Marin Magazine September 2014

Fall 2014 Fashion BOHO BEACH CHIC

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Features

44 Bohemian Rhapsody

The hottest new looks for the fall season.

58 Calling the Shots Why some Marin families are opting out of vaccinations.

64 Reflections

Meet Mill Valley photographer Lisa Kristine.

98 2014 Private School Guide More than 150 private school listings.

89

In Marin 25 Currents A popular blogger, surf fi lms, Oktoberfest, natural beauty, books and more. 32 Made by Marin A handbag designer hires local seniors. 34 Q&A How the “Mill Valley” song came to be. 40 Conversation A fi lmmaking couple focuses on laughs.

Destinations

73 Go Hawaii’s hidden treasures. 80 Travel Buzz Ideas for great getaways. 82 Journey A hairraising trip to Sudan.

Out & About

89 Calendar A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond. 98 On the Scene Snapshots from special events in Marin and San Francisco. 102 Dine An insider’s guide to restaurants and food in the Bay Area. 112 Flavor A fresh dish from Poggio.

Marin

Home

Backstory Mill Valley’s Boyle Park area.

133

Yes. It’s possible.

You believe it’s possible to change things in the world. We do too. Together, nothing can stop us.

Marin Community Foundation marincf.org / 415.464.2500

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AS FALL MAKES its seasonchanging arrival, so do end-of-year fashion trends. For this fall’s fashion spread we decided to mix it up and have a little fun. Shot on location at Tiburon’s Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary by Claudia Goetzelmann, the feature offers a little ’60s style mixed with a dash of ’90s grunge. Fashion editor Veronica Sooley and co-stylist Leah-Marie make sure the looks are fresh, fun and fl irty.

Next up, we look at the state of immunizations in Marin. The county has the highest rate of vaccine refusal in the Bay Area and one of the highest in the state. Writer Laura Hilgers looks at why this is the case and what it means for you.

We also introduce you to Mill Valley’s Lisa Kristine and her stunning images, with a sneak peek at what you can expect from the world-renowned photographer at this year’s Sausalito Art Festival. Also be sure to check out our inserted Private School Guide. This year’s edition takes a look at four families who have chosen to go private and, as usual, features more than 150 private school listings from all over the Bay Area.

Up front, we’ve got a look at a popular blogger who hails from Mill Valley, as well as information on sur f fi lms, Oktoberfest, natural beauty, books and more. We also introduce you to a local designer whose unique labor force resides at The Redwoods retirement community, along with a teacher turned hit songwriter and a fi lmmaking couple focused on laughs.

In Destinations, we go off he beaten path in Hawaii, keep it local in Travel Buzz and head off o Sudan for a hair-raising trip with local adventure travel writer Vassi Koutsaftis.

It’s a jam-packed issue full of lots of fun articles. And with the kids back in school, maybe you can actually fi nd a few free moments to enjoy them.

Shot on location at Tiburon’s Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, the feature offers a little ’60s style mixed with a dash of ’90s grunge.

The Big Picture

Marin’s issues are solvable; the world’s may not be.

FOR A MOMENT, let’s look at the big picture, the really big picture. We can all agree Marin has its controversies, points of contention or, simply put, issues. But those problems seem to pale in comparison to some of what we see happening in the world today.

parcel tax for the next 20 years. And, lest we forget it, the recent land-use debate over the future of Drakes Bay Oyster Company.

Sure, Marin County has problems, but I started this discussion by agreeing we’d look at the big picture, the really big picture. In that regard, Marin is in fantastic shape.

And this litany of world woes doesn’t include freakish weather resulting in floods, forest fires and the destruction of entire towns, many of them closer and closer to Marin.

Most will say tra ffic has become unbearable and something must be done about it. Others say possible solutions — the SMART train, widening Highway 101 through the Novato Narrows and improving a major Southern Marin interchange — will cause more harm than good. Many also insist that high-density housing has no place in our suburban environment; others say it’s a way of limiting suburban sprawl and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Several activists claim the current statewide drought is a valid reason for halting all development. Yet those seeking to build point out our reservoirs are currently at 69 percent of capacity, not even 10 percent off the average for this time of year (marinwater. org). Speaking of development, those who’ve lived in Marin for more than 25 years argue the county has become way too crowded. Meanwhile, many newcomers say — in comparison to where they came from — the county is ground zero for the no-growth movement.

Other county controversies and questions: Are immigrants, illegal and semilegal, a vital part of Marin’s economy? Or are they a drag on our schools and social services? The county’s pension fund and health care obligation — is it manageable? Or is the burden sure to someday bankrupt us? Then there’s the million-dollar emergency shelter, or is it a clubhouse, in Sleepy Hollow; the Ross Valley Flood District’s progress, or lack of same; the possibility of development in Strawberry; and MERA’s, the Marin Emergency Radio Authority, November ballot measure asking for an annual $29

Every day, the world’s headlines get worse. As I write this, Russian troops are massing on the Ukrainian border and, while the U.S. and Europe are imposing sanctions on Russia, Russia is banning the import of foods from America. Though President Obama vows not to be “dragged into another war,” two F-18 jets dropped 500-pound laserguided bombs in an effort to protect Iraqi Kurds. And as the war between Israel and Hamas continues, Palestinians demand the blockade of Gaza be lifted, while Israelis demand Hamas disarm. These issues need to be settled before any truce can be deemed signi ficant or lasting. Meanwhile, in West Africa, more than 1,000 people, including several doctors, have died in an outbreak of the Ebola virus, for which there is no known vaccine or effective treatment. And this litany of world woes doesn’t include freakish weather resulting i n floods, fores t fi res and the destruction of entire towns, many of them closer and closer to Marin.

Minds far more in tune with global trends than mine are saying that what now divides the world are matters of order versus chaos. And — as a result of globalization, computerization, growing economic and technological inequality, population growth where it isn’t sustainable and the impacts of global climate change — chaos is winning.

Sure, Marin County has its issues. However, compared to the rest of the world we are extremely fortunate to be living here at this time in the world’s history. Our problems are problems of progress. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

Why the drama club gave us great reviews

Last year they were using broomsticks for props. Now, they’re putting on full productions. We believe it’s important for children to find ways to express themselves, whether it’s by creating art, playing sports, or participating in community-based programs. That’s why Wells Fargo is proud to team up once again with KNBR and homegrown hero Brandon Crawford in supporting Step Up to the Plate for Education. This program provides grants to help keep these types of programs accessible to students across the Bay Area.

To nominate a school for a Step Up to the Plate for Education grant, please visit knbr.com/stepup

Your Letters

Circa Certainty

I wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I really enjoy your magazine. The articles are informative and lively, and the photos are terri fic. A suggestion: your “Looking Back” page is a real highlight of each issue. However, I notice that the historic photos on this page are always captioned as “circa 1962, circa 1936, circa 1910,” and so forth. In many cases, though, the brief story accompanying the photo speci fies the exact year that the photo was taken, so you really wouldn’t use “circa” in those instances. Circa, which means “around,” is used when you are not sure of the exact date and need to give an approximation. In the July issue, for example, the text makes it clear that the photo of the Pullman cars was taken on July 28, 1962, so it really should be captioned as “1962” rather than “circa 1962.”

Eds.: This is an excellent point; thanks for calling it to our attention. We love it when readers keep us on our toes. We have implemented your suggestion.

Thanks and Kudos

I live in Texas and my niece sends me your lovely magazine, which I always look at page by page . I e specially enjoyed June’s “Marin Summer” guide, in which I found many interesting articles . It made me want to book the next flight out to come take in all the great places to eat, drink and visit . A s president of my local garden club, I was particularly impressed with the great article “Rethinking the Garden” (June 2014). We need all the drought-tolerant plants we can get and these are truly beautiful. Thank you for all the good information and ideas. JERE LONGHOFER, TEXAS

ONLINE, WE ASKED YOU

101

Debbie

Where are your favorite places in Marin for takeout?

“Paradise Foods (prepared food).”

Bernier

“Hunan First — great Chinese food.”

Jan Mitchell

“High Tech Burrito.”

Stephanie Keefe Martin

“Sol Food, and they deliver!”

Nancy Chapluk Zadoff

“Sonoma Latina Grill. Love that place; they seem so under the radar.”

Caroline Parker

DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE.

It’s a fact that during the 2008 catastrophic stock market downturn, most investors lost significant wealth – and faith – in financial markets. Many never fully recovered – financially or psychologically. Strangely, most investors are poised to make the very same mistake during the next big market decline. Unfortunately, this is a result of Wall Street’s “set and forget it” approach to investing. Here at Main Street Research we see things differently. Our Active Risk Management process mitigates the risk of catastrophic decline, as was the case in 2008, while at the same time allowing investors to participate in today’s rising market. If you are interested in avoiding past mistakes, we should talk. Call or visit www.ms-research.com. Minimum relationship $1 million.

POVAs a former 40-year Tiburon resident I look forward monthly to keeping in touch with my beloved county through your magazine. T here is a group of some 20 lady Marinites meeting monthly for lunch here in Grass Valley and I am delighted to share my copy with them as all of us still have some roots back in Marin. Some of the ladies’ husbands were formerly active in the businessmen’s breakfast club called “Marvelous Marin,” which met monthly in San Rafael. VIRGINIA BRUNINI, GRASS VALLEY

Summer SOIREES

When Marin Magazine was first published I sometimes saved the issues because they were that unique and special. The covers featured

a piece of art without any text. I understand you publish for your target reader and audience. Nevertheless, my friends and I are thrilled with this month’s cover (July 2014) featuring Eric Zener’s gorgeous painting. I like to give positive feedback. A nd today I am happy doing so. This month’s unique magazine cover is a huge step in the right direction. SUSAN PETERSON, VIA EMAIL

Congratulations on your excellent magazine. T he articles are diverse in content and well written, with beautiful photos to illustrate them . I a m delighted to receive my copy.

HIALA WITT, VIA EMAIL

I just wanted to thank you for Marin Magazine. I enjoy it and it is a very nice magazine. I t hen pass it on to a customer of mine who just loves it . She reads it from cover to cover. She also told me that she has saved every one that I have given her. T hanks again.

SHARON COLLINS, VIA EMAIL

Regarding the “Looking Back” page: the last page is the fi rst thing I look for when Marin Magazine arrives. JEANNE ZANZI, CORTE MADERA

the center of it all!

the center of it all!

Whitewater Wisdom

Thank you for the article on whitewater rafting (“Whitewater Adventure,” August 2014). W hile we were raising our children, our family enjoyed many rafting trips, including the South Fork of the American River. Now our 26-year-old daughter is a whitewater raft guide working for ARTA (American River Touring Association Inc.) on rivers all over the West . A n additional benefit of rafting that we value highly is the ability to unplug from our electronic habits — talk instead of text, touch instead of tweet. The river demands that you be fully present . A perfect vacation, in my book.

JEANNIE LARKINS PERRY, LARKSPUR

Imagination Clarification

Thank you so much for the i ncredible article on Imagination Park in your August edition (“Editors’ Choice 2014”). I love the picture of the statues. I wanted to let you know the city (town of San Anselmo) was not the recipient of the park as stated in the article. It was donated to the chamber’s charitable foundation, the San Anselmo Community Foundation .

Correction

Thank you, Jim Wood, for your insightful interview with Michael Murphy (Conversation, August 2014); it’s one of the best ever in capturing the prescience and imagination of this vital, bright and influential cultural figure . T hank you too for listing my book Knocking on Heaven’s Door, about preserving our end-of-life medical choices, in your “Reading List” column, and for calling it “vital.” One minor correction: although I am a science writer and have written for The New Yorker, I am not a staff science writer there. The book grew out of an article for The New York Times Magazine . KATY BUTLER, MILL VALLEY

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.

Back to School Starts Here

www.shopvintageoaks.com

www.shopvintageoaks.com

Over 50 stores and restaurants, conveniently located off of Highway 101, Rowland Boulevard exit.

Over 50 stores and restaurants, conveniently located off of Highway 101, Rowland Boulevard exit.

The

scoop on Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

EVENTS]

MILL VALLEY FALL ARTS FESTIVAL

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

September 20–21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Old Mill Park, Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

Explore the work of 150 new and returning fine artists in the Redwood Grove of Old Mill Park at the 58th annual event. The juried works include prints, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, photography and sculpture. The festival is rated one of the top 10 fine arts and crafts shows in the Northwest and features exceptional live music from Tim Weed and Dirty Cello and children’s entertainment. New this year, juried art installations and special invited Bay Area artists Davis Perkins and Suki Diamond.

$10 General, $5 seniors/ students, free kids 12 and under 415.381.8090, mvfaf.org

OPENING RECEPTION FOR SNOWDON KINNEY

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

September 6, 5–8 p.m.

19 Ross Common Art Space, Ross

Celebrate the opening of Marin painter Snowdon Kinney’s new art exhibition Land Sea Sky. See her large-scale oil paintings inspired by the colors and atmosphere of Tahiti.

The exhibition will be on view September 6–30. Enjoy food, drinks and music in the Tahitian style at the beautiful light-filled art gallery in Ross Common. Plenty of parking nearby.

Free, RSVP to info@snowdonkinney.com 415.250.2500, snowdonkinney.com

ANGELS BY THE BAY

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

October 11, 5:30 p.m.

Meadow Club, 1001 Bolinas Road, Fairfax

The Marin Center for Independent Living is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The event kicks off with wine tasting from seven exclusive California wineries, passed hors d’oeuvres, cosmo fountains and live music — enjoy while browsing the unique silent auction.

The gourmet dinner is paired with fine international wines courtesy of Global Wine Company. The live auction promises to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences designed for every taste (including a couple of fantastic chef’s dinners). After dinner, relax in the Cut and Light Cigar Bar and dance the night away. All proceeds benefit MCIL, an organization that serves older adults and those with disabilities.

$225 ticket, $2,100 table of 10

Kathleen Woodcock 415.459.6245, ext. 17; mcilkathleen@gmail.com; marincil.org

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

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

GRAND OPENING OF NEW SEAGER GRAY GALLERY

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

September 6, 6–8 p.m.

Seager Gray Gallery, 108 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

Attendees will enjoy wine, art and music by Larry Moss and get a peek at the newly renovated gallery space. The gallery is also celebrating its opening with a one-person exhibition by artist Chris Gwaltney entitled Time Is … Free 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

FÊTE FANTASTIQUE

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

September 27, 5:30 p.m.

Osher Marin JCC, 200 N San Pedro Road, San Rafael

The Marin Symphony invites you to celebrate the opening of its “Love It LIVE!” 14/15 season at an elegant Frenchinspired gala. The annual event returns to the Osher Marin JCC on Saturday, 9/27, the evening before the “French Reverie” Masterworks concerts take place on Sunday 9/28 and Tuesday 9/30. Marin Symphony favorite Zuill Bailey returns as soloist and will make a special appearance at the gala. This year, the gala event is dedicated to the life of beloved board member and longtime symphony supporter Catherine Munson. There will also be a Paris-themed raffle at the event featuring three travel prize options for the winning ticket. $195 marinsymphony.org

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE

WHISTLESTOCK

September 28, 1–6 p.m.

Rancho Nicasio Restaurant and Bar, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio

Celebrate Whistlestop’s 60th anniversary of providing vital services to Marin’s older adults with a groovy, ’60s-themed concert featuring Big Brother and the Holding Company, Country Joe McDonald, Sopwith Camel and other notable rock legends never seen together before. Tickets include fabulous musical entertainment, groovy souvenirs a costume contest and a gourmet barbecue.

$100 (includes $50 tax deduction, food and music) whistlestock.com

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

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

GIVE US FIVE

The popular Cupcakes and Cashmere blogger left her heart in Marin.

READERS OF EMILY Schuman’s popular blog Cupcakes and Cashmere — a fashion, food and lifestyle site that revolves around Schuman’s life in Los Angeles — may be surprised to learn that the entrepreneur and writer hails from Mill Valley. The Marin native founded Cupcakes and Cashmere in 2008 while working as an account manager at AOL; after a year and a half of doing her job by day and blogging at night, she was able to match her office-job salary and work for herself full time. Today, Cupcakes and Cashmere is a full-scale company, with Schuman handling the creative aspect and her husband, Geoff rey (whom she wed at Mill Valley’s Ralston White Retreat), managing the business side. “So much of the blog is really a reflection of my life, but it’s not all of it; it’s a glimpse of it,” Schuman says. “I think it’s important to maintain that separation.” With one book under her belt, another slated for a 2015 release, successful brand collaborations with Estee Lauder and Club Monaco, and a clothing line in the works (as well as a baby due February 2015), Schuman visits Marin to unplug and lounge with her family. “I spend the majority of my time here at my parents’ house,” she says. “We love to park ourselves in front of the fi re, sit at the kitchen counter while my dad makes dinner, go outside and pick vegetables and just relax.” In the spirit of our favorite posts on her blog — “Five Things” — here are five of Schuman’s must-stop hometown haunts. cupcakesandcashmere.com

Schuman Says

SUPER DUPER BURGER

“ I haven’t tried the actual burger yet, but the vanilla chocolatedipped ice cream on a cone is the best I’ve ever had — it’s made from Straus organic softserve and is my go-to dessert when I’m in Mill Valley.” superdupersf.com

MOUNT TAMALPAIS

ARIZMENDI

“This bakery/worker-owned co-op has a daily thin-crust sourdough pizza with the most appealing toppings (I recently sampled and loved their Yukon gold potato, red onion–smoked mozzarella, rosemary–garlic olive oil and scallion). Don’t forget to stock up on baked goods for breakfast the next morning, particularly the cornmeal scones and English muffins.” arizmendi-sanrafael.com

“Driving up to Mount Tam to watch the sunset during summer was a nightly event in my teenage years. I never took it for granted, but now that I live in L.A. I’m even more in awe of where I grew up. There’s something about the golden light and a hint of fog on the horizon that always feels magical.”

FISH.

“This sustainable seafood restaurant right on the water in Sausalito is our family tradition for lunch the day after Christmas. The entire menu is great, but my favorite offerings are the crab roll, clam chowder and fish-andchips.” 331fish.com

REEF TO REEL

Whet your film festival appetite with High Line Surf Festival, an annual homage to Marin County’s surf set. Now in its third year, the festival features a variety of odes to the riders of the waves off Bolinas and Ocean Beach, including short films, concerts and can’tmiss parties. Judges include Joao de Macedo and Bianca Valenti. surfthehighline.com C.V.P.

3-DAY FESTIVAL 20 surf film 2 CONCERTS $12 per film et 5 JUDGES

WE’LL DRINK TO THAT We’re all for tradition, especially if said tradition involves friends, food and copious amounts of beer. Oktoberfest by the Bay is back for its 15th year, transporting Bay Area residents to Munich with traditional Bavarian music, dancing, oversize beer mugs and a smorgasbord of German fare. Runs September 19–21. oktoberfestbythebay.com C.V.P.

Coding for Kids

Computer coding is all the rage these days, and instructive resources for kids of all ages are popping up all over the place. Apps like Tynker and Scratch introduce the coding process using graphics and puzzles, and Google recently invested $50 million in the Made with Code program, aimed at teaching young girls the skill. Here in Marin, coding opportunities for kids have sprung up seemingly overnight, with a variety of classes, camps and clubs ideal for the budding game and app designer.

RINA NEIMAN

WHAT A creative, safe, outof-school learning environment where ages 11–20 can work with mentors to develop skills and self-confidence through use of technology.

Middle school sessions, $100–300; high school sessions, free

Microsoft’s locations borrow a lot from competitors (Apple, anyone?) and have upped the ante with programs for young people in addition to adult learning sessions.

One-hour course, $49; yearlong membership, $99

Interactive, flexible curriculum teaches coding and computer literacy, with an emphasis on creativity, collaboration and problem solving.

$400/12 hours; first session is free

A parent-led nonprofit that mobilizes parents and community resources in partnership with schools to bring computer science learning to kids.

Varies

Using what it calls “stealth learning,” Techsplosion engages children with hands-on activities that capture the imagination and teach principles of science.

Varies

BOOKS

Reading List

Win-Win for the Greater Good by Bruce W. Burtch, CreteSpace, 226 pages, $17.96. A comprehensive handbook for building effective partnerships among nonprofit, for-profit, educational and governmental enterprises. The San Rafael author has traveled widely and has 35 successful years of experience in the field of cause marketing and cross-sector partnerships.

Meanwhile in San Francisco: The City in Its Own Words by Wendy MacNaughton, Chronicle Books, 176 pages, $18.95. If you talk to people throughout San Francisco — mahjongg players, bus drivers, dog walkers — what would they say? This book tells you — and rounds it out with sketches and a colorful poster-size map.

Mercy Snow: A Novel by Tiffany Baker, Grand Central Publishing, 336 pages, $25. The prolific, creative and skillful Tiburon author does it again. Set in smalltown New England in the 1990s, this gripping story involves young people, families, economic justice, pollution and corporate responsibility. Guaranteed to keep you up late at night. JIM WOOD

Natural Beauty

When it comes to skin care, you are what you apply, which is why we prefer products rooted in earthly ingredients. You already know EO, but recently a number of new all-natural beauty brands have also set up shop here — making Marin the place to go for beauty. C.V.P.

