under the 24-hour care of her husband of nearly 40 years, Bill, a retired naturalist. When Tina does leave the couple’s San Anselmo home, it’s usually to spend the day at The Club, a Senior Access program for people with memory impairment.

“It’s a beautiful place way up on top of the hills in Terra Linda — sunny, open,” says Bill. “There is a school next door, so there’s the wonderful chatter of

young kids all the time. There are lots of interns and aides and resource people. They do everything from elder yoga to having performers of various kinds come in. It’s delightful.”

More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, and nearly 15 million others perform roles like Bill Noble’s, caring for family or friends. Senior Access recently opened another day care center in Belvedere to meet the rising demand in Marin.

If you give Senior Access $160 or more as part of its “160 Campaign,” your gift goes toward tai chi sessions, music therapy sing-alongs, caregiver respite, art therapy projects and more; 415.491.2500, senioraccess.org. T.P.

They do everything from elder yoga to having performers of various kinds come in. It’s delightful.

The general experience of working with terminally ill people allowed Hospice to make decisions that were difﬁcult for me.

STEPHEN

LEVINE:

Embracing the Hospice Community

When Stephen Levine’s wife’s illness became terminal, he was grateful for the help and comfort provided by Hospice By The Bay, which provides end-of-life care for patients and support for their family members and caregivers. “Pam and I were married for 24 years, and we knew each other for several years before marriage,” he says. While he had known about the organization before his wife was ill, it was a friend who suggested he call them for help.

“Hospice By The Bay was extremely helpful to me. As a physician I was managing Pam’s pain medication prior to Hospice’s involvement, and I was happy to be relieved of that responsibility,” Levine says. “Plus, the general experience of working with terminally ill people allowed Hospice to make decisions that were diffi cult for me. Aside from that, having someone to confer with was welcome.”

His relationship with Hospice By The Bay didn’t end with the passing of his wife. He became a volunteer two years after losing Pam, and he found the training and the organization invaluable. “I have volunteered with a diverse group of terminally ill people, both in facilities and in their homes,” he says. “I have seen a number of individuals regularly, from their acceptance by Hospice until their death. Volunteering for Hospice has been unusually gratifying.”

Hospice By The Bay is the first hospice to be established in California and the second in the nation. It serves about 3,000 Bay Area patients yearly. If you are considering a donation this holiday season, the organization needs volunteers as well as money; 415.526.5500, hospicebythebay.org. M.T.

To get up in front of people and perform taught me to be conﬁdent and professional.

PASHIA LORD: Exploring the Arts

When Marin City resident Pashia Lord was just 9, her great-grandmother talked her and her twin sister into a life-changing experience. “We lived right around the corner from the classroom,” Lord says about joining Performing Stars of Marin, a program that provides access to professional training in dance, music and social skills for underserved youth. “We got close to Felecia and went with her everywhere.”

Lord is referring to Felecia Gaston, the founder and executive director of Performing Stars, who combined a frustration with not being able to take ballet lessons as a child with a passion to see children granted access to the arts no matter what their ﬁnancial limitations. In 1990, the Marin City resident fused these motivators to create Performing Stars.

“It was great to receive a scholarship to get to do the things we couldn’t afford to do,” the now 30-year-old Lord says about the chance to take dance and acting classes, including classes at the Marin Theatre Company. “To get up in front of people and perform taught me to be conﬁdent and professional.”

And now Lord shares that same passion with others as a Performing Stars volunteer and with her daughter as a performer — the two recently appeared in a Stapleton School of the Performing Arts production of Hairspray.

This holiday season, Performing Stars needs donations to give more Marin youth the opportunity to take the stage and follow their dreams; 415.332.8316, performingstars.org. D.J.

From the Heart

Inspired to give? Here are more local charities that need your help. CHRISTINE BRONSTEIN

YOUTH MATTERS

E Summer Search is a leadership development program that provides ongoing and long-term support for low-income high school students. Founded in San Francisco in 1990, it operates seven ofﬁ ces nationwide and helps more than 1,100 students annually effect positive change. Petaluma, 707.763.2001, summersearch.org

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

E St. Vincent de Paul provides assistance to those in need in 133 countries. The Marin Council is independently incorporated and responsible for its own fundraising. It maintains programs that help people with services ranging from free hot meals to rental deposit assistance, transportation and clothing. San Rafael, 415.454.3303, vinnies.org

FOR WOMEN

E To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation is a volunteer-based organization that raises funds that are then granted to other Bay Area nonproﬁ ts to help people dealing with breast cancer or breast health concerns. Since its inception, the organization has distributed more than $3.3 million in grants. Kentﬁ eld, 415.455.5882, tocelebratelife.org

E Image for Success serves men and women referred by more than 45 social service agencies in Marin County. Personal shoppers

assist each client in the selection of a professional wardrobe from donated clothes. The organization also provides underprivileged kids with clothing. San Rafael, 415.472.5855, imageforsuccess.org

ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND

E EcoMom Alliance empowers mothers to create a healthy and sustainable world. Its goal is to provide every mother with information and tools so she can make healthy choices in her home and community. Donations to this nonproﬁ t organization help grow outreach educational programming. San Anselmo, ecomomalliance.org

E WildCare works to make sure that people and all species of wildlife can coexist in Marin County. In addition to treating sick or injured animals, the organization teaches people how to live peacefully with wildlife and advocate for better protection of Marin’s remaining open spaces and its wildlife. San Rafael, 415.456.7283, wildcarebayarea.org

E The Marine Mammal Center ’s mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals and inspire their global conservation. Its team has rescued and rehabilitated more than 16,000 marine mammals since it began in 1975. Sausalito, 415.289.7325, marinemammalcenter.org m

Destinations

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

BEACH GETAWAYS

WINTER BLUES

From aquamarine to royal, the water rules at these favorite getaways. BY MIMI TOWLE

A pristine bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

WE ASKED LOCAL hospitality experts to share their favorite sand-and-sun destinations, with one caveat — they couldn’t choose one of their own properties. Their responses reveal great spots for every type of travel — from family to romantic to international to just around the corner. If you’re thinking of warming your toes and sunning your soul this winter, we hope these suggestions make the decision process easier.

E St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

WHO Jon Kimball has been the general manager of the Westin St. Francis for the past six of his 27 years in hospitality. While his favorite winter beach is at the St. Regis in Princeville, Kauai, we had to ask for his second favorite, because the St. Regis is a sister

property of the Westin St. Francis within Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

WHY HE LOVES IT “I feel very fortunate that I have been able to enjoy some incredible travel opportunities throughout my career in the hospitality industry. One of my best vacations was the recent trip I took with my wife and two children to St. John. The fi rst thing I noticed was the island’s stunning natural beauty. The water was crystal clear and just the right temperature, and since two-thirds of the island is a national park, it is largely a vibrant green tropical rain forest fi lled with plants and wildlife. If you go, be on the lookout for iguanas and wild donkeys roaming the island. We spent most of our vacation exploring the nearby islands, snorkeling and jet skiing. One of my favorite experiences was going on the underwater snorkeling tour at Trunk Bay, where signs guide you around a large coral reef fi lled with

Snorkeling is a popular activity in the Caribbean’s warm waters.

Below right: The Kimball family in Virgin Gorda. Opposite: A typical guest room at Playa Escondida.

One of my favorite experiences was going on the underwater snorkeling tour at Trunk Bay, where signs guide you around a large coral reef ﬁlled with colorful ﬁsh.

colorful ﬁsh. A not-to-miss spot is the Soggy Dollar Bar. You can only get there by swimming to it. Needless to say, by the time I got there my money was soaked. But not to worry: They have a clothesline where they’ll dry your money. (At The Westin St. Francis, we wash our guests’ coins, but this takes things to a new level.) A great thing to know is that although St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, if you bring your passport you can also explore the British Virgin Islands, which we made sure to do. We took a boat to Virgin Gorda, where we explored and swam in The Baths, among the giant granite boulders. And be sure to take a ride in one of the open-air taxis — it’s quite an adventure.”

DETAILS The smallest of the three U.S. Virgin

Islands, St. John is about a 10-hour ﬂight from SFO, followed by a boat ride. Expect average winter temperatures of 77 degrees. visitusvi.com

E Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico

WHO Mill Valley’s Sarah Livia Brightwood is the president of Ranch La Puerta spa and ﬁtness resort in Baja California, a popular year-round destination for people from all over the world.

WHY SHE LOVES IT “I have returned to Sayulita, in the state of Nayarit, Mexico, many times. My daughter learned to Boogie-board here when she was six years old. The resorts and little hotels along this Paciﬁc coastline 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta range from funky to luxurious, but my favorite

is a boutique hotel called Playa Escondida just outside of town. Playa Escondida is not fussy and manages to be simple, beautiful and intimate with whimsical ﬂ air and a gorgeous private beach. The rooms are quiet and unique in design. The food is delicious, and the staff helpful. I celebrated my 55th birthday there with a shamelessly romantic

Joe & Leah Kent

Married 47 years

I celebrated my 55th birthday there with a shamelessly romantic private dinner on the sand — we sat at a small table ringed by rose petals and luminarias at sunset.

private dinner on the sand — we sat at a small table ringed by rose petals and luminarias at sunset. Sayulita itself is a fi shing village with a lot of local color and has become a popular surfi ng destination. Surfi ng schools welcome novices, and a stretch of the beach is gentle enough for beginners and children. Another area has a fi ne break for accomplished surfers. On my last visit we spent hours watching a local surfi ng in tandem with his dog. In town you’ll fi nd some fi ne art, good shops and restaurants, and an excellent center devoted to promoting Huichol culture and art with the most beautiful beaded work you’ve ever seen. Sayulita is not far from Punta Mita. The water is brisk in the winter but the days are sunny.”

DETAILS Over the past decade, this classic beach town has become a popular destination for many Marin families. Getting there involves a three-and-a-half-hour flight

to Puerto Vallarta, followed by an hour’s drive north. Temperatures average around 80 to 90 degrees throughout the year. sayulita.com, playa-escondida.com

E Auckland, New Zealand

WHO Mike Freed , cofounder and managing director of Passport Resorts, has been closely involved with innovations at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort and more recently Cavallo Point in Sausalito — all of which have earned awards for their environmental features.

WHY HE LOVES IT “Our favorite place to stay in Auckland is the 13-room Mollies. We’ve been there three times and stayed in different rooms each time. The rooms are all suites and are uniquely appointed. We once stayed in a room with a baby grand piano, which was pretty to look at but was left untouched. We like the small size and location: Even

Sarah Livia Brightwood celebrated her birthday with a romantic beachfront dinner for two in Sayulita.

Now this is what you call oceanfront.

With floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite, it’s almost as if you can reach out and touch the Pacific. Enjoy premium oceanfront living with plush furnishings, designer kitchens, luxury bedding and picture perfect beaches. Premium suites enjoy enhanced VIP check-in, welcome gift and personal concierge services.

ASTON MAHANA AT KAANAPALI –OCEANFRONT ON KAANAPALI BEACH

though it is in a residential area, it’s still close to everything. Being in the hospitality business, I appreciate all the work owners Stephen and Francis Fitzgerald have done on the hotel. Mollies is named after Francis’ mother, since this was where she lived. Another bonus is the fact that Francis is an opera coach, who taught in New York City. She still teaches opera in Auckland, and her students perform each night in the bar. It is very cool to listen to live opera while looking out over the water. Oh, and they include a great breakfast.”

DETAILS There are more than 50 beaches to choose from in Auckland New Zealand. Whether black sand or white, Paciﬁc Ocean or Tasman Sea, the options are plentiful. Auckland is one of the sunniest spots in the country with average temperatures in the mid 70s. Summer here is from December to February. aucklandnz.com. mollies.co.nz

E Kauai

WHO Mark Harmon has been in the family hospitality business — founded in 1985 by his father Bob — since 1998. He is currently the CEO of Auberge Resorts, an offshoot of his father’s original company, which includes the popular winter beach destination Esperanza Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico.

WHY HE LOVES IT “Over the years, we have visited the Hawaiian Islands many times, yet we keep coming back to Kauai because of its rugged natural beauty and small-town charm. One of the best lesser-known experiences is to take a hike into Waimea Canyon. Descending from the top of the canyon, you drop several thousand feet into an unspoiled wilderness with beautiful pools and waterfalls. And there is the Kalalau Trail, which we hiked many years ago; we camped on the western point of the island. The sunsets are phenomenal there, and I will never forget

bodysurﬁ ng in waves lit up by the red glow of the sun. I also love the laid-back and peaceful town of Hanalei, which reminds me that living simply is the best tonic for a busy life. As far as where to stay, we like the Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu.”

