Poor Police Work Lets Rapists Go Free

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Poor Police Work Lets Rapists Go Free

By Christine McDonald

There is a sexual assault taking place right now. Every 68 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted. More than 97% of perpetrators get off scot-free.

A major reason is mismanagement of physical evidence. The evidence in a sexual-assault investigation is typically the product of a six-hour physical exam conducted by a medical professional, who searches the victim’s body for any material—like DNA—that could help identify the perpetrator. The information and material gathered is known as a “sexual assault kit.”

As a survivor of sex trafficking and current advocate for victims, I know firsthand how invasive and retraumatizing these exams can be. But we believe that the information collected will help deliver justice.

That faith is often misplaced. In far too many cases, the evidence in sexual assault kits is never used.

The state of California, for instance, reported a backlog of more than 13,000 untested kits in 2020. Every unprocessed kit represents a crime left unsolved—and a perpetrator likely to attack again.

Court cases often require proof of the “chain of custody” for a piece of evidence. Prosecutors need to be able to prove the whereabouts of a rape kit. That evidence may be on the move for years. And if a defendant challenges the chain of custody, even a minor mistake can lead to an acquittal.

Today, any given sexual assault has just a 31% chance of ever being reported to the police. Why go through an invasive, demeaning physical exam if the evidence is going to end up in a storage closet—or if mismanagement by police is going to let the rapist off on a technicality?

There’s no excuse for losing track of evidence in 2022. We have the technology to get more perpetrators of sexual assault off the street. We need California law enforcement agencies to deploy those tools so victims aren’t telling their stories in vain.

Christine McDonald is an author, speaker and advocate for victims of human trafficking and sexual assault. www.christinespeaksministry.com

Intriguing Look – The inimitable Cincinnatus Hibbard

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Intriguing Look – The inimitable Cincinnatus Hibbard

By Jane Vick

Good morning all! Happy Wednesday! How has everyone been? I’ve just come back from a weekend in Los Angeles, where I attended a three-day wedding featuring a photobooth and a ferris wheel that I can say has made me more grateful than ever for Pedialyte. Pro tip: if ever at an event and plied with copious libations, drink an entire bottle of Pedialyte before falling asleep and prepare to awaken with a song in the heart and a spring in the step, as P.G. Wodehouse would say.

On to this week’s Look! I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that Cincinnatus Hibbard is one of the more intriguing human beings in Sonoma County, and certainly one of the most fascinating I’ve ever met. Though I am beginning to understand that I didn’t appreciate how much intrigue and mystery these Northern California hills hold.

The name Cincinnatus Hibbard may sound familiar; this is because they organized the recent North Bay Fashion Ball—see image—which was a roaring success. Hibbard is a walking art project, and I asked them about how they achieve it. Their answer:

“Life is composed of continuous art media. So everyone is implicated in this art thing. The invitation to continuous art practice is not continuous beauty, but truth. Continuous truth. That beauty is truth is more than an old saw; the principles of aesthetics are the principles of truth. A beautiful canvas is a category, and a data set is a beautiful canvas. Efficient use of ecological resources is aesthetic minimalism. A beautiful relationship is a well balanced symmetry, and a true democratic community is the most beautiful spiritual community.”

Hibbard sees their role of tending to the garden that is the Sonoma County creative community clearly, and gracefully participates. Upcoming, expect a podcast called Sonoma County, a Community Portrait, creating individual audio-portraits of community members. Expect also two short films, one titled We Are in Heaven, and the other promoting Gene Sharp’s Methods of Nonviolent Action. Along with the North Bay Fashion Ball, which is now an annual event, Hibbard is launching another annual event, called “The Avant Garde of Everything.” All this, says Hibbard, “amounts to tending our garden. It is the small part I have to play in culturing our Eden.”

Did I not say, utterly intriguing? Lucky us, Sonoma County!

Looking phenomenal, everyone.

See you next week!

Love,

Jane

For more images from the inaugural North Bay Fashion Ball, visit  https://www.flickr.com/gp/195772638@N03/53V572.

Jane Vick is an artist and writer based in Oakland. She splits her time between Europe, New York and New Mexico. View her work and contact her at janevick.com.

Letters

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Letters

100 Days

We are now more than 100 days into a senseless war in Ukraine driven by what appears to be Vladimir Putin’s 20th century idea of expansionism. But a fundamental factor missing from this discussion started a few years back with the forced shutdown of “Nord Stream 2,” a pipeline intended to carry Russian natural gas through Ukraine to Europe.

