Look, 2025 has already been a wild ride—AI went from sci-fi to HR, billionaires keep trying to launch themselves into space and the rest of us are just trying to keep our screen time under 14 hours a day. So let’s pause the doomscrolling and raise a glass (organic, local and biodynamic, of course) to what truly matters: celebrating Marin being so Marin.
The Pacific Sun has spent more than six decades chronicling this county’s culture, quirks and contradictions. And Best of Marin is where it all comes together—the chefs and salons, the activists and artists, the dog groomers and dive bars, the weirdos and wonders that make life here singularly golden.
This year’s honorees, voted in by our loyal readers, remind us that local still matters. That the best sandwich can still change your life. That the right yoga studio can straighten your spine and realign your world view. That the community we’ve built here—not perfect, not always pretty—is still something of which we can be proud.
Special thanks to my fellow conspirators, Isabella Cook and Ada Ionesco, for their eloquent contributions this year. And to you, dear readers, for showing up with votes, love and the occasional impassioned email subject line written in all caps.
Is stewarding this paper a calling or an accident? Hard to say. But one thing is clear: The Pacific Sun wouldn’t be what it is without you. And neither would Marin.
Published in cooperation between Biotech Peptides and the Pacific Sun
Livagen, a peptide derived from thymic tissues, has garnered attention in scientific research due to its intriguing properties. Investigations suggest that the peptide may hold promise in various domains, including cellular aging, regenerative cell science, immunomodulation and molecular signaling.
The peptide’s molecular interactions suggest a complex interplay with various physiological pathways, positioning it as a candidate for further exploration in research. This article explores the speculative yet compelling possibilities of Livagen beyond its conventional implications, highlighting its molecular interactions and physiological support within the research model.
Molecular Characteristics and Mechanisms
Livagen is characterized by a specific peptide sequence theorized to contribute to its activity. Peptides like Livagen are believed to play a role in intracellular communication, where they may support signaling pathways that regulate protein synthesis, enzymatic activity and cellular maintenance. Research indicates that its small molecular size may enable it to traverse cellular membranes, potentially making it a suitable agent for scientific studies exploring intracellular dynamics.
The peptide’s hypothesized role in supporting cellular processes may stem from its origins in thymic tissues, which are associated with immune regulation. Researchers theorize that Livagen may interact with the transcriptional and translational machinery in cells, potentially supporting gene expression and protein turnover, critical factors in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Additionally, investigations purport that Livagen may support chromatin remodeling, potentially impacting DNA accessibility and gene activation.
Potential Implications in Cellular Aging Research
One of Livagen’s most compelling research areas is the study of cellular aging. A gradual decline in cellular repair mechanisms, protein stability and the integrity of genetic material accompanies cellular aging. Peptides like Livagen have been hypothesized to modulate these processes, potentially as a tool to investigate the molecular underpinnings of cellular aging.
For instance, the findings suggest that Livagen may support the activity of key enzymes involved in cellular repair and stress response pathways. Investigations purport that the peptide may interact with epigenetic regulators, such as histone-modifying enzymes, potentially supporting chromatin structure and gene expression patterns that change during cellular aging. Additionally, Livagen’s possible support of oxidative stress pathways is another area of interest, as oxidative damage accumulates in cells over time and contributes to cellular aging-related dysfunctions.
Regenerative Science and Tissue Research
Livagen’s properties are believed to extend into regenerative science, where investigations purport its relevance in tissue repair and cellular regeneration. Research indicates that the peptide may support stem cell differentiation, guiding cellular pathways toward supported tissue restoration. It has been hypothesized that Livagen might support wound healing processes by modulating inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix remodeling.
Additionally, research suggests that Livagen might interact with growth factor signaling, potentially contributing to studies on organ regeneration and biomaterial integration. These speculative insights position the peptide as a candidate for further exploration in regenerative approaches. Investigations suggest that Livagen may support angiogenesis, potentially facilitating vascular remodeling and tissue perfusion in regenerative contexts.
Immunity and Inflammation
The peptide’s engagement with immune pathways has sparked interest in its potential role in immunomodulation. Studies suggest that Livagen might support cytokine release and immune cell activity, contributing to investigations into inflammatory conditions. It has been theorized that the peptide may regulate immune responses, offering insights into its role in supporting states of chronic inflammation.
