Page 60 | Bohemian | Sonoma & Napa Counties

Open Mic: Driven & Riven, When a Car Drives Hate

Nikki Silverstein

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Mar 25, 2025

Open Mic: Driven & Riven, When a Car Drives Hate

It’s not every day one sees a Tesla surrounded by hand-painted placards reading “Deport Elon” or “F/Elon,” but that’s the tableau unfolding at Tesla dealerships in Marin and Sonoma.

These protests—part political outcry, part identity crisis—aren’t just symbolic acts of resistance. They’re reflections of a deeper rupture in the soul of green-tech progressivism.

The catalyst? Elon Musk himself, who recently stirred fresh outrage with a stiff-armed pose that bore an uncanny resemblance to a Nazi salute during a public appearance. Whether a sick joke, misguided irony or something more sinister, the image was enough to fracture any remaining détente between Musk and the communities that once saw him as a green visionary. When protest signs start referring to Teslas as “swasticars,” it’s clear the spell has broken.

But what does this mean for the many people who bought Teslas not as status symbols but as their personal means of combating climate change? The discomfort is real and justified. Being tailgated by one’s own values is one thing; being called complicit in fascism because of one’s car is another. The fallout is personal, not theoretical. These are folks who might support every cause represented by the protesters and still find themselves under the magnifying glass.

So, who’s really being hurt here? Musk’s bottom line will recover. His reputation? Never. But the local dealership workers, the early adopters trying to reconcile their ethics with their purchases, and yes, the protesters themselves—these are the people caught in the combustion.

That said, the protest energy is far from misguided. It’s just mis-aimed. Musk doesn’t live in Santa Rosa or Corte Madera. But policymakers do. So do school boards and city councils. Direct action matters—but precision matters more. The target shouldn’t be a parked Tesla (defacing one with a hate symbol is a hate crime, regardless of who’s driving). It should be the pipeline that allows tech celebrities to convert wealth into unchecked political influence.

Because if we’re going to burn rubber, let it be on the road to somewhere better.

Michah D. Mercer lives and loves in the North Bay.