DETAILS From the glassy waters of Hanalei Bay to the windswept dunes and turbulent waters of the 17-mile Polihale Beach on the west side, Kauai — the oldest of the popular islands in the Hawaiian chain — has a warm stretch of sand for all types of beachgoers. kauai-hawaii.com, outrigger.com

E Caribbean Cruising

WHO Ever since she remodeled a prewar hotel in Union Square in 1982, Yvonne LembiDetert , president and CEO of Personality Hotels, has become a pioneer and then leader in boutique hotel chic. Her properties include Hotel Diva, Hotel Metropolis, Hotel Union

Square, Kensington Park Hotel, Steinhart Hotel in San Francisco and Mariposa Inn & Suites in Monterey.

WHY SHE LOVES IT “My most unforgettable memory is being pushed up in the air by a dolphin’s snout to soar across the stunning warm blue waters of Cozumel. Now, that was a rush that even the countdown to the New Year could never replace. Dolphins are amazing. They are truly the deﬁ nition of hospitality. Think about it: Where else are you greeted by a stranger who swims up next to you, gives you a memory of a lifetime and simply delights in your happiness? The Norwegian Cruise Line was a delight as well. The accommodations were spacious, and the food was delicious. The staff also went out of its way to accommodate our needs and to make this a very relaxing holiday vacation for the entire family. This experience changed my views on cruising, especially for when

inspired by culture, well-being and genuine aloha.

Waterfalls are abundant on Kauai. Opposite: Mollies in Aukland is near more than 50 beaches.

Destinations

you’re traveling with the entire family. It’s easy, there’s no luggage to haul and you can get lost on the ship and still be found. Plus, I slept well because, if the dolphin experience alone did not positively exhaust me, the boat rocked me to sleep like a baby.”

DETAILS The Caribbean’s sun-filled warm weather, beautiful islands strewn with white-sand beaches and calm, warm, lapping waves are hard to beat. A cruise combines time to relax while at sea with ports of call for exploring various islands. norwegian cruises2012.com

E Stinson Beach

WHO Author Chip Conley is the founder of San Francisco–based Joie de Vivre, the country’s second-largest boutique hotel chain, with properties in the city and on many Southern California beaches, such as Laguna, Huntington and Venice.

WHY HE LOVES IT “I really enjoy going to the Zen Center at Green Gulch, spending an hour meditating at the gulch along with having a splendid vegetarian meal and then sauntering to the beach. It’s a sublime and transcendental experience. However, when it comes to

Stinson Beach in the winter.

Above left: Dolphins are a common sight in the Caribbean.

Above right: A typical Norwegian Cruise ship.

Opposite: Chip Conley’s dog Sugar Ray soaks in the sun.

I love Stinson Beach in the winter; it’s nearly empty of people but teeming with wildlife, and that unusual crystal-clear, sunny January day can bake you.

bringing along Sugar Ray, my faithful canine companion, I opt for Stinson Beach. I love Stinson Beach in the winter; it’s nearly empty of people but teeming with wildlife, and that unusual crystal-clear, sunny January day can bake you. I wrote most of my book, Peak, in a rented home on Seadrift Lagoon, and then stayed at a friend’s beachfront home while working on my upcoming book, Emotional Equations, which will be coming out this January. I love taking an early morning beach run with Sugar Ray and then coming back and building a ﬁ re while preparing for my morning rounds of ruminating and writing. One of the best things about Stinson in the winter is the easy pattern of life. No one is in a rush, there are no lines at the Parkside Cafe, and — much to my happy surprise — Surfers Grill is open on the weekends, making walking along the beach to get lunch a journey in itself.”

DETAILS While winter is usually the coldest and wettest season in Stinson, as all locals know, crisp, sunny days happen quite often. Walking the 3.5-mile stretch of sand is a soulful experience, with shoes or without. stinsonbeachonline.com m

Travels With Purpose

Last summer, Dr. Elson Haas, author of dozens of books in the fi eld of health and the founder and director of Preventive Medical Center of Marin, spent fi ve weeks working with his 26-year-old son Orion helping people in the villages of Ghana. Orion works with Global Brigades Africa , an NGO (nongovernmental organization) supported by volunteers who provide medical brigades, clean water programs and micro-fi nance support to communities in Honduras and Ghana. “On average, our medical brigade team saw 250 to 300 people daily, many in family groups with several children, being supported by a local schoolteacher and translator and two students,” says Haas. “It was a truly great and deeply meaningful experience for me to be able to bring my decades of work in integrative health care to people who are in such great need.” For more on Dr. Haas’ experience and how to get involved, visit marintravelswithpurpose. wordpress.com. MIMI TOWLE

Gearing Up for Ski Season

Looking forward to finding yourself in fields of fresh powder as the winter chill nips at your nose? These three packages will make it that much sweeter. M.T.

1 Stay Over, Ski Free

Stay for eight nights at Vail Cascade through April 15, 2012, and get seven days of skiing for two adults; stay seven nights and get six days of skiing; ﬁve nights, four days; and so on, with the “Stay Over Ski Free” package. vailcascade.com

2 Dogs and Deep Powder

Through January, the Hyatt Escala Lodge at Park City — a ski-in, ski-out luxury resort — is offering a “Next Stop, Winter Wonderland” package that includes a 40 percent discount on luxury condos as well as dogsledding, nightly s’mores and more. escalalodge.hyatt.com

3 Weekday Lift Tickets

The best deal at Tahoe’s Northstar is the “Stay & Ski Free” package, which includes two adult ski tickets and lodging for two in a studio condo and starts at $105 per person. It’s hard to ﬁnd prices lower than these. northstarattahoe.com

DISNEY TAKES OAHU

Despite the absence of Mickey and his friends, the 21-acre Aulani Resort — Disney’s fi rst non-theme property ever — set within the 642-acre Koolina Resort on Oahu’s west side, has a bevy of family-friendly features. Case in point: the island’s fi rst saltwater pool designed to look like a reef, which is authentic enough to trick even the resident stingrays, star fi sh and anemones. Additional features include a waterslide and lazy river. From $339, resorts.disney.go.com M.T.

✽ AMENITY ALERT

According to Cavallo Point Lodge, its in-room bartender service is a ﬁ rst of its kind. Options include hand-shaken or premade cocktails delivered by, you guessed it, an in-room bartender. Packages start with a bottle of liquor and accompaniments to serve four to six people. The best part? This bar doesn’t ever have to close. Starting at $50, cavallopoint.com M.T.

A Soul-Soothing Getaway

your door to personal fitness amidst the serenity of our 3,000-acre spa/fitness resort near San Diego. Stays of 3-, 4-, and 7 nights now available.

stays.

garden casitas. Organic cuisine.

When your desired destination needs to deliver, as Henry Miller wrote, “a new way of looking at things,” then consider an experience at one of the new Wellness Retreats at the 150-year-old Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa . After a quick fl ight from SFO to the Inland Empire’s Ontario airport followed by a halfhour drive south through the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains, you’ll fi nd yourself at Glen Ivy Center’s lush grounds of towering palm trees, vibrant flowers and fruit-fi lled gardens. Each retreat includes accommodations, delicious organic meals, access to the mineral pools at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa and retreat workshops. “We have fi nally, at the request of our longtime guests, opened our doors for more than just one day at a time to provide a more in-depth, nurturing experience,” says Glen Ivy president and CEO Jim Root. Upcoming offerings include “Body, Mind & Spirit Renewal,” a three-day ThetaHealing retreat November 18–20 that’s designed to help you discover lost passions and fi nd a deeper sense of purpose in your life, and “Expressing the Truth of Who You Are” March 29–April 1, 2012, a yoga retreat that aims to uncover your personal authenticity while connecting you with peace. From $789, 888.453.6489, glenivy.com/retreats JULIE SINCLAIR

Istanbul

Two worlds — ancient and modern meet at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

STORY AND

BY BARBARA RIES

PHOTOS

The underground Basilica Cistern, built in the sixth century.

Opposite: Lit dance ﬂoors at the trendy nightclub Reina, where locals party all night.

AT DUSK ON my last night in Istanbul I stood atop Galata Tower, a landmark stone lookout. In the distance, freighters lumbered beyond the Golden Horn to the Sea of Maramar. Below, commuter ferries swarmed the Bosphorus River. All around, slender minarets of some of the nearly 2,900 mosques glimmered against the seven hills of the old city. On cue, the lyrical, doleful sounds of the adhan — the call to prayer — rang from loudspeakers on all corners and seemed to echo from every mosque in this sprawling, overwhelmingly Muslim capital of 13 million people.

Long known in Western history books as Constantinople, an ancient crossroads where empires rose and fell, Istanbul today is a city of ancient tradition and modern culture, a place to wander amid ruins and palaces, tangled streets and rambling markets of Old World Turkey, and in the same trip, eat exquisitely, shop eternally and embrace the teeming energy of a world-class city.

The city straddles Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. In Old Istanbul, where most visitors roam, historic landmarks are plentiful. Must-sees include Topaki Palace, the harem of the Sultans, the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya and the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market, and Turkish baths. But just as impressive are the everyday encounters with the Turkish people. Warm

and inviting, worldly and colorful, they are proud of their heritage and want you to experience it.

A Welcoming Culture

On a rainy Saturday in the ﬁshing village of Anadolu Kavagi, for example, I visited a men’s cafe, a place of cards, dominoes and wagers on horses. As I sipped traditional Turkish chai in a glass, I was welcomed as a guest.

In local markets the mood is also jovial. Women in the organic food market, rolling dough for fresh-made börek pastries, enjoyed being photographed as they cooked and chatted with customers. As men and women came to daily prayers in mosques, I was invited to join them and take photographs — a surprising offer for an Islamic culture.

Frequent visitor Dan Kitchens, who travels to Istanbul for his tour business, agrees: “The Turkish people are very proud of their culture and the history of their land. They welcome you as part of their family.” Kitchens also points out that not only does Istanbul give visitors the chance “to mix their beach vacation with some kind of historic and cultural experience,” but travel there is also a bargain in this economy. “Our dollar goes a lot further in Istanbul than in Paris or Rome.” And since Turkish Air offers stopovers in Istanbul with free hotel or city tours included, savvy travelers are taking advantage.

Above, clockwise from left: Dusk view of the old city from the Galata Tower; soaring domes of the Blue Mosque; Islamic women in the park at Topaki Palace.

Istanbul’s Bucket List

Aya Sofya, called Hagia Soﬁa in Greek, dates back to 532 A.D. and for 1,000 years was the world’s largest Christian church. When Mehmet II conquered the city in 1453, the Ottomans converted it to a mosque. Minarets were added and many mosaics covered, but its golden interior dome survived. Now a museum, gold mosaics, pillars and urns tell stories of its turbulent history.

The Blue Mosque, built from masses of blue tile, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. As Muslims pray, tourists quietly mill about in awe. Photography buffs lie ﬂat on the ﬂoor, their cameras pointed upward to the luminous domes.

Topaki Palace is crowded but well worth the maneuvering needed to glimpse inside the chambers where sultans lived, served by their wives, eunuchs and slaves. Don’t miss the royal treasury and its display of swords, crowns and clothing crafted with gold, emeralds, rubies and jade.

The Basilica Cistern once held the city’s water, delivered 12 miles from a reservoir near the Black Sea. Tourists now wander its dramatically lit, cavernous walkways. Two of the roof’s 336 support columns rest on blocks bearing Medusa heads, created, some say, to ward off evil spirits.

Shopping in Istanbul

Don’t forget to engage in another piece of the city’s history — haggling. The Grand Bazaar is nearly a city in itself, with more than 60 streets and up to 4,000 shops. On the busiest days, as many as a half-million visitors wander through, perusing gold, silver, textiles, water pipes, mosaic lamps, tea sets, antiques and tourist trinkets. Each street is numbered, but getting lost is still easy.

The bustling corridors of the nearby Spice Bazaar have beautifully arranged displays of lokum (Turkish delight), pistachios, ﬁgs, olive oil soaps, pomegranate tea, black chili and large, inexpensive bags of saff ron. You can even ﬁ nd the occasional virility herb or aphrodisiac from a ram’s horn.

If your mission is ﬁ nding a Turkish rug, educate yourself before bargaining. A good place to start is with Ibrahim Kotooglu, who operates Orient 100 carpets. From tribal pieces out of Turkish villages to masterpieces ﬁt for palaces, Kotooglu is happy to describe the value and history of his rugs. His assistants unfurl rug after rug as he explains the use of hand-spun wool, cotton or silk and plant-based dyes such as saff ron and indigo.

He says carpet weavers express their emotions in the making of each rug, which is why they can’t replace a weaver in the middle of a piece. “Each and every motif tells a unique story,” Kotooglu says. “You can never ﬁ nd two expressed the same. You have a better chance of ﬁ nding two identical diaries.”

