‘The Marin Dad’: Marinfluencer Adam Cohen

Even before I interviewed Adam Cohen, I already felt like I knew the guy, and that’s all thanks to his hilariously on-point social media (@Marin.Dad) reels about life in this here county of Marin.

What do you do?

I’m The Marin Dad, aka Marinfluencer. I promote Marin County businesses through The Marin Dad (themarindad.com) and build offsites for corporate teams through Marin Offsite (marinoffsite.com).

Where do you live?

Mill Valley.

How long have you lived in Marin?

Since 2019.

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?

Marin is my work. I’m driving around Marin County all day long, interfacing with the community and local businesses to promote our amazing home. Oh yeah, and taking my kids on Marin adventures. I also serve on the board of the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce.

If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?

Just look at Marin Dads. They send it off chunky steep trails, surf overhead waves before work and ski Tahoe like they were 16 years old. By far the most Marincredible experience is riding the Dawn Patrol Tam. We ride up in pitch-black darkness to the summit of Mt. Tam to see the sunrise.

What’s one thing Marin is missing?

School buses for public schools. Let’s reduce the traffic.

What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?

Let’s embrace the new people moving to Marin. We’ve had a wave of new residents arrive, and they only desire to share in the Marin Magic. I’ve benefited from what I call “Tam Glad.” It’s the spirit of Marin where folks who’ve lived here way longer show me the best of Marin Magic.

If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?

Arnold Schwarzenegger!

What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?

Be curious, not judgemental. I think Walt Whitman said that… and Ted Lasso.

What’s something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?

Obsession with Stanley water bottles. There’s more to life than water bottles.

Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?

Think small and local. Helping people doesn’t need to be at scale. The most immediate impact you can make is helping your neighbor.

Keep up with Cohen at @Marin.Dad.

Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and is also a Marin dad.

Corner Bar: Mill Valley Cocktail Lounge Opens

Marin’s local culinary enthusiasts are eager to welcome Corner Bar to the bustling streets of downtown Mill Valley.

This highly-anticipated addition to the county’s eats and drinks scene is the perfect combination of a chic cocktail lounge aesthetic and service meeting that casual and easy beer and bites vibe.

Corner Bar is officially open for business as of Wednesday, April 24, and those behind the bar are excited to stun customers with an eclectic and delicious selection of cocktails, craft beers, tasty Mediterranean bites and oh so much more.

“We want something where you feel comfortable to come in for a beer like you would with a real bar, but where you can also get a high-level cocktail with food and legitimate, high-level service,” said Corner Bar partner Jason Sims.

The masterminds behind this chic new cocktail lounge/casual beer bar are Mill Valley culinary legends Bill Higgins, Peter Schumacher and Sims. Higgins, Schumacher and Sims are known for their work at well-known local eateries Buckeye Roadhouse, Playa and Bungalow 44, respectively. Meanwhile, Kevin Blum, editor of the Marin Dish, is handling the hype train for Corner Bar. Together, these local food, drink and hospitality experts are flexing their combined experience to bring the best of the best to Corner Bar and its customers.

“Drinks-wise, I like to do lots of approachable, fun drinks,” said Sims. “We have a little essentials section with three cocktails for $10 every day, all day,” he continued. “One of those is an espresso martini…and I’m also doing a mojito…and then we have a whisky sour that we make with cinnamon syrup, and it’s delicious. I’m also always going to rotate a shot on [the essentials menu].”

The tasty tidbits on the menu at Corner Bar were artfully crafted by chef Michael Siegel of Playa and San Francisco’s Bix and Betelnut restaurants. Marin’s foodies will approve of the salmon tartare; duck wings with a l’orange glaze; a mezze plate with pita, hummus and piquillo pepper; and fries with a tzatziki dip (to name only a few).

“The food is really so cool,” Sims said. “It’s meant to be shared; we’re not serving just standard entrees, but lots of small plates meant to be shared like hummus…we’re even doing caviar service.”

“We also have this roasted lamb neck that’s just so good,” he continued. “It’s just this super tender meat that comes with lettuce cups and sauce, and you build your own cup—it’s so interactive and fun.”

Alongside tender and delicious lamb neck, Corner Bar’s mains menu includes large and small charcuterie boards, a hamachi collar, a burger with fries, ravioli and much more. And for dessert, Corner Bar customers can anticipate a chocolate pot de creme, or Basque-style cheesecake with orange marmalade or ice cream.

