A Whopping Library

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A Whopping Library

‘If you have a book that is 113 years overdue,” sighs the Librarian, holding up the ancient book that was secretly left in the overnight return slot, “You go to the counter!”

In Glen Berger’s metaphysical one-person mystery Underneath the Lintel, that 113-year-old book soon launches the Librarian on a globe-hopping journey of discovery. Initially, the Librarian (played with baffled, escalating wonder and rising emotion by John Shillington) hopes to collect a whopping fine, sending a letter to the only address available—in China.

When the Librarian discovers that the recipient, known only as A., also left a decrepit London laundry ticket (for a pair of trousers) in the returned book, he sets off for England in hopes of tracking down more details about the presumed-dead Mr. A.

And that’s when things get weird.

Related as a rambling lecture titled “An Impressive Presentation of Lovely Evidences,” the Librarian’s shaggy-doggish story covers as much philosophical ground as the Librarian logs miles. Is A. some sort of a time traveler? A ghost? Or just a very old guy who leaves a lot of stuff behind? The truth—or at least the truth that the Librarian finally settles upon—is nothing short of earth-shaking, and calls into question the randomness of fate, the nature of God and the defiant resilience of the human spirit.

Directed by John Craven, the entire story is related from the stage of a second-rate auditorium. It’s all the Librarian can afford. As he produces one piece of evidence after another—each with a little numbered tag on a string—they are hung from a clothesline stretched across the stage. It’s one of many nice touches Craven brings to the proceedings, though the final half of the show—when the energy of the story really begins to pick up—has a few too many distracting musical cues. Did the Librarian really give someone a list of songs to play at specific moments in his lecture? Not likely. Such moments break the magic spell of the play rather than add to them.

Thankfully, there is so much magic and bittersweet beauty in the script, and Shillington’s performance—a little rushed at first, but settling down later when he begins to allow himself to occasionally pause and react to the story he’s relating—is northing short of captivating.

Underneath the Lintel, like the mysterious Mr. A—and the Librarian who discovers his secret—is much bigger, and much more important, than it first appears.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★★

The Patient Trap

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The Patient Trap

I’m a psychotherapist who until recently worked with adults in the psychiatry department at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa. I’ve been there over seven years. I recently turned in my resignation because I can no longer do the work I do best—eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for people with severe trauma—effectively and safely. There’s simply not enough time for the patients. But as I’m leaving, I’m trying to improve the system for the multitudes of mentally ill clients still to come through Kaiser’s doors.

Kaiser is the number one mental-illness care provider in California. Therapists are to mental healthcare what primary care physicians are to the rest of healthcare. Yet the average wait time between therapist visits in Santa Rosa is currently five weeks. In other Kaiser mental-health clinics, the waits are even worse.

I became a steward for the National Union of Healthcare Workers a scant three months ago, with the intent of joining the ongoing campaign to provide better basic care to our clients. The union has been doggedly addressing the deficiencies in our system for the three years since they were voted in as our union. In 2012, they were successful at triggering an investigation by the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), the state’s regulatory agency that oversees HMO behavior. In June 2013, the DMHC fined Kaiser
$4 million for failing to provide timely initial access to services.

To avoid future fines, Kaiser transferred resources from follow-up care to initial care. Therapists started seeing people more quickly for their first visit, but subsequent visits got pushed further and further away. The clients had better access, true, but not to care. Kaiser is still attempting to beat the original $4 million fine. The case, a face-off between the DMHC and Kaiser, is set to go to court in Oakland in mid-May.

People with mental illness deserve more than a timely first visit. If the laws are unclear about the basic services Kaiser needs to provide its members, it’s time to clarify the laws.

Andy Weisskoff lives in Sebastopol. His blog, 90daystochange.com chronicles his efforts at improving managed mental healthcare from
the inside out.

Open Mic is a weekly feature in the ‘Bohemian.’ We welcome your contribution. To have your topical essay of 350 words considered for publication, write op*****@******an.com.

The Telltale Text

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The Telltale Text

An owner of the Press Democrat appears to have influenced coverage of at least one major story in Santa Rosa’s daily paper of record.

A series of text messages between Doug Bosco and Efren Carrillo from October and November of 2013 indicate that Bosco, a former U.S. Congressman and co-owner of the Press Democrat—and a supporter of embattled 5th District Sonoma County Supervisor Carrillo—has pushed for coverage of a flashpoint issue in Santa Rosa: the death of Andy Lopez, who was shot and killed by a Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputy while carrying a toy AK-47 last October.

The messages obtained by the Bohemian reveal a spirit of friendship that exists between the men. But they also raise questions about whether Bosco has tried to sway coverage at the PD as it relates Carrillo’s arrest on July 13, 2013. A top editor at the paper flatly rejects any suggestion that Bosco has attempted to exert influence over coverage of the arrest.

The Digital Trail

On Oct. 24, 2013, Bosco texted Carrillo, “Do you know the Lopez family? I would like to help them in any way I can, including financial. What a terrible tragedy all the way around.”