1 Sun Care

California Naturel, based in Sausalito, aims to mimic the indulgent experience of a designer skin care line, minus the harsh chemicals and additives. The sun care products — including an SPF 30 sunscreen ($35) and SPF 8 lip balm ($7) — are our favorites. californianaturel.com

2 Eco Princess

The Organic Beauty Now website offers a plethora of pure, organic product lines including Eco Princess (starting at $9.99), a kids’ collection crafted for the little lady in your life. The play makeup, nontoxic nail polish and fun gift sets are safe and environmentally friendly; order online from this Sausalito-based company. organicbeautynow.com

3 Green Apple

San Rafael’s Juice Beauty line includes natural, juice-based formulas featuring antioxidants and vitamins. The Green Apple Peel Nightly Brightening Pads ($45) brighten and tone skin with vitamin B3 and algae extracts. juicebeauty.com

ON THE RIGHT PATH

Between work, playdates and carpools, finding time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures — taking a relaxing stroll, getting lost in a good book — can be difficult. The Mill Valley Public Library aims to help community members slow down with its 2014 Adult Reading Challenge: Steps, Lanes and Paths . For a challenge, it’s quite easy: Stop by the branch to pick up a list of more than 300 genre suggestions, most corresponding to one of Mill Valley’s extensive network of walking paths. Read the book and walk the path (if you choose) to earn raffle tickets and win prizes. “Every reading challenge focuses on generating excitement about books,” says Ali Birnbach, reference librarian and coordinator of the challenge. “Ours goes a step further and invites readers to explore and experience Mill Valley as a unique place with its own story to tell.” The challenge runs through the end of the year and is open to adults 18 and older. millvalleylibrary.net C.V.P.

Sarah Oliver

DESIGNER SARAH OLIVER grew up watching generations of her family knit together, and her love of the craft led to the casual creation of handbags for friends and loved ones. Soon friends of friends were requesting Oliver’s unique clutches and mini-purses, and after an initial trunk show, Sarah Oliver Handbags was off nd running. But the crux of Oliver’s story is her new knitting circle — a group of residents at The Redwoods senior community in Mill Valley known as the Purlettes +1, who, along with Oliver, produce all of the knit fabric used to create the line of bags. PHILOSOPHY The self-named Purlettes +1 (the “one” being the group’s sole male member) are incredibly passionate about their work; after all, being a part of a company at upwards of 80 years old is an impressive feat. The group has inspired Sarah Oliver Handbags to build teams of Purlettes across the country. “We believe our business model can lead to a movement to better support this gifted and wise segment of our society,” says Oliver. THE SCOOP Either Oliver or a member of her team meets with the Purlettes +1 to pick up completed fabric for the bags — which are fi nished at the Sausalito office — and drop off ore wool. “The wisdom imparted at each gathering and the ongoing support from the Purlettes +1 is unparalleled,” says Oliver. The Purlettes’ weekly knitting circle features a fair amount of socializing, as well as strategizing about how to improve patterns and grow the company. BEYOND MARIN You ca n fi nd Sarah Oliver Handbags at specialty boutiques across the country, as well as in Bermuda, Korea and online, where they retail from $145 to $185. But wherever you purchase your handbag, Oliver assures customers, you are investing in a statement piece that doubles as a great conversation starter. “People buy the bags for the style, then fall madly in love with the story behind them,” she says. WHAT THEY SAY we are empowering seniors, giving them a newfound sense of purpose and community,” says Oliver. “Our knitters say they never dreamed they would be hired to knit bags, and that their creations would come to be sold all over the world.” handbags.com CALIN

Ladies Night

7 QUESTIONS FOR

Rita Abrams

The year was 1968, and a musically minded 24-year-old special education teacher named Rita Abrams was headed from Boston to California in her Volkswagen bus. She’d applied for teaching jobs in towns she picked out on a map, and just as she was about to accept an offer in Fremont, Strawberry Point School kindergarten teacher Barbara Phelps decided to stay in Mexico — opening up the job for Abrams. Fast-forward two years: Abrams had a job and an apartment on Miller Avenue, and Mill Valley had its very own song penned by the teacher. Mill Valley and 1970s Marin gave Abrams volumes of material to mine for her creative career writing kids’ songs, humor books, greeting cards and stage musical collaborations, including Pride and Prejudice; New Wrinkles and Just My Type And on September 17, Abrams and most of the original cast will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of For Whom the Bridge Tolls at 142 Throckmorton. The satirical musical revue about Marin County life, co-written with Stan Sinberg, played to rave reviews for more than 10 years, often being called the “thinking person’s Beach Blanket Babylon.” MIMI TOWLE

1How did a kindergarten teacher get a record deal? When I lived in Boston I met Judy Collins, who thought producer Erik Jacobsen would like my songs. Later on, out here, I met Erik at a party, and then when I saw him at La Ginestra, I nervily asked him to come to my apartment to listen to the tape I’d made of “Mill Valley” with teacher’s aide Tommy Heath (later leader of the band Tommy Tutone). He liked it and took it with him to Los Angeles. I recently learned that when Erik took both “Mill Valley” and “Spirit in the Sky” to the Warner Bros. sales meeting, our little song was the one that got the standing ovation.

I want it all now!” Who doesn’t? So no, I can’t claim that dubious distinction, and had no idea what the slant of the show would be when I composed for it. It was like designing the deck chairs on the Titanic

5

You seem to enjoy satire. Is Marin still a viable subject? Absolutely. And Marinites love to laugh at themselves. While the current targets are not so obvious as the old hot tubs and peacock feathers, the sense of abundance and entitlement is alive and well.

2

Then what? They put a rush release on it, and it was playing worldwide in 10 days. DJs from all over were calling the school and asking, “Is there really a Miss Abrams and a Strawberry Point School?” When a reporter asked one of the third graders how she liked Mill Valley, she said, “It’s OK, but I hardly ever go there.” She didn’t realize Strawberry was Mill Valley. I was embarrassed.

3

Francis Ford Coppola directed the song video. How was he to work with? We were just singing it at the Mill Valley Fourth of July party. I had no idea who directed it until a few years ago. He was just somebody Warner Bros. hired, and I was too blissed out to notice.

4

You won an Emmy for scoring the NBC Documentary about Marin called I Want It All Now. Did you come up with the title? Back in 1979 a slick NBC producer came to Marin to “document” its decadent lifestyle, seducing some earnest and unsuspecting women to express desires like, “I want to be a wife, I want to be mother, I want to be a singer …

6

Aging seems to be one of your favorite topics to satirize. How is 70? Hard to hide, thanks to Wikipedia. But though I’m trying to be a good role model for my daughter by not being ashamed of my age, I don’t have one friend who isn’t shocked at turning 70. We are all perpetual teenagers. When people say I look young, I tell them stress agrees with me. But really it’s a lot of work staying — or rather trying to stay — fit. On the other hand, aging is so much easier when you happen to stumble into a great relationship — with someone who’s even older than you are.

7

Yo u’ve been in the news for having to sell your house in Mill Valley — is it time to leave? It’s been an odd experience having to sell after all these years of being a Mill Valley homeowner. As one long-ago Canadian disc jockey said, “Everyone has a Mill Valley in his heart.” (Just not in his or her wallet.) But seriously — I have such dear friends here and I know I’ll always keep coming back. Mill Valley has given me a basically enchanted life. m

HAIR

Christopher’s Salon , a favorite among Marinites for trims, color and blowouts, has opened the doors to an additional salon in downtown Mill Valley — the original is in Tiburon; christopher-salon.com. Another popular Marin hair salon, 1 David James Salon and Gallery, has made its way over the bridge with a new location on Fillmore Street in San Francisco; david-salon.com

NEW IN TOWN

BLING

Jewelry designer 2 Sarah Swell recently opened a retail showroom on Sausalito’s Caledonia Street. Visit for Swell’s full collection of work, as well as home and fashion accessories from independent designers; sarahswell.com.

Kathleen Dughi Jeweler has welcomed a new designer, Tracy Conkle, to its well-loved ranks. The Bay Area native will continue to help clients create one-of-a-kind pieces; kathleendughi.com

» Marin is already a great place to live, and these new businesses are making it even more fun. Check out what’s new (or just getting better).

FARM

3 Taylor Maid Farms, based in Sebastopol, has a new space in San Rafael (inside Copperfild’s Books), where it brings a country feel and delicious coffee to Marin; taylormaidfarms.com. Nick’s Cove in Tomales Bay is now home to 4 the Croft , an on-site farm and garden that supplies the restaurant’s greens, herbs and eggs — and a bocceball court for guests; nickscove.com

EAT

Ross Valley Kitchen is now open in San Anselmo, serving up local ingredients in a casual atmosphere. Stop by for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a weekend brunch rounding out your options; rossvalleykitchen.com . Also in San Anselmo, 5 Valenti & Co. is a cozy restaurant and wine bar with a European feel and fresh Italian fare; valentico.com

SHOP

Stop by Oneiric in Novato for women’s clothing, shoes and jewelry; 415.892.2400. Copperfield’s Books, a Sonoma County favorite for new and used books, now has a San Rafael location; copperfieldsbooks. com. Head to Tiburon to check out Vineyard Vines’ selection of preppy, nautical threads; vineyardvines. com. For lovers of all things water, retailer West Marine has opened its largest Northern California store, in Sausalito; west marine.com.

New in Town is an ongoing bulletin on new businesses throughout the Bay Area. To be considered for future listings, email cvanparis@marinmagazine.com.

• online

Connect WITH US

High Five

The new Marin Magazine website has been redesigned, simplified and given a new, cleaner look. But that’s not all. The site has also been converted to HTML5, which means it is easily scalable to work better and look great on tablets and smartphones as well as your desktop or laptop computer — the site detects which device you are on and customizes your viewing experience accordingly. marinmagazine.com

Marin on Your Phone

Android and Apple users will love our new app for phones and tablets. After you download you’ll receive notifications whenever new issues are available and you can browse content just like you would in the print copy. New features were recently added, including individual story synopses that will link you right to the content you want to see. It’s a must-have for Marin Magazine fans on the go. marinmagazine.com/the-magazine/

Go Private

As we highlighted in our inserted guide this month, deciding where to send your child to school is one of the most important choices you can make. Visit our online Private School Guide to see more schools, learn more about each school and have searchable information quickly available to you in just a few clicks. marinmagazine.com/privateschoolguide/

• in person

What a Party

We are running some photos from our 2014 Editors’ Choice party at Acqua Hotel in the “On the Scene” page of the magazine this month. We had a great time enjoying treats from All Seasons Catering, wine, mingling with awardees and celebrating all things Marin. Check out the link to see the full assortment of images. marinmagazine.com/ecphotos14/

Cling On

There were more than 100 food, drink, shop and just plain fun honorees in our 2014 Editors’ Choice issue. And now you can follow in our editors’ steps and sample all the goodness for yourself. Just look for these window clings in local stores, shops and restaurants and you’ll know it’s a place you just have to try. marinmagazine.com/ec2014/

Robert Campos and Donna LoCicero

A filmmaking couple explores the glory days of the San Francisco comedy scene and the aftermath.

WHEN ROBERT CAMPOS picked up the phone last month and heard the words “We’d like your film to premiere in the Mill Valley Film Festival,” his quick a ffirmative response belied the years of work he and his partner/wife Donna LoCicero had invested in the project. While the San Francisco–based duo have been making documentaries for television for years from their Beanfield Productions office, this is their first feature-length documentary. Titled 3 Still Standing, the film explores the vibrant San Francisco stand-up comedy scene through the up-and-down careers of three comedians from the early 1980s to the present day. Here’s how the couple went from dabbling

in the arts to debuting next month at one of the country’s most important film festivals.

How is it that you began making documentaries together? DL: We didn’t work together at first. I was a waitress and my degree was in city planning. But I enjoyed the conversation around the stories he was doing as a television journalist. RC: So we started working on some stories together. I could tell right away she had an a ffinity for storytelling. Better than anyone I had worked with before. She could look at these stories and figure out “We should talk to this person” or “We should talk to the mother.” How to make it better — that was always the challenge. When covering a story, you’re there for a short amount of time — in Argentina or wherever.

Argentina? DL: That was the fi rst story we worked on: The children of the disappeared in Argentina. The government had taken students they considered radical and “disappeared” them. And, if those taken were pregnant, they would force them to have the children, then send the children out to be adopted. After that, because there’s DNA testing, the parents of the abducted students were looking for their grandchildren.

From there you did a story about hitchhiking across the United States, which turned into two TV series — one for ABC, Looking For America, I and II, and one for Bravo, TaleLights. What happened then? RC: Bravo ran out of money and I had left ABC to do TaleLights. We were on our

own and decided to start our own production company. DL: We traveled all over the country covering eating competitions for the Food Network. Then we did a reenactment series called What Really Happened? And we did a piece on Dolly, the cloned sheep. RC: Discovery Channel called us up after those and asked if we would take on a story for Shark Week.

So where did you get the idea to look at the San Francisco comedy scene? RC: We both had been living here in the ’80s. We recently started talking about the comedy scene over dinner with our friend Tim Didion. DL: We both really enjoyed the scene. Dana Carvey at the Other Cafe. Robin Williams popped into the Holy City Zoo when I was there one night. It was also a way to reconnect to the city for us. So we decided to explore it. RC: We met up with Will Durst at San Francisco’s Comedy Day in 2010. And we saw Johnny Steele that day. Then Tim wanted us to meet Larry Brown and we started to get a sense that there was even more of a story here. Comedy was this amazing, eclectic thing in the ’80s, but then there was this kind of crash. DL: At fi rst we thought it was just going to be a short piece. We thought this was just going to be our valentine to a scene we loved. But the more we talked to people, the more we realized it’s not just about what was — today’s scene is really interesting in a di fferent way.

Will Durst, Johnny Steele and Larry Brown — what drew you to those three specifically? RC: It was largely serendipitous. But there really was something about Will, who does all that political comedy, and Larry is this kind of sad sack in the Steven Wright tradition — the other end of the spectrum — and Johnny is just a ball of energy. DL: Upbeat. Johnny uses his family stuff, which the others don’t do very much. His dad, his mom, and growing up in the East Bay, in Pittsburg. They’re three different points on the comedy spectrum and by looking at them we could look at the larger universe of the San Francisco comedy scene.

When you say “the San Francisco comedy scene,” it intrinsically includes the whole Bay Area. There was no complete scene without

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At Sutter Health’s Novato Community Hospital, we’ve added prominent bay area orthopedic physicians to our growing program. Along with anesthesiologists who specialize in your personal pain management, you’ll receive a whole team of physical therapists, orthopedic nurses and case managers – partnering with you through your hospital stay and home recovery. Expert care every step of the way, it’s just another way we plus you.

Marin, Concord, Fremont, Sunnyvale, and even all the way down into San Jose. DL: Yes! It was just that factor that allowed people to stay here, in the Bay Area, and make a living doing comedy. RC: Johnny talks about how he could hit four or five clubs in a night. There was an amazing plethora of venues and a community where you could walk in and do your set. Will and Johnny were both headlining at the time and that’s something that struck us: Oh, you can’t headline anymore. Because headliners are now people with TV deals and movie deals. So you headlined for 15 years and you’re a great comic but you don’t have a TV following. We felt these guys had so much in common with so many Americans who, for whatever reason, got their work outsourced or downsized.

One of the things that allowed you to connect with a lot of comedians for this project was Mark Pitta and Friends, a show that’s been going for more than 10 years on Tuesday nights at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley. What was that like? RC: I think it’s great. Audiences’ tastes today are different and they call for a bit more. So that’s a viable model today — to have five people performing 20 minutes apiece. DL: The other thing about the Throck is that it’s created this atmosphere. It’s comedy-friendly. It’s just so important to comedians to be in front of an audience who’s smart and willing to explore different things. Comedians have told us it feels like home there.

Can you describe what “home” is to a comedian? A regular crowd like the Throck draws knows they’re going to get a good show, even if they don’t know the comedians. RC: Being part of that community of comedians where comics are willing to help other comics along. They’ll give each other a tag or a button for a joke. And only at a place like the old Holy City Zoo or the Throck does that happen. And I think it’s wonderful that the Throck has fostered this community of comedians who are there for the art of stand-up comedy. Another element no other club has is the fact that comedians like Robin Williams and Dana Carvey were comfortable dropping in from time to time. DL: The audiences at the Throck are responsive, forgiving, and smart. Robin told us over and over again how important it is to have a place to perform where you feel safe.

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You recently got the word that 3 Still Standing has been accepted into this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival. Excited? DL: We’re over the moon about it. The more we think about it, the more we think it couldn’t be any more ideal. To be able to show it in Mill Valley, a place that really supports comedy, and a place where all of our guys can easily get to for the premiere, it just couldn’t be better. And it’s a wonderful festival. RC: We were so jazzed to get that phone call. It’s an amazing call to get. I answered the phone and it was Kelly Clement with the festival. He said, “I want to thank you for sending us such an upbeat film. I looked at all these films and this one made me laugh. We would love to have you premiere.” I almost cried. DL: It’s really quite a moment for filmmakers. m

What They Say About Marin

WILL DURST (left) “Marin County audiences are the best audiences in the world — intelligent, comfortable with the live performance dynamic, and willing to poke fun at themselves. And, with a few exceptions, fairly good-looking. Long may they attend.”

LARRY BROWN (middle) “New George’s was the only Marin club during the boom of the ’80s that had any staying power. Now, the Throckmorton has been booming for 10 years, thanks to Mark Pitta. Big crowds, smart, a little too PC, but appreciative, with above-room-temperature IQs.”

JOHNNY STEELE (right) “I always love performing at the Throckmorton. The Mill Valley folks and I are very simpatico politically, intellectually and environmentally. The only drawback with working the Throck is the next night you might be booked in Turlock at Cooter’s House of Bacon and Idiocy and halfway through your set you hate them so much you just want to collapse into a heap and weep violently.”

BohemianRhapsody

Two decades collide as grunge meets hippie in an unconventional fall fashion mash-up.

{Previous spread} On Nicole: Silk blouse by Equipment, $268 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Tulle ball gown with 100 percent silk lining made to order by Karen Caldwell Design, $2,500 at karencaldwelldesign.com. Margot cashmere beanie by Helen Kaminski, $295 at Mill Valley Hat Box (Mill Valley) 415.383.2757. Rose gold watch by Tommy Hilfiger, $155 at tommy.com. Triple turquoise bracelet (24k over brass) by ROX by Mindy Jill, $250 at 7 on Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696.

{Above} On Nicole: Reality Bites maxi dress, $173 and Keaton trench coat, $195, both by Line & Dot at thelineanddot.com. Astrid lace-up bootie, $450 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Wool floppy hat, $45 at American Apparel (SF) 415.440.3220. Five fossilized shark’s teeth on vintage chain, $350 and fossilized shark’s tooth on long vintage mariner link necklace, $200, both by ROX by Mindy Jill at 7 On Locust. On Charlotte: Cropped leather top (with detachable cotton shirttail) by Theory, $555 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Hilfiger Collection mohair cardigan by Tommy Hilfiger, $590 at tommy.com. Keaton Joggers by Line & Dot, $138 at thelineanddot.com. Bootie by Dolce Vita, $195 at Item Shoes and Accessories (Larkspur) 415.925.0109. 24k dipped electro formed pyrite on 24k over brass “bullet” chain by ROX by Mindy Jill, $250 at 7 on Locust.

{This page} On Charlotte: Mohair bomber jacket by J’Amy Tarr, $448 at 7 On Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696 and jamytarr.com. Williams cargo pant by Ecru, $148 at ecrustyle.com. Roam boot by Freda Salvador, $550 at Freda Salvador (SF) 415.654.5128.

Spine shoe jewelry by Litter, $43 at littersf. com. On Nicole: Hilfiger Collection mohair high neck sweater by Tommy Hilfiger, $430 at tommy.com. Nuccia slit wool pencil skirt by Max Mara, $475 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300.

Strut oxford by Freda Salvador, $395 at Freda Salvador. Medium frame satchel by Tory Burch, $995 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Raw kyonite and lapis earrings by ROX by Mindy Jill, $125 at 7 on Locust.

{Opposite, purses from left to right} Ella purse by Helen Kaminski, $295 at Mill Valley Hat Box (Mill Valley) 415.383.2757.

Donna mini hobo by Katherine Kwei, $970 at katherinekwei.com.

Cynnie shopper by Elizabeth and James, $695, at Neiman Marcus (SF) 415.362.3900.

Twiggy fringe bag by B-Low the Belt, $429 at Carolina Boutique (Novato) 415.883.4883.

Malin 3-D Plait leather handbag by Liebeskind Berlin, $325 at Carolina Boutique (Mill Valley) 415.381.2554.

{This page} On Charlotte: Nadeen poncho by Ella Moss, $268 at Ella Moss (SF) 415.409.6197 and ellamoss.com. Upton space dye sweater by Splendid, $168 at splendid. com. Adriano Goldschmied Bonnie short, $158 at Carolina Boutique (Novato) 415.883.4883. Fairfax sunglasses by Elizabeth and James, $185 at zapposcouture.com. 24k dipped overlay agate druzy cuff, $200, 5 agate druzy stone cuff, $225, and large rose quartz with crystalized platinum rhodium center cuff, $250, all by ROX by Mindy Jill at 7 On Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696. On Nicole: The  Larking shearling biker jacket by MiH, $1,785 at Carolina Boutique (Mill Valley) 415.381.2554. Cable-knit turtleneck sweater by Tommy Hilfiger, $129 at tommy.com. Lace shorts by Joie, $178 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300 and saks.com. Slauson sunglasses by Elizabeth and James, $190 at laneknight.com. Necklace by Lizzie Q. Design, $400 at Item Shoes and Accessories (Larkspur) 415.925.0109. Banded agate with garnet earrings by ROX by Mindy Jill, $135 at 7 On Locust. Blanket by H&M, $35 at hm.com.

{Opposite} On Charlotte: Tarra Jacket by Elizabeth and James, $1,495 at Saks Fifth Ave. Petra dress by Jessica Faulkner, $148 at jessicafaulkner.com. Jeweled drop earring cuff by Tory Burch, $165 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Astrophyllite stone 24k electroformed ring by ROX by Mindy Jill, $200 at 7 On Locust.

On Nicole: McKenna sweater dress, $550, Manda dress, $450, and leather and knit knee-high socks, $95, all by Tory Burch at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525.

Hilfiger Collection sneaker by Tommy Hilfiger, $390 at tommy.com. Griffin finger clutch by Valentino, $1,595 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Diamond hoops, $88, and Dancette necklace by HARP designs, $185 at Carolina Boutique (Mill Valley) 415.381.2554.

