March 2nd, 2008 By Ginger Wilcox

I work up to this gorgeous Marin sunrise this morning.  Happy March and happy Sunday!

February 28th, 2008 By Ginger Wilcox

Many people are surprised to find out I live in Larkspur when they thought I lived in Greenbrae but I have a Kentfield zip code. Did I confuse you?

Our little cities in Marin County are so close together, I think it is confusing to everyone. So how does this whole city/town/county thing work in Marin?

Part of Greenbrae is unincorporated, meaning it is not part of a city or town with its own government. Another part of Greenbrae is incorporated into Larkspur. Need a building permit and you live in that half of Greenbrae? You go to the City of Larkspur. Live in the unincorporated are of Greenbrae? Permits and other services fall under the domain of Marin County.

The zip code for Greenbrae is 94904. 94904 is also the Kentfield zip code. Like Greenbrae, Kentfield is also unincorporated.

The school district for Greenbrae is not the Corte Madera -Larkspur School District, it is in the Kentfield School District. Go figure.

Got it?

February 24th, 2008 By Ginger Wilcox

Marin schools are back in session Monday morning after a week off for ski week.   We returned to Marin yesterday from our Tahoe ski trip, leaving in the morning to avoid the nasty storm scheduled to hit and dump snow on Tahoe. 

I left this….

For this??

January 14th, 2008 By Ginger Wilcox

This just in… the Marin IJ reported late this afternoon that Trader Joes is planning to add a third Marin location. According to the IJ, Trader Joes is set to take over a 10,000 square foot spot at Cost Plus Plaza, just off the 101 freeway at Lucky Drive in Larkspur (in the old Tower Records spot). Beverages & More just opened up in the center as well.

Southern Marin Trader Joes’ fans like myself will be happy to avoid the San Rafael congestion at this new central spot!

Read the full Marin IJ story here.

December 30th, 2007 By Ginger Wilcox

Many Marin County home sellers took their homes off the market over the holidays. This helped overall stats. Despite the holidays, we still saw quite a few homes go into contract. Many areas of Marin are considered seller’s markets including Corte Madera, San Anselmo, Sausalito and Mill Valley. The situation in Novato still looks dismal. Below are the stats by city. These numbers are likely to fluctuate widely after the New Year when sellers put their homes on the market.

Marin Market Update By City

• Over 35% in contract is usually indicative of a sellers’ market.
• Under 25% in contract is usually indicative of a buyers’ market.
• 25%-35% in contract indicates a balanced market.

*Marin County Real Estate statistics pulled from BAREIS MLS on 12/29/2007.

December 28th, 2007 By Ginger Wilcox

Want to explore a new neighborhood? Get a street level view with Google Maps. If you haven’t checked it out, you should. Google has literally hired photographers to take pictures of every street and neighborhood across the country. San Francisco is basically done. Marin County is underway. In the snapshot below, you can see one of my favorite parks in a street view from San Rafael Blvd in Belvedere.

It is a pretty cool tool right now- and will get even better as more photography is completed. I wish they had this when I moved to Marin!

Want to learn how to use it? Watch this goofy but helpful video from Google.

December 7th, 2007 By Ginger Wilcox

Marin property owners have until Monday, December 10, 2007 to make their first installment toward the 2007 – 2008 property taxes. Payments must be received or postmarked by December 10, 2007 in order to be considered timely paid. If the payment is late, it is subject to a 10% penalty plus interest.

Marin property owners should submit their payments to:

Michael J. Smith, Tax Collector
Civic Center, P.O. Box 4220 Rm. 202
San Rafael, CA 94913-4220

Alternatively, taxes can also be paid online at www.co.marin.ca.us/paytax, or by telephone at 800-985-7277, using a credit card or electronic fund transfer. Credit card charges will also include a “convenience fee” of approximately 2.25% of the total transaction and electronic funds transfers will include a fee of $1.95 per transaction.

October 28th, 2007 By Ginger Wilcox

Did you know Marin County, California has the one of the highest breast cancer rates in the country? Despite a fear for the future, I never felt an immediate worry until last year. Not close to 40, no need for a mammogram, right? Well, wrong. Really, really WRONG.

Last November, I got some news I never would have expected. One of my nearest and dearest friends, Andrea has breast cancer. It is not possible, I thought. How could Andrea possibly have breast cancer? She is not old enough. Well, her cancer didn’t seem to care about her age.

Unfortunately, when you are younger, breast cancer cancer isn’t something you really think about, so early detection doesn’t always happen. By the time Andrea was diagnosed, the lump in her breast had been growing for many, many months. Andrea immediately began grueling treatments- radiation, chemotherapy and a partial removal of her breast. Thankfully, she successfully finished her last round of chemo in the early summer. The process was a nightmare. I would love to have Andrea tell you the whole story. Unfortunately while fighting for her life, Andrea also had to fight doctors in order to get the correct treatment she needed. Aren’t they supposed to be on your side?

Despite her tremendous ordeal, Andrea maintained her amazing sense of humor. I think she decided before she even finished her treatments that she would be walking in the 3 day race for the cure in Phoenix, Arizona this November. After everything she went through, she is determined to help others. Always looking for the humorous side of things, Andrea named her team “The Hooter Helpers” with the motto- “Save the Hooters, Save the World”.

October is a Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Be aware- breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are. Please schedule a mammogram.

September 17th, 2007 By Ginger Wilcox

China Camp is beautiful protected area in Marin County, California. Originally a Chinese shrimp fishing village in the late 1800s, China Camp is now a California State Park. China Camp is located 4 miles east of San Rafael, on the shores of the San Pablo Bay, which feeds into the San Francisco Bay. The gorgeous area features marshes and many different types of wildlife. The area has great hiking and biking trails, tent camping sites, and group picnic areas. Looking for an afternoon outing? Check out China Camp-a gorgeous natural habitat in our own backyard.

September 12th, 2007 By Ginger Wilcox

As you may know, I love to “give back.” One of my latest projects is the Marin Family Service Agency Gala fundraiser. I started working with the agency through the Junior League of San Francisco five years ago, and have continued on my own. Over the last year, I have been working with 5 fabulous women on a advisory committee to put on the auction at this year’s gala event.

On Saturday night, September 15, a stunning Kentfield residence will be turned into an Italian fantasy land. Guests will be able to watch Italian Street Painting (live), play a game of bocce ball, and enjoy open air Fellini films. A live and silent auction will feature fabulous packages from tropical getaways to one of kind wine and dine experiences. It will be a magical evening raising money for a fabulous organization.

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