March 19th, 2012 By George Crowe

Big things are in the works in the Larkspur-Corte Madera school district. Bond Measure A, which passed last year, is providing funds for upgrades to Neil Cummins Elementary and Hall Middle School, and the biggie–a brand new elementary school at the site of the old San Clemente School on Paradise Drive, which has been leased to the Lycee Francais. The plan is to tear down the old facility and build a brand new public school, with construction slated for 2013 and 2014. I talked to someone in the district office who said they haven’t yet decided on enrollment boundary lines or what will determine which kids go to which elementary school, but she said to keep an eye on the website for updates.

March 6th, 2012 By George Crowe

We’ve talked before about the cool program the Ross Valley Sanitary District has had in place for the last few years, where they’ll pay for half the cost (up to $4000) of a new sewer lateral for homes in the district that qualify. Unfortunately the money has dried up for now. I talked with someone at the office who said to keep checking back as they think they’ll have funds again sometime before July, so it sounds like this might be a temporary situation.

You can get more info at their website, www.rvsd.org, or by calling (415) 259-2949.

November 22nd, 2010 By Ginger Wilcox

Since I was born and raised in Arizona, anything remotely related to “fall” makes me happy.   I didn’t see the seasons change too much growing up!  This stunning display of fall leaves next to the brilliant blue sky made me pull over my car and snap a photo.  This photo was taken in Larkspur, just off Magnolia Avenue.  Enjoy!

March 5th, 2010 By Ginger Wilcox

This gorgeous Magnolia Tree sits along Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur, just across from Marin Primary School. The tree is in stunning full bloom right now! The story I have been told is that a dentist lived in the home and in lieu of payment, a gardener client planted the tree. It may have originally been two magnolia trees together.

If you know the real story about this Larkspur beauty, I would love to hear it!

~Ginger

March 2nd, 2010 By Ginger Wilcox

There are 15 active homes for sale in Larkspur and six homes under contact.  Four Larkspur homes have sold this year.  The average list price for a single family home is $1,252,067.  The average Larkspur home has been on the market 100+ days.  The table below shows the trends for the month of January over December 2010, for 1 year and for 15 months.  Keep in mind that Larkspur is a very small community and the statistics are easily skewed because of the small number of homes sold each month and year.

Larkspur Home Sales Year to Date

• 34 Diane Lane $628,000
• 60 Diane Lane $775,000
• 135 Tulane Drive $975,000
• 362 Madrone Ave $1,391,000

Notice the price point of homes sold in 2010 in Larkspur.  The lower end of our real estate market continues to move, albeit slower than in the past.

Larkspur Real Estate Market Data effective as of March 1, 2010. Data provided by Bay Area Real Estate Information Services. Are you a Marin real estate junkie? Sign up to receive very detailed real-time market reports in your email. Just register and let me know which neighborhoods you are interested in.

March 1st, 2010 By Ginger Wilcox

On this day 102 years ago, the City of Larkspur officially incorporated. Larkspur earned its name in 1886.  Downtown Larkspur is only three blocks long and has retained its historic charm.  Larkspur gained a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.  Downtown Larkspur remains the central business district today and is lined with small boutiques and restaurants.   Larkspur is primarily a residential community with 12,014 residents according to the 2000 U.S. census.

Larkspur is nestled at the base of King Mountain, under Blithedale Ridge and Mt Tam.  It is known for its perfect weather, majestic redwood trees and beautiful magnolia trees which line Magnolia Road, Larkspur’s main thoroughfare.

I am proud to call Larkspur my home!  Happy Birthday Larkspur!

~Ginger

September 18th, 2009 By Ginger Wilcox

Image -Ginger Wilcox

I had dinner last night at King of the Roll Sushi (review to come!) in Larkspur.  While sitting at my outdoor table, I snapped this quick shot.   The historic Larkspur building is located at 550 Magnolia in Larkspur, across the bike path from the rear patio of King of the Roll sushi restaurant at Ward & Magnolia Avenue.

It was built in the early 1900′s (~1929) as the Warming Room for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Larkspur station although I have seen a picture that identifies it as the Larkspur fright shed.   The historic building has been used as a artist studio by many different artists.  It is currenty the home of Bly Osuna Designs.

I love seeing the historic roots of Marin intertwined among the day to day things in  my life.

August 25th, 2009 By Ginger Wilcox

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July 20th, 2009 By Ginger Wilcox

The time has almost arrived! I personally have been very (un)patiently waiting for the opening of Trader Joe’s in Larkspur. I popped by today and found out TJ’s is set to open this Thursday, July 24 at it’s new store location in Larkspur.
What: Trader Joe’s Larkspur opens in Marin
When: Thursday, July 24
Where: 2052 Redwood Highway, Larkspur California 94921
Hours: 9 am- 9pm
Phone: 415-945-7955
More information

Hip, hip, hurray for Marin shoppers!

July 13th, 2009 By Ginger Wilcox

Farmer’s Markets are a great way to get fresh produce locally grown. Marin County is fortunate to have a number of great farmer’s markets on all different days. These are often great outings as many of them offer live music, games for kids, and a fun social atmosphere in additional to lots of fabulous locally grown produce! Each farmer’s market has its own special flare, so try out more than one. My personal favorite is the Thursday night event in downtown San Rafael.

Corte Madera Farmer’s Market

• When: Wednesdays, 12 noon-5pm, year-round
• Where: Corte Madera Town Center, Hway 101 & Tamalpais
• More info: shoptowncenter.com

Fairfax Farmer’s Market

• When: Wednesdays, 4pm-8pm, May-September
• Where: Bolinas Avenue Park
• More info: marinfarmersmarket.org

Larkspur Landing Farmer’s Market

• When: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, May-October
• Where: Larkspur Landing, off Sir Francis Drake near the Larkspur Ferry terminal

Novato Farmer’s Market

• When: Tuesdays, 4pm-8pm, May-September
• Where: Historic downtown Novato, Grant & Sherman
• More info: marinfarmersmarket.org

San Rafael Farmer’s Market- Civic Center

• When: Thursdays & Sundays, 8am-1pm, Year-round
• Where: Marin Civic Center, Hway 1010 & San Pedro East
• More info: marinfarmersmarket.org

San Rafael Farmer’s Market- Downtown

• When: Thursdays, 6pm-9pm, April-September
• Where: Downtown San Rafael, 4th Street between Lincoln & B Street
• More info: marinfarmersmarket.org

Sausalito Farmer’s Market

• When: Fridays, 4pm-8pm, May-October
• Where: Sausalito Ferry Landing at Bridgeway
• More info: Sausalito.org