Free Will Astrology, March 26-April 1

Astrology

Rob Brezsny

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Mar 25, 2025

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Ancient Rome’s emperor, Julius Caesar, undertook a radical move to fix the calendar, which had become increasingly inaccurate as the centuries passed. He added three months to the year 46 BCE, which as a result was 445 days long. I’m thinking that 2025 might seem equally long for you, Aries. Your destiny may feel like it’s taking forever to unfold. APRIL FOOL! I totally lied. In fact, I think 2025 will be one of your briskest, crispest years ever. Your adventures will be spiced with alacrity. Your efforts will be efficient and expeditious. You may sometimes be amazed at how swiftly progress unfolds.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Guilt and fear are always useless distractions from what’s really happening. Right? APRIL FOOL! The fact is that on rare occasions, being anxious can motivate you to escape from situations that your logical mind says are tolerable. And guilt may compel you to take the right action when nothing else will. This is one time when your guilt and fear can be valuable assets.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The German word Flüsterwitze means “whisper jokes.” These jests make taboo references and need to be delivered with utmost discretion. They may include the mockery of authority figures. Dear Gemini, I recommend that you suppress your wicked satire and uproarious sarcasm for a while and stick to whisper jokes. APRIL FOOL! I lied. The truth is that the world needs your outspokenness. Your ability to call out hypocrisies and expose corruption—especially with humor and wit—will keep everyone as honest as they need to be.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the lead-up to the Paris-hosted 2024 Summer Olympics, the iconic Eiffel Tower was repainted gold. This was a departure from tradition, as the usual colors had been brown on the bottom and red on the top. The $60-million job took 25 painters 18 months. I recommend that you undertake an equally monumental task in the coming months, Cancerian. APRIL FOOL! I lied. In fact, I do hope you undertake a monumental task—but one that’s more substantive than changing the surfaces of things. Like revisioning your life story, for example—reinterpreting your past and changing the way it informs your future. I think you are ready to purge inessential elements and exorcize old ghosts as you prepare for a relaunch around your birthday.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When I worked on the Duke University grounds crew years ago, I did the work I was assigned as quickly as possible. Then I would hide in the bushes, taking unauthorized breaks for an hour or two, so I could read books I loved. Was that unethical? Maybe. But the fact is, I would never have been able to complete my assigned tasks unless I allowed myself relaxation retreats. If there is an equivalent situation in your life, Leo, I urge you to do as I did. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. The truth is that I think you should be a little less extravagant than I was—but only a little—as you create the spaciousness and slack you need.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In his film, Fitzcarraldo, Virgo director Werner Herzog tells an epic story. It includes the task of hauling a 320-ton steamship up a hill and over land, moving it from one river to another. Herzog could have relied on special effects to simulate this almost impossible project, but he didn’t. With a system of pulleys and a potent labor force, he made it happen. I urge you to try your equivalent of Herzog’s heroic conquest, Virgo. You will be able to summon more power and help than you can imagine. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. While it’s true that you will be able to summon more power and help than you can imagine, I still think you should at least partially rely on the equivalent of special effects.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Researchers discovered that Egyptian fruit bats engage in extensive communication with each other while nesting in their roosts. Surprisingly, they talk about their problems a lot. In fact, they quarrel 60% of the time. Areas of disagreement include food allocation, positions within the sleep cluster and males initiating unwanted mating moves. Let’s make these bats your power creatures. The astrological omens say it’s time for you to argue more than you have ever argued. APRIL FOOL! I was not entirely truthful. The coming weeks will be a good time to address disagreements and settle disputes, but hopefully through graceful means, not bitter arguing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Unlike many modern poets, Scorpio-born Alice Notley rejects the notion that she must be part of any poetic lineage. She aspires “to establish or continue no tradition except one that literally can’t exist—the celebration of the singular thought sung at a particular instant in a unique voice.” She has also written, “It’s necessary to maintain a state of disobedience against everything.” She describes her work as “an immense act of rebellion against dominant social forces.” I invite you to enjoy your own version of a Notley-like phase, Scorpio. APRIL FOOL! I lied. In fact, I encourage you to enjoy a Notley-like phase beginning May 1. But for now, I invite you to be extra attentive in cultivating all the ways you can benefit from honoring your similarities and connections with others.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardized test that many American high school students take to prove their worth to colleges. The highest possible score is achieved by fewer than 1% of test-takers. We might imagine that earning such a premium grade must guarantee admission to any school, but it doesn’t. During one five-year period, for example, Stanford University rejected 69% of applicants with the highest possible score. I’m sorry to predict that a comparable experience might be ahead for you, Sagittarius. Even if you are your best and brightest self, you may be denied your rightful reward. APRIL FOOL! I totally lied. Here’s my real, true prediction: In the coming weeks, I believe you will be your best and brightest self—and will win your rightful reward.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The visible part of an iceberg is typically just 10% of its total size. Most is hidden beneath the sea’s surface. References to “the tip of the iceberg” have become a staple metaphor in many cultures, signifying situations that are not what they seem. Of all the zodiac tribes, Scorpios are renowned for their expertise in discerning concealed agendas and missing information. The rest of us tend to be far less skillful. APRIL FOOL! I fibbed. These days, you Capricorns are even more talented than Scorpios at looking beyond the obvious and becoming aware of the concealed roots and full context.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the coming weeks, I advise you to be like the 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson. She lived in quiet seclusion, corresponding through letters instead of socializing. She seemed content to write her poems all alone in her home and be unconcerned about trying to get them published. APRIL FOOL! I lied. Here’s my real horoscope: Now is a highly favorable time for you to schmooze with intensity at a wide range of social occasions, both to get all the educational prods you need and to advance your ambitions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Some systems and situations improve and thrive in response to stress and errors. Indeed, some things need strain or irregularity to be fully healthy. For example, human bodies require a certain amount of stress to develop a resistance to infection. In reading the astrological omens, I conclude you now need stimulation like that. APRIL FOOL! I lied. Here’s the truth: August of 2025 will be a great time for you to harvest the benefits of benevolent stress. But for now, your forte will be the capacity to avoid and resist stress, confusion and errors.