Double rutilated quartz ring, $210 and fossilized shark’s tooth ring, $200 both by ROX by Mindy Jill at 7 On Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696.

On Charlotte: Lena fringe vest by Ella Moss, $198 at Ella Moss (SF) 415.409.6197. Sleeveless tunic by True Religion, $88 at True Religion (Corte Madera) 415.945.9004.

Adriano Goldschmied digital print legging by AG jeans, $325 at Carolina Boutique.

Billie boot by Ariat, $170 at ariat.com. C-Rockee fringed hobo by Valentino, $2,995 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

“Brady” frame with mirror lenses, $425 at Rims and Goggles (Mill Valley) 415.383.9480. Necklace by Lizzie Q. Design, $420 at Item Shoes and Accessories (Larkspur) 415.925.0109.

Oya Fringe earrings, $185, Adobe chestplate, $165, and Adobe Peek cuff, $98, all by HARP designs at Carolina Boutique.

On Charlotte: Long dress in crepe, $1,450, and leather belt with woven metal braid, $350, both by Faconnable at Faconnable (SF) 415.951.0115.

Cashmere and wool knit cardigan with fox fur collar by Carolina Herrera, $3,890 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Baha boot by Minnetonka Moccasin, $60 at Feet First (SF) 415.885.6393.

Jasper with agate 24k over brass earrings, $200, and agate druzy pendant on vintage necklace, $225, both by ROX by Mindy Jill at 7 On Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696. On Nicole: Joella wrap maxi dress by Ella Moss, $198 at Ella Moss (SF) 415.409.6197 and ellamoss.com. Knitted rabbit vest by Ecru, $396 at ecrustyle.com. 3 Layer fringe boot by Minnetonka Moccasin, $94 at Feet First. Raw sapphire with large agate “mushroom” druzy on vintage necklace, $350, spinel with semiprecious gem stone layering chain, $385, and druzy studs, $100, all by ROX by Mindy Jill at 7 On Locust. Scarab slave bracelet by Litter, $115 at littersf.com.

CallingSHOTSthe

Many Marin parents are deciding against vaccination for their children, raising concerns about increased risks of disease and giving the county the highest vaccine-refusal rate in the Bay Area.

WHEN SAN ANSELMO mom Bibit Traut came down with pertussis (whooping cough) in April 2013, she coughed so hard she broke a rib. Her son Tavish, then a senior at Drake High School, hacked so much it made him vomit. Her other son, Riley, was coughing too, and for 12 weeks, everyone in the family except Bibit’s husband struggled to breathe and sleep.

Riley, then a sophomore, had contracted the disease from an outbreak at Marin Catholic. One kid passed it to another. And then each kid took it home. In Marin, this is a common story. Most parents of schoolage kids here have received multiple emails from a school nurse warning that their child has been exposed to pertussis or measles or some other vaccine-preventable disease. In the case of the Trauts, vaccines received years earlier had lost their effectiveness.

As the new school year begins, the reminders are likely to recur. Marin is once again in the midst of a pertussis epidemic. As of July, we’d had 170 cases — compared to a total of 188 in all of 2013.

When outbreaks happen in the county, they’re addressed not just with antibiotics but with a vigorous debate over vaccinations. That’s because Marin has the highest vaccine-refusal rate in the Bay Area and one of the highest in California. California is one of 17 states that allows for a “personal belief exemption” (PBE), giving parents the right to say no to immunizations for their child. In the 2013–2014 school year, 7.6 percent of all Marin kindergartners were not fully vaccinated because their parents opted out.

But those numbers reflect only PBEs. An additional handful of school-age kids — and

adults —can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons, such as undergoing chemotherapy. “Generally, you need 85 to 95 percent of the population to be immune to prevent infection from spreading throughout the community,” adds Dr. Matthew Willis, Marin County’s public health officer. “One of the things that’s scary about Marin is that we’re constantly fl irting with that line.”

Why are Marin parents so reluctant to vaccinate? Many Marinites take a holistic approach to health, and some with those leanings believe vaccines tamper with the body’s natural systems or might even cause serious harm. Parents hear stories of kids who’ve gotten sick after a shot; some visit popular natural-health websites like that of Dr. Joseph Mercola, where articles link childhood vaccinations to everything from allergies, asthma and hay fever to autoimmune disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. Over the past decade, Mercola has received several warnings from the Food and Drug Administration

to stop making what it calls unfounded claims (unrelated to vaccines). Even though concerns about childhood vaccines have been refuted repeatedly in peer-reviewed medical journals, a seed of doubt has been planted in the minds of parents, who understandably can’t abide the idea of doing anything that might possibly cause their infants harm.

Statistically, vaccine hesitancy tends to cluster in a ffluent, health-oriented communities like Marin; Malibu; Portland, Oregon; and Boulder, Colorado. “One of my colleagues at the state level says that he can tell where the low vaccination rates are going to be,” says Willis. “He says, ‘Just draw a circle around where the Whole Foods are located.’ ”

The upside? “People in Marin exercise a lot of agency over their own health decisions, which by and large is really a good thing,” says Willis. “They are really thoughtful about it.”

The consequences of not vaccinating, though, can be dire. During the 2010 whooping cough epidemic in California, 9,000 people

Generally, you need 85 to 95 percent of the population to be immune to prevent infection from spreading throughout the community.

contracted the illness and 10 babies died. During the rubella epidemic of 1963–1965 — before the vaccine was available — 11,000 babies died and 20,000 developed birth defects in the U.S. alone.

Here in Marin, the combination of high income and low vaccination leaves the county very vulnerable to an outbreak. “We’re a population that travels all over the world,” notes Laurel Yrun, a California credentialed school nurse with the Ross Valley School District. Marin residents think nothing of flying to Africa, where there’s a resurgence of polio, or the Philippines, where there’s currently an epidemic of measles. Of the 60 confirmed cases of measles in California so far this year, many were either unvaccinated travelers who’d visited areas where measles are common or someone who’d been in contact with those people.

It was for these reasons that, in 2012, Greenbrae-based Tamalpais Pediatrics decided to require that all young patients get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination by age 2 in order to keep being treated by the practice. “We did it because there were a record number of measles [cases] that year, and we were very concerned with the upcoming Euro Cup in the Ukraine and Poland and the Olympics in London,” says Dr. Nelson Branco. “The CDC actually sent an alert about this, that someone from Marin could be exposed to measles on an airplane and bring it back to our community.”

If that were ever to happen, a few Marin communities would be particularly vulnerable. In West Marin (from Fairfax to the ocean), according to a study conducted by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services in 2012–13, only 77 percent of kindergarten students are fully vaccinated. And according to a di fferent part of this same study, several private schools have especially low immunization rates as well. At Greenwood School in Mill Valley, only 33 percent of kindergartners are fully vaccinated; at Marin Waldorf in San Rafael, it’s 57 percent.

Concerned county health officials recently conducted a survey of 493 Marin parents, trying to understand why parents are reluctant to vaccinate. For parents who filed for PBEs, the number-one reason was that “children get too many vaccines at the same time,” but

there was also concern over the safety of newer vaccines, toxins in vaccines and a purported possible link to autism.

By now, however, the autism risk has been thoroughly debunked. Although a study by British researcher Andrew Wakefield published in The Lancet in 1998 pointed to a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism, more than a dozen studies have since disproved the link. And in 2010, amid concerns that Wakefield falsified his data, The Lancet retracted the article.

There has also been lingering worry about mercury in vaccines, in the form of thimerosal, contributing to autism risk. But thimerosal was removed from most recommended childhood vaccines (the exception being some of the flu vaccines) in 2001. Despite its absence, autism rates have continued to grow.

The idea that children receive too many vaccines at one time, however, is one that several of the county’s pediatricians support. San Anselmo–based Ifeoma Ikenze, a homeopathic M.D., says she started her career “doing the same thing everybody else did, giving shots the way I was told to.” But over time, she “began to question the fact that I had so many kids with recurrent respiratory illnesses and ear infections. I thought, ‘Well, maybe this has to do with the way we are vaccinating.’ ”

Ikenze thought about what she’d learned in medical school — that the body needs “a minimum of six weeks to mount an immunologic response to an illness” — and in her homeopathic training, where she learned “to approach the body in a manner that is as close to the normal physiological functioning as possible.” As a result, she decided to change the way she vaccinated.

She now delays giving the hepatitis B vaccine until children are 3 years old, instead of as recommended at birth. She also delays the MMR — recommended at 1 year — until 18

months, when the immune system is more mature. And she spaces shots three months apart, especially for babies. “It’s a different schedule,” says Ikenze, “but children are still fully vaccinated by the time they’re ready to enter kindergarten.”

This delayed schedule is popular among Marin parents, and Ikenze says her patients stay much healthier now that she’s made the change. But public health officials view it with concern. “The most common reason people choose a delayed schedule is because of the perception that there are too many vaccines at one time, that it’s overloading the immune system,” says Willis, “and as a parent, I can relate to that. It’s painful to watch your child receive one shot and then another. But there’s no evidence for the safety or efficacy of an alternative schedule. And a delayed schedule also means a longer window of vulnerability.”

Some, like Novato mother “Mary Smith” (who asked that her real name not be used), choose to vaccinate hardly at all. Her first daughter, born with Down syndrome, was whisked from her arms immediately by the neonatal medical team for testing. Without her consent, her newborn was given antibiotic eye ointment and vitamin K and hepatitis B shots. “I was really upset. I wasn’t sure I’d refuse vaccines, but I wanted to have a conversation around it,” the mother recalls. “I felt like they were making all these big decisions without consulting me.”

After that, she started diligently researching vaccines, talking to doctors in her special-needs support group and also to a UC Davis neuroscientist, a client at her haircutting salon. She became convinced there was no link to autism, but still felt that her older daughter’s body was dealing with enough and didn’t want to challenge an already delicate system by vaccinating. It was a decision she made for her younger daughter as well. She admits being guided by

The idea that children receive too many vaccines at one time, however, is popular in Marin, and s everal of the county’s pediatricians support it.

more of a gut instinct than anything else. “If someone were able to convince me, I’d do it,” the mother says. “But that just hasn’t happened.”

She herself had measles, mumps and chicken pox as a child, so she’s actually experienced vaccine-preventable diseases. But health officials worry that many parents forgo vaccines because they’ve never known someone whose child su ffered rubella-related birth defects or was paralyzed by polio. “The irony,” says Willis, “is that that, in itself, is the direct result of successful vaccination in communities.”

In Marin, whooping cough is beginning to raise some awareness. Parents who’ve cared for sick kids or been sick themselves are reconsidering the shots. Slowly, the PBE rates in the county (a PBE is required when a parent decides to opt out of any vaccine) are starting to decline, after more than a decade of ascent. In 2012–13, the personal exemption rate was 7.8 percent; this past year, it was 7.6 percent. “It’s too soon to know whether or not this is an established trend of improvement,” says Willis. “But fortunately, it didn’t go up.”

Whooping cough, though, is a curious case. While completely unvaccinated kids have a 23-fold increased risk of contracting the disease, according to a 2009 study published in Pediatrics , many of the kids who came down with pertussis over the past few years were fully vaccinated, including the entire Traut family. Bibit, like other parents, learned the hard way that the current vaccine does not confer long-term immunity. A previous version of the vaccine was far more effective, but caused such serious side effects — fever, irritability and even seizures — that it was reformulated in 1996. There are far fewer side effects with the version administered now, but with a downside: The new vaccine confers only three to four years’ immunity. And the current immunization schedule, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, has lagged behind.

So after the whooping cough epidemic of 2010 in California, the state instituted a new

law requiring that all students receive a booster shot before starting seventh grade. Now, there is concern that yet another booster may be needed to shorten the window of vulnerability.

The state is also making it harder for parents to opt out of vaccinations. Assembly Bill 2109 went into effect this past January, requiring parents to have a conversation with a health care professional before submitting a PBE. The hope is that parents will get their information from a source more reliable than the Internet. It’s too early to assess the bill’s impact; this is the fi rst school year it will be in effect.

When Ikenze meets a parent who refuses vaccination, she engages her in a philosophical conversation. “I tell parents, ‘When you choose

not to immunize your child against this disease or that, you’re essentially saying, I’m willing to deal with the consequences if my child gets this disease,’ ” says Ikenze. “But in essence you are also saying that if my child gets this disease, I’m willing to keep my child away from other people who could get this illness. I’m willing to deal with the consequences.”

At its root, the vaccination debate comes down to personal rights vs. community responsibility. When one person vaccinates, it also helps those who can’t. “We have infants under a year who haven’t had the measles vaccine yet,” says Branco. “We have people with AIDs and children and adults on arthritis medication that suppresses their immune system, and they can’t be vaccinated.” Willis puts it more succinctly. “The decision to not vaccinate,” he says, “can have a profound implication for the community.”

To illustrate, he points to what he considers one of the great ironies of his career. Before joining the Marin County health department in 2012, Willis worked for the CDC helping control outbreaks of diphtheria in the tent camps

Health officials worry that many parents forgo vaccines because they’ve never known s o meone whose child suffered rubella-related birth defects or was paralyzed by polio.

of post-earthquake Haiti. The spread of the disease, he says, “was a sign of the total disintegration of the health system.” Marin could end up with the exact same problem, notes Willis — for very different reasons. “I think it would be hard to explain how we ended up with an outbreak of preventable diseases by choice,” he says, “rather than by lack of access to vaccines.” m

What Do You Think?

Vacinations: Agree? Disagree? Please send your letters to editorial@marinmagazine.com or comment on the story online at marin magazine.com/vaccine. Some comments may be used on our Letters page.

Chart Key

DTaP (Under 7 yrs. old) Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis

HepB Hepatitis B

Hib Haemophilus influenzae type b

HPV Human papillomavirus

Influenza Influenza (IIV; LAIV)

IPV Inactivated poliovirus

MCV4 Meningococcal disease

MMR Measles, mumps, rubella

PCV Pneumococcal conjugate

RV Rotavirus

Tdap (Over 7 yrs. old) Tetanus, diphteria, acellular pertussis

VAR Varicella

What and When

Recommended 2014 CDC immunizations for children from birth through 18 years old.

Institution Age VaccineNumber of Doses

Birth HepB 1st dose 1–2 monthsHepB 2nd dose

RV 1st dose

DTaP 1st dose Hib 1st dose

PCV 1st dose IPV (Polio)1st dose 3–4 months RV 2nd dose

DTaP 2nd dose

Hib 2nd dose

PCV 2nd dose

IPV (Polio)2nd dose 6–12 monthsHepB 3rd dose

RV 3rd dose DTaP 3rd dose

Hib 3rd dose (may wait until 12–18 mos., depending on type used)

PCV 3rd dose IPV (Polio)3rd dose Influenza1st dose 12–24 months DTaP 4th dose PCV 4th dose Hib 3rd or 4th dose (depending on type used)

MMR 1st dose VAR 1st dose

2–3 yearsInfluenzaAnnually

Kindergarten level or above 4–6 years DTaP 5th dose

IPV 4th dose

MMR 2nd dose

Varicella2nd dose

InfluenzaAnnually

First through seventh grade 7–12 yearsTdap 1st dose

HPV 3 doses total MCV4 1st of 2 doses InfluenzaAnnually

Eighth through 12th grades Any child under 18 years MCV4 Booster at age 16

InfluenzaAnnually

When you choose not to immunize your child against this disease or that, you’re essentially saying, ‘I’m willing to deal with the consequences if my child gets this disease.’

REFLECTIONS REFLECTIONS

Opener: (Eternity, Myanmar) Monks live in monasteries along the shores of Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar. The practice of Theravada Buddhism includes a ritual of collecting alms in neighboring villages via boat. This spread, clockwise from above: (Terraces , Vietnam) Extremely labor intensive to build the structure for, terraced farming allows the land to support a greater quantity of crops, livestock and poultry by making the best of poor soil and mountainous terrain and maximizing limited water supplies. (Curiosity, Mandalay) Burmese nuns serve as ritual specialists and educators in the Burmese religious community. Nuns shave their heads and may begin their practice early in life. (Clay Pot, Myanmar) The young nuns have strong bonds with one another and often study in small groups.

Opposite page, from top: (Tiger’s Guardian, Thailand) Founded in 1994, Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua is a forest temple and sanctuary housing numerous wild animals, tigers among them. More than 21 cubs had been born at the Tiger Temple by 2007 and now there are nearly 50 tigers in the sanctuary. T he great cats are fed large quantities of boiled chicken to prevent primal instincts from being triggered by the smell of blood. (These Tusks , Thailand) Deeply rooted in Thai culture, elephant training has been a familial practice passed down through the generations. A mahout, one who “drives” an elephant, is typically young when he is entrusted with an adolescent elephant to train. This page: (Dunes , Sahara) The Tuareg tribes, a Berber ethnic group, have operated the trans-Saharan caravan trade for more than two millennia.

Above: (Kumbh Mela, India) To witness tens of millions of people praying in the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganges rivers is an impressive and poignant experience. The largest religious gathering on the planet, the Kumbh Mela in 2001 attracted more than 70 million Hindu pilgrims, who regard the river here as holy water that washes away impurities.

Opposite, top photo: (The Game , Budapest) The palace-like edifice of the Széchenyi Baths contains a huge thermal pool where gentlemen often play chess on floating boards while immersed in medicinal mineral water. The numerous baths in the area are fed by more than 40 million liters of warm mineral water gushing forth daily from more than 120 springs.

If Lisa Kristine is not in a remote corner of the world photographing the people and places most of us will only get to see through her lens, she can be found hiking the hills around her Mill Valley home. During her 30-year career as a humanitarian photographer, Kristine has published five books and has been the subject of four documentaries. While her subjects can vary, she has received global attention for shining a light on slavery. This year that work will be the focus of a film titled Sold — made by Oscar-winning team Emma Thompson and Jeffrey Brown — which includes a character modeled after Kristine, played by Gillian Anderson. The photographer has been a featured artist many times at the Sausalito Art Festival; this photo essay is a small sample of what to expect at her installation this year.

Fall 2014 Fashion BOHO BEACH CHIC

Destinations

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

UNEXPECTED PARADISE

EARLIER THIS YEAR we wrote about a landmark deal between Turtle Bay Resort and residents of the North Shore of Oahu, which guaranteed controlled development coupled with preservation of and access to miles of wilderness. This success story inspired us t o fi nd more examples of island areas that are lesser-known and ready to be explored.

Big Island of Hawaii

While Hilo has the highest population on the island of Hawaii, it’s not always on visitors’ radar. It’s the town nearest Volcano National Park (where there’s a zip line that goes over a waterfall); still, this part of the island is usually an “if you have time” item on most itineraries.

Rob Pacheco, however, would like to change that mind-set. Having led tours on the Big Island for more than 20 years, he’s now expanding his itinerary to the Hilo area. He and his wife, Cindy have unique access to many private areas and wilderness refuges. Their Kilauea Volcano Adventure outing has earned awards and loyal word-of-mouth referrals because of the attention to detail their guides bring to the tour. The trip starts at Waikoloa’s Queen’s Marketplace, but you can arrange for pickups at other spots on the island.

Next time you are in Hilo and packing a bit of emotional baggage or even a physical disease or ailment, make your way to the healing waters of Coconut Island, fronting the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. There are a few stories relating to the healing power of the island, like benefits culled from circling it three times, but our favorite goes as follows: if you can make it out to the island without being caught by your pursuers (a wronged lover, for example), you will be freed from the entanglement and pain. Good news is, a bridge has been constructed, so the journey has gotten much less dramatic.

Kauai

The oldest island in the chain is known for long white-sand beaches, magni ficently eroding cli ffs and verdant gardens. Two such gardens, which also happen to be on the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) roster, are named for early white settlers to the islands; Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden in the Lawai Valley, on the south shore. C elebrating its 50th anniversary, McBryde Garden was the former ahupuaa (land) of Queen Emma, a beloved monarch of Kauai born in 1856. The natural beauty of this valley has attracted moviemakers in the past few decades for shooting fi lms such as Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s also where the newly widowed Jackie Kennedy brought her kids to recover from the assassination of her husband.

The only tour company able to visit these gardens is led by Brian Ross of Photo Safari Hawaii. “We like to use these rain forests for ou r fi ne art photography courses,” he says, “because the natural light is constantly changing as it is fi ltered through the trees.” Ross gained access to the land after working for three years on a documentary about the restoration of the queen’s cottage, which is part of the ongoing cultural and interpretive efforts of the NTBG and Koloa Community Foundation . T he classic plantation-style former dwelling, where Queen Emma used to talk story with her friends, will soon be a museum.

For tours on the North Shore, Ross takes clients to Limahulu Gardens, site of a 300-year-old fishing village, or to one of his favorite hidden finds at the end of the road to the Napali Coast trail. “If you park at the auxiliary parking lot at Kee Beach there is a large boulder that marks the path to the Taylor Camp, which used to be owned by Elizabeth Taylor’s brother,” he says. A quick jaunt through the forest leads to a freshwater lagoon and eventually the beach. “There are forests here, too,” Ross adds. “We start with the basics and then move into the Kandinsky visual grammar of objects within the frame.” I f you’re lucky you’ll catch the sunset on the waves with the Napali Coast in the background.

Lanai

Just eight miles from the condo-dense shores of Maui, Lanai is famous for the “no pace vs. slow pace” way of life. There are no tra ffic lights,

the population barely exceeds 3,000 and the charming town square (the only commercial area on the island) is dotted with restaurants, shops and art galleries. In fact, the entire island can be considered off he beaten path.

Despite the population paucity, one-room delis like the family-run Lanai Poke House serve up some of the best raw fi sh delicacies in the state. Those who appreciate the unpeopled quiet will be in for changes once Larry Ellison’s plans have taken shape. The entrepreneur, who purchased 98 percent of the island in 2011, has famously pledged to make Lanai a model for sustainability; meanwhile, he’s invested in community infrastructure and made major renovations to the island’s two Four Seasons properties. He’s also hired locals vested in the preservation and celebration of the island to work in his company Pulama (which means “to care for”) Lanai.

