marin living june 2024

DESIGN & DOMAIN

JESSICA CLINE

CO-FOUNDER, CEO jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com  707.302.0850

DINA GRANT CO-FOUNDER

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR dina@marinlivingmagazine.com  707.238.2030

ADVERTISING

Marketing Strategy Consultant & Wine Country Specialist Chet Klingensmith chet@marinlivingmagazine.com, 707.216.1780

Marketing Strategy Consultant, Hawaii Meredith Low meredith@marinlivingmagazine.com, 808.388.2644

Marketing Strategy Consultant Kim McGinnis kim@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.640.4504

Marketing Strategy Consultant & Local Business Specialist Carrie Moler carrie@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.271.3080

Marketing Strategy Consultant Courtney Roberts courtney@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.720.3752

Marketing Strategy Consultant Allison Zweig allison@marinlivingmagazine.com, 917.608.4816

Subscriptions Customer Service subscriptions@marinlivingmagazine.com

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CASEY GILLESPIE CO-FOUNDER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR casey@marinlivingmagazine.com

DANIEL JEWETT CO-FOUNDER

EDITORIAL AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR dan@marinlivingmagazine.com

EDITORIAL

Editor Caitlin Hamer

Contributing Designers

Roberto Avalos, Madeleine Hannes, Gregory Odendahl, Kathryn Saffell, Ronald Sequeira, Britney Trezzo

Contributing Writers

Keri Bridgwater, Annie Geiser, Amber Turpin, Lili Weigert

Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin

Client Services Director Lauren Winsett lauren@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.300.0908

Mailing Address Marin Living PO Box 2104 Mill Valley, CA 94941

Office phone: 707.302.0850

Editorial or Press Inquiries casey@marinlivingmagazine.com  dan@marinlivingmagazine.com

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Marin Living magazine is delivered complimentary to residents of California. BRAN

YOUR DREAM NEIGHBORHOOD ESCAPE

In the food and wine capital of North America, Four Seasons welcomes you to a bespoke luxury resort in the heart of California wine country. Our Forbes Five-Star Hotel in Calistoga is set within its own world-class vineyard. Discover innovative and seasonal cuisine at Michelin-starred Auro, holistic spa rituals at Spa Talisa and thoughtfully personalized Four Seasons service. Raise a glass to all the best in life as you soak in magnificent views of Napa Valley. 400

Bowman Real Estate Group celebrates most recent episode of American Dream TV

Bowman Real Estate Group recently celebrated our most recent episode of American Dream TV: Selling Bay area at Silverwork Studios in San Rafael. Silverwork Studios provides the opportunity to make amazing jewelry all while having a creative experience. It’s wonderful to see our community come together to support local businesses and creative endeavors

If you’re looking to make your own dreams a reality in the Bay Area real estate market, we are here to help. Feel free to reach out to us and let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals

The value of our business is measured in the quality of the relationships we build.

14 news.

Mountain Play returns; a Climate Ride for cyclists; join a caviar Masterclass; Pride events galore; and more.

26 local splurges. Summer is finally here and we’ve found some perfect ways to update your outdoor space.

28 eat & drink. Say hello to Rue de Rêve.

30 local getaways. Calistoga’s newest openings alone are worth the trip.

36 take note. This is the inaugural year of BottleRock’s La Onda Latin Festival and we have the scoop.

40 game changers. Qibus is redefining the selfdriving car revolution.

70 land & sea. A new cultural center casts Filoli in a deeper light.

72 voyager. It’s time to visit Tahiti — the getaway you have been waiting for.

76 about last night. Bringing the fun and VIPs to Scandia Home and Dita’s.

80 drawn together. Home Match is creating life-altering roommate arrangements.

from the team.

10 from the ceo.

12 from the creative director.

Top to bottom: Makers & Allies, Climateride.org; Hilton Hotel Tahiti

FEATURES.

42

Island Vibes

A Mill Valley designer partnered with a Hawaii-based designer and the rest is history.

48

Home by Design

Explore three exceptionally distinct Marin homes, each one as beautiful as the next.

On the Cover

Architect Orla Huq (www.orlastudios.com) says of this Belvedere Lagoon property: “The wonderfully unique quality of Belvedere living is the ability to have a seamless connection to the water and nature.”

Photograph by Open Homes Photography

INNOVATIVE MATCH: Concierge Matchmaking for over 30 years

Cassie Zampa-Keim encourages a positive and smart approach to dating.

How can your clients implement smart dating? To “date smart” means you need to be an active participant in your own dating life from day one. It means putting in the effort to complete your information sheet and then discussing it in detail, so I can clarify who and what you’re looking for in a partner. More importantly, it helps you clarify this for yourself. You also need to be open to meeting someone and, when there’s a spark, see it through by staying engaged with texts, calls and in-person dates. It will take effort on your part, but dating will be fun and feel effortless if you do it wholeheartedly.

How can you help clients create the perfect dating profile, and why is that important? The best dating profiles come about when my clients provide me with details about their lives and goals, even if they think they sound boring. I take those details and weave together a unique dating profile that tells a story — your story. By their

nature, my dating profiles are selfselecting. In other words, they draw in only the most compatible dating prospects who want to meet the specific person in the profile (you!), not just another match who likes nice walks along the beach at sunset.

Why is it important to envision what you want before you start? The world has lots of people in it. Not everyone has the same values, beliefs, relationship goals or habits, some of which can become your dealbreakers. It’s why I tell my clients to think about what and who (in an abstract way) they would want in their lives and for what purpose. A companion? A life partner? Marriage? And then who they wouldn’t. Next, I tell them to keep an open mind about everyone they meet in between. Those are the real prospects.

Why is it important for clients to let go of past relationships before starting a new one? When you date,

you should have a clear head. That’s because you need to make informed decisions all the time. Am I attracted to this person? Are our end games the same? Do I enjoy my time with them? Can I picture us together for a while? Would my family and friends like the person I am dating? If you’re busy thinking about an ex (good or bad), you won’t be open to the person in front of you or be able to spot the positives and negatives about them. Either way, it could cause you problems. You could miss red flags or miss out on someone amazing.

CEO

This issue is designed to spark curiosity about the places we frequent and the spaces we live in. How do these environments affect us? What changes could make them better? As we showcase both stunning design and inspiring spaces and places, we encourage you to think about your own “domain” and how you can influence the design that surrounds you.

At Marin Living, we believe in the power of design as a tool for enhancing not only our surroundings but ourselves. We also believe in celebrating those who blaze trails and set new benchmarks. Join us in honoring these pioneers and reflecting on the essential role both they and design play in our lives.

JESSICA CLINE, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

HOW DOES DESIGN AFFECT YOU? from the

THIS MONTH, we explore the impact that thoughtful design has on our personal spaces and our broader environments. Our focus is on recognizing how the spaces around us influence our daily lives, moods and well-being.

We are also excited to introduce our Local Trailblazers special section — it tells the tales of individuals who are forging new paths and shaping the future of Marin and beyond. These innovators are not just excelling in their fields; they are reshaping them. Through their innovative work, they demonstrate how creativity and bold leadership can create lasting change and inspire communities.

As you flip through the pages, you’ll come across stories of architects whose cutting-edge designs make our living spaces more harmonious and artists whose visions add vibrancy to our cultural landscape. You’ll meet entrepreneurs who are redefining industries and community leaders who think deeply about our collective future.

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; Scott Hargiss

A Sausalito home from our “Home by Design” feature

MICHAEL HEACOCK ARCHITECTS

build something meaningful. build something meaningful.

build something meaningful. build something meaningful.

MICHAEL HEACOCK ARCHITECTS

from the

creative DIRECTOR

year’s S.F. Pride it is sure to be an overthe-top flamboyantly joyful affair (just the way it should be!). Remember when we were trying to comfort ourselves by saying that much like life post–Spanish influenza, soon it would all be one big party? I think we are there. The atmosphere in bars and restaurants across Marin is F.U.N. Even with all the store closings in San Francisco, the mood across the bridge is — dare I say — optimistic? Burn scars from the 2020 fires in Wine Country are barely visible with wineries having rebuilt and so much is feeling shiny and new. I’ll admit that I am an eternal optimist, so I’m entering summer with the mindset that this one will be one we want to remember.

