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Video of the Day - Friday's Music Video

Singing a capella...at seven-years-old. Wow.

Check out the criminal activity here in paradise

Just read about a high speed police car chase (90 mph!) in ...Tiburon. Really? 

That, and other recent news reports of violent crime here in our fair county (Sausalito manhunt and longtime San Rafael child sex abuse for starters) coupled with the increased use in police security and surveillance cameras, got us to thinking.

Just how bad is crime in Marin? 

Well, you can determine exactly what type of crime is going on in your neck of the woods on one website.

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk: Balancing the life of pro and coach

Dr. Joan's Sports Psych Talk-

The intensity of Shelley (Evans) Olds emerges as she hits every race with 100% commitment.  Velo News branded her as the "five foot assassin."  Not only has she become a successful international competitor, but she is also a coach for the local Whole Athlete training team in San Anselmo.  Although a relative newcomer to cycling, she has accomplished much.  Her husband introduced her to cycling just four years ago. In her first year, Shelley raced road, track, tandem, and mountain biking.  A star soccer player in college, Shelley quickly transferred her athletic talents to cycling.  She declared, "An athlete is who I am to the core." As a passionate, disciplined, and competitive athlete, she is able to do something special; she competes and coaches.

Read more in MoreSweat...

Marin News Roundup

	Water quality closures up at some area beaches: Both studies gave Stinson Beach, in Marin County, top marks. (Read more)
	Sharp decline in carpools as bridges impose tolls for first time: Since the Golden Gate Bridge began charging carpoolers to cross the span earlier this month, the number of carpools has dropped precipitously. (Read more)
	Tiburon Installing Cameras To Monitor All Visitors: Video report (Read more)
	License plate cameras installed in Mill Valley police car: In stark contrast to the heated debate over Tiburon's new security cameras, Mill Valley police rolled out similar technology Wednesday with little fanfare. (Read more)
	After 30 million deaths, farmer seeks new seed: Three weeks ago, when Kevin Lunny went out to check his five outdoor cultivation tanks, each containing six million oyster larvae, he got a nasty shock (Read more)
	Empty Lots Pose Fire Hazard: Lots for sale deserve same attention as home sites but who's responsible? (Read more)
	Buck study discovers new targets for possible therapies to treat Huntington's disease: Research by scientists at the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato has identified new targets for possible drug therapies to treat Huntington's disease, a precursor to dementia. (Read more)
	2 Hurt In Attack Near Muir Woods, Man Arrested: During the altercation, which apparently started on adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park property, one of the victims suffered serious injuries to his face... (Read more)
	Desalination vote may stall and confuse: It is truly unfortunate that the board has declared a poison pill ballot measure to thwart the district’s 18,000 voters,” (Read more)
	Here's What's Good at the Farmer's Market This Week: Nicasio Valley certified organic farmstead cheese. (Read more)
	Marin supervisors seek compromise on new windmill rules: It's going to take another go-round before the Marin County supervisors get a grip on new windmill regulations. (Read more)
	Joyce Livingston, Inverness artist and traveler: For the last nine decades, Joyce Livingston lived a free life. (Read more)
	Sausalito weekend for July 30 -- July 31 -- August 1: For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our Sausalito Calendar. (Read more)
	Controversy over homeowner responsibility for sewer upgrades returns to Marin: As Marin's sewer agencies step up efforts to fix privately owned pipes, it is raising the thorny question of whether homeowners should be forced to pay for those repairs. (Read more)
	A tour of Sausalito's floating homes: Photo slide show (Read more)
	Shooting the breeze with Sterling Hayden: In January of 1980 I rented a studio apartment on Second Street, just across from Sally Stanford’s Valhalla. (Read more)
	Pt. Reyes Tule Elk rut: Photos, video (Read more)
	Weekend Family Events for July 30, 31 & August 1: Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. (Read more)

Hit It and Quit It - Fashionably unfashionable

Paragraphs by Paul Miller

Be thankful that 85 percent of Americans dress like they're in the waiting room of a Greyhound bus station on a Saturday afternoon. 

I've been to weddings at Saint Anselm Church in Ross, to evening concerts at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, to hot dog joints in Chicago, to dinner at elegant Hawaiian hotel restaurants, to rib joints in Ocala, Florida, to the Picasso Restaurant at Bellagio's in Las Vegas, to Wal-Mart in Gallup, New Mexico, where at each place I felt right at home because it looked like the same people in their same clothes had followed me there.