Fossil fuels account for 20% of the Russian economy. Shutting down the pipeline threatens their economy, so Putin was backed into a corner. Who should want to do that? U.S. Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) producers, who are, as we speak, building LNG plants in Texas and Louisiana, and an offloading plant in Germany. The fact is that Putin’s seemingly “senseless expansionist effort” into Ukraine has foundations in the U.S. LNG companies’ desire to be the sole providers of LNG to Europe.

The even darker underbelly of this narrative? As the earth warms due to fossil-fuel-driven climate change, northern Europe will become colder and residents will need lots of LNG to stay warm. That could set up another fossil fuel war.

Michael Stocker

West Marin

Defined

I looked up “journalism” on Wikipedia, and the following line struck me: “Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel propose several guidelines for journalists in their book, The Elements of Journalism. Their view is that journalism’s first loyalty is to the citizenry and that journalists are thus obliged to tell the truth and must serve as an independent monitor of powerful individuals and institutions within society.” No one embodies this definition of journalist more than Peter Byrne. I am in awe of his (and your) courage. Thank you for publishing his most recent article on Measure A. He is phenomenal, and so is the Pacific Sun.

Steve Ossi

Fairfax

Farmers’ Market Tales – Local purveyors, local stories

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Farmers’ Market Tales – Local purveyors, local stories

By Isabella Cook

Everyone at the Farmers’ Market has a story to tell, from the attendees milling from stall to stall, to the local purveyors whose products tell a fascinating personal history. It’s easy to get distracted in the busy atmosphere of a Bay Area Farmers’ Market, caught in the flow of foot traffic that carries customers past delicious foods and delightful hand-crafted items. Each Farmers’ Market has a different personality, and the Saturday Larkspur Farmers’ Market at Marin County Mart is no exception.

This market takes place directly across from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, and between the kiosks and the crowds is a beautiful view of the ferries parked and waiting to carry passengers across the bay. The smell of roasting meats, fresh bread, cut flowers and an assortment of unidentifiable goodies wafts through the market from end to end. In the middle of the strip of stalls, live music gives good cheer to the families and friends enjoying their local shopping experience.

“The Farmers’ Market is about people just having a good time, and each Farmers’ Market is very different and has its own personality,” explained Tom Turner, owner of Crane Creek Growers, from behind the counter of his cut-flower stand. Turner is surrounded by vibrant arrangements of blooms grown in Sonoma County from his family-owned, local flower company, which serves the whole of the North Bay Area.

“Some of my best friends are customers, and two of my three sons work in the business as well,” said Turner. “About 90% of our customers are repeat customers who are coming back to buy flowers for their households. The tulips are my favorites, but I like the lavender and the hydrangea too. We’ll also have cucumber, tomato, basil and mint coming with the season!”

“Tom’s been selling flowers for 57 years this month,” said Diana Rogers, Turner’s partner since 2010. “We do seven Farmers’ Markets a week, and the people just love the flowers, so it makes sense to do what we do.”

Close by Turner’s flower stand is Fallon Hills Ranch, offering farm-fresh eggs and a wide array  of meat, all of which are laid[1]  and slaughtered locally. Mike Maloney runs the stall with his granddaughter, Abby Carvajal, and has been involved in the local Farmers’ Market community since 2010.

“Most of the people here come because they can’t find what we offer at the grocery store,” said Maloney. “We have lamb, beef, pork and eggs. Everything we sell here at the Farmers’ Market, we grow ourselves. It’s a family endeavor—the ranch has been in the family since 1875 and is one of the oldest in Marin County. We were the first slaughterhouse in Marin, and before we were approved for that, we were having to bring animals to Eureka and back, while now it’s much closer, and we can keep a lot of the freshness by staying local.”

Mill Valley Pasta Co., owned by Chef Tony Adams, is a stand filled to the brim with every kind of fresh, flavored and dried pasta the heart could desire. They offer small-batch artisan pasta made with organic ingredients. The pasta is sold alongside sauces such as pesto and vodka sauce, as well as garnishes such as Calabrian chili oil to enhance the at-home fine dining pasta experience. Mill Valley Pasta Co. opened in June of 2020 and officially launched at the Farmers’ Market one year ago.

“We specialize in extruded pasta,” said Adams. “We make a loose mixture of semolina and water, and instead of starting with a flat sheet and cutting the pasta, we put the dough through a solid brass machine called a die.”