A natural hometown personnel choice was Kepa Maly, a keiki hanai to the Kaupuiki family of Lanai. The term means Maly was informally adopted by a Hawaiian family and, despite his pale skin, has blended in, learned the language and studied the culture. Maly also spent a few years living in West Marin’s Bear Valley, working as a park ranger at Point Reyes National Seashore with his family. There he served as a cultural ethnographer, studying descendants of the coast Miwoks (Marin’s native culture) and helping them share their stories. On Lanai, he created the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center in 2007, a centerpiece and point of pride for the community. “Our island is not about flying in and just staying at a hotel, like any other resort,” he says. “I believe it’s our unique

HANG TEN. HANG LOOSE. HANG OUT.

Surf Lessons Shopping

Hike Le¯‘ahi (Diamond Head) Farm-to-Table Cuisine

visit-oahu.com or like us at facebook.com/OahuHawaii.

HVCB-27679_Marin_2.5x9.625_final.indd

HVCB-27679_Marin_2.5x9.625 1/3 Vertical, 4c 2.5" x 9.625" Non-Bleed pub: Marin Magazine

history and stories, the rare landscapes, that set us apart from anyplace else.” That extends to pronunciation of the island’s name: Lanai (lah-nah-ee) translates as “day of conquest” and refers to a long-ago king who was banished to the island as a boy, then made the island safe again after one long day of battle. But lanai (lanigh) is also a common word for porch. And, says Maly, “We are not Maui’s back porch.”

Maui

Hana was not built for tourists. There are no shave ice stands, no bike guys in spandex and no two-for-one mai tais. And there is also that 52-mile, 59-bridge, 620-curve road from the airport that weeds out the weaklings. But this is also why most people love it.

Today the population is only 1,700, yet Hana was once a bustling sugar plantation center. In the mid-1940s six separate plantations were in operation, and the town had a population of 3,500, two movie theaters, 15 stores, three barbershops, a pool hall and several restaurants. When the sugarcane industry left in 1946, so did the most of the people.

Enter San Francisco–based entrepreneur Paul Fagan, who is credited with saving the town. He bought land in 1944, created Hana Ranch, and two years later famously built the first Hawaiian hotel outside Waikiki, which he called Kauiki Inn, named for a point on Hana Bay. To drum up interest he brought his baseball team, the San Francisco Seals, over for spring training, along with a slew of sports writers who wrote about the enchantment of heavenly Hana for their papers back home. The plan worked.

Then in 2001, Hana’s economy was again spurred by Bay Area in fluences when San Francisco–based Passport Resorts updated

and renovated Kauiki Inn, putting the town back on the map. Today, the 70-room property is called Travaasa Hana and is better than ever. A daily schedule of complimentary activities ranges from early morning yoga and water aerobics to learning to fish from a third-generation local or playing ukulele. The nine-room spa recently added a signature treatment, the Hana Organic Cocomint Body Treatment and Massage. For restaurants the hotel offers t wo choices, casual and fine dining, and there’s live music seven nights a week. Off-site, the very casual Hana R anch Restaurant is just up the street, and a handful of ever-changing food trucks is on hand.

Molokai

Another low-density destination, Molokai has a population of around 7,500 and draws about 75,000 visitors (mostly day-trippers) a year. While as on Lanai there are also no t raffic l ights, there are even fewer businesses than on Lanai and you’l l fi nd only one official hotel (with a restaurant, currently closed for construction), five lowkey condo complexes, some vacation rentals and a handful of B&Bs. A nd this

seems to be the way the locals like it: “Keep Molokai, Molokai” is the mantra on bumper stickers and signs. That doesn’t mean the locals are unfriendly — actually, this place is known as the “friendly island.”

Examples of that friendliness abound. On Ala Malama (the only commercial street), Kalele Bookstore and Divine Expressions is run by a woman who will insist you call her Auntie Teri as soon as you meet her. The folks behind the counter at 80-year-old Kanemitsu Bakery, famous for late-night piping-hot bread with toppings, are always happy to see a new customer. And local tour companies love to show off he beauty of the island to newcomers.

Clare Seeger Mawae, originally from England, went to Molokai after touring the world as a professional windsurfer, w ith no intention of staying longer than a few days. That was 21 years ago. She has owned and operated Molokai Outdoors for nearly 15 years. “We run

tours six days a week, w ith driving, kayak and paddleboarding,” she says. The driving tour, designed to work timewise with the ferry that brings passengers from Maui, educates visitors via stops at local favorites like Kalaupapa Overlook, Coffees of Hawaii and Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm. The tour also visits churches built by Father Damien — the Catholic priest who won recognition caring for the leper community — and finishes in Kaunakakai town. “Basically, this is a taste of the island, and many of those who come for the day will come back the next time to spend a few more days on Molokai, which then usually ends up being longer than a few days the next time around, because Molokai is Molokai,” says Mawae, alluding to her own experience. “All of this plays an important role in balancing the loca l economy while keeping the island like old Hawaii and keeping the culture alive and strong for the future generations.”

Oahu

Approached from Waikiki, the North Shore of Oahu starts with the charming town of Haleiwa, featuring shave ice, restaurants and beach shops. Drive over the historic “Rainbow Bridge” past the boat harbor and you’re on your way to world-famous beaches. Despite the destination celebrity status, these stretches of golden sand are surprisingly

approachable and fun, with free parking, turtles slumbering, some shade near the trees and, depending on time of year, gentle waves. Continuing on Kamehameha Highway past Waimea Bay you’l l fi nd fruit stands purveying fresh papaya, pineapple, apple bananas, watermelon, star fruit and coconuts, sliced, chilled and ready to grab for a snack or picnic.

Next up is Turtle Bay Resort, location of the aforementioned land deal, and just a little farther on, the now-famous shrimp trucks of Kahuku. Hans Hedemann lives here. His great grandfather came over as an engineer, and Hedemann makes his living by knowing the best places to surf and stand-up paddleboard. After sur fi ng pro for 17 years, he started Hans Hedemann Surf School, with a location in Waikiki near the hotels as well as one at Turtle Bay Resort. One of the most popular ways to see the beauty of the North Shore from the water is on his downwind SUP

tour from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay, which includes a jump off he famous 30-foot black rock for those who dare. Ideal for intermediate beginners and up, the tour starts at $75 (group rate) for two hours. “We bring masks for people who want to take a break and jump in at Sharks Cove,” Hedemann adds. “It’s a great spot to snorkel or scuba.”

Turtle Bay guests can also head up the road to Goat Island at Malaekahana State Recreation Area for a day of sur fing or paddling. But plenty of on-property options exist. “We are so lucky to have such easy access to the beautiful Kawela Bay,” Hedemann says. “Regardless of the ability of our students, we can find a place for them to either learn or just improve.” A third-generation local who’s traveled the world, he loves his hometown. “Great restaurants, fruit stands, gorgeous beaches with very little tra ffic and congestion — it’s one of the few places where you can really relax and unwind.” m

PURE LUXURY IN WAIKIKI

Voluntourism

BORROW A BOAT

GetMyBoat.com is like Airbnb for the nautical set. A list of availabilities lets boat owners (who generally only use their vessels 8 percent of the time) defray the cost of ownership by renting out their boats to potential users around the world. And non-boat owners get to have the experience of being on the water. The website has more than 14,000 listings in 50 states, from kayaks to 100-foot yachts. MIMI TOWLE

those benefits (as well as challenges) firsthand. For children, voluntourism “helps to foster a sense of global citizenship, broaden understanding of different cultures and develop empathy,” Joanie says. “For parents, it offers a sense of cultural immersion well beyond the tourist track, and it can be a positive bonding opportunity for everyone.” Here are the Wynns’ tips for finding the right tour. M.T.

CONSIDER AGE It’s essential to choose an experience and location that is age appropriate. Look for a voluntour provider geared to families.

KEEP IT LOCAL The best volunteer projects are locally driven, wherein volunteers work alongside locals to augment projects with their own sweat equity.

WILL IT LAST? Consider the sustainability of a project. Handouts or donations are Band-Aids that create dependency without addressing underlying issues. Look for projects with long-term benefits.

AVOID SCAMS Be wary of orphanage visits. Although these types of experiences sound good, there have been some abuses (especially in Cambodia) with orphanages being developed solely to attract Western dollars.

HAVE FUN Prep your children with photos, videos and kid-friendly books so they’ll know what to

expect. Make sure to schedule some fun time in your trip so that it’s not all work and no play.

RESOURCES Pepy Tours (pepytours.com) has a great guide to help future volunteers choose a responsible placement. You can also find inspiration in trips profiled on the Journeys for Good website (journeys4good.com).

BREW WITH A VIEW Tired of lugging your pale ale up the trail? Pat’s Backcountry Beverages has come up with a carbonation system and dehydrated beer pack that is 87 percent lighter than that can of beer and takes up 89 percent less space. Every pack makes a 16-ounce beer. You just need a source of cold , fi ltered water and a well-earned view. patsbcb.com M.T.

Photo Fun

As summer wanes and photo libraries swell with magical images from vacations and staycations, the potential for digital debris anxiety syndrome is serious. We asked professional photographer Sean Cope of Sean Cope P ictures which apps he likes best for shooting, sharing and storing. M.T.

SHOOT AND SHARE

For those in the Bay Area who love to cruise, there are a few things to celebrate. This November, join chef Casey Thompson, of the newly launched San Francisco restaurant Aveline, and three fellow Bravo Top Chef alumni on a luxury Eastern Caribbean getaway. Guests will be entertained with complimentary cooking demonstrations, interactive “Quickfire Challenges” and other activities. Looking for something closer to home? Next year Celebrity Cruises will be launching six adventures originating or ending in San Francisco, including two round-trip Alaska sailings and two Panama Canal cruises celebritycruises.com/sf M.T.

Chefs on Board Beachside Beauty

While the hotel has always enjoyed a close-to-everything proximity, a 2012 renovation really put Venice Beach’s Hotel Erwin on the map. The property features beach-worthy pastels with splashes of orange everywhere, 119 unique rooms (many with ocean or partial ocean views), delicious made-from-scratch dishes at chef Adam Steudle’s Barlo Kitchen + Cocktails and crafty cocktails with a sunset view (guests get priority seating) at the open-air High Rooftop Lounge. And of course, being close enough to hear the beach barkers also means that guests are in the heart of the action and just a short stroll away from Muscle Beach, Dogtown skate park, Venice canals, shopping in the Abbot Kinney district, the Santa Monica Pier, enticing local restaurants and much more. hotelerwin.com DANIEL JEWETT

CAMERA+ A top choice: You can adjust exposure and focus and use the full suite of editing tools and filters once you’ve taken the shot. Then seamlessly share on your favorite social media networks.

PIC JOINER Combine multiple images into a collage, add effects and borders, and share directly to the social site of your choosing.

GOOGLE+ PHOTOS Want to animate your vacation photos with special effects like falling snow and floating pink and red hearts?

Google+ Photos lets you do that and more.

PHOTOBUCKET Two gigabytes of free storage and helpful icons on the site make it easy to share each and every one of those bytes on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Tumblr, Reddit, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Digg and many others.

FLICKR Photo sites have come and gone, but Flickr has lasted and improved in the last decade; here you can upload, edit, organize and share.

PHOTO SHELTER This site offers tons of professional tools. Cope uses it to host his website as well; it enables him to share private galleries with clients and facilitates downloads, e-commerce and more.

SUDAN

After a near-fatal accident, one adventure guide decides to live for today.

Opener: Camel caravans are still a very common way to travel the deserts in Sudan. This page, top to bottom: Driving off-road through the Bayuda Desert; the SUV accident. Opposite page, top to bottom: Camels find shelter at an oasis in the Bayuda Desert; the tents at Meroë; lunch under the trees.

ILIE IN THE middle of the road somewhere in the remote desert about 100 miles north of Khartoum, Sudan. It feels like I am in a frying pan because of the hot afternoon sun, and the SUV is next to me with blown-out windows and broken doors. I smell fuel leaking but I cannot move out of the way of danger and every breath I take feels like someone is stabbing me in the chest. I think I am going to pass out and the Leonard Cohen song “Closing Time” is playing in the back of my mind. The thought that this might be it for me begins to take hold. After all these years and extreme adventures in Tibet, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Arctic and other wild places, my last breath will be in the desert of Sudan.

A few minutes before, we were stopped at a roadside restaurant to have a quick lunch on the way to a camp called Dongola in the desert, but as we were speeding along, a strange sound came from the front of the SUV. We began to swerve and the next thing I knew, the vehicle started to flip over and over again, glass flying all over inside and the sound of metal hitting hard on the road. We flipped three times before coming to a stop in the middle of the two-lane road and were very lucky there was no oncoming traffic at the time.

Now, another SUV that was following us stops and people are running toward me asking if I am OK. I cannot speak

due to the pain and they drag me by my feet to the side of the road. My travel mates in the other SUV are from the U.K. and Spain. Everyone is stunned and trying to help me feel better. It is close to 100 degrees but I feel cold and I am shaking. The decision is made to put me in the other SUV and head back to Khartoum to fi nd a hospital. Waiting for an ambulance would take too long. I am beginning to fade and Toby, a wonderful guy from the U.K., is talking to me, trying to keep me awake. After about an hour we see a red ambulance coming in the opposite direction and my companion s flag it down. We are in the middle of a small village and it seems like the whole town comes to watch me get transferred to the emergency vehicle. As the ambulance heads toward Khartoum the male nurse is very attentive and keeps reciting verses from the Koran in my ear.

A Medical Misadventure

We arrive at a hospital but there are no doctors there so we try two more. Finally we fi nd a doctor at the third hospital, where I am carried into the emergency room. There are no dividers between beds. Next to me the doctors are performing a tracheotomy on a man while his family is outside the room wailing and crying. As this goes on, a helper in the emergency room is casually mopping blood from the floor as if cleaning up a water spill.

A doctor fi nally comes in, looks me over and gives me a shot, which temporarily quells most of the pain. They decide to take me for X-rays. Toby is still with me helping but as soon as they wheel me to the X-ray room the machine breaks down, so back out I go. This happens three times, with Toby laughing a little more each time. I am being rolled back and

We began to swerve and the next thing I knew, the vehicle began to flip over and over again, glass flying all over inside and the sound of metal hitting hard on the road.

forth from the emergency room to the X-ray room like something out of a Monty Python skit.

After a couple of hours of this, I decide I have had enough. I go back to the hotel to try and recover there in silence and peace.

But for a tour and adventure leader like me, staying put is not easy. After two days in the hotel room I decide, since no bones are showing outside my skin and there does not appear to be any internal bleeding, to try and see what I can of the country anyway. The ordeal of trying to get home while in pain and sitting in a plane seat for 23 hours seems impossible. The tour operator sends a car and before I know it, I am off o meet the others from the small tour group already up north. This was my seventh near-fatal accident in my career and it seems like, if this is it for me, I should go out with a bang.

The drive is long. We pass the scene of the accident in silence; then, like life, we move on. I am in serious pain but it feels good to see the desert outside the car window.

Back on the Road

It is good to be back with the group. We are in Sudan, the third largest country on the African continent, for an exploratory trip. Sudan is composed mostly of flat plains broken by several mountain ranges and is an Arab republic in the Nile Valley of North Africa. It is home to more than 30 million people. The town we have just left is the capital and is located at the con fluence of the White Nile and Blue Nile before they join to form the River Nile. Sudan is an exotic country, with friendly and welcoming people. Driving through the desert is meditative. Seeing the nomads traveling along with their animals takes you back to a bygone era. The Islamic religion here is not as strict as in other regions. The women don’t cover their faces and they readily speak to foreigners. Some houses in the Nubian villages are painted and decorated with colorful patterns and flowers. Enthusiastic hospitality abounds; people will often invite foreigners to visit their home and share a meal or a cup of spiced tea.

We spend two days in a charming small hotel in Karima, a small town on the right bank of the Nile, close to a famous

archaeological site at the foot of Jebel Barkal, where the ruins of 13 temples and three palaces exist. We visit the royal necropolis of the ancient city of Napata, the Nubian capital from 800 to 400 B.C.

The next day we continue on and drive through the Bayuda Desert. Here we meet groups of Bisharin nomads who live in familial groups in small huts made of intertwined branches close to the rare water wells. With them are their caravans and herds of camels and cattle.

In the late afternoon we arrive at Meroë, where we stay in a wonderful tented camp with an incredible view of more than 40 pyramids that are located on top of a hill. Some of the perfectly preserved pyramids belonged to the Royal Necropolis of Meroë.

It is nearly a full moon, and since I cannot lie down and sleep, I walk outside my tent to watch the incredible night sky in the desert. One of my travel mates, Amelia from London, is outside as well, and we have a very deep conversa-

We stay in a wonderful tented camp with an incredible view of more than 40 pyramids that are located on top of a hill.

tion about life and travels to exotic places. Interesting how the desert and sky open your soul.

We visit the pyramids the next morning. It is wonderful, and since no other foreigners are there, it feels how it must have for a traveler in Egypt in the 1920s. Several pyramids stand out with sharp shapes against the clear sky. Each one has its own funerary chapel, with the walls fully decorated in bas-reliefs showing aspects of the king’s life and his offerings to the gods. There are more pyramids in Sudan than in Egypt.

Our trip draws to a close, and we drive back to Khartoum. On the way we fi nd time to visit a few wonderful archaeological sites in Naga. Included is a visit to a temple from the fi rst century A.D. dedicated to the Nubian warrior god Apedemak. It is a wonderful building with bas-relief decorations depicting the Meroitic deity with a lion’s head, the pharaoh, noblemen and several ritualistic images. Then we visit a large bazaar in a city in the middle of the desert where we are told by authorities not to take pictures. The government does not want to show the rampant poverty in the country.

We arrive in Khartoum in late afternoon, and at midnight I board my plane armed with strong pain medication. During the long fl ight to Frankfurt the accident plays in my mind over and over in slow motion and something I read long ago creeps into my mind: “Live today, because you never know what can happen in the future.” Whether you fi nd yourself in a dangerous situation or not, it seems like a phrase worth considering. m

Opposite page, top to bottom: Goats are kept in a makeshift enclosure at a Bisharin nomad settlement; Bisharin children are curious about the tourists; the campsite at Meroë is luxurious. This page, clockwise from top: Souvenir salesmen and nomads appear out of nowhere; the temple of Nubian warrior Apedemak; at Meroë there are more pyramids than in the whole of Egypt; the young daughter of a Bisharin nomad; guardians on the path to the temple in Naga.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

THEATER

THRU SEP 7 Fetch Clay, Make Man San Francisco native Will Power takes a deeper look into an unlikely civil rights–era friendship between heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali and controversial actor Stepin Fetchit. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5200, marintheare.org

Calendar

Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and many more — all backed by the catchy music of the era. Orpheum Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

THRU SEP 28 Romeo and Juliet The Marin Shakespeare Company presents the Bard’s drama about two star-crossed lovers forced to extremes by their feuding families. Forest Meadows Amphitheatre (San Rafael). 415.499.4488, marinshakespeare.org

Chet Walker and acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based company Les 7 doigts de la main. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). 415.551.2050, shnsf.com

DANCE

THRU SEP 7 Five

Little Monkeys Based on a series of picture books, this show for young audiences features a crew of little monkeys that get into a fair amount of mischief. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5200, marin theare.org

THRU SEP 7 SemiFamous: Hollywood Hell Tales from the Middle Don Reed stars in this collection of tales from his time in Hollywood — from auditions with Spike Lee to almost being shot by Secret Service at The Tonight Show The Marsh (Berkeley). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

THRU SEP 27 An Ideal Husband Marin Shakespeare takes a break from the Bard with Oscar Wilde’s tale of scandal, seduction and insider training. Forest Meadows Amphitheatre (San Rafael). 415.499.4488, marinshakespeare.org

THRU SEP 28 Motown: The Musical Learn the stories of Motown stars Berry Gordy,

SEP 19–OCT 18 Lovebirds Performer Marga Gomez portrays a crew of wacky lovers as they chase their hearts’ desires. Gomez alternates between a macho maître d’, a singer with a tin ear, an academic with insomnia, an ageless nightclub photographer and more. The Marsh (Berkeley). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

SEP 23–OCT 19 Pippin Enjoy the classic story of a young prince on a quest to fi nd the meaning of life. A Broadway hit since premiering in 1972, this rendition features choreography by Tony Award nominee

SEP 11–14 The Imperfect Is Our Paradise This streamof-consciousness piece makes use of spoken work from William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury. The audience is free to move around at will during the performance. ODC Theater (SF). 415.863.9834, odcdance.org

SEP 12–20 Multiple Mary and Invisible Jane This aerial dance performance — set on an 80-foot wall in the Tenderloin — is an exploration of the experience of older homeless women. UC Hastings College of the Law (SF). flyaway productions.com

COMEDY

THRU SEP 20 BATS’ Summer Improv Festival BATS’ Improv celebrates 20 years of summer improv with a special anniversary

show including “Improvised Downton Abbey,” “Improvised Shakespeare” and “Improvised Game of Thrones.” Bayfront Theater (SF). 415.474.6776, improv.org

SEP 10–20 San Francisco Improv Festival Now in its 10th year, the San Francisco Improv Festival features 10 days of comedy from top improve performers and sketch comedians like SNL’s Tim Meadows, 30 Rock’s Scott Adsit and Ron West of Whose Line Is It Anyway? The Eureka Theatre (SF). sfi mprovfestival.com

MUSIC

SEP 3 Sandi Thom

Nominated for a Brit Award and winner of album of the year at the Scottish Music Awards, Sandi Thom performs songs from her fi fth studio album — released last year — and

covers, all showcasing her unique vocals. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

SEP 5–30 Norma San Francisco Opera opens its 92nd season with Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma, the story of a druid high priestess who betrays her people by falling in love with an occupying Roman solider. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com

SEP 6 Will Russ Band: A Tribute to Sam Cooke Detroit-born jazz singer Will Russ honors Sam Cooke with interpretations of his classic songs. Fenix (San Rafael). 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

SEP 7 Todos Santos Sway along to the musical stylings of this harmony-driven band that incorporates

This season begins with a bang: Berlioz’s mold-breaking masterpiece “Symphonie fantastique,” the composer’s vivid portrait of an opium-induced dream, and one of the most brilliant and outrageous works ever. Zuill Bailey makes a welcome return with Saint-Saëns’s urbane and elegant Cello Concerto No. 1.