Video of the Day - Attention tech addicts

Marin drivers-- get ready for your closeup

Marin drivers can practically star in their own version of 'reality TV' what with all the cameras pointed at their vehicles.

Let's see-- there are the Caltrans 'traffic cams' pointed down 101 monitoring our infamous backups. There are the 'red light specials' over in San Rafael. Mill Valley is about to debut 'cruiser cam', a specially equipped police vehicle with four cameras able to take photos of license plates which can be processed in the cruiser to see if a vehicle is stolen or involved in a felony. 

And then there's Tiburon, the town that has taken 'reality TV' to a whole new level with their roadside security cameras. 

Marin News Roundup

	Man threatens lawsuit over free speech at county supervisors meetings: John Jenkel of Sonoma County created another stir indicating he is filing a lawsuit because board chairwoman Judy Arnold limited his speaking time at a session earlier this month. (Read more)
	Dueling ballot measures over Marin desalination: Marin County voters will decide in November between two measures involving a proposal to turn 5 million gallons of saltwater a day into drinking water. (Read more)
	Novato ranks second in Marin County for Section 8: Novato definitely had 431 households receiving Section 8, the statistics state. That’s 32 percent of the county’s total. (Read more)
	Brown and Whitman to Debate at Dominican: Will take place during week of Oct. 11 (Read more)
	Mill Valley poet shares her love for language: “It really wasn’t until college that poetry took center stage in my imagination and helped me find a place for huge emotions,” (Read more)
	College of Marin seeks solutions to $1.2 million deficit: College of Marin officials are considering cutting summer session classes or reducing the number of part-time instructors to plug an expected $1.2 million hole in next year's budget. (Read more)
	Novato man arrested for baseball bat attack, road rage in Sonoma County: Hits victim in face, smashes up victim’s BMW (Read more)
	Manslaughter charge filed in 2009 West Marin wreck: A West Marin man was arrested on a manslaughter charge Wednesday for a fiery crash that killed a motorcyclist on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road last summer. (Read more)
	PG&E could be facing fines for antennas: Fairfax officials exchange letters with utility as debate continues (Read more)
	San Anselmo council delays green building law vote: San Anselmo has delayed adopting a green building ordinance after two council members voted for the new rules and two opposed them at a meeting Tuesday night. (Read more)
	San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo: There's a strong sense of community in this amiable, family-oriented Marin County town. (Read more)
	‘Marin Rocks’ preps for November opening: Are you ready to rock? (Read more)
	2am Club Makes Moves Before Album Release: Band founded by two Tam High grads gets single picked up on MTV and song on new hit ABC series. (Read more)
	Boatyard goes green: “We will continue the tradition of a working waterfront — now in a sustainable way,” (Read more)
	The Market the Neighborhood has been Hoping For: Sun Valley Market to become Andy's, featuring fresh and prepared foods. (Read more)
	One man's treasure: San Anselmo’s Dean Stubbings is the original Dumpster diver. It’s the source of some of his best work. (Read more)

Video of the Day - Doga

The newest thing in Yoga is doing it in conjunction with your dog, hence Doga. Seriously.

Tam High reunion invitation brouhaha

An invitation to a local high school reunion has caused the fur to fly in Marin.

(Click to enlarge)

The invite for a class reunion for Tamalpais High School class of 1980, contains images that are offensive-- or at the very least-- insensitive. The invitation in question has a graphic of the now-banned former school name and mascot, the Tamalpais High Indians. In addition, an old image of a flirty Indian maid is also pictured. The mascot was changed to the Red Tailed Hawks in 1990.

The Pacific Sun's Nikki Silverstein mentioned the invite in her Hero and Zero column chastising the senders of the invitation for their insensitivity to Native Americans.

But it didn't end there.

SubUrban Legend - The day of the locust

You know how Yahweh in the Bible unleashed ten terrible plagues in Egypt to punish the Pharaoh for not releasing Israelite slaves? (If you don't, open a drawer at your local hotel.) Anyway, the eighth plague involved a swarm of icky locusts destroying everything in their path. Well, guess what? A huge wind blew a bunch of them over our way, and their descendants have wreaked a lot of havoc here, too! Heck, what did we do?