Bronze and brass-cut pastas are, by the method through which they are produced, left with a roughened surface on the exterior, leaving them ready to soak up more sauce and have a better bite. Slow-dried means they retain the coveted al dente bite that mass-produced pasta lacks.

“We make more than 65 regular pastas,” explained Adams. “Some are gluten-free, some made with eggs, but most of the dried pasta is vegan-friendly since it is made without eggs. I’m a classically trained chef by trade, and this whole pasta career started as a Covid project—I had a vintage pasta machine, and I decided to make some pasta for my neighbors. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was making 30 to 40 pounds of pasta every week! After I bought an industrial-grade pasta machine on eBay, things really took off, and now, this last week, I made 1,200 pounds of pasta.”

Another local purveyor, Patty Doyle, operates Farm Chocolate Craft Confections out of Sonoma County. She began making chocolate in 2003 and sells chocolate bars, bonbons, dipped chocolates and cookies to enthusiastic Farmers’ Market customers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with sumptuous chocolates.

“The chocolate we offer is 70%, fairly-traded organic dark chocolate, hand-dipped right in Sebastopol,” explained Adam Stopeck of Farm Chocolate Craft Confections. “Patty, the owner, does it all herself from start to finish. She even tempers the chocolate on a marble slab. She’s been at it for close to 20 years, basically her whole life since she was three, stirring a sugary pot on the stovetop!”

Apart from chocolates, meats, pastas and freshly-cut flowers, the Larkspur Farmers’ Market also plays host to kiosks selling everything from wine to fresh fruits and vegetables. One can also indulge in the tempting food trucks scattered across the market, offering everything from rotisserie chicken to waffles to “Sowl Bowls.” Other stands sell hand-crafted knick-knacks, clothing and houseplants, making it the perfect place to stop by and pick up a thoughtful gift for a loved one (or for oneself). Farmers’ Markets offer the perfect opportunity for both a memorable outing with family and friends and a chance to support small businesses by shopping local.

The Larkspur Farmers’ Market at Marin County Mart is located at 2257 Larkspur Landing Cir, just across from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. The location is perfect for both Marin County locals and for San Franciscans looking to take a ferry ride out of the city for a day.

The market takes place every Saturday, rain or shine all year-round, from 9am to 2pm. Mart Little’s music begins at 9:30am, and music for all takes place between 11am and 2pm.

For more information about the Larkspur Farmers’ Market at Marin County Mart, to see the musical lineup and the vendors, visit the website at marincountrymart.com/farmers-market.

This said grown, which I changed to laid, in reference to eggs.

Bocce and Brews – San Rafael’s Ounces Outdoors

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Bocce and Brews – San Rafael’s Ounces Outdoors

By Jane Vick


Bocce and fire pits and dogs. It’s a Northern Californian’s dream beer garden, and it’s open for business. Say hello to Ounces Outdoors, the newest edition to San Rafael’s ever-growing local food scene.

Ounces Outdoors, located at 5800 Northgate Dr, is the dream manifest of Jojo Lawrence and Waz Hewerdine, a Brit and Aussie who have a serious thing for beer, dogs and bocce ball. This outdoor beer garden includes three repurposed shipping containers—one of which is now the bar—furniture designed and built by Hewerdine, Lawrence and team, and a beautiful selection of local beer and cider.

I had a chance to chat with Hewerdine himself last week on the ins and outs of the endeavor, and their plans now that the taps are flowing and the bocce balls are rolling.

Pacific Sun: Firstly, I’d love to know, why bocce ball?

Waz Hewerdine: A big part of the vision for Ounces Outdoors, from the beginning, was experience. More than just a beer. We wanted something to encourage participation and socializing, and bocce hit the spot. You can play with a beer in hand, it’s social and informal, and anyone can play it.

PS: Where does it come from?

WH: It’s attributed to Italy, but I believe it originated somewhere else…I’m not a champion or anything, but it’s communal, it’s social, it’s not serious. That’s what we wanted.

PS: How many beers do you have on tap at the moment?

WH: We have 18 taps, but we don’t have them all kegged yet. We’re focusing on a smaller curated selection. Eleven beers and three ciders. Our beer selection is focusing on small batch local breweries, and we’d like to focus on two or three at a time, bridging enough of their beers in to really show them off. Right now, we have Fog Belt, Adobe Creek, Pond Farm, and for cider, Goat Rock. We’re keeping things very local. Because they’re small breweries, we expect new beers every week. We’ve already rotated since we’ve been open. The whole idea is to keep rotating, both weekly and seasonally. Crushable beers in the summer, heavier porters and stouts in the winter. And as I said, we’re very local-centric.