Much like the menu, Corner Bar’s venue is simultaneously cozy, casual and refined, thanks to the deft expertise of its accomplished architect, Tim Dixon, and the well-regarded designer, Liz Schumacher. Corner Bar can seat 60 patrons at a time, striking that perfect balance between intimate and lively, just like Mill Valley itself.

“It’s right in downtown Mill Valley on the corner,” Sims said. “We really wanted to tap into the crowds from before and after Sweetwater shows or the Throckmorton Theatre. It’s also a perfect location if you’re on the way to Muir Woods or Stinson Beach.”

Corner Bar, 106 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. Open 4 to 11pm, Monday through Thursday; from 4pm to midnight on Fridays, and 4 to 9pm on Sundays. To learn more about Corner Bar, call 415.888.8001 or visit cornerbarmv.com.

DocLands, Star Wars, Shane Mauss

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San Rafael

What’s Up, Doc?

What has 30 films, 49 filmmakers and 26 premieres? That would be the DocLands Documentary Film Festival, running Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 5 at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center. Opening the fest is Skywalkers: A Love Story. Don’t confuse this with another famous Skywalker from around these parts (looking at you, Luke)—no, this is a literal spin on the concept that follows the adrenaline-fueled romance of Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus as they embark on a daring quest to climb the world’s latest super skyscraper. Talk about getting high. “With every perilous ascent, they push the boundaries of trust and love, capturing their vertigo-inducing feats on camera for the world to see,” reads the rather breathless summary. You had us at “adrenaline-fueled romance.” Directors Maria Bukhonina and Jeff Zimbalist will be present. For more information, including tickets, visit doclands.com. The film center is located at 1118 4th St., San Rafael.

Larkspur

The Saga Continues

Speaking of Skywalkers… Remember a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, you could only watch the original Star Wars saga on Disney+? Okay, maybe it wasn’t that long ago, but it’s probably been a while since you saw Luke, Han and Leia defeat the Empire on the big screen. Just in time for May 4 (as in “May the ‘fourth’ be with you”—see this week’s arts feature), Larkspur’s Lark Theatre will unspool all three of the original Star Wars movies (none of the greasy kid’s stuff like The Phantom Menace) in two slates beginning at 9:30am, Saturday, May 4. All in, the marathon screening sesh includes Star Wars, Episode 4: A New Hope, Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back and finally Episode 6: Return of the Jedi. This all day Saturday matinee is one for the ages—literally in terms of actual time spent in a theater seat as well as the age range of prospective attendees—all are welcome to the PG-rated extravaganza. Tickets are $5 per film, per showing—so, $15 for the whole shebang. The Lark is located at 549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. larktheatrer.net. Emotional support Wookies allowed with permit. No droids allowed.

Santa Rosa

Piece Work

Perhaps author David Shields summed it up best when he observed that “Collage is not a kitchen sink; it’s not a refuge for the compositionally disabled.” Santa Rosa Arts Center is apt to concur. The organization’s present exhibit, “Small Works: Collages,” celebrates the enduring appeal and innovative spirit of collage art. This event, featuring works from local artists, is set to run from May 5 through June 30, at the center’s Small Works Gallery, 312 South A St., Santa Rosa. The artists utilize everyday materials like magazine photos, newspaper clippings, cardboard and even cereal boxes to create compelling visual narratives. An artists’ reception is scheduled for the opening day, Friday, May 5, from 5-8pm, providing an opportunity for guests to meet the creators behind the artworks. The exhibition is characterized by its focus on smaller-scale pieces, each no larger than 12 inches, highlighting the intricate and thoughtful use of materials typical of collage art. For additional information, visit santarosaartscenter.org.

Petaluma

‘A Better Trip’

Award-winning comedian Shane Mauss, known for his performances on platforms like Conan, Comedy Central and Netflix, brings his unique comedy and science show, “A Better Trip,” to the Mystic Theater in Petaluma on Sunday, April 28. This one-of-a-kind event combines Mauss’ sharp humor with his deep knowledge of science and psychedelics. The show features a blend of stand-up comedy enhanced by striking visuals and custom animations, creating an immersive psychedelic comedy experience. “A Better Trip” builds on Mauss’ previous successes, including his documentary, Psychonautics: A Comic’s Exploration of Psychedelics. This tour, spanning over 100 cities, showcases his dual expertise as a comedian and science communicator, offering audiences not only laughter but also insightful commentary on psychedelic culture through engaging storytelling. The show will start at 7:30pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm. Tickets and additional information are available online at shanemauss.com/petaluma. The venue is located at 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.