Marin News Roundup

	The tragic story continues': Schaefer, Osheroff families react to stabbing death: San Rafael resident Sheri Dunne, Schaefer's mother, claimed sheriff's deputies and Novato police instigated the prison violence against her son. (Read more)
	GG Bridge Sergeant Talks Man Out Of Suicide Jump: He was apparently planning to jump, but a bridge sergeant was able to talk him into coming back over the rail. (Read more)
	San Quentin: Schaefer was gored with 'bone crusher': Authorities said the implement was the type of weapon generally known as a "bone crusher," an improvised metal spear larger than a typical prison shank. (Read more)
	Shooting Suspect To Be Charged Wednesday: Will appear in court Tuesday but arraignment will be delayed. (Read more)
	Tiburon's roadside security cameras set to go live soon: Tiburon will soon photograph license plates of every vehicle that enters its borders with the installation of security cameras expected to be completed within weeks. (Read more)
	Whitman, Brown to meet in at least 2 Calif debates : Whitman also agreed to two debates in October — one sponsored by The Fresno Bee and Univision and one sponsored by NBC and Dominican University in San Rafael. (Read more)
	Water board sends two desalination issues to ballot: During a heated special water agency meeting Monday night, supporters of the initiative said the district put up a measure as way to obstruct the public effort to halt the desalination process. (Read more)
	Update: Von der Worth Project Eyes Finish Line: Developer's nine-unit condo proposal with office space and ground-floor retail on a steep hillside above lower Miller Avenue is ready to seek city approval. (Read more)
	Angel Island Immigration Station celebrates 100th anniversary Saturday: The Angel Island station was built after passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, a race-based doctrine that limited immigration. (Read more)

Video of the Day - America...in less than 2 minutes

See more funny videos and Technology Videos at Today's Big Thing.

DUI motorcyclist is killed at San Quentin, suspect ID'd

Edward Schaefer, the man with 9 prior DUIs who slammed into a Novato man and his daughter-- maiming him and killing her-- was apparently stabbed to death in San Quentin.

According to ABC7, Schaefer (shown at left) was killed with a "bone-crusher", a metal knife that, according to an official at the prison, "can truly pierce through a person." It happened on Monday.

The San Jose Mercury News has identified the inmate as the suspect who allegedly stabbed Schaefer as 31-year-old Frank Anthony Souza (shown at right) of San Jose.

The Marin IJ interviewed Schaefer's mother, Sheri Dunne who says her son was stabbed six times by inmates. Schaefer died later undergoing surgery at Marin General Hospital.

In May 2009, Schaefer ran his motorcycle at 60 mph through an intersection in Novato while Melody Osheroff and her father, Aaron, were walking home. The impact caused Melody (pictured at left) to die at the scene, while her father sustained injuries that caused him to lose his leg.

Aaron Osheroff described the accident in a heartbreaking interview while he was recovering from his injuries.

Schaefer was recently sentenced to 24 years to life.

(Photo of Schaefer is courtesy of Marin County Jail; photo of Frank Anthony Souza is courtesy San Quentin State Prison)

Marin News Roundup

	Habitual DUI offender attacked in prison: Edward Schaefer was transported to a nearby hospital after being slashed or stabbed at San Quentin Monday morning. (Read more)
	Bees buzz Sausalito as Uncle Jer flies into town: Uncle Jer says the bee businesses is buzzing and reports to the contrary are baloney. (Read more)
	Roommate Arrested In San Rafael Shooting: A San Rafael man appears to have been shot in the abdomen by his roommate during an argument early Monday morning, police said. (Read more)
	Novato officials introduce online newsletter: Occasionally criticized for not communicating well enough with its constituents, the city of Novato is accepting sign-ups for an electronic newsletter that will be sent out as frequently as every other week. (Read more)
	76 Station Overhaul Is Dead: Owners cite public controversy two years ago for killing plans to add convenience store to site at one of city's main intersections (Read more)
	Is it actually illegal to pick county park flowers?: I live close to Deer Park in Fairfax County, Marin, and occasionally - I confess - I pick flowers there to take home and put in a vase on my kitchen table... (Read more)
	Tech exec's dream: Ridgetop solar-powered mansion in Tiburon: A Silicon Valley high-tech magnate is on track to win approval of plans for a solar-powered 15,240-square-foot mansion on a Tiburon ridgetop. (Read more)
	County boots 15 workers, axes mediation service: "We did everything possible to avoid layoffs," Hymel said, noting the county handed out $800,000 in bonus money as an incentive for 40 employees to leave voluntarily. (Read more)
	Post Office Issues Illustrator's Stamp Tuesday: Mill Valley's Craig Frazier's fourth stamp for the U.S. Postal Service marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. (Read more)
	Victoria's Secret to open store at Northgate mall: Victoria's Secret will open a 6,000-square-foot store at Northgate mall in Terra Linda this fall, shopping center officials said. (Read more)
	Novato polishing new green building regulations: Novato officials are putting the final touches on an updated green building ordinance based largely on recommendations from a county task force. (Read more)
	Marin Rocks at the Quarry: Benefit for the Marin History Museum Music Center. (Read more)