HELLO SUMMER

WELCOME TO OUR “Design & Domain” issue! We approach this issue with equal parts practicality and pure indulgence, and when you delve in, you’ll see exactly what I mean. I am so tired of talking about the pandemic (bear with me, I am going to do it again), but the contrast of the three years we spent turning our homes into havens of multitasking to the present is significant. We are back to creating spaces to gather in and entertain, and filling our homes with beautiful things that act as conversation starters. I find myself collecting bottles of wine, fancy snacks and pretty cocktail napkins in case friends drop by — something I haven’t done in years. But as much as we are still blissfully enjoying being at home, I have a feeling that this summer’s festivals — music (Latin anyone? p. 36), art, food, wine and otherwise — are going to see epic attendance. Speaking of things that are back in full swing, Pride celebrations from S.F. to Marin to Wine Country are here once again (you can see our full list in Spotlight, p. 14). And with Billy Porter hosting this

CASEY GILLESPIE CO-FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

In our home design feature (p. 48) we get an inside peek at some of Marin’s most covetable spaces.

Portrait by Becca

Teal Batista; Scott Hargis

Demystify caviar once and for all with a Masterclass.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

The Caviar Co.’s (www.thecaviarco.com) second quarterly Caviar Masterclass takes place on June 29. This tasting event will be held at the Tiburon Champagne Lounge and covers a variety of pairings led by founder Petra Higby. There will be five varieties of caviar to try, accompanying canapes for each and three unique Champagnes.

BUILDING SHIPS, BUILDING KNOWLEDGE

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC

World-renowned fortepianist Daniel Adam Maltz is giving a special performance of the works of Haydn and Mozart at the Sausalito Center for the Arts (www.sausalitocenterforthearts.org) on June 8. Maltz will play the classical works as they were intended to be heard, on a Viennese fortepiano.

Marin County schools are strengthening and diversifying curriculum by spotlighting Marin City’s role in World War II, specifically the Marinship shipyard’s impact on Allied victory as detailed in A Brand New Start… This Is Home: The Story of World War II Marinship and the Legacy of Marin City by Felecia Gaston, founder of the Marin City Historical and Preservation Society. Collaborating with directors of Dominican University of California and Marin County Free Library, they’re developing teaching resources including lesson plans to explore the local Black experience. Superintendent of Schools John Carroll says, “It is an honor to be part of messaging and moving the curriculum forward. Our priority is to decrease educational inequity in Marin.” —Lynette Ki, Redwood High School journalism student

T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library

From top: World War II–era housing in Marin City circa 1960; front cover of The Marin-er, a Marinship publication, August 5, 1944

RIDING FOR A REASON

Cyclists, it’s time to start training — Climate Ride’s Wine Country Edition (www.climateride.org) is coming to Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens (www.kj.com) on August 17. Participants will ride and fundraise for Climate Ride’s beneficiaries by cycling one of four possible routes. All routes start and end at the winery, where a post-ride celebration will be held.

E-BIKE SAFETY CONCERNS

According to Marin County Health and Human Services, nine responses to e-bike crashes were reported between January and April. Assembly Bill 1778 , a scaled-back bill introduced by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, is a local voluntary pilot program implementing rules and fines in Marin. “E-bikes make me feel unsafe. Enforcing safety rules will positively affect Marin,” Redwood High sophomore Hannah Lacey says. As part of a separate effort, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury is asking local governments to prohibit minors under 16 from operating class 2 e-bikes, which use throttle devices to travel 20 mph or faster if modified, due to safety concerns. However, law enforcement officials point out the difficulty of identifying riders’ ages and recognizing modifications at first glance. —Isabelle Davis and Annie Burlingame, Redwood High School journalism students

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

This June, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (www.thecjm. org) welcomes visitors to the California Jewish Open , an exhibition of works by Jewish-identifying artists in California. Nearly 50 artists will have their pieces on display from June 6 to October 20. On June 20 to 23, Kronos Festival (www.kronosquartet.org) returns for its ninth year. Held at the SFJAZZ Center, the event celebrates the ensemble’s 50th anniversary and includes world premieres, farewell performances and a documentary.

PLAY DAYS

Mountain Play (www.mountainplay.org) returns for its 2024 season with Kinky Boots, the award-winning musical about a young man who reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory. Performances take place at Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mount Tamalpais on June 2, 8, 9 and 16 (the performances on the 8th and 9th will be ASL interpreted). Food will be available for purchase, but attendees may also bring their own lunches.

Liz Lauter, Bride, 2023 (right); A Thousand Thoughts, Kronos Quartet and Sam Green (below)

VOON WINES

For those looking to toast Pride with drinks at home, VOON (www.voonwines.com), a San Francisco gay-owned wine label, has recently debuted a limitedproduction 2023 Sta. Rita Hills Gruner Veltliner.

PRIDE WINE FEST

Sip on wines from some of Northern California’s finest LGBTQIA+ vintners at The

BAY AREA PRIDE EVENTS

SONOMA PRIDE PARADE

Celebrate your local Heroes, Sheroes and Queeroes on June 1 at Sonoma County’s Pride festival, parade and after-party (www. sonomacountypride.org). On June 2, gather at Graton Resort & Casino for the Wigs and Waffles Drag Brunch and Atlantis Pool Party.

LGBTQIA+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA

The Golden Gate Business Association (www.ggba.com), the world’s first LGBTQIA+ chamber of commerce, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with its Power Connect gala at San Francisco City Hall on June 7. Special guest Carson Kressley will also be in attendance, and an after-party will be held at The Academy.

OUTWATCH FILM FESTIVAL

Wine Country’s LGBTQIA+ film festival (www.outwatchfilmfest. org) returns for another year at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol. Taking place June 8, the festival features three films.

S.F.’s VOON Wines has released a new limitededition production just in time for Pride.

PRIDE NOT PREJUDICE

Academy (www.academy-sf.com) on June 1. Complimentary bites and live entertainment will also be featured.

FILOLI PRIDE

Celebrate Pride at Filoli (www.filoli. org) on June 1 and 2. Pride colors will be on full display on the grounds as events like live performances and flower crown making take place, plus a chance to purchase products from queer vendors.

From June 12 to July 7, Sausalito Center for the Arts (www.sausalito centerforthearts.org) is home to the “Pride Not Prejudice” art exhibit. Original artworks by California-based artists from the LGBTQIA+ community will be on display.

QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL

Returning for its 20th year, this annual international film festival (www.qwocmap.org) takes place June 14 to 16 at San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre. All films at this free event are captioned and audio described.

PRIDE DAY AT ORACLE PARK

On June 15, watch the San Francisco Giants (www.mlb.com/giants) take on the Los Angeles Angels in an afternoon game. The first 20,000 fans in attendance receive a special Pride-themed long-sleeve hooded shirt.

TRANS MARCH

The annual Trans March (www.transmarch.org) takes place on June 28 at Dolores Park. The march is open to people of all ages, including allies, advocates and members of the transgender nonconforming community.

YOUNTVILLE PRIDE

This Wine Country destination (www.yountville.com) is offering up a whole host of Pride activities and specials in June, but the bulk of activities take place June 17 to 23. Events include Family Pride Dance on June 21 and Pride in the Park on June 23.

SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE

The month’s revelries wrap up on June 29 and 30 in San Francisco (www.sfpride.org). Start Saturday morning with yoga, a dance class and breakfast at the Civic Center Plaza, and on Sunday see Billy Porter as both the parade’s Celebrity Grand Marshal and the day’s headline performer.

Pride at Filoli is a decadent event.

the LIST

2

A look at special offers and new products from some of Marin’s favorite businesses.

By Caitlin Hamer

LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL STUDIO

Fresh from a move to a spacious studio in San Rafael, Margie Woods is christening the new space with her first workshop on June 15. The studio is also open for one-on-one coaching in addition to creativity workshops, both of which can foster self-love and acceptance. www.margiewoods.com

an upgrade this summer — San Francisco–based interior design firm Jaclyn Christensen Design has just opened a downtown Sausalito office space. Whether you want a room enrichment or have a larger architectural project, JCD can help you enhance your home. www.jaclynchristensendesigncom 1

JACLYN CHRISTENSEN DESIGN

Good news for anyone looking to give their home

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KOSTA BROWNE

The last few years have been ambitious ones for Sebastopol’s Kosta Browne, and the team is not slowing down any time soon. The winery recently sponsored the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, and you can find some of Kosta Browne’s expanded offerings at the Barlow in Sebastopol, with new tastings and experiences for members. www.kostabrowne.com

1. Jiun Ho ’s Franca Lounge Chair is inspired by classic Brazilian design with a woven seat and back and a natural finish that will weather beautifully. For added comfort, purchase the seat and back cushion (sold separately). Available at De Sousa Hughes (101 Henry Adams Street, Ste. 272, San Francisco), inquire for pricing

2. There is no easier way to refresh a patio or deck than by adding a rug. Roche Bobois’ Hexagone indoor/outdoor rug is hand crocheted in beautiful

INSIDE OUT

Fun ways spruce up your outdoor living space with a new piece or two, just in time for summer.