Moreover, research indicates that Livagen might interact with molecular mediators involved in oxidative stress and cellular defense mechanisms. These interactions may provide valuable insights into understanding immune resilience and inflammatory regulation within the organism. Investigations purport that Livagen may support macrophage polarization, potentially supporting immune cell function and tissue homeostasis.
Cellular Signaling and Metabolic Pathways
Beyond its conventional implications, Livagen’s involvement in cellular signaling has become a focal point in scientific inquiry. Investigations suggest that the peptide may interact with intracellular pathways regulating energy homeostasis and cellular adaptation. It has been hypothesized that Livagen may contribute to mitochondrial efficiency and metabolic flexibility, providing insights into its broader physiological support.
Additionally, research suggests that Livagen might interact with transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, potentially supporting gene expression patterns. These speculative considerations highlight the peptide’s relevance in molecular biology and cellular adaptation studies. Investigations suggest that Livagen may support protein kinase signaling, potentially enhancing cellular stress responses and metabolic regulation.
Exploratory Implications in Bioengineering and Pharmacology
Emerging hypotheses suggest that Livagen may have implications for bioengineering. The peptide’s stability and receptor interactions may provide insights into novel research formulations.
Some investigations have purported that Livagen may interact with synthetic scaffolds designed for tissue engineering, potentially supporting cellular adhesion and integration. These speculative insights position the peptide as a candidate for further exploration in bioengineering and pharmacological innovation.
Conclusion
Livagen’s expanding research horizons underscore its potential beyond traditional implications. The peptide’s properties have sparked scientific inquiry across a range of disciplines, including cellular aging, regenerative science, immunomodulation, molecular signaling and bioengineering.
While further investigations are necessary to substantiate these hypotheses, the speculative nature of current findings suggests that Livagen might hold promise in diverse research domains. As scientific exploration advances, the peptide’s multifaceted interactions within the organism may reveal novel insights, shaping future research directions. Visit https://biotechpeptides.com for more useful peptide data.
Credit: Akram Huseyn / Unsplash
References
[i] Khavinson, V. K., Lezhava, T. A., Malinin, V. V., Ryadnova, I. Y., & Trofimova, S. V. (2002). Anti-aging peptide bioregulators induce reactivation of chromatin. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 133(1), 70–72. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019929728484
[ii] Lee, C., Zeng, J., Drew, B. G., Sallam, T., Martin-Montalvo, A., Wan, J., … & Cohen, P. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 21(3), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
[iii] Khavinson, V. K., Malinin, V. V., & Ryadnova, I. Y. (2003). Epigenetic variations in chromatin are caused by the combination of bioregulators with heavy metals during aging. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 9(2), 123–128. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:IJPR.0000007023.75931.8f
[iv] Goya, R. G., & Sosa, Y. E. (2003). Thymic peptides and aging: a reappraisal. Gerontology, 49(4), 234–241. https://doi.org/10.1159/000070823
[v] Khavinson, V. K., & Morozov, V. G. (2003). Peptide bioregulators in gerontology and geriatrics. Neuroendocrinology Letters, 24(5), 329–335. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14523363/
Ever since the atomic bombings of Japanese cities in August 1945, the world has been living on borrowed time.
The two small atomic bombs dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed between 110,000 and 210,000 people and wounded many others, almost all of them civilians. In subsequent years, hundreds of thousands more people around the world lost their lives thanks to the radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing, while substantial numbers also died from the mining of uranium for the building of nuclear weapons.
Despite the enormity of the nuclear danger, governments could not resist the temptation to build nuclear weapons to safeguard their national security. Consequently, they plunged into a nuclear arms race and, on occasion, threatened one another with nuclear war.
By contrast, much of the public found the prospect of nuclear war unappealing. They rallied behind organizations like the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy. And in the fall of 1958, the governments of the United States, the former Soviet Union and Britain agreed to halt nuclear weapons testing as they negotiated a test ban treaty.
In recent decades, the dwindling of the popular movement and the heightening of international conflict have led to a revival of the nuclear arms race. The Doomsday Clock of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has been set at 89 seconds to midnight, the most dangerous level in its 79-year history.