• CALDWELL SNYDER Recent works by Karl Klingbiel and Marti Somers, through September 15. 341 Sutter St, 415.392.2299, caldwellsnyder.com

blues, jazz, country, Latin and more. The Sleeping Lady (Fairfax). 415.485.1182

SEP 9 Kiddo! Fall Music Series Sweetwater and Floating Records present James Nash, Jason Crosby, Reed Mathis and Ezra Lipp, will all proceeds benefitting Kiddo!, the Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

SEP 13 Spark and Whisper + Dear John Love Renee Enjoy a night of serious folk music from these two much-loved groups. 142 Throckmorton (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throckmorton theatre.org

SEP 14 Alexander Sung Accomplished pianist and harpsichordist Alexander Sung returns to Marin to perform works by Bach and Mozart on the harpsichord. Old St. Hilary’s (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org

SEP 14 American Nomad Visit the Marin Country Mart for a performance by Bay Area acoustic group American Nomad, part of the Folkish Festival. Marin Country Mart (Larkspur). marin countrymart.com

SEP 22 The Australian Pink Floyd Show

Celebrate Pink Floyd at this tribute show featuring the Australian Pink Floyd Show, often

touted as one of the best cover bands in the world. Enjoy classics like “Money” and “Breathe.” The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, thewar fieldtheatre.com

GALLERIES

MARIN

Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Classes for artists. 751 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Works Downtown Works by Carol Levy, through September 19. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

Bubble Street Featuring genres of fantastic art, imaginary realism, neo-Victorian

SNOWDON KINNEY L A N D S E A S K Y

and steampunk. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.339.0506

Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden Contemporary sculpture by John Bucklin, Sylvia Goodman, Giuseppe Palumbo and Italo Scanga. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

di Rosa Ones and Zeros Works from seven Bay Area contemporary artists who use nondigital media to highlight the cultural impact of digital technology, through September 28. 5200 Sonoma Hwy, Napa. 707.226.5991, dirosaart.org

Falkirk Cultural Center Annual Fall Juried Exhibit, September 12–October 25. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3328, falkirk culturalcenter.org

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

Gallery Route One Candace Loheed: Orangeland Works by Candace Loheed, September 26–November 2. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Society of Artists Fall Rental Show Rent

original artwork for your home or office o for staging, through September 6. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyof artists.org

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Capturing Light A juried photography show, through September 25. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Petri’s Fine Arts

Featuring contemporary works in various mediums. 690 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.2626, petrisfineart.com

Robert Allen Fine Art Water Abstracted A group exhibition of works on canvas, panel and paper, through

September 26. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robert allenfineart.co

Robert Beck Gallery

Early California and contemporary plein air paintings. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org

Robert Green Fine Arts Abstract expressionist paintings by Sam Francis, John Grillo, Paul Jenkins, Jim Bird and more. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfineart.com

Roberta English Works by Cheung Lee, Mayumi Oda, Li Huayi, Ju Ming and Toko Shinoda. 1615 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.2975, robertaenglish.com

Room Art Gallery

Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters, housing the largest collection of Picasso, Chagall and others in Marin County. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Seager Gray Gallery

Time Is … Work from Chris Gwaltney, September 2–30. 23 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Studio 333 Why There Are Words Literary series featuring New York Times best-selling authors. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

Studio 4 Art Work by local artists, classes

and workshops with materials included. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

The Blissful Gallery 3-D works by local artists. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2787, the blissfulgallery.com

SAN FRANCISCO

ArtHaus An intimate presentation of diverse works in various styles and mediums by New York and Bay Area artists. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Electric Works Works by David Schubert. 1360 Mission St, 415.626.5496, sfelectricworks.com

In the famed Sonoma County wine country. Local hospitality meets San Francisco chic. Bakeries, bistros, tasting rooms and 5-star restaurants. Stylish boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. Picnic baskets brimming with local farmers’’ market delicacies.

www.healdsburg.com

Taste the wine country the way Northern Californians do. And like everyone who visits, you’’ll fall head over Healdsburg.

Fouladi Projects Proud to Be a Hero New satirical works by Laurina Paperina, September 5–October 18. 1803 Market St, 415.621.2535, fouladiprojects.com

Meyerovich Gallery Alex Katz: New and Recent Works, through September 3. 251 Post S, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Pier 24 Photography Works from the Pilara Foundation Collection. Pier 24, 415.512.7424, pier24.org

Rena Bransten Projects Robb Putnam: Foundling, September 6–October 25. 1639 Market St, 415.982.3292, renabransten gallery.com

Thomas Reynolds Gallery Works by contemporary artists. 2291 Pine St, 415.441.4093, thomasreynolds.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Super Kids Save the World Centering around “green” materials and practices, this exhibit teaches kids to be super starting with the four Rs: recycle, reduce, reuse and repair (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum A collection of works in various mediums by J.B. Blunk, Harry Bowden, Linda Connor and more (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin History Museum An Afternoon in a Victorian Parlor A display of an old-fashioned sitting room in the historic Boyd Gate House (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Fall National Exhibition, through October 5 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum Enter the Mandala An exhibit featuring works focused on cosmic centers and the mental maps of Himalayan Buddhism, through October 26 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Skulls Check out an exhibit featuring more than 640 animal skulls and learn the physiology, science and history behind them, through November 30. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of Flowers Chomp! They Came from the Swamp A collection of carnivorous plants, through

October 19 (SF). 415.831.2090, conser vatoryofflowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Hardly Strictly Warren Hellman Works celebrating the legacy of Warren Hellman and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, which he founded in 2001; starts September 18 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Anthony Friedkin: The Gay Essay Photographs chronicling gay communities in Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1969 to 1973, through January 11 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org

Legion of Honor Matisse and the Artist Book Works from seven books of original illustrations by Henry Matisse, presented in conjunction with Matisse from SFMOMA, through October 12 (SF). 415.750.3600, legion ofhonor.org

Museum of Craft and Design Jennifer Crupi: A Display of Gestures The fi rst presentation of the celebrated metalsmith artist’s work, through October 5 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Judy Chicago: A Butter fly for Oakland, through November 30 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Realism, Really? Today’s Contemporary Realists Works by California artists, through October 26 (Sonoma). svma.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Bay Area Now 7 Works by Bay Area artists highlighting the region’s cultural ecosystem, through September 28 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

SEP 1–30 Architecture and the City Spend September celebrating the unique architecture of San Francisco through walking tours, fi lms, exhibitions, lectures and more. This year’s theme, “Home: My San Francisco,” will examine the shifting nature of home. Various locations (SF). 415.362.7397, archandcity.org

SEP 4–6 High Line Festival of Surfing Join High Line in celebrating sur fi ng with music, fi lm, art and more. The three-day festival features two concerts, appearances from pro surfers and more than 20 fi lms. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). surfthehighline.com

SEP 6 American Folk Art Festival Join a unique group of creative artists at this event, featuring antiques and original creations from contemporary folk artists. In honor of the festival the Bartolucci family (owners of Madonna Estate Winery) will release its latest vintage with a label designed by Allen Cunningham. Madonna Estate Winery (Napa). americanfolkart festival.com

SEP 6 Tiburon Taps Beer Festival Enjoy a bottomless souvenir cup to be fi lled by more than 50 Northern California craft

brewers. Nibble on local samplings and dance to live music, with all proceeds supporting the Ned’s Way Recreation Scholarship Fund. Point Tiburon Plaza (Tiburon). tiburontaps.org

SEP 13 Annual Art Auction Check out the 22nd benefit for the Bolinas Museum, showcasing the works of new artists and local favorites in a silent auction catered by Pamela Ferrari and supplemented by live music from Piro Patton and Friends. Peace Barn (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

SEP 13 Greenbrae Mini Maker Faire Head to Bon Air Center for the second year of invention, creativity and imagination. This event is part science fair and part county fair, an all-ages gathering of authors, artists, crafters, engineers and more. Bon Air Center (Greenbrae). maker fairegreenbrae.com

SEP 13–14 Much Ado About Sebastopol

Visit this 16th-century Renaissance harvest fair for a fun weekend escape featuring historical reenactments, entertainment, parades, storytelling, refreshments and games for the entire family. Ives Park (Sebastopol). 707.861.0348, muchadoabout sebastopol.com

SEP 15–20 Sonoma Plein Air Festival Head to Sonoma for the 12th annual Plein Air Festival, featuring nationally renowned artists as they create Sonoma-centered works of art. Purchase a one-of-a-kind painting

We’ve composed a collection of favorite movie music soundtracks everyone will love for the outdoor concert that kicks off our Love it LIVE! 14/15 Season. You can bring your own picnic or savor a new and exciting offering of food by Off the Grid and beverages for purchase including beer from Lagunitas Brewing , at the Marin Center Lagoon Park! A spectacular fireworks display will accompany the final piece: Summon the Heroes by John Williams!

Before the concert, aspiring young musicians can play instruments for fun at the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo sponsored by The Magic Flute. Alasdair Neale and his Junior Conductors will lead the orchestra performing the Radetzky March to start the second half of the concert. After intermission, we’ll highlight members of

note from our local community—honoring an outstanding music educator in Marin with a first-ever Marin Symphony Teacher of the Year Award Ron Ramin is an award-winning classical music composer who lives in Mill Valley and has written hundreds of musical scores for television and movies. His work entitled “Greetings” opens the final set of movie music—a beautiful fanfare for orchestra that in his words… “welcomes the listener to the concert in a joyous and rousing manner.”

Bring your family and friends! New this year, tickets for children under 12 are FREE! Don’t miss this thrilling start to our new season.

Gates open at 4:00 p.m. — the concert starts at 6:30 p.m.

in support of art classes in Sonoma Valley Schools, or simply enjoy the county during harvest season. Various locations (Sonoma). sonomapleinair.com

SEP 18 Quintessentially Quixotic Quinceañera Foreign Cinema celebrates 15 years with an evening of visual spectacle, food, drink and artistic performances by San Francisco’s best drag queens. Foreign Cinema (SF). 415.648.7600, foreign cinema.com

SEP 18 REDF Benefit Help raise money for REDF, an organization that creates jobs and employment opportunities for ex-cons, the homeless, young dropouts and those with mental disabilities.

Enjoy dinner and a special performance by Janelle Monae. The War field (SF). 415.561.6677, redf.org

SEP 18 TEDxMarin This event features talks on the subjects of democracy, medicine, science, economics, inspiration and humor, all hosted by Mark Coleman of Spirit Rock. Enjoy appetizers from Good Earth and Fresh Starts Culinary Academy of Homeward Bound, plus wine and coffee from local purveyors. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). tedxmarin.org

SEP 19 Marconi Centennial Banquet Mingle for drinks and dinner while enjoying fantastic views of the bay, all in celebration of the fi rst trans-Paci fic

wireless transmission from Marshall to Hawaii in September of 1914. Proceeds benefit support the National Park Service. Marconi Conference Center (Marshall). 415.663.9020, marconi conference.org

SEP 19–21 Oktoberfest by the Bay If you can’t go to Munich, head to San Francisco to celebrate Oktoberfest with a 21-piece Bavarian band, delicious and traditional German fare and, of course, plenty of cold beer. Pier 48 (SF). 888.746.7522, oktober festbythebay.com

SEP 20–21 Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival Enjoy amazing artwork in a tranquil, redwood-fi lled setting at this annual event. Sample a variety

of food and drink, stroll around the park and take in the art. Old Mill Park (Mill Valley). 415.381.8090, mvfaf.org

SEP 20–21 San Francisco Living: Home Tours The American Institute of Architects’ San Francisco chapter and the Center for Architecture and Design present a twoday open house event featuring a number of modern residences. Various locations (SF). 415.874.2632, aiasf.org

SEP 28 Fall Antique

Faire Known as the Bay Area’s antique center, Petaluma hosts its twice-yearly antique marketplace. Furniture, art, clothing, decor and more are available from a wide variety of more than

180 vendors. Downtown (Petaluma). petaluma downtown.com

SEP 29 Sausalito

Floating Homes Tour

See 15 homes on the water and the art produced by those living in this unique community. Gateway Shopping Center (Sausalito). flatinghomes.org

FILM

SEP 4–6 Medea Helen McCrory stars as a wife and mother who, after being betrayed by her husband, is forced to question life and and then exacts a terrible revenge. This show will be transmitted from the National Theatre London. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111

SEP 7 Alec Guinness at 100: The Bridge on the River Kwai Enjoy the movie that won seven Academy Awards and made Alec Guinness famous for his role as Colonel Nicholson, a leader of British prisoners during World War II. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). 415.454.1222, ca fi lm.org

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

SEP 13 Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer Join Zero Breast Cancer on its fall Dipsea hike, a noncompetitive event for all ages. Follow the six-mile trail loop ending at the Dipsea Steps, and enjoy food, music and individual and team prizes. Old Mill Park (Mill Valley).

415.507.1949, dipsea. zerobreastcancer.org

SEP 14 Vibrant Food and Yummy Supper Photographer and food blogger Kimberly Hasselbrink of The Year in Food blog discusses her new book, Vibrant Food, with Erin Scott, creator of the blogturned-book Yummy Supper. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

SEP 18 The Human Age Enjoy a catered lunch from Insalata’s with author Diane Ackerman, author of The Human Age. The new book centers on human dominance around the world and helps readers understand this new reality. Price includes

an autographed copy of the book. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

SEP 20 What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding Kristin Newman talks about her new book What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding. A television comedy writer, she opted out of the traditional settledown-and-get-married lifestyle, instead traveling the world, focusing on her career and fi nding herself. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

SEP 20 Coastal Cleanup Day Celebrate California Coastal Cleanup Day at Rodeo Lagoon. Lend a hand,

learn about the impacts of marine debris and help clean up a fragile ecosystem. Gloves and trash bags provided. Rodeo Lagoon (Sausalito). naturebridge.org

SEP 30 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Nigerian writer sits down to discuss her books Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun, with acclaimed Bay Area author Dave Eggers. Nourse Theater (SF). 415.563.2463, cityarts.net

On the Scene

The society held its eighth annual For the Love of Animals event at the Mill Valley Community Center April 26 featuring furry ambassadors. Proceeds help provide lifesaving veterinary care.

• HEADLANDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Headlands Center for the Arts celebrated its biggest fundraiser of the year June 4 at SOMArts in S.F. with an art auction, food, cocktails, a pop-up shop and music.

MARIN MAGAZINE 2014 EDITORS’ CHOICE

PARTY More than 150 guests and honorees enjoyed wine, beer and cocktails as well as hors d’oeuvres from All Seasons Catering July 31 at the Acqua Hotel as part of the 2014 Editors’ Choice celebration.

Bio – the only creperie in Sausalito offers a wide array of gluten free and vegan foods. A casual French organic breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner services. Stop in for a balanced children’s school lunch or pick up macaroons, beignets, sandwiches, salads and much more. See you soon!

Bio 2633 Bridgeway 415.324.7080 Sausalito, CA biologiquesf.com

4:30-7:00pm. Wednesday Half-off wine bottle special with dinner.

Brick & Bottle 55 Tamal Vista Blvd 415.924.3366 Corte Madera, CA brickandbottle.com

Il Fornaio award-winning specialties include house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats, along with artisan cocktails and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Each month, a special regional dinner menu is featured. A perfect location for any celebration and groups of all sizes!

Il Fornaio 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr 415.927.4400 Corte Madera, CA ilfornaio.com

Serving Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Breakfast. RangeCafe Bar and Grill, located on the course at Peacock Gap Golf Club, offers a delicious array of dining options to satisfy the whole family. All items are freshly prepared and served in a relaxed and inviting environment.

RangeCafe Bar and Grill 333 Biscayne Drive 415.454.6450 San Rafael, CA rangecafe.net bar and grill

Visit the Seafood Peddler for the freshest seafood Marin has to offer, shipped in daily from the east coast to West! Enjoy the view indoors or enjoy our beautiful flower lined patio. Come enjoy our daily Happy Hour (including weekends) from 4:00 to 7:00PM.

Seafood Peddler 303 Johnson Street 415.332.1492 Sausalito, CA seafoodpeddler.com

The Counter offers all-natural, humanely-raised beef and 312,120+ combinations to build your own burger. The Counter is a great place for family, friends, great music and a full bar. Voted best burger in Bay Area by SFGate.com readers on Bay Area A-List 2010-2014. ‘LIKE’ us on www.facebook.com/TheCounterCorteMadera !

The Counter 201 Town Center 415.924.7000 Corte Madera, CA thecounterburger.com

Dine

• ARIZMENDI BAKERY California A worker-owned bakery, Arzimendi prides itself on using the freshest, most local ingredients available. Besides the famous wolverines and cheese rolls, it also offers an assortment of morning pastries, artisan breads and sourdough pizzas. 1002 Fourth St, 415. 456.4093, arizmendibakery.org

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian “Benissimo” means “really, really good” in Italian. Aside from the daily 4 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour, when drinks are $3 to $5 and small plates $5 to $7, the menu offers a large selection of pizza, pasta and large plates, like grilled pork loin and pollo alla marsala. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316, benissimos.com

BLUE BARN GOURMET

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

BRICK & BOTTLE

California From private parties to catered events, chef Bob Simontacchi’s menu offers seasonal selections made with local ingredients. Enjoy signature dishes like orzo mac ‘n’ cheese with smoked Gouda and local favorites like sa ff ron fettucine and

tomato braised short ribs. The restaurant also hosts one of the best happy hours in town. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.924.3366, brickandbottle.com

IL FORNAIO Italian

Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian restaurant franchise. Aside from the pizzas and pastas, the menu offers a variety of salads and carb-free entrées.

223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

MARIN JOE’S Italian

This Marin mainstay has been around for over 50 years. Choose from a menu of soups, salads, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and a plethora of pasta options guaranteed to satisfy. For a fun addition to your dining experience, order the Caesar salad — the server will prepare the dressing at your table. Not looking for a meal? Enjoy a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com

PACIFIC CATCH PanAsian The well-priced menu features a bounty of freshly caught items

and Paci fic Rim–inspired small or main plates, including generously portioned wasabi bowls fi lled with white or brown rice, veggies and your choice of chicken, beef or fi sh (cooked or raw). Paci fic Catch is successfully modeled after the Paia Fish House on Maui, down to the chalkboard menu and Hawaiian music. 133 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.co

SEA THAI BISTRO Asian SEA stands for Southeast Asian, and co-owner and executive chef Tony Ounpamornchai infuses his cooking with Thai and other Asian flavors to create innovative dishes. The menu features sustainable and local ingredients and is accompanied by 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 whole new level. Known for all-natural Angus beef, turkey, chicken and veggie burgers, the restaurant also offers a burger bowl (all the ingredients without the bun). And if you want a martini with your burger, no problem—there’s a full bar. 201 Corte Madera Town Ctr 415.924.7000, thecounterburger.com

THREE BIRDS WINE

BAR California This oneroom bar and wine shop features more than 20 options by the glass, and a nice selection of bottles to take home. Enjoy free corkage for

your Three Birds bottles at select local restaurants and an all day happy hour every Monday. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, threebirdswinebar.com

FAIRFAX

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

SORELLA CAFFE Italian Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella — which means “sister” in Italian — serves up fresh Italian food with a northern in fluence. Customer favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and Pollo alla Sorella. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padana cheese, which is passed around from table to table. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.co

KENTFIELD

AMBROSIA Italian This family friendly Italian joint serves traditional pizzas and homemade pastas, with one of the best wine-by-the-glass programs in Marin. Owner Mark Leslie is bringing his pizza, pasta and passion for good wines by the glass to Kent field— check Facebook for details. 800 College Ave, 415.454.9292

HALF DAY CAFE

American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this Cafe is the perfect breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch. The menu includes coffee drinks, exceptional pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual meal inside or on the outdoor patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com

LARKSPUR

BELCAMPO MEAT CO. American The goods at this meatery are delivered from the certi fied-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture management.

Try the classic grilled items, like the roasted tri-tip sandwich or the sloppy joe. Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.com

EL HUARACHE LOCO

Mexican Chef Veronica Salazar’s menu has gained quite a following by way of the authentic Mexico City dishes. From mini huaraches (fi lled corn masa cakes) to the foot-long huarache with two salsas, crema, queso fresco and two toppings of your choice, you’re sure to get a true taste of a homemade Mexican meal. Marin Country Mart, 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.1403, huaracheloco.com

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

FABRIZIO RISTORANTE

Italian This restaurant was opened by Italian transplant Fabrizio in the early ‘80s. Swing by for traditional Italian dishes and an extensive wine list featuring bottles from all over Italy. Outdoor seating makes the experience even more special. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, fabrizioristorante.com

FARMSHOP California

Originally based in L.A., Farmshop Marin has customers clamoring for cocktails and a delicious assortment of California-centric cuisine. Call ahead for a reservation — this place is always packed.

Marin Country Mart, 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.755.6700, farmshopla.com

LEFT BANK

RESTAURANT French

Known for awardwinning French cuisine and a lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot on Magnolia Avenue rates high with locals. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

MARIN BREWING

CO American Grab a cold beer made on site and pair it wit h fi sh ‘n’ chips — fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce — or another item from the all-American menu.

Marin Country Mart, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com

PICCO California

Popular since its inception, dishes like mini-burgers, seasonally driven menu items, and risotto made every half hour, keep patrons coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) and 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

SUSHI-KO Japanese

Choose from a large selection of maki, nigiri and sashimi before catching a movie right across the street.

