Americans in Paris

-
0
Americans in Paris

Seeking a more avant-garde crowd than the usual middle-aged angst movie, Le Week-End‘s references to the revolutionary Antonio Gramsci and the dance sequence in Godard’s Bande à Part flatter us, expecting we’ll get it. The Paris street locations, more high than low, set the right mood in what is an older person’s version of work from the Richard Linklater/Julie Delpy axis.

Director Roger Michell (Notting Hill, Venus) follows married couple Meg (Lindsay Duncan) and Nick (Jim Broadbent), taking the Chunnel to celebrate their wedding anniversary in Paris. Meg is a spiky, handsome lady with excellent French. She’s the envy and despair of her husband, a philosophy professor facing ultimate futility at the end of his career. They’re at the stage in marriage where they’re both best friends and worst nemeses.

We get a suggestion of their power dynamic in one particular scene where Nick begs for something he wants from her on all fours—perhaps they’ve been playing this game for decades. Scottish actress Duncan here looks more like Joni Mitchell than Joni Mitchell does, seasoned and glowing with an aura of severity. (Duncan should be in line for any work Judi Dench isn’t getting.)

The question of the film is whether sentiment will keep Meg attached to her flailing, needy husband. It gets worse when Nick’s failure is contrasted with the mad success of his old school chum (Jeff Goldblum), a fountain of nigh-embarrassing American compliments, with a wife half his age and a tremendous view of the Place de la Concord from his window. It’s a delight to have Goldblum back lately, but I waited for the payoff—a hint of the spite that comes from failure.

Writers Picks: Recreation

-
0
Writers Picks: Recreation

Best Idea from the Past Awaiting Us in the Future

In a world where greenhouse gases are melting the ice caps, and nothing, not even “three lanes all the way,” can save you from a commute-hour headache—a train is coming. One bike path, somehow, finally got built. Clip on your shoes, fasten your helmet, and get ready for the ride of your life. The past is now what the future has in store.

That trailer pitch just never gets old, just like the use of flying cars in movies set in the “not too distant future” never gets old. In the real 21st century, however, we’re perfectly happy to get some inter-urban light rail, the kind of transportation we had in 1914—not to mention a bike path alongside it. Who would have thought, back when 2014 was Tomorrowland’s rocket-powered promise, it’d be so gosh-darn hard to get a bike path built?

In 2008, voters in Sonoma and Marin County approved a sales tax measure to fund construction of passenger rail service and a bicycle and pedestrian pathway along a 70-mile corridor from Cloverdale to Larkspur. Stymied in part by the Great Recession, the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District got rolling slowly. Then, one day in Santa Rosa, workers appeared. Ditches were dug, a gravel roadbed laid, and machines smoothed a nice, flat path of asphalt. A safety fence went up along the tracks. Today, in this marvelous age of technology, a cyclist can start at College Avenue and not have to get back on city streets until Eighth Street, a full two blocks later.

The College-to-Eighth segment was built by the city of Santa Rosa, with the help of federal highway funds that SMART had matched. What’s holding up the next two blocks from Eighth to Sixth, explains SMART pathway manager Paul Klassen, is the rigmarole of a right-of-way acquisition that would have been especially time-consuming and costly if those same federal funds had been involved in the process. But the next two blocks will be built, Klassen says, as well as six more discontinuous segments between Highway 12 and the Marin Civic Center that were approved last year, using Measure Q funding.

Unlike the existing railroad tracks, the adjacent strip of land is not a continuously available right of way, and the bicycle and pedestrian path will not be one straight shot to the Bay—in some areas, the “path” will be diverted onto city
streets. Building it will be a slog, block after block, one review, agency and funding source after another. So get ready, because it’s coming, soon—well, probably in the latter half of 2016. For the most part. www.sonomamarintrain.org.—J.K.

Best ‘Gas Station’ for When We’re All Riding Bikes Instead of Driving Cars

When gas becomes too expensive and cars congest the roadways in this country, as they now do in China and India, bicycles will become the preferred method of transportation. Instead of gas stations, we will have bike repair stations, taking up just a few square feet or so on a sidewalk. There, one can pump up a tire, adjust brakes, tighten handlebars and perform basic functions to keep one’s vehicle on the road—or at least to the right side of it, with three feet of space from auto traffic, of course.

Ahead of the curve on this is Santa Rosa’s Trek bicycle store, which has installed such a repair station outside its downtown shop. Owner Bret Gave found the product and immediately took it upon himself to buy it and install it for any cyclist to use, 24/7. “It pretty much has everything you need for on-the-spot repair,” says Trek employee Phil Scheidler. “We have people nearly every day compliment us on it.”

The idea is catching on—other businesses have already asked Trek to help them install one for their employees or customers in other areas of town. At about $1,000 per unit, it’s a lot cheaper than a gas station—and you won’t get charged $1 for air. 512 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.546.8735.—N.G.

Best Reason to Take Your Smartphone Camping

Whether it’s backpacking along the Marin Headlands, hiking amid majestic redwoods or kayaking the Napa River, there’s no shortage of amazing natural wonder in our local landscape. If the idea of roughing it in Mother Nature’s splendor is at all daunting, it’s easily doable with the right app. That’s right, there’s finally a reason to take a Smartphone on the trail. Looking for the nearest outdoor adventure? ParksNReviews (free) will seek out the closet park based on location. Afraid of getting lost while wandering the countryside? MotionX GPS (99 cents) shows real-time positions on a detailed map and leads the way back like a digital trail of breadcrumbs. More into cycling? Strava Cycling (free) finds trails and also logs distance and speeds, showing off other riders’ times, to keep it interesting. For the hardcore outdoorsman, there’s always the U.S. Army Survival Guide ($1.99), the most thorough outdoor survival app available, with chapters on any situation imaginable.—C.S.

Best Depreciable Sacrifice to the Sun God

Geyserville’s Hope-Merrill House harks back to an earlier time. A time of intricate craftsmanship, a time of walls plastered with mind-bendingly flowery wallpaper, a time of doilies and gewgaws, a time of stuffed peacocks. But when it comes to lighting up the dark corners of this amply furnished Victorian-era bed and breakfast, it’s not whale oil that makes it go—Hope Merrill House is powered by the latest in solar technology. In the North Bay, the image-conscious hospitality and wine industries have been among the most visible adopters of solar energy, which is expensive to install. But already, the Hope Merrill is getting 95 percent of its electricity from the solar array, says proprietor Cosette Scheiber. And in the Napa Valley, you can’t throw a bottle of cult Cabernet without hitting a winery’s solar panel array, if you put some arm into it. According to figures from Go Solar California, in megawatts per capita in the California Solar Initiative program, Sonoma County rates are four times as high as Los Angeles County. Will it make a difference? Well, did the automobile make a difference? After all, it was only highly capitalized folks who could
first afford to putter down dirt roads, white scarves flying in
the wind, scaring the horses. 21253 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. 707.857.3356. www.hope-inns.com.—J.K.

Best Way to Deposit Nature’s Call

Petaluma residents are contributing to a greener future in more ways than one when they, ahem, evacuate their bowels. Wastewater (that is, raw sewage) from city pipes flows to the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility on Lakeview Highway east of the city, where it undergoes an amazing transformation. After passing through several levels of treatment, the wastewater is pumped into 30 acres of “polishing ponds,” man-made reservoirs that hold water clean enough to be home to a thriving wetland habitat for myriad species of birds and eight threatened and endangered species, such as the salt marsh harvest mouse. Through a process called co-generation, methane gas produced in the treatment process fuels the sewer plant’s boiler, reducing energy costs and carbon emission. Taking a stroll around wastewater ponds might not sound like a good time, but a trip to the Ellis Creek ponds and surrounding wetlands will change your mind. It’s beautiful. There are four miles of trails and a path that leads to Shollenberger Park, another wetland wonderland. Wetlands offer wildlife habitat, a buffer against storms and a natural water-processing facility by filtering and cleaning the water that flows into it. The Ellis Creek facility has become a national model because of its use of technology, and also because of the way it mimics natural systems. Think on that next time you flush in Petaluma.—S.H.

Best Fashion Fantasy We Never Thought Would Become a Reality

‘Power Laces!’ exclaims time-traveling teenager Marty McFly, slipping on a silver pair of Nike sneakers and letting the shoe fit itself snuggly over his foot. As it appeared in the 1987 smash sequel, Back to the Future II, and set in the then-distant future of 2015, these smart shoes have been a constant source of nerd wonderment, like the hover board and flying cars also imagined in the film. Now, in the best possible “life imitating art” scenario, Nike designer Tinker Hatfield recently announced that Power Laces will be a reality in a year’s time. Shoe nerds everywhere might as well start saving up now, because chances are the self-tightening laces will cost an arm and a leg—which is OK, as long as they don’t include the foot on that leg.—C.S.

Readers Picks: Recreation
 |
Back to Intro Page

Readers Picks: Recreation

-
0
Readers Picks: Recreation

Best Bike Shop

Marin

Mike’s Bikes

836 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.454.3747.

Napa

The Hub

2500 Jefferson St., Napa.
707.253.2453.

Sonoma

The Trek Bicycle Store of Santa Rosa

512 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.546.8735.

Honorable Mention

The Bike Peddler

605 College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.571.2428.

Best Independent Bike Frame Builder

Marin

Cameron Falconer

fa************@***il.com

Napa

Curtis Inglis, Retrotec

www.ingliscycles.com

Sonoma

Sycip Bicycles

111 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.
707.542.6359.

Honorable Mention

Soulcraft

www.soulcraftbikes.com

Best Gym

Marin

Marin YMCA

1500 Los Gamos Drive, San Rafael.
415.492.YMCA.

Napa

Healthquest

3175 California Blvd., Napa.
707.254.7200.

Sonoma

Coaches Corner

420 Morris St., Sebastopol.
707.829.5180.

Honorable Mention

Powerhouse Gym

515 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.
707.284.4664.

Best Health Club

Marin

Bay Club Marin

220 Corte Madera Town Center,
Corte Madera 415.945.3000.

Napa

Synergy

3421 Villa Lane, Napa.
707.251.1395.

Sonoma

Airport Club

432 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa.
707.528.2582.

Honorable Mention

Parkpoint
Health Club

1200 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.578.1640.

Best Pilates Studio

Marin

Novato Pilates

1769 Grant Ave., Novato.
415.898.3499.

Napa

Downtown Pilates

1338 Pearl St., Napa.
707.257.7382.

Sonoma

Tone

545 Ross St., Santa Rosa.
707.526.3100.

Honorable Mention

Pilates
Collective

132 Weeks Way, Sebastopol.
707.829.8746.

Best Yoga Studio

Marin

Red Dragon Yoga

438 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.
415.381.3724.

1701 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.306.7904.

Napa

Bikram Yoga
Napa Valley

1950 Jefferson St., Napa.
707.254.9545.

Sonoma

Bikram Yoga
of Santa Rosa

522 Wilson St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.9642.

Honorable Mention

dhyana Center

186 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.823.8818.

Best Martial Arts School

Marin

Goju Karate

622 Lindaro St., San Rafael.
415.413.0930.

Napa

Red Dragon
Karate

2000 W. Pueblo Ave., Napa.
707.255.5470.

Sonoma

New School Aikido

880 Piner Road, Santa Rosa.
707.571.2013.

Honorable Mention

PHAS3 Training Center

575 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.
707.538.2950.

Best Park

Marin

Pt. Reyes
National Park

www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm

Napa

Skyline Park

www.skylinepark.org

Sonoma

Howarth Park

630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.
707.543.3425.

Honorable Mention

Spring Lake Park

5585 Newanga Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.539.8092.

Best Public Golf Course

Marin

McInnis Park
Golf Center

310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael.
415.492.1800.