PS: So who is Waz Hewerdine?

WH: Ha, I’ve been trying to figure that out myself for quite some time! I’m born and bred in Australia, and my background is in tech. I came over to the states 20 years ago and lost directions to the airport, so I’ve never left. Jojo and I met 12 years ago while working together at a small company I’d founded that provided GPS systems to kids and families who participate in geocaching. We’ve been friends since, and it was such a rewarding experience watching these kids run around and participate in something fun as a result of the product we’d built, that we decided we wanted to work on something that was ours, something that could give back to the greater community, rather than something for ourselves. We want to feel that same satisfaction watching kids run around and enjoy what we’ve made when we look out at the community hanging out at Ounces.

PS: How did the process of getting Ounces off the ground go?

WH: It went well, but disjointed. We signed the lease in February of 2020, and we all know what happened then. So it kept us busy for sure. Supply chain issues, rising costs, Covid, everything was extended. But we got there. All the furniture we designed and built ourselves. The biggest challenge was finding the right contractors to work with the shipping containers, because they’re outfitted in a way that not every contractor can handle. Our kitchen, office and bar are all in refurbished shipping containers. We love the idea of repurposing and recycling.

PS: And tell me about the “Home Grown National Park” in the garden?!

WH: Yes, I definitely want to talk about that! So rather than random planting, we really wanted to consciously do something helpful. We found Home Grown National Parks, a nonprofit encouraging people to plant native plants that assist with insect and wildlife health in the area, encouraging pollinators and things like that to thrive. We worked with them, and as a result our main planting area, around our water feature, is listed on the Home Grown National Parks list! There will be a QR code next to the fountain garden, where people can learn all about the different plants and the Home Grown National Parks mission. Our spot features Allen Chickering sage, monkey flower—jellybean, foothill penstemon—margarita bop, California fuchsia and a mix of California wildflowers.

PS: What can we look forward to at Ounces in its first year ?

WH: Just like with the bocce ball courts, we want to bring community and families together and offer them experiences beyond the beer garden. Trivia nights, movie nights, beer and food pairings, planet viewing nights, collaborating with nonprofits in the area—we’re looking to set up a revolving set of opportunities for the community to participate in going forward. Stay on the lookout!

PS: Lastly, is there an amusing anecdote you have to share with me, preferably involving a dog, as they play such a star role in the Ounces Outdoors ethos?

WH: Hmm, an amusing anecdote…well, nothing is coming to mind, but, the truth be known? The most popular member of our crew is Stitch, a mini Aussie shepherd! Most people have definitely met and know Stitch, and they are working on getting to know us as well. He’s definitely a main character at Ounces.
For more information on events and hours, visit www.ouncesoutdoors.com.
[SIDEBAR]
Local Breweries on Tap at Ounces
FOG BELT BREWING COMPANY

This Santa Rosa Brewery was founded in 2013 by Sonoma County locals Paul Hawley and Remy Martin, and is named after the area along the Northern California coast where the coast redwood trees grow, in a unique ecosystem born from the proximity to the coast known as the fog belt. Their West Slope Hazy IPA and Sapling Crushable Ale are a true testament to their dedication to and love for the craft of brewing beer. www.fogbeltbrewing.com
ADOBE CREEK BREWING

Based in Marin County, with locations in Novato and Petaluma (which rides that line between Sonoma and Marin County), Adobe Creek has been in operation since March of 2017, producing small batch beers that focus on flavor and incline hop-forward. Their Breakfast Bowl Golden Stout, brewed with specialty Guatemalan coffee beans, Madagascar vanilla beans, cinnamon and lactose is a triumphant journey for the tastebuds. Cereal, with a buzz. www.adobecreekbrewing.com
POND FARM BREWING COMPANY

Pond Farm comes from husband and wife team Stephanie and Trevor Martens and their Devil’s Gulch hazy IPA won a bronze medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival. www.pondfarmbrewing.com
GOAT ROCK CIDER COMPANY

The miraculous idea of Paul Hawley and Trevor Zebulon, Goat Rock Cider Company provides a bone dry, naturally carbonated cider made from organic apples and with zero sulfates. Try the Bramble made with organic apples and blackberries, or the Guavicot, made from organic apples, guava and apricots. www.goatrockciders.com

Culture Crush: Week of 06/08/22

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Culture Crush: Week of 06/08/22