Fairfax Fare: Eat, Drink & Be McGarry

Food & Drink

Amber Turpin

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Mar 20, 2025

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At the end of last summer, Fairfax Brewing Company opened in a location on Center Boulevard in Fairfax long held as a beer nexus.

This brewery space has been operating for a quarter century, starting with Ross Valley Brewing Company, then Iron Springs Pub & Brewery, owned by locals Anne and Michael Altman, who ran it for close to 20 years but retired in 2021, followed by two iterations of Hen House Brewing Company of Santa Rosa.

The launch of Fairfax Brewing marks the town’s first branded beer label, as well as continuing a legacy of Marin County community members coming together to create a locally owned and operated business venture.

While that communal spirit is robust, Fairfax Brewing Co.’s chef Dan McGarry, who worked at Duke’s in Huntington Beach and Guy Fieri Signature Restaurants out of Sonoma County, is a driving force. He grew up in Fairfax, just a few blocks from the brewery, so it’s definitely a homecoming for him.

McGarry brings his experience as an executive chef to his role as managing partner and has put together a diverse menu perfectly suitable for beer drinking. Hearty options like pork lumpia, nachos and a fried chicken sandwich find a place next to lighter fare like marinated cold cucumbers, yellowfin poke tacos and a green goddess salad.

It’s a bit of everything, and something for everyone, the kind of place we all need in a town.

While McGarry helms a brewery, his drink of choice is not beer. That’s unsurprising, as everyone seems to prefer tequila these days. A man of few words, this one thing shines through…

Amber Turpin: What’s your job?

Dan McGarry: Managing partner at Fairfax Brewing Company.

AT: How did you get into that work?

DM: Passion for food and connecting with people.

AT: Did you ever have an “aha” moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.

DM: The first time I drank good tequila, I immediately thought, “This is way better than Jose Cuervo.”

AT: What is your favorite thing to drink at home?

DM: Fortaleza Blanco Tequila.

AT: Where do you like to go out for a drink?

DM: Anywhere with a good tequila selection.

AT: If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?

DM: Margaritas.

Visit faxbrewco.com.

Best of the North Bay 2025

Daedalus Howell

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Mar 19, 2025

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The Bohemian’s annual tribute to the Best

It’s that time again, dear readers—when we take a moment to acknowledge what makes life in the North Bay the best. And, in true North Bay fashion, we do so with equal parts civic pride and wry self-awareness, because if we can’t lovingly roast the place we call home, who will? (Oh, right, Marin. But we digress.)

This edition is your field guide to excellence, your Rosetta Stone of regional delights, your well-worn treasure map to the people, places and peculiarities that make the North Bay uniquely ours. Whether you’re hunting for the best pour-over coffee, a haircut that won’t require witness protection or the ultimate post-yoga brunch spot, we’ve got you covered.

The real magic, however, isn’t in the pages—it’s in you. The readers. The voters. The people who took the time to champion their favorites, ensuring that the North Bay’s finest didn’t just win but were seen. We merely had the honor of translating your collective wisdom into print, gilding it with a bit of our own editorial mischief.

Special thanks to our brilliant contributors—Isabella Cook, Kary Hess and Michael J. O’Connor—whose words add the necessary spark, and to our production and advertising teams, who make this whole operation possible.

Please raise a glass, bong, fist, to the Best of the North Bay. It’s an annual reminder that while the world keeps changing, some things—like our irreverent, inimitable community—just keep getting better.

See the Winners!