Napa

Napa Golf Course
at Kennedy Park

2295 Streblow Drive, Napa.
707.255.4333.

Sonoma

Bennett Valley
Golf Course

3330 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.528.3673.

Honorable Mention

Windsor Golf Club

1340 19th Hole Drive, Windsor.
707.838.7888.

Best Snow/Skate/Board Shop

Marin

Triumph

907 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.457.1625.

Napa

Boardgarden

2740 Jefferson St., Napa.
707.253.7949.

Sonoma

Brotherhood

1240 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.546.0660.

Honorable Mention

Santa Rosa
Ski & Sports

1125 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa.
707.578.4754.

Best Surf Shop

Marin

Point Reyes
Surf Shop

11101 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.1072.

Napa

Boardgarden

2740 Jefferson St., Napa.
707.253.7949.

Sonoma

Northern Light
Surf Shop

17191 Bodega Hwy., Bodega.
707.876.3032.

Honorable Mention

Brotherhood

1240 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.546.0660.

Writers Picks: Recreation
 |
Back to Intro Page

Readers Picks: Family

-
0
Readers Picks: Family

Best Baby
Gift Store

Marin

A Child’s Delight

190 Northgate One Shopping Center,
San Rafael. 415.499.0736.

105 Corte Madera Town Center,
Corte Madera. 415.945.9221.

Napa

Freckles Children’s Boutique

1309 Main St., St. Helena.
707.963.1201.

Sonoma

Cupcake Children
& Maternity

641 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.579.2165.

107 Plaza St., Healdsburg.
707.433.3800.

Honorable Mention

Reverie Baby

2417 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.544.4630.

Best Toy Store

Marin

Five Little Monkeys

852 Grant Ave., Novato.
415.898.4411.

Napa

Toy B Ville

1343 Main St., Napa.
707.253.1024.

Sonoma

The Toyworks

531 College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.526.2099.

6940 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.
707.829.2003.

Honorable Mention

Kaleidoscope Toys

2421 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.545.8697.

Best Kids’ Clothing Store

Napa

Freckles Children’s Boutique

1309 Main St., St. Helena.
707.963.1201.

Sonoma

Cupcake Children
& Maternity

641 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.579.2165.

107 Plaza St., Healdsburg.
707.433.3800.

Honorable Mention

Wee Three
Children’s Store

1007 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.525.9333.

Best Kids’ Consignment Store

Marin

Outgrown

1417 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.457.2219.

Napa

Anew Beginning

2475 Solano Ave., Napa.
707.226.3979.

Sonoma

Pixie Stix Kids Consignment

200 S. Main St., Ste. 120, Sebastopol.
707.824.1048.

Honorable Mention

Sweet Pea Children’s Boutique

70 W. Cotati Ave., Cotati.
707.794.1215.

Best Birthday Party Place

Marin

Revolution 9

14 Bolinas Road, Fairfax.
415.459.7999.

Napa

Rockzilla

849 Jackson St., Napa.
707.255.1500.

Sonoma

Pump It Up

3360 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa.
707.545.3140.

Honorable Mention

Scandia Family
Fun Center

5301 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park.
707.584.7298.

Best Imagination Center

Marin

Bay Area Discovery Museum

557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito.
415.339.3900.

Napa

Nimbus Arts

649 Main St., St Helena.
707.963.5278.

Sonoma

Children’s Museum
of Sonoma County

1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa.
707.546.4069.

Honorable Mention

Charles M. Schulz Museum

2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa.
707.579.4452.

Best Summer Day Camp

Marin

Dance Palace

503 B St., Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.1075.

Napa

Way Off Broadway, Nimbus Arts

649 Main St., St. Helena.
707.963.5278.

Sonoma

Camp Wa-Tam

630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.
707.888.5267.

Honorable Mention

Cloverleaf Ranch

3892 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa.
707.545.5906.

Best Dog Obedience School

Marin

Marin Humane Society

171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato.
415.883.4621.

Sonoma

Olivet Kennel & Dog Training Resort

2404 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa.
707.542.2066.

Honorable Mention

Paradise Pet Resort

2120 Bluebell Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.595.3834.

5800 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.
707.206.9000.

Best Doggie Day Care

Marin

Bed & Biscuits

4240 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael.
415.499.0199.

Napa

Ruff Dog Daycare
& Hotel

49 Enterprise Court, Napa.
707.258.2020.

Sonoma

Fit ‘N’ Furry
Pet Resort

860 Lindberg Lane, Petaluma.
707.769.7387.

Honorable Mention

Four Paws Pet Ranch

3410 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.
707.542.3766.

Best Groomer

Marin

Shampooch

223 Caledonia St., Sausalito.
415.331.3647.

Napa

Tails of the City

2205 Main St. #A, Napa.
707.254.7877.

Sonoma

Fit ‘N’ Furry
Pet Resort

860 Lindberg Lane, Petaluma.
707.769.7387.

Honorable Mention

Four Paws Pet Ranch

3410 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.
707.542.3766.

Best Pet Boutique

Marin

For Paws

69 Bolinas Road, Fairfax.
415.456.4685.

Napa

Fideaux

1312 Main St., St. Helena.
707.433.9935.

Sonoma

Debbie’s Pet Boutique

10333 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor.
707.838.1896.

Honorable Mention

Bennett Valley
Pet Center

2700 Yulupa Ave. #19, Santa Rosa.
707.577.0663.

Best Animal Shelter

Marin

Marin Humane Society

171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato.
415.883.4621.

Napa

Napa County
Animal Shelter

942 Hartle Court, Napa.
707.253.4382.

Sonoma

Sonoma Humane Society

5345 Hwy. 12 W., Santa Rosa.
707.542.0882.

Honorable Mention

Petaluma Animal Services Foundation

800 Hopper St., Petaluma.
707.778.4396.

Best Kennel

Marin

Park-A-Pup

58 Gary Place, San Rafael.
415.453.5234.

Napa

Ruff Dog Daycare
& Hotel

49 Enterprise Court, Napa.
707.258.2020.

Sonoma

Four Paws Pet Ranch

3410 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.
707.542.3766.

Honorable Mention

Fit ‘N’ Furry Pet Resort

860 Lindberg Lane, Petaluma.
707.769.7387.

Best Veterinarian

Marin

Jerry Moore,
East San Rafael Veterinary Clinic

820 D St., San Rafael.
415.456.4463.

Napa

Mara Bleviss, Silverado Veterinary Hospital

2035 Silverado Trail, Napa.
707.224.7953.

Sonoma

Animal Hospital
of Sebastopol

1010 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol.
707.823.3250.

Honorable Mention

PetCare

2425 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.579.3900.

1370 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa.
707.579.5900.

Best Dog Park

Marin

Dogbone Meadow

www.ci.novato.ca.us

Napa

Alston Dog Park

www.cityofnapa.org

Sonoma

Ragle Ranch
Dog Park

500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol.
707.823.7262.

Honorable Mention

Rincon Valley Community Park

5108 Badger Road, Santa Rosa.
707.543.3292.

Best Feed Store

Marin

Toby’s Feed Barn

11250 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.1223.

Napa

Wilson’s Feed
& Supply

1700 Yajome St., Napa.
707.252.0316.

Sonoma

Western Farm Center

21 W. Seventh St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.0721.

Honorable Mention

Frizelle Enos Feeds

10035 Main St., Penngrove.
707.992.0144.

Writers Picks: Family
 |
Back to Intro Page

Readers Picks: Everyday

-
0
Readers Picks: Everyday

Best Antique Shop

Marin

Dove Place Antiques

306 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.,
San Anselmo. 415.453.1490.

Napa

Antiques on Second

1370 Second St., Napa. 707.252.6353.

Sonoma

Whistlestop Antiques

130 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.542.9474.

Honorable Mention

Food for Thought Antiques

2701 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol.
707.823.3101.

Best Resale Store

Marin

Yeah Baby!

1830 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.,
Fairfax. 415.459.4493.

Napa

LoLo’s

1120 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.7972.

Sonoma

Launch

971 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol.
707.829.3312.

Honorable Mention

Pine Grove
General Store

149 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.829.1138.

Best Pawn Shop

Sonoma

Santa Rosa Pawn Shop

1831 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.
707.872.7296.

Honorable Mention

Liberal Loan Pawn

611 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.528.1380.

Best Art Supply Store

Marin

RileyStreet
Art Supply

1138 Fourth St., San Rafael.415.457.2787.

Napa

Napa Valley Art Supplies

3250 California Blvd., Napa.
707.224.2775.

Sonoma

Rileystreet
Art Suppy

103 Maxwell Court, Santa Rosa.
707.526.2416.

Honorable Mention

Art & Soul
of Sebastopol

156 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.824.4837.

Best Framing Shop

Marin

Ringseis Designs

1824 Sir Frances Drake Blvd., Fairfax.
415.456.8121.

Napa

Fastframe Napa

1346 Trancas St., Napa.
707.226.3422.

Sonoma

My Daughter
the Framer

637 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.542.3599.

Honorable Mention

Frame of Mind

6671 Front St., Forestville.
707.887.8530.

Best Gift Shop

Marin

Herban Garden

15 Bolinas Road, Fairfax.
415.453.7109.

Napa

Napa Valley
Traditions

1202 Main St., Napa.
707.226.2044.

Sonoma

Milk & Honey

123 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.824.1155.

Honorable Mention

Kindred Fair Trade Handcrafts

605 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.579.1459.

Best Bookstore-New

Marin

Book Passage

51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera.
415.927.0960.

Napa

Copperfield’s Books

3740 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa.
707.252.8002.

1330 Lincoln St., Calistoga.
707.942.1616.

Sonoma

Copperfield’s Books

140 Kentucky St., Petaluma.
707.762.0563.

775 Village Court, Santa Rosa.
707.578.8938.

138 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.823.2618.

Honorable Mention

Levin & Company

306 Center St., Healdsburg. 707.433.1118.

Best Bookstore-Used

Marin

Rebound Bookstore

1611 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.482.0550.

Napa

Napa Bookmine

964 Pearl St., Napa. 707.733.3199.

Sonoma

Copperfield’s Books

140 Kentucky St., Petaluma.
707.762.0563.

Honorable Mention

Treehorn Books

625 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.525.1782.

Best Musical Instruments Store

Marin

Bananas at Large

1504 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.457.7600.

Napa

Napa Music Supply

2026 Redwood Road, Napa.
707.265.8275.

Sonoma

People’s Music

122 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.823.7664.

Honorable Mention

Tall Toad Music

43 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.
707.765.6807.

Best Record/
CD Store

Marin

Red Devil Records

894 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.457.8999.

Sonoma

Last Record Store

1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.525.1963.

Best Jewelry Store

Marin

Point Reyes Jeweler

11101 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.1936.

Napa

Napa Valley Jewelers

1317 Napa Town Center, Napa.
707.224.0997.

Sonoma

Artisana

146 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.829.3036.

Honorable Mention

E.R. Sawyer Jewelers

638 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.657.4004.

Best Knitting/Craft Shop

Marin

Dharma Trading Company

1604 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.456.1211.

Napa

Yarns on First

1305 First St., Napa. 707.257.1363.

Sonoma

Cast Away & Folk

100 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.546.9276.

Honorable Mention

Yarnitudes

3598 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. .707.827.3618.

Best Clothing Store-Men’s

Marin

Louis Thomas
Fine Men’s Apparel

211 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera.
415.924.1715.

Napa

Mario’s

1223 Main St., St Helena.
707.963.1603.

Sonoma

Kaliber

315 D St., Santa Rosa.
707.528.0182.

Honorable Mention

Louis Thomas
Fine Men’s Apparel

150 Kentucky St., Petaluma.
707.765.1715.

Best Clothing Store-Women’s

Marin

Susan Hayes Handwovens

80 Fourth St., Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.8057.

Napa

Miyamo

1128 First St., Napa.
707.251.9058.

Sonoma

Punch

711 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.526.4766.