Ross

Art and Seaweed

Come to The Marin Art and Garden Center this Thursday for That Other Flora: An Artist’s Journey into the Science of Seaweed, an evening with artist Josie Iselin, who’s exhibition The Curious World of Seaweed is up now through July 10. Iselin is an artist and ocean activist who researches and writes about seaweed, kelp and sea otters, and works with scientists and nonprofit groups dedicated to salvaging the kelp forests along the Pacific Coast. Over the course of the evening Iselin will explain the complex life cycle of bull kelp, why seaweeds are the vibrant colors they are, and the current situation with the kelp forests of Marin County and the Northern California coast. There will be a wine reception and various Iselin books for sale—have a copy signed! That Other Flora: An Artist’s Journey into the Science of Seaweed is Thursday, June 16 at the Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 6pm-8pm. Tickets $15. www.maringarden.org

Sebastopol

Party for a Cause

Head out to Crooked Goat in The Barlow for a night of food and drinks, to support a meaningful cause—the Sage Casey Fundraiser. It will be a parking lot wide party full of music for dancing and connecting with the community. Family activities and crafts will be available all day long, with ample opportunities to raise money for the cause. The Sage Casey Foundation is a nonprofit founded in the memory of Sage Casey, who lost their life to suicide at only 14. Their mission is to bring awareness to suicide prevention and reduce the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health, while also providing positive support and encouragement to local youth by empowering them to find and pursue their own passions, and to follow Casey’s example by always being a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. For more information on The Sage Casey Foundation, visit www.sagecaseyfoundation.com. The Sage Casey Fundraiser is Saturday, June 11 at Crooked Goat Brewing, 120 Morris St #120, Sebastopol. 11:30am-5:30pm. Free. www.crookedgoatbrewing.com

Sebastopol

Comedy Night

707 Stand-Up is back this Sunday for another night of belly laughs! Come enjoy Comedy Night at Hopmonk Sebastopol, featuring headliner Marcus Williams, a stand-up comedian posing as a structural engineer. Williams was a semi-finalist in the 2016 Sacramento Comedy Festival and is a regular in San Francisco comedy clubs, including Cobb’s Comedy Club and San Francisco Punch Line. Also on the roster are James Mwaura, comedian and writer based in Oakland who has performed in SF Sketchfest, and Sara DeForest, a Petaluma-based comedian whose comedy has been described as “sassy” and “intellectual.” DeForest has performed at SXSW, Sketchest, and frequents seedy dive bars. 707 Stand-Up is made up of hosts Jefferson Mars and Jon Lehre, long-running hosts of the popular Comedy Open Mic, every third Sunday of the month at Hopmonk. Comedy Night is Sunday, June 12 at Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. 8pm. Tickets $15 or $17 at the door. www.hopmonk.com

Mill Valley

Scarypoolparty

Enjoy a night of music at Sweetwater Music Hall with Alejandro Aranda, aka Scarypoolparty. 

An American singer, songwriter, musician and reality television personality, Aranda was a runner up on American Idol and released his debut album, Exit Form, in 2019. In 2017, Aranda won Artist of the Year with CSUN and Five of Five Entertainment, and he is the only contestant in American Idol history to play seven original songs. Hear his signature sound, inspired by everything from Beethoven to Nine Inch Nails. Scarypoolparty will play Saturday, June 11 at Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. Doors 9:30pm, show 10pm. Tickets $29.50. www.sweetwatermusichall.com

—Jane Vick

Astrology Week of 06/08/2022

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Astrology Week of 06/08/2022