The Turkish people are very proud of their culture and the history of their land. They welcome you as part of their family.

From top: Streaming crowds shop the Grand Bazaar; women making börek pastries; pomegranate tea in the spice market; a Saturday card game in a local cafe; the artistry of Turkish rug weaving.

As men and women came to daily prayers in mosques in the old city, I was invited to join them and take photographs — a surprising offer for an Islamic culture.

Soaking It In

The Turkish Baths, or public hamams, have changed little from the time of the Ottomans. Once a place for social gathering and religious cleansing, the baths are patronized now mainly by tourists.

One of the most beautiful is the 276-year-old Cagaloglu Hamami, which is listed in The New York Times best seller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It has also served as a backdrop in 138 ﬁlms, including one in the Indiana Jones series.

This type of public bathing is an essential Turkish experience, but it may not be for everybody. You lie on a communal heated marble slab as an attendant douses, scrubs, lathers, then scrubs you again with a coarse soapy mitt until you wonder how much cleaner a human body can possibly be. Then comes an invigorating, if rough, massage on the cushion-less marble. Spa comfy it’s not. But it is a steamy, relaxing cleansing ritual that imbues you with a sense of centuries long past.

A Modern Take on Traditional Culture

I was lucky enough to stay at the exceptional Ciragan Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman emperors. Built in the late 1800s, it’s now a ﬁve-star Kempinski hotel with views of the Bosphorus from the European side. The palace boasts the second-largest private suite in Europe, which comes with its own helipad. The main hotel is lovely, with original masterpieces, a courtyard pool, a luxury spa and impeccable service.

At Tugra, the palace restaurant, executive chef Ugur Alparslan combines Ottoman cuisine with modern flair, such as lamb kulbasti with hunkarbegendi — char-grilled lamb loin with smoked eggplant purée plated with a walnut and root vegetable–stuffed red pepper with pomegranate-onion sauce.

Istanbul’s trendy club scene has been the subject of much press, rivaling other major cities for chic, wee-hours hedonism. Crowds line the streets in front of clubs in Taksim Square and Ortaköy, and the music pulses almost till dawn.

Before daybreak on my last morning in Istanbul, I strolled from the Ciragan Palace to the quaint area of Ortaköy and stopped at the harbor to photograph the lights of the Bosphorus Bridge aglow over the Büyük Mecidiye Camii mosque. A few other early risers were walking toward the mosque for morning prayer. Passing them in the other direction, a group of stylish young men and stiletto-wearing women were teetering home from the clubs. Istanbul offers a mix of the very old with the very new and, fortunately, a little bit of everything in between. m

From top: Glass mosaic lamps in the Grand Bazaar; inside the historic Cagaloglu Hamami; the call to prayer in one of the old city's mosques. Opposite: Buyuk Mecidiye Camii mosque at dawn, with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background.

If You Go

E Ciragan Palace Kempinski — kempinski.com/en/Istanbul, 90 212 326 4646

E Turkish Air — Offers a new nonstop from LAX to Istanbul, turkishairlines.com, 800.874.8875

E Sea Song Tours — Friendly staff, very nice guided tours of historic sites, the city and all of Turkey, 90 212 292 8555, seasong.com

E Topaki Palace — 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Tuesdays, $15 (harem section can be visited only by a guided tour and separate $10 ticket), 90 212 512 0480

E Blue Mosque — 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily except during prayer times, about 30 minutes ﬁ ve times a day, free, donations accepted

E Aya Sofya — 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. in summer; $5 admission, closed Mondays

E Basilica Cistern — 9 a.m.–6.30 p.m. daily, $6

E Cagaloglu Hamami — Yerebatan Caddesi 34, a short walk northwest of Sultanahmet, separate entrances for men and women, approximately $30 for a treatment, cagalogluhamami.com.tr

E Orient 100 Carpets — Weaving demonstration and sales, Nuruosmaniye No.100 Cagaloglu, 90 212 520 0300, orient100istanbul.com

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

MUSEUMS

Legion of Honor

Pissarro’s People

LISTING ON PAGE 91

A Camille Pissaro painting in Pissarro's People at Legion of Honor

THEATER / COMEDY / MUSIC / GALLERIES / MUSEUMS / EVENTS / FILM EDITED BY DANIEL JEWETT

S THEATER

THROUGH NOVEMBER

13 On the Twentieth Century A train full of would-be playwrights cause havoc on a run to New York. Novato Theater Company

Playhouse (Novato). 415.883.4498, novato theatercompany.org

THROUGH NOVEMBER

20 Hair The '60s and '70s changed America and also generated a Tony Award–winning musical. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

2–20 Oh, Kay! The champagne and the great Gershwin music ﬂow in this Prohibition-era story. Eureka Theater (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

11–DECEMBER 11 To Kill a Mockingbird

This recent adaptation of a classic story set in the mid-1930s was an acclaimed part of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater’s 2010 season. Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com

15–DECEMBER 11 Fela!

The true tale of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Curran Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

25–DECEMBER 18

The Glass Menagerie Celebrate the centennial of Tennessee Williams' birth with the play that marked the playwright’s ﬁ rst great Broadway success. Marin Theater Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

THEATER THROUGH NOVEMBER 13

Race Three attorneys scramble to defend a white man accused of assaulting a black woman in this courtroom drama by David Mamet. ACT (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

Fela! at Curran Theater

Playwright David Mamet at ACT

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

13 Brian Regan The nationwide comedy tour continues. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

N DANCE

30–DECEMBER 3

Hover Space Dancers suspended from a “hover ﬂoor” investigate what takes place in life’s in-between spaces. Theater Artaud (San Francisco). 415.927.3253, printzdance.org

MUSIC

TUESDAYS Swing

Fever The band pays tribute to jazz artists and composers, playing selections from

its roster of over 1,000 tunes every ﬁ rst and third Tuesday. Panama Hotel (San Rafael). 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

TUESDAYS Kortuzday

Jonathan Korty and Danny Uzilevsky host a weekly invitational jam that often attracts some big-name players and always produces some great music. 19 Broadway (Fairfax). 415.459.1091, 19broadway.com

THROUGH NOVEMBER

25 S.F. Opera The season opens with Puccini’s ﬁ nal masterpiece with music direction by Nicola Luisotti. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com

4 The Blues Broads

Tracy Nelson, Annie Sampson, Dorothy Morrison, Angela Strehli and Deanna Bogart sing the blues. 142 Throckmorton (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmorton theatre.com

From the ornate drawing room of a Victorian home to the dazzling halls of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker unfolds like a treasured scrapbook of holiday memories.

Ask about Extra Value Performances for the best seats at the best price!

Maria Kochetkova and Pascal Molat in Tomasson’s

Nutcracker (© Erik Tomasson)

Hover Space at Theater Artaud

Voices of Dominican Choices Fall 2011 Leadership Lecture Series

Dr. Andrew Weil

Spontaneous Happiness

Thursday, November 17, 2011 7:00 p.m.

Angelico Hall, Dominican Campus

Tickets are $35 per person and include a copy Spontaneous Happiness.

To purchase tickets: call Book Passage at 415-927-0960, visit the Corte Madera or San Francisco stores, or go to www.bookpassage.com.

SERIES SPONSORED BY PRESENTED BY:

ELITE WEALTH MANAGEMENT TEAM LOCATED RIGHT HERE IN MARIN

Men / Women / Shoes

4 Kings of Salsa This high-energy show mixes traditional Afro-Caribbean dance with the Cuban classics such as mambo, rumba, and cha-cha. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

4 Ben Stolorow The pianist bring his small jazz group to Tiburon. Old St. Hilary’s (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org

5 S.F. Symphony

A concert for the entire family at this special Día de los Muertos event. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

5 Sol do Brasil Brazilian pianist Marcos Silva leads his band through an evening of music

with an international ﬂ avor. Palm Ballroom (San Rafael). 415.389.5072, murphy productions.com

6 Barbershop Harmony Concert Four-part harmony is the featured sound at this 57th annual concert also featuring Marin teens performing as ’Til Dawn. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

6, 8 Marin Symphony The second concert of the 59th season offers piano virtuoso Monica Ohuchi performing a magnum opus commission created by Kenji Bunch. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org

This fall at showroom / alc / haute hippie / joie / coclico / belle by sigerson morrison / vince / tucker mason by michelle mason / pour la victoire / j brand / bensimon / smythe / tucker / yosi samra earnest sewn / tailgate tees / halston heritage / rebel yell / cynthia vincent / boutique nine / siwy aris geldes / wilt / lanston / rory beca / minnetonka / ash / monrow / erin kleinberg / we are owls

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/showroommillvalley

30 Miller Ave. Mill Valley CA 94941 / 415.381.8801

E Stephen Stills The rock music legend is joined by Pegi Young and the Survivors on November 18. Regency Ballroom (SF). 800.745.3000, theregencyballroom.com

Rory Beca Holiday Photo by Shane Edelman

Pianist Monica Ohuchi at Marin Symphony

9 Jackson Browne

Taking to the piano and the acoustic guitar, Browne plays songs spanning his entire body of work. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marincenter.org

10–11 David Nelson

Band Marin’s favorite jam band takes the stage. Palm Ballroom (San Rafael). 415.389.5072, murphy productions.com

11–13 Mill Valley

Philharmonic The free concert series kicks off with Symphony No. 1 in D Major by Gustav Mahler. Various locations (Marin). mill valleyphilharmonic.org

13 Concertante This chamber music sextet is always ready to explore new ideas. United Methodist Church (Mill Valley). 415.381.4453, chambermusic millvalley.org

17 Pink Martini This 12-member orchestra plays classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop and features vocalist Storm Large. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marincenter.org

19 Noel Gallagher

The Oasis songwriter and guitarist performs material from his new solo album. Orpheum Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

26 Big Brother and the Holding Company

Janis Joplin’s original band comes to Marin. George’s (San Rafael). 415.226.0262, georgesnightclub.com

GALLERIES

MARIN

Acacia Gallery New oil paintings from Laura Culver. 4162 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael. 415.479.3238, acaciagallery.net

Stephen Stills at Regency Ballroom

Celebrate at Our Holiday Concerts

Stephen McKersie, conductor

The Church of Saint Raphael, San Rafael Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm Sunday, December 4 at 4:00pm

Experience your Marin Symphony’s Chamber Chorus and Orchestra, with special guests, the Marin Girls Chorus

Join us for the decades-long Marin Symphony tradition when families and friends in our community gather to share the spirit of the holidays. At this heart-warming event, our Symphony’s Chamber Chorus and the Marin Girls Chorus will be accompanied by string quintet, harp, oboe, and handbells. Add your voice in celebration during the audience singalong in the glow of your own hand-held lighted candle.

Open seating: $25 each; $30 at the door. Call 415.479.8100 for tickets, or order online at www.marinsymphony.com.

Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Faces and Places Oil paintings on canvas and hand-made surfaces by Gabriella Spina Drake, through December. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Works Downtown Day of the Dead New works through November 11; also, a small works exhibit runs November 18–December 31. 337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

Claudia Chapline

Gallery Mixed media exhibit. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

W Marin Arts Asia Observed Modern and traditional Asian art, through November 12. The exhibit includes "Wedding Kimono," a watercolor by San Anselmo artist Eileen Ormiston, and "Chinese Woman With Fan," an oil-on-canvas work by Corte Madera artist Nanette Biers. 906 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.666.2442, marinarts.org

Gallery Bergelli Group

Show New work by gallery artists. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, bergelli.com

Gallery Route One Vaporization by Betty Woolfolk, through December 11. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Community Congregational Church

The Zimbabwe Project Multimedia wall hangings handmade by local village women. 145 Rockhill Dr, Tiburon. 415.435.9108, ccctiburon.net

Falkirk Cultural Center Falkirk’s 100

One hundred artists who have exhibited at Falkirk, November 19–December 9. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3438, falkirkcultural center.org

Marin Society of Artists Small Treasures Holiday exhibit, November 20–December 17. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsociety ofartists.org

Marine Mammal Center

Washed Ashore Giant sculptures by Angela Haseltine Pozzi made from plastic ocean

A Jay Graham photograph in Asia Observed at Marin Arts

pollution. The show features 15 pieces from this nationally touring exhibit. 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, 415.289.7325, marine mammalcenter.org

Mona Lease Gallery

Paintings by Harry Cohen. 39 Greenbrae Boardwalk, Greenbrae. 415.461.3718, monalease.net

Northbay ArtWorks

Studios, galleries and classes for artists. 7049 Redwood Blvd, Ste 208, Novato. 415.892.8188, northbayartworks.com

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Abstract Marin A juried show. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Robert Allen Fine Art Group Exhibition

Celebrate the colors of autumn with works by Susan Adame, Tracey Adams, Marla Baggetta, Stephen Duren, Larry Gray, Carol Lefkowitz, John McCormick and Kazuko Watanabe. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenﬁ neart.com

Robert Beck Gallery

Early California plein air landscape show. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org

Robert Green Fine Arts

Paintings by Bay Area–born Sam Francis, through December 31. 154 Throckmorton Ave,

Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgﬁ nearts.com

Seager Gray Gallery

Seager Gray Gallery Inaugural Exhibition The gallery moves to Mill Valley and gets a new name. 23 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley. 415.454.4229, seagergray.com

Smith Andersen North India ink on paper exhibit by Robert Percy, through December 31. 20 Greenﬁeld Ave, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smithandersen north.com

Studio 333 Ongoing exhibition featuring more than 50 Bay Area artists working with mixed media. 333A Caledonia St,

Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

Studio 4 Art Work by local artists, and workshops offering materials and classes. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

The Image Flow Photographs of rock musicians from the 1970s by Bill Green. 401 Miller Ave, Ste F, Mill Valley. 415.388.3569, theimageﬂow.com

The Painters Place Scenes of Marin Plein air painters thru December. 1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.0351, thepaintersplace.com

Does Your Bond Portfolio Need a Check-up?