Honorable Mention

Dressers

145 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.829.8757.

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Marin

Stella’s Fine Consignments

224 Greenfield Ave. #3,
San Anselmo. 415.453.6191.

Napa

Wildcat Vintage Clothing

1210 First St., Napa.
707.224.3162.

Sonoma

Aubergine

755 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.
707.827.3460.

Honorable Mention

Haute Couture

101 Third St., Santa Rosa.
707.528.7247.

Best Shoe Store

Marin

Sole Desire

184 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae.
415.419.8130.

5800 Northgate Mall, San Rafael.
415.472.1202.

Napa

Shoes on First

1209 First St., Napa. 707.252.7280.

Sonoma

Sole Desire

710 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa.
707.571.8643.

2411 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.542.1690.

176 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.634.7401.

11 E. Napa St., Sonoma. 707.931.0357.

500 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 707.933.1702.

Honorable Mention

Santa Rosa Shoes

2255 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.546.1083.

Best Appliance/Kitchen Design

Marin

Martin & Harris Appliances

2158 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.454.2021.

Napa

Spice Islands Marketplace

2555 Main St., St. Helena. 707.967.1100.

Sonoma

TeeVax

422 Wilson St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.1195.

Honorable Mention

Asien’s Appliance

1801 Piner Road, Santa Rosa.
707.546.3749.

Best Furniture/Home Furnishings

Marin

Sunrise Home

831 B St., San Rafael. 415.456.3939.

Napa

Definitely Different

2977 Solano Ave., Napa. 707.252.8015.

Sonoma

Cokas Diko

529 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.568.4044.

Honorable Mention

Pedersen’s Furniture

707 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.
707.542.1855.

Best Home Improvement

Marin

Pini Hardware

1535 S. Novato Ave., Novato.
415.892.1577.

Napa

Silverado Ace Hardware

1450 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga.
707.942.4396.

Sonoma

Friedman’s Home Improvement

4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.584.7811.

1360 Broadway Ave., Sonoma.
707.939.8811.

Honorable Mention

Sebastopol Ace Hardware

660 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol.
707.823.7688.

Best Solar Retail

Marin

Sun First!

3060 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael.
415.458.5870.

Sonoma

Solar Works

400 Morris St., Sebastopol. 707.829.8282.

Honorable Mention

Gaia Energy Systems

716 College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.272.8136.

Best Wi-fi
Hot Spot

Marin

Equator Coffee

115 Jordan St., San Rafael. 415.485.2213.

244 & 254 Shoreline Hwy.,
Mill Valley. 415.380.8900.

Napa

Molinaris

815 Main St., Napa. 707.927.3623.

Sonoma

Taylor Maid Farms

6790 McKinley St., Ste 130, Sebastopol.
707.634.7129.

Honorable Mention

Infusions Tea House

6988 McKinley St., Sebastopol.
707.829.1181.

Best Auto Dealer-New

Marin

Toyota of Marin

445 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael.
415.456.7071.

Napa

Jimmy Vasser Toyota
& Chevrolet of Napa

466 & 583 Soscol Ave., Napa. 707.927.4466.

Sonoma

Hansel Auto Group

www.hanselauto.com

Honorable Mention

Freeman Toyota

2875 Corby Ave., Santa Rosa.
800.225.3055.

Best Auto Dealer-
Pre-Owned

Marin

Toyota of Marin

445 Francisco Blvd. East., San Rafael.
415.456.7071.

Napa

Greenberg’s

784 Soscol Ave., Napa. 707.257.1565.

Sonoma

Hansel Auto Group

www.hanselauto.com

Honorable Mention

Manly Automotive Group

www.manlyauto.com

Best Motorcycle Shop

Marin

Hattar Motorsports

137 Front St., San Rafael.
415.456.3345.

Napa

Cross Town Cycles

1739 Action Ave., Napa.
707.251.9622.

Sonoma

Michael’s Harley-Davidson

7601 Redwood Drive, Cotati.
707.793.9180.

Honorable Mention

The Motorcycle Shop

3383 Airway Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.578.6686.

Best Scooter Shop

Sonoma

Revolution Moto

518 College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.523.2371.

Honorable Mention

G & B Motorsports

326 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.
707.763.4658.

Best Auto Detailing

Marin

Royal Coach Carwash

990 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael.
415.454.5660.

Napa

Rico’s Auto Detailing

1538 Third St., Napa. 707.252.8366.

Sonoma

Advanced Auto
Glass & Detail

2460 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.876.7434.

Honorable Mention

Autosport Detailing

1945 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.579.3710.

Best Auto Repair

Marin

Codoni’s
Auto Service

46 Hamilton Drive, Novato.
415.883.4448.

Napa

Zeller’s
Auto Repair

17320 Yajome St., Napa.
707.252.6567.

Sonoma

Out West Garage

321 Second St., Petaluma.
707.769.0162.

Honorable Mention

Green Tech Automotive

501 Barham Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.545.7076.

Best Nursery

Marin

Sunnyside Nursery

130 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo.
415.453.2701.

Napa

Van Winden’s

1805 Pueblo Ave., Napa.
707.255.8400.

Sonoma

Harmony
Farm Supply

3244 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol.
707.823.9125.

Honorable Mention

King’s Nursery

1212 13th St., Santa Rosa.
707.542.4782.

Best Hydroponic Supply Store

Marin

Marin Hydroponics

55 Frosty Lane, Novato.
415.233.4104.

721 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael.
415.482.8802.

Napa

Endless Green

55 Enterprise Court, Ste. 2, Napa.
707.254.0200.

Sonoma

Santa Rosa
Hydroponics

4880 Sonoma Hwy., Santa Rosa.
707.595.1340.

4130 S. Moorland Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.584.9370.

Honorable Mention

Hydro Depot

13 W. Third St., Santa Rosa.
707.542.3866.

5665 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park.
707.584.2384.

6731 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.
707.829.1510.

Best Grocery Store

Marin

Good Earth
Natural Foods

720 Center Blvd., Fairfax.
415.454.0123.

Napa

Vallerga’s Market

3385 Solono Ave., Napa.
707.253.2621.

Sonoma

Oliver’s Market

546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati.
707.950.9501.

560 Montecito Center, Santa Rosa.
707.537.7123.

461 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa.
707.284.3530.

Honorable Mention

Community Market

1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.546.1806.

6762 Sebastopol Ave. #100, Sebastopol.
707.407.4020.

Best Ethnic Market

Marin

Mi Pueblo Food Center

330 Bellam Blvd., San Rafael.
415.578.3971.

Napa

Morenita

2434 Jefferson St., Napa.
707.255.9068.

Sonoma

Lola’s Market

www.lolasmarkets.com

Honorable Mention

Asia Mart

2481 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa.
707.542.3513.

Best Natural Foods Store

Marin

Good Earth
Natural Foods

720 Center Blvd., Fairfax.
415.454.0123.

Napa

Golden Carrot
Natural Foods

1621 W. Imola Ave., Napa.
707.224.3117.

Sonoma

Community Market

1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.546.1806.

6762 Sebastopol Ave. #100, Sebastopol.
707.407.4020.

Honorable Mention

Oliver’s Market

546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati.
707.950.9501.

560 Montecito Center, Santa Rosa.
707.537.7123.

461 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa.
707.284.3530.

Best
Culinary Store

Marin

Tyler Florence

59 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley.
415.380.9200.

Napa

Shackford’s
Kitchen Store

1350 Main St., Napa.
707.226.2132.

Sonoma

Cultivate

186 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.824.1400.

Honorable Mention

i Leoni

120 Kentucky Ave., Petaluma.
707.762.9611.

Best Pipe Shop

Marin

The Mighty Quinn

1099 Fourth St. #G, San Rafael.
415.457.2420.

Napa

The Mighty Quinn

110 Soscol Ave., Napa.
707.226.7420.

Sonoma

Peacepipe

622 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.541.7016.

8492 Gravenstein Hwy., Ste. C, Cotati.
707.795.6420.

Honorable Mention

The Mighty Quinn

3372 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.545.4975.

16 Western Ave., Petaluma.
707.762.9420.

Best Hair Salon

Marin

Elements Salon

447 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.
415.381.4247.

Napa

Vanity for Guys & Dolls

920 Franklin St., Napa.
707.258.8537.

Sonoma

Daredevils & Queens

122 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.575.5123.

Honorable Mention

Brush the Salon

322 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.
707.431.1400.

Best Nail Salon

Marin

Three Sisters

963 Grand Ave., San Rafael.
415.454.9662.

Napa

Napa Nails

1415 Second St., Napa.
707.224.4599.

Sonoma

Zen Nails & Day Spa

2330 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.545.5341.

Honorable Mention

Bella Mia Nail Studio

410 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma.
707.778.8959.

Best Skin
Care Services

Marin

EVO Spa

800 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 216,
Mill Valley. 415.383.3223.

Napa

Pure Skin Spa

1401 Lincoln Ave., Napa.
707.738.9511.

Sonoma

Bliss Organic Day Spa

186 N. Main St. #230, Sebastopol.
707.861.3434.

Honorable Mention

Kokeshi—
A Zen Facial Spa

1311 W. Steele Lane, Ste. B, Santa Rosa.
707.591.6732.

Best Body-
Art Place

Marin

Spider Murphy’s

1006 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael. 415.460.6979.

Napa

The Golden Owl Tattoo

926 Franklin St., Napa. 707.266.2454.

Sonoma

Buddha’s Palm
Tattoo Gallery

313 Main St., Sebastopol. 707.829.7256.

Honorable Mention

Faith Tattoo

600 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.566.9955.

Best Day Spa

Marin

EVO Spa

800 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 216, Mill Valley.
415.383.3223.

Napa

Spa Solage

755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga. 707.226.0800.

Sonoma

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

209 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone. 707.823.8231.

Honorable Mention

Bliss Organic Day Spa

186 N. Main St. #230, Sebastopol.
707.861.3434.

Best Resort
& Spa

Napa

Bardessono

6526 Yount St., Yountville. 707.204.6000.

Sonoma

Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa

2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.8530.

Honorable Mention

Hotel Healdsburg

25 Matheson St., Healdsburg. 707.431.2800.

Best Acupuncturist

Marin

Community Acupuncture of Marin

7075 Redwood Blvd., Ste. H, Novato. 415.250.4009.

Napa

Concordia
Natural Medicine

1834 First St., Napa.
707.260.4794.

Sonoma

The Saxena Clinic

633 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.575.4826.

Honorable Mention

Sebastopol Community Acupuncture

876 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol.
707.823.2217.

Best Herbal Clinic

Marin

Community Acupuncture of Marin

7075 Redwood Blvd., Ste. H, Novato.
415.250.4009.

Napa

Chinese Acupuncture
& Herbal Clinic

3091 Solano Ave., Napa.
707.255.5152.

Sonoma

Farmacopia

95 Montgomery Drive, Ste. 90,
Santa Rosa. 707.528.4372.

Honorable Mention

dhyana Center

186 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.823.8818.

Best Medical Dispensary

Marin

Delta Delivery

www.freemedicalcannabisdelivery.org

Napa

Sunshine Vitality

su******************@***il.com

Sonoma

Peace in Medicine

6771 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.
707.823.4206.

1061 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.843.3227.

Honorable Mention

Green Light Alternatives

www.greenlightalternatives.com

Best Chiropractor

Marin

Schillinger Chiropractic

1050 Northgate Drive, Ste. 1, San Rafael.
415.491.0959.

Napa

Ryan Lazarus,
Lazarus Chiropractic Inc.

