Using—and reusing—the resources of the earth has never been more important. Fortunately, Marin County is home to the one of the nation’s most successful recycling programs. In Think, writer Peter Fimrite and photographer Tim Porter take us backstage at the Marin Recycling Center, where more than three quarters of what we throw out is turned into something useful again.
In Home, P. J. Bremier tells us how a San Rafael couple managed to get some Tuscan sunshine to fall on their 5,200-square-foot home—complete with an imposing stone tower—overlooking San Pablo Bay.
Travel writer and photographer Vassi Koutsaftis finds his muse under the Turkish sun, where he wanders the alleyways of Istanbul savoring sweet pastries, renews a family connection, cruises the Aegean Sea aboard a traditional two-masted gulet, and balloons more than a mile in the air to survey the lunar terrain of Turkey’s volcanic uplands.
Those who need to get away, but have less time to do so, will enjoy Kendra Smith’s tour of Boonville and the Anderson Valley; local travel agents’ guide to beaches that provide welcoming respite from the coming winter; and (for those with the right mix of balance, age and attitude) Pat Judah’s introduction to local skateparks. But don’t leave home without reading Fashion Trends for the latest update in cocktail ensembles and the chic clutches to go with them.
The holidays are nigh upon us and we’re here to help you survive the entertaining season. Kathleen Mailliard Rende from Gump’s teaches us (very politely) the proper etiquette of table setting; four Marin caterers go back to basics with holiday hosting 101; and Mandy Behbehani makes her debut in the magazine with a Thanksgiving profile of Novato chef-entrepreneur Michael Mina.
Also in this issue, we engage in Conversation with attorney Doug Ferguson about his lengthy involvement with nonprofits and with filmmaker George Lucas, explore the hidden community of Point San Quentin Village in Microclimate and have a Dialogue with marine scientist John McCosker.
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