Desal back in the news

Update: The MMWD approved their own initiative in a move that will send two initiatives to the November ballot. Read the entire story in the Marin IJ.

Tonight, in a special meeting, the Marin Municipal Water District board members will consider approving an initiative that will require the desalination project to be put to a vote on the November ballot.

Opponents of the desalination plant obtained 17,000 signatures to qualify the initiative for consideration for placement on the ballot. If approved, the initiative would require voter approval before funding of, or construction of a desalination plant could take place. The MMWD already approved plans to move forward to build the $105 million plant last year despite strong resistance from Marin residents. 

Marin gets the majority of its water from several reservoirs, like Alpine Lake pictured at right, in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed. Although the reservoirs have had low water levels for the past several years due to drought, this year a wetter than normal winter and spring helped to raise water levels back to normal. Proponents of the desalination plant which would initially produce 5 million gallons of water per day, say it continuing drought conditions necessitate building the plant. Opponents insist that water conservation efforts and renovation and repair of outmoded and leaky water infrastructure are sufficient.

The special meeting takes place Monday evening, 7:30 p.m. at MMWD headquarters at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 5th Avenue, San Rafael.

Hit It and Quit It - Out 'o' work

Paragraphs by Paul Miller

Video of the Day - Pretty little porcupine

Even though this porcupine seems to mimic a soft, little puppy, notice the owner's thick gloves, long sleeves, long pants, closed-toed shoes...

Marin News Roundup

	Newly public hospital forms foundation to recruit doctors: "It is imperative that we do what we can to insure there is a robust supply of high quality physicians in Marin, and that we do what can to insure that at least some of those physicians are aligned with the hospital." (Read more)
	County Survey Sets Sights on Student Drinking: With summer in full swing, report shines light on binge drinking in Tamalpais Union high schools. (Read more)
	3 Bicyclists Hurt In Separate Tiburon Crashes: "It's not uncommon in the summertime for us to have bicycle accidents," (Read more)
	Dueling desalination measures might end up on November ballot: The controversy over desalination will come into focus Monday when the Marin Municipal Water District looks at dueling measures that could both end up on November's ballot. (Read more)
	Destination: Green Gulch Farm Zen Center: Buddhist center in Mill Valley's backyard opens its arms to visitors. (Read more)
	DUI checkpoint yields no arrests in San Rafael: Only 50 vehicles passed through unscreened to alleviate traffic congestion. Police performed 17 field sobriety tests, but made no arrests. (Read more)
	With festival, San Rafael Yacht Club opens its doors to public: On another day, Lori Marston might have taken to the water in her own boat, a 41-year-old - but still reliable - Boston Whaler. (Read more)
	Dying Alone Intestate Places Burden on the County: He is a symbol of a growing problem in Marin County. (Read more)
	The Swashbuckling Taming of the Shrew Opens: Marin Shakespeare Company opens its pirate-themed second offering of the season. (Read more)
	Suspect pleads guilty in Ross Valley tire slashing case: A Fairfax man jailed in a spree of tire slashing and vandalism this year has pleaded guilty to felony vandalism, authorities said. (Read more)
	Big Rig Flips, Spills Diesel On Hwy 101 In Novato: Traffic was diverted around the spill and the crash for more than three hours while response crews cleared the roadway. (Read more)
	Mill Valley condo plans scaled back: The developer of a proposed mixed-use building at 500 Miller Ave. in Mill Valley has scaled back his plans and hired a new architect in response to sharp criticism from residents. (Read more)
	Ruth Rakosky Encourages Other Volunteers: Giving to others has it rewards. (Read more)

Plastiki arrives in Sydney!

"We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!We made it!"