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “It takes a spasm of love to write a poem,” wrote Aries author Erica Jong. I will add that it takes a spasm of love to fix a problem with someone you care about. It also takes a spasm of love to act with kindness when you don’t feel kind. A spasm of love is helpful when you need to act with integrity in a confusing situation and when you want to heal the past so it doesn’t plague the future. All the above advice should be useful for you in the coming weeks, Aries. Are there any other variations you can think of? Fill in the blank in the next sentence: It takes a spasm of love to _____________.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The great epochs of our life come when we gain the courage to rechristen our badness as what is best in us,” wrote philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. When I read that ambitious epigram, I didn’t know what he was referring to. By “badness,” did he mean the ugly, pathological parts of us? That couldn’t be right. So I read scholars who had studied the great philosopher. Their interpretation: Nietzsche believed the urges that some religions seek to inhibit are actually healthy for us. We should celebrate, not suppress, our inclinations to enjoy sensual delights and lusty living. In fact, we should define them as being the best in us. I encourage you Bulls to do just that in the coming weeks. It’s a favorable time to intensify your devotion to joy, pleasure and revelry.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): It’s an excellent time to correct and uplift your self-image. I invite you to speak the following affirmations aloud: “I am not damaged. I am not on the wrong path. I am not inept or ignorant or off-kilter. The truth is, I am learning how to live. I am learning how to be a soulful human and I am doing a reasonably good job at that task. I do a lot of things really well. I’m getting to know myself better every day. I constantly surprise myself with how skilled I am at adjusting to life’s constant changes. I AM AMAZED AT HOW MUCH PROGRESS I HAVE MADE IN LEARNING HOW TO LIVE.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the Tibetan language, the term nyingdu-la means “most honored poison of my heart.” Many of us know at least one person who fits that description: an enemy we love to hate or a loved one who keeps tweaking our destiny or a paradoxical ally who is both hurtful and helpful. According to my analysis, it’s time for you to transform your relationship with a certain nyingdu-la in your life. The bond between you might have generated vital lessons for you. But now it’s time for a re-evaluation and redefinition.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Don’t pray for the rain to stop,” advises Leo poet Wendell Berry. “Pray for good luck fishing when the river floods.” That’s useful advice for you, my dear. The situation you’re in could turn out to be a case of either weird luck or good luck. And how you interpret the situation may have a big impact on which kind of luck it brings. I urge you to define the potential opportunities that are brewing and concentrate on feeding them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo writer Julio Cortázar (1914–1984) once remarked, “How tiring it gets being the same person all the time.” That’s surprising. In fact, Cortázar was an innovative and influential author who wrote over 30 books in four genres and lived for extended periods in five countries. It’s hard to imagine him ever being bored by his multifaceted self. Even if you’re not a superstar like Cortázar, Virgo, I expect you will be highly entertained and amused by your life in the coming weeks. I bet you will be even more interesting than usual. Best of all, you will learn many fresh secrets about your mysterious soul.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The blogger Frogbestfriend says, “One of the biggest problems with society nowadays is that I am so, so sleepy.” Frogbestfriend is humorously suggesting that his inability to maintain good sleep habits is rooted in civilization’s dysfunctions. He’s right, of course! Many of our seemingly personal problems are at least partially rooted in the pathological ways the whole world operates. Our culture influences us to do things that aren’t always healthy and wise. I bring this to your attention, Libra, because now is a favorable time to meditate on society’s crazy-making effects on you. Now is also a pivotal moment to heal yourself of those crazy-making effects.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Maggie Smith writes, “We talk so much of light. Please let me speak on behalf of the good dark. Let us talk more of how dark the beginning of a day is.” I offer her proposal as a fertile theme for your meditations. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios are most skilled at teasing out the good stuff from shadows and secrets and twilight. And your potency in these matters is even higher than usual right now. Do us all a favor and find the hidden redemptions and potential regenerations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When actors and other creative people in film win Oscars at the Academy Awards ceremony, they come on stage and deliver short talks, acknowledging their honor. These speeches often include expressions of gratitude. An analysis revealed that over the years, Sagittarian director Steven Spielberg has been thanked by winners more often than anyone else—even more than God. Based on my reading of astrological omens, I believe you deserve that level of appreciation in the coming weeks. Please show this horoscope to everyone you know who may be willing to carry out my mandate. Be proactive in collecting tribute, credit and favors.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the ancient Greek story of Odysseus, the hero leaves his home in Ithaka to fight in the Trojan War. When the conflict is over, he yearns to return to the beloved life he left behind. But his journey takes 10 years. His tests and travails are many. The 20th-century Greek poet C. P. Cavafy offered advice to Odysseus at the beginning of his quest: “As you set out for Ithaka, hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery…Keep Ithaka always in your mind. Arriving there is what you’re destined for. But don’t hurry the journey. Better if it lasts for years, so you’re old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way.” As you begin your new phase of returning home, Capricorn, I invite you to keep Cavafy’s thoughts in mind. (Read the poem: tinyurl.com/HomeToIthaka. Translated by Edmund Keeley.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I have never, ever, EVER met anyone who has regretted following their heart,” writes life coach Marie Forleo. But what exactly does she mean by “following their heart”? Does that mean ignoring cautions offered by your mind? Not necessarily. Does it require you to ignore everyone’s opinions about what you should do? Possibly. When you follow your heart, must you sacrifice money and status and security? In some cases, yes. But in other cases, following your heart may ultimately enhance your relationship with money and status and security. Anyway, Aquarius. I hope I’ve inspired you to meditate on what it means to follow your heart—and how you can do that intensely during the coming months.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Actor and author Jenny Slate testifies, “As the image of myself becomes sharper in my brain and more precious, I feel less afraid that someone else will erase me by denying me love.” That is the single best inspirational message I can offer you right now. In the coming months, you will earn the right and the capacity to make the same declaration. Your self-definition will become progressively clearer and stronger. And this waxing superpower will enable you to conquer at least some of your fear about not getting enough love.