Marin Country Mart, 1819 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.8400, sushi-ko.com

YANKEE PIER American

Known for beer-battered fi sh ‘n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com

MILL VALLEY

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

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has already become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after the 142 Throckmorton comedy nights. Menu items

include Niman Ranch fl at iron steak, braised beef brisket risotto and classic burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com

BOO KOO Asian

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

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and the Chili-Lime “Brick” Chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food-style menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm, dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com

CANTINA Mexican

The popular family restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare including soups, salads, sandwiches and sizzling fajitas at lunch portions and prices. 651 E. Blithedale, 415.381.1070, thecantina.com

EL PASEO American

This Marin chophouse continues to impress as the years pass — the restaurant itself has been around since 1947. The menu speaks to the restaurant’s elegance, with offerings like roasted bone marrow, crispy duck wings and the El Paseo short rib. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseomillvalley.com

EXTREME PIZZA

American Pizza by the slice or pie — including gluten-free options. Come up with your own creation or choose one of the restaurant’s favorites, like the Mr. Pestato Head: homemade pesto sauce, potatoes, red onions, feta, fresh basil and mozzarella. 393 Miller Ave, 415.569.4134 , extremepizza.com

FRANTOIO

RISTORANTE

ITALIANO Italian Known for its in-house olive press, superior

olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this spot is a great choice for an intimate dinner, celebration and anything in bewteen. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room. The popular weekday happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com

HARMONY Chinese

Enjoy a lighter take on Chinese at this restaurant, nestled in the Strawberry Village. The barbecue pork bun is fi lled with housemade roasted meat in a savory sauce, and fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea. Be sure to check out the weekday lunch special for an excellent deal. Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurant group.com

LA GINESTRA Italian Getting a table or booth here can take awhile. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar waitstaff s also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224, laginestramv.com

NOURISH GRILL American This restaurant for the Club at Harbor Point is situated on the waterfront. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, it serves classics like grilled shrimp, and an all-American clubhouse burger. 475 E Strawberry Dr, 415.381.4400, nourish.harbor-point.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, or to make some new friends at the bar. Chef

• RUSTIC BAKERY

California Try a large house-made pastry, an artisanal salad or a mouthwatering sandwich at this Marin favorite. Two Larkspur locations: Marin Country Mart, 415.461.9900; 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com

glass, half carafe or bottle. 800 Redwood Hwy, 415.383.0600, pizzaantica.com

PRABH INDIAN KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Singh family, this restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food with gluten-free and vegan options. Dishes include chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic naan. Try the Thali menu (offered at lunch), a selection of several Indian dishes served at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabh indiankitchen.com

Andrea Guilini, originally from Venice, is known for his creative, seasonal dishes like the stu ffed veal loin with wild mushrooms and house-made mozzarella. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

PIATTI RISTORANTE AND BAR Italian The staff rides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Get a table by the window or on the outdoor deck for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Peruse the impressive selection of Italian wines to accompany your rustic seasonal meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

PIZZA ANTICA Italian

This Strawberry Shopping Center spot boasts amazing thincrust pizza along with an array of antipasti and hearty salads. Wine is served by the

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

SHORELINE COFFEE

SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a funky diner with a smalltown feel. Enjoy the mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican

This Marin favorite has opened doors in Mill Valley, where they continue to serve up everyone’s favorite Puerto Rican cuisine. The line can get long, but the food is well worth it. 401 Miller Ave, 415.380.1986, solfoodrestaurant.com

SWEETWATER MUSIC

HALL CAFE American Located at the entrance of Sweetwater Music Hall, the cafe is a small oasis of calm, dedicated to the F.L.O.S.S. philosophy: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. O ffering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu includes brown-butter scrambled eggs on avocado toast, crispy chicken sliders with gingery cabbage slaw and vegan Thai spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

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

TONY TUTTO PIZZA Italian Tony has been pouring his passion for pizza into his daily dishes for two decades and his menu now includes family recipes. Expect creative, artisan-style pizza featuring the best imported, natural and local organic ingredients. Take out or dine in; mostly outdoor seating, so dress accordingly. 246 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646, tonytuttopizza.com

NOVATO

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian Enjoy authentic pizza prepared with fresh mozzarella made in-house daily and tomatoes imported from Italy. Other menu items include grilled

rosemary chicken sandwiches and braised beef short rib pappardelle. Enjoy weekly specials, such as 50 percent off all wines by the bottle on Wednesdays and half off raft beers on Thursdays. 454 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.2302, bocapizzeria.com

BOCA TAVERN American Bring a date or celebrate a special event at this classic steak house, which features wholesome American fare. Favorites include the mac & cheese croquettes, hanger steak and duckfat fries. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com

FINNEGAN’S MARIN

American This restaurant — self-described as an “American bar and grill meets Irish pub” — features tasty appetizers, grilled fl atbread pizzas, entrées such as New York steak and garlic herb chicken and a full bar. 877 Grant Ave, 415.899.1516, finnegansmarin.co

THE GARDEN BISTRO Mediterranean Fresh, local ingredients combine in dishes that are a tasty representation of Greek cuisine. The appetizer sampler includes dolmas, falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, pita, tomato tahini and cucumber yogurt mint dipping sauce. 333 Enfrente Rd, 415.883.9277, gardenmedrestaurant.com

GRAZIE CAFE Italian Locals visit this family-owned-and-run restaurant for delicious paninis, salads and the unbeatable homemade cookies. Soak in the sun on the outdoor patio or revel in some peoplewatching inside the always-bustling cafe. 823 Grant Ave, Ste E, 415.879.5181

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

LEFT COAST DEPOT American Located in Old Town Novato,

this eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by chef Mike Garcia, formerly of Toast. Menu items include sticky ribs, roasted beet and cauli flower salad and old-fashioned meatloaf. Ask your server about the nightly three-course Depot Dinner Meal. 807 Grant Ave, 415.897.7707, leftcoastdepot.com

MUSCIO’S Italian Largeplate Italian food, inspired by the tradition of family dinners. Meals include Mom’s Fettuccine with Prawns (gluten-free rigatoni available), My Sister’s Minestrone Soup and pesto chicken pizza. The kids’ menu ensures the whole family will enjoy an evening at Muscio’s. 1200 Grant

Ave, 415.898.2234, muscios.com

RICKEY’S RESTAURANT & BAR

American Besides a full-service restaurant and bar (with banquet and meeting rooms), this comfort food bastion offers poolside dining and a garden patio overlooking green lawns. 250 Entrada Dr, 415.883.9477, rickeysrestaurant.com

RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads and sandwiches are on the menu here. Try the Marin Melt — Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes’ Toma cheeses grilled on honey whole wheat bread, served with dressed baby

greens and crisp apple slices. 1407 Grant Ave, 415.878.4952, rusticbakery.com

SMASHBURGER

American This burger joint invented, and makes use of, a patented tool that smashes a meatball into the perfect burger patty while it’s on the grill. Enjoy that newfangled burger with a Häagen-Dazs milkshake and a side of haystack onion rings. 7320 Redwood Blvd, 415.408.6560, smashburger.com

SONOMA LATINA GRILL Mexican The menu includes standbys like tacos, burritos and enchiladas (all prepared with local and organic ingredients) plus a list of favorites from the original Sonoma

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location. In keeping with the unprocessed theme, tortillas are made by hand with natural and organic whole grains. 5800 Nave Dr, Ste D, 415.883.2662, sonomalatinagrill.com

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

WEEZY’S GRASS FED SHED American Stop by Weezy’s for a slidersize all-organic burger sourced from Prather Ranch. We recommend the White Trash Burger, topped with Thousand Island dressing, but be sure to check out the other specials as well. 621 Del Ganado Rd, 415.479.7433, weezys-shed.com

WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off ighway 101, this rustic eatery with a mesquite grill features a menu full of comfort dishes, like seafood risotto with butternut squash. In the mood for a cigar? The restaurant has a lengthy list of options. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

ROSS

CAFE ON THE COMMON French This quaint one-room coffeehouse is centrally situated near Ross Common. Get there early to choose from the full selection of pastries, and enjoy with

fresh-squeezed orange juice. 22 Ross Common, 415.461.2205

MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS

French A local gem known for cuisine showcasing locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch, accompanied by a lengthy wine and beer list. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleur restaurant.com

TRATTORIA FRESCO

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

SAN ANSELMO

BISTRO 330 French Bistro 330 features simple French cuisine — think steak frites, mussels and crème brûlée — in the heart of San Anselmo. 330 San Anselmo Ave, 415.460.6330

BUBBA’S DINER

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

COMFORTS CAFE

American This cozy spot features local favorites made with local ingredients. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and offerings from the delicious deli selection. Be sure to try the Philly cheesesteak

and Chinese chicken salad, both classics. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com

CUCINA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR Italian

Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice of the savory thin crust pizza. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942, cucinarestaurantand winebar.com

FLOUR CRAFT BAKERY

California Flour Craft is San Anselmo’s answer to local gluten-free needs: Artisan pastries, fresh bread, desserts, special occasion cakes and lunch items are all gluten- and peanutfree. 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100, flourcraftbakery.co

INSALATA’S

Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi 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 Owners Bruno Denis and Olivier Souvestre of Le Garage fame offer a menu most Francophiles would be proud of, complete with items like roasted bone marrow and cassoulet. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com

LA LOGGIA Italian

Inspired by an Italian culture that celebrates local, artisanal food and wine, this cafe and vinoteca is a community gathering place serving delicious, fresh food. Dishes include ragu Bolognese on polenta and braised pork shoulder sliders. 500 San Anselmo Ave, 415.234.8698, laloggiasa.com

LINCOLN PARK WINE

BAR American Choose between an intimate setting at the marble bar with vintage stools or a lively atmosphere in the lounge room with

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Beauty. Simplicity. Creativity. The elegance of clean, modern design. Free gift-wrapping. Attentive, experienced staff. All this plus thousands of handcrafted designer gifts for your home and tabletop, jewelry, and much more await you at Terrestra in downtown Mill Valley. Featuring the largest-in-USA selection of fine leather goods from Mywalit of Lucca, Italy.

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built-in banquettes. Adhering to a farm-totable and grape-to-glass philosophy, the Lincoln Park Wine Bar serves locally sourced and organic food and wine. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, lincolnparkwine.com

MARINITAS Mexican

The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Latin cuisine in Marin. It may not be as low-priced as most Mexican restaurants in the area, but this is not your typical southof-the-border spot.

218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

agave margarita or grilled plantains with crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com

VALENTI & CO. Italian

This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for a sampling of authentic Italian cuisine from Chef Valenti, a Milanese transplant. Though Valenti sticks to his culinary roots, the dishes at his Marin restaurant make use of local ingredients. A seat at the vinobar offers a prime view of the open kitchen.

337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com

SAN GERONIMO

BLUESTONE MAIN

MH BREAD & BUTTER California This one-stop shop offers everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread and braised meats. Highquality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. 101 San Anselmo Ave, 415.755.4575, mhbreadandbutter.com

PIZZALINA Italian Pizzalina is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends, family and neighbors. Pizzas are handmade and cooked in a wood oven; other classic Italian items include shrimp risotto and a burrata antipasto dish. Menus change daily according to the seasonal markets.

914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.256.9780, pizzalina.com

TACO JANE’S Mexican Named after the owner’s mother, this casual, colorful place welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade

TWO BIRD CAFE

California This roadside cafe has it all, including fresh fi sh and goodies from the garden. These guys were doing local and sustainable before it was cool. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and live music. 625 San Geronimo Valley Dr, 415.488.0105, twobirdcafe.com

SAN RAFAEL

AMICI’S EAST COAST PIZZERIA California

The wide array of thincrust pizza includes the Siciliano, an enticing mix of mozzarella, slow-roasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper fl akes, sans tomato sauce. Gluten free crust is available. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com

BROKEN DRUM BREWERY & WOOD

GRILL American

O ffering a wide array of eats, handcrafted and local beers and live music, the Broken Drum is a hot spot

for Rafael Theater patrons (10 percent off entire bill with your ticket stub), passersby and regulars. You’ll fi nd live music Friday and Saturday nights, tacos on Tuesdays and Bloody Marys all day on Sundays. 1132 Fourth St, 415.456.4677, brokendrum.com

CHALET BASQUE

French This familystyle place features dishes inspired by the Basque regions of France and Spain, like frog legs in a garlic butter and lemon sauce, a veal calf liver sauté and sweetbreads with port wine sauce and mushrooms. 405 North San Pedro Rd, 415.479.1070, chaletbasquemarin.com

CREPEVINE American Bistro/Creperie Choose from a diverse menu of savory crepes, with favorites like the Italian crepe, fi lled with roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce and mozzarella. 908 Fourth St, 415.257.8822, crepevine.com

FENIX California An intimate live-music venue in the heart of downtown San Rafael. Fenix features globally inspired California cuisine with a Southern French twist. Dishes like fried green tomatoes or 72-hours sous-vide short ribs — accompanied by a glass from the extensive wine list — defi ne the experience. 919 Fourth Street, 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

IL DAVIDE Italian A large selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass, along with the tiramisu, have kept locals coming back for years. Don’t

leave without sampling the limoncello. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net

JOHNNY DOUGHNUTS

Breakfast These fresh doughnuts are handmade in small batches using dairy from local farms to create both the dough and fi llings. Stop by the shop or have the food truck come to you. 1617 Fourth Street, 415.450.1866, johnnydoughnuts.com

LOTUS RESTAURANT

Indian Family-owned and operated, Lotus serves up North Indian cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options in a casual pink-tablecloth setting with an energy efficient kitchen. The reasonably priced dishes are made with local organic ingredients. 704 Fourth St, 415.456.5808, lotusrestaurant.com

MULBERRY STREET

PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won fi rst place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his For the Love of Mushroom pizza — sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce and a red wine reduction atop a fresh pizza crust. Be sure to try other unique pies, like the spicy Three Beer pizza and the clam and garlic pizza, as well. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com

NAPOLI Italian This family-owned-andrun restaurant boasts a special craft beer program: They keep the prices down and the libation s flowing, and about 45 wines and 25 beers (including some from Marin) are on the list at any given

Sting Like a Nettle

FANS OF TRUE Italian food — cooking that showcases ingredients fresh from the garden or farm — are advised to make a reservation at Poggio, Sausalito’s very own trattoria, where 33-year-old Monterey native Benjamin Balesteri has helmed the kitchen for the past year after graduating from his role as sous chef. Balesteri joined the Poggio family several years ago when a culinary journey to Italy cemented his love of cucina and seasonal offerings. In 2010, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a sous chef at Lincoln. Two years later, he was back at Poggio — a nd how could he stay away? The restaurant features the convivial atmosphere often associated with Italian cooking, as well as a restaurant-owned garden ideal for harvesting the organic herbs and vegetables California is known for. The following recipe tells how to make fresh stinging-nettle pasta, a Balesteri personal favorite. “From time to time we’ll have a growth of wild stinging nettles in our garden,” he says. “I love how they add the slightest hint of spice to this pasta, which I brighten with fava beans and basil from the garden — if the deer don’t get to them first.” poggiotrattoria.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Stinging Nettle Pasta

SERVES 3–4

Ingredients

K pound stinging nettles

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 large eggs

O cup semolina flour

1 K cups unbleached white flour

N cup butter

4 cups diced hen-of-the-woods mushrooms

1 cup cooked baby artichokes

1 cup blanched peeled fava beans

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup freshly grated parmesan

N cup toasted pine nuts (for finishing)

N cup fresh chopped basil (for finishing)

To Prepare

1 Remove the leaves from the nettle plants and discard the stems. Rinse the leaves and place them in a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds. 2 Remove from pot and immediately rinse in cold water. Squeeze the water out of the leaves. 3 In a food processor, puree the nettle leaves, olive oil and one egg until smooth; you should end up with about O cup of puree. 4 Mix the semolina and flour and shape into a mound on a clean countertop. Make a well in the center. Crack the second egg into the well, then add the nettle puree. 5 With a fork, mix the egg and nettles into the flour from the inside out, pushing in the outer edges with your hand as you mix. As soon as the dough is not too sticky to handle, knead it with your hands until the flour is integrated and you can gather it into a ball. Knead it for an additional 10 minutes. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes. 6 Cut the ball into four pieces. If using a pasta machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make a thin sheet. If using a rolling pin, roll the dough as thinly as you can, sprinkling with flour so it doesn’t stick.

7 Once you have a nice thin sheet of pasta, either cut it while flat with a knife or roll up the pasta sheet like a cigar and cut across into ¼-inch-thick noodles. Unravel pasta strands and sprinkle with flour. Repeat with remaining three balls of dough. 8 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 9 Meanwhile, heat a large skillet or wok on medium high.

1 Cook the pasta in the boiling water only until al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes.

10 11 12

1 Add butter and mushrooms to hot skillet, tossing a few times until a caramelized golden brown. Add artichokes, fava beans and strained pasta. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper and extra-virgin olive oil. 1 Serve hot and garnish with parmesan, pine nuts and basil.

time. The pizza and pasta are East Coast Italian, with Marin and Bay Area accents. Gluten-free pizza and pasta available. 869 Fourth St, 415.459.3315, napolirestaurant.biz

ODALISQUE CAFE

Mediterranean This casual art cafe was inspired by La Grande Odalisque, an 1814 oil painting by JeanAuguste-Dominque Ingres. Menu items are built from seasonal items available at farmers’ markets and include pan-seared scallops, roasted butternut squash risotto and a variety of pizzettas. 1335 Fourth St, 415.460.1335, odalisquecafe.com

PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT

American The dinner menu offers a large selection of options — from tortilla soup to wild mushroom raviolis — but it’s the Sunday brunch menu that will keep the kids happy; try the Panama Wa ffle served with bananas, warm chocolate sauce and whipped cream, along with a pitcher of “make-your-own” mimosas for the adults. The tropical garden is a prime spot for people watching. 4 Bayview St, 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

PHO VIET Vietnamese

This family-owned restaurant features food from the former chef of Le Cheval in Oakland. The large menu offers a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes at a ffordable prices. 555 E. Francisco Blvd, 415.455.8063, phovietmarin.com

PIZZA ORGASMICA

American Enjoy indulgent favorites like the Serpent’s Kiss or Inspiration Point pies with a crisp beer, Orgasmica style. Eat in or order a halfbaked pizza to cook and enjoy at home. 812 Fourth St, 415.457.2337, pizzaorgasmica.com

RANGE CAFE American

With floor-to-ceiling windows positioned overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns, the Range Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy comforting American classics with an elegant twist. This inviting lunchtime cafe with its ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net

SAN RAFAEL JOE’S

Italian Guido and Theresa Farina run this Marin institution, famous for sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. The dining room boasts a friendly atmosphere and seating for 240, making it great for large parties. The roast sirloin of beef and Fettuccine Joe’s are sure to please. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican

Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes just like the ones owner Sol Hernandez grew up eating. Favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and fried plantains, but anything tastes good with a dash of the eatery’s signature hot sauce, which is for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad

dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, solfoodrestaurant.com

SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular Fourth Street sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience is rewarded with tasty and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 816 Fourth St, 415.721.0392

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 Fourth St, 415.459.9555, tajofmarin.com

TERRAPIN CROSSROADS

American This waterfront restaurant and music venue — opened by local musician Phil Lesh — houses fresh food and local talent. The menu includes salads, savory dishes and wood-fi red pizzas to go with a wide selection of beers, wines and

cocktails. Come for the food, stay for the music. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapin crossroads.net

THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD

American A favorite of everyone from kids to the foodie set, this charming eatery serves up food like Mom used to make. Drop by for eggs Benedict, tuna melts, coffee and some of the best milk shakes around. 817 Fourth St, 415.259.0182, theresa-and-johnnys.com

VIN ANTICO American

This resurrected restaurant offers seasonal market-inspired cuisine like stone oven-baked fl atbreads, handmade pasta and organic salads. The kitchen is open to the dining room, so try to snag a seat at the chef’s counter. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600, vinantico.com

WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT California/Caribbean

Owner and chef Bill Higgins serves reasonably priced and delicious tapas. Save

room for deliciou s fi sh tacos and yummy chocolate bread pudding. On Sundays, try the $3 glasses of sangria. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz

YET WAH Chinese

Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved mainstay offers a traditional Chinese menu accompanied by daily dim sum. Expect 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 showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for over 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com

AURORA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA Italian Novato’s Auror a fi nally has a counterpart in southern Marin. Aurora offers traditional Italian food, a full bar and friendly service, making it a great option for families, groups, dates and sports enthusiasts, who can keep up to date on the game via large fl at-screen TV. 300 Valley St, 415.339.8930, aurorasausalito.com

AVATAR’S Indian If you’re on the hunt for innovative Indian fare, head straight to Avatar’s and let owner Ashok Kumar order for you. Sip Masala Chiar sweetened with

brown sugar in this casual, one-room restaurant, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, enjoyavatars.com

BAR BOCCE American Food just tastes better when you’re dining on a bayside patio with fi re pits and a bocce ball court. Order one of the sourdough bread pizzas and a glass of wine, and you’ll see why this casual eatery, overseen by Robert Price of Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, barbocce.com

BARREL HOUSE TAVERN California

Stop by Barrel House for great local food enhanced by fantastic bay and city views. The relaxed urban envrionment is ideal for enjoying one of the restaurant’s barrel-aged cocktails. 660 Bridgeway, 415.729.9593, barrelhousetavern.com

CIBO Cafe Located in a historic brick building on Sausalito’s main drag, Cibo is a great place to a sip a quick cup of coffee outdoors. Husband-and-wife team Alfredo and Tera Ancona offer a menu of tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.2426, cibosausalito.com

COPITA Mexican Chef Joanne Weir serves up fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito. The ever-changing menu is always 100% gluten-free, and the in-house tequila bar offers over 30 varieties,

available blanco, reposado or añejo. Enjoy your meal at the bar or on the outdoor patio. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400, copita restaurant.com

DAVEY JONES DELI

American Stationed in the New Bait Shop Market, Davey Jones Deli boasts houseroasted sandwich meats, healthy condiments and local, organic vegetables. The deli offers sandwiches, veggiewiches, wraps and salads with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options. 1 Gate 6 Rd, 415.331.2282, daveyjonesdeli.com

FAST FOOD FRANCAIS

French Owned and operated by the owners of Le Garage and L’Appart Resto, F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner, all featuring “Frenchi fied” American comfort food. Sample a rotating menu including items like the Luxe burger (Diestel turkey, brie, lettuce and a fried egg topped with tru ffle aioli). Enjoy with a side of Brussels sprout chips or pomme dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com

FENG NIAN Chinese

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, honey-glazed walnut prawn or lemon chicken. Staying in?

