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San Francisco has just claimed the title as the most fit 'big' city! A study just out by the American College of Sports Medicine looked at several indicators including percentage of people who exercise, don't smoke and eat healthy food regularly. And while we're on the subject of health, check out this Jon Stewart bit on the health of Obama and McCain-
The SF tourist trade is booming, despite the weak economy. Just last year, 16 million visitors spent a whopping $8.2 billion (with a "b") dollars in the 
City by the Bay. Both the number of visitors and the money spent, were
all-time records! Experts say the weak dollar, makes SF a bargain for overseas tourists, and they are expected to flood the city this summer season. Hotel occupancy rates are way up, and with the recent gay marriage ruling, the city intends to become the wedding capital destination of the nation. We'll drink to that!
Police will be out in force this Sunday for the Marin County Poker Run and BBQ, an annual Hells Angel ride through the County, beginning in Corte Madera. The ride typically attracts hundreds of bikers, but this year authorities expect double the number. (BBC Photo)
Continue reading "Hells Angels To Ride In Corte Madera Sunday" »
MoreMarin's Rita Richcreek asks- are we 'tear-down' people under the guise of being sustainable and green? Or are we willing to say no to bulldozing existing structures in order to build that dream Mini McMansion. Do we continually build bigger and 'better' or are we willing to lovingly restore our property incorporating its original beauty and grace along with native landscaping. Rita finds the answer with one Marin family in MoreShelter.
Get the champagne chilled and memorize those vows! On June 17th, California counties may begin issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples who wish to marry.
Continue reading "Get Ready For The I Do's...They Start June 17th" »
Eighty devices are being installed deep into the earth, from Vancouver to Southern California, in an effort to predict possible earthquakes. Marin County will get one of the devices; geologists are getting ready to sink one 760 feet deep into the earth in Lucas Valley! Watch this ABC7 report to find out how the so-called 'strainmeters' are supposed to work.
Ever wished your broccoli tasted like dessert? It seems like something out of science fiction, but a magical little red berry can transform carrots into cake. (Photo by Joe Fornabaio/NYT)
Continue reading "A Sure-Fire Way To Get The Kids To Eat Their Veggies" »
Warning- you don't want to read this next item, if you are eating. Health officials are very worried about a new strain of superbug, Clostridium difficile, more commonly known as C-diff, which has resulted in an explosion of hospitalizations in the last few years. The bacteria, which causes diarrhea and in severe cases- colitis- has become resistant to antiobiotics due to continual overuse and abuse of those drugs. C-diff germ isn't affected by antibacterial or common soaps and is spread by spores in feces. Experts are most worried about the fact that this superbug version,which was not seen before 2000, continues to evolve. Just another example of how our behavior comes back to bite us.
Speeders who think they can play hide-and-seek with police radar, are in for a big surprise.
Book addicts. You know the type- the ones that are always reading. They've got a book in-hand in the grocery store line, several stacked on their nightstand, or one tucked into their handbag. Then there's Margaret, a self-described cereal-box-reader, and lover of books from as far back as she can remember.
Continue reading "Introducing Margaret Petrie- She Lives To Read!" »
To neuter or spay, is no longer an option for pet owners in Los Angeles. Most (except show & service dogs and breeders) will have to have their pets fixed as soon as they reach four months old. If they fail to fix Fido or Fluffy, they will face citations, fines and community service. Although most pet owners appear 
eager to comply, many still refuse to spay or neuter their pets, and face increasing penalties the longer the pet goes un-fixed. It's one of the most stringent programs in the country, and aimed at reducing the animal population that winds up being euthanized every year in county shelters. We think that's a very good thing.
The ruling to allow gay marriages in California has made some folks very happy, and others pretty upset. Which brings us to our Super Tuesday Poll.
No matter your opinion on war, Iraq or otherwise, Memorial Day is a day to remember, and honor, those men and women who have given their lives in military service to our country. Today, at 3p local time, wherever you are, pause for the National Moment of Remembrance. It's a minute-long moment to stop and reflect on those who have given their lives, so that we can enjoy our day at the beach or trip to the mountains, or just the ability to sit with loved ones and enjoy our freedom.
Maybe four bucks a gallon might keep a few drivers off the road, but maybe not. This doesn't come as a surprise for those of us who drive, but according to Caltrans, traffic has reached epic proportions all over the Bay Area. If you want to see the worst-of-the-jams list (including Marin's 101), look here. If you want to avoid the jams, check out MoreMarin's first choice in traffic maps here.
As expected, anti-gay marriage groups, have filed a request seeking to delay the California State Supreme court's ruling to allow the marriages.
Continue reading "Opponents To Gay Marriage File Request To Delay Ruling" »
The FAA just banned Chantix, the anti-smoking drug, for pilots and air traffic controllers. They should add surgeons and anyone operating heavy machinery to the list as well.