1734 Jefferson St., Napa. 707.224.2283.

Sonoma

Jake Quihuis,
the Chiropractic Center

1819 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.523.9850.

Honorable Mention

Ben Spencer,
Wellness Chiropractic

635 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.
707.575.8988.

Best Orthodontist

Marin

Don Wilson,
Wilson Orthodontics

7250 Redwood Blvd. #107, Novato.
415.878.0240.

Napa

Napa Valley Orthodontics

3303 Villa Lane, Napa. 707.254.0404.

Sonoma

Bernstein Orthodontics

2245 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.575.0600.

3835 Cypress Drive, Ste. 210, Petaluma.
707.559.2166.

8741 Brooks Road S., Windsor.
707.836.8360.

Honorable Mention

John Woo & Marc DeBerardinis, Petaluma Orthodontics

301 Washington St., Petaluma.
707.762.0211.

Best Esthetic Dentist

Marin

Holly Downes

7 N. Knoll Road, Mill Valley.
415.388.5151.

Napa

Vineyard Dental Napa

1103 Trancas St., Napa. 707.255.1172.

Sonoma

Sean Wilson

98 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.579.1555.

Honorable Mention

Lorraine Gock

3910 Princeton Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.546.9882.

Best Hospital/Health Care Clinic

Marin

Marin General Hospital

250 Bon Air Road, Greenbrae.
415.925.7000.

Napa

St. Helena Hospital

10 Woodland Road, St. Helena.
707.963.3611.

Sonoma

Kaiser Permanente

401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa.
707.393.4000.

Honorable Mention

Sutter Medical Center

3325 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa.
707.576.4000.

Best Optical Store

Marin

20/20 Optical

1127 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.453.2020.

Napa

The Eyeworks

1328 Pearl St., Napa. 707.254.2020.

Sonoma

Sonoma Eyeworks

534 Larkfield Center, Santa Rosa.
707.578.2020.

Honorable Mention

Les Shipley & Associates

1430 Guerneville Road, Ste. 3, Santa Rosa.
707.525.9920.

Best Laser Surgery Center

Marin

Mt. Tam Laser & Skin Care

350 Bon Air Road #120, Greenbrae.
415.482.3888.

Sonoma

Walter Tom, Aesthetic Laser & Vein

70 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa.
707.542.8346.

Honorable Mention

Victor Lacombe, Artemisia

1002 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.577.8292.

Best Plastic Surgeon

Marin

Kimberly Henry

350 Bon Air Road, Ste. 1, Greenbrae.
415.924.1313.

Napa

William J. McClure, Napa Valley Plastic Surgery

1175 Trancas St., Napa.
707.258.6053.

Sonoma

David E. Marcus

1128 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.575.1626.

Honorable Mention

Victor Lacombe, Artemedica

1002 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.577.8292.

Best Bank

Marin

Bank of Marin

1101 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.485.2265.

Napa

Bank of Napa

2007 Redwood Road, Ste. 101, Napa.
707.257.7777.

Sonoma

Exchange Bank

www.exchangebank.com

Honorable Mention

Summit State Bank

500 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa.
707.568.6100.

Best Credit Union

Marin

Redwood Credit Union

209 Third St., San Rafael.
800.479.7928.

1010 Grant Ave., Novato.
800.479.7928.

Napa

Redwood
Credit Union

1705 First St., Napa. 707.545.4000.

Sonoma

Redwood
Credit Union

1205 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.545.4000.

2763 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.4000.

2360 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.545.4000.

Honorable Mention

Community First Credit Union

www.comfirstcu.org

Best Real Estate Agent/Company

Marin

W Real Estate

www.wrealestate.net

Napa

Gary K. Rose, Southeby’s

780 Trancas St., Napa.
707.256.2147.

Sonoma

Debbie Hegardt, Century 21 Alliance

1057 College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.577.7777.

Honorable Mention

Meaghan Creedon, Bradley Real Estate

1401 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.280.4772.

Best Attorney

Marin

Howard Martha Attorney at Law

12783 Sir Frances Drake Blvd., Inverness.
415.669.1685.

Napa

Mary & Jason Luros, Hudson & Luros

1436 Second St., Napa.
707.418.5118.

Sonoma

Hansen & Miller
Law Firm

415 Russell Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.575.1040.

Honorable Mention

Law Offices of
Omar Figueroa

7770 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol.
707.829.0215.

Best Locally Made Retail Product

Marin

Cowgirl Creamery

80 Fourth St., Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.9335.

Napa

Napa Soap Company

651 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.5010.

Sonoma

Kozlowski Farms

5566 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Forestville.
800.473.2767.

Honorable Mention

Traditional
Medicinals Teas

4515 Ross Road, Sebastopol.
800.543.4372.

Best Nonprofit

Marin

CLAM of West Marin

www.clam-ptreyes.org

Napa

Feast It Forward

www.feastitforward.com

Sonoma

Ceres Community Project

7351 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.
707.829.5833.

Honorable Mention

Food for Thought
Food Bank

PO Box 1608, Forestville. 707.887.1647.

Best Digital Creative Services

Sonoma

Zack Darling
Creative Associates

1049 Fourth St., Ste. B, Santa Rosa.
800.985.9322.

Sonoma

Honorable Mention

Net Visibility Solutions

5150 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.
707.595.0450.

Writers Picks: Everyday
 |
Back to Intro Page

Spleef of Police

-
0
Spleef of Police

The League of California Cities and the California Police Chiefs Association have come out in support of SB 1262, introduced last month by State Sen. Lou Correa that would regulate medical marijuana in the state.

This marks a significant shift in the groups’ stance since just last year, when the two groups helped kill at least four similar bills in legislation. But in August last year the U.S. Department of Justice said it would not enforce federal laws in cases of medical marijuana, and a recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows 60 percent of likely voters in the state support legalization.

“We could . . . not ignore that the political landscape on this issue was shifting,” say the groups in a press release from Feb. 21. “Our two organizations independently came to realize that although we remain strongly opposed to marijuana use, it is increasingly likely that in the near future some statewide regulatory structure for medical marijuana could be enacted.” While that’s not exactly a cry to “legalize it,” it’s the first pro-marijuana stance by either group.

SB 1262 would require in-person doctor evaluations and automatically audits doctors who recommend over 100 patients per year for medical marijuana use. It would also assign the Department of Public Health the task of ensuring that all marijuana sold at dispensaries is pesticide-free, and that proper security measures are in place at dispensaries throughout the state. It also upholds local governments’ authority to permit or disallow dispensaries in their jurisdiction. A ballot measure is expected in 2016 that would expand legalization and regulate the industry.

Readers Picks: Romance

-
0
Readers Picks: Romance

Best Place
for Singles
to Meet

Marin

Nickel Rose

848 B St., San Rafael.
415.454.5551.

Napa

Carpe Diem
Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa.
707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Underwood
Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Hopmonk Tavern

230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.
707.730.7308.
691 Broadway Ave., Sonoma.
707.935.9100.

Best Romantic Dinner

Marin

Vin Antico

881 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.721.0600.

Napa

Bouchon

6534 Washington St., Yountville.
707.944.8037.

Sonoma

Farmhouse Inn
& Restaurant

7871 River Road, Forestville.
707.330.3300.

Honorable Mention

Madrona Manor

1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg.
707.433.4231.

Best Staycation

Marin

Nick’s Cove

23240 Hwy. 1, Marshall.
415.663.1033.

Napa

Hotel Yountville

6462 Washington St., Yountville.
707.967.7900.

Sonoma

Bodega Bay Lodge

103 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay.
707.875.3525.

Honorable Mention

Hotel Healdsburg

25 Matheson St., Healdsburg.
707.431.2800.

Best Boutique Hotel

Marin

Panama Hotel

4 Bayview St., San Rafael.
415.457.3993.

Napa

Mount View
Hotel & Spa

1457 Lincoln St., Calistoga. 707.942.6877.

Sonoma

Hotel La Rose

308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa.
800.678.8946.

Honorable Mention

Hotel Healdsburg

25 Matheson St., Healdsburg.
707.431.2800.

Best
Couples Spa

Marin

Shibui

19 Tamalpais Ave., San Anselmo.
415.457.0283.

Napa

Lavender Hill Spa

1015 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga.
707.942.4495.

Sonoma

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

209 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone.
707.823.8231.

Honorable Mention

The Spa Hotel Healdsburg

25 Matheson St., Healdsburg.
707.431.2800.

Best
Lingerie Shop

Marin

Pleasures of the Heart

1310 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.482.9899.

Napa

Pleasures Unlimited

1424 Second St., Napa.
707.226.2666.

Sonoma

Ma Cherie et Moi

2332 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.573.1103.

Honorable Mention

Spice Sensuality Boutique

6597 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.
707.588.0525.

Best Erotica Store

Marin

Pleasures of the Heart

1310 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.482.9899.

Napa

Pleasures Unlimited

1424 Second St., Napa.
707.226.2666.

Sonoma

Spice Sensuality Boutique

6597 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.
707.588.0525.

Honorable Mention

Milk & Honey

123 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.824.1155.

Best Event Planner

Napa

Sasha Souza
Events

609 Cabot Way, Napa.
707.253.8160.

Sonoma

Clementine Eco Events

40 Fourth St. #215, Petaluma.
707.290.6723.

Honorable Mention

Leyla Hobbs

Best Bridal Shop

Marin

Celebracion

1406 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.457.7137.

Napa

Betty’s Girl Boutique

1144 Main St., Napa.
707.254.7560.

Sonoma

Brides ‘n Maids

621 College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.545.2772.

Honorable Mention

Starlet Bridal

730 Village Court, Santa Rosa.
707.544.0334.

Best Bridal Beauty Salon

Napa

Flaunt Makeup Artistry

www.flauntmakeupartistry.com

Sonoma

It’s a Date at the Powder Room

2560 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.537.7968.

Honorable Mention

Flaunt Makeup Artistry

www.flauntmakeupartistry.com

Best Wedding Reception Venue

Marin

Deer Park Villa

367 Bolinas Road, Fairfax.
415.456.8084.

Napa

Calistoga Ranch

580 Lommel Road, Calistoga.
707.254.2800.

Sonoma

Paradise
Ridge Winery

4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.528.9463.

Honorable Mention

Vintners Inn

4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.
707.575.7350.

Writers Picks: Romance
 |
Back to Intro Page

Writers Picks: Culture

-
0
Writers Picks: Culture

Best Nontelevised Technology Program

Television is on its way out. Streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV and even some TVs themselves bring the internet’s best offerings in an on-demand format to living rooms across the world, broadcast time be damned. Some shows aren’t even broadcast at all, like the Emmy-winning House of Cards, which was released only on Netflix. And for those looking to get the real scoop on technology news, it’s a sure bet that CNN doesn’t delve deep enough. For that, viewers and listeners can tune in the TWiT Netcast Group online or on the radio.

Formerly a local talk radio and television personality, Leo Laporte felt there was a better way to connect with his audience. So in 2004, he founded This Week in Tech, a program that has since blossomed into 26 video and audio shows broadcast to an audience of 6 million through the internet and to over 170 cities on radio every Saturday through Premiere Radio Networks (locally, it’s broadcast on 910-AM). “We’re able, from the middle of Petaluma, to do an international television and radio show,” Laporte says after hosting his radio program, The Tech Guy with Leo Laporte, on a recent Saturday afternoon. He hosts nine shows each week, but the Tech Guy is the only one on broadcast radio.

The vibe of the internet media station, which has 25 employees, is that of a small radio or TV station—stuffy corporate jargon and FCC regulations don’t stifle the creativity in the building. There’s a whole wall of silly hats, and a shelf of obsolete technology serves as a reminder of how far computers have come since the early days of transistor radios and the Apple IIG. Broadcast quality of online programs has come a long way, too. Several HD cameras record the live broadcast, and guests can be brought in via Skype for audience interaction.