The catastrophe of nuclear war can be averted. To accomplish this, however, a revival of public pressure for nuclear disarmament is essential. The movement could focus on its campaign for the signing and ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty was adopted in 2017 by most of the world’s nations and went into force in 2021. Thus far, it has been signed by 94 nations and ratified by 73 of them. None of the nuclear powers has signed it. But with widespread popular pressure and enhanced international security, they could ultimately be brought on board.
Dr. Lawrence Wittner is the author of ‘Confronting the Bomb.’
Curtain Theater is celebrating 25 years at the Old Mill Park and the 125th birthday of Mill Valley itself by setting their production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It in the year 1900.
The show runs in the Old Mill Park Amphitheater through Sept. 1.
If one is unfamiliar with this play, there is an old joke describing Shakespeare writing a plot by throwing darts at random words on a dartboard. That joke ends with As You Like It, meaning director Doyle Ott had quite a challenge on his hands.
Of all Shakespeare’s plays, this is the one that lets its women take stage, and this production takes full advantage of that. Suzie Hicks plays the cross-dressing Rosalind with a current of mischief that elevates the leading lady from victim to the master of their own destiny.
Tina Traboulsi speaks Shakespeare as if the two of them sometimes hang out at the skatepark. Her intimacy with the text and the unsanctimonious approach she takes with it makes her Celia a delight to watch.
Together, Hicks and Traboulsi give us a realistic, loving and grounded friendship that carries this enjoyable production.
Rachel Ka’iulani Kennealy’s Audrey steals the show whenever she’s onstage. Usually, Audrey is played as just a pawn or joke, but not this Audrey. This Audrey has grounded, realistic agency, making her an equal to Touchstone.
There are other good performances here. David Cole is consistently funny and unflagging in the energetic role of Touchstone. Thomas Peterson and Daniel Silverman, as Corin and Silvius, err on the side of humanity instead of caricature, making it easier to sympathize with poor Silvius’ unrequited love. Also, a special call-out must go to Euan Ashley for fully embracing the physical comedy.
The concept’s time and place are supported by costumes by Robert Horek and music composed by Don Clark that successfully hearken back to a turn of the last century, redwood-filled Forest of Arden.
This show has some minor flaws. The overall concept isn’t incorporated into the production beyond the costumes and music, which sometimes made it weird that they were singing “Hey Nonny” with a quasi-twang. But even when this production misses a step, it is buoyed by the cast, with the result being a thoroughly enjoyable show.
If one is looking for a laugh in one of the most beautiful settings around, then they’re in luck. Plus, it’s free, which makes this As You Like It a win for audience members and outdoor Shakespeare.
‘As You Like It’ runs Saturdays & Sundays through Sept. 1, with a special Labor Day Monday performance at the Old Mill Park Amphitheater, 352 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. All shows 2pm. Free. Donations graciously accepted. curtaintheatre.org.
When I was a kid in the ’70s and ’80s, they told us, “You can be anything you want.”
Thus empowered, Sesame Street’s Big Bird decided to be a firefighter. Failure ensued. Later in the same episode, a camera-toting cast member named Olivia sings “You Can Be Anything You Want To” with Big Bird, who then decides to be a photographer. This is what shrinks call the “Chameleon Effect”—unconsciously mimicking the behaviors of others—and it’s a symptom of borderline personality disorder. No matter—Olivia offers her camera, and Big Bird mistakenly peers into the lens. Sigh.
The message was clear: You can’t be anything you want. Or, you technically can, but it’s going to suck, like Big Bird.
I wanted to be a writer. And through some quantum fluke, I became one—or as my wife once pointed out, “You pretended to be a writer until you were.”
Now, I’m pretending it was the right career choice. Sure, it’s been one lovely, long, if largely lateral trajectory, but recently a raft of disruptions hit the trade in rapid succession.
The Writers Guild of America strike of 2023 shed light on screenwriters’ mounting financial struggles, partly due to the radical recalibration of fee structures because of streaming. Journalism remains a bruised industry, with post-pandemic newsrooms emptied or closed and waning public trust in media—only 14% of journalists believe the public has much faith in news outlets (Pew Research Center). Novelists? Fuhgeddaboudit. Meanwhile, evolving technologies like generative AI keep the silicon sands shifting throughout.
