View from Mt. Tam

The Buck Institute is one of those Marin icons that most everyone recognizes, but few understand. As the institute turns 10 years old this spring, we hope to change that with Tim Porter’s visual profiles of some of the scientists whose work makes the Buck one of the nation’s premier research centers on aging and disease.

In Home, P. J. Bremier finds that the approach behind renowned garden maker Brandon Tyson’s magical creations is closer to the art of alchemy than the science of landscaping. FYI Home Decor looks at another garden element, outdoor sculpture, from the abstract to the prehistoric, and FYI Garden tells us how to productively match up kids and dirt.

Journey heads to Yunnan Province in southern China in search of a Shangri-La hidden deep among the Himalayan foothills. For a paradise closer to home, Go provides a guide to discovering Tahoe by foot.

In FYI People, Somer Flaherty profiles Logan and Noah Miller, the persistent and talented West Marin brothers who turned their story of baseball dreams and a dying dad into a movie and a new book.

Also in this issue, Dialogue questions longtime Bay Area news reporter Melba Pattillo Beals about her days confronting segregation as one of the Little Rock Nine and her current life in Marin; Conversation talks with former Mill Valley mayor Shawn Marshall about community politics; Looking Back details the beginnings and growth of Highway 101, Microclimate meanders the leafy lanes of Larkspur; and Trends showcases green and gold as the colors of spring.

And last but not least, note the colorful painting on the front cover by Marin artist Helen Steele winner of our cover contest. Come celebrate the arts with us at the Fourth Annual Marin Arts Salon on May 7 at California Closets in San Rafael. See the Calendar for details.

As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine, as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place!       
             
Lisa Shanower, Publisher
Nikki Wood, Editorial Director
Jim Wood, Executive Editor