By Casey Gillespie

neutral tones that will seamlessly meld into its surroundings (it measures about 6.5 by 10 feet). Available at Roche Bobois (701 Eighth Street, San Francisco) and www. roche-bobois.com, $4,750

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whopping 75 pounds. But the pattern is so delicate that it will appear light as a petal. The finishing wax will develop a gradual patina over time. Available at Mecox Gardens (1300 First Street, Ste. 352, Napa) or www.jamesde wulf.com, $13,200

4. James De Wulf ’s Mosaic Lily Exo Side Table is made of concrete, bronze and stainless steel and weighs in at a 2

3. RH’s Gemini Sofa (shown here in natural) is made of handwoven wicker and plays with light and shadows, making it both a comfortable and an interesting addition. Customize with 70-plus fabric choices. Available at RH (The Village at Corte Madera) and www.rh.com, price starts at $4,255

5. Everything about Terra Outdoor Living says summer. We love this Avila Lounge Chair and Avila Teak Ottoman set — classic teak with sumptuous curves and oversized all-weather cushions. Available at Terra Outdoor Living (258 Bolinas Street, Mill Valley) and www.terraoutdoor.com, chair $1,189, ottoman $489

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Experience:

Homa Rassouli is a licensed Reverse Mortgage Specialist at Mutual of Omaha Mortgage with over 38 years of experience in the reverse mortgage field, including 22 years in the financial services and mortgage industries at Wells Fargo Bank and Mutual of Omaha. Homa has been the recipient of the prestigious “President’s Club” honor for the past 16 consecutive years and is a trusted name in the industry, known as a reliable resource for retirees.

She has been honored with providing numerous trainings, seminars, and panel discussions to deliver matter of fact information and learning knowledge to groups ranging from Novato and San Rafael Chambers of Commerce, Financial Planning Association, The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and the Marin Bar Association to name a few. Homa is also actively engaged with The Marin Realtors, North Bay Realtors, Women Council of Realtors, CAL CPA, and Section on Aging.

She additionally serves on the board of Novato Chamber of Commerce, Marin County Estate Planning Council, San Francisco Financial Planning Association, Marin Realtors Government Affair Committee, San Rafael Women on Industry Committee, and Women’s Club of Marin.

MEET HOMA

Homa enjoys educating and working with mature homeowners, their families, and their trusted advisors to secure long-term sustainable retirement solutions.

Education + Family:

Homa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Finance from Gannon University, PA. She spends much of her free time with her family, especially her three grandchildren, Sofia (age 14), Ellie (age 10), and Sebastian (age 8).

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

By Caitlin Hamer

The European tradition of sipping on apéritifs but with a dreamy West Coast twist.

WHEN JENNIFER KIMPE and Jeanne-Marie Hebert first met as neighbors in Oakland roughly 20 years ago, they likely did not anticipate becoming such good friends that they’d one day travel the world together. It’s even less likely that they imagined they’d also create a business. But life, much like this business’ origin story, often leads one to unexpected yet beautiful places.

Kimpe, who now lives in Mill Valley, and Hebert, in Piedmont, had originally intended to take a trip to Ireland to celebrate both of their birthdays, but the pandemic waylaid those plans. Instead, they found themselves on a road trip, taking in the views of Highway 1. “We were inspired by the beauty of the California coast and the call to do something that celebrates special moments like the one we were sharing,” says Kimpe. Deciding to combine their loves of travel, drink and design, they came up with Rue de Rêve (www.ruede reveaperitifs.com), a portfolio of modern apéritifs with decidedly Californian flair despite the French name (it translates as “Dream Street”).

“Throughout our travels, we have enjoyed the European apéritif tradition, and we have a special affection for the French language and lifestyle, leading us to a name that also honors our story of pursuing our dream,” says Hebert.

For the uninitiated, apéritifs are alcoholic drinks traditionally meant to be consumed before a meal, to awaken your appetite for what’s to come. In Europe, it’s as much a lifestyle as it is a type of beverage and it’s something that Kimpe and Hebert are hoping to instill on a local level. They launched Rue de Rêve in January 2024

with their Rosé, a blend of rosé wine from the Sonoma Coast produced in the Provençal style. Infused with strawberry, lemon, rose hip and mint, it was a refreshing start to kick off their budding business. In May, they released Blanc, featuring Russian River Valley-produced chardonnay (boasting the addition of tangerine, orange and elderflower), and Rouge, which features carbonic zinfandel from Mendocino County, creating a pleasingly bitter blend infused with orange, lemon, cardamom and gentian root. All three varietals also include grape spirits, grape juices and artemisia douglasiana. If you’re unfamiliar with that last one, it’s also known as California mugwort, but its other moniker, the dream plant, makes it a perfect fit for this brand. Depending on what you prefer, you can enjoy these versatile drinks chilled, over ice, with a splash of spritz or mixed into a cocktail. And of course, while they’re called apéritifs, you can consume these at any time; no need to stick to the rules of European society here. After all, as Kimpe says: “Rue de Rêve is our manifestation of the California dream.”

Available for purchase online, bottles are also sold at local spots like Mill Valley Market, Strange Magic Bottle Shop in Larkspur and Souvenir Bottle Shop in San Anselmo. If you’re looking to switch up your cocktail hour this summer, Dream Street is a pretty great place to be.

We created a cocktail called “Coastal Dream” with our friends from Sausalito Liquor Co. The strawberry, mint and rose hip in our Sonoma Coast Rosé apéritif pairs beautifully with their Marin Coastal Gin, crafted with 11 locally foraged botanicals.”

COASTAL DREAM

2 oz RUE DE RÊVE ROSÉ 1 oz MARIN COASTAL GIN SPLASH OF TONIC SPRIG OF MINT

REDISCOVERING CALISTOGA

A recent visit to Calistoga was confirmation that the beloved Wine Country destination is as lively and wildly charming as ever.

By Casey Gillespie

CALISTOGA DEPOT

1458 Lincoln Avenue www.calistogadepot.com

The newest addition to Calistoga’s list of tempting reasons to visit, the Depot is anchored by a distillery (the Boisset spirits portfolio has already garnered 34 awards) and a showstopping bar that was designed to honor the city’s rich history. Guests enter through a marketplace with a plant-based order-at-the-bar eatery and then can proceed to one of the meticulously designed cars that house everything from an artisanal chocolate shop to a tequila purveyor. There is a wine tasting experience and a patio where diners can order from any of the on-site eateries and have it delivered. It would be easy to spend all day here.

DR. WILKINSON’S BACKYARD RESORT & MINERAL SPRINGS

1507 Lincoln Avenue

www.drwilkinson.com

We love the laid-back atmosphere at Dr. Wilkinson’s (pie, anyone?) and any excuse to visit is a good one. If you haven’t tried the spa yet, then book yourself in for a facial and a mud bath — it’s exactly what your summer has been missing. They have recently started using the luxurious Caudalie products (wine-grape-centric and made in Bordeaux), which add a little something extra special. Wondering what to do with Dad on Father’s Day? Sign up for the Tequila & Whiskey Tasting for Dads by Jean-Charles Boisset.

The Distillery Bar at Calistoga Depot

FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

1091 Larkmead Lane www.frankfamilyvineyards.com

If you only book one tasting on your next visit, make it at the Miller House. The newest addition to Frank Family’s property, the space’s design is Wine Country perfection, and winemaker Todd Graff is a Napa treasure so it’s hard not to love anything he makes. Try the Miller House Elevated Experience ($100 pp), which includes current release sparkling and still vineyard-designated wines paired with hyper-seasonal artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The food and wine are elevated even further by the Michelin-star-level hospitality.

LARKMEAD VINEYARDS

1100 Larkmead Lane www.larkmead.com

Originally founded in 1895, the 115-acre vineyard has deep roots in both Napa and San Francisco (ask about the spirited Lillie Hitchcock Coit — yes, as in Coit Tower), is situated on one of the prettiest pieces of property in Wine Country and only makes 100 percent estate-grown and-produced wines. Today, the fourth generation of the Solari family runs the estate and has earned the prestigious California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the GOLD level Napa Green Winery certification. This is quintessential Napa Valley and so charming you won’t want to leave.

Larkmead’s vineyard is located in the heart of Napa Valley.

Bob McClenahan

For something Special....

Unique. Interesting. Inspiring. Creative, One of a kind finds. Treasures. Only yours. Never formulaic.

When you crave something special...

Visit Marin’s largest, oldest, family owned Home furnishings showroom.

Enjoy Irish tea, shortbread and design comradery.

MARIA CONCETTO WINERY

1367 Lincoln Avenue

www.mariaconcettowinery.com

Enjoy a little tech with your wine? At this cozy tasting room guests can opt for a tasting served by a robot sommelier, RobinoVino ($75 pp). Proprietor Maria Reznikova was inspired by winemaking practices all over Europe and when she fell in love with California Wine Country she melded Old World with New World. A can’t-miss option if you are staying downtown and tasting on foot.