Feng Nian offers free delivery. Free delivery. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com

FISH. Seafood The ultimate place to head for freshly caught fare. Order the fi sh tacos, ceviche and a bottle of wine and take in bay views and air on the deck. Casual; bring cash (lots of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331fish.co

KITTI’S PLACE Thai/ California Owner Kitti Suthipipiat was the cook at Comforts in San Anselmo for many years and brings a certain knack for delicious Chinese chicken salad to her own endeavor. The regular menu items are sure to please, but try the weekly specials as well. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com

LE GARAGE French

Escape tourist-fi lled Sausalito for an indulgent brunch right on the water. The atmosphere is animated with light French music (á la Amélie), and the much-adored croquemonsieur is under $10. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistro sausalito.com

LIGHTHOUSE American

A great spot to grab a classic breakfast — the fruit pancakes, omelettes and Danishin fluenced dishes will make you a return customer. This is a small but popular space, so arrive early or be prepared for a wait. 1311 Bridgeway, 415.331.3034, light house-restaurants.com

MURRAY CIRCLE

American Cavallo Point’s acclaimed restaurant, features local seasonal fare by executive chef Justin Everett, with pairings from

Marinitas ~ Dinner & Tequila Pairing for 15 in your Home

Las Vegas ~ Mandarin Oriental for 4 with Private Plane

Tahoe Getaway

Fresh Abalone Dinner for 10

Mammoth Mountain Ski Holiday

Fiji Escape ~ Golden Buddha Resort

Under the Tuscan Sun Holiday Vacation

Il Davide ~ Tuscan Dinner for 10 in your Home

Wine, Wine, Whine!!

San Francisco Ballet, Jardinere Dinner, Clift Hotel Night

Silverado Stay, Dinner, Palmaz Winery, Napa Jet Center Tour

Tehama Golf Experience... More Golf

Sheldon Siegel Author Talk & Dinner Fly Fishing Anyone?

Boca Tavern Chef’s Dinner

Lunch with Willie Brown at Le Central for 5

For more

contact Kathleen Woodcock @ 415.459.6245 x17 mcilkathleen@gmail.com www.marincil.org

Out & About / DINE

an extensive wine list and tempting desserts. Don’t forget to visit Farley Bar for cocktails with a view. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com

NAPA VALLEY BURGER COMPANY American Incorporating local, all-natural and organic produce and meats, this burger joint serves up classic and inventive gourmet patties (gluten-free buns available), fries, root beer floats and more. With outdoor and indoor tables, the space can accommodate up to 100 people. 670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454, napavalleyburgercom pany.com

OSTERIA DIVINO Tuscan Locals come for the live music, tasty pastas and coffee drinks, all served in a funky one-room setting. Stop by for their Sunday brunch that features more music and creative breakfast plates. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, caffedivinosausalito.co

PIZZERIA ROSSETTI

Italian A small array of appetizers and salads augment an impressive pizza menu, with options like the Boscaiola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, wild mushrooms and Molinari spicy sausage) and Gruviera (Gruyère, carmelized onions, pancetta and thyme). 45 Caledonia St, 415.887.9526, pizzeriarossetti.com

POGGIO Italian A classic trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri creates delicious Northern

Italian fare using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com

SALITO’S

Seafood

Enjoy a cocktail or a signature dishes like whole roasted Dungeness crab, housemade kettle bread served with Straus butter and sizzling iron skillets of mussels in a casual, whimsical ambience 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, salitoscrabhouse.com

SAYLOR’S

RESTAURANT AND BAR Mexican Marin’s fi rst tequila bar offers more than 100 varieties. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with a margarita, grilled snapper tacos or an avocado stu ffed with Dungeness crab salad. Happy hour M-F from 4 to 7 p.m. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurantand bar.com

SEAFOOD PEDDLER

Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. East and West Coast fi sh are flown in daily, and the recipes are adjusted to accommodate the freshest options. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com

SEAHORSE Italian The spacious dining area, accompanied by a dance floor and stage, make Seahorse ideal for both small and large celebrations. Enjoy a modern twist on classic Tuscan coastal cuisine while grooving to the nightly live music and entertainment. 305 Harbor Dr, 415.331.2899, sausalitoseahorse.com

SPINNAKER Seafood

Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500, thespinnaker.com

SUSHI RAN Japanese

Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest bar fly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com

SWEET GINGER

Japanese Owners and chefs Edna and Wayne Ching know their way around good sushi.

Try fresh sashimi, the classic dragon roll, 49ers Roll or Rock ’N’ Roll, or be adventurous and have Wayne whip you up something off he menu. Good sake and a comfortable setting round out the reasonably priced meal. 400 Caledonia St, 415.332.1683, sweet gingersausalito.com

TASTE OF THE HIMALAYAS Himalayan

Born in the foothills of the Himalayas, siblings Pemba, Dawa and Pasang serve up favorites from Nepal, Tibet and India. The restaurant focuses on blending di fferent 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

TOMMY’S WOK

Chinese Scrupulously fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes make

tel +1 512.236.1032 webberstudio.com

Tommy’s Wok a top contender for ful fi lling your next Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in and the perfect takeout for a night at home. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.332.5818, tommyswok.com

THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed in 1898 for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. Executive chef James Montejano — known for supporting local farmers, fi shermen and organic food producers — prepares dishes like Sugar Spice Grilled Loch Duart Salmon and Trident Cioppino. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com

WELLINGTON’S

California British transplant Jeremy John and his wife, Jill, have created an expansive wine bar with a homey feel including comfy leather couches, board games, views of the bay and a worldly cellar featuring a ffordable bottles and special reserves. 300 Turney St, 415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com

TIBURON

CAPRICE California Book the private party room for large groups, or just relax in this romantic dinner spot. Take advantage of the restaurant’s well-priced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss Prime Rib Mondays. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com

• RISTORANTE

LA TOSCANA

Italian Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana Ristorante & Bar has completed extensive renovations, transforming this San Rafael restaurant and bar into an environment for any gathering or occasion. The menu features classics like gnocchi and carbonara, as well as a selection of wine. 3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100, ristorante latoscana.com

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. 114 Main St, 415.435.0400, donantoniotrattoria.com

GINZA Japanese

Whether you go for the volcano roll or indulge in the eightcourse Omakase meal, the fresh ingredients coupled with the tremendous view of San Francisco keep this place busy, so make reservations or arrive early. 41 Main St, 415.789.5123, ginzasushi-tiburon.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 4 to 7 p.m. M-F. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com

MILANO Italian Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this familyowned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. Favorites like the cheesy garlic bread and pesto pasta keep customers coming back. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100, tiburonmilano.com

NEW MORNING CAFE

American Sit outside or indoors at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, tables will be fi lled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315

SALT & PEPPER

American This sunfi lled, one-room restaurant, featuring hardwood floors and blue-checkered tablecloths, is a local favorite. Popular items include scallops, ribeye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594

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. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Executive Chef Massimo Covello comes to the kitchen via Frantoio and Piazza D’Angelo; here, he cooks up an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas and seasonal specialties. A member of Marin Organic and one of Marin’s fi rst eateries to become certi fied as a green business, Servino uses fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

TIBURON TAVERN

California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting, with two outdoor patios, two indoor fi replaces and candlelit tables at dinner. No item is more than $25, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. M–F. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com

WEST MARIN

THE LUNCH BOX

American Spending the day on the coast? Stop by this modern day mom and pop deli for some beach bites. In addition to deli offerings, Lunch Box offers a full Mexican menu on Thursday and Friday evenings, with recipes from the chef’s hometown of Colima (Stinson). 15 Calle del Mar, Ste 2, 415.868.8884, lunchboxmarin.com

NICK’S COVE American

Large windows provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. The 130seat eatery’s menu consists of fresh local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com

OSTERIA STELLINA

California Whether it’s to cap off a ay of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and features local, organic ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the goat shoulder, a favorite of tourists and locals alike (Point Reyes). 11285

Out

About / DINE

Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com

PARKSIDE CAFE

American Perfect for a sit down, alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Choose from an array of organic, locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com

PINE CONE DINER

American You ca n fi nd this ultimate neighborhood diner just off he main road. 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, pineconediner.com

RANCHO NICASIO

American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab cakes to the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Medallions dish, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop by for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. M–F. 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 wa s floated to Stinson that same year. Enjoy live music along with barbecued local oysters and New England clam chowder. The sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com

SIR & STAR AT THE OLEMA California Try the housemade bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stu ffed quail, or take the plunge and sample the entire menu — the majority of items are $20 or less (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.1034, sirandstar.com

STATION HOUSE CAFE

American Fresh local homegrown foods, served when available, are showcased on the chef’s menu. Stop in on weekends for live music and enticing wine and beer lists (Point Reyes Station). 11180 State Rte One, 415.663.1515, stationhousecafe.com

SAN FRANCISCO

AQ RESTAURANT & BAR California AQ takes seasonal to a new level, not only adapting the menu but also transforming the decor of the entire venue to match the weather outside. This summer the warmly lit space parallels the dishes made with fresh veggies, nuts and fi sh. 1085 Mission St, 415.341.9000, aq-sf.com

BENU Asian/French Plan an evening at Benu for a formal and sophisticated meal. The breathtaking compositions are offered on a tasting menu that gives you the full experience of this restaurant’s unique Asian fusion cuisine. 22 Hawthorne St, 415.685.4860, benusf.com

BOULI BAR American/ Mediterranean Head to Boulettes Larder’s new bar and dining room for the savory fl avors of spicy lamb, feta and mint or the

We are all Dreamers

4

OCT 28, 2014

PLAYING BIG: FIND YOUR VOICE, YOUR MISSION, YOUR MESSAGE

Tara Sophia Mohr | Author of "Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message," expert on women’s leadership and well-being, creator of the acclaimed Playing Big leadership program for women and popular blogger at www.taramohr.com.

JAN 27, 2015

TOXIC BODIES: THE UNHEALTHY TRUTH & WHAT WE CAN DO TO PROTECT OURSELVES

Ken Cook | President and co-founder of Environmental Working Group, a public interest research and advocacy organization focused on protecting human health and the environment. Ken is the creator of the online consumer database Skin Deep, has been named one of Washington's Top Lobbyists and is considered one of the most influential 20th Century leaders and change-makers in the world.

MAR 10, 2015

THE DIGITAL GENERATION: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS SHAPING OUR YOUTH

Jim Steyer | CEO and Founder of Common Sense Media, nationally known author of several books including "The Other Parent: The Inside Story of the Media's Effect on our Children" and one of the most respected experts on issues related to children's media and education in the U.S.

APR 28, 2015

when? 6:30 - 9:00pm what? Presentation, appetizers, dessert, wine tasting, book signings & more where? Mill Valley Community Center STM_printad_MM_July2014_new.pdf 1 7/23/14 11:30 PM

& About / DINE

HAKKASAN Chinese

THE SECRET LIVES OF WOMEN: THRIVING AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE Iris Krasnow | Journalism professor and Academic Director at American University and best-selling author of several books including "Sex After...Women Share How Intimacy Changes as Life Changes", ”The Secret Lives of Wives", "Surrendering to Motherhood" and "I Am My Mother's Daughter." Iris is an expert in the field of relationships, personal growth and “female generational angst" and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, Oprah and CNN.

BOXING ROOM Cajun

The Southern comfort of Louisiana, updated to fit the polished elegance of the city. Indulge in authentic Cajunstyle eats and fresh California seafood. 399 Grove St, 415.430.6590, boxingroom.com

BUN MEE Vietnamese

The Southern comfort A fun and casual lunch spot that put s a fl avorful twist on classic Vietnamese. Sit back in this playful space with a salad, bowl or sandwich and enjoy the stylish San Francisco vibes. 2015 Fillmore St, 415.800.7696, bunmee.com

CAPO’S CHICAGO

Italian If you’re craving classic Chicago-style Italian and a venue to match, the endless pizza choices and fl avorful pasta and meat selections here will more than satisfy your appetite and take you back in time to the mobster days of the 1920s. 641 Vallejo St, 415.986.8998, sfcapos.com

FRANCES California

San Francisco elegance meets comfort food. The local, seasonal menu is a must-try on any trip to the city. Beware of the wait, however; make a reservation. 3870 17th St, 415.621.3870, frances-sf.com

The sleek, streamlined design is in sync with the delicate composition of the dishes, making this a grand S.F. destination. The rich-fl avored slowbraised beef and the hot-and-sour soup are essentials. 1 Kearny St, 415.829.8148, hakkasan.com

KIN KHAO Thai Fullfl avored Thai: From spicy curries to crab sen chan (a fresh seafood pad thai) to off-the-wall cocktails designed by Bon Vivants, this new San Francisco eatery is sure to impress. 55 Cyril Magnin St, 415.362.7456, kinkhao.com

LOLÓ Mexican Fashionable San Francisco–style Mexican cuisine fuses market-fresh ingredients with traditional dishes. The whole atmosphere is bright, colorful and festive, a reflection of Loló’s fl avor-blasted menu. 974 Valencia St, 415.643.5656, lolosf.com

MICHAEL MINA Japanese/French Michael Mina has clearly mastered the fi ne line between award-winning art and Alaskan halibut. Each brilliantly crafted dish gives diners a delicate blend of fl avors that add up to a distinctive, luxurious dining experience. 252 California St, 415.397.9222, michaelmina.net

NAMU GAJI Korean

A clean and natural design in a streamlined setting, where a shiitake mushroom dumpling and an eightounce Korean-accented burger are among the many options to

discover. 499 Dolores St, 415.431.6268, namusf.com

NOPA California The easy California menu shows off oasted chicken and pork chops, with a bouquet of appetizers to set the mood. Although this S.F. destination is busy almost every night (a good sign), the wait at the legendary bar is half the fun. 560 Divisadero St, 415.864.8643, nopasf.com

PADRECITO Mexican

Authentic Mexican cooking with the variety and individuality of San Francisco. The tacos feature meat from the likes of Mary’s, Marin Sun Farms and Niman and Meyer ranch that go perfect with the spicy and original cocktails. 901 Cole St, 415.742.5505, padrecitosf.com

RICE, PAPER, SCISSORS Vietnamese

Don’t be fooled by the casual setting in this Vietnamese pop-up cafe — the grilled steak bahn mi i s five-star-worthy. Take a seat on one of the bright red stools on Mission Street and stay warm with a pot of jasmine tea. 1710 Mission St, 415.878.6657, ricepaperscissors.com

RICH TABLE California

A bright, relaxed environment, fresh ingredients grown only feet from the kitchen, creative and quirky cocktails and California wine. 199 Gough St, 415.355.9085, richtablesf.com

ROKA AKOR Japanese

With a grand open grill as the centerpiece of the space, this is a destination for anyone who appreciates

charcoal-fi red red meat or mint-adorned plates of fresh sashimi. The sultry subterranean Roka Bar is perfect for a before- or after-dinner drink. 801 Montgomery St, 415.362.8887, rokaakor.com

STATE BIRD PROVISIONS American

With an overwhelming variety of choices, from seafood to spicy kimchi to pancakes, not to mention a full range of poultry, this uncommon dim sum–style setup features a little bit of everything. 1529 Fillmore St, 415.795.1272, statebirdsf.com

TOWN HALL American

The exposed brick and warm, unconventional lighting turn Town Hall’s large space into an intimate yet elegant environment. With a more-than-adequate wine list and savory American classics like pork tenderloin with honey grits, a visit here should be on everyone’s list. 342 Howard St, 415.908.3900, townhallsf.com

VERBENA California

This lofted-ceilinged, dimly lit space has a relaxing atmosphere that is only furthered by the artistic manipulation of local veggies and rich meat and poultry dishes. Pair with a cold beer or a fi ne French wine. 2323 Polk St, 415.441.2323, verbena restaurant.com

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

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

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Services

Green River provides comprehensive wealth management services to individuals, families and small businesses. Our areas of particular expertise include green, sustainable investing, customized retirement plans for small businesses and tax-favored investment strategies. We also broker life, disability and long-term care insurance policies. Securities and advisory services are offered solely through Protected Investors of America, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor and FINRA Member.

Briefly Describe Your Business Philosophy

As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP, CLU), I believe careful planning is the best way to make steady progress toward goals. At Green River, we start by helping clients get organized and focused so that we understand the current financial position and can identify challenges and

Robert G. Aycock, owner of Aesthetic Surgery Laser and Skin Care Center

As a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon (M.D., FACS), I seek to distinguish myself by offering leading-edge treatments coupled with highly personalized care. We have offices in Walnut Creek and Greenbrae.

What are the challenges in your practice?

No two procedures are ever performed exactly the same. I treat each patient as an individual, modifying my techniques to enhance natural beauty. It’s imperative to use combination treatments that address multiple signs of aging, as each region of the face presents unique challenges.

What makes your work worthwhile?

I have to say that I have a very fulfilling life helping my patients achieve their aesthetic goals to look and feel their best.

What is your competitive edge?

My goal is simply to give all patients what they need to look their best and I consistently go the extra mile to provide patient-specific care. For more than two decades I have developed a loyal following performing

opportunities. After a strong foundation is established, frequently with insurance products, an investment strategy is developed tailored to the client’s lifetime goals.

What is your competitive edge?

Navigating today’s financial services environment can be a challenge for even a sophisticated investor. By emphasizing communication and transparency, we help our clients understand enough about financial services and investing to feel a sense of security and control over their own financial destiny. We focus on follow-up, and we build flexibility into every financial plan — life is never completely predictable.

What have you been focusing on lately?

My recently published book on green investing demonstrates unequivocally that green, sustainable mutual funds and ETFs enjoy excellent performance. Green funds include an extra step: they include and exclude stocks and bonds based on how the parent corporation treats the environment, supports its employees and governs itself.

What are you most passionate about in your business?

Sustainable investors are using new academic data to demonstrate the benefits of diversity for corporate decision making and entity success.

GREEN RIVER FINANCIAL SERVICES, 1000 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 8, SAN RAFAEL, 415.453.6000, PCOSTELLO@PROTECTEDINVESTORS.COM, GREENRIVERFINSERV.COM

face-lifts, tummy tucks, breast augmentations and liposuction.

Is surgery always necessary?

Surgery may not always be necessary. For some patients who are not quite ready for surgery, we can achieve their goals using lasers, fillers and other noninvasive protocols. As an international speaker and trainer for the Sciton Laser, I can offer the most advanced nonsurgical antiaging treatments, including the “Forever Young” Broad Band Light treatment, and Skin Tyte to tighten skin that has lost its elasticity.

AESTHETIC SURGERY LASER AND SKIN CARE CENTER, 550 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2, 415.925.1700, AYCOCKMD.COM

500 Palm Drive, Novato, CA www.MarinMOCA.org

Opening Exhibition:

Filmmaking Doing Good

Marin Conversations on September 10 with James Redford and Tabitha Jackson

Documentary films are powerful tools for understanding social issues and encouraging activism. James Redford’s films provide meaningful insight into subjects ranging from the environment, dyslexia, and organ donation. Tabitha Jackson at the Sundance Institute is at the forefront of promoting documentary films. Join these gifted artists and champions of social change as they discuss the power of film.

Marin Conversations is a monthly dialogue on important social issues presented by the Commonwealth Club and the Marin Community Foundation and meets at the Outdoor Art Club at One W. Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley. Light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar at 7:00 pm; program runs from 7:45 – 9:00 pm. commonwealthclub.org/mc/redford

the

Fête Fantastique

invites you to: Saturday, Sept. 27 @ 5:30 p.m. RSVP: 415.479.8100 marinsymphony.org

AMY AND MATT Whitelaw had a specific list of what they wanted in the home where they’d spend the next 10 years of their lives: an easy walk to downtown, room for Amy’s parents to visit and plenty of space for their almost-teenage daughters to spread out. They just didn’t know it would take one tortoise and five chickens to make the dream possible.

The Whitelaws, who commute to corporate jobs in the city, were tired of having to displace their younger daughter from her Homestead Valley bedroom whenever Amy’s East Coast parents came to stay. So in early 2013, they started looking for a bigger house.

Only a few months later, a Boyle Park home — with a stunning in-law unit — became available, and they wasted no time in making an offer. The market was crazy-hot, so the Whitelaws proposed to close in just four days

— and take the previous owners’ chickens. “The only thing they countered us on was the chicken head count,” says their realtor, Selene Rose. “We said that three chickens could stay. It turned out there were five.”

Their eldest daughter did not want to move. To make it easier, they bought her Yertle the Turtle — who was actually a tortoise and “required a lot more maintenance than we realized,” says Matt.

But the menagerie was a small price to pay for the verdant street-to-street lot. The twostory home gives all the Whitelaws the privacy they need and has three di fferent living areas, including a family room downstairs the girls have commandeered.

Upstairs, the home has a stylish kitchen with gray and ivory cabinets, set against a mosaic of sea-green glass tiles. An adjacent family room, where the family frequently

hangs out, echoes the color scheme with an aquamarine Mitchell Gold couch. Just off he family room, there’s a deck, where playful sounds from Boyle Park and the Mill Valley Tennis Club waft up — making Amy, in particular, very happy.