SOMO Cowork: Where work, wellness and community thrive

Best of Services

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Mar 19, 2025

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SOMO Cowork: Where work, wellness and community thrive

Published in cooperation between SOMO Cowork and the Bohemian

A workspace should do more than just provide Wi-Fi and a desk—it should inspire, energize and support the people who use it. That philosophy is what has made SOMO Cowork, located in SOMO Village, a standout in the North Bay. Designed with creativity, sustainability and well-being in mind, SOMO Cowork has redefined the traditional office, earning its recognition as a Best of the North Bay winner.

With a focus on both productivity and wellness, SOMO Cowork isn’t just a place to get work done—it’s a space where professionals can flourish mentally, physically and professionally.

A Work Environment Designed for Balance

SOMO Cowork blends modern design, natural elements and wellness-focused amenities, creating an environment where people can do their best work without sacrificing well-being.

● Expansive natural light and art-filled spaces foster creativity and focus.
● Indoor-outdoor workspaces allow members to shift between an energizing open-air deck and a cozy indoor lounge.
● Flexible work options range from private offices and dedicated desks to collaborative desks, giving professionals control over how they work best. But where SOMO Cowork truly sets itself apart is in its commitment to wellness as a core part of the workday.

The energizing open-air deck at SOMO Cowork. Image credit: SOMO Cowork.

Wellness at Work: A Space That Cares for Mind and Body

Unlike conventional offices or coworking spaces, SOMO Cowork integrates wellness into the work experience, ensuring that members can recharge, move and restore their energy throughout the day.

● A meditation room with a massage chair offers a quiet space to reset and de-stress.
● A movement room featuring a smart mirror and spin bike allows members to incorporate fitness and stretching into their routine without leaving the building.
● A dedicated bodywork room provides space for massage, acupuncture and Reiki sessions, making holistic health an accessible part of the workday.
● An abundance of natural plants to decorate the space.

With wellness woven into the workspace, professionals don’t just work—they feel better, focus longer and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Woman working on a computer in the spacious SOMO Cowork facility — Maintain a healthier work-life balance. Image credit: SOMO Cowork.

A Home for Wellness Practitioners

SOMO Cowork’s emphasis on well-being and holistic health has attracted a diverse community of wellness professionals, including:

● Therapists and counselors who appreciate the peaceful and professional environment for their practice.
● Physical therapists and chiropractors who offer movement and recovery services to the coworking community.
● Massage therapists, acupuncturists and Reiki practitioners who benefit from a built-in network of potential clients.

By creating a space that supports both work and wellness, SOMO Cowork has built a thriving ecosystem of professionals who share a vision of balance and success.

Large windows overlook one of the communal spaces at SOMO Cowork. — SOMO Cowork features an abundance of natural light. Image credit: SOMO Cowork.

Sustainability Meets Productivity

Beyond its focus on work and well-being, SOMO Cowork is also a leader in sustainable design. As part of SOMO Village, one of the most environmentally responsible communities in the country, the coworking space operates with:

● 100 percent renewable energy, ensuring a clean, green footprint.
● Zero-waste initiatives, making sustainability part of the everyday workflow.
● Bike-friendly infrastructure and EV charging stations, supporting eco-conscious commuting.

For professionals looking for a space that aligns with their values of health, sustainability and community, SOMO Cowork offers an environment where people and businesses can grow together.

A communal room at SOMO Cowork — The space features many plants. Image credit: SOMO Cowork.

Why SOMO Cowork Won Best of the North Bay

Earning Best of the North Bay isn’t just about having great amenities—it’s about creating a work experience that enhances productivity, fosters community and prioritizes well-being.

● A beautifully designed space that balances creativity and focus.
● A strong sense of community, where collaboration happens naturally.
● A commitment to wellness, making health an integral part of the workday.
● A sustainable workspace, built with purpose and environmental responsibility.

For those seeking a workspace that truly supports their work, wellness and success, SOMO Cowork has set a new standard. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, remote worker, or wellness professional, this award-winning space offers more than just an office—it offers a better way to work.

For those ready to experience it firsthand, tours are available to see what makes SOMO Cowork an exceptional place to work and thrive.