Are you prepared for the possible impact of:

• Rising interest rates

• Deteriorating credit quality

• Market volatility

In today’s challenging ﬁnancial environment, actively reviewing your bond portfolio may help you achieve your ﬁnancial goals.

Call today to receive a complimentary copy of our newsletter and to arrange for your complimentary comprehensive bond portfolio evaluation.

Bonds are subject to interest rate risk. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall; generally the longer a bond’s maturity, the more sensitive it is to this risk. Bonds may also be subject to call risk, which is the risk that the issuer will redeem the debt at its option, fully or partially, before the scheduled maturity date. The market value of debt instruments may ﬂuctuate, and proceeds from sales prior to maturity may be more or less than the amount originally invested or the maturity value due to changes in market conditions or changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Bonds are subject to the credit risk of the issuer. This is the risk that the issuer might be unable to make interest and/ or principal payments on a timely basis. Bonds are also subject to reinvestment risk, which is the risk that principal and/or interest payments from a given investment may be reinvested at a lower interest rate.

A San Francis painting at Robert Green Fine Arts

Out & About / CALENDAR

Tomales Fine Art Fine art oil paintings by Timothy Horn. 27050 Maine St, Tomales. 707.878.2525, tomalesﬁ neart.com

E MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Tot Rock

Alison Faith Levy, formerly of The Sippy Cups, continues making music for kids with her Big Time Tot Rock, November 5 (Sausalito). 415.339.3958, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum

Coastal Californios: Spanish Life in West Marin 1776–1876 An examination of life on the coast curated by historian Dewey

Livingston, through November 13 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin History Museum

Come see examples of local history from the museum’s 75 years of collecting community artifacts (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Legends of the Bay Area Work by Manuel Neri, through November 15 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.com

Marin Museum of the American Indian Silver Stone Shell Jewelry of California and the Southwest including a look at the tools,

materials and methods that artists have used over the centuries, through January 15, 2012 (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum Museum Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts See paintings, photography, textiles and dress, jewelry, jeweled objects, metalwork and furniture from princely India, through April 8, 2012 (SF). 415.581.3500, 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 This unique living museum features rare and exotic plants and ﬂowers (SF). 415.831.2090, conserv atoryofflowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Houdini: Art and Magic The fi rst major exhibition to examine Houdini’s life, legend and influence includes more than 160 objects, fi lms and photographs, through January 16, 2012 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

Houdini: Art and Magic at Contemporary Jewish Museum

de Young Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of Passion and Power from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna See 50 paintings by 16thcentury Venetian painters Titian, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Mantegna and more, through February 12, 2012 (SF). 415.750.3600, thinker.org

di Rosa Preserve

Looking At You Looking At Me Photography, video, sculpture, painting, and electronic constructions that examine the way we look at each other, through February 18, 2012 (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosapreserve.org

Exploratorium

Explore the science and art of human perception through interactive exhibits (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor Pissarro's People

More than 100 images highlighting Camille Pissarro’s lifelong interest in the human ﬁgure are on display, through January 22, 2012 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.org

Museum of the African Diaspora See exhibitions that blend art and innovative technology with the African tradition of storytelling at this unique museum (SF). 415.358.7200, moadsf.org

E 3 Sausalito Historical Society Architectural historian

Laura Ackley discusses the history of San Francisco’s 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. Wellington’s Wine Bar (Sausalito). 415.289.4117, sausalitohistoricalsociety.com

San Francisco Museum of Craft and Folk Art Fiat Lux: Randy Colosky New Works

Colosky uses a wide range of materials including aluminum, concrete, engineered ceramic honeycomb, brick and reclaimed

wood as well as wall drawing, video and photography to alter the look of the gallery, facade and outdoor space of the museum, November 11–February 25, 2012 (SF). 415.227.4888, mocfa.org

SFMOMA Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams

See work by one of the most inﬂuential industrial designers of our time whose “less but better” ethos was built into products made by the German household appliance company Braun and served as inspiration for products like Apple computers, through February 20, 2012 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Imagecity: Selections from Video Cubano, a project of the 8th Floor, New York. Recent videos

from established and emerging artists based in Cuba, through January 22, 2012 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

E EVENTS

4–6 Art Angels Shop for handcrafted boutique items created by Bay

Area designers and artists. St. Stephen’s Church (Belvedere). 415.435.4501, ststephenschurch.org

5 Wine Tasting and Auction Enjoy samples and the chance to bid on wine from more than 18 wineries, all beneﬁting the Larkspur Library. Recreation Center (Corte Madera). larkspurlibrary foundation.org

10 Beating the Odds Beneﬁ t Enjoy appetizers, dessert and wine tastings as you get to know ﬁve young people who have found a way to succeed in life. Cheryl Jennings hosts.

Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.381.7173, ahoproject.org

11 Veterans’ Day

Celebrate the day with music, military exercises and a brief address. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

12 Sample Sale Find great deals on local products at this oneday-only Marin Store sale. Town Center (Corte Madera). 415.332.4800, themarinstore.com

12 Ceramic Art Show and Sale Awardwinning Marin artists present ceramic sculpture, pottery,

Sutter Paciﬁc’s primary care and specialty doctors offer expert, personal care. You can beneﬁt from online access to your health – from medical records and lab results to appointment booking and doctor messaging. And as part of the Sutter Health network, you’ll receive the highest quality care at a location near you.

Primary care and specialty doctors throughout Marin Same day appointments available

Most health plans accepted

Sydney Sawyer MD Pediatrics

Mary Burke MD Adult & Child Psychiatry

Gyorgy Pataki MD Internal Medicine

A Paolo Caliari painting in Masters of Venice at the de Young

garden art, jewelry and mosaics for sale. Terra Linda Ceramics Studio (San Rafael). terralindaceramics.com

16 Veterans’ Day Celebrate the day with music, military exercises and a brief address. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

16 An Evening with David Sedaris An evening with the wacky humor writer. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

19 Warren Miller Ski Film Take to the slopes as Warren Miller Entertainment presents its 62nd winter sports ﬁ lm Like There’s No Tomorrow Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

29 City Arts and Lectures A conversation with portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz. Herbst Theatre (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

30 Marin Designers

FILM

12 Italian Film Festival

See the fi nal installment in this series featuring fi lms by Italian fi lmmakers. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, italianfi lm.com

5, 6 Lark Theater Live at the Met features Wagner’s Siegfried , part three of the Ring Cycle. The Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net

9–13 Napa Valley Film Festival Enjoy more than 50 ﬁ lm premieres as well as wine tastings, parties and

Showcase Tour a newly constructed 15,000-square-foot home overlooking the bay that has been decked out by 24 top Bay Area designers. Villa Belvedere (Belvedere). 415.479.5710, marinshowcase.org

dinners as part of this new festival. Various locations (Napa). 707.226.7500, napavalleyﬁ lmfest.org

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

5 Sunset Hike and Wine Join this local club for a monthly two-hour hike on moderate to steep trails on Mount Tamalpais with a mid-hike wine and cheese break. Reservations required. Meet other avid Marin hikers. Mountain Home Inn (Mill Valley). 415.331.0100, meetup.com/sunsethike

12 Moonlight Hike and Picnic Take part in the Marin Moonshiners’ monthly four-mile hike to experience the

sunset, moonrise and a picnic. Reservations required. Meet other people interested in the great outdoors. Pelican Inn Pub (Muir Beach). 415.331.0100, meetup. com/moonshinershike

19 WildCare Family Adventures Look for animals that call Tennessee Valley home during the fall such as deer, coyote, bobcat, wild turkey and the Great Horned Owl. Meet in the Tennessee Valley parking lot. 415.453.1000, wildcarebayarea.org

On the Scene

SNAPSHOTS FROM SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARIN AND SAN FRANCISCO EDITED BY SOMER FLAHERTY

N PRESIDENTIAL GALA Colleagues, friends and family gathered during a celebratory gala at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco in honor of Joseph R. Fink, who retired on June 30 after 23 years as Dominican University’s president.

W REGARDS TO BROADWAY

Bay Area Cabaret opened its second season at the beautiful Venetian Room with two sold-out concerts featuring the international Broadway star Lea Salonga. The first concert was followed by a resplendent reception in the Cirque Room of the Fairmont in S.F.

S SPIRIT OF MARIN The 18th annual Spirit of Marin awards luncheon hosted by Bank of Marin recognized the philanthropic leadership and volunteerism of Marin business leaders, as nominated by the 12 participating Marin County–based chambers of commerce.

Janis Stone, Kevin O’Brien, Joseph R. Fink, John Gaulding, Mary Jacobi, Denise Fink, Tom Sinkovitz

John Burns, Marilyn Levinson, Robert Beadle

Thomas A. Klein, Lea Salonga

Lea Salonga

Russ Colombo, Dr. Mary Marcy, Dr. David Wain Coon, Joan Capurro, Dr. Joel Sklar

Thomas Peters,

President and CEO, Marin Community Foundation, Novato

The Marin Community Foundation’s mission is to improve lives and communities in Marin and elsewhere around the world. “We distribute grants in Marin from the Buck Trust and work with other individuals and families to help them make a difference,” says Thomas Peters, president and CEO, “whether that’s here in Marin or anywhere else they choose.”

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

ad lib

Brieﬂy describe your business philosophy. When we work with donors, we view our sole job as helping them achieve what they want through their charitable giving. We’re a source of information, research and advice — with the focus on our donors’ dreams and passions.

What is your competitive edge?

We place great value on providing a high-touch, customized experience for

Lynda Najarian, Judy’s Breadsticks, Mill Valley

Judy’s Breadsticks makes its own brand of bread products and distributes them locally to gourmet stores in the greater Bay Area.

Brieﬂy describe your business philosophy. Keep it simple, otherwise it could bite you when you turn to exit — less is more, more or less. That is the question I usually pose to myself when I design something. Minimize so everyone kind of gets it.

What is your competitive edge?

Originality. I take a close look at what hasn’t been done yet and start there. Usually there needs to be a great lesson involved as well, so I am forging new territory which means a grand adventure. I don’t copy people, and it’s generally very personal so it’s hard to copy what I set out to express.

What (or who) were you going to be when you grew up?

Myself — I just keep digging deeper and deeper as I get older and just really want to be me. No act needed!

From a business standpoint, who’s your inspiration?

Peace Love Harmony Ritual Communion … the Dalai Lama and Ammachi

our donors. Unlike other options they could choose, we take the approach that giving is highly personal and requires personal attention to make it effective.

Which product or service that you offer is your favorite?

Donor-advised funds give people a very ﬂexible way to give — they provide both ﬁnancial advantages and the ability to receive advice around one’s giving. And they’re much more cost-effective than private foundations.

What makes you excel at what you do?

It all starts with listening. Like the rest of my staff, I can be successful only if I understand people’s perspectives, needs and opinions. In this business, people have highly diverse backgrounds and experiences, so understanding those is paramount.

What makes your work worthwhile?

Clearly, seeing the impact of the work we support brings tremendous satisfaction to all of us at Marin Community Foundation. And it’s also knowing that our donors are achieving their dreams for their philanthropy.

Five years from now, what changes will your business experience?

I have no doubt that we’ll see community needs emerge that we can’t predict, so we need to remain alert and nimble. Also, there will be even more options for people to give, especially online.

MARIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, 5 HAMILTON LANDING, SUITE 200, NOVATO, 415.464.2500, MARINCF.ORG

… working helps me to clear the blocks that limit my expression of these forces, and these Saints encourage me to push forward.