PICAYUNE CELLARS & MERCANTILE

1440 Lincoln Avenue

www.picayunecellars.com

Another new opening, this tasting-roommeets-cafe-meets-boutique is a wonderful addition to downtown. French expat, owner and winemaker Claire Ducrocq Weinkauf has created a little slice of France in Calistoga. This month sees the launch of the Crepe Service, but don’t underestimate the

croque monsieur, quiche and baguettes from Sarmentine — they are delicious as well.

STERLING VINEYARDS

1111 Dunaweal Lane

www.sterlingvineyards.com

Home to Wine Country’s only gondola experience, Sterling is the perfect place to wow out-of-town visitors. Book the Tour and Terrace Experience and enjoy a leisurely selfguided wine tasting for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a working winery. Finish off with a seated tasting and a cheese board on the Southview Terrace overlooking the valley ($75 pp). This year the winery is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a party in August that includes a jazz club and an interactive dinner. Check the website for more details.

Courtesy of Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards is home to Wine Country’s only gondola.

Are you planning a party this summer and want it to be an experience? Look no further! At Dee’s Organic Catering, we bring you a feast that tantalizes your taste buds, while leaving a minimal carbon footprint. From vibrant salads bursting with farm-fresh veggies to succulent grilled delights that showcase the best of local produce, our menu is a journey through the finest organic flavors. Whether it’s a birthday bash, corporate event or a wedding reception, our catering services add a touch of green elegance to your special day. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on making memories. Book Your Date Today

A new summertime festival being held in the heart of Napa Valley is Northern California’s largest Latin music-themed event.

By Daniel Jewett

LATIN FLAIR

THE PEOPLE BEHIND BOTTLEROCK, the perennial Napa Valley music event, are bringing the hottest Latin musical acts to Wine Country for the inaugural La Onda (www.laondafest.com) festival on June 1 and 2. The weekend concerts feature major touring acts, local acts and DJ sets all with the usual cornucopia of food (including regional Latin cuisine) and drink you expect from a BottleRock event. We talked to the Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican artist Farruko, who is well known for his own hits as well as collaborations with Bad Bunny, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Ricky Martin and others, about his career and why this festival is important for Latin music.

How did your career start? You credit MySpace with getting the ball rolling.

My career began underground in school, recording with some friends, uploading songs to MySpace and then burning CDs and putting them in mixes. I also sang in school talent shows.

The songs grew in popularity until they were eventually picked up by Puerto Rican radio stations and broadcast to a larger audience. Did you always know they would catch on like they did?

When you start, you don’t imagine that these things are going to happen and when they come to you, you feel fulfilled.

Courtesy of La Onda by BottleRock

Puerto Rican hitmaker Farruko

When Disaster Strikes, We Are Here to Help

On June 28, 1891, a wildfire ravaged the forests and farmlands of Marin County. In all, over 12,000 acres were destroyed. Homes were lost and lives were changed forever. The Salvation Army sent workers from San Francisco to help people reestablish their lives after the devastating loss. In December 1891, Captain Minnie Bryant and Lieutenant Dora Hamilton were the first permanently assigned Officers of The Salvation Army to serve Marin County. Today, 133 years later, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services still serve a very important function in Marin County. When disaster strikes, we are here to help our neighbors.

If you would like to donate your time, talent or treasure to the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Team, contact Captain Mark Stearns at 415.459.4520.

As Latinos we always seek to reach new audiences and for our music to be recognized.”

You’ve collaborated with some big names in the music industry. How do you prepare?

I put passion and heart into all the collaborations I do, regardless of the artist. I prepare myself as a person because when I collaborate with someone I use all my tools and give everything within my reach so that something very productive can be done for all parties.

One of your songs, “Pepas,” has more than 1 billion streams on Spotify. Did you ever think you’d reach this large of an audience?

I never in my life thought I would have numbers like that. I didn’t come from that era where music was mediated like

that so I was very happy and very surprised when I saw the growth of those numbers.

What was it like being nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Music Album in 2012?

I felt super proud about a goal achieved and happy that the industry considered my work.

Tell me about starting your own label, Carbon Fiber Music. How does it differ from other labels?

It’s been super uphill; not everyone understands the music business — it’s a very competitive industry. I offer other artists a more humane experience and don’t just treat them as a product.

They have dreams that can be developed.

What does it mean for you to be traveling to Northern California and Napa Valley for this festival?

The area really grabbed my attention. I like the natural environment and the forests that surround it.

Latin music fans will be there, but do you hope this festival exposes people to Latin music who maybe haven’t heard much of it before?

As Latinos we always seek to reach new audiences and for our music to be recognized, so I would love for people from other cultures to be able to get closer to our music.

Music fans at BottleRock

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

Driverless cars are getting an upgrade for the modern world.

By Annie Gieser

SAY GOODBYE to rideshare drivers who don’t respect your desire for a conversation-free ride. Say hello to an empty driver’s seat, minus the concerns of a computer steering the wheel.

A driverless future has been on the road map for years, especially in the Bay Area, where self-driving cars have been testing on our streets for more than a decade. But Qibus is no robot — it’s driverless technology where the driver can be thousands of miles away, driving the car using a remote steering wheel, foot pedals and monitor screens.

“I thought, ‘What if we keep the driver?’ ” says Qibus founder and CEO Leanid Tsurankou. “If the computer is incapable of dealing with the unpredictability of the real world, what if we keep the driver?”

Tsurankou dove into this industry after hardship in his own life: he endured a three-month effort to regain

basic mobility after a motorcycle accident. Having always been a car person, Tsurankou struggled with losing the autonomy of driving: “Getting into an Uber would take me 30 minutes without experiencing pain. It took me more than a year to recover, so I had time to think.”

Having been an engineer before this, Tsurankou pivoted to a Self-Driving Operations role at Uber ATG. Seeing the bigger picture through an operations lens, he realized the reality of self-driving cars being widely available is much further away than we think. “I was motivated to do something about it and bring it to the people, versus just some idea of the future where every car is going to be driverless.”

In a few short years, Qibus now has remote-driven cars operating in California and parts of Europe and will soon operate in the United Arab Emirates. Here in the U.S., they’re partnering with

businesses — like car dealerships — to implement the technology. Rather than needing two cars and two drivers to make an auto delivery, just one driver can drop off a car at an owner’s home, have a Qibus-operated car follow, and get back to the dealership in the Qibus car.

Just like with other driverless cars, it’s natural to be nervous about having no one behind the wheel. But Qibus is passing all the tests that come its way, including driving VIP cars at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2023 — an event with thousands of attendees, hundreds of other cars on the road and out-of-the-ordinary traffic flows. “I said if we can pull this off there is nothing we can’t do,” Tsurankou says. And pull it off they did, with drivers operating from an office in Europe, 6,000 miles away.

Having a remote driver is already a reality on our roads with Qibus, and Tsurankou wants to make it a possibility for every car out there. The required equipment is affordable compared to other self-driving tech (around $3,000 plus a monthly subscription), easy and quick to install, and doesn’t add a crazy amount of hardware to bulk up your ride. Driverless cars are here to stay — but now it seems the driver is, too.

Founder Leanid Tsurankou at Pebble Beach during Concours d’Elegance

island

Jenn Ellenburg

A NEW BRAND CO-FOUNDED BY A LOCAL DESIGNER BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN MARIN AND HAWAII.

BY AMBER TURPIN

Vibes

Marin local Lily Kanter and Honolulu-based Avery Solmssen have joined forces and created Averylily.

This page: Nicole Franzen; opposite: Jenn Ellenburg

It is very easy to focus on all the negatives associated with the pandemic.

But we should also remember to acknowledge the positives that came out of that very difficult time. For longtime Marin local Lily Kanter and Honolulu-based Avery Solmssen, the pandemic was an event that brought them together and ultimately sparked the creation of their new company, Averylily (www. averylily.com), a true partnership in name and in spirit of the two regions in which they reside.

Interior designer Solmssen explains, “Lily had left Marin during the pandemic to shelter from the storm on the Big Island. Luckily for me she fell in love with a home that I had previously designed for another family and she purchased it.

Over the years of getting to know Lily, she became a trusted adviser and mentor,” she says.

“We added some personal touches to her Hawaiian home, exploring art galleries, visiting lumberyards, meeting woodworkers. I showed her the ropes and the ins and outs of doing projects on an island. When I had finally made my mind up to make a change in my career she

suggested, to my utter delight and surprise, a partnership.”

You may recognize Kanter’s first name in the wildly popular company Serena & Lily, which she co-founded. So to say she has some background in the industry would be an understatement. This experience, along with Solmssen’s interior design career and contacts as a Hawaii local, set the duo up for a unique opportunity to develop a design studio in tandem with a bedding and bath line inspired by the islands.