Continue reading "Go Ahead And Have The Cigarette...Please!" »
In the Canal District in San Rafael, many students at Bahia Elementary School wonder if their parents will be gone when they return home from school. Worse, dozens of them are skipping school and staying home in fear that they themselves, may be deported.
A Bay Area media giant said goodnight for the last time, on Wednesday. Dennis Richmond retired after 40 years as KTVU anchor. Richmond's strong news judgment, combined with his professional, non-glitzy television persona was a consistent and steady presence in all those years, even when other anchors became personalities, and news became fluffy. Many moons ago, this writer began her journalism career at KTVU, as a newsroom intern. I worked there for several months alongside Dennis, and since then, I've worked with a whole bunch of other anchors. But I'll always be grateful for having had the opportunity to work for such a quality news program, and especially it's no-nonsense, but always warm anchorman. Farewell Dennis, and good luck!
Get out the party hats and make some noise! Tamalpais High School
in Mill Valley, the county's oldest high school, celebrates its centennial. Tam has a rich history, and many alumni are expected to attend the many events planned for the centennial celebration this Memorial Day weekend. The school, which sits on the side of a hill off Miller Avenue, has been
undergoing 
renovations which are expected to be complete in about a
year. Marin filmmaker George Lucas, who once lived in Mill Valley, filmed his sock hop scene from "American Graffiti" in the school's gym. Anyone wishing to re-live a bit of their high school years, is encouraged to come on down to Tam and join the fun. Happy Birthday Tam!!
Update: MoreMarin has added their own database of restaurant health inspections on this website. Take a look!
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Did you ever wonder how your favorite restaurant stacks up safety-wise to the competition? Ever wish you could just go online before trying out a new place? Marin County health officials say soon they'll be able to provide what other Bay Area counties already have; a health inspection report database available online for the general public.
Continue reading "County To Post Restaurant Health Inspections Online By Fall" »
If you thought that gang activity was confined to the East Bay, SF or San Jose- think again. According to this KRON4 report, they are real, and they are here...in the County.
Are you dreading the day that Spot will no longer occupy a place in your life? Do you want a second chance at training Fido? Well, listen up!
A major collision involving several cars on the Golden Gate Bridge just before the rush, caused a gigantic headache for commuters on their way home to Marin. There were reports of crash-related injuries. Here's the report from CBS5.
Picture this- a thick Kobe beef patty, complete with truffles, a piece of seared foie gras and aged Gruyere cheese. Oh...and a few gold flakes sprinkled on top. Want to know how much it will set you back?
A man in Egypt, just got sentenced to one-thousand years in prison. Yes, you read that correctly. One-thousand years. Abdullah Kamel Mohammed was sentenced to the lengthy prison term after being found guilty of money laundering. No word on whether Mohammed will be eligible for parole, but unless it's in next 50 year, it won't matter.
A San Anselmo man suffered two broken legs and crushed ankles after a female neighbor, pushed him off the roof early last Sunday.
Barker Ranch in the Panamint Mountain range near Death Valley, was the last hideout for convicted mass murderer, Charles Manson and his group of followers way back in 1969. (AP Photo)
Continue reading "Authorities To Dig For Possible Bodies At Manson Ranch" »
Sales of Bay Area homes jumped 30 percent from March to April, injecting some positive news into the dismal housing market. Experts believe a one-two punch of realistic pricing and an ease in the lending market contributed to the jump. But don't get out the party hats just yet; sales were still down from the previous year by over 15%, and many experts don't believe we've reached the bargain basement bottom of the housing slide just yet.
The SF Chronicle has a nifty little database that allows you to check any school in California, and find out how many students that school suspended for drug or violence-related offenses during the 2006-2007 school year.
Water samples tested, after last weeks 64,000 gallon sewage spill, came out "fairly clean" according to one health specialist, and no significant contamination was detected. The partially treated sewage was accidentally released after the pump failed at Tiburon's Paradise Drive treatment plant. District officials are still investigating the cause of the pump failure. This is just the latest in a string of sewage spills caused by facilities in Marin, beginning with the devastating 5 million spill in January.
A horse on Sleepy Hollow ridge, was found severely injured, and officials believe she was attacked by a mountain lion.
Continue reading "Marin Horse Injured; Authorities Blame Mountain Lion" »
A hybrid speedboat made its debut in San Francisco bay waters last Friday, after its Austrian manufacturers took a couple of Californians for a spin. The 25 foot electrical-diesel hybrid, uses the electrical motor to get in and out of docks, which is when the engine idles, and tends to pollute the most. When out in open water, you can then switch to the more powerful diesel engine which allows the boat to reach much faster speeds. Green comes at a price, though; the boat retails for $185,000. (Chronicle photo by Kurt Rogers)
Yesterdays State Supreme court ruling affirming gay marriage in California, has same-sex rights groups cheering, opponents fuming and everyone else wondering- will the gay marriage ruling have the same impact on the 2008 campaign and election as it did in 2004?