Tik Talk: Global Warning

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To Edward Campagnola

there will be no snow in this poem

i grew up on the california coast

sunshine, smog and optimism

writers write what we know, they say

coin terms and make clichés,

turn clichés into new expressions…

tree leaves crackle in the wind

as my hand creates directly from my brain

inscribing visions from

inner thoughts and images

making metaphors evocative…

there will be no snow nor any ice on earth

soon—a boon solely to the new

explorers and conquistadors

seeking the northwest passage

to riches yet untold,

unsold, unexploited

environment is evaporating

into thin air thickened with fumes and

smoke and transparent greenhouse vapors

invisible yet indivisible from breath

never leaving any evidence on our tongues

or noses, skin or eyes to remind us

(the oblivious)

that the sixth extinction is upon us (all—

no exceptions made)

the unstoppable tipping point

pointing right at us

a giant finger in the sky

a middle finger

imminent and inexorable

unyielding, hard as nails

in our coffins

a cancer stick

stuck in our collective throat and lungs

do we need more metaphors?

the writing on the wall is writ

clear across the hazy sky

Barry Barnett lives in Santa Rosa.

Your Letters, 4/24

Penny for Your Thoughts

The beloved 99 Cents Only Stores announced a wave of closures across California, Nevada, Texas and Arizona, totaling 371.

First, these were NEVER “beloved.” These outlets were understaffed, the staff was poorly paid, and a recent This Week Tonight skewered the retail chain’s “leadership.”

Second, these outlets were placed in high crime areas and were a magnet for evildoers. The staff were expected to “protect” the stores and the merchandise, while operating the checkout machines, stocking the shelves, among other duties, such as maintaining store cleanliness.

Third, blaming the governor for establishing a minimum wage is nonsensical. Living in California on $20 an hour cannot be done. The ownership of these outlets make far more than $20 an hour, and their neglect in these matters showed. Further, a recent town hall meeting over the closures revealed a councilperson supporting the closure for reasons mentioned here.

Gary Sciford

Santa Rosa

Pondering Pot

What if we regulated the dairy industry like we do cannabis? More of us would’ve been breast fed because why would we go to the store when we could make it at home?