Since online traffic can be tracked, Laporte knows that about one-third of his audience is not from the United States. They tune in to the show, broadcast from “the northernmost tip of Silicon Valley,” as Laporte says, to keep on the cutting edge of technology. “The stuff we do isn’t really well covered in television and radio,” says Laporte. “Technology coverage in mainstream media is weak. They don’t know what they’re talking about a lot of the time.” The information is often dumbed down, and TWiT’s audience wants the gritty details that might turn off the casual listener or viewer, says Laporte.

Eventually, Laporte envisions a 24/7 technology news network broadcast from locations around the world through the central hub of his downtown Petaluma office. “There’s nobody doing what we’re doing now, so I feel like we’re way ahead of the curve already,” he says. twit.tv.—NG

Best Way to Watch Video and See a Play at the Same Time

From the name alone, the Paradyne Projection System sounds like it could be something in Disney World’s Futureland. But the Paradyne System was actually created in Rohnert Park for the Spreckels Performing Arts Center. Initially introduced for a production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, the idea was to use vivid projections (of streets, the evening sky, various Victorian interiors) instead of actually building sets. Instead of forcing the audience to cool their heels while stagehands wheel off one set and race another into place, a simple click of a mouse can change the setting from the laboratory of Dr. Jekyll into a foggy London back alley.

Today, the Paradyne’s multiple projectors have become the proudly touted star of the company, used to project more than just static background slides. It can record and project actual moving shots, animations, special effects, subtitles—pretty much anything artistic director Gene Abravaya can dream up. In Camelot, it transformed Paul Gilger’s towering castle set into a leafy, magical forest. In Young Frankenstein, it turned a roll in the hay (in a horse-drawn cart) into a thrill ride. In Brigadoon, it expanded the size of the cast, adding moving, waving people for crowd scenes. In Scrooge: The Musical, it gave audiences a talking Marley doorknocker, floating specters, enormous animated coins stacking up in Scrooge’s counting house and even the flickering flames of hell.

Will the Paradyne Projection System eventually be adopted by other theater companies? Well, that possibility is not difficult to picture. 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. 707.588.3434. www.spreckelsonline.com.—D.T.

Best AARP-Qualifying Musician Still Ahead of His Time

He looks like he might be a derelict and sounds like he sips whiskey at a dive all night long. Tom Waits is perhaps the North Bay’s most famous nighthawk, though he goes largely unrecognized in Sonoma County, where he’s lived for years. Nobody wears the cloak of anonymity with more panache. While Waits trades on his image as consummate bad boy—Bad As Me is the title of his most recent CD—no celeb does more good for his fellow citizen. Not long ago, he helped out with a benefit for the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Last fall, he raised money for the Bridge School, the nonprofit that provides education for students with impediments. Waits isn’t trying to prove anything, except perhaps that he does it his way and makes it look easy. He’ll celebrate his 65th birthday this year, but he’s never outgrown his youthful persona as the crown prince of cultural nonconformity.—J.R.

Best Place for the Old to Rub Elbows with the New

Penngrove’s legendary Twin Oaks Tavern has been serving serious drinks and toe-tapping tunes since the 1920s, when the roadside honky-tonk was a major stopping spot alongside the pre–101 Old Redwood Highway. Over the years, it’s become a haven for local ranchers, cowboys, bikers and businessmen. Now under the management of new owner Sheila Groves-Tracey, longtime music booker at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma and the Uptown in Napa, the historic Twin Oaks is enjoying a bit of resurgence. Retaining the funky Steinbeckian décor it’s had for years, the place is seeing a return to its reputation as the place to go for hot local music. It’s not unusual to see young couples at the bar sipping boutique wines side-by-side with old-timer cowboys tossing back a bourbon or a cold Budweiser. The Twin Oaks Tavern is edging into the future, while still staying firmly ensconced in the glow of its glorious past.
5745 Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove. 707.795.5118.—D.T.

Best Reincarnation of Jack London

“I would rather be ashes than dust,” Darius Anderson says, quoting Jack London. He means it, too—no one knows London from the inside out better than Anderson, and no private individual has a more impressive collection of London’s books and letters. Similar to the Call of the Wild author, Anderson, a major lobbyist and principal owner of Sonoma Media Investments (Press Democrat, Sonoma Index-Tribune), knows what it’s like to be wild. And like London, he doesn’t understand average and normal. Born and raised in Novato, the Santa Rosa Junior College graduate has raked in more money for more California Democrats than any other fundraiser in the Golden State. Name one, and Anderson’s sure to know have a connection, from Sens. Feinstein and Boxer to Gov. Jerry Brown. Thanks to Anderson and his friends at Station Casinos, the new Graton Casino outside of Rohnert Park found a home in Sonoma County rather than in Lake County. When he’s not wheeling and dealing in Sacramento, or at home with his wife in Kenwood, he’s in Cuba buying up some of the island’s best art, smoking its best cigars and carousing with the young and the restless. Like London, Anderson embraces success, and both share an affinity for the underdog.—J.R.

Best Sound Creation Laboratory

Back in 1978, director George Lucas bought a parcel of land in the hills of Marin. The director was fresh off a little sci-fi opera called Star Wars and was looking for a haven to continue his innovations. Named after the hero of his story, Skywalker Ranch eventually expanded to a 2,000-acre compound that’s a world unto itself. After the advent of THX sound technology, Skywalker Sound was established on the ranch in 1987 to provide post-production audio services for film, television, video games and more. Now one of the largest such facilities in the world, Skywalker Sound is where the T. rex from Jurassic Park got his roar, where the robotic friends of Wall-E acquired their blips and beeps and where explosions in The Avengers got their earth-shaking rumble. One of three major campuses under the Lucasfilm umbrella, Skywalker Sound is housed in the ivy-covered Technical Building and boasts six mixing studios, several editing rooms and a world-class scoring stage, capable of housing a 130-piece orchestra. The Marin County institution, which employs around 100 staffers and works on over 20 films every year, is one of the most sought-after production houses in the world. Yet even after 25 years, Lucas is still struggling to see his full vision become a reality. Earlier this year, proposed construction of the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum in San Francisco fell through when the Presidio Trust rejected the plan to build it at Crissy Field. But not all is lost for the educational center, as Oakland councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan recently wrote to Lucas offering her city as the new site. As the road to the Cultural Museum stretches out, the talented innovators of Skywalker Sound and Lucasfilm continue to advance the movie-going experience, telling stories with pioneering technology.—C.S.

Best Use
of Cloning Technology

I call him Harold—the wire man hanging from the top of a three-story building in downtown Santa Rosa, at Mendocino and Seventh. But, really, Harold is more than one man; he’s two—a virtual clone always stands beside him. The snazzily dressed duo oversee the hustle and bustle of city life, and probably have more than one story to tell about late-night debauchery.

In reality, it’s a shadow that appears because of the sculpture’s proximity to the building, but the way it’s cast makes it appear just slightly different from the original, with one looking right and one looking left. Harold (as well as his shadow-clone) was born in 2009 as part of Santa Rosa’s public art program, says coordinator Tara Matheny-Schuster. Created by Seth Minor after he won an Emerging Artist Award from the city, Wire Guy is made from one continuous piece of wire. It’s now part of the city’s Artwalk program, on loan through the end of this year.

No word yet on a possible extension, but since it’s already installed, it certainly would be a shame to have to remove it—especially considering it would be like removing two pieces of public art instead of one.—N.G.

Readers Picks: Culture
 |
Back to Intro Page

Writers Picks: Everyday

-
0
Writers Picks: Everyday

Best Green in Sonoma County

The future is green.

That’s not glib wishful thinking, it’s a cold fact. As we burn through natural resources such as oil, gas and water, and suffer the consequences of their overuse, going green presents itself not as a groovy alternative, but as the last, best choice. The planet can only take so much abuse, and it should be abundantly clear that it’s growing increasingly pissed off (see climate change, super storms, ocean acidification and mass extinction).

To our little corner of the world comes Sonoma Clean Power (SCP). The newly formed public agency will begin offering an alternative to PG&E’s monopoly through greener and more competitively priced power. Starting in May, the agency’s default “Clean Start” service will provide power from 33 percent clean-energy sources (compared to PG&E’s 20 percent) to 14,000 commercial customers and randomly selected residential users in the participating cities of Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Cotati, Sonoma, Windsor and unincorporated areas in the county. Sonoma Clean Power will roll out service
to more residents and businesses in the months and years to come. The cost of this electricity is estimated to be 2 to 3 percent cheaper than PG&E.

There’s also a second option called “Ever Green” that will cost about 20 percent more. For that premium rate, users will get 100 percent renewable, volcano-spawned steam power from the Geysers. Residents who want to opt out and stick with PG&E can do so.

Will SCP’s rates stay competitive with PG&E? Will the agency be as lean and locally accountable as it claims? And, more important, will the utility’s green power help cool our warming planet? No one knows for sure.

But what’s encouraging about the creation of SCP is that we get to ask these questions and find out. Locally sourced power that doesn’t come from fossil fuels or dammed rivers is the future. How we get there and how we pay for it are critical questions we and other communities will soon have to answer. Our advantage is that we’re not putting these questions off. We’re tackling them now. sonomacleanpower.org.—S.H.

Best New Life for Old Wood

Heritage Salvage in Petaluma is a like a thrift store for lumber. The wood there has been used or reclaimed, and is waiting for someone to come along and find a new use for it. Judging by the long list of restaurants that buy Heritage’s stuff, reclaimed lumber is a hot commodity. As with thrift stores, you don’t always find what you want, yet for builders and DIY-ers with an eye for beauty-in-the-rough, the yard invites exploration and repeat visits.

Much of the wood is pulled from tumbledown barns, water towers and other old structures from the North Bay and beyond. A lot of the lumber has a story to tell, like the slabs of fir pulled from the Napa River—the wood reportedly sunk at Mare Island Naval Station during World War II. I found a hundred-year-old slab of redwood felled from West Marin long ago that I turned into some burly kitchen shelves. Try finding that at Home Depot.

Heritage Salvage also makes gorgeous tables, cabinets, chairs and barn doors, if that’s what you need. There’s something very satisfying about giving old wood new life. 1473 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. 707.762.5694.—S.H.

Best ‘Freaky Friday’ Moment-That-Could-Have-Been

I was walking out of Mac’s Diner in downtown Santa Rosa when it happened. Like a sign of the times or a whiff of the economic Zeitgeist or two ships passing in the night, there it was: Doug Bosco, former congressman, Efren Carrillo advisor, part-owner of the Press Democrat and corporate attorney, nattily dressed in a V-neck sweater and slacks, heading west on a Fourth Street sidewalk just as the disheveled homeless man who lives in his car with his girlfriend on the streets around the Redwood Gospel Mission walked east. They practically rubbed elbows, the rich and poor, the man with barely a penny to his name and the man with more pennies than most of us combined. What a perfect moment for a bit of Freaky Friday magic to occur. Suddenly, Bosco looks down at his formerly Italian leather clad feet to see dirty white sneakers, frayed around the toes, the slight hint of a gray-white athletic sock peeking through the nylon. And the other man—whose name I do not know—suddenly finds himself wearing a soft, delightful cashmere, a sweater unlike any he’s known before; he understands that he’s walking to a meeting with some Important People in the Community, that he bears influence, that people will listen, that what he thinks and feels has suddenly become something with weight and heft . . . He can almost taste the power . . . —L.C.