When asked about what sets Averylily apart from

Serena & Lily, Kanter says, “Averylily is very different, very much an interior design studio servicing the islands with a distinct flavor of bedding, bath and beach. This company is more of an homage to Hawaii in terms of its design aesthetic, while Serena & Lily very much has a California coastal aesthetic.” Kanter adds that the pair found that many Averylily clients were asking for bedding, bath and beach, so they wanted to start a company with those items, and also as a way to feature local artists.

is an interior design studio paying homage to Hawaii with its distinct designs in bedding, bath and beach.

Averylily

Highlighting locally islandmade and -sourced products is a paramount goal for the company, as the partners see a big void for that in the design sphere. “Averylily is super focused on local, using as many local artisans as we can. Avery is so connected to artisans on the island and she tries to infuse a lot of Hawaii’s cultural aspects into the design style,” Kanter says. “We see that a lot of interior design clients tend to use mainland resources that don’t have the same connection.”

Solmssen adds that what makes Averylily different from a typical design studio is that “we have the opportunity to design custom products for our projects that are reflective of the beautiful intricacies found in Hawaii. With Lily’s guidance and support she provides the tools to develop a design that is unique to our firm … designs that visually tell our story of Hawaii to our clients, both here and abroad.” She says that everything they do is with the

mission to create deeply memorable, soulful environments. And Kanter’s style in particular is evocative of these intricacies, especially in the bed and bath Home Collection they created.

“The patterns and colors are a visual representation of influences we have every day living on an island. Inspiration from the island’s natural hues, deep greens, volcanic blacks and oceanic blues,” says Solmssen. “We imbued these hues into our bedding line, creating a unique representation of Hawaii’s rich and varied scenery.”

Sourcing and design style are not the only methods Averylily prioritizes in its commitment to being local. The business has a mission of being valuesdriven, and both women define a central component of that as community.

“Averylily is very holistically and community driven. Whether that means engaging with Habitat for Humanity or MakeA-Wish, just giving back to the community as well as nurturing

the local artisans, all of that is extremely near and dear to our hearts,” says Kanter. The company donates 10 percent of the profits made from the Home Collection to local organizations that provide shelter and aid for those in need.

The two have brought something else to the island community: good jobs. “It means supporting our local commu-

Kenna Reed (portrait); Nicole Franzen (above)

“AVERY

TRIES TO INFUSE

A

LOT

OF

HAWAII’S CULTURAL ASPECTS INTO THE DESIGN STYLE.”

nity through hiring practices, creating an equitable and generous work environment, and giving back to the people of the islands from which we draw inspiration,” says Solmssen. “We want to foster design talent and create more professional opportunities in the design industry for young talent on the islands.”

Those of us who reside in the Bay Area can certainly

appreciate the MarinHawaii connection, not only because our area is home to the highest number of Hawaii-bound travelers in the entire state of California, but also because of an alignment of values we hold dear here as well: environmental stewardship, reverence for nature, creativity and deep community engagement.

If you happen to be in Hawaii soon, stop by the retail locations for the Averylily Home Collection at ISLAND-BOY on Oahu and HUE Home & Design on Maui. In the meantime, keep an eye on the website, where a gallery featuring local artists is coming online soon under the “art” tab. And discussions have begun for an Averylily pop-up in Marin. Stay tuned!

The designers are as committed to fostering the local community as they are to creating beautiful designs. Opposite: Avery Solmssen and Lily Kanter

Home Design by

Life is full of changes: these three Marin remodels prove that your home and personal style are what you make it. BY

LILI WEIGERT

Scott Hargis

Party in the Basement

An unused lower level becomes the ultimate entertainment space

In the summer of 2020, designer Cindy Bayon’s client bought his first house. A move-in-ready three-bedroom in Sausalito with sweeping views of Alcatraz and the bay, it also had an unfinished basement. “That was the reason he bought it,” Bayon says. “He wanted a space to entertain.”

Over the next two years Bayon (www.bayon designstudio.com) and her team, a specialized crew of an interior designer, house designer, landscape design and construction manager, restored the

space, adding windows and doors and transforming it into a sophisticated and inviting multipurpose entertainment suite. “It feels like a residential version of the Battery,” Bayon says, referring to San Francisco’s elite and luxuriously appointed social club.

On one side of the open space the team carved out an intimate “media room,” with plush Italian lounge seating, an 85-inch screen and a premium surround-sound speaker system. A 10-foot marble bar spans the middle of the room. “He’s in his 30s, no kids, and he throws a lot of parties,” Bayon says. “He wanted a swanky bar.” The bar was custom-designed to showcase the homeowner’s extensive wine collection, which includes his own label; his family owns the Stone Edge Farm Winery in Sonoma County.

On the other side of the room, the team created a gym with sliding windows that look out over a lap pool and the mountains beyond. In the adjacent spa bathroom, the walls are treated with a calming smooth plaster and the showerhead offers rain and waterfall features. “It’s a whole water expe-

A Sausalito house was transformed into the perfect space for entertaining.

rience in there,” Bayon says. “Very ‘Zen.’ ” The area can be closed off from the rest of the space with a custom-designed curved glass wall.

There was no internal access to the ground level, so Bayon partnered with San Rafael–based contractor Plath & Company to engineer and build a staircase. The extraordinary spiral staircase was built off-site and fully assembled on-site, with an oak structure and steel supports. The curved glass was set into a channel. “It was a lot of coordination,” Bayon says. “That staircase is a work of art.”

Bayon says that her client and his fiancée use the space all day long. One flight away from the rest of the house and it feels like a different world. “It’s such a bonus space for living,” Bayon says. “It takes you away.”

Scott Hargis

LifeChanging Design

A San Rafael home gets a new lease

Paulina Perrault knew exactly how to help her client Heather Ollison redesign her house. Raised by DIY house flippers in rural Minnesota, the Corte Madera–based designer has brought a lifetime of experience to her Sausalito firm. “My first project was my Barbie condo,” she says. “I’ve been space planning since I was five.”

Ollison was in the middle of a life transition and wanted her house to reflect more of her personal style. This made sense to Perrault, who had recently gone through a similar situation.

Laura Reoch

“I was a couple years ahead of her in this life journey,” she says, adding that the two became friends during the process. “The sense of place becomes this incredible impact point.”

Teaming with local architects Polsky Perlstein and Floyd Construction, Perrault (www.paulinaperrault.com) spent the next year and a half transforming Ollison’s 3,000-square-foot San Rafael home. “Walls were moved, things were opened up,” she says. “We grabbed little bits of space from different places to reprogram the house.”

To take advantage of the property’s spectacular water views over the San Francisco Bay and the Richmond Bridge, they opened the back of the house and expanded the deck. The dramatic four-paneled glass entry has a direct sight line from the house. “We wanted to see the view as soon as we looked through the front door,” Perrault says. “Big sliders were an important part of the story.”

Unique and intentional interior spaces reflect Ollison’s personal aesthetic, which Perrault describes as “incredibly elegant, put together, and really clear. I never see her in anything but black and white,” she says. Dividing the livingdining area, a vertical white

fireplace appears to float like a sculpture, a thin glass panel revealing the interior black steel of the firebox.

The exquisite floor-to-ceiling bar was fashioned out of wire-brushed white oak with an ebony stain, the same natural finish as the backlit floating shelves. “This cabinetry is life changing,” Perrault says. “I’ve never seen anything like it.

“I want our clients to feel like their home really

works and serves their lives,” Perrault says. For Ollison, transformation took an unexpected turn when she decided to stay in her Sausalito rental.

“In this new season of her life, she realized the house on a hill felt isolated,” Perrault says. With six months left on the project Perrault, a seasoned designer, took this adjustment in stride.

The furniture that was on its way to San Rafael was rerouted to Sausalito or put

A client with a clear sense of design direction made this home a dream project.

into storage, and Ollison listed her home for lease. They found a renter within three days — a neighbor who lived up the street and was recently single. “It’s perfect for him,” Perrault says. “He’s in transition, too; this was exactly what he needed.”

Laura Reoch

Marin’s Sublime Tranquility

Bringing in the water on the Belvedere Lagoon

Sausalito-based architect

Orla Huq describes her client as a “Renaissance man.” A Swedish banker turned furniture designer who emigrated to the U.S. at 20, he’s also an accomplished sailor, racing for Sweden in the European and World Championships in his late teens. “He grew up on the water,” says Huq (www.orlastudios.com).

Huq’s client lives on the Belvedere Lagoon, a magical-feeling waterfront community that’s considered the epicenter of Marin’s lively sailing culture. In 2022 he hired Huq to redesign his house, a midcentury gem with classic clean lines and open walls. “He wanted us to bring in the water,” Huq says. “The house is surrounded by water and he wanted to feel it from every room.”