Trivia

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Trivia

1 The first Catholic college in California to grant the B.A. degree to women, in 1917, was what school in Marin County?

2 What is one million minus one?

3 What four-letter “H” word is a term in basketball, boxing, golf and fishing?

4 The stone arch London Bridge, built in 1831, was dismantled in 1967 and rebuilt where?

5 Most people know the Dutch settlers in the New World purchased the rights for Manhattan from an indigenous tribe, for $24 worth of traded goods. Can you name two other settlements, currently northeastern states, that were purchased from indigenous peoples in honest business transactions by English settlers?

6 What musical instrument, first popularized and sold at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, was later banned from sports events around the world due to its annoying droning sound?

7 Can you list the world’s five oceans, according to size, largest first?

8 These land animals can travel 1,000 miles in eight days, the farthest any land animal can travel in such a short time. What are they?

9 Can you name the two most recent black-and-white movies to win the Best Picture Oscar, one from 1993 and the other from 2011?

10 Who was the youngest of the original Grateful Dead band members, and who was the oldest?

BONUS: French nun, Lucile Randon, also known as Sister André, is considered the world’s oldest living person today.  How old is she?

You are invited to a live Trivia Cafe team contest at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, at 5pm, Sunday, May 29, hosted by Howard Rachelson. Event is free, with a food and drink menu available.

ANSWERS:

1 Dominican College, now Dominican University

2 999,999

3 Hook: a boxer’s uppercut with bent elbow, a curving golf shot, a basketball shot with an upraised straight arm and a small curved tool for catching fish

4 Lake Havasu, on the California-Arizona border

5 Pennsylvania, purchased by William Penn, and Rhode Island, purchased by Roger Williams

6 Vuvuzela

7 Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, Southern (Antarctic)

8 Inuit sled dogs, Canadian or Alaskan Eskimo dogs, or Siberian Huskies, used in sled racing Thanks for the question to Tom Truchan from San Anselmo. 

9 Schindler’s List, 1993, and The Artist, 2011

10 Bob Weir, born in 1947, and Phil Lesh, 1940

BONUS ANSWER: Sister André is 118, born in February, 1904.

Cold War Redux

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Cold War Redux

Cold War Redux

The war in Ukraine is proving that the future of the human race looks very grim, unless the United States and Russia can end the ugly Cold War between us. This angry rivalry has divided much of the world into two enemy camps and has kept humankind on the brink of nuclear war for over 60 years.

Those who have supported the nuclear arms race have argued that the “balance of terror” between our intensely competitive nations is the only way that peace between our two nations can be maintained. However, the present war in Ukraine is pushing the world beyond all acceptable limits of danger. It is time to recognize that the constant threat of nuclear war is not going to save us from an eventual outbreak of that nuclear war. And it is irrational and suicidal to remain hoping that world peace can be maintained from our mutual terror of that always possible Third World War.

If we in the West truly want to extend freedom and human rights in the world, then our fanatic competition with Russia (and China) must be replaced with a genuine and reliable friendship with these current enemies.

Rama Kumar

Fairfax

Letters

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Letters

Over-repped

The striking photo of the beautiful blonde young ladies in the “Teen Time” article on page 9 of the Pacific Sun, dated May 11-17, really caught my eye. I think it is wonderful that the Marin Chapter of the National Charity League is doing so much to help those in need. It gives me hope for the future to see young people actually doing something tangible instead of just trying to outlaw plastic straws. These young ladies are making the world a better place.

However, I was struck by the over-representation of what must be Marin’s upper crust. Where are the Black and brown people?

In the name of diversity, equity and inclusion, we here in Marin have removed sculptures and changed the names of schools and roads, making people feel more comfortable and giving the appearance of real societal change. But things haven’t really changed. Rich white men marry beautiful white women and raise beautiful white children in the segregated neighborhoods of Marin. Let’s see a little color at the Corinthian Yacht Club.