Best Tax-Deductible Picnic Table

The term, “Redwood Empire” is giving way to the more marketable “wine country” tagline, and in truth, these days the North Bay produces a lot more wine than lumber. While the empire’s reign may be over, you can still get a taste of what it was like at Occidental’s Sturgeon’s Mill Restoration Project. The hundred-year-old lumber mill is now a nonprofit organization that showcases the way it used to operate. Sturgeon’s hissing, steam-powered mill chugs to life four times a year in highly recommended free “public demonstration” events rife with old-timey charm and knowledgeable docents who all seem to favor snappy green suspenders. Watching the mill come to life and turn hulking redwood trunks into tidy stacks of lumber is like closing your eyes and waking up in the ’90s—the 1890s. But Sturgeon’s Mill is more than a trip down memory lane. If you’re looking to build a picnic table or a redwood slab bench,
you can order tax-deductible timber grown and milled on-site, a process that’s so old-school it’s downright artisanal. 2150 Green Hill Road, Sebastopol.
www.sturgeonsmill.com. —S.H.

Best Way to Enjoy Nicotine in a Safe, Tasteful Way and Still Bug the Hell Out of Everyone Around You

There was a time when the host or hostess at a restaurant asked two questions, “How many in your party,” followed by, “Smoking or non?” Now that question seems absurd in smoke-hating California, but social expectations are being pushed thanks to eCigs, the hand-held, smokeless, vaporizing nicotine inhalers gaining popularity. Since they expel only vapor, are they legal for indoor use in public spaces? What about patio spaces? If the popular Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa is any indication, they are not welcome, even on an outdoor patio. Like their cancer-inducing cousins, eCigs are not allowed within 10 feet of the entrance. Though it’s not unheard of to see someone puffing away at the nico-stick after a big meal, it’s unnerving to see a green light at the end of it instead of a red ember, and though it’s just vapor, that stuff still smells and looks weird.—N.G.

Best Use of Facebook

The internet is a ubiquitous presence connecting people socially and professionally around the world. Yet it connects us to more than just people. When I wanted to make the leap to canine companionship, I looked where any animal-loving person looks nowadays: the internet. I met my puppy on the digital pages of the Marin Humane Society. There she was, looking at me with precious puppy-dog eyes. Without even leaving the house, this dog and I connected in my mind, and within five minutes, we were inseparable. Just a few years ago, this would not have happened so easily. Dogs and cats had to stay locked away and alone. Now they’re on Facebook, thanks to agencies like the Petaluma Animal Shelter, which shows off its dogs and cats, and finds them forever homes much more efficiently and quickly. On Twitter, organizations like Napa Humane can promote events and fundraisers to keep the doors open and the animals safe. There are even sanctuaries devoted to our equine friends, like Sadie’s Haven in Santa Rosa, a horse rescue center and adoption center run by volunteers.—C.S.

Best Honor-System Bookstore
(And Town)

The Bolinas Book Exchange offers a suggested pricing plan that sets the price of a book based on its prospective literary value to you. It’s a pretty incredible gesture that gives voraciously reading vagabonds the opportunity to find great books on an honor-system payment plan. It’s not a huge surprise that this sort of forward-looking, post-capitalist act of kindness would be taking place in the free-spirited village of Bolinas, which also has a 24-hour honor system farm-stand and a free box whose recent offerings included a cassette copy of The Best of Kansas, a treasure whose value may well rival that of a bottle of Bryant Cabernet. A perusal of the selections at the Book Exchange reveal a wide reach of pleasurable subject matter, heavy on literature and localism and art books. I recently went there with a buck in my pocket and spied a copy of Günter Grass’ Tin Drum. I felt a wee bit guilty as I slipped the buck into the store’s lockbox and stuck the book in my pocket. The Tin Drum is quite clearly more valuable than that. Won the Nobel Prize for literature and all that. But I can return the book to the Exchange once I rise above the noise and confusion and finish that mutha. This is the pay-it-forward village, and Bolinans take their karma quite seriously. About a year ago, some idiot decided to rip the lockbox off the wall at the Book Exchange, an event captured by a surveillance camera and sent to the YouTube universe of shame-vids. They never caught the guy—he had pulled his sweatshirt over his head—but rest assured, that dastardly deed will catch up with him. Only thing is, it would be great if that pay-what-you-wish honor system extended to the Bolinas gas station, where a “regular” gallon of the energetic elixir will set you back—please wait for it—$5.26! For that kind of coin, you can hook yourself up with the entire frickin’ omnibus of Proust at the Exchange.—T.G.

Best Cooking Store for Professionals & Enthusiasts

They don’t even have a Facebook page, but Shackford’s Kitchen Store in Napa has a thriving customer base, nonetheless. Perhaps it’s due to their knowledgeable staff or wide variety of cooking tools for both home cooks and professional chefs alike. They carry beautiful knives that will dazzle dinner guests and durable knives that can withstand the wear and tear of a commercial kitchen. They carry bright colanders in several colors and chef coats in white. And they’re the first place to check when seeking out unpronounceable gadgets necessary for making delicate and traditional dishes. 1350 Main St., Napa. 707.226.2132.—N.G.

Best Place to Find Out if a New Car Is Evil or Not

In the gas-guzzling, fossil-fuel-worshipping past, new cars were rated on many elements: speed, comfort, aesthetic appeal and, usually, safety records. But what about the other elements that go into car manufacturing? Sustainability? Gas efficiency? The safety and quality of the work environment for the folks who put the cars together in the factory? The Automotive Science Group aims to change the way we look at, and judge, car companies and the vehicles they produce in a way that takes into account the pressing environmental concerns of the 21st century. Founded by Eco-Innovations, the Santa Rosa–based group rates cars by a complex automotive performance index using something intriguingly called “ecological economics.” The index rates cars by looking at manufacturers’ labor practices and efforts to use low-impact technologies, and the automobiles’ environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle, among other things. The result is a score that helps consumers figure out how to buy a car that doesn’t totally conflict with their values, and maybe even makes the world a greener place.
www.automotivescience.com.—L.C.

Best Possibility for Eternal Life

Think you’re “over the hill” at age 40? That landmark is closer to 50 now, thanks to the work of these scientists. Perched atop a hill off the freeway in Northern Novato is the Buck Institute, a research facility dedicated to exploring why people die of “old age.” It’s housed in a building designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei, who also designed the Louvre in France, and hundreds of incredibly smart people are employed there. Everyone’s looking, basically, for a cure to old age. So far, the Buck Institute has focused largely on the gut of flies, recording the reactions of certain types of bacteria in certain conditions to give a better understanding of how similar circumstances might translate to humans. Why don’t aging tissues regenerate? Why do stem cells lose their functionality with age? And how do tissues change to no longer support regeneration? These are the
foci of the Buck Institute, but they’re not alone in their mission—the institute is one
of seven making up the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research.
www.buckinstitute.org.—N.G.

Best Crime Blotter

It’s an unfortunate reality that the most interesting part of many local community papers is the weekly police blotter. But there’s a local paper in our midst that not only provides a steady supply of interesting, in-depth stories—it offers the best police blotter we’ve ever seen. The Pulitzer Prize–winning Point Reyes Light‘s “Sheriff’s Calls” sets the bar for any and all future attempts at doing a crime blotter correctly. The beauty of the Light‘s log is that it’s an exercise in poetic restraint—whoever is putting this weekly digest together understands that readers’ interest in the items lies not in the writer’s take on them (we’ve all seen those parenthetical asides in crime blotters that try to get all cutesy with the crime), but on the calls themselves and the story they tell, or imply. In keeping their blotter clear of editorial asides or other pointless fluff, the paper provides a clear and weird underbelly narrative of West Marin. A representative sample from the Light‘s March 8 log is a classic of the genre, with a number of short items punctuated by a wryly understated description of a completely bizarre and stupid crime:

DILLON BEACH: At 1:35pm, a resident reported that a neighbor had sawed off part of his or her deck, the safety of which was the source of ongoing debate.

BOLINAS: At 7:07pm, a school window appeared to have been tampered with, as though someone had tried to break in.

OLEMA: At 7:30pm, a car drove down an embankment.

INVERNESS: At 8:07pm, a dog was barking.

BOLINAS: At 8:07pm, someone reported a beach party and bonfire.

MUIR BEACH: At 9:30pm, a car drove into a ditch.

LAGUNITAS: At 9:55pm, a woman heard explosions across the creek.

MUIR BEACH: At 10:41pm, a SkyWest jet traveling at 11,000 feet reported that someone had shone a laser into the cockpit.—T.G.

Best Tiny, Free Communal
Art Space

It’s a revolutionary concept: open a workshop space that provides room for all types of artists, be open to new ideas, host musical and information events as a community hub, and do it all for the sake of art.

“It’s kind of a space we’ve been robbed of,” says owner Malcolm McGowan (pictured) of Penn’s Edge. “It’s a space to be creative.” Artists can borrow tools, use the space and even set up shop for their own work. If they decide to leave it set up for others to use, all the better, says McGowan. The shop is open during the day for artists to use, free of charge.

McGowan and his girlfriend, Dahllia Fawsy, are artists themselves, working with leather and jewelry, respectively. There’s a small, soundproof spot for musicians to hone their craft, materials for artists to purchase and make their own pieces, and, of course, creative and functional works made by local artists for purchase as well. The spot opened about seven months ago, and it’s open floor plan and shelf of records (just above functioning turntables) make for an inviting feel.

The communal art space hosts music events and seminars in the evening. The art space hasn’t quite caught on as much as originally hoped, and for the seven months it’s been open, it’s been funded by McGowan and Fawsy’s art sales. “Everything that we’ve been doing is just being open to people if they want to use it,” says McGowan. 10009 Main St., Penngrove. 707.242.6866.—N.G.

Readers Picks: Everyday
 |
Back to Intro Page

Readers Picks: Food & Drink

-
0
Readers Picks: Food & Drink

Best Farmers Market

Marin

Farmers Market at Marin Civic Center

Civic Center Drive, San Rafael.
415.472.6100.

Napa

Napa Farmers Market at Oxbow Public Market

500 First St., Napa.
707.501.3087.

Sonoma

Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market

50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa.
707.522.8629.

Honorable Mention

Sebastopol Farmers Market

Downtown Plaza, Sebastopol.
707.522.9305.

Best Organic Farm

Marin

Green Gulch Farm

www.sfzc.org/ggf

Napa

Boca Farm

www.bocafarm.org

Sonoma

Laguna Farms

1764 Cooper Road, Sebastopol.
707.823.0823.

Honorable Mention

Green String Farm

3571 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma.
707.778.7500.

Best Bakery

Marin

Bovine Bakery

11312 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.9420.

Napa

Model Bakery

1357 Main St., St. Helena.
707.819.8192.

Sonoma

Village Bakery

1445 Town & Country Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.527.7654.

7225 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol.
707.829.8101.

Honorable Mention

Wild Flour Bread Bakery

1409 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone.
707.874.2938.

Best Barbecue

Marin

Roadside BBQ

5000 Northgate Mall, San Rafael.
415.479.7200.

Napa

Smoakville

1755 Industrial Way, Napa.
707.363.3447.

Sonoma

BBQ Smokehouse

6811 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol.
707.575.3277.

Honorable Mention

The BBQ Spot

3448 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.585.2616.

Best Burger

Marin

Phyllis’ Giant Burgers

2202 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.456.0866.

Napa

Gott’s Roadside

933 Main St., Napa.
707.963.3486.

644 First St., Napa.
707.224.6900.

Sonoma

SuperBurger

1501 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.546.4016.

10070 Main St., Penngrove.
707.665.9790.

Honorable Mention

Phyllis’ Giant Burgers

4910 Sonoma Hwy., Santa Rosa.
707.538.4000.

1774 Piner Road., Santa Rosa.
707.521.0890.

Best Pizza

Marin

Ghiringhelli’s Pizzeria

45 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax.
415.453.7472.