For indie authors, the news isn’t all bad—new spins on old models have emerged, allowing writers to bypass traditional gatekeepers and monetize their work directly with their readers. But each new possibility demands a new kind of hustle.
Consider the emergent newsletter trade. I quit writing a personal newsletter because I already write a couple on the job. And, frankly, so much spam goes out under my name that I should buy stock in Hormel. And a newsletter isn’t just a newsletter anymore. It’s TikTok for grownups if one’s following newsletter platform Substack’s “vertical video” initiative. Apparently video is where the money is … for writing…? The company’s recent billion dollar valuation affirms this.
In a matter of a few months, I’ll mark my 30th anniversary of going pro in this racket. And I’m still learning: You can be anything you want to be—even a writer—but don’t be alarmed by my dead-eyed stare into the lens. It’s just another chapter.
Anyone who has spent time in or around Point Reyes Station in the past five or so years has likely seen Seamus Tomkins—a lanky, bespectacled man serving his community at several different locations.
Maybe it was outside at the Thursday food bank, where he worked for West Marin Community Services. Or, perhaps the Dance Palace, West Marin’s go-to local spot for events and community gatherings. Or maybe as a kayak guide during an excursion out on Tomales Bay? Ah, yes, he is also the sole member of the local musical act Press on Randy as well.
Similarly, if one has spent any amount of time in or around Point Reyes Station in the last decade, local squire and unofficial mascot Flyn Q.—a wiry, long haired, bearded, hippie-ish whirling dervish of dance, positivity and profound grasp of our current human condition—has likely crossed one’s vision. But, you know, in a good way. He can also hold a handstand from around three to five minutes. And if one genuinely lends an ear and listens to what he’s saying, they will walk away a little better for it each time.
These two similar but very different men are a sort of yin to each other’s yang in that they’re deeply committed in their own way to community, music and kindness. And their beat and sample heavy hip-hop duo, Space Suit, is now gigging all around the North Bay, including an upcoming free show Saturday, Aug. 16 at Petaluma’s all-ages club, The Big Easy. A free show? In this economy? One may read on and find it apparent as to why.
A recent stop by the Space Suit practice space (aka Flyn’s house “on the Mesa,” as they say in Point Reyes) saw the two working on several songs and accompanying music videos, all at once.
A massive computer monitor with editing software and hi-def speakers are all keyed up to a new song called “Entropy,” to which Tomkins has already put together beats and samples and dropped in some of his vocal musings on the heady and intriguing topic of the title. But he’s set up a perfect spot for Flyn to drop in and contribute his take on the topic. So Flyn does just that, creating lyrics on the spot that both incorporate Tomkins’ takes while adding his own, numerically flavored thoughts.
In terms of how Tomkins and Flyn began working together, Tomkins says, “Before we became Space Suit, I had wanted to get Flyn up on stage with me at a Press on Randy show, and I composed more of a hip-hop style song for him to come up and freestyle rap. He got up on stage and absolutely crushed it, and it really infused new life in the Press on Randy thing.”
After a quick rat-a-tat-tat with his hands on the arm of his chair to some beats banging through the speakers, he adds, “That was a few years ago and the start of our musical collaboration. One song became two, then another, and we started collaborating in the studio space as well as live settings. The first few songs we did together were before I knew he was also an incredible music producer in his own right.”
Watching the two work on “Entropy” indeed shows Flyn’s almost uncanny memory of where parts of the song are and where spots are that could be tweaked across the editing program that looks daunting, to say the least. He leans over and notes, “We saved this part for a female vocalist to come in and sing” before trailing off, lightly imitating what the woman might sound like in the song.
Look, there’s no easy way to put this; listening to Flyn’s concepts isn’t difficult, if one is willing and open to a person who could easily be waved off as merely an eccentric local character. Tomkins realizes this, saying, “He is one the most misunderstood people I know because he is one of a kind. Sometimes he can be written off by those who don’t know him as crazy, on drugs, out of his mind, etc. All of which he is very much not. In fact, he is one of the most consistent, intentional, smart, thoughtful and loving people that I know.”