Carrillo responded a few minutes later: “I was just at the vigil tonight, hundreds of supporters, dozens of TV stations, etc. I was left alone as I blended in the crowd. . . . I’m meeting the family tomorrow morning at their request, thanks for your offer. They are likely to seek legal help. . . . I’ll let you know—thanks for your compassion.”

Bosco responded shortly thereafter, “Okay, they are likely to need some financial help with this.”

On Oct. 30, Bosco sent another text to Carrillo: “Hi Efren. I feel sick every time I see Andy Lopez’ parents next to that coffin. Should we start a fund at First Community Bank that people can contribute to in support of the family? I can get plenty of publicity through the PD for it and of course will contribute myself.”

A news story appeared in the Nov. 7, 2013, Press Democrat that announced a memorial fund had been set up to cover Lopez’s burial costs. That night, Carrillo texted Bosco, “Thank you for ensuring the PD covered the memorial set up for Andy Lopez!”

The issue at hand is not whether a fund for the grieving family of Andy Lopez should have been set up (although one can imagine the ensuing outrage in Santa Rosa’s large Latino community, had Bosco’s sympathies instead rested with the officer in the shooting and the newspaper had written a news story announcing the establishment of a legal defense fund for him). Regardless of the well-intentioned and empathic push to set up a fund to cover funeral costs in a tragic incident, the question remains whether or not Bosco is using his power as co-owner of the Press Democrat to influence coverage of issues of concern to him.

The Paper Trail

Efren Carrillo was arrested in the early morning hours of July 13, 2013, after a woman twice called 911 about an intruder on her property. Carrillo was arrested while wearing nothing but underwear and a pair of socks, and was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the arrest. He immediately entered a rehab program after getting out of the county lockup and has returned to his job as county supervisor, despite calls for his resignation.

The Press Democrat has reported on the original incident and each of the five court delays in his trial for a misdemeanor peeking charge, but has not called for Carrillo’s resignation in its editorials. The paper has also reported that it has been unable to gain access to either the 911 calls or the police report from the July 2013 incident, yet there has been no reported story or editorial on the Carrillo case that says the paper has filed a public-records request for that information.

The paper’s latest editorial on the subject, published Feb. 27, again noted that it had been denied access to the 911 tapes and police report, and said that the information should be released after the Carrillo incident has been adjudicated. “Santa Rosa’s interim police chief Hank Schreeder declined this newspaper’s latest request for the 911 tapes, citing the ongoing prosecution,” the PD wrote. “But given that, there should be no obstacle to releasing these documents, including the police report, after the case is resolved.”

At that point, Carrillo will have had his day in court and would not be subject to any actionable questions about the criminal charges that were lodged related to the incident.

On Feb. 6, Carrillo was appointed to the Sonoma Clean Power Board. Bosco emailed him to congratulate him on the selection. On Feb. 7, Carrillo texted him back, “Doug, thank you for your email and support!”

The Bohemian put in a public records request with Chief Schreeder on Feb. 27, seeking access to the 911 tape or transcripts. The city of Santa Rosa delayed its response beyond the 10-day statutory limit set by the California Public Records Act, citing a need, it wrote, for further “consultation with another department or agency that has a substantial interest in the response to this request.”

On March 12, the Bohemian‘s request for the 911 tape was denied. Administrative secretary Carrie Behler wrote that the 911 tape or transcript of the tape was exempt under a section of the law that says investigative records can be exempted from public review. At issue is whether an incident that occurred eight months ago
is still under “investigation.”

The Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit Freedom Forum, which advocates on transparency issues through its First Amendment Center, notes in a roundup of state laws relating to public disclosure of 911 calls that, in California, those calls “fall under the California Public Records Act, which makes all records available to the public through request.”

The Bohemian, in its request for the 911 tape, noted that the law says “any reasonably segregable portion of a record shall be available for inspection by any person requesting the record after deletion of the portions that are exempted by law.”

Behler said the decision to withhold the contents of the 911 tape from public review was made by her “in consultation with” Rhonda M. McKinnon, technical services division manager with the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Carrillo & ‘PD’ Respond

The Bohemian sent a set of questions via email to Press Democrat editorial director Paul Gullixson concerning Bosco’s guarantee of coverage of the Lopez fund—”I can get plenty of publicity through the PD“—and its coverage of the ongoing Carrillo case. In his response, Gullixson did not address the Lopez fund coverage in the newspaper and says the Bohemian was “fishing for something that doesn’t exist.”

“I’ve had no conversations with Doug Bosco about what happened with Efren Carrillo, and he has made no effort to contact me about our editorials or to exert influence one way or the other,” writes Gullixson.

Gullixson adds: “Furthermore, I make no apologies for the editorial positions we have taken and the columns I have written about the Carrillo case. I don’t think a reasonable person would look at the totality of the coverage and conclude that we have somehow been soft on the supervisor. If anything, we’ve been taken to task by a number of people in the community, through letters to the editor and in phone calls, for being too hard on the guy and for not letting the matter drop.

“But those have been in the minority. Most readers have been supportive of our coverage and the editorial positions we have taken, including our demands for disclosure in the police report, 911 tapes, etc., and our concern that this matter not end with a plea bargain and a blackout of information.”