Jeff Flick

Petaluma

Free Will Astrology: Week of April 24

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Have you ever gotten your mind, heart and soul in sweet alignment with the spiritual beauty of money? An opportunity to do that is available. During the next four weeks, you can cultivate an almost mystical communion with the archetype of well-earned wealth. What does that mean? Well, you could be the beneficiary of novel insights and hot tips about how best to conduct your finances. You might get intuitions about actions you could take to bring more riches into your life. Be alert for help from unexpected sources. You may notice that the more generous you are, the more the world’s generosity will flow your way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Bordering the Pacific Ocean for a thousand miles, Chile’s Atacama Desert is a place of stark and startling beauty. Unfortunately, its pristine landscape is also a dumping ground for vast amounts of discarded clothes that people bought cheaply, wore out quickly and didn’t want anymore. Is there any other place on earth that more poignantly symbolizes the overlap of sacred and profane? In the coming weeks, Taurus, you will possess a special aptitude for succeeding in situations with metaphorical resemblances to the Atacama. You will have an enhanced power to inject ingenious changes wherever messiness is mixed with elegance, wherever blemished beauty requires redemption and wherever lyrical truths need to be rescued from careless duplicity or pretense.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): My Gemini friend Alicia thrives on having a quick, acute, whirling-dervish-like intelligence. It’s one of her strong points now, but it wasn’t always. She says she used to be hyperactive. She thought of serenity as boring—“like some wan, bland floral tea.” But after years of therapy, she is joyous to have discovered “a kind of serenity that’s like sweet, frothy hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.” I’m guessing that many of you Geminis have been evolving in a similar direction in recent months—and will climax this excellent period of relaxing growth in the coming weeks.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): All Cancerians who read this oracle are automatically included on the Primal Prayer Power List. During the next 13 days, my team of 13 Prayer Warriors and I will sing incantations to nurture your vigor, sovereignty and clarity of purpose. We will envision your dormant potentials ripening. We will call on both human and divine allies to guide you in receiving and bestowing the love that gives your life supreme meaning. How should you prepare for this flood of blessings? Start by having a long talk with yourself in which you describe exactly why you deserve these gifts.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A meme on Instagram said, “The day I stopped worrying about what other people think of me was the day I became free.” This sentiment provokes mixed feelings in me. I agree it’s liberating not to be obsessed with what people think of us. On the other hand, I believe we should indeed care about how we affect others. We are wise to learn from them about how we can be our best selves. Our “freedom” includes the discernment to know which ideas people have about us are worth paying attention to and which are best forgotten and ignored. In my opinion, Leo, these are important themes for you to ruminate on right now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia is a holy place for Islam. Jerusalem is the equivalent for Judaism, and the Vatican is for Catholicism. Other spiritual traditions regard natural areas as numinous and exalting. For instance, the Yoruba people of Nigeria cherish Osun-Osogbo, a sacred grove of trees along the Osun River. I’d love it if there were equivalent sanctuaries for you, Virgo—where you could go to heal and recharge whenever you need to. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to identify power spots like these. If there are no such havens for you, find or create some.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In my astrological opinion, you are entering a period when you can turn any potential breakdown into a breakthrough. If a spiritual emergency arises, I predict you will use it to rouse wisdom that sparks your emergence from numbness and apathy. Darkness will be your ally because it will be the best place to access hidden strength and untapped resources. And here’s the best news of all: Unripe and wounded parts of your psyche will get healing upgrades as you navigate your way through the intriguing mysteries.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to my astrological perspective, you are entering a phase when you could dramatically refine how relationships function in your life. To capitalize on the potential, you must figure out how to have fun while doing the hard work that such an effort will take. Here are three questions to get you started. 1. What can you do to foster a graceful balance between being too self-centered and giving too much of yourself? 2. Are there any stale patterns in your deep psyche that tend to undermine your love life? If so, how could you transform or dissolve them? 3. Given the fact that any close relationship inevitably provokes the dark sides of both allies, how can you cultivate healthy ways to deal with that?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I feel sad when I see my friends tangling with mediocre problems. The uninspiring dilemmas aren’t very interesting and don’t provoke much personal growth. They use up psychic energy that could be better allocated. Thankfully, I don’t expect you to suffer this bland fate in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You will entertain high-quality quandaries. They will call forth the best in you. They will stimulate your creativity and make you smarter and kinder and wilder. Congratulations on working diligently to drum up such rich challenges!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1894, a modest Agave ferox plant began its life at a botanical garden in Oxford, England. By 1994, a hundred years later, it had grown to be six feet tall but had never bloomed. Then one December day, the greenhouse temperature accidentally climbed above 68 degrees F. During the next two weeks, the plant grew twice as tall. Six months later, it bloomed bright yellow flowers for the first time. I suspect metaphorically comparable events will soon occur for you, Capricorn. They may already be underway.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Have you felt a longing to be nurtured? Have you fantasized about asking for support and encouragement and mentoring? If so, wonderful! Your intuition is working well! My astrological analysis suggests you would dramatically benefit from basking in the care and influence of people who can elevate and champion you; who can cherish and exalt you; who can feed and inspire you. My advice is to pursue the blessings of such helpers without inhibition or apology. You need and deserve to be treated like a vibrant treasure.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In his book Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, Thom Hartmann theorizes that distractibility may have been an asset for our ancestors. Having a short attention span meant they were ever alert for possible dangers and opportunities in their environment. If they were out walking at night, being lost in thought could prevent them from tuning into warning signals from the bushes. Likewise, while hunting, they would benefit from being ultra-receptive to fleeting phenomena and ready to make snap decisions. I encourage you to be like a hunter in the coming weeks, Pisces. Not for wild animals, but for wild clues, wild signs and wild help.

Homework: Is there any important situation where you’re not giving your best? Fix that, please. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Culture Crush, Week of 4/17

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Santa Rosa

Zine Scene

The Northwest Santa Rosa Library is set to host the dynamic and ever-expanding Santa Rosa Zine Fest (SRZF24) on Saturday, April 20. This year marks the festival’s fourth anniversary, a testament to the burgeoning interest in zine culture. Co-presented by the Sonoma County Library and the Santa Rosa Zine Collective, the festival will feature over 60 exhibitors from Sonoma County and beyond. This free outdoor event showcases do-it-yourself publications and the creative minds behind them. Attendees can have interactive experiences with workshops conducted by notable artists like Rayona Lovely Wilson, Amanda Ayala and Gladys Ochoa, who will host a session in Spanish. Print.Organize.Protest will be on-site offering free screen-printing. Participants are encouraged to bring items for personalization. The festival, which has tripled in size, will provide a map detailing exhibitor locations and language capabilities, enhancing accessibility with ASL interpreters for the deaf community.  Free DIY zine kits will be available, ensuring participants can start their zine-making journey. For more details and registration, visit sonomalibrary.org/zinefest2024.