JUDY’S BREADSTICKS, P.O. BOX 9, MILL VALLEY, CA 94942, LOVESTICKS@AOL.COM, LOVESTICKS.COM

Dine

N SOUTHERN PACIFIC SMOKEHOUSE American Aside from nightly live music by locally and nationally known artists, this family-friendly Novato eatery features wood-fired dishes such as dry rub baby back ribs, as well as fresh, organic produce and an extensive wine list. Perfect for large groups and gatherings; opt for alfresco dining on warm nights. 224 Vintage Way, Novato, 415.899.9600, thesouthernpacific.com AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian

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

BRICK & BOTTLE

California Sourcing local and artisan 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

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 French dip sandwich with Swiss cheese are among the many menu options. Catering is also available. 103 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.5470, champagnebakery.com

IL FORNAIO Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian 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

PACIFIC CATCH Pan-

Asian The well-priced menu here offers a bounty of fresh-grilled items and Pacific Rim— inspired small or main plates, including generously portioned wasabi bowls fi lled with rice (white or brown), veggies and your choice of chicken, beef, or cooked or raw fi sh. It’s modeled after the Paia Fish House on Maui, down to the chalkboard menu and Hawaiian music. 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.com

TOWLE

P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO Chinese

The combination of attentive staff, lively atmosphere and consistently delicious meals makes for a reliably nice dining experience. Favorites like the lettuce wraps, Mongolian beef, and gluten-free choices keep the customers loyal. 301 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.413.9890, pfchangs.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 ﬂ avors 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 new level. Mostly known for all-natural Angus beef, turkey, chicken or veggie burgers, the restaurant also offers 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 415.924.700, thecounterburger.com

Southern Paciﬁc Smokehouse

COMING SOON

New Owners for Coffee Shop

A change of ownership breathes new life into an old town favorite. M.T.

E After 47 years of operating Mill Valley’s Shoreline Coffee Shop in Tam Junction, Santiago Ojeda is selling his business to Ged Robertson, chef and owner of Small Shed Flatbreads, and his business partner, chef Luis Lagos.

“I’ve been coming in to eat oatmeal with Santi for awhile.” says Roberston of the coffee shop. “When he confided in me that he wanted to spend more time with his family in Mexico City, I felt honored to be able to

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 smallproduction wines as you take in the view of Bolinas Park through the ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com

DEER PARK VILLA

Italian This “best place for a party” (Paciﬁc Sun) sits on four garden acres;

continue serving the community out of this timeless place.”

Robertson and Lagos will start off by adding local and organic products to the menu, such as meat from Marin Sun Farms and coffee from Four Barrel. House-made granola and cochinita sandwiches will be added to the existing offerings of American fare with a few southof-the-border treats to honor Ojeda’s long and successful reign behind the grill.

the Ghiringhelli family has been turning out Italian favorites here since 1937. Come for the famous veal parmesan — or your next big celebration. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparkvilla.com

FRADELIZIO’S Italian Blending Northern Italian and seasonal California cuisine, Fradelizio’s uses the freshest ingredients possible. Popular menu items include homemade gnocchi. Having a party? Reserve the rooftop garden, which seats up to 20 people. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618, fradelizios.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, sorellacaffe.com

GREENBRAE

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 (4–6:30 p.m., M–F) for appetizers, most of which are priced under $6. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

RUSTIC BAKERY

California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads and sandwiches are on the menu here, including Meyer lemon mascarpone danishes and a bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.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-A 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 stuffed with jack cheese, cilantro and onion and crab enchiladas topped with a mild tomatillo sauce and sour cream. 1625 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, 415.456.4331, panchosfairfax.com

WIPEOUT BAR & GRILL American This family-friendly hot spot has surfb oards hanging from the ceiling, fun-in-the-sun music, a full bar and large televisions displaying surfers riding waves. Menu includes ﬁ sh tacos, salads and burgers.The only thing missing is the sand at this surf-style, upbeat eatery. Kids eat free on Tuesdays with a purchase of each adult entrée. 302 Bon Air Ctr, 415.461.7400, wipeoutbarandgrill.com

LARKSPUR

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 coffee and a sweet. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com

LEFT BANK

RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning French cuisine and a lively brasserie ambience, this corner

PICCO California Dishes like mini-burgers and seasonally driven menu items, along with risotto made every half hour, keep people coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) but already famous for its wood-ﬁ red pizzas, great wine selection and soft-serve Straus Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.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 and culinary director Adrian Hoff man. 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

Arizmendi

a private residence.

Though known for beerbattered ﬁ sh ’n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts with special dishes by chef August Schuchman.

286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com

MILL VALLEY

BEERWORKS

BREWERY AND BEER

CAFE American With a beverage menu of hand-crafted beers made on site, imported and local microbrews and house-made kombucha and root beer, this Mill Valley brewery is set to keep the local palate pleased. Don’t miss the small beer hall selection of pretzels, salumis and cheeses.

173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.336.3596, millvalleybeerworks.com

CANTINA Mexican

Original owner Thomas Wilson and new business partner John

Burns have revamped the outdoor eating areas to include two ﬁreplaces and circular cushioned seating. The traditional Mexican fare honors the original menu: soups, salads, sandwiches and sizzling fajitas at lunch portions and prices. Happy hour drinks and appetizers are $5 and under. 651 E. Blithedale, 415.381.1070, thecantina.com

CHAMPAGNE French

Enjoy a croquemonsieur alfresco, linger over a ﬂaky, buttery croissant with a cappuccino, or pick up chocolatedipped strawberries for your dinner party.

41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.380.0410, millvalley.champagne bakery.com

BOO KOO Asian Finally

Mill Valley has an Asian street food restaurant and best of all, dishes are $10 and less. The menu offers something

W ARIZMENDI California

A worker-owned bakery, Arizmendi 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 muffins, pastries and sourdough bread pizzas 1002 Fourth St, 415. 456.4093, arizmendibakery.org

Amici’s offers a taste of the Northeast’s distinctive Italian fare, including authentic thin-crust pizzas, and freshly made pastas and salads. Amici’s offers dine-in and takeout as well as delivery of their entire menu to local homes and businesses. A Gluten Free menu is also available at the San Rafael location.

Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria 1242FourthStreet

Our new coffees and rich espresso are sourced and roasted by Martin Diedrich, one of California’s pioneering roasters of gourmet coffee. Come try a silky cappuccino with a warm chocolate croissant, or our favorite brioche French toast. Bon Appetite!

Bakery

415.455.9777 SanRafael,CA amicis.com

The

offers

from every angle and one

every day. Dine in the casual

Restaurant or the

Sutro’s at the Cliff House. Sunday Brunch in the Terrace Room is a Bay Area tradition with free-ﬂowing champagne and a delicious buffet.

Cliff House 1090PointLobos

tantalizes your taste buds with contemporary Italian cuisine. Family owned since 1995, the restaurant emphasizes fresh, sustainable and organic ingredients serving locally produced fruit, vegetables, seafood, and meats. Enjoy fantastic salads, housemade pasta, wood ﬁred pizza, grilled entrees, and decadent desserts in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

415.386.3330 SanFrancisco,CA cliffhouse.com

Join Il Fornaio this Thanksgiving for a four-course feast with an Italian twist 11:30am-8:00pm. Regular menu will also be available. Il Fornaio offers an authentic Italian dining experience. Specialties include artisan cocktails, an award-winning wine list, housemade pastas, fresh salads/soups, desserts, and fresh baked bread.

Il Fornaio

223CorteMaderaTownCtr

Frantoio Ristorante 152ShorelineHighway

415.289.5777 MillValley,CA frantoio.com

simple and delicious French fare. We are open for lunch/brunch on Friday, Saturday & Sunday and dinner Wednesday through Monday. Try our “Nuits Savoyardes” every Monday night all winter long. Bon Appétit!

415.927.4400

CorteMadera,CA ilfornaio.com

L’appart Resto 636SanAnselmoAve

415.256.9884 SanAnselmo,CA lappartresto.com

Casual French bistro in the heart of San Anselmo. The sister restaurant of Le Garage Bistro in Sausalito offers

historic Cliff House

awesome views

of nature’s best shows

Bistro

elegant

Frantoio

Milano Restaurant

1BlackfieldDrive,#1

415.388.9100

Tiburon,CA tiburonmilano.com

Servino Ristorante, located on Tiburon’s charming waterfront, is proud to welcome Wesley Shaw as our executive chef. Enjoy locally farmed produce and seafood prepared with Italian passion. Find information online about our Upstairs Banquet Room.

Servino Ristorante 9MainStreet

Seafood Peddler 100YachtClubDrive

415.460.6669 SanRafael,CA seafoodpeddler.com

Taj of Marin offers exquisite North and South Indian cuisine in a luxurious setting. The menu includes meat, seafood, vegetarian, glutenfree, and vegan options. We carry a wide selection of beer, ﬁne wine, and traditional Indian drinks. Live music Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. Certiﬁcate for

415.459.9555 SanRafael,CA tajofmarin.com In Italy, every meal is a journey...the same is true at Milano. Start with appetizers featuring a selection of bruschetta and pizza straight from our wood-burning oven; then move on to a traditional menu. Discover the Italian art of lingering over dinner with family and friends, making conversation and enjoying wine, in a setting that is both urban and relaxing.

415.435.2676 Tiburon,CA servino.com

The Tiburon Grill serves delicious, contemporary grill cuisine. With two outdoor patios and two indoor ﬁreplaces, Tiburon Grill is the ideal place to relax and enjoy an evening with family and friends. Open daily, featuring a popular happy hour, from 4–7pm and ALL DAY Sunday with a 50% off selected menu.

Tiburon Grill

1651TiburonBlvd.

Taj of Marin 9094thStreet

415.435.5996

Tiburon tiburongrill.com

This locally-owned bar and grill features natural Angus burgers, killer ﬁsh tacos, hand-tossed pizzas, fresh seafood, salads and sandwiches. Dine on the outdoor patio, enjoy drinks from the full bar and watch sporting events on numerous giant screens. Wipeout is proud to be a Green Certiﬁed Business. Specials like $5 Pizza Wednesdays listed online. Wipeout Bar & Grill 302BonAirCenter

415.461.7400 Greenbrae,CA wipeoutbarandgrill.com

for every eater — vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, carnivore. Menu items include chicken pho, vegan summer rolls, pad thai and ﬁvespice pork satay — all made with organic, locally produced veggies and proteins from vegetarian-fed, sustainably raised sources. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com

DIPSEA CAFE Comfort

One word: biscuits. This longtime breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Now offering dinner. 200 Shoreline Hwy, 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com

EL PASEO HOUSE OF CHOPS American

The award-winning dining destination has been purchased and revamped (with House of Chops added to its name) by Mill Valley musician/ restaurateur Sammy Hagar and celebrity chef Tyler Florence. 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 happy hour starts at 4:30. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com

HARMONY Chinese

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

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 novello, or make some new friends at the bar. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

PIATTI RISTORANTE

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

ROBATA GRILL AND SUSHI Japanese Robata translates as “by the ﬁ reside”; ﬁttingly, food here can be cooked

Horizons

on an open ﬁ re and served in appetizersize 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

SMALL SHED

FLATBREADS California Slow food chef Ged Robertson uses only local, mostly organic ingredients. Crowd favorites include the Mt. Tamal-pie, a delicious fresh salad atop a ﬂ atbread. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, smallshed.com

THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of Strawberry Village. Diners come

W HORIZONS Seafood/ American A great place for waterfront deck dining with stunning views of Angel Island, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, horizonssausalito.com

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

TSUKIJI SUSHI

Japanese Named for the largest ﬁ sh market in world, Tsukiji is owned by Roy and Chanel Liu. The couple earned their sushi stripes operating Morpho in San Francisco and Akira in San Rafael. Helping them behind the sushi bar is former Sushi Ran head sushi chef Haruo Komatsu. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.383.1382, tsukijisushimv.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

NOVATO

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

CACTI GRILL American

Located in a former bell-tower church, the family-friendly restaurant now boasts a covered patio; the menu includes a 21-day dry-aged steak and ﬁ let mignon enchiladas. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, cactigrill.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 Chris Harman, former owner and chef of Capra. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314, chiantinovato.com

GRAZIE Italian Locals

love this family-owned and -run Grant Avenue restaurant for delicious paninis, salads and the unbeatable homemade cookies. Enjoy good weather on the outside patio or people-watch in this always-bustling restaurant. 823 Grant Ave, Ste E, 415.878.0202

HILLTOP 1892

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

TOAST American

Sister to the popular Mill Valley location, Toast Novato features outdoor dining and architecture by

Stanley Saitowitz as well as great dishes by executive chef Michael Garcia. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com

TUSCANY COUNTRY

GRILL Italian The chicken pesto panini and eggplant parmigiano are among the favorites at this spacious Italian eatery. The menu is eclectic, prices are fair and the portions are enormous, so be prepared for leftovers throughout the week. There’s a bit of a rush at lunch, so make reservations or arrive early. 1516 Grant Ave, 415.998.2800

ROSS

CAFE ON THE COMMON French A quaint one-room coffeehouse 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

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

CUCINA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR Italian

Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice from the to-die-for thin pizzas, topped with items like truffle oil and fontina cheese. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942, cucinarestaurantand winebar.com

Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Consignments taken from Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am-3 pm

415 456-7309

11 Mary Street, San Rafael Next to Whole Foods & Peet’s Coffee

RECIPE Winter Citrus Punch With Spiced Pomegranate Ice

SERVES 8

Ingredients

2 cups pomegranate juice, freshly squeezed

3 star anise, crushed

8–10 peppermint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish

2 cups tangerine juice, freshly squeezed

2 cups pineapple juice, freshly pressed

2 cups blood orange juice, freshly squeezed

2 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed

½ cup Meyer lemon juice, freshly squeezed

8 shots of rum or Cointreau (one per person) or sparkling wine or champagne to taste, optional

To Make

1 In a small noncorrosive pan, combine the pomegranate juice, star anise and peppermint leaves and heat to a high simmer. 2 Turn down the heat and steep for 15 minutes, then strain. 3 Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. 4 Combine the remaining juices and refrigerate until needed. 5 Place juice and frozen cubes in a large punch bowl with slices of fruit on top or serve in individual glasses over the frozen cubes of pomegranate ice.