Still, it’s incredibly difficult to transcribe his ideas and concepts in written form. Rather than attempt to do so, perhaps highlighting some recurring themes is the best way to give an accurate representation of our man, Flyn.
One concept that is repeated throughout the night is that all of us on this planet are at a turning point of change, one where, Flyn believes, we will all come together as one in peace and harmony. Maybe that’s not a new concept, and it’s one older than chemtrails controlling the weather but, when Flyn breaks it down, it makes sense. As we shift gears to the music video for their new single, “Revelation,” Flyn hits play and Tomkins, as the kids say, lets him cook.
The video features the Space Suit members rapping and dancing in and around Point Reyes and Petaluma as the vocals speak in different ways about being present, or in their words, omnipresent, as droplets of religion, magic, friendship and community flow over electronica samples and a bubbly beat.
And the visual is intercut with Flyn literally cooking. Later in the video, the two hand out sandwiches to passersby. There’s also heavy religious and numeric symbolism which Flyn makes reference to several times, saying, “When people realize what these numbers and symbols all mean, we will be closer to peace. Peace leads to freedom; freedom leads to prosperity.”
From here it’s off to an actual live rehearsal in another area of the garage. Tomkins has Midi sampling devices, an iPod serving as a master control and his guitar plugged in as well. Flyn is on the mic and often uses a voice modulator as he freestyles and spits rhymes.
While obviously Space Suit’s music isn’t going to be for everyone, their message should be—especially in these divided times. Plus watching the duo in their artistic groove is nothing short of inspiring.
As the night comes to a close, Flyn gets to riffing about the notion of DIY creation (“all of these things we’re using here, anyone can buy, anyone can learn how to use them”), as well as noting, “By doing this job [the music], the compensation is the smile we see, knowing that that frequency is being picked up and building, and continuing.”
Tomkins smiles at this, visibly moved. “I mean, how can you not want to get behind that?” he asks. And just like that, Space Suit loads up another fun and energetic creation as they prepare to launch their message to the masses.
Space Suit performs as part of Dimitri’s Social Mixer at 8pm, Aug. 16, at The Big Easy, 128 American Alley, Petaluma. Free. More about Space Suit at spacesuitmusic.com.
I enjoyed Cincinnatus Hibbard’s Aug. 6 piece on The Museum of International Propaganda; fascinating subject, well told. But it left me thinking about how the implicit biases of local media, including the Bohemian and Pacific Sun, might be shaping what we see—and what we don’t. By focusing so much on the vitality of the local arts, are we not ignoring the obvious cultural apocalypse we’re living through?
I’m all for coverage of the arts (God knows, we need beauty, meaning and a little escapism), but at what cost? The world outside our gallery openings and music festivals is a dumpster fire of political instability, environmental collapse and creeping authoritarianism. It’s hard not to feel that we’re distracting ourselves into oblivion.
And then there’s the optics: Putting a “professional” air guitarist on the cover of the Bohemian is charming on one level, but isn’t it also the modern version of Nero fiddling while Rome burns? I’m not saying we shouldn’t celebrate creativity, but maybe—just maybe—we should also keep our eyes on the bigger picture, even if it’s uncomfortable to look at.
Micah D. Mercer North Bay
Micah, I hear you—but the arts, and our dedication to covering them, isn’t fiddling while Rome burns. Art is the bucket brigade. It carries meaning, empathy and vision across the firebreak. Without it, we’re just spectators to the flames—with it, we stand a chance of imagining and building something better from the ashes. Moreover, it starts conversations … like this one.
Growing up in California’s diverse culinary landscape, Gillian Tyrnauer found herself equally at home on her father’s Mendocino sheep ranch and in her aunt’s Hollywood catering business.
This unique upbringing instilled a profound appreciation for seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and their role in authentic cultural cuisine.
Her culinary education began at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, before advancing to Italy’s International Institute for Foreigners in Piedmont. During her time in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Tyrnauer absorbed the rustic traditions of Northern Italian cooking, cementing her philosophy around ingredient integrity and regional authenticity.
Returning to California’s Bay Area, Tyrnauer built an impressive resume at establishments such as Zuni Café, Quince, Oliveto, Manzanita, Shed and Ramen Gaijin. Under the guidance of industry luminaries Paul Bertolli, Michael Tusk, Judy Rodgers and Loretta Keller, she refined her culinary vision and expertise in creating distinctive beverage programs that reflect her commitment to place-based hospitality.