The Bohemian asked Gullixson if the PD had ever put in public records request for the 911 tapes or the police report: “I would just say that we have repeatedly stated our desire to access the police report, 911 transcripts, etc., and our belief that there’s a prevailing public interest in disclosure of this information.”

In an email, Carrillo answered “no” and “no” to questions posed to him about whether he had asked for Bosco’s assistance to help influence the paper’s reporting on his arrest, or whether Bosco had made any assurances to him that he would do so. Bosco did not respond to two phone messages seeking his input for this story.

Letters to the Editor, March 18, 2014

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Letters to the Editor, March 18, 2014

The New Petalumans

I am one of those newly minted Petalumans (or, as I call myself, a Petaluwoman) who can’t say enough good things about my adopted town (“Flourishing Transplants,” March 12). I moved here from Marin in January after I was blindsided by a divorce. Still in recovery mode, just found the perfect support group, which meets on Kentucky Street once a week for two months—within walking distance.

Never in my life have I felt as if I fit in so well to a town as I do here. I’m a bit eccentric; so is the town. I appreciate its sweetness—the other night, a neighbor asked me to come into his yard to look at identical twin baby hummingbirds in their teeny, tiny nest.

I adore its friendliness, since I’m a Midwesterner; Marin was not that friendly. People talk to me for a few minutes and then say, “I’m glad you’re here.” I love all the interesting activities, and the fact that there are lots of other East Coast people, which is what I was originally.

—Linda Jay

Petaluma

Petaluma had suburbs; now a bunch of people are moving from the big city looking at what has always been an awesome little town and seeing it as simply a suburb of their big city.

And seriously, not gentrifying? As people flee the high prices of San Francisco and Marin, they drive up rents here. Petalumans are moving to Santa Rosa because they are being priced out. Money from Marin and San Francisco has been buying up real estate for profit. Petaluma Hotel, where all the poor people lived, has been gentrified.

I came to a sweet, affordable town a decade ago, hoping someday to be able to buy a home and live my life here. Now what I see is gentrification and strip malls popping up everywhere. And as a single parent, I have watched my dream of being able to afford my own home here fly out the window.

—Sarah

Via online

Petaluma pretends to be part of Marin County already. Homes selling for
$1.5 million in San Francisco cannot be compared to the barns being sold for $500,000 (as you put it, one-third the cost) in Petaluma. So do you think the people working at the new Target store can afford these houses? Absolutely not.

How is the public transportation system in Petaluma? Any buses across town every 20 minutes? Or does the community only cater to people with cars and SUVs? What companies have moved there that are not part of the monoculture strip malls and restaurant chains? People with money cannot afford to live in the Bay Area, so they are migrating to the North Bay where they can price out those who have been here all this time? Might want to reconsider that G-word qualification.

—CT

Via online

Time Has Come

I attended Steve Martinot’s talk (“Imagine No Prisons,” March 5). I was able to go only because my (very hard to obtain) visit with my son at San Quentin didn’t happen due to him being sent to the Central Valley. We can absolutely keep the public safe while not subjecting people who are accused or convicted of crimes to cruel and unusual punishment.

Many citizens support prevention and treatment of addiction and mental illness over punishment. Concepts of restorative justice, a focus on real education—there are so many ways to prevent incarceration.

It is an idea whose time has come!

—Megan Gordon

Santa Rosa

Good Worm,
Bad Worm

Regarding where the earthworms have gone (“Rhapsodies & Rants,” March 12), I want to bring attention to the recent article in the Natural Resources Defense Council Journal titled “The Worm Has Turned” at www.onearth.org. The article discusses how nonnative worms are actually responsible for destroying forest topsoil.

—Marlina Eckel

Cotati

Write to us at le*****@******an.com.

Americans in Paris

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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

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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
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Readers Picks: Romance

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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
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Readers Picks: Recreation

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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
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Readers Picks: Family

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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
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Readers Picks: Everyday

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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

A Whopping Library

'If you have a book that is 113 years overdue," sighs the Librarian, holding up the ancient book that was secretly left in the overnight return slot, "You go to the counter!" In Glen Berger's metaphysical one-person mystery Underneath the Lintel, that 113-year-old book soon launches the Librarian on a globe-hopping journey of discovery. Initially, the Librarian (played with baffled,...
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The Patient Trap

I'm a psychotherapist who until recently worked with adults in the psychiatry department at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa. I've been there over seven years. I recently turned in my resignation because I can no longer do the work I do best—eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for people with severe trauma—effectively and safely. There's simply not enough...
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The Telltale Text

An owner of the Press Democrat appears to have influenced coverage of at least one major story in Santa Rosa's daily paper of record. A series of text messages between Doug Bosco and Efren Carrillo from October and November of 2013 indicate that Bosco, a former U.S. Congressman and co-owner of the Press Democrat—and a supporter of embattled 5th District...
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Letters to the Editor, March 18, 2014

The New Petalumans I am one of those newly minted Petalumans (or, as I call myself, a Petaluwoman) who can't say enough good things about my adopted town ("Flourishing Transplants," March 12). I moved here from Marin in January after I was blindsided by a divorce. Still in recovery mode, just found the perfect support group, which meets on Kentucky...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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