Napa

Ca’ Momi

610 First St., Napa.
707.257.4992.

Sonoma

Mombo’s Pizza

1880 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.528.3278.

560 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol.
707.823.7492.

Honorable Mention

Rosso Pizzeria
& Wine Bar

53 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.544.3221.

151 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma.
707.772.5177.

Best Frozen Dessert Shop

Marin

Swirl

417 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.
415.388.2636.

Napa

Frati Gelato

670 Main St., Napa.
707.265.0265.

Sonoma

Screamin’ Mimi’s

6902 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.
707.823.5902.

Honorable Mention

Yogurt Farms

1224 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.576.0737.

Best Cupcakes

Marin

Susie Cakes

310 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae.
415.461.2253.

Napa

Sift

3816 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa.
707.240.4004.

Sonoma

Moustache Baked Goods

381 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.
707.395.4111.

Honorable Mention

Sift

404-A Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.703.4228.

7582 Commerce Blvd., Cotati.
707.792.1681.

401 Kenilworth Drive #920, Petaluma.
707.200.2202.

Best Candy/Chocolate Shop

Marin

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

879 Grant Ave., Novato.
415.898.6160.

Napa

Anette’s Chocolate Factory

1321 First St., Napa.
707.252.4228.

Sonoma

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe

151 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma.
707.765.9866.

Honorable Mention

Viva Cocolat

110 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.
707.778.9888.

Best Chocolatier

Napa

Anette’s Chocolate Factory

1321 First St., Napa.
707.252.4228.

Sonoma

Sonoma Chocolatiers

6988 McKinley St., Sebastopol.
707.829.1181.

Honorable Mention

Recherche du Plaisir

3401 Cleveland Ave. Ste. 9, Santa Rosa.
707.843.3551.

Best Cafe/Coffeehouse

Marin

Dr. Insomniac’s

800 Grant Ave., Novato.
415.897.9500.

Napa

Ritual Coffee

610 First St., Napa.
707.253.1190.

Sonoma

Flying Goat Coffee

324 Center St., Healdsburg.
707.433.9081.

419 Center St., Healdsburg.
707.433.8003.

10 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.575.1202.

Honorable Mention

Taylor Maid Farms

6790 McKinely St., Ste. 170, Sebastopol.
707.634.7129.

Best Breakfast

Marin

Half Day Cafe

848 College Ave., Kentfield.
415.459.0291.

Napa

ABC Bakery

1517 Third St., Napa. 707.258.1827.

Sonoma

Howard Station Cafe

3611 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental.
707.874.2838.

Honorable Mention

Dierk’s Parkside Cafe

404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.573.5955.

1422 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.2233.

Best Brunch

Marin

Crepevine

908 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.257.8822.

Napa

Napa General Store

540 Main St. #100, Napa.
707.259.0762.

Sonoma

Willow Wood
Market Cafe

9020 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.0233.

Honorable Mention

Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa

2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.8530.

Best Diner

Marin

Pine Cone Diner

60 Fourth St., Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.1536.

Napa

Buttercream Bakery

2297 Jefferson St., Napa. 707.255.6700.

Sonoma

D’s Diner

7260 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol.
707.829.8080.

Honorable Mention

Hallie’s Diner

125 Keller St., Petaluma.
707.773.1143.

Best
Sandwich Shop

Marin

Perry’s Deli

1916 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax.
415.456.3580.

Napa

Genova Delicatessen

1550 Trancas St., Napa.
707.253.8686.

Sonoma

Ike’s Place

1780 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.293.9814.

Honorable Mention

Mac’s Deli

630 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.6545.3785.

Best
Outdoor Dining

Marin

Station House Cafe

11180 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.1515.

Napa

Angèle

540 Main St., Napa. 707.252.8115.

Sonoma

Rustic

300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville.
707.857.1485.

Honorable Mention

Campo Fina

330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.
707.395.4640.

Best Dining After 10pm

Marin

Sol food

901 & 903 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael.
415.451.4765.

811 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.451.4765.

401 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.
415.380.1986.

Napa

Morimoto Napa

610 Main St., Napa.
707.252.1600.

Sonoma

Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Mary’s Pizza Shack

www.maryspizzashack.com

Best Spot
to Dine Solo

Marin

Sol Food

901 & 903 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael.
415.451.4765.

811 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.451.4765.

401 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.
415.380.1986.

Napa

Carpe Diem
Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa.
707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Peter Lowell’s

7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol.
707.829.1077.

Honorable Mention

Willow Wood
Market Cafe

9020 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.0233.

Best Caterer

Marin

Deer Park Villa

367 Bolinas Road, Fairfax.
415.456.8084.

Napa

Smoke

2766 Old Sonoma Road, Napa.
707.927.5070.

Sonoma

Preferred Sonoma Caterers

416 East D St., Petaluma.
707.769.7208.

Honorable Mention

Park Avenue
Catering Co

591 Mercantile Drive, Cotati.
707.793.9645.

Best Server

Marin

Steve Schaefer,
Nickel Rose

848 B. St. , San Rafael.
415.454.5551.

Napa

Allison McDow,
Carpe Diem Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa.
707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Alan Luzmoor,
John Ash & Co.

4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.
707.527.7687.

Honorable Mention

Jessica McMillan, Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.7023.

Best Chef

Marin

David Haydon,
Il Davide

901 A St., San Rafael.
415.454.8080.

Napa

Ken Frank,
La Toque Restaurant

1314 McKinstry St., Napa.
707.257.5157.

Sonoma

Duskie Estes & Doug Richey, Zazu Kitchen
& Farm

6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol.
707.523.4814.

Honorable Mention

Mark Stark, Stark’s Steak & Seafood

521 Adams St., Santa Rosa.
707.546.5100.

Best Sommelier

Marin

Eric Grasser,
123 Bolinas

123 Bolinas St., Fairfax.
415.488.5123.

Napa

Jordan Nova,
1313 Main

1313 Main St., Napa. 707.258.1313.

Sonoma

Christopher Sawyer, Carneros Bistro

1325 Broadway, Sonoma.
707.931.2042.

Honorable Mention

Stuart Morris, Hana Japanese Restaurant

101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park.
707.586.0270.

Best Restaurant

Marin

Buckeye Roadhouse

15 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley.
415.331.2600.

Napa

Celadon

500 Main St., Napa.
707.254.9690.

Sonoma

Stark’s Steak & Seafood

521 Adams St., Santa Rosa.
707.546.5100.

Honorable Mention

Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.7023.

Best New Restaurant

Marin

Saltwater Oyster Depot

12781 Sir Francis Drake, Inverness.
415.669.1244.

Napa

LuLu’s Kitchen
at 1313 Main

1313 Main St., Napa.
707.258.1313.

Sonoma

Woodfour Brewing Company

6780 Depot St., Sebastopol.
707.823.3144.

Honorable Mention

Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room

523 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.526.5787.

Best Chinese

Marin

Jennie Low’s
Chinese Cuisine

120 Vintage Way, Novato.
415.892.8838.

Napa

China House

2940 Jefferson St., Napa.
707.226.8881.

Sonoma

Gary Chu’s
Chinese Cuisine

611 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.526.5840.

Honorable Mention

Kirin Restaurant

2700 Yulupa Ave., Ste. 3, Santa Rosa.
707.525.1957.

Best French

Marin

Left Bank

507 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur.
415.927.3331.

Napa

Bistro Jeanty

6510 Washington St., Yountville.
707.944.0103.

Sonoma

Bistro 29

620 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.
707.546.2929.

Honorable Mention

Chloe’s French Cafe

3883 Airway Drive #145, Santa Rosa.
707.528.3095.

Best Indian

Marin

Lotus Cuisine of India

704 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.456.5808.

Napa

Taste of the Himalayas

376 Soscol Ave., Napa. 707.251.3840.

Sonoma

House of Curry & Grill

(formerly sizzling tandoor of santa rosa)

409 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.579.5999.

Honorable Mention

Pamposh Restaurant

52 Mission Circle, Santa Rosa.
707.538.3367.

Best Italian

Marin

Fradelizio’s Ristorante

35 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax.
415.459.1618.

Napa

Oenotri

1425 First St., Napa. 707.252.1022.

Sonoma

Lo Coco’s Cucina rustica

117 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.523.2227.

Honorable Mention

Riviera Ristorante

75 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa.
707.579.2682.

Best Japanese/Sushi

Marin

Sushi Ran

107 Caledonia St., Sausalito.
415.332.3620.

Napa

Morimoto

610 Main St., Napa. 707.252.1600.

Sonoma

Hana Japanese
Restaurant

101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park.
707.586.0270.

Honorable Mention

Osake

2446 Patio Court, Santa Rosa.
707.542.8282.

Best Mediterranean

Marin

Insalata’s

120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo.
415.457.7700.

Napa

Tarla Mediterranean
Grill

1480 First St., Napa. 707.255.5599.

Sonoma

East West Restaurant

557 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa.
707.546.6142.

Honorable Mention

East West Cafe

128 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.829.2822.

Best Mexican

Marin

Celia’s

1 Vivian St., San Rafael. 415.456.8190.

Napa

Tanya’s Taqueria

1601 Jefferson St., Napa.
707.224.9000.

Sonoma

Mi Pueblo Taqueria

800 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.
707.762.8192.

108 Kentucky St., Petaluma.
707.769.9066.

Honorable Mention

Martha’s Old Mexico

305 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
707.823.4458.

Best Seafood

Marin

Fish

350 Harbor Drive, Sausalito.
415.331.3474.

Napa

Morimoto Napa

610 Main St., Napa.
707.252.1600.

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar

403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.
707.433.9191.

Honorable Mention

The Tides Wharf

800 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay.
707.875.3652.

Best Thai

Marin

My Thai Restaurant

1230 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.456.4455.

Napa

Mini Mango Thai Bistro

1408 Clay St., Napa. 707.226.8884.

Sonoma

Sea Thai Bistro

2323 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.528.8333.

Honorable Mention

Thai House

525 Fourth St. #2, Santa Rosa.
707.526.3939.

Best Vietnamese

Marin

Saigon Village

720 B St., San Rafael.
415.453.3505.

Napa

Bui Bistro

976 Pearl St., Napa.
707.255.5417.

Sonoma

Simply Vietnam

966 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.566.8910.

Honorable Mention

Goji Kitchen

1965 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.523.3888.

Best Vegetarian

Marin

Radiance

923 C St., San Rafael. 415.686.3442.

Napa

Small World Cafe

928 Coombs St., Napa. 707.224.7743.

Sonoma

Gaia’s Garden

1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.544.2491.

Honorable Mention

The Sunflower Center

1435 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.
707.792.5300.

Best Bartender

Marin

Steve Schaefer,
Nickel Rose

848 B St., San Rafael. 415.454.5551.

Napa

Nick Hammond,
Carpe Diem Wine Bar

1001 Second St., Napa.
707.224.0800.

Sonoma

Frank Dice,
Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Chrysti Kehr,
John Ash & Co.

4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.
707.527.7687.

Best Bar

Marin

Mayflower Pub

1533 Fourth St., San Rafael.
415.456.1011.

Napa

Norman Rose Tavern

1401 First St., Napa. 707.258.1516.

Sonoma

Underwood Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Stark’s Steak & Seafood

521 Adams St., Santa Rosa.
707.546.5100.

Best Dive Bar

Marin

Nickel Rose

848 B St., San Rafael.
415.454.5551.

Napa

Henry’s

823 Main St., Napa.
707.257.3008.

Sonoma

Wagon Wheel

3320 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.546.1958.