Looking for some spirited cocktails to spice up your holiday entertaining? Bradley Ogden, a James Beard Foundation award-winning chef and cofounder of The Tavern at Lark Creek, has just published his second cookbook. It’s his ﬁ rst book on the holidays, and in it is this recipe for entertaining — Winter Citrus Punch.

“I am often asked how to create great celebrations around the holidays, and it’s something very

The Winter Citrus Punch is a spinoff of classic sangria and can be made up to three or four days in advance in big batches to share with a crowd at a party. MIMI TOWLE Try this crowd-pleasing cocktail at home.

6 Garnish with peppermint sprigs. 7 For holiday cheer, add desired spirit.

true to my heart,” he says. “I grew up with big family holiday dinners, and I have always done big celebrations on Mother’s Day, Easter and Thanksgiving in my restaurants, so I wanted to share these recipes with the guests —an extension of my family — who come in to celebrate year after year.”

INSALATA’S Mediterranean Awardwinning chef Heidi

Insalata Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com

L’APPART RESTO

French It’s the second Marin restaurant for the team behind Le Garage Bistro in Sausalito. Owners Bruno Denis and Olivier Souvestre are offering 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

SAN RAFAEL

AMICI’S EAST COAST

PIZZERIA California

The array of pizzas includes gluten-free crust options and the new Siciliano,

Nick's Cove

an enticing mix of mozzarella, slow-roasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper ﬂ akes, sans tomato sauce. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com

MIKEY’S Cuban New chef Freddy Caamel has added a Cuban menu to the mix in this casual restaurant. Try “Mikey’s special” for breakfast, nachos for lunch, or the ropa vieja from the new Cuban menu for dinner. 783 Anderson Dr, 415.454.6453, eatatmikeys.com

MULBERRY STREET

PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won ﬁ rst place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his Mushroom Lover’s Pizza — sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce atop a fresh pizza crust. Located across from the Smith Ranch Road movie theaters, it’s a great place

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 reflecting 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.

Something Different Mon. - Sat. 10:30 am - 6:00 pm www.fancythatgiftshop.com

to grab dinner and a movie. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com

SABOR OF SPAIN

Spanish Opened in 2003, this tapas and wine bar is a great place for a romantic date or a big party (catering available). Old-world values and a healthy olive oil–based Mediterranean diet have preserved the authentic ﬂavors found throughout Spain’s history. Enjoy wine tasting, eating and shopping for ﬁ ne wines all under one roof. 1301 Fourth St, 415.457.8466, saborofspain.com

SEAFOOD PEDDLER

Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Varieties of East and West Coast ﬁ sh are ﬂown in daily. Dine indoors or out, or better yet, rent the

banquet room for a party. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.460.6669, seafoodpeddler.com

TAJ OF MARIN 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

WHIPPER SNAPPER

RESTAURANT

California/Caribbean

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

The Tavern at Lark Creek

YET WAH Chinese

Named after the founder’s wife (Yet refers to the moon, Wah to brightness), this beloved mainstay offers dim sum daily along with the traditional Chinese menu. Groove to live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.com

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO

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

AVATAR’S Indian

Looking for “the best meal of your life”?

Let owner Ashok Kumar order for you. One-room casual dining for lunch and dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, eatavatar.com

BAR BOCCE American

Food tastes better, your company becomes funnier and issues of the day seem trivial when you’re dining on a bayside patio with ﬁ re pits and a bocce ball court. Throw in sourdough bread pizzas and a glass of wine and you’ll see why this casual eatery, whose co-owner and executive chef is Robert Price of Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, barbocce.com

CIBO Cafe Husbandand-wife team Alfredo and Tera Ancona offer a menu of tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. And now Marinites no longer have to drive over the bridge to get famous Blue Bottle coffee. Located in the historic brick building at 1201 Bridgeway. 415.331.2426, cibosausalito.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

LE GARAGE French 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 croquemonsieur 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

OSTERIA DIVINO

Italian This cozy, oneroom cafe serves up tasty pastas and salads as well as coffee drinks. Stop by for live music, or opt for free delivery in Sausalito. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, osteriadivino.com

PLATE SHOP California

If the seasonal menu and 14 large vegetable beds outside the kitchen door aren’t telltale signs, the menu is — the Plate Shop is all about fresh, local and all-organic cuisine. Choose from an extensive wine list and an assortment of cocktails. 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, plateshop.net

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 plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-yourmouth good. Even the prices don’t deter sushi enthusiasts who line up nightly; 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 different 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

TASTE OF ROME Italian

This local landmark has evolved from a cafe into a full-service restaurant offering pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salad in an authentic Italian ambience.

Find the green, white, and red awning and you’re there. 1000 Bridgeway, 415.332.7660, taste-of-rome.com

TIBURON

DON ANTONIO

TRATTORIA Italian

Located in Tiburon’s historic Ark Row, this trattoria offers authentic Italian cuisine in a quaint setting. The menu includes traditional courses with selections such as chicken piccata, organic roasted rack of lamb, and housemade pesto. 111 Main St, 415.435.0400, donantoniotrattoria.com

GUAYMAS Mexican Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront. The touchit-you’re-so-close city views and outdoor seating make it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Menu includes specialties like puerco macho — pork loin chop with grilled plantain, topped with an ancho chile, garlic and onion sauce. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com

MILANO Italian

Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this family-owned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. A good

place to take the kids — or catering option for your next birthday party. 1 Blackﬁeld Dr, 415.388.9100, tiburonmilano.com

SALT & PEPPER

American This sun-ﬁ lled, hardwoodﬂoored one room restaurant with bluecheckered 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 jalapeno dipping sauce. Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. 38 Main Street, 415.435.3594

WIN 4 NIGHTS IN A LUXURIOUS OCEAN VIEW STUDIO AT THE BEAUTIFUL WHALER ON KAANAPALI BEACH

This exclusive, luxury condominium resort boasts a premier location on Maui’s most famous beach at Kaanapali. It’s located directly across from two championship golf courses and next door to the shops and restaurants of Whaler’s Village. The resort features a newly enhanced garden courtyard with waterfall and koi pond, and every luxurious unit features a full kitchen and spectacular view. (Value: $2115) Enter at marinmagazine.com/thewhalercontest

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

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

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Enjoy an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas and seasonal specialties. 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 GRILL

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 Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, thelodgeattiburon.com

WEST MARIN

BLUE HERON INN

Local A daily changing chalkboard menu features the fresh seasonal bounty of nearby organic farms. An outstanding staff creates a friendly and comfortable atmosphere,

right by the wharf (Bolinas). 11 Wharf Rd, 415.868.1102

OLEMA INN California

One of the most charming settings around, this inn and restaurant is a great destination lunch spot for a Sunday drive, or dinner every night. The menu includes imaginative combinations using regional and organic greens, while the bar features a full wine list (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.9559, theolemainn.com

OSTERIO STELLINA

California The menu is Italian-inspired using organic, local ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the goat shoulder, a favorite of locals and tourists

alike. Don’t leave without indulging in the standout lemon ice cream sandwich (Point Reyes Station). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com

PARKSIDE CAFE

American Most people know it as the ultimate breakfast spot (think Guatemalan scramble or waffle with blood orange–strawberry compote and whipped cream — served alfresco) but lunch and dinners are popular here too. (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com

PINE CONE DINER

American Just off the main road, Joannie Kwit has re-created the ultimate neighborhood

diner. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but homey menu featuring local fare. A favorite for locals as well as tourists. (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, thepineconediner.com

RANCHO NICASIO

American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab burgers to walnut-crusted goat cheese, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop by for happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com

SAND DOLLAR

American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was ﬂoated to Stinson that same year, and it’s still there today. Enjoy live music along with local barbecued oysters and New England clam chowder. (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com

SURFERS GRILL

American The view doesn’t get better than this — nor does the surf salad. Built right out on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot offers up tasty fresh organic salads alongside corn dogs, burgers and fries. Stinson Beach Park, Hwy 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com

Angel Lights Countdown Benefit

December 1st, 2011 from 6-9pm at the

Adopt An Angel Light

On December 1st, we will illuminate the Angel Lights atop Angel Island. Viewable from every direction on the Bay, they shine like a beacon towards the ones we love. Please consider making a donation in recognition of your loved ones during this special time of year. Your Angel Lights will continue to shine each evening throughout the month of December. For more information visit www.angelisland.org

November 25, 2011 – 5:30pm

Corinthian Yacht Club, Tiburon, Ca.

Singing and dancing in the rain.

Villa Marin Villa Marin

Marin is designed for comfort, security and the enjoyment of leisure

• Purchase your own condominium with 100% equity, from $260K to $1.5M

• Physician and rehab services in our clinic, Skilled Nursing & Personal Care on-site

• Activities, excursions, lectures and entertainment

• Exercise classes, indoor pool, hot tub and more!

Contact Bobbie O. Heldt for a personal tour: (415) 492-2408 • www.villa-marin.com

Please visit our website at Charle.com to view our photo gallery and read client testimonials. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at: 1(888) 680.4247 -or- chdewitt@aol.com

Marin Home

FROM TOURS AND MAKEOVERS TO DECORATIVE DETAILS AND REALTOR INSIGHTS

JOURNEY OF THE HEART

A Novato resident, following her inner calling, returns to Marin and ﬁnds the perfect home after stints in Chad, Utah and Las Vegas.

BY PJ BREMIER • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

This place might be tiny, but it’s mighty. It has that strong feeling of home.

Clockwise from above: Melanie Martin’s eclectic compact living room; Marcia Dalva’s statue Woman Trying to Keep Her Cat Dry sits under a custom metal lamp; openfronted cabinets with glass shelving create accessbile storage in the updated kitchen; Hanna, one of Martin’s two rescued cats, claims her spot; pears and gourds decorate a Ron Mann ﬁr table.

MELANIE MARTIN’S HOMES have always reﬂected her passions. When she owned Melanie CWT, a multimillion-dollar clothing design company in the 1980s, her fashionable San Rafael home was featured in House Beautiful magazine.

After closing her ﬁ rm and embarking on humanitarian missions to Chad, Africa, for two years, Martin settled in Kanab, Utah, to do her “heartwork” — volunteering for eight years at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

“My needs and wants had shrunk,” she says. “It’s not about where you live your life, it’s how you live it.” For her digs there, Martin bought and renovated a 105-year-old brick home. She also purchased 12 cottages that she decorated for visiting volunteers.

Martin made her next move after meeting her now ex-husband, a photographer temporarily based in Kanab. The two relocated to Las Vegas and bought a house — one that “was beautiful but so big there were rooms we didn’t live in,” she says. “I felt isolated.”

This year, Martin followed her heart once again and returned to Marin. “It’s where my ‘tribe’ is,” she says cheerfully. With the help of realtor Randy Beneﬁeld, Martin found just the right place for her return to the county — a two-bedroom, washedin-sunlight condo in Lanham Village, a community of 154 condominiums set on 15 acres of the former Hamilton Air Force Base. With a generous backyard surrounded with a wealth of mature oak, pine and olive trees, it’s perfect for entertaining friends.