That was the tweet around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening from David de Rothschild on-board the Plastiki as it arrived in Sydney, Australia after an epic 8,000 nautical mile journey across the Pacific. The eco-friendly catamaran which is made of 12,500 recycled plastic bottles, made the trek from Sausalito to Sydney to draw attention to plastic pollution in the oceans.

Plastiki left Sausalito on March 20 and braved huge swells, storms and various challenges as they made their way across the Pacific. Fans followed the crews' adventures via Twitter and photos via Flickr, and an on-board documentary crew filmed the entire trip. 

According to news reports, the Plastiki will remain on public display in Sydney for the next month. No word yet on what's next for the crew, or the boat, for that matter. 

(Top photo of Plastiki arriving in Sydney courtesy of Plastiki Flickr website)

Video of the Day - Friday's Music Video

Good morning, happy Friday! Enjoy this with your first cup of joe-- Norah Jones and Q-Tip with Life Is Better

Marin News Roundup

	Much-sought felon nabbed in Sausalito manhunt: Sausalito harbormaster Janet Erickson was looking out her office window Thursday afternoon when she saw a man jump 10 feet off a nearby railing, land on her dock and bolt down the pier. (Read more)
	Felon arrested after search on Sausalito docks: Raw video of arrest from KTVU (Read more)
	Mill Valley resident carjacked at gunpoint: Victim was parked at McDonald's Restaurant on Redwood Highway Frontage Road on July 21st (Read more)
	Local sellers of medical marijuana see value in trademarking pot strains and problems: Marin County's doyen of medical marijuana, Lynette Shaw, said she was pleased when she read recently on the Web that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had created a new trademark category for medical marijuana. (Read more)
	Transition Mill Valley Eyes Uncertain Future: Film showing community initiatives taking on a changing world across the globe may spur action closer to home (Read more)
	Marin backs smart meter investigation: Mary Beth Brangan of Bolinas pointed out that Germany and Italy have installed smart meters, but used existing infrastructure to transmit data rather than creating a wireless meter-to-meter grid. (Read more)
	Weekend Family Fun Events for July 23, 24 & 25: Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. (Read more)
	In Tiburon, utility undergrounding advances after legal battle: After seven years of legal wrangling that ultimately reached the California Supreme Court, it appears that Tiburon's Del Mar neighborhood finally will see its utility wires buried. (Read more)
	Marin Superintendent picks up slack: Video report (Read more)
	Shoreline votes to bring back first grade teacher: “We’re not talking about a luxury here. We’re talking about a first grade teacher’s salary,” (Read more)
	MMWD faces more financial troubles as water demand stays low: Water usage in the county continues to stay low - it has dropped 15 percent in the last two years - and one official said the situation partly can be blamed on the rain. (Read more)
	Whooping cough cases worry doctors, especially in Marin: Video report (Read more)
	Hilltop restaurant site, a Novato institution for 70 years, reopens after renovation: After a two-year hiatus, a well-known restaurant at the top of a Novato hill has reopened with a slightly altered name and a totally altered look (Read more)
	George Miller fished, sheltered Synanon kids: Bald teenagers seeking asylum started arriving at George’s doorstep in ones and twos. George sheltered the runaways until they could relocate with friends or family members. (Read more)
	What's good at the Marin County Farmers' Market This Week?: See the midsummer abundance of -- sunflowers. (Read more)
	Disabled-access measure worth up to $4 mil must go to Corte Madera voters: Corte Madera must put a $3 million to $4 million revenue measure before voters by the end of 2015 to fund curb, sidewalk and other disability access improvements after a federal judge signed off on a settlement agreement Thursday. (Read more)

Entertaining the eco-friendly way

Special to MoreMarin by Tracy Brusman

As a kid, some of my favorite memories of all undoubtedly come from summer days of the late 60's and growing up in The Bay Area. The days seemed endless, filled with hours of playing on the Slip-n-Slide, Kick the Can with the neighbor kids and sleeping under the stars.

But looking back, I would have to say, one of my very best memories about my childhood was being surrounded by music and entertainment. Organizing our neighborhood "Summer Show" was my pride and joy, and the highlight of my summers. Sound familiar? As my cousin would say, "Ahhh...those were the days."

Hit It and Quit It - Birds and balls

 Paragraphs by Paul Miller

Video of the Day - Plastiki storm talk

The Plastiki is nearly in Sydney and they encountered their worst weather and seas while on approach to Australia through the Tasman Sea.