The separate studio, however, is the property’s showcase. Its small kitchen is out fitted with cherry cabinets below the counter and white opaque glass cabinets above. The corkfloored sleeping area, a few steps down, is lit by a wall of windows. And the bathroom, with a heated pebble floor, feels European, with a freestanding shower and no wall to separate it from toilet or sink. Amy’s parents love it.

“We were really thinking, what’s the house we want for the next part of our lives?” says Amy. “What’s good for all of us, including my parents and the girls?” The answer, it turns out, came with a steady supply of eggs. m

THE DETAILS

WHERE THEY PURCHASED The Boyle Park area of Mill Valley

WHAT THEY BOUGHT A renovated 1949 four-bedroom home

LISTING AGENT Dubie Breen, Coldwell Banker

SELLING AGENT Selene Rose, Paci fic Union International STATS Price per square foot for homes in the neighborhood: $850–$1,050

Opposite page: The kitchen and family room. This page, clockwise from top: The living room; the Whitelaws and their daughters; the in-law unit’s bedroom and kitchen; the unit’s bathroom; the front deck.

By the Numbers

As these selections prove, there are many ways to display your address. Be it painted, sculpted or 3-D, the style shows through.

Email a photo of yourself standing by your numbers to letters@marinmagazine.com; we’ll choose one or more submitted photos to run in the next issue.

The Sheltered Life

Staying cool in the shade. BY PJ BREMIER

EVEN ON THE hottest Marin days, there is the promise of cooler evenings and breezier days to come. But while the heat is here we all look for ways to relax in the refreshing coolness of the shade. Can there be relief more welcome than a nice breeze or a cold drink? We think so. These stylish shade structures will give you a much-needed break from the hot sun.

Bridge Road, Kentfield

Classic Architectural Gem! Location, luxury & lifestyle come together in this exquisitely reconstructed 3bd/2ba home. Superb quality and high-end finishes throughout. Open floor plan with french doors leading to patios. 2-car attached garage.

25BridgeRd.com $1,795,000

Suzanne Shelhart 415.613.0100

Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio

Price Reduced! 20+/-sun drenched acres, a beautiful spacious 3bd/3ba home with guestroom, beautiful gardens, large lawn, fenced pasture and views that will take your breath away.

2400NicasioValleyRoad.com

$1,685,000

Rick Trono 415.515.1117

Day Street, San Francisco

Quintessential Noe Valley Victorian, remodeled 3+bd/2ba, custom kitchen, full basement with 2-car parking and bonus attic space. Landscaped garden with large deck offering sweeping views. Convenient access to all that Noe Valley has to offer.

524Day.com $1,499,000

Jonathan Marks 415.307.0505

Waikiki Lane, Dillon Beach

Views, Views, Views! 3bd/3ba home with breathtaking views from every room. Three separate decks, master suite with living area and private deck. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Great for peaceful relaxation or entertaining. This house has it all!

Price Upon Request

Ellen Crusoe 415.287.7653

Acacia Avenue, Larkspur

A stellar location just blocks to charming downtown Larkspur and across the street from the bike path. This 3+bd/2ba home features a chef’s kitchen that opens to large yard with office/cottage on one side and a family room on the other.

JulieLeitzell.com

Price upon request

Julie Leitzell 415.309.7074

Upland Avenue, Mill Valley

Enchanting, open and bright, 5bd/3.5ba home in Blithedale Canyon with panoramic Mt Tam views. Sited on a large, private, sun drenched lot with huge level lawn area and patio. Chef's kitchen and vaulted ceilings. Close to town and Mt. Tam trails.

MarinHomesToday.com

Price Upon Request

Lee Parkhurst 415.302.5548

Highly competitive and famously complex, the San Francisco real estate market can be both challenging and rewarding.

Zephyr turns savvy, informed Bay Area urbanites into successful homeowners, investors and sellers. ZephyrRealEstate.com

Architecturally Stunning Peacock Gap Home

63 San Marino Drive, San Rafael $1,299,000

Located atop Peacock Gap in San Rafael, this one level home is one of a kind. The main living area offers an open floor plan with high cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, and beautiful Anderson sliding doors that lead to a private deck and backyard with Mt. Tam and hillside views. The kitchen with a separate pantry has high end stainless steel appliances and opens to the great room. The highly desirable floorplan includes a master suite, has sliding doors leading to the backyard, and is completely separate from the other 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.

63SanMarino.com

• Close to China Camp State Park, Peacock Gap Golf Course and Country Club

• Award-winning school district

• 4 Bedrooms +Office/3 Bathrooms

• Close to Loch Lomond Marina

In Escrow Multiple Offers

33 Bonnie Banks, San Rafael $1,550,000

Located in the highly desirable East San Rafael neighborhood of Loch Lomond, this colonial home has long been revered as one of the true jewels of the area.The home is sited above the Marina with views of the San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tam. It is a quintessential family home with rooms for every inspiration. The main floor welcomes you through a large entrance.

33BonnieBanks.com

Christine Christiansen, mba 415.259.7133

christine @ sothebysrealty.com christinechristiansen.com

104 Southern Heights, San Rafael

This extremely charming San Rafael home will make you feel like you are on vacation year round! As you enter, you are greeted by a large, open living room with extremely high ceilings and an adjacent dining area. Both open out onto a wonderful deck area surrounded by lush trees and perfect for dining al fresco. Adjacent to the dining area is a wonderful kitchen with a view to the Bay and the hills beyond and access to the deck. This level also features two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Upstairs you will find an incredibly romantic master suite with a huge walk-in closet and an updated master bathroom. Next to the master is a wonderful, open loft that looks down to the living room. This space

is perfect as a den, office, or library perfect for relaxing and reading a good book or visiting with friends and family. The lower level features a spacious 4th bedroom and full bathroom and a large family room that offers ample built-in storage. This level also opens out to another wrap-around deck with lush views and privacy. Wonderful high ceilings, gracious living spaces, and calming views of surrounding trees and the Bay. An extremely functional floor plan and great location convenient to so much but has the feeling of getting away from it all. Don’t miss this wonderful home!

One-Level living with views of Mt. Tam, a private boat dock and decks to enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and bird watching! Updated Kitchen/“Great Room,” 2 Bedrooms and 2 updated Baths.

An expansive deck and interior spaces capture water and Mt. Tam views from this recently remodeled 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath home. Resortstyle living near the heart of the charming hamlet of Larkspur.

Located at the end of a private cul-de-sac, this stunning contemporary home is surrounded by views of green hills and awe-inspiring sunsets. It sits adjacent to the trail head of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with hiking, biking and dog-walking trails just next door, yet minutes to charming downtown Mill Valley and the Golden Gate Bridge.

A home for the most discriminating of buyers with spacious rooms, including 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, an impressive Wine Room, Family Room just off the Kitchen, a formal Living Room with a fireplace and a Master Suite with views, a cozy fireplace, and a “spa-like” Bathroom.

Sunrise to Sunset Views

Extensively remodeled in 2006 and sited on more than 1/3 of an acre, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home surrounds you with spectacular East Bay to Mt. Tam Views.

Featuring high end fi nishes throughout with a designer chef’s kitchen and adjoining family room, spacious master suite and bonus room with own entry perfect for offi ce or exercise room. Designer landscape and hardscape accented by beautiful lighting.

Wonderful indoor/outdoor fl ow with an expansive deck that is perfect for entertaining.

Majestic Private Contemporary Estate

Just 6 minutes from downtown Mill Valley nestled in the beautiful majestic redwoods is a super private, elegant, contemporary, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom hillside home which imparts an elegance to the rustic setting. It is sun-drenched with amazing valley views. It features a Great Room, Living Room, and Chef’s Kitchen that all have cathedral ceilings. There are beautiful Brazilian cherry hardwood fl oors with radiant heat throughout. The home is spacious and light, offers wraparound decks, and an oversize patio that has ideal fl ow for fantastic indoor/outdoor entertaining. In addition, it features a separate Studio In-Law unit, tons of storage, and several bonus rooms for offi ces and a home gym. The home’s multiple levels are serviced by an elevator top to bottom. 169RoseAvenue.com

MAJESTIC PRIVATE CONTEMPORARY ESTATE

Elegant, contemporary, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom hillside home. Sun-drenched with amazing valley views. It features a Great Room, Living Room, and Chef’s Kitchen that all have cathedral ceilings. separate Studio In-Law unit.

Brian Byers 415.602.7915

Brian.Byers@SothebysRealty.com

IN ESCROW—MULTIPLE OFFERS

169roseave.com $2,295,000

SOLD OVER ASKING

KENT WOODLANDS IN SAN RAFAEL

Located in desirable Loch Lomond this is a quintessential family home. Formal and casual rooms for all! Pool, hot tub, easy city commute. 4 bedrooms + office/3 bathrooms.

Christine Christiansen 415.259.7133

christine@sothebysrealty.com

For more see: 33bonniebanks.com $1,550,000

LOVELY HILLVIEW HOME

Lovely Hillview home on a corner lot with a pool. Three good size bedrooms & two baths plus an expansive kitchen/family room. Easy walk to downtown Larkspur.

Julie Casady 415.246.3200

Julie.Casady@SothebysRealty.com

ONE PARCEL. FOUR UNITS. WATER VIEWS.

Not on the market for over 2 decades 4 units building on a street to street lot. 2 addresses for the property. 34 Edison & 37 Corte Madera. One parcel. Great location! Long term tenants. Carport parking for 3 cars. Water Views. nadinegreenwood.com $1,295,000

Nadine Greenwood 415.203.7050 nadinegreenwood@msn.com

198tulane.com $1,295,000

MILL VALLEY PERFECTION

Absolute jewel in the heart of downtown Mill Valley! Custom built home with beautiful detailing and fi nishes. Open floor plan flooded with natural light. 3 Beds, 3 baths…library/den.

Corey Graham 415.971.0167

c.graham@deckerbullocksir.com

SOLD MULTIPLE OFFERS

34Cornelia.com $2,300,000

HIGHLY DESIRABLE FORBES NEIGHBORHOOD

260 Center Street, San Rafael—Sold 101.40% over list price. Mid Century Modern styling featuring 4BD/3BA, spacious bonus room and fantastic sunny level yard.

Colleen Madden 415.497.5170

Colleen @ HomeSalesMarin.com

homesalesmarin.com Listed at $949,000

Prestigious, gated estate at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly one acre with long driveway to large motor court and gracious, one-level residence with fabulous floor plan. Wonderful outdoor living with resort-like, sparkling pool, hot tub, and cabana with kitchen, full bath, dressing room and outdoor shower surrounded by bamboo that feels tropical with the sun beating down and a breeze coming up the canyon from the marina, just like a sea breeze in Bali. Large formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, huge kitchen and family room with fireplace adjacent a wonderful indoor-outdoor entertainment barbecue area. Beautifully manicured grounds with stunning, lush gardens, breathtaking roses, expansive lawns, fruit trees, vegetable garden and cutting gardens provide privacy, tranquility and meditation. Five bedrooms, three full and two half baths, three-car garage and off-street parking for ten cars…

BEADLE AND DEBBIE BERNIER

65 Bedford cove | Offered at $949,000

Sitting just above the nature preserve (a birder’s paradise lagoon), with sparkling views of the bay and miles of bayside paths just steps away, you must see it to believe the quality and everything this home & location have to offer! Very quiet cul-de-sac, excellent warm & sunny microclimate, a friendly neighborhood kept in beautiful condition. HOA also includes security, pool & tennis courts. “Extensively Improved & Impeccably Maintained” is an understatement here: everything from the roof to the windows, floors, heating, kitchen, lighting, siding, landscaping, fireplace and more have been replaced with high quality work. Custom built-ins throughout, luxury master closet, and the best unwarranted bonus space (appx. 320 s.f.) you’ve ever seen perched above it all.

55 Melville

classic Fixer, Prime Seminary location & Views! This is a lovely circa 1930 fixer on a beautiful piece of land in San Anselmo’s Seminary area, one of Marin’s most sought-after heritage neighborhoods. With wide open views of Mt. Tam and the Seminary, full sun, 3 off street parking options and plenty of living space to work with, 55 Melville has all the most important elements of value covered! Wade Thomas Elementary school is just a couple blocks away, and downtown San Anselmo is just beyond. Two additional bonus rooms below could make a great in-law unit or au pair suite. Vintage charm. Co-listed with Glen Williams.

Realtor

Home, the Ultimate Luxury Address.

Mill Valley |

Tucked away near the end of a cul-de-sac in the desirable Strawberry Vista neighborhood this spacious and immaculate 4+ bedroom home built in 2002 with an open floor plan as equally suited for entertaining as intimate daily life. This exquisite Mediterranean style home is within easy access to the 101, Strawberry Village, biking and hiking trails, and San Francisco. Excellent quality and high-end craftsmanship is visible throughout the residence. Currently configured as a four bedroom, the office with its own full bathroom can easily be converted to a fifth bedroom. 86VistaDelSol.com Jeanne Shenna Moe | 415.846.9538

This premier location in enjoys unobstructed views of the Bay including the magnificent trifecta, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and the San Rafael Bridge. Also included in the view is the San Francisco Skyline, Angel Island, Marin and Mt. Tamalpais. Point Richmond at its best. Designed by Architect Ming Lee to ‘reduce the visual impact on the coastline and harmonize with the hillside topography’, this modern warm and elegant home was completed in 2011 with the choicest of materials and utmost attention to detail. 336Pacificave.com

This 2014 contemporary Craftsman, built to the highest standards of quality. Featuring an open floor plan capturing the idyllic indoor/outdoor lifestyle with inviting arches. The incredible great-room boasts a carefully designed custom kitchen with white shaker cabinets, built-in hood, farmhouse sink, Thermador appliances and a blend of Carrera Marble and Caesarstone counters. The kitchen, great room and large deck are connected by doors of glass creating the indoor/outdoor main living areas. Formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room 4BR/4.5BA and den/office. Located near award-winning schools, and downtown San Anselmo.

offered at $2,495,000

Paul Cingolani (415) 726-9630

Single level, gated estate with detached guest cottage located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms with over 3,000 square feet of total living space. This home includes an updated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, living room, dining room and large office. The spectacular grounds of this home are accented by large stone, custom paver patios, beautiful gardens and Pebble Tec pool. Perfect location ,close to the Branson School, award winning K-8 Ross School, Ross Common and downtown San Anselmo.

offered at $2,395,000

RobeRt bRadley (415) 314-1314

3BR/3BA upstairs, plus media room! Stroll into a fairytale garden. Darling three stall horse barn.

offered at $2,225,000

lysbeth Wiggins (707) 529-5087

Classic San Anselmo Gated Home

Gated, light-filled, large home in the flats, ideally situated close to both Fairfax & San Anselmo downtown areas. South-facing main entry deck has hill views and a retractable awning. Inside includes; a formal living room with gas fireplace, formal dining room, updated eat-in kitchen with island seating & a large pantry. Grilling deck off kitchen also opens to in-law/au pair 1BR/1BA. Street level boasts four bedrooms, full bath, Master Suite and private deck with hot tub and large family room with fireplace and a cool, shady deck. Backyard has another deck, mature landscaping, vegetable garden and play structure.

offered at $1,475,000

RobeRt bRadley (415) 314-1314

This prestigious Pacheco Valle home nestled in the trees offers privacy, sweeping valley views, and plenty of sunshine. Features include 4BR/2.5BA, large living and dining rooms, and a large family room adjacent to the open kitchen and outdoor patio areas. The master suite on the main level has a large walk-in closet and a beautifully remodeled master bathroom. Recently remodeled baths & upgraded kitchen as well as new hardwood floors. Backyard and patio areas where you can enjoy the spectacular valley views or relax in the hottub. Great location near open land, hiking trails and easy freeway access, too!

offered at $1,275,000

Carol Matney (415) 272-9266

The original owners loved this home and you will too. First time on the market, this very special home has a wonderful floor plan, accommodating a variety of uses. This is a perfect home for entertaining, with formal living and dining rooms, large kitchen, adjoining family room and the stunning private backyard, to bring the party outside. There are 4BR/3BA and downstairs you’ll find a bedroom which was converted to an office.

offered at $925,000

(415) 215-6346

This bright and well-loved home includes 3BR/2.5BA in 2400± sq.ft. It backs up to the open hills with views outside almost every window. The well-designed floor plan with high ceilings includes formal living & dining rooms, an open kitchen, breakfast nook and family room overlooking the beautiful backyard. The loft, with views of Mt. Tam, is ideal for a home office. The kitchen offers refinished wood floors, spacious stone counters and generous cabinets, in addition a 5-burner gas range and a greenhouse window over the sink.

offered at $899,000

Deborah SolvaSon (415) 519-3555

Three bedrooms, two baths with vaulted ceiling and expansive views out to the Bay. New floors upstairs and refinished wide plank pine downstairs. New fresh contemporary interior colors. Granite kitchen countertops with updated cabinets. Fireplace, nice deck for entertaining. Easy commute to San Francisco. Excellent Mill Valley schools. Extra storage space. Near open land and GGNRA.

offered at $899,000

407-6848

“After nearly 30 years in San Francisco, Vanguard is thrilled to be bringing our unique approach and distinctive style to buying and selling real estate to Marin.”

“Vanguard’s level of excellence, impeccable customer service, and commitment to teamwork is phenomenal.”

“Vanguard offers the latest in real estate technology and forward thinking marketing. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

“Vanguard’s philosophy of quality, intelligent direction, and skillful execution resonates with my goals and ideals. I was hooked the moment I walked into their beautiful office.”

“The management and fellow agents instill a newfound sense of pride in our profession. And its superior level of marketing resources is second to none.”

“Working with fellow Realtors who hold the highest level of professional integrity and give total allegiance to their clients is great. I love working here.”

“The upbeat atmosphere and great location are better suited to our clients. And it’s not as corporate.”

“Vanguard focuses on providing its agents with the tools they need to do their best work. This company is very supportive, helpful and organized.”

“Vanguard’s integrity, cutting-edge technology and superb marketing are the perfect environment for The Bowman Group’s tradition of personalized boutique services for our clients.”

“Vanguard has a culture of cooperation between agents as well as accessibility and support from managers. It’s a great fit for me.”

“This is my home turf and Vanguard’s reputation for innovation and professionalism delivers the highest level of service and dedication to my Marin clients.”

“Being a part of an innovative company with such an extraordinary team of professionals is invigorating and inspiring.”

“Joining this team was an easy decision to make. Its technology, marketing support and agent congeniality make this a perfect place to work.”

“Vanguard is an amazing company. I can service both my Marin and San Francisco clients all from one location.”

“I felt right at home as soon as I walked in. With a stellar reputation and Kevin Pastel at the helm, I’m excited to be part of this growing company!”

“When I found out what Vanguard is all about I was sold! It’s an exciting place to be. The energy is infectious.”

“Vanguard believes in professionalism, quality, and integrity at every level. Being surrounded by other like-minded individuals makes me a better agent.”

Vanguard Agent Spotlight

The people, the communities, the friendliness and connections make this a very special place. It’s not only beautiful, but Marin residents genuinely care about what’s here, including our parks, our schools, our neighbors and our neighborhoods.

I grew up in San Anselmo, went to Drake High School & Dominican University, and with my husband, raised our own family in Kentfield. As an outdoor enthusiast & life long equestrian, one of the things I love best about Marin is the abundance of outdoor space and the endless lifestyle options in this multi-faceted county. As a licensed Realtor, I know what homes in Marin County are selling for. Also, having been an active school volunteer and a previous Kentfield School Board Trustee I am very familiar with all of the school choices and options in Marin. If you’re looking for a realtor, or just have a question about a move you’re thinking about, I hope you’ll give me a call. Because for us Marinites, it’s always great to meet a neighbor.

Rosie’s Retribution

IN 1872, HILARITA REED married Dr. Benjamin Lyford, a former Civil War medic; they developed the Eagle Dairy on land she’d inherited from her father, the Marin pioneer John Thomas Reed. Their property, which fronted Richardson Bay, was on the Tiburon Peninsula. Once Eagle Dairy was operating,

they built a magnificent Victorian home on their land. Thirty years later, Hilarita and Benjamin passed away, having willed their Strawberry acreage and the Victorian to Hilarita’s nephew John Paul Reed. And that’s when things got, well, intriguing. It seems John Paul had a ranch manager named Manuel Rodrigues da Fonta, who had a daughter named Rose, and while John Paul’s wife, Clothilde, wouldn’t allow Rose, considered hired help, to set foot inside the home, young Rose and John Paul were becoming close friends, possibly lovers. So smitten was John Paul with Rose that when he died in 1919, he left her 11 acres on the other side of Richardson Bay. Fast-forward to the 1950s: John Paul Reed was dead, and Rose was 74 and raising goats on her bayfront property (she became known locally as “Rosie, the Goat Lady”). Meanwhile, across the bay, the once-magnificent

Victorian had fallen into disrepair. In 1957, Rose bequeathed her land to the National Audubon Society, on the condition that she could live on it during her remaining years. In turn, Marin residents, seeking to preserve a landmark, asked Rosie if they could place the Victorian — the one she’d been forbidden from entering — on her scenic land. She agreed, and the structure was barged across Richardson Bay and beautifully restored. Yet Rosie, possibly in reaction to the snub decades earlier, never resided there; instead, she stayed in her weather-worn cottage. Rosie died in 1964, and the magnificent Victorian, the Lyford House, still stands at 376 Greenwood Beach Road in Tiburon, where it serves as the reception hall and wedding site for the nearby Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary. Rosie’s bayfront land is the setting for the fall fashion feature on page 44. m

OSKA 153 Throckmorton Avenue Mill Valley 415 381 1144 millvalley.oska.com

OSKA 310 Center Street Healdsburg 707 431 7717 healdsburg.oska.com 2130 2130 Fillmore Street San Francisco 415 563 1717 www.2130-sf.com Beverly Hills