“It’s 700 square feet of everything I love — my animals and my art,” she says. “I knew I wanted a small space because I want to do other things in my life; I don’t want to maintain a house and garden. This place might be tiny, but it’s mighty. It has that strong feeling of home.” m

THE DETAILS

WHERE SHE PURCHASED Lanham Village, Novato

WHAT SHE BOUGHT a twobedroom condominium

LISTING AGENT Joel Berman of Virtuosic Properties, Inc., San Diego

SELLING AGENT Randy Beneﬁeld of Beneﬁeld Realty, Petaluma

STATS Average cost per square foot for homes in neighborhood: $167.65 to $256.70

Above, from top: Martin’s “treasure table” sits next to her bed; a bird mobile, from Summer House in Mill Valley, dangles over a kitchen arrangement; a glittery peace sign, also from Summer House, hangs on the kitchen door.

A Warm Welcome

From wood to iron to stone, these decorative gates around the county say “Come on in!”

Is yours pictured (or should it have been)? Email a photo of yourself standing by your gate to letters@marinmagazine.com with your phone number and address, and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a $50 gift certiﬁcate for Horizons in Sausalito.

PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

126Poplar.com

235 Currey Lane, Sausalito

235Currey.com Romance in the Hills of Sausalito! This sophisticated home with breathtaking views offers privacy and style. The main house consists of a stunning living room with 2-story ceilings, wood-burning fireplace and walls of glass showcasing the view. An adjacent dining area is the perfect spot for casually elegant dinner parties. A scrumptious kitchen incorporates a breakfast area and leads to a secluded patio with stone fireplace and view-oriented decks perfect for dining al fresco. The master suite offers fantastic space, views, a fireplace, sitting area, and spacious master bath. A second bedroom and bath complete this level. There is a third bedroom/den with full bath on its own level with separate access. A one-bedroom guest cottage adds to the value. This rare property offers the perfect canvas for creating your dream lifestyle.

Offered at $2,195,000

Karen Z. Hardesty

415.265.3344 • kzhardesty@fhallen.com

KarenZHardesty.com

DRE# 00684137

Committed to Extraordinary Service

106 Elm Avenue, Larkspur • $2,295,000

106Elm.com

Elegance awaits you in this stylish, Palm Hill Mediterranean. Newly constructed in 2005, this home offers incredible panache from the moment you walk in the door. A gated entry leads you to a sun-drenched setting with a grassy lawn and gorgeous landscaping. Hand-hewn oak floors grace the main living area which features vaulted ceilings and a well-designed spacious kitchen that opens onto the dining area and living room with a fireplace. The balcony off of the living room is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the sunrise from the East and the sunset over Mt. Tamalpais. A spacious master suite with a door to a large patio, two additional bedrooms, a full bath and powder room complete this level. Downstairs you will find a fourth bedroom and full bathroom, family room, adorable playroom (previously a wine cellar), and access to the two-car garage with tons of built-in storage. Located on lower Palm Hill, this spectacular property is in close proximity to all that Larkspur has to offer. A rare gem!

321 Summit Avenue, Mill Valley • $4,995,000 321SummitAvenue.com

This beautiful gated estate combines quality craftsmanship with a comfortable well-designed 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath ﬂoor plan. Situated on a southfacing lot with spectacular views, the home features formal living room, dining room, family room, TV room and solarium.

Judy LeMarr

Luxury Home Marketing Specialist® Director, Marin Association of REALTORS 415.380.4642 • jlemarr@fhallen.com www.MarinDreamHome.com

2588 Vineyard Road, Novato • $1,599,000

93 Dipsea Road, Stinson Beach • $2,150,000 93Dipsea.com

Enjoy beautiful sunsets, days of entertaining, swimming and boating all from your own dock in this wonderful waterfront home on the Seadrift Lagoon. Open ﬂoor plan, secluded garden and patio, waterside decks and views from both sides of home. An ideal coastal retreat.

2588VineyardRd.com

Songwriter/Producer’s gated sanctuary! Set on approximately one acre in one of Novato’s most exclusive neighborhoods, this private 6 bedroom, 3 bath home has it all. Details include a gorgeous chef’s kitchen, dramatic living and dining rooms, elegant wine bar, spacious family room, incredible master suite, air conditioning, large media room/bedroom, two oversized garages, resort-like pool and spa, and spectacular outdoor kitchen!

John Hammer 415.899.9211

jhammer@fhallen.com

JohnHammer.com

DRE# 00975220

101 Santa Rosa Avenue, Sausalito • $3,250,000 101SantaRosa.com

This classic Sausalito home combines period and modern architecture to spectacular effect. Perfectly sited on a private third of an acre in the Banana Belt with lovely outdoor living and dazzling views.

Patricia Oxman poxman@fhallen.com

415.461.4100

RealEstateInMarin.com

DRE# 01103895

373 Sausalito Boulevard, Sausalito • $2,750,000 373Sausalito.com

Stunning, gated Sausalito estate offers level land, views and privacy. Built in 2000, this beautiful home with separate guest quarters takes in sweeping Bay views and is surrounded by GGNRA open space.

81 Hanken Drive, Kentfield • $2,595,000

81Hanken.com This dramatic contemporary 5BR/6BA home was designed to harmonize with the outdoors. Versatile and expansive it boasts a family room plus a media room, ofﬁce/den, separate art studio, pool, sauna, spa, steam shower, sunny lawn, Mt. Tam view, easy access to awardwinning schools, and much more.

Judy Klayman-Smith 415.215.6789

jsmith@fhallen.com

DRE# 00871536

We are pleased to announce that David Ogden, Ron Parks, and Iga Schaffer have joined Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty in our new Ross Valley office at 189 Sir Francis Drake in Greenbrae.

David Ogden

415.308.5025

david.ogden@sothebysrealty.com Ron Parks 415.297.9000 ron.parks@sothebysrealty.com

iga.schaffer@sothebysrealty.com

Sotheby’s International Realty offers the best global exposure in the world. If you would like to know more, contact Heidi Pay at 415.384.4008 or heidi.pay@ sothebysrealty.com

Extraordinary Properties require Extraordinary Agents

We are pleased to announce that Ted Strodder has joined Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty in our new Ross Valley office at 189 Sir Francis Drake in Greenbrae.

“After learning about the world-wide opportunities for my clients with Sotheby’s International Realty, the decision was natural. It was time to step up.”

This Spanish colonial heirloom resides on the best view lot in Mill Valley. Old-world patios encircle the home with relaxing vistas from every nook. Once the estate of Alice Eastwood, and then the home of the town’s Mayor, this charm exudes tranquility. - 609Summit.com -

Truly chic Tiburon contemporary is perched on a private cul-de-sac with 300 degree views of the San Francisco skyline, Bay & bridges unbroken past the peak of Mt Tam. Sophisticated living! Spaces wellconceived for respite and entertaining. - 6StGabrielle.com -

Mid-Century Architectural Jewel 11 Crest Road, Belvedere

Situated on two lots (8/10 acre) near the top of Belvedere Island on a private road among more than 30 mature oaks on the sheltered side overlooking S.F. Bay.

Custom designed by AIA award winning architect Joseph Esherick. Known for its well balanced light throughout. Seven skylights and many tall windows capture spectacular views. Five view decks, 4+ bedrooms, 3 baths, a high end kitchen

$3,395,000 11crest.com

Corinthian Island 7 Bellevue Avenue, Belvedere

Located at the entrance of Corinthian Island, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home features 2,569 square feet. Just remodeled, the home is light and bright with great picture views of the water, yacht club, and north. Large living room features high ceilings and stunning sitting area showcasing view. Literally steps to town.

$2,195,000

Warren Mullen

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.516.2122 DRE# 00918451

WMullen@pacunion.com

Warren Mullen

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.516.2122 DRE# 00918451

WMullen@pacunion.com

24 Glen Drive Mill Valley

Located in one of Mill Valley's popular neighborhoods. 5BR/3BA + 2 offices. Level lawn landscaped with gardens, pool & BBQ with views of surrounding hills. www.24Glen.com Offered at $2,095,000

Spacious 4BR/3.5BA home on 1/3 acre with views, level lawn, BBQ area, large deck on 2 levels, master suite w/walk-in closet, 3 fireplaces, & hardwood floors. www.981WCalifornia.com

Offered at $1,575,000

415.265-7020 DRE# 01393281 Matthew Pouliot

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

Matthew.Pouliot@pacunion.com

524 Cascade Drive Mill Valley

Restored craftsman with the finest of materials, modern amenities & systems. Light & airy interior w/gourmet kitchen, & a rustic stone hearth & chimney. www.PouliotProperties.com Offered at $899,000

Jim Fraser

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.254.0253 DRE# 01383288

JimFraser@MarinisMyHome.com

Jim Fraser

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.254.0253 DRE# 01383288

JimFraser@MarinisMyHome.com

2305 Paradise Drive Tiburon

Location &views don’t get any better. 5BR/4BA’s, 2780 sf, remodeled kitchen, close to town, street-to-street lot & exceptional value! www.2305ParadiseDrive.com

Offered at $1,695,000

10 Eugene Street Mill Valley

Superior value & highly desirable location. 4BR/3BA’s large family/playroom, updated, pride of ownership, close to town, level yard. www.10EugeneStreet.com Offered at $1,875,000

Gail Johnston

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.509.1333 DRE# 01465908

Gail.Johnston@pacunion.com

Bay views from this .91 acre lot in Old Town Tiburon. Ideally located minutes from downtown restaurants, shops & the SF ferry. www.2225VistazoEast.com Offered at $2,475,000 2225 Vistazo East Tiburon

Kyle Frazier

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.350.9440 DRE# 01405738

Kyle@ImagineMarin.com

LUXURY

415.699.9115 DRE# 00930303 Jean Pral

JPral@pacunion.com

74 Pizarro Ave Novato

Monterey Plan home with Spanish exterior. The epitome of sophistication, style & grace in concert with managable amount of square footage. www.74Pizarro.com

Offered at $549,000

Marilyn Rich

LUXURY

Marilyn@FineLivingMarin.com

Howard Wynn

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.828.9966 DRE# 01211772

HWynn@pacunion.com

903 Marin Drive Mill Valley

Architecturally distinctive, traditional 6BR/5.5BA home in an idyllic park-like setting, reminiscent of an English countryside estate. Charming guest cottage. www.903Marin.com

Offered at $2,395,000

233 Ridgewood Rd Kentfield

Situated on +/-1.33 acres in the Kent Woodlands, traditional East-Coast style shingled 4BR+ home with a 1BR guest house. www.233SRidgewoodRoad.com Offered at $2,775,000

Marilyn Rich

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.516.5300 DRE# 01156159

Marilyn@FineLivingMarin.com

126 Cypress Kentfield

Traditional 5 en-suite BR home on gated lot in Del Mesa. Pool, spa & waterfall, level lawns, outdoor kitchen, 2 BBQs, guesthouse & sport court. www.CypressEstate.com Offered at $5,995,000

Marilyn Rich

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.516.5300 DRE# 01156159

Marilyn@FineLivingMarin.com

300 Goodhill Road Kentfield

Gorgeous 4BR remodeled home; 2 mstr stes w/private patios, swimming pool/hot tub, movie theater w/service kitchen, elevator, 3-car garage www.300GoodhillAvenue.com

Offered at $3,895,000

45 Reed Ranch Road, Tiburon

World class San Francisco and Bay views! Impressive 4300 + SF Contemporary 5BD/3BA home in the sought after “Reedlands” neighborhood. www.45ReedRanchRoad.com Offered at $2,162,600

16 Escalon, Mill Valley Breathtaking views and adjacent to open space, amazing home with easy access to town. Representing The Buyer: Multiple Offers Listed at $1,349,000

276 Ricardo, Mill Valley Strawberry single level 3BD/2BA updated & expanded home. Incredibly beautiful kitchen & amazing lush gardens on a level lot. www.276Ricardo.com Offered at $925,000

Post modern complete remodel 4BD/3.5BA with full on San Francisco views. Sought after Strawberry location off private cul-de-sac near open space. www.134ReedBoulevard.com Offered at $1,495,000

60 Seafirth, Tiburon Architecturally impressive Seafirth Community home. Large rooms & open floor plan featuring walls of glass capturing captivating Bay views. represented the Buyer Offered at $2,295,000

505 Los Cerros, Greenbrae Incredibly huge level property in the flats of Greenbrae & walking distance to Bacich School. Charming shingled home. represented the Buyer: Multiple Offers Offered at $865,000

49 Bellevue, Belvedere World class views and waterfront “Sea Bunk” one of the original Arks on Corinthian Island. Representing the Buyer Offered at $1,795,000

123 Baltimore, Corte Madera Baltimore Park - Resort like Craftsman Vintage home completely updated with period details. Rear pool area & pool house. represented the Buyer Offered at $1,695,000

300 Montford, Mill Valley Incredible level & sunny Homestead Valley location. Generously proportioned spaces, floor to ceiling windows & captivating rear yard. represented the Buyer: Multiple Offers Offered at $925,000

Penny Wright-Mulligan

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.601.8191 DRE# 01495932

Penny.Wright-Mulligan@pacunion.com

267 Trinidad Drive Tiburon

Water & Marina Views

2BR/3BA elegant home

Gourmet kitchen & fine finishes. Elevator! www.267Trinidad.com

Offered at $1,179,000

The Richmonds

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

415.531.4091

DRE# 00709300

PJRichmond@pacunion.com

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

415.531.4091 DRE# 00709300

PJRichmond@pacunion.com

160 Rose Avenue Mill Valley

One of a kind property, landscaped lot w/seasonal waterfalls, rock walls & multiple paths. Multi-level 4BD/3.5BA home, lrg windows & French doors. www.160RoseAve.com

Offered at $995,000

Road Pt Reyes Station

Vacation all year!