Sonoma

Garagiste Fest

Returning for its sixth year, Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure on Saturday, April 27 promises a unique gathering of over 40 micro-production wineries from Northern California. The event invites attendees to savor over 100 wines from over 20 grape varieties sourced from regions as diverse as Sonoma, Napa and the Sierra Foothills to lesser-known locales like Suisun Valley and El Dorado County. Taking place at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, the festival is within strolling distance of the picturesque downtown plaza, making it an easily accessible destination for wine lovers. The festival kicks off with a Rare and Reserve Early Access, offering exclusive tastings of library and reserve selections. The Grand Tasting follows, featuring a bounty of wines paired with complimentary cheese, charcuterie, local artisanal treats and a souvenir crystal wine glass for each guest. Tickets are limited and traditionally sell out in advance, underscoring the festival’s allure among wine aficionados and casual enthusiasts alike. To secure a spot and experience the small-lot winemaking scene that captivates connoisseurs nationwide, visit the festival’s official website for tickets and more information: garagistefestival.com.

Napa

Spin to Win

The festivities abound at Folklore Napa for Record Store Day on Saturday, April 20—an international tribute to independent record stores. Doors open early at 9am and close late at 11pm, offering an extended opportunity to explore an array of exclusive and limited-edition music releases. Not just a shopping experience, Folklore turns Record Store Day into a full celebration with cocktails, food and great company available all day. The happenings begin on Friday, April 19, with new album releases from iconic artists Pearl Jam and Taylor Swift. Then, the main event on Saturday features special giveaways, discounted pricing on select box sets and releases, and a chance to acquire rare music treasures. And finally, the celebration continues into Sunday, April 21, with an evening DJ set by Rook’s Nest, spinning records from 6 to 9pm. Folklore is not just a record store but a vibrant local gathering spot located in a charming 1910 building in downtown Napa, close to cultural landmarks like the Uptown Theatre and Napa Opera House, and a short stroll from the Riverwalk. Folklore is the perfect destination this Record Store Day to sip, shop and revel in the community spirit of music enthusiasts. Folklore Napa, 1226 Third St., Napa. 707.812.5506. folklore-napa.com.

Larkspur

Sondheim
for a Lark

“I love the theater as much as music, and the whole idea of getting across to an audience and making them laugh, making them cry—just making them feel—is paramount to me,” said the legendary Stephen Sondheim, whose work is revisited at Larkspur’s The Lark Theater in the Tony Award-winning revue, Side by Side by Sondheim. Celebrating the legacy of one of the most influential figures in musical theater, this show presents some of Sondheim’s most memorable songs. The revue showcases classics such as “Send in the Clowns,” “Side by Side” and “I’m Still Here,” performed by a cast including Ashley Rae Little, Ken Brill, Maureen McVerry, Simon Barrad and Emma Roos. Side by Side by Sondheim runs from May 2 through May 25, starting with a special opening night and reception on Thursday, May 2 at 7:30. Additional performances are scheduled for Sundays and Saturdays, culminating in a final show on Saturday, May 25. Tickets are priced at $50, available for purchase via the Lark’s website, larktheater.net.

Your Letters, 4/17

Spoken Truth

Public speaking is a politician’s stock in trade. And President Joe Biden’s impressive words are fresh air in a long vacant house. That reminds me of when I was nine years old. My friend Bill H. and I were caught and punished for throwing rocks at the windows of a vacant house. I learned my lesson, and that’s the reason I refuse to cast aspersions on Biden.

During last week’s eclipse at a Houston high school where Congressperson Sheila Jackson was speaking, I think I learned something new. We didn’t have astronomy in my high school, and so I listened with interest as Jackson described our friend Mr. Moon by saying, “It’s that complete rounded circle which is made up mostly of gasses.” The congressperson continued, “The sun is a mighty powerful heat, but it’s almost impossible to go near the sun.” 

At first blush after learning this, I concluded that I simply don’t get out enough. But I checked with Punxsutawney Phil, and even he was less the wiser concerning such advancements in astronomy. 