What is your job?
General manager & beverage director at Campanella.
How did you get into this work?
From a young age, I was always engaged with food. During my summers, I lived in rural Mendocino and spent a lot of time in nature, smelling and tasting wild foods. This led me to go to school for culinary arts. I trained at CIA Hyde Park and then worked in the hyper-localized food scene of the Bay Area.
I have spent much of my career thinking about seasonal flavors and how they can be combined to tell a story. During my career, I have flip-flopped between the back of house and front of house, which helps me keep the guests’ flavor experience at the forefront.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
I would say that there have been a lot of ‘aha’ moments, but when I combined coastal huckleberry, Gravenstein apple and bay laurel, it was a clear ‘what grows together goes together’ moment. It also was such a deep childhood memory.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Meyer lemon, mint and lemon verbena tea from my front yard … which would also work with some Bar Hill gin.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose or Fortaleza Tequila. But honestly, Safeway Select bubbly water & Earl Grey tea too.
Get ready to inhale … the vibes—Afroman is bringing his legendary laid-back lyricism to Mystic Theatre on Aug. 26. Best known for the chart-topping anthem “Because I Got High,” the SoCal rapper blends party beats with punchy social commentary and signature stoner wit. Whether in it for the laughs or the legit hip-hop, Afroman’s live show is all about the good times and real talk. 8pm, Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Tickets start at $37 atbit.ly/afroman-mystic.
Napa
Flavors of Film
The Culinary Institute of America at Copia is bringing back its Flavors of Film series with a family-friendly twist. Beginning Sunday, Aug. 17 and continuing every third Sunday through December, organizers are pairing a family-friendly movie with an interactive scavenger hunt in the Chuck Williams Culinary Museum or gardens. First up is Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, paired with a themed, food-focused activity that encourages healthy eating. It’s a recipe for fun, learning and local flavor in one package. 2-4:30pm, Sunday, Aug. 17, CIA at Copia, 500 1st St., Napa. Tickets and info at ciaatcopia.com.
Fairfax
Photo Club Exhibit
With 16 photographers but countless perspectives—this year’s Fairfax Photo Club exhibit transforms the Fairfax Library into a gallery of local imagery. From intimate portraits to sweeping landscapes, the work on display offers a window into the diverse ways we see our world. It’s a visual journey that reflects the community’s creativity and connection to place. 9am-8pm, through Aug. 14, Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Free.
San Anselmo
High Fiber Art
From weaving and spinning to quilt making and fiber sculpture, Tying it Together: The Art of Fiber, on view at Artist Within – A Cedars Gallery, showcases the many ways thread becomes art. It also offers a glimpse into the origins of the Cedars Textile Arts Collaborative, founded in 1982 by Connie Pelissero to create a vocational program where individuals with developmental disabilities could earn income, hone their craft and share their talents with the community. It’s fiber art with a local story woven in. 10am-4pm, through Aug. 15, Artist Within – A Cedars Gallery, 603 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. Free.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Rama is the star of the ancient Hindu epic story, the Ramayana. I love him! He’s one of my favorite legends! His heroic journey isn’t fueled by a greed for power or personal glory. Unlike 90% of modern action heroes, he’s not pumped up with anger or a lust for vengeance. Instead, he is animated by a sense of sacred duty. Against all odds, and in the face of bad behavior by weird adversaries, he acts with exemplary integrity and calm clarity. During your upcoming exploits, Aries, I invite you to be inspired by his exalted and unwavering determination. As you proceed, ask yourself, “Is this in rigorous service to my beautiful ideals? Are my decisions and words in alignment with my deepest truths?” Be motivated by devotion as much as by hunger. Aim not just for novelty and excitement, but for generosity of spirit.