Enjoy Mill Valley Blog

Gov. Gavin Newsom in recent days has expressed heightened interest in enforcement of businesses regarding health and safety protocols, developing “strike teams” and pointing consumers to tip lines to report coronavirus improprieties. But as cases spike and reopening plans stall across California, a few Bay Area restaurants have temporarily closed upon learning workers tested positive…

After Gov. Gavin Newsom indicated in April that mass gatherings were unlikely to be sanctioned anytime soon amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Gabriella Calicchio, who oversees the Marin County Fair, announced the cancellation of the event. Calicchio and her team then moved onto Plan B: a virtual fair, with  weekly competitions including decorated baked goods, toilet paper roll art,…

The album cover of Miss Abrams and the Strawberry Point 4th Grade Class’ “Mill Valley” song. Courtesy image. Pandemics don’t provide a ton of truly celebratory moments, and this COVID-19 crisis has been no different. But we’d be remiss if we let this particular celebration – the 50th Anniversary of the release of Reprise’s release…

[UPDATE 7.5.20: As anticipated, Governor Gavin Newson announced Friday that Marin County has been added to the list of California counties that are being closely monitored for increased COVID-19 activity. The data-driven designation was based on Marin’s positive case rate per 100,000 people, as well as its percentage change of the three-day average of hospitalizations for coronavirus patients. The watch list placement means…

Editor’s Note: As we see COVID-19 positivity rates rise in Mill Valley, Marin and, frankly, just about everywhere, we urge residents and customers to avoid stigmatizing businesses and employees. Frontline workers have been the backbone of our community throughout this crisis, and everyone, from owners to employees, are doing the best they can to maintain…

Gov. Gavin Newsom. What was already looking like a less-than-spectacular Fourth of July celebration this weekend due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements is now facing even more uncertainty for Marin residents.  Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the closure of many indoor business operations for the California counties that have been on the state’s new watch list…

Mill Valley residents peacefully protested racial violence and systemic inequality on Sunday, June 6, marching from the Depot Plaza to Tam High. Photos by Tane Daijogo. Tam High student Sierra Hetler, at center, with friends at the June 6th Black Lives Matter protest she organized. Courtesy image. For weeks, protests, rallies and demonstrations have been…

If 2020 hasn’t thrown you 3-4 of the craziest months of your life, then you must have one heck of an adventure-laden personal history on your hands. Get writing! We began early March with uncertainty and nervous chuckles over elbow bumps and foot shakes, and seemingly every step since then has been a potent mixture…

A selection of artwork at the 2019 Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival. This one really hurts. We’ve had to post an avalanche of cancellations, postponements and reductions related to the COVID-19 crisis over the past several months, and all of them have been massive losses for the residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations that make Mill…

Singers Marin founder Jan Pedersen Schiff. Courtesy image. Jan Pedersen Schiff, a towering figure in the Marin music community since she founded the nonprofit choral organization Singers Marin 33 years ago, has announced her impending retirement and plans to pass the conductor’s wand to other members of the organization who “look forward to more choral…

[UPDATE 7.10.20: Just a few days after indoor dining was added to outdoor dining and takeout/delivery at restaurants around Mill Valley, Marin was placed on the COVID-19 statewide watch list and indoor dining was halted for at least three weeks. Other previously approved sectors are not impacted by this decision. Stay tuned.] As you have…

Like most of us, the City of Mill Valley’s Resident Shopper Vehicle Permit (RSVP) program, which allows residents of Mill Valley and nearby towns to park for free at a metered space as a way to promote downtown businesses, has been mostly hibernating since March. The program has remained active, but with just about every business in…