Dino Colombo

Stinson Beach

Real Enemy

Are you paying attention? The party that purports to care about democracy is creating a national censorship board through the Department of Homeland Security and the party that purports to care about your rights is trying to remove the rights of women to control their own bodies. Both parties are driving us toward World War 3 while failing to help everyday Americans. Our biggest enemy isn’t Russia or North Korea or China, it’s our own government. Stop voting for them. Stop donating to their re-election campaigns. And turn off cable news.

Jason Kishineff

American Canyon

Poor Police Work Lets Rapists Go Free

Kane-Reinholdtsen-Unsplash
By Christine McDonald There is a sexual assault taking place right now. Every 68 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted. More than 97% of perpetrators get off scot-free. A major reason is mismanagement of physical evidence. The evidence in a sexual-assault investigation is typically the product of a six-hour physical exam conducted by a medical professional, who searches the victim's...
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Intriguing Look – The inimitable Cincinnatus Hibbard

Image provided by Cincinnatus Hibbard ART & FASHION Cincinnatus Hibbard (center) and company at the North Bay Fashion Ball.
By Jane Vick Good morning all! Happy Wednesday! How has everyone been? I’ve just come back from a weekend in Los Angeles, where I attended a three-day wedding featuring a photobooth and a ferris wheel that I can say has made me more grateful than ever for Pedialyte. Pro tip: if ever at an event and plied with copious libations,...
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Letters

100 Days We are now more than 100 days into a senseless war in Ukraine driven by what appears to be Vladimir Putin’s 20th century idea of expansionism. But a fundamental factor missing from this discussion started a few years back with the forced shutdown of “Nord Stream 2,” a pipeline intended to carry Russian natural gas through Ukraine to...
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Farmers’ Market Tales – Local purveyors, local stories

Photos by Isabella Cook MANGA Chef and owner of Mill Valley Pasta Co. Tony Adams sells his artisanal pasta and recently opened a storefront in San Rafael.
By Isabella Cook Everyone at the Farmers’ Market has a story to tell, from the attendees milling from stall to stall, to the local purveyors whose products tell a fascinating personal history. It’s easy to get distracted in the busy atmosphere of a Bay Area Farmers’ Market, caught in the flow of foot traffic that carries customers past delicious foods...
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Bocce and Brews – San Rafael’s Ounces Outdoors

Photo provided by Waz Hewerdine PAIRINGS Two patrons of the Ounces Outdoors soft opening enjoy a brew and a game of bocce.
By Jane Vick Bocce and fire pits and dogs. It’s a Northern Californian’s dream beer garden, and it’s open for business. Say hello to Ounces Outdoors, the newest edition to San Rafael’s ever-growing local food scene. Ounces Outdoors, located at 5800 Northgate Dr, is the dream manifest of Jojo Lawrence and Waz Hewerdine, a Brit and Aussie who have a serious...
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Culture Crush: Week of 06/08/22

Photo provided by Stephanie Clarke SEAWEED ART Artist and climate activist Josie Iselin’s art will be on display at Marin Art and Garden Center through July 10.
Ross Art and Seaweed Come to The Marin Art and Garden Center this Thursday for That Other Flora: An Artist’s Journey into the Science of Seaweed, an evening with artist Josie Iselin, who's exhibition The Curious World of Seaweed is up now through July 10. Iselin is an artist and ocean activist who researches and writes about seaweed, kelp and sea...
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Astrology Week of 06/08/2022

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “It takes a spasm of love to write a poem,” wrote Aries author Erica Jong. I will add that it takes a spasm of love to fix a problem with someone you care about. It also takes a spasm of love to act with kindness when you don't feel kind. A spasm of love is...
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Trivia

1 The first Catholic college in California to grant the B.A. degree to women, in 1917, was what school in Marin County? 2 What is one million minus one? 3 What four-letter “H” word is a term in basketball, boxing, golf and fishing? 4 The stone arch London Bridge, built in 1831, was dismantled in 1967 and rebuilt where? 5 Most people know...
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Cold War Redux

Cold War Redux The war in Ukraine is proving that the future of the human race looks very grim, unless the United States and Russia can end the ugly Cold War between us. This angry rivalry has divided much of the world into two enemy camps and has kept humankind on the brink of nuclear war for over 60 years. Those...
Read more

Letters

Over-repped The striking photo of the beautiful blonde young ladies in the "Teen Time" article on page 9 of the Pacific Sun, dated May 11-17, really caught my eye. I think it is wonderful that the Marin Chapter of the National Charity League is doing so much to help those in need. It gives me hope for the future to...
Read more
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