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the Mexican festival of La Noche de Rábanos—Night of the Radishes—giant radishes are carved into elaborate altars and scenes. Humble roots become fancy art. I think you’re engaged in a metaphorically similar process, Taurus: Sculpting with uncommon materials. Something you’ve regarded as modest—a small breakthrough or overlooked strength—is revealing unexpected value. Or perhaps a previously latent or indiscernible asset is showing you its neglected magic. Celebrate your subtle but very tangible luck. Take full advantage of half-disguised treasures.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Zen archery, the aim is not simply to hit the target. Instead, it’s to align one’s body, breath, mind and bow so fully that the arrow releases itself naturally and effortlessly. It shoots itself! I would love for you to adopt this breezy attitude in the weeks ahead, Gemini. See if you can allow an evolving project, relationship or vision to reach a new maturity, but not through pushy effort. Rather, trust life to bring you the precise guidance exactly when you need it.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In ancient Rome, the priestesses known as the Vestal Virgins tended an eternal flame. They never let it be extinguished, not even for a moment. Their devoted focus on nurturing the fire was both a religious practice and a symbol regarded as essential for the wellbeing, prosperity and survival of the Roman state. I propose, Cancerian, that you engage in your own version of Vestal Virgin-like watchfulness. Assign yourself the role of being the keeper of a sacred promise or resource. What is it, exactly? Identify this repository of spiritual wealth and dedicate yourself to its sustenance.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In medieval Europe, pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint James in Spain often wore scallop shells. These were badges to signify they were on a sacred path in quest of divinely inspired transformation. The shell also had practical uses. It was a scoop for food and water, underscoring the humility and simplicity embraced by wayfarers on the road. I invite you to acquire and wear your own equivalent of this talisman, Leo. You have begun a new chapter in your self-perception, and life is asking you to proceed without pretense. You don’t need definite answers. You don’t have to rush to the end of the journey. The becoming is the point. I hope you seek out inspirational symbolism and generous companions to help nurture your brave transformations. (PS: Your best conversations may be with people who will lovingly witness your evolution.)
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In ancient Greek drama, the peripeteia was a term for the moment when everything turns. The pivot doesn’t happen through force, but through the revelation of what was always true. I see the coming weeks as your peripeteia, Virgo. There may be no fireworks or grand announcements. Just a soft spiraling crackle that signifies a realignment of the system, a cathartic shift of emphases. Confusion resolves. Mysteries solve themselves. You might say, “Oh, yes, now I see: That’s what it all meant.” Then you can glide into the future with a refined and more well-informed set of intentions.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In coastal Portugal, there’s a lighthouse called Farol do Cabo da Roca. Built on a cliff where land ends and the Atlantic Ocean begins, it marks the westernmost edge of continental Europe. We might say it’s a threshold between the known and unknown. I believe you will soon be poised at a metaphorically similar place, Libra. An ending is at hand. It’s not catastrophic, but it is conclusive. And just beyond it are shimmers, questions and a horizon that’s not fully visible. Your job is to finish your good work, even as you periodically gaze into the distance to see what’s looming.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I Invite you to channel the spirit of Kali—not in her form as the destroyer, but as the fierce liberator. She has the power to burn away stagnation, neutralize the poison of old lies, and slice through illusion with a sword of compassion—and so do you. I believe you are ready to sever a bond that has secretly (or maybe not-so-secretly) limited you. Don’t be afraid of the emptiness that results. It may appear to be a void, but it will quickly evolve into a fresh sanctuary. Into this newly cleared room, you can pour your strongest longings and most rebellious love. What are the wildest versions of your truths?