Continue reading "Will The Gay Marriage Ruling Become A Campaign Issue?" »
Frankly, a written introduction would not do this story justice. Better to just get straight to the article.
They call it 'natural orifice surgery', we call it Almost Too Weird For Words...
Bay Area folks baked and sweltered, as records were shattered all over the place yesterday. San Rafael, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose all had record-breaking temps in the high 90s and Novato reached a sizzling 102! Today is going to be hot, but temps are gradually heading south and we should be back in the temperate mid-70s by Monday. If you want to keep track of Bay Area temps, just take a look at the weather page here, and check out the neat-o temperature map we have for you!
It happened again- this time a 64,000 gallon partially-treated load of sewage landing in the Bay near Tiburon. Apparently the pumps failed at the Tiburon Sanitary District, in the overnight hours Monday night into Tuesday. Marin County officials are collecting samples and testing, with results expected sometime later this week. Marin has been the source of several bad sewage spills and discharges in the last few months, and they've been ordered to upgrade the sewer systems in a number of districts.
Gays and lesbians will be able to exchange wedding vows, after the State Supreme Court ruled in a 4-3 decision, that they have the right to marry in California.
Continue reading "State Supreme Court Affirms Gay Marriage" »
Rock fans are set to get a double whammy of Miller music, beginning with the release of a 40th anniversary DVD, "Live From Chicago", which will be released on May 20th. The two disc set, features the July 2007 performance at Chicago's Ravinia Amphitheater during a two-day run. PBS plans to broadcast portions of the DVD in spring and summer. In addition to the DVD, Miller and bandmates recorded more than three dozen blues songs up at Skywalker Ranch earlier this year. Those recordings may show up on the web soon, to be sold from Miller's own website.
Ok, $3.90 for a gallon of gas isn't exactly...cheap. But it is the least expensive gas you can find anywhere in Northern California, and it's right here in San Rafael. Gas prices have climbed steadily, matching oil prices, which topped $126 a barrel on Monday. Even though San Rafael's prices were pretty low by Bay Area standards, they are still among the highest in the country.
Which movie was so controversial, that 50 San Francisco riot police officers were required to be present at every filming location to deal with the picketing gay and lesbian activists?
Bay Area residents are asked to ditch the car and pedal the wheels for Bike To Work Day on Thursday, May 15th. It's part of an effort to bring awareness to the benefits of biking; saving money on gas, burning calories and preventing pollution. Mike's Bike's in Sausalito will be holding an end-of-day party from 4p to 6p to celebrate. Just be sure to bring the water, if you do decide to ride, because temps are supposed to peak Thursday afternoon, just in time for the afternoon rush!
A driver in Australia was given a large ticket fine for having an unbelted child in the car. Guess what he was using the seatbelt for?
Continue reading "Click It Or Ticket Takes On a Whole New Meaning" »
Sizzling, hot temps are predicted for the Bay Area beginning today and peaking tomorrow, possibly even breaking records!
A private school in the East Bay is set to re-open today, after closing down last week due to an outbreak of whooping cough.
The list of favorite baby names was released today from our good friends at the Social Security agency. It's an annual Mother's Day tradition. Biblical names for boys are a tres chic, with Jacob, Joshua, Daniel and Matthew among the top ten. In contrast, the girls all sound like movie stars; Ava, Isabella, Olivia and Sophia. If you want to find out if your name was ever in the top ten list, take a look at the chart here and try a search. And Happy Mother's Day!
Just in time for Mother's Day, we find this gem. An Arkansas woman, 41 year-old Michelle Duggar, is pregnant with her eighteenth child! The newest Duggar baby, due on New Years day, will join ten brothers and seven sisters. The Duggar children are all home-schooled and their first names all begin with "J", like their father, Jim Bob. Really. Not even MoreMarin could make something like this up.
Read how one restaurant managed to resurrect itself after disaster struck. It's a Nick's Pick, in MoreEats!
That's how much drivers crossing in the morning and afternoon rush hours would pay, if congestion pricing advocates have their way.
Continue reading "Seven Dollars To Cross The Golden Gate???" »
Downloading movies, music and information takes bandwidth, and if Comcast has their way, customers who use too much, could get charged more for it. Some customers who use 'excessive' amounts of bandwidth, already receiving phone calls from Comcast to reduce their usage, or have their accounts canceled. Comcast is considering imposing a 250 gigabyte per month limit, per customer. That's enough bandwidth to download 250 standard definition movies, or 6,000 songs per month, and if you've got a teenager or two in the house, you'd better watch out.
(Marin IJ Photo)
The Buck Institute for Age Research, just received a $20 million grant to use towards building a facility for conducting stem cell research. Buck, along with 11 other California institutions, received the funds from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Stem cell research is controversial, due to objections by religious groups, and the federal government severely restricts funding its research. The Buck Institute was created in 1999 as an independent organization to study and research the extension of human life.
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