For the next 18 months, Huq and her partners from Hayes Construction renovated the home from the foundation up. Working closely with her client, they updated and modernized the 1955 house, while painstakingly preserving its timeless charm and architectural integrity.

They began by insulating the walls and roof, adding air conditioning and upgrading the boilers for the radiant floor heating. “Houses built in the ’50s were poorly insulated,” Huq says. “Now it’s always comfortable in there.” All the internal fixtures — including cabinetry, appliances and finishes — were replaced with custom-designed, top-of-the-line upgrades.

To bring in the water views, Huq and her team strategically opened more walls and added windows and glass doors. Now you see the lagoon before even

entering the house — through the wide glass front door it’s a straight shot to the water. Sliding doors along the back of the house open onto tiered gardens and expansive decks with views of Mount Tamalpais and the lush hills of Belvedere Island, with smaller boats and watercraft docked to one side.

Now the water is everywhere. It reflects on the ceilings and bounces off the white walls. From the primary bathroom, you get unobstructed water views from a Jacuzzi under an operable skylight.

“You weren’t even aware of the lagoon in there before,” Huq says. “It was really tight and closed in.”

A “Renaissance man” wanted the presence of water to be seen and felt in every room.

I was desperately in need of a better job. I never would have gotten this position without Fresh Starts. It was the extra bit of what I needed.

—

AMBER SMITH, A 2023 GRADUATE AND NOW CAFE MANAGER AT VIVALON’S HEALTHY AGING CENTER

Trainees at Fresh Starts Culinary Academy learn far more than cooking.

Since 2001, this program at Homeward Bound of Marin has helped people overcome barriers to create thriving futures. Our professional chefs offer hands-on training that pairs with learning about teamwork, communication and customer service. More than 80% of graduates are employed within 30 days, succeeding in restaurants, catering, schools, hospitals and cafes. You can help trainees cook up new futures! Make a gift today at hbofm.org/donate .

Together we can reach the goal of “ending homelessness with training, housing and hope.”

Photo by Paige Green

local trailblazers

Marin Living is delighted to shine a light on Marin’s Trailblazers. These individuals and teams are pioneers and game changers in their industries. Their creativity, innovation and resourcefulness sets them apart from their competitors. They refuse to settle for mediocrity and instead, they forge their own path, providing exceptional services, products and connections. As Trailblazers, they are the ones who set the pace and lead the way in their fields.

This agent is always available to help you achieve your goals. What trailblazing services do you offer? Thrity years ago I created Bodega Bay & Beyond Vacation Home Rentals to professionally mange the homes I would sell to clients. We now manage 75 homes on the Sonoma Coast.

What is it about you that make you a trailblazer?

I knew I wanted to work only for myself about 25 years ago. I did my homework, so to speak, and set that as a goal in everything I did.

How are you boldly paving the way in your industry?

I am an independently owned brokerage. I am always finding the best tools to keep me on-track and successful.

What makes you so effective at business and customer relations?

It is about the people. Knowing what my customers are trying to accomplish and understanding how I can help them make their goals happen. I am always available to talk, answer their questions and follow up.

Are you doing anything new to inspire the next generation of trailblazers?

I told my son, Kris Lepore, about 18 years ago: “You need a real profession and I need an agent I can rely on who knows a passion to care about people is the key to success.” So he joined the team.

JACLYN CHRISTENSEN // JACLYN CHRISTENSEN DESIGN

Down-to-earth partners in your interior design journey.

What is it about your team that make it a trailblazer?

JCD skillfully crafts interiors that stand the test of time and express your individuality while effortlessly infusing contagious energy into every corner. Whether pursuing simple room enrichments or an allencompassing architectural project, the JCD team was curated to inspire the effortless integration of design direction, structural expertise and unwavering visual discernment throughout your environment.

How are you boldly paving the way in your industry?

My team and I are paving the way by enhancing processes to make interior transformations more cost-effective and enjoyable. We create intimate partnerships with our clients to ensure their design is truly personal and uniquely theirs.

What makes you so effective at business and customer relations?

Understanding that not everyone has unlimited budgets; we prioritize establishing solid foundations from the beginning, from budgets to style guides. This approach ensures that we listen to clients’ needs and they can trust we have their back throughout the process.

What trailblazing services do you offer?

We take pride in tailoring our services to each project, crafting a unique process for every homeowner since no two projects are identical. Collaborating with our clients, we aim to understand their style and design preferences for the project, rather than expecting them to conform to our own.

JACLYN CHRISTENSEN DESIGN www.jaclynchristensendesign.com /@_jaclynchristensendesign_

JUDI COOPER & NATALIE COOPER // KITCHENS INSIDE OUT

This mother-daughter design team cuts through the noise with their signature design system.

What makes your approach unique?

Through our Signature Design System, we blend what we’ve learned about our client with our design expertise to create spaces that honor our clients’ priorities and unique qualities while helping to increase current and future home value and provide ease of movement throughout the entire home. This process helps clients cut through the noise of designs they see online or on TV shows that might look great on the surface but might not be the best fit, function or choice for them.

What makes you so effective at customer relations?

Our clients know that we are working with them to design their homes, not ours. From the very start of a new project, we dedicate a considerable amount of time getting to know who they are and fully understanding their priorities. This information allows us to effectively support them throughout the remodel and design inspiring and creative spaces just for them. We have a limit to the number of projects we take on at one time so we can support each with excellent service.

What trailblazing services do you offer?

We have a signature design system which we call the Values Blueprint. This signature system is methodical and detailed, but most important a lot of fun.

What do you want people to know about your business?

We are a dynamic motherdaughter team who run our design studio right here in Marin. We love collaborating with clients of all ages and backgrounds and find that our unique approach to creating an organized and streamlined remodel goes a long way in helping our clients love the new spaces we create with them.

KITCHENS INSIDE OUT 415.505.8708

hello@kitchensinsideout.com www.kitchensinsideout.com /@kitchensinsideout

BENJAMIN DHONG // BENJAMIN DHONG INTERIORS

This interior design firm doesn’t follow trends, it sets them.

What is it about your team that make them trailblazers?

Our designs are unique and stand out from the rest. Each project is custom to the personalities of our clients. We specialize in creating homes of effortless elegance and first start with correcting the architecture whenever possible. We think of a home like a book … the entry is the opening chapter.

What makes you effective at business?

I have a strong balance between form and function. A business degree from UC Berkeley allows me to approach each project with a strong sense of budget and value. I am very good at understanding people and getting a sense of how their home should reflect their family. I am also a very good listener and can understand what a client wants emotionally in their home.

What trailblazing services do you offer?

We have a vast network of vendors that we use and can mix and match them effortlessly.

Does your business have a unique history in the Bay Area?

We have done the homes of the CEO of Sony and the Chairman of Fox movies.

What do you want people to know about your business?

When you work with us, I do not pass you to an assistant — you get me throughout the entire project.

BENJAMIN DHONG INTERIORS

511 Fieldcrest, Healdsburg, CA 95448 415.595.2582 ben@bd-interiors.com www.benjamindhong @benjamindhong

How are you disrupting your industry and thinking outside the box?

I served as plastic surgeon for the Naval Medical Center in San Diego for over 10 years, including deployments to Afghanistan and Southeast Asia. That means I’ve always been focused on providing the highest possible level of care. For me, it’s patients over profits. Aesthetx Marin takes the same approach. We stay on the cutting-edge of treatments, techniques and research to make sure every patient receives the best care in the Bay Area.

What is it about your team that make them trailblazers?

We have a multidisciplinary model across plastic surgery, dermatology and aesthetic medicine that is focused on working together to help patients achieve what they want. It is unique to have providers from different backgrounds and specialties — each with their own skill set and

TRENT DOUGLAS, MD, FACS // AESTHETX MARIN

Cutting edge plastic surgery, dermatology and aesthetic medicine.

AESTHETX MARIN

599 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ste. 206, Greenbrae, CA 94904

415.980.6414

marin@aesthetx.com www.aesthetx.com @drtrentdouglas, @aesthetxmd

immense knowledge base — come together to provide comprehensive, state of the art care. It’s about partnering to create beautiful and natural results.

What trailblazing services do you offer?

At Aesthetx Marin, we offer both surgical and noninvasive services, including injectables and lasers. We’re the only practice in Marin offering both Wegovy and Tirzepatide as part of our wellness program.

What makes you so effective at what you do?

I believe in patient-centered care. Period. Aesthetx Marin employs the best practitioners around and are supported by top notch operations staff as well as Stanford MBAs who empower us to focus on what really matters — our patients.

LISA KAISER // KAISER GARDENS

Deeply inspired gardens that grow with you.

What is it about your team that makes them trailblazers?

My team and I share a bond fueled by mutual respect and a deep love for creating projects together that we and our clients can truly be proud of. This connection and bond resonate with our clients who can see the results of our connection in our final product. They understand that our success

is only possible through our shared knowledge and unwavering support for each other.

What makes you so effective at customer relations?

I have an exceptional ability to listen and understand my clients’ desires for beauty and function, all within their desired budget. I carefully listen and watch and then craft my designs and process based on our interactions and responses which give them precisely what they need within their given parameters. This special attention and focus lets us very effectively create and implement a garden creation that they are very proud of and can enjoy for years to come.

What trailblazing services do you offer?

Having resided in the Bay Area since birth, I possess an innate understanding of the region’s unique requirements. This familiarity extends to effectively integrating regional and introduced plant varieties and design motifs that harmonize seamlessly with Marin’s environment. Clients can rest assured knowing that their gardens will be meticulously crafted for success under my guidance. My crew and I are so grateful to our clients who have entrusted us to create landscapes tailored to their desires, and we look forward to many more years of creating unique and beautiful garden spaces.

KAISER GARDENS

415.699.7423

lisa@kaisergardens.com www.kaisergardens.com

A winery where employees and customers are treated like family.

How are you boldly paving the way in your industry?

What sets us apart is our continued commitment to virtual engagement through hybrid events. These events are hosted both onsite at our winery and are live-streamed nationwide for our customers to join. Each event promises hands-on engagement and meaningful dialogues with both our local partners’ owners and our winery team. Products are conveniently shipped in advance for virtual participants or served in personalized portions for those joining us onsite.

What makes you so effective at business and customer relations?

At the heart of our family-owned winery are our employees, and the priority we place on fostering an inviting family experience for them. This familial bond extends to our customers, who are warmly embraced by our staff as part of our extended family.

What unique products do you offer?

In 2003, we pioneered the creation of a single clonal blend sourced from multiple vineyards, a practice still rare in the industry today. While single clone wines are not uncommon, they are typically sourced from a single vineyard. This unique approach was born from winemaker Ben Papapietro’s pursuit of

crafting a complex and well-balanced Pinot Noir that highlights the Russian River Valley and two beloved Pinot Noir clones: Pommard & 777. Another special product that we offer is our Rosé of Pinot Noir bottling. Our Rosé is sourced from 100 percent Pinot Noir “free run” juice that is collected during the sorting process each year during harvest.

PAPAPIETRO PERRY WINERY

4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448

707.433.0422

info@papapietro-perry.com www.papapietro-perry.com / @PapapietroPerryWinery

// PAPAPIETRO PERRY WINERY

Tell Your Story

JULY/AUGUST ISSUE: Visionaries

In the July/August Outdoor issue, Marin Living will feature the most influential leaders and businesses in the Bay Area. These people and businesses epitomize what Visionaries truly are — forward thinkers, doers and changemakers. The feature will include an advertorial profile showcasing what makes these individuals unique and on August 28 we will celebrate our Visionaries at a dedicated signature event. Marin Living will deliver additional marketing support that includes a linked sponsored article on our website for one year, newsletter promotion to 16,000 opted-in email subscribers and a social media post.

Contact Jessica Cline for more info

jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com

follow us on social @marinlivingmag + subscribe to our newsletter at www.marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter

www.marinlivingmagazine.com

going places.

SUDDENLY SUMMER

A transformative new center at Fioli, a heavenly seven-day excursion to Tahiti and a new Marin roommate-matching program that is changing lives for the better.

Tahiti is the summer getaway you didn’t know you needed until now.

A STEP BACK IN TIME

A new partnership is encouraging visitors to Filoli to consider the lesser-known history of its grounds.

By Caitlin Hamer

AT FIRST GLANCE, Filoli (www.filoli.org) is the perfect example of sumptuous elegance. The 54,000-plus-square-foot Georgian Revival–style mansion, 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens and 6.8-acre Gentleman’s Orchard will make you feel as though you’ve been whisked away to the previous century.

But step out into the estate’s hundreds of acres of natural lands and you’ll hopefully be compelled to think of the region’s original inhabitants.

While the house at Filoli was built in Woodside in 1917, the estate sits on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone people. In

2022, Filoli adopted a Land Acknowledgment to honor this fact, as well as a formal partnership with the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone (ARO, www.ramaytush.org). But the estate is going a step beyond recognizing the original stewards of the land, and part of that is happening Gino

de Grandis

at the new Lamchin Interpretive Center, which opens this month. Formerly the Sally MacBride Nature Center, the three-room building, situated halfway through the one-mile nature trail, has been reimagined to share the stories of the Lamchin, an independent tribe

of the Ramaytush Ohlone people.

The Lamchin lived in various villages throughout their territory, including one called Supichom, which was located on what is now part of Filoli’s 654 acres.

“We get a lot of families, so we’re trying to make it accessible to kids

while also touching on the important themes,” says Willa Brock, interpretation manager at Filoli. Co-curated with the ARO, the exhibit will include a map of Lamchin territory, a video, images and text. As visitors stroll through each room, they can learn about the tribe’s history, the plants and animals the tribe was familiar with and the impacts of colonization on both the native people and the ecosystem. The last room of the exhibit will showcase the current ecological and cultural equity work of the ARO and how Filoli is partnering with it. “It’s a little like a past, present and future structure to the exhibit,” says Brock.

Working with the ARO has helped Filoli not only put words to paper in the land acknowledgment, but also follow it up with an action plan. “The more we talk with them and hear how they view this land it makes us realize how we can care for it in the future,” says Brock. And part of caring for the land includes working with a horticulture team to grow plants that the Lamchin tribe used, like dogbane, toyon and elderberry. The plants are being placed around the center, so that your experience begins as you enter.

Also opening this summer is a new trail that will expand access to Filoli’s natural lands and highlight the importance of water to the estate and the land it’s on. Information on the trail will focus on the significance of water for everyone who’s lived on the land as well as the steps Filoli is taking to conserve the resource for the future.

“I think the natural land is really central to defining Filoli, so we’re committed to chronicling this unfolding history,” says Brock. “This is a story that starts with the Lamchin, ties into the Bourn and Roth families who lived here and now it’s tying into our vision of Filoli in the future, how we’re going to make it a sustainable place where people can come and experience the beauty of nature.”

Filoli sits on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone people.

7 PERFECT DAYS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

Waterfall hikes, secluded motu picnics and lagoon swims await in this South Pacific paradise.

By Keri Bridgwater

OVERWATER BUNGALOWS FIRST ENTICED TRAVELERS TO the Islands of Tahiti in the 1960s; today, its serene tropical landscapes, rich Polynesian culture and exceptional waves enchant adventure seekers and slow travelers alike. Across the five archipelagos, you could spend years exploring the 118 isles of French Polynesia, but it’s still possible to pack plenty into a week. Consider Tahiti and its capital, Papeete, your jumping-off point for a Society Islands circuit with visits to neighboring Moorea, followed by birthplace of the Polynesian gods Raiatea and “Vanilla Island” Taha’a.

TAHITI: Queen of the Pacific

The largest island of the Society Islands, Tahiti serves as the arrival and departure point for all the area’s international flights. Five minutes from Faa’a International Airport, elegant oceanfront property the Hilton Hotel Tahiti (www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ ppthihh-hilton-hotel-tahiti) is a sweet spot to bookend vacations, conquer jet lag at the oasis-like swimming pool and explore Papeete. Dive into Tahitian history and Polynesian culture at the  Museum of Tahiti and the Islands  (www.museetahiti.pf) and learn about local food favorites on a walkabout with Tahiti Food Tours (www.tahitifoodtour.com) that features several tasting stops, including a Tahitian breakfast of poisson cru (ceviche),  firi firi doughnuts and coconut coffee. The tour culminates at shopping hub

Courtesy of Hilton Hotel

Tahiti

Marché Papeete, which sells everything from fresh flowers and fruits to Tahitian crafts. Do lunch at fusion restaurant Kozy (www.instagram.com/ kozy.tahiti/) and visit Tahiti’s famed roulottes (food trucks) at Vai’ete Square for dinner. Beyond Papeete, adventurous day trips include a lagoon tour at fabled surf break Teahupo’o. For onward travel to Moorea, it’s a 15-minute flight with Air Tahiti or a half-hour scenic ferry crossing.

MOOREA: The Magical Island

Despite its proximity to Tahiti, Moorea feels like a secluded tropical paradise. Backdropped by Mount Rōtui, which rises dramatically between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, its lush interior valleys offer fantastic hiking opportunities. Explore with Asher Te Aurahi Kora, founder of Moorea by Foot, who leads guided hikes to scenic viewpoints

and hidden waterfalls around the island. Pristine coral lagoons bustling with marine life steal the show too. They’re accessed by deepwater “passes,” including one called Avaroa, which leads to Moorea’s most scenic harbor and, along the way, Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites (www.mooreacooksbay. com), a boutique all-suite property with a private beach, swimming pool and destination restaurant.

Opposite: Heiva Lounge bar; this page: Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites, Moorea

Moorea is one of the best islands for seeing humpback whales and the hotel makes a perfect base for Tahiti’s whale season. Respected local outfitter Corallina Tours (www.corallinatours.com) runs whale swimming trips, plus lagoon swims with stingrays and black-tip reef sharks. For that next interisland hop, Air Tahiti operates a daily nonstop to Uturoa Airport on Raiatea.

RAIATEA: the Sacred Island & Taha’a: The Vanilla Island

A lesser-visited destination within the South Pacific archipelago, Raiatea is the birthplace of Polynesian culture and is significant for its historical sites, the most important

being Marae Taputapuātea. This ancient gathering place is best visited with Tahiarii Yoram Pariente, owner of heritage-tourism outfit Polynesian Escape, who was instrumental in it receiving a UNESCO World Heritage designation. From Raiatea, it’s a 25-minute boat ride to neighboring Taha’a, an even smaller island along the French Polynesia “Pearl Route” whose most soulful stay is Pension Anahata (www.pensionanahata.com), a family-run guesthouse with eight charming bungalows, including three on a private beach. Slow travel days unfold here with swims from the dock and family-style meals served in a hillside dining

room framed by views across Haamene Bay. Alongside pearls, Taha’a is also famous for producing prized vanilla beans, and Poerani Tours owner Teva (email: rani-poe@mail. pf) can arrange day trips that feature a visit to his family vanilla farm, plus small-batch local rum distilleries. Although a motu picnic and sunset cruise soundtracked by “Tahitian Deck” music on his boat is a travel memory not soon forgotten.

Courtesy of Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites, Moorea

The lobby at Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites, Moorea

SUMMER IN TAHITI

UPCOMING EVENTS WORTH TRAVELING FOR

July marks the start of whale season, when migrating humpback whales arrive in French Polynesia. Traditional cultural showcase Heiva i Tahiti also takes place in Papeete that month, while top surfers will compete at Teahupoʻ o on Tahiti Iti during the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing event (July 27–August 8).

Fly direct from San Francisco International Airport to Papeete with Parisbased airline French bee (www.us.frenchbee.com).

It was a gorgeous spring evening as we gathered to celebrate Marin’s Groundbreaking Women and women-owned businesses at Ditas in Sausalito. While Ditas provided the delicious passed bites, guests sipped on Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars wines.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT.

MARIN LIVING’S GROUNDBREAKING WOMEN EVENT AT DITAS

MAY 9, 2024

01. Guests mingling on Ditas’ beautiful deck. 02. Aryan Davachi, Cita Rojas-Sila, Robin Merwin and Justin Pace 03. Eric Kahn 04. Cassie ZampaKeim and Jessica Cline 05. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars chardonnay 06. Russell Martinelli and Claudia Juestel 07. Nicole Minor 08. Katarina Jenkins and Denora Alviso

Developing A Bright Future

Nancy Dow Moody, Ann

Elias, Jen Hudson, Erin Loftus-Sweetland, Kati Dombrosky, Leah Martin

Lifehouse is the largest agency providing supported living programs to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the Bay Area. For 70 years Lifehouse has been a leader in their industry because they continuously respond to the changing needs of people with I/DD in our community. Lifehouse employs 500 staff to provide high quality support services to 375 people, carrying out their mission to improve the quality of life for the people they support. They strive to provide a lifetime of compassionate support in an atmosphere of respect, inspiration, and purpose.

The reimbursement rate from the state of California does not cover the costs of providing services and doing business to support people with I/DD. Enter the women of the Development Team at Lifehouse who are tasked to ‘bridge the gap’ of $2.1 million, to meet the $36 million budget to operate. A daunting feat that is led by Nancy Dow Moody, President & CEO and her team, Ann Elias, Chief Development Officer, Jen Hudson, Marketing & Development Manager, Erin Loftus-Sweetland, Office Manager, Kati Dombrosky, Development Associate, and Leah Martin, Executive Assistant to the CEO. These women work year-round on grants, cultivating and nourishing relationships with donors, and holding award-winning events like Great Chefs & Wineries to make sure that not only are people with I/DD supported by Lifehouse but also to ensure their staff is taken care of as well.

“We have a unique opportunity to provide the chance for people with I/DD to lead full lives and employ people who want to make a difference in our community. I am in awe of the creativity, expertise and dedication that the development team brings to Lifehouse. They keep everything running at its best. In my 33 years with Lifehouse I could not have imagined a brighter future for our organization,” says Nancy Dow Moody, President & CEO.

Lifehouse needs your help now more than ever before. Your support helps them stay true to the Lifehouse mission, and in turn sustain dignity for the lives of their employees, as well as the people they support. Help Lifehouse to maintain quality services. Please send your donation today.

For 70 years Lifehouse has been dedicated to ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are accepted, have a place in our community and are able to lead full lives.

Marin Living VIPs gathered at Scandia Home at The Village at Corte Madera for an exclusive evening of shopping. Crumbl Cookies provided nibbles while guests sipped on Caymus Vineyards wines. Shoppers left with lots of Scandia Home items, an ideal way to kick off the spring season.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT.

William Castro

MARIN LIVING & SCANDIA HOME SPRING SIP & SHOP

01. Carrie Moler, Tracy Segura and Courtney Roberts 02. LA Lassek (right) 03. Katie Aschieris and Kathleen Tufts 04. Jennifer Maniar and Jennifer Falla Firkins 05. Guests at Scandia Home 06. Sarah Cain

We know what buyers are looking for! First impressions matter, and home preparation is key to a successful sale. We can help you prepare your home to obtain the highest value in today’s changing market. Falla Associates has a proven track record of successful sales in all market conditions. If you are thinking of making a move, we’d love to help you reach your goal!

Make Your Own Good Luck! Eclipse™ talisman pendants by Garfolo© Talisman: def: An object held to an act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune. Eclipse™ talisman pendants in 18k gold with Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and diamonds.

Make Your Own Good Luck! Eclipse™ talisman pendants by Garfolo© Talisman: def: An object held to an act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune.

talisman pendants in 18k gold with Lapis Lazuli,

and diamonds.

BETTER TOGETHER

Since 2012, the nonprofit Home Match has helped seniors on a fixed income, members of the local workforce and renters on a budget find housing matches that benefit both parties.

By Daniel Jewett

FRONT PORCH, a 50-year-old statewide nonprofit, helps seniors with a vast array of beneficial programs including food and nutrition, creative aging and art galleries featuring the work of older adults and those with disabilities, as well as programs that ease social isolation, offer armchair travel or even allow participants to receive a friendly weekly phone call.

But one of the most important, which has already been successfully implemented in Mill Valley and Corte Madera, is a program called Home Match (www. frontporch.net/live/home-match) that pairs seniors (or anyone in need) with roommates who can provide companionship, ease the cost of living and/or help with some tasks.

“We work with mostly older adults and anyone over the age of 18, who has an extra room in their home or apartment, or an additional unit on their property, and we help them through the process of connecting and living with a community member seeking a more

affordable housing option,” says Luke Barnesmoore, Home Match’s director of strategy. “It’s all just a way of helping older folks to be able to remain socially connected and stay in their homes.”

What Home Match offers is much more comprehensive and far safer than simply placing an ad on Craigslist or Nextdoor. After receiving an application from the home provider the Home Match team meets with providers to find out what they are looking for in a match (whether the need is financial, companionship, extra help or any combination of the three), helps clean and prepare the room for rent, lists the room, runs background checks, completes income verification for the home seeker and makes an introduction. The team also helps prepare comprehensive written agreements and even offers mediation if there is a problem later.

Finally, the matches — in Marin the room providers are usually women in their 70s who live alone — share a phone call and if that goes well are encouraged

to meet. “Some people want to meet for coffee before they meet at the home; some people want to meet right away at the home and see the room and share a meal together,” Barnesmoore says.

“We want folks to spend enough time together that they really have a good sense of whether they’re going to appreciate each other’s company.”

But the service — which is funded through a mix of private and public money and receives a sizable contribution every year from the Marin Community Foundation — is also a big asset to people like restaurant workers and teachers who want to live in the community they serve. “There’s lots of folks who are in the local workforce who are struggling to be able to live even close to where they work,” Barnesmoore says. “It’s not only a workforce recruitment and retention question but a question of dignity. This gives them the time to take care of themselves, spend time with family and friends and live a robust life outside of work.”

Home Match Marin participants.

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