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In some early maps of the cosmos, Sagittarius wasn’t just an archer. Your sign was symbolized by a centaur with wings: part horse, part bird, part god. I bring this to your attention because I suspect your own hybrid nature is extra wild and strong these days. A part of you wants to roam, and a part wants to ruminate. A part wants to teach, and a part needs to learn. How should you respond to the glorious paradox? I say, don’t force harmony. Let contradiction become choreography. Maybe liberating joy can arise through a dance between apparent opposites.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In Sardinia, there are tombs carved into rock called Domus de Janas—“houses of the fairies.” People once left offerings there to court the help of beings they couldn’t see. They truly believed that fairies are real and can exert effects in this world. In modern times, fewer Capricorns actively consort with invisible presences than any other zodiac sign. But I hope you will take a short break from your usual stance. Mysterious and mythic influences are gathering in your vicinity. You’re being nudged by forces that defy explanation. What do you have to lose? Why not have fun making room to be delighted and surprised by miracles and wonders?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Thou shalt embrace the confounding contradictions, Aquarius. That’s the first commandment. Here’s the second commandment: Thou shalt caress the tricky incongruities. Third: Thou shalt whisper endearments to the mysterious ambiguities and invite the mysterious ambiguities to whisper endearments to you. Fourth: Thou shalt rumble and cavort with the slippery paradoxes. Commandment number five: Thou shalt chant spicy prayers of gratitude to the incongruities, paradoxes, contradictions and ambiguities that are making you deeper and wiser and cuter.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In early medieval gardens, there was sometimes a space called the hortus conclusus. It was a walled sanctuary that protected plants and herbs from harsh weather and predation by animals. It comprised a microclimate and provided a private, peaceful space for contemplation, prayer and study. Sometime soon, Pisces, I would love for you to create your personal equivalent of a hortus conclusus—even if it’s metaphorical. You will harvest maximum benefits from surrounding yourself with extra nurturing. The insights that would come your way as you tend to your inner garden would be gently and sweetly spectacular.
Look, 2025 has already been a wild ride—AI went from sci-fi to HR, billionaires keep trying to launch themselves into space and the rest of us are just trying to keep our screen time under 14 hours a day. So let’s pause the doomscrolling and raise a glass (organic, local and biodynamic, of course) to what truly matters: celebrating...
Published in cooperation between Biotech Peptides and the Pacific Sun
Livagen, a peptide derived from thymic tissues, has garnered attention in scientific research due to its intriguing properties. Investigations suggest that the peptide may hold promise in various domains, including cellular aging, regenerative cell science, immunomodulation and molecular signaling.
The peptide's molecular interactions suggest a complex interplay with various physiological pathways,...
Ever since the atomic bombings of Japanese cities in August 1945, the world has been living on borrowed time.
The two small atomic bombs dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed between 110,000 and 210,000 people and wounded many others, almost all of them civilians. In subsequent years, hundreds of thousands more people around the world lost their...
Curtain Theater is celebrating 25 years at the Old Mill Park and the 125th birthday of Mill Valley itself by setting their production of Shakespeare's As You Like It in the year 1900.
The show runs in the Old Mill Park Amphitheater through Sept. 1.
If one is unfamiliar with this play, there is an old joke describing Shakespeare writing a...
When I was a kid in the ’70s and ’80s, they told us, “You can be anything you want.”
Thus empowered, Sesame Street’s Big Bird decided to be a firefighter. Failure ensued. Later in the same episode, a camera-toting cast member named Olivia sings “You Can Be Anything You Want To” with Big Bird, who then decides to be a...
Anyone who has spent time in or around Point Reyes Station in the past five or so years has likely seen Seamus Tomkins—a lanky, bespectacled man serving his community at several different locations.
Maybe it was outside at the Thursday food bank, where he worked for West Marin Community Services. Or, perhaps the Dance Palace, West Marin’s go-to local spot...
Fiddling With Fire
I enjoyed Cincinnatus Hibbard’s Aug. 6 piece on The Museum of International Propaganda; fascinating subject, well told. But it left me thinking about how the implicit biases of local media, including the Bohemian and Pacific Sun, might be shaping what we see—and what we don’t. By focusing so much on the vitality of the local arts, are...
Growing up in California’s diverse culinary landscape, Gillian Tyrnauer found herself equally at home on her father’s Mendocino sheep ranch and in her aunt’s Hollywood catering business.
This unique upbringing instilled a profound appreciation for seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and their role in authentic cultural cuisine.
Her culinary education began at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, before advancing...
Petaluma
Because I Got High
Get ready to inhale … the vibes—Afroman is bringing his legendary laid-back lyricism to Mystic Theatre on Aug. 26. Best known for the chart-topping anthem “Because I Got High,” the SoCal rapper blends party beats with punchy social commentary and signature stoner wit. Whether in it for the laughs or the legit hip-hop, Afroman’s live show...
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Rama is the star of the ancient Hindu epic story, the Ramayana. I love him! He’s one of my favorite legends! His heroic journey isn’t fueled by a greed for power or personal glory. Unlike 90% of modern action heroes, he’s not pumped up with anger or a lust for vengeance. Instead, he is animated...