Politics and politicians tend to generate more emotional volatility, reactions and opinions than roadside weeds in spring. Now don’t think me ill-humored when I say lambasting Donald Trump is beginning to get stale, habitual and frankly ho-hum. There are political horses other than Trump making jackasses of themselves. And this election year is…well, let the experts explain.

Vice President Kamala Harris reminded everyone of the importance of the coming fall election when she said, ”This is the most election of our lifetime.” You betcha! And Kamala understands technology better than, say, the border, because as the VP explained, “AI is kind of a fancy thing. First of all, it’s two letters. It means ‘Artificial Intelligence.’” Wow! That’s three letters.

Leland Dennick

Sebastopol

Free Will Astrology, Week of 4/17

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): I suspect two notable phenomena will coalesce in your sphere sometime soon. The first is a surplus supply of luck. I’m not sure why, but the fates will be sending surges of good karma your way. The second phenomenon is this: You might not be entirely alert for the potential luck flowing in your direction, and it may not leap out and grab you. That could be a problem. Fortunately, you are reading this oracle, which means you are getting a heads-up about the looming opportunity. Now that you realize you must be vigilant for the serendipitous blessings, I’m confident you will spot them and claim them.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You will be wise to summon extra love and rapport as you ruminate on your vivid upcoming decisions. Wouldn’t you like to bask in the helpful influences of smart allies who respect you? How nurturing would it feel to receive healing encouragement and warm appreciation? I suggest you convene a conference of trusted advisors, good listeners, sunny mentors, wisdom keepers and spirit guides. Maybe even convene a series of such gatherings. Now is an excellent time to call in all your favors and get the most inspirational support possible as you navigate your way to the next chapter of your life story.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you drink alcohol, don’t operate a forklift or backhoe. If you gamble, protect yourself with safeguards and have a backup plan. If you feel called to explore altered states of consciousness, consider doing meditation, dancing or chanting holy songs instead of ingesting drugs. If you have an itch to go hang-gliding or sky-jumping, triple-check your equipment. And if you have the urge to try to walk on the water, don a lifejacket first. But please note, dear Gemini: I am not advising you to timidly huddle in your comfort zone. On the contrary. I highly recommend you stretch your limits. Just be secure and smart as you do.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I plotted out my usual astrological reckonings for your current destiny. Then I slipped into a meditative trance and asked the spirits to show me future scenes that correspond to my assessments. In one prominent vision, I beheld you partying heartily, navigating your avid and inquisitive way through convivial gatherings. In other scenes, I saw you engaged in lively discussions with interesting people who expanded your understanding of the meaning of life in general and the meaning of your life in particular. I conclude that intelligent revelry will be a main theme for you. Productive excitement. Pleasurable intrigue. Connections that enliven and tonify your imagination.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The theory of synchronicity proposes that hidden patterns are woven into our lives. Though they may ordinarily be hard to detect, they can become vividly visible under certain circumstances. But we have to adjust the way we interpret reality. Here’s a clue: Be alert for three meaningful coincidences that happen within a short time and seem related to each other. I predict the emergence of at least one set of these coincidences in the coming weeks—maybe as many as four. Synchronicities are coming! You have entered the More-Than-Mere-Coincidence Zone.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Psychologists J. Clayton Lafferty and Lorraine F. Lafferty wrote a book called Perfectionism: A Sure Cure for Happiness. It’s based on their work with clients who damaged their lives “in the illusory pursuit of the unrealistic and unattainable standard of perfection.” In my observation, many of us are susceptible to this bad habit, but you Virgos tend to be the most susceptible of all. The good news is that you now have an excellent chance to loosen the grip of perfectionism. You are more receptive than usual to intuitions about how to relax your aspirations without compromising your competence. As inspiration, consider these words from author Henry James: “Excellence does not require perfection.” Leadership expert R. R. Stutman adds: “If perfection is an obstacle course, excellence is a masterful dance.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which they never show to anybody,” wrote author Mark Twain. I agree that everyone is a moon and has a dark side. But it’s important to note that our dark sides are not inherently ugly or bad. Psychologist Carl Jung proved to me that our dark sides may contain latent, wounded or unappreciated beauty. To be healthy, in fact, we should cultivate a vigorous relationship with our dark side. In doing so, we can draw out hidden and undeveloped assets. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you Libras to do this.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your current state has metaphorical resemblances to idling in your car, waiting and waiting and waiting for the red light to change. But here’s the good news: I expect the signal will turn green very soon—maybe even within minutes after you read this horoscope. Here’s more good news: Your unlucky number will stop popping up so often, and your lucky number will be a frequent visitor. I’m also happy to report that the “Please don’t touch” signs will disappear. This means you will have expanded permission to consort intimately with influences you need to consort with.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I think it’s time to graduate from your lessons in toxic kinds of enchantment and launch a new experiment with healthy kinds of enchantment. If you agree, spend the next few days checking to see if any part of you is numb, apathetic or unreceptive. Non-feelings like these suggest you may be under the enchantment of influences that are cramping your imagination. The next step is to go in quest of experiences, people and situations that excite your imagination, rouse your reverence and raise your appreciation for holy mysteries. Life will conspire benevolently on your behalf if you connect yourself with magic, marvels and miracles.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Luther Burbank (1849-1926) was a practical artist. Using crossbreeding, he developed over 800 novel varieties of vegetables, fruits, grains and flowers. Among his handiwork was the russet Burbank potato, a blight-resistant food designed to help Ireland recover from its Great Famine. My personal favorite was his Flaming Gold nectarine, one of the 217 fruits he devised. I propose that Burbank serve as your role model in the coming weeks. I believe you have the power to summon highly pragmatic creativity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): L. R. McBride wrote the book The Kahuna: Versatile Mystics of Old Hawaii. He describes the role of the kahuna, who is a blend of sorcerer, scholar and healer. At one point, a kahuna gives advice to an American tourist, saying, “You have moved too fast for too long. You have left part of yourself behind. Now you should slow down so that part of you can catch up.” I’m offering you the same advice right now, Aquarius. Here’s your homework: Dream up three fun things you can do to invite and welcome back the left-behind parts of you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the course of my life, I have heard the following three statements from various people: 1. “Everything would be better between us if you would just be different from who you are.” 2. “I would like you more if you were somebody else.” 3. “Why won’t you change to be more like the person I wish you would be?” I’m sure you have heard similar pronouncements yourself, Pisces. But now here’s the good news: I don’t think you will have to endure much, if any, of such phenomena in the coming months. Why? First, because you will be more purely your authentic self than you have ever been. Second, because your allies, colleagues and loved ones—the only people who matter, really—are likely to be extra welcoming to your genuine self.