Linda Tull

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

415.233.0125 DRE# 01703883

Linda.Tull@pacunion.com

90 Rancho Drive Tiburon

Approx. 3010 sf 4BR/3BA partially updated home with attached 1BR/1BA studio. 2-car garage, workshop/ storage. Blks to schools. www.90Rancho.com

Offered at $1,195,000

LUXURY

Linda.Tull@pacunion.com 415.233.0125 DRE# 01703883

4 Jasmine lane San Rafael

Lucas Valley Estates 4BR/3BA, approx. 3478 sf home w/ remodeled kitchen & adjoining family room opening to backyard w/pool. www.4JasmineLane.com Offered at $1,495,000

LUXURY

01703883

2 Baldwin Court San Rafael

An exclusive Bret Harte enclave on a private lane, 4BR/3.5BA remodeled home soaring ceilings, spacious rooms, views of the Bay & hills. www.2Baldwin.com Offered at $1,195,000

The season for enjoying the fullness of life—partaking of the harvest, sharing the harvest with others, and reinvesting and saving portions of the harvest for yet another season of growth.~ Denis Waitley

Where people, homes, and a bit of imagination intersect, you’ll find us. Alain Pinel Realtors.

Belvedere, California

Architecturally significant contemporary residence. Elegant, 3bd/4.5ba residence and separate 1bd/1ba studio. Gated entry. Ultra state-of-the-art appointments, incredible floor to ceiling windows and curved glass.

ExclusiveBelvedere.com

$6,395,000

Bill McKeon

415.828.6130

Sharon McKeon 415.828.4516

Crecienta Lane, Sausalito

Reduced! One-level, mid-century modern with fantastic design and architecture. Bay, Belvedere and Mt. Tam views, soaring windows, two master suites, an office, 2-car garage, huge level lawn and minutes to SF.

40CrecientaLane.com

$2,375,000

Bernard Link 415.336.8676

What Our Clients are Saying. . .

“Our APR agent went beyond expectations to make sure we had all the information we needed to make our decisions. She is friendly, hard-working and clearly an expert realtor.”

Toyon Lane, Sausalito

Architectural masterpiece re-built from the ground up. 4bd/3ba home with stunning views, 2 master suites, bamboo floors, floor to ceiling windows, landscaped yard. Open design and colors make this a special home.

77ToyonLane.com

$2,349,000

Christa Hertzka 415.717.7781

Golden Gate Avenue, Belvedere

Reduced! Remodeled, contemporary, 4bd, 3.5ba home with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and Sausalito. Open floor plan, luxurious touches, infinity edge saline pool.

209GoldenGate.com

$5,900,000

Valerie Castellana 415.889.2030

Culloden Park Road, San Rafael

Grand, private, gated estate in a coveted enclave of exclusive residences. 6bd/4ba, architecturally significant, 1907 showplace, impeccably renovated, enjoys Mt. Tam views in a peaceful, park-like setting.

88CullodenPark.com

$2,250,000

Stephanie Lamarre

415.806.3176

West California Avenue, Mill Valley Exceptional quality! Dramatic, 5b/4.5ba, 3500+sf home in immaculate condition. Gourmet kitchen, exquisite master suite, magnificent open living space with high beam ceilings and views from every room.

948WestCalifornia.com

$1,875,000

Suzanne Shelhart 415.613.0100

Edwards Avenue, Sausalito Beautiful, high-end, remodeled home with period features and stunning views across the water to Angel Island and Belvedere. Front deck and lovely garden at rear. 2-car garage, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.

133Edwards.com

$1,659,000

Toni Abruzzo-Ramirez 415.827.8280

Van Tassel Court, San Anselmo Reduced! Exquisite, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, Sleepy Hollow, Craftsman estate with a 30 foot entry, a full au-pair suite, chef’s kitchen with granite slab counters, and 3 fireplaces. Breathtaking!

221VanTassel.com

$1,775,000

Jonathan Marks 415.307.0505

Lupine Court, San Rafael Contemporary Mediterranean in highly desirable Peacock Greens. 1-level, 4bd/3ba home with curved archways and windows, high ceilings and opens to gardens, solar heated pool and sports area.

4Lupine.com

$1,539,000

Marlys Hooper

415.717.8200

Debes Ranch Road, San Rafael 4bd/3ba, 1-level, remodeled ranch home on 1+acre. With an abundance of sun & privacy, this property also features hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, pool with waterfall and spa, sport court, and a level, landscaped yard.

15DebesRanch.com

$1,695,000

Michel Cohen 415.602.9969

Lagoon Vista, Tiburon Reduced! Beautiful Point Tiburon Lagoon. Corner ground floor condo with 2bd/2ba, gated entry, newly painted, sunny tile patio, lovely, spacious master bedroom with fireplace and patio with lagoon views.

13LagoonVista.com

$1,250,000 The Stewarts 415.898.1244

350

HISTORY IS THE DIFFERENCE

In 1933, Henderson Talbot redefined luxury real estate marketing with a revolutionary idea. He captured the essence of California’s most prized estate homes on film and held exclusive gatherings around the world for affluent buyers to preview them as cinema. More than 80 years later, the Coldwell Banker Previews International® program continues to set the benchmark for luxury real estate marketing around the globe.

Henderson Talbot, Previews Founder Circa 1933

COLDWELL BANKER ROSS VALLEY…

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is growing again! We’re proud to welcome the successful real estate team known as The Bowman Group. Susan Bowman, Dana Johnson Park and Jacquie Larkins, who specialize in Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur, San Anselmo and Greenbrae, are helping us expand our Marin County luxury real estate operations, underscoring our already impressive dominance in the Bay Area luxury real estate arena. With The Bowman Group’s new affiliation, we have also opened a new office located between Larkspur and Kentfield which will give us an added presence in the Marin luxury real estate market.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome The Bowman Group to our team. Susan, Dana and Jacquie are among the most respected and inﬂuential Realtors in Marin County. They will be a tremendous addition to our team.”

- Kevin Patsel

Manager of Coldwell Banker Greenbrae Castle, Greenbrae Bon Air and Ross Valley

Dana Johnson Park, Susan Bowman and Jacquie Larkins Estate Specialists

The Bradford House – Meticulously Restored National Historic Mansion | San Rafael

$4,200,000

A historic mansion located in the lovely Forbes area, this beautiful, approximately 8,500 square foot, ﬁve bedroom home is comp letely renovated and boasts four exceptional modern apartments which offer ﬂexibility for the contemporary owner as a multi-generational family home, a coo perative or rental opportunity. Amazing period details and modern conveniences. Large level lot on one of the most established architectural neighborhoods in M arin. www.333GSt.cbrb.com

We believe it’s not just the name on the sign, but who’s behind it that really counts. In addition to the area’s most exceptional sales associates, McGuire supports each transaction with an in-house team of real estate professionals—from a dedicated support staff to the area’s top managers. The result is a team of experts dedicated to the sale of your home.

Dianne Andrews Eva Benard

Vicki Buckle-Clark James Clopton

Keith Conaway Ken Dara

Kathleen Delehanty-White Chris DeNike Sharon Faccinto

Donna Faulkner

Noelle Forfota Robin Glazer Adrian Gordon

Heidi Hjorth Anne Kennedy Sarah Kowalczyk

Ladan Mazhari

Liz McCarthy Mike Monsef Pat Montag Lotte Moore Ann Murphy Bart Pate

Linda Rockey Joan Ross Lise Salmon Stacey Stephenson Lee Weldon

Lynn Reid

John Zeiter Roger Zipkin

SHOWCASE PROPERTIES

70 CENTURY DRIVE, MILL VALLEY

Situated on a private, sunny, level lot that slopes down to the Bay, this home offers much for the discriminating buyer and will suit many different lifestyles. There are 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, a Media Room/Library, Recreation Room, 3 car garage and even a Wine Cellar.

Offered at $3,195,000 www.70CenturyDrive.com

Lee Weldon 415.328.4400

10 SUNRISE LANE, MILL VALLEY

This is a very special sanctuary offering possibilities for peaceful, secluded, gracious living and expansion. This private compound is approximately one acre of level and gently sloped land with stunning bay and valley views.

Offered at $1,165,000 www.10SunriseLane.com

Kathleen Delehanty-White 415.755.8300

2370 VISTA DEL MAR, TIBURON

Unsurpassed views are captured in this very unique property consisting of a duplex and a separate cottage. is a 2-bedroom plus office or 3rd bedroom with 2 baths and a fireplace and the other unit consists of 2 bedrooms and 1 and a half baths, 2 fireplaces and a generous deck with sweeping views.

Offered at $1,998,000 www.2370VistaDelMar.com

Vicki Buckle-Clark 415.497.0044

9 SUTTER COURT, TIBURON

Enjoy expansive views from the moment you enter. Natural light pours into the generous living room and open floor plan with the remodeled kitchen with adjacent formal dining room leading out to the landscaped grounds for easy entertaining.

Offered at $1,998,000 www.9Sutter.com

Pat Montag 415.519.4818 and Ken Dara 415.425.3626

The Mill Valley Fire

The town was almost decimated in a

conﬂagration that lasted three days.

BY JIM WOOD

INITIAL REPORTS OF the disastrous Mill Valley Fire of 1929 came a little after two o’clock on the afternoon of July 2. The fi re’s origin was the tinder-dry woody reaches of upper Blithedale Canyon. When winds climbed to 30 miles an hour, it was obvious the town’s two fi re trucks, one a 1924 American LaFrance pumper, and small fi refighting crew were no match for flames racing through brush and timber. The pumper’s 200-gallon water tank quickly emptied, then the 350,000-gallon pool at the nearby Ralston White estate was drained. When hoses were connected to hydrants on Magee Avenue, they lacked pressure. The Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railroad came to the rescue: “A flat car, loaded with fi refighters, came up the mountain,” writes historian Barry Spitz in Mill Valley, The Early Years (Potrero Meadow Publishing, 2001). “The train’s engine carried 3,000 gallons of water, and that was soon drained dry.” Meanwhile, “thousands of escaping rattlesnakes made the tracks slippery, necessitating liberal use of sand to keep the train under control.” The inferno only grew. “At 3:30 p.m., a call

went out for help,” writes Spitz. “Alarms rang across Marin County, and fi re companies from Corte Madera, Larkspur, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, Sausalito and the Marin Municipal Water District were soon on hand.” Even units from San Francisco responded, via ferryboats, but their fi re hoses didn’t fit Mill Valley’s hydrants. By 10 o’clock that evening, fl ames were licking at the edges of downtown Mill Valley. “And then,” according to Spitz, “the wind suddenly veered to the southwest, and Mill Valley’s business section was saved.” However, the conflagration continued with diminishing ferocity for two more days. In all, 117 homes were destroyed and more than 2,500 acres of parklike terrain was scorched. Fortunately, no lives were lost. m

CIRCA 1929

The 1929 ﬁre on Mount Tamalpais as seen from Sausalito. Inset: Mr. and Mrs. Edward O. Hermann and daughters Evelyn and Marguerite stand at the ruins of their home, burnt to the ground in the ﬁre.

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Now flying door to door.

Emirates First and Business Class.

Outside, your complimentary Chauffeur-drive service awaits. Soon, you’ll enjoy priority check-in. Watch over 1,200 channels on demand over your multi-course gourmet meal. Unwind with a hot shower at the Emirates Lounge while connecting in Dubai. And finally, meet your chauffeur, ready to drive to your final address.* It’s a journey every bit as dazzling as the destination. Discover more at emirates.com/usa

Fly Emirates. Keep discovering.