Honorable Mention

440 Club

434 College Ave., Santa Rosa.
707.542.2550.

Best Happy Hour

Marin

Flatiron

724 B St., San Rafael.
415.453.4318.

Napa

Barolo

1374 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga.
707.942.2233.

Sonoma

Stark’s Steak & Seafood

521 Adams St., Santa Rosa.
707.546.5100.

Honorable Mention

Jackson’s Bar & Oven

135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.6900.

Best Cocktails

Marin

Hilltop 1892

850 Lamont Ave., Novato.
415.893.1892.

Napa

Goose & Gander

1245 Spring St., St. Helena.
707.967.8779.

Sonoma

Underwood
Bar & Bistro

9113 Graton Road, Graton.
707.823.7023.

Honorable Mention

Spoonbar

219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.
707.433.7222.

Best Brewpub

Marin

Moylan’s Brewery
& Restaurant

15 Rowland Way, Novato.
415.898.4677.

Napa

Downtown Joe’s
Brewery & Restaurant

902 Main St., Napa.
707.258.2337.

Sonoma

Russian River
Brewing Co.

725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.2337.

Honorable Mention

LaGunitas Brewing Company

1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.
707.769.4495.

Best Microbrew

Marin

Moylan’s Brewery
& Restaurant

15 Rowland Way, Novato.
415.898.4677.

Napa

Napa Smith Brewery

1 Executive Way, Napa. 707.254.7167.

Sonoma

Pliny the Elder, Russian River Brewing Co.

725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa.
707.545.2337.

Sonoma

Honorable Mention

Little Sumpin’, LaGunitas Brewing Company

1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.
707.769.4495.

Best Micro Distillery

Napa

Charbay Distillery
& Winery

4001 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena.
707.963.9327.

Sonoma

Spirit Works Distillery

679 McKinley St. #100, Sebastopol.
707.634.4793.

Honorable Mention

HelloCello

21877 Eighth St., Sonoma.
707.721.6390.

Best Wine List

Marin

123 Bolinas

123 Bolinas St., Fairfax.
415.488.5123.

Napa

1313 Main

1313 Main St., Napa.
707.258.1313.

Sonoma

Willi’s Wine Bar

4404 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa.
707.526.3096.

Honorable Mention

John Ash & Co.

4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa.
707.527.7687.

Best Winetasting Room

Marin

Trek Winery

1026 Machin Ave., Novato.
415.899.9883.

Napa

Palmaz Vineyards

4029 Hagan Road, Napa.
707.226.5587.

Sonoma

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens

5007 Fulton Road, Fulton.
866.287.9818.

Honorable Mention

Francis Ford
Coppola Winery

300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville.
707.857.1471.

Best Sauvignon Blanc

Napa

Cakebread Cellars

8300 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford.
707.963.5221.

Sonoma

Merry Edwards Wines

2959 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol.
707.823.7466.

Honorable Mention

Matanzas Creek Winery

6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa.
707.528.6464.

Best Chardonnay

Napa

Grgich Hills Estate

1829 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford.
707.963.2784.

Sonoma

La Crema

235 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.
800.314.1762.

Honorable Mention

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens

5007 Fulton Road, Fulton.
866.287.9818.

Best Sparkling Wine

Marin

Heidrun Meadery

11925 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.
415.663.9122.

Napa

Schramsberg Vineyards

1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga.
707.942.4558.

Sonoma

J Vineyards & Winery

11447 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg.
707.431.5479.

Honorable Mention

Korbel Champagne Cellars

13250 River Road, Guerneville. 707.824.7000.

Best Rosé

Napa

Azur

www.azurwines.com

Sonoma

Kokomo Winery

4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg.
707.433.0200.

Honorable Mention

Unti Vineyards

www.untivineyards.com

Best Cabernet

Marin

Trek Winery

1026 Machin Ave., Novato.
415.899.9883.

Napa

Ca’ Momi

610 First St., Napa. 707.257.4992.

Sonoma

Silver Oak

24625 Chianti Road, Geyserville.
707.942.7082.

Honorable Mention

Jordan

1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg.
800.654.1213.

Best Syrah

Marin

Trek Winery

1026 Machin Ave., Novato.
415.899.9883.

Napa

Four Cairn Wines

www.fourcairn.com

Sonoma

Longboard Vineyards

5 Fitch St., Healdsburg. 707.433.3473.

Honorable Mention

Radio Coteau

www.radiocoteau.com

Best Pinot Noir

Marin

Easkoot Cellars

1115 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo.

Napa

Hill Wine Company

1001 Silverado Trail, St. Helena.
707.963.7000.

Sonoma

La Crema

235 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.
707.525.6244.

Honorable Mention

Kosta Browne Winery

www.kostabrowne.com

Best Zinfandel

Napa

Turley Wine Cellars

www.turleywinecellars.com

Sonoma

Seghesio Family Vineyards

700 Grove St., Healdsburg.
707.433.3579.

Honorable Mention

Carol Shelton Wines

3354 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa.
707.575.3441.

Writers Picks: Food & Drink
 |
Back to Intro Page

Americans in Paris

Seeking a more avant-garde crowd than the usual middle-aged angst movie, Le Week-End's references to the revolutionary Antonio Gramsci and the dance sequence in Godard's Bande à Part flatter us, expecting we'll get it. The Paris street locations, more high than low, set the right mood in what is an older person's version of work from the Richard Linklater/Julie...
Read more

Writers Picks: Recreation

Best Idea from the Past Awaiting Us in the Future In a world where greenhouse gases are melting the ice caps, and nothing, not even "three lanes all the way," can save you from a commute-hour headache—a train is coming. One bike path, somehow, finally got built. Clip on your shoes, fasten your helmet, and get ready for the ride...
Read more

Readers Picks: Recreation

Best Bike Shop Marin Mike's Bikes 836 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.454.3747. Napa The Hub 2500 Jefferson St., Napa. 707.253.2453. Sonoma The Trek Bicycle Store of Santa Rosa 512 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.546.8735. Honorable Mention The Bike Peddler 605 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.571.2428. Best Independent Bike Frame Builder Marin Cameron Falconer [email protected] Napa Curtis Inglis, Retrotec www.ingliscycles.com Sonoma Sycip Bicycles 111 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707.542.6359. Honorable Mention Soulcraft www.soulcraftbikes.com Best Gym Marin Marin YMCA 1500 Los Gamos Drive, San Rafael. 415.492.YMCA. Napa Healthquest 3175 California Blvd., Napa. 707.254.7200. Sonoma Coaches Corner 420 Morris St., Sebastopol. 707.829.5180. Honorable Mention Powerhouse Gym 515 Fifth...
Read more

Readers Picks: Family

Best Baby Gift Store Marin A Child's Delight 190 Northgate One Shopping Center, San Rafael. 415.499.0736. 105 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera. 415.945.9221. Napa Freckles Children's Boutique 1309 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.1201. Sonoma Cupcake Children & Maternity 641 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.579.2165. 107 Plaza St., Healdsburg. 707.433.3800. Honorable Mention Reverie Baby 2417 Magowan Drive, Santa Rosa. 707.544.4630. Best Toy Store Marin Five Little Monkeys 852 Grant Ave., Novato. 415.898.4411. Napa Toy B Ville 1343 Main St., Napa. 707.253.1024. Sonoma The Toyworks 531 College Ave., Santa...
Read more

Readers Picks: Everyday

Best Antique Shop Marin Dove Place Antiques 306 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo. 415.453.1490. Napa Antiques on Second 1370 Second St., Napa. 707.252.6353. Sonoma Whistlestop Antiques 130 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.542.9474. Honorable Mention Food for Thought Antiques 2701 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. 707.823.3101. Best Resale Store Marin Yeah Baby! 1830 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax. 415.459.4493. Napa LoLo's 1120 Main St., St. Helena. 707.963.7972. Sonoma Launch 971 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. 707.829.3312. Honorable Mention Pine Grove General Store 149 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707.829.1138. Best Pawn Shop Sonoma Santa...
Read more

Spleef of Police

The League of California Cities and the California Police Chiefs Association have come out in support of SB 1262, introduced last month by State Sen. Lou Correa that would regulate medical marijuana in the state. This marks a significant shift in the groups' stance since just last year, when the two groups helped kill at least four similar bills in...
Read more

Readers Picks: Romance

Best Place for Singles to Meet Marin Nickel Rose 848 B St., San Rafael. 415.454.5551. Napa Carpe Diem Wine Bar 1001 Second St., Napa. 707.224.0800. Sonoma Underwood Bar & Bistro 9113 Graton Road, Graton. 707.823.7023. Honorable Mention Hopmonk Tavern 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. 707.730.7308. 691 Broadway Ave., Sonoma. 707.935.9100. Best Romantic Dinner Marin Vin Antico 881 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415.721.0600. Napa Bouchon 6534 Washington St., Yountville. 707.944.8037. Sonoma Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant 7871 River Road, Forestville. 707.330.3300. Honorable Mention Madrona Manor 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg. 707.433.4231. Best Staycation Marin Nick's Cove 23240 Hwy. 1, Marshall. 415.663.1033. Napa Hotel Yountville 6462 Washington...
Read more

Writers Picks: Culture

Best Nontelevised Technology Program Television is on its way out. Streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV and even some TVs themselves bring the internet's best offerings in an on-demand format to living rooms across the world, broadcast time be damned. Some shows aren't even broadcast at all, like the Emmy-winning House of Cards, which was released only on Netflix. And...
Read more

Writers Picks: Everyday

Best Green in Sonoma County The future is green. That's not glib wishful thinking, it's a cold fact. As we burn through natural resources such as oil, gas and water, and suffer the consequences of their overuse, going green presents itself not as a groovy alternative, but as the last, best choice. The planet can only take so much abuse, and...
Read more

Readers Picks: Food & Drink

Best Farmers Market Marin Farmers Market at Marin Civic Center Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. 415.472.6100. Napa Napa Farmers Market at Oxbow Public Market 500 First St., Napa. 707.501.3087. Sonoma Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.522.8629. Honorable Mention Sebastopol Farmers Market Downtown Plaza, Sebastopol. 707.522.9305. Best Organic Farm Marin Green Gulch Farm www.sfzc.org/ggf Napa Boca Farm www.bocafarm.org Sonoma Laguna Farms 1764 Cooper Road, Sebastopol. 707.823.0823. Honorable Mention Green String Farm 3571 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma. 707.778.7500. Best Bakery Marin Bovine Bakery 11312 Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes...
Read more
1...857858859...1,000Page 858 of 1,000
11,084FansLike
4,606FollowersFollow
6,928FollowersFollow
north bay bohemian newspaper sonoma napa county logo
CURRENT ISSUE & ARCHIVES
East Bay Express cover
East Bay Express cover
CURRENT ISSUE & ARCHIVES
Newsletters Subscribe Advertise About Us Contact Us Letter to the Editor Press Release Obituaries Writing an Obituary Archives Find a Paper Distribute Bohemian Vote for Best Of Plaques & Banners
win free stuff
Features Local News News
Arts Books & Literature Crush Culture Movies Music Spotlight Theater
Astrology Look Media Opinion Letters To The Editor Open Mic Press Pass Rolling Papers
Dining Restaurants Small Bites
Readers' Picks 2025 Arts & Culture Beer, Wine & Spirits Beauty, Health & Wellness Cannabis Everyday Services Family & Pets Home Improvement Recreation Restaurants Romance Shopping
All Upcoming Events Today's Events Submit an Event Promote Your Event
weeklys california local media group logo

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Weeklys All rights reserved.

Our Publications

ADVERTISING Advertise Legal Submit an Obituary Legal NoticesFictitious Business Name (FBN) StatementsDoing Business As (DBA) NoticesTrustee Sale Notices

COMPANY INFO Job Opportunities Journalism Awards Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Support Local Journalism