On the Record: Watts Music’s Darin Chace

Record Store Day is April 20, so I thought, why not sit down with Darin Chace, owner of Watts Music in Novato? Appropriately enough for vinyl enthusiasts like me, the store is celebrating 45 years in business.

What do you do?

I operate the longest-running record store in the North Bay—Watts Music.

Where do you live?

I’m very fortunate to live in downtown Novato and walk to work each day. It’s the best way to experience a town and get a pulse on what’s going on.

How long have you lived in Marin?

Since 1971. My parents and I moved here from the East Coast when I was three.

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?

In my younger (and more reckless days), you’d find me at a club or venue checking out bands. I still love to go to shows, but now I enjoy running or hiking all our beautiful open spaces here in Marin.

If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?

Geez, how much space can you give me? The short answer is any of what I call “The 40-Minute Club” (most days, the coast, San Francisco and Napa are only 40 minutes away).

What’s one thing Marin is missing?

Restaurants open past 11pm. It’d be nice to grab a bite on the way back from the city at midnight.

What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites? We need to be more empathetic to each other in the real world, even as we get more overwhelmed by social media.

If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?

Prince. For three reasons: to hear any stories he’d care to share, to have him play some serious guitar, and lastly, since he remains the definition of cool.

What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?

To work a little smarter and be able to pay off my house earlier, have some peace of mind and travel more.

What’s something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?

Some of the music today that we love may not age so well. I’ve seen thousands of bands that went from “It” to “Oh yeah, I forgot about them.”

Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?

We should stop and think about the other person’s perspective. Try to understand what’s important to them before we either close our minds or just retaliate with our own view.

Keep up with Chace at @WattsMusicNovato on Instagram and at wattsmusicnovato.com

Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and loves his analog music collection.

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On the Record: Watts Music’s Darin Chace

Record Store Day is April 20, so I thought, why not sit down with Darin Chace, owner of Watts Music in Novato? Appropriately enough for vinyl enthusiasts like me, the store is celebrating 45 years in business. What do you do? I operate the longest-running record store in the North Bay—Watts Music. Where do you live? I’m very fortunate to live...
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