Homeowners with larger existing mortgage balances can pay off their mortgage with a Reverse Mortgage, obtaining immediate payment relief of principal and interest, and potentially collect equity if the approved loan size is larger than the current pay off amount. Reverse Mortgages can also be used to purchase a primary residence if you can pay upfront the difference in the cost of the home and the amount of the Reverse Mortgage.

You’ll own your home as long as you live, without mortgage payments, independent of the future value of your home.

Your responsibility is limited only to paying annual property taxes and insurance. You must also maintain your home and complete typical repairs.

When it is time to sell your home, if the future value of your home is less than the amount of the Reverse Mortgage, your estate owes nothing to the lender, as long as the house is sold at whatever price the marketplace will bear at the time. As a non-recourse loan, any deficiency is waived.  If the property is sold for an amount over and above the balance on the Reverse Mortgage the remaining value of the home goes to you or your heirs. A Reverse Mortgage can also be refinanced by you or your heirs, if they decide to retain ownership of the property rather than sell it.

The largest FHA-insured Reverse Mortgage available in Marin during 2011 is $625,500. Maximum Loan limits are County-specific. If your mortgage exceeds the current FHA limits, there are portfolio products that offer Reverse Mortgages for homes up to values of approximately $6 million.
Income from a Reverse Mortgage is not taxable as it is your equity–and your Social Security and Medicare benefits are not affected although some Supplemental government assistance programs may.

Costs of a Reverse Mortgage

These are the potential costs of a Reverse Mortgage:

• Origination fee paid to a lender can be up to 2% of the first $200,000 of your home’s value plus 1% of the amount over $200,000, with a cap of $6,000. This can be completely waived at slightly higher interest rates.
• Mortgage Insurance: Initial and Annual, paid to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The initial amount can be financed and the annual amount is included in the loan.
• A possible Monthly Service Fee of $30 or $35 paid to the lender.

The initial mortgage insurance fee is either 2% (HECM Standard) or .01% (HECM Saver) of the lowest amount of $625,500 or the property value, whichever is less. Choosing the “Saver” option reduces the maximum loan size. You can finance this initial mortgage insurance payment in your mortgage and therefore not need have an out-of-pocket expense.

Annual mortgage insurance equals 1.25% of the mortgage balance but is included in your loan, not paid for separately.

For a Reverse Mortgage of $625,500, these are the maximum fees you might pay:

• $6,000 origination fee, potentially waived on fixed-rate Reverse Mortgages in exchange for slightly higher rates.
• $12,500 initial mortgage insurance, but this fee may be financed.
• $7,819 per year or $652 per month for annual mortgage insurance, but this is also covered by the loan, not paid for separately
• $420 per year or $35 per month for a loan service fee, although some lenders to not charge.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

If you plan to stay in your home more than a few years and you owe nothing or a small amount on your home and you want to receive tax free income from the equity in your home, or you desire to pay off your current balance and eliminate your monthly mortgage payment, a Reverse Mortgage is worth considering.

There are many factors to think about, but fortunately the government requires that you obtain counseling before making a decision. You might start by talking to a local, qualified mortgage broker. Madeline Schaider Real Estate recommends Lisa Fonarow and Shayne Alaniz, our experts on Reverse Mortgages. You can reach them at (415) 925-5225, ext. 213. 

Our New Listings 

Exceptional Tiburon Townhouse — Not on the MLS
259 Trinidad Drive, Tiburon, CA
3+ bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Elevator
Over $200K in upgrades
$1,325,000
Shown by Appointment: Contact Madeline at (415) 515-9357 or Alan at (415) 310-8605

  
Custom designed and built by the developer of Tiburon Mist in 2006, this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers exceptional quality and amenities in approx. 2,300 SF of bay front living:

• Maple flooring with radiant heat on all levels.
• Wood-paneled elevator serving three levels.
• Specially designed master suite on top floor with bay views, stunning wall of custom closets and storage, and outdoor balcony.
• Second bedroom suite on top floor with walk-in closet, wall of south-facing windows, and private stairs to living area below.
• Spacious, entry level bedroom suite with private patio and separate entrance.
• Great room with bay view, cherry kitchen cabinets with dramatic granite,  stainless appliances, and two outdoor balconies.
• Hot water recirculation system for instant convenience.
• Attached two-car garage.

This home was carefully selected from the 12 homes at Tiburon Mist in Paradise Cay for excellent all-year light, views, and privacy.  The developer then reconfigured the top floor, and the owner invested approx. $200,000 in quality upgrades. Don’t miss this opportunity if you have or anticipate the need for an elevator. 

Elegantly Remodeled Bay and SF View Home
494 Sausalito Blvd., Sausalito, CA
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
$1,650,000
www.494Sausalito.com
Open Sunday, December 4, 1-4 pm
 

 
Exquisitely remodeled adult home with fine finishes, ready for easy living and gracious entertaining. Chef’s kitchen with breakfast nook, butler’s pantry, central island, farmhouse sink, and Wolf range. Adjoining the kitchen is an a large flagstone deck with amazing views. From the formal dining room, wrap-around windows provide a 180 degree bay view. The large living room with beamed ceiling features a massive stone fireplace with flanking entertainment units. A large master bedroom suite with stunning views has a walk-in closet, a sitting area, and a large bonus room for an office, studio, or storage. There is a recently built, attached garage on the entry level.
 

From now till November 1st, you can request a review of your property taxes and may be able to obtain a reduction in your next tax bill. The process is simple—a one page form—and the application is free.

The first step is to obtain the form from the Marin County Tax Assessor at their web site:

Request For Assessment Review 2011

Then, you will need this information:

• The Assessor Parcel Number for your home.
• The present assessed value of your home.
• The sale price of three homes in your neighborhood. These must have been sold close to January 1 of this year, but no later than March 31.
• The estimated current value of your home.

Don’t worry about finding this information. We can do it for you. Read on.

A Free Service from Madeline Schaider Real Estate

Completing your Assessment Review form is an easy job for us; we can provide all the information.

Just contact Madeline at www.livinginmarin.com and let her know your address. You will receive our opinion of the present assessed value of your home. Once you agree on this, we will send you a form ready for your signature.

How Property Tax Reassessment Works

The County Assessor reviews your application and determines a new value for your home. Since Marin real estate prices have decreased over the past few years, the assessed value for your property will most likely be lower and you’ll see a decrease in your next tax bill. If the value of your home is higher than the original purchase price (plus any major improvements), Proposition 13 ensures that your taxes will not increase to the new, higher level.

The Assessor re-visits the value of your home each year and adjusts the assessed value up or down, depending on the real estate market. When the value returns to your original purchase price (plus the value of any new construction and a small annual inflation factor), the assessed value remains at this level, with only a yearly increase of 2% or less.

Contact Us Now

Your next tax bill arrives in the fall, and your first payment is due between November 1, 2011 and December 10, 2011. The second installment is due between February 1, 2012 and April 10, 2012. Contact us now so that you can apply for an adjustment well before your fist installment is due.

Don’t Miss Friday Nights on Main Street in Tiburon

One of our favorite Friday night outings is to Main Street in Tiburon. On July 8 through September 30, Main Street is closed to traffic, and residents gather from 6 to 9 pm for live music and dining at tables set up in the street by the local restaurants. You can drive to downtown Tiburon. our favorite  is to walk from Blackie’s Pasture on Tiburon Boulevard, along the bay, to downtown Tiburon, where we enjoy meeting friends and in this relaxed setting.

Follow Madeline on Twitter (LivinginMarin) and Facebook (LivinginMarinHomes).

While these do not give the complete picture of the personality of each school, they do paint a picture of how well students are learning and performing. Here is a chart of API scores reported for 69 Marin schools in 2010:

The highest ranking schools, with API scores of 900 or more, are distributed throughout Marin:

* A score for Sinoloa Middle School did not appear on the 2010 list, but we assume it is close to the 2009 score of 871.

** Marin County Community school, designed for special educationally disadvantaged children, was established under the No Child Left Behind Act.

  Marin County Distinguished Schools

Each year several Marin Schools are recognized as California Distinguished Schools. Individual school can apply for Distinguished School status based on their improvement over the previous four years and their API scores. Elementary schools and secondary schools (middle and high school) receive awards on alternate years.

2011

• Tomales High, Tomales
• Redwood High, Larkspur

2010

• Anthony G. Bacich Elementary, Kentfied-Greenbrae
• Old Mill Elementary, Mill Valley
• Bel Aire Elementary, Tiburon
• Reed Elementary, Tiburon
• Willow Creek Academy, Sausalito
• Inverness Elementary, Inverness

2009

• Dixie Elementary, San Rafael
• Del Mar Middle, Tiburon
• White Hill Middle, Fairfax
• Sir Francis Drake High, San Anselmo
• Tamalpais High, Mill Valley
• Tamiscal High, Larkspur

Success Story: Charter Schools in Marin

Willow Creek Academy, serving the Sausalito and Marin City communities, scored an impressive API score of 882 and was named a California Distinguished School in 2010. With the high achievement of this K-8 school, Sausalito is now more attractive for families with young children.

This is a welcomed turnaround for Sausalito: “Student enrollment, which was 1,227 in 1960, dropped to 710 in 1970 — a slide that continued over the next three decades to 283 by 2006 — as parents moved or sent their children to private schools.” (Mark Prado in the Marin Independent Journal, May 15, 2011). Now there is a demand for enrollment at Willow Creek, and Sausalito is considering converting the other two public schools to charter schools.

Charters schools are tuition-free, public schools (K-8), and open to any student who wishes to attend. Here are some of their unique features:

• Every charter school is allowed to create its own educational program.
• Parental participation is strongly encouraged, but not required.
• Local educators, parents, teachers, support staff, and community leaders have a direct voice in the operation and management of the program.
• Individual schools can respond rapidly to program needs and the interests of students.

The Novato Charter School in the Hamilton area of Novato is also performing well, with a recent API score of 863. This school had its origin as a Waldorf School.

Find Out More About Our Schools

For links to the API web sites, please go to the Marin Schools section of Livinginmarin.com. You’ll also find information about our elementary and middle schools, plus high schools.

If you want more about the personality of specific schools, or need recommendations of the best schools for your family, please contact Madeline.

There was an unexpected and unusual surge in buyer activity in December of last year that has continued through January. Sunday open houses have had better attendance and multiple offers have been reported for some properties. Because of this increase in buyer interest (and the good weather), houses are going on the market earlier in the year than usual. This should be a realistic year for Marin buyers and sellers, with prices holding steady.

Marin Home Sales Picked Up in 2010

Compared to 2009, the number of Marin single family homes that sold countywide increased by 10% and prices increased by 4 %.

Marin condo values countywide increased by about 8%, while the number of condos sold dropped by 7%. The increase in value reflects the smaller proportion of foreclosed (and discounted) Marin condos in 2010.

While Marin real estate values vary significantly with neighborhoods, the countywide increases indicate a strong and steady real estate market in Marin. It is still the place people want to live and raise their families. And, a significant pool of buyers can afford Marin homes.

Enjoying Ring Mountain in Corte Madera and Tiburon

One of our favorite neighborhood walks in Corte Madera is the Ring Mountain Nature Preserve that separates Corte Madera and Tiburon. The view of the Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, and San Francisco are spectacular, particularly after a rain has washed the air clear.

You can start your walk from the top of Koch Road along Highway 101, at the top of Endeavour Drive (Paradise Drive to Prince Royal to Endeavor), the top of Robin Drive or Taylor Lane, or at the open space trailhead a little further south on Paradise Drive. Here is Tracy Dunham’s account of a ring Mountain walk, from the Marin Independent Journal.

The Magic of Steep Ravine

With its rushing creeks and waterfalls, Steep Ravine trail on Mt. Tamalpais provides a magical springtime hike. These recent photos from our friend and client Michael Serecsko tell more than we can describe about this experience.  Tracy Dunham describes a Steep Ravine hike in the Marin Independent Journal.

For the more adventuresome, choose a day with a full moon, and plan to hike down Steep Ravine to reach Stinson Beach early in the evening. I have done this several times, enjoying a beer at the Sand Dollar Restaurant, and then hiking back up in the bright moonlight. Not recommended for everyone, but a delightful experience.

Featured Homes at www.livinginmarin.com

Each week, Madeline selects interesting homes for sale, from Sausalito to Novato to Stinson Beach, and features these on her newly designed web site at www.livinginmarin.com . Just go to the home page and click on Featured Homes. If you are interested, or just curious, we can send you more information about any of these homes.

Marin recreates its own versions of the Munich Oktoberfest. Last weekend, Tiburon had an Oktoberfest, but there will be three more through October. All will be quite different and worth attending. A great way to meet Marin!

Corte Madera Oktoberfest

At Menke Park in the old Town Square
Saturday, October 9, noon till 5 pm.

For the 17^th year, the Corte Madera Beautification Committee is hosting this special fundraiser and party. The Beautification Committee is responsible for much of the colorful landscaping that you see as you drive trough Corte Madera. They also donate trees to enhance Corte Madera neighborhoods.

This Oktoberfest–in the park just in front of Madeline Schaider Real Estate–features beer and ale produced by the best northern California microbreweries, and offers traditional foods. There is music by a German band, a silent auction, and activities for kids. Admission with beer tasting is $17. No dogs or bikes.

The Tourist Club Oktoberfest

Near Panoramic Highway in Mill Valley
Sunday, September 19, probably in the afternoon.

The Tourist Club (www.touristclubsf.org/), off of Panoramic Highway, dates to the early 1900’s.

This private club in open to the publicfor Octoberfest. If you have never been there, this Marin tradition is a worthwhile experience. You’ll have to park on the road and hike in. For more information, we are asked to phone (415) 388-9987.

San Geronimo Golf Course Oktoberfest

5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Geronimo
Saturday, October 23 at 6 pm

This is a family-style dinner and celebration indoors at the bar dining room.  Everything is made from scratch, including breads and desserts. The Oktoberfest menu is long and elaborate, including German Breads, Sauerbraten, Snitzel, Chicken Chasseur, Potato pancakes, and Apple Strudel. $25 for adults and $12.50 for children. And music!

For more information or to sign up, contact Rich Treglia at (415) 488-4030 ext. 224 or rich@golfsangeronimo.com.

New Listings this Week

Elegant, Waterfront Condo in Corte Madera

    100 Lucky Drive #207, Corte Madera
2 bedrooms, 2 baths
$469,000

This is the best of the 22 condos at The Shores in Corte Madera. This condo is on the upper level and at the end of the building with spectacular views of the Corte Madera Creek and Mt. Tamalpais. The newly painted and carpeted interior is immaculate and ready to move in. The floor plan creatively manages 975 square feet to provide two large bedrooms, with two full baths, an ample kitchen, a formal dining room with a water view, and a large living room with water and mountain views (with a wood-burning fireplace). It is an environment that you’ll always enjoy going home to. And it is outstandingly convenient in Central Marin. Stop in to see this wonderful spot and visit with Alan at Sunday’s open house.

FIRST OPEN HOUSE, Sunday, October 10, 1-4 pm.

For more information, please visit www.100LuckyDr207.com.

Remodeled Single Family Home in Tam Valley

    356 Jean St,  Mill Valley
3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
$729,000

The thoughtfully and well-remodeled home has an all new kitchen and baths, a large, flat lot designed for outdoor living. Excellent commute location. Please stop in to see the agent, Beat Bossart (415-279-4334), on Sunday; he can tell you about the wonderful transformation of this ideal family home.

FIRST OPEN HOUSE, Sunday, October 10, 1-4 pm.

For more photos, see www.livinginmarin.com, Featured Homes.

Right behind our office on the Old Town Square (Menke Park) is the oldest part of Corte Madera, winding up Christmas Tree Hill. Like many of the older neighborhoods in Mill Valley and Sausalito, there are stairs to take residents and summer visitors up the hills to the good life and spectacular views

One of Madeline’s favorite hikes starts at our office and proceeds uphill via stairs and streets to Summit Ave, then onto trails that show you the best that our mountain has to offer: views of San Francisco and the Bay, a panorama of Corte Madera north past San Rafael, oak and redwood forests, and fern-lined canyons.

You can pick up a trail map to the right of the front door of Madeline Schaider Real Estate, at 217 Corte Madera Ave. Then walk two doors south past Stefano’s Pizza, make a right turn and start up the hill on the Hill Path stairs. The hike is about 1.5 miles long and takes about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.  Be warned, the first part of the hike up to Summit is steep, so you may have to stop a few times. It is worth the effort. You will once more be refreshed by the beauty of Marin.

Here are a few photos of Madeline’s recent hike on this trail, with friend Suzannah:

New Listing This Week

22 Parkview Circle, Corte Madera
2 bedrooms, 2½ baths
$689,000

Madeline has for sale this week a special townhouse at Meadowcreek Station in Bayside Corte Madera. Madeline has sold more than 50 townhouses and condos at Meadowcreek Station, and this one has great deal to offer. It is an end unit for privacy, south facing for all year light, and spacious–with almost 1,600 sq. ft. of living space and an attached two-car garage. Walk out the front door to a 1.6 acre park. Meadowcreek is valued for the natural beauty of its setting, well-designed homes, convenience, and the an ideal central Marin location. Ready to move in!

FIRST OPEN HOUSE, Sunday, October 2, 1-4 pm. Stop in to see Madeline!

Some of our Marin buyers have asked, “Is this is a good time to buy?”  Looking at the long range picture of home values in Marin, we think this is not only a good time to buy but an opportunity for buyers.

These are confusing times for home buyers. Some economic indicators are not great, and the media continues to support a pessimistic view. While some Marin house prices are coming down–we think of this as an adjustment to a previously runaway market–others are not. This is definitely a great time for buyers!

Downtown Mill Valley

A Strong Market for Marin Buyers

As the summer progressed, the Marin real estate market grew increasingly favorable for buyers. The Marin Heat Index, which uses MLS sales records to estimate real estate market conditions, shows that only Corte Madera and Greenbrae have balanced markets—favoring neither buyers nor sellers. For all other cities, the market strongly favors buyers. This means more houses to choose from, lower sale prices, and longer times required to sell.

Thoughtful Sellers Can Do Well

Marin home sellers can sell in this market if they follow these guidelines:

• Make your house attractive to the largest number of buyers. A beautiful, updated house can sell easily. Often investing a modest amount can bring very good returns. We can help you with this. Also, see our July 8, 2010 blog, “To Stage or Not to Stage,” to learn what is involved in preparing your house for sale.

• Price your house realistically. We are no longer riding the crest of the real estate wave, but Marin homes are holding value well. The peak of the market was in 2007. If we look at summer sales, for July and August, the median price of single family homes dropped 22% from 2007 ($799,000 versus $1,028,000). If you can adjust to this reality, you can sell your home in a reasonable time. We can advise you on your specific needs and how to best price your house.

The fall market is a good time to sell before the holidays and winter weather. Call us!

The Big Picture of Home Values

Lake on Mt. Tamalpais

If you look at the history of prices of Marin homes, home values increased steadily (and often dramatically) from 1965 tom 2007.  The first significant drop was in 2008, then again in 2009. However, prices have recovered in 2010:

Average sale prices for Marin homes (from the Marin MLS):
2009                            $851,000

2010 (so far)                $918,000

This is an 8% increase over 2009!

Factors in this increase appear to be the diminishing number of low-cost foreclosure properties and the sale of more high-value properties.

Marin remains one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, and people want to live here. Coupled with little new construction and expansion of the market, Marin homes should remain good investments for many decades.

Madeline Schaider is an Expert on Eco-Homes

Madeline Schaider is a certified EcoBroker®. Madeline can help you take advantage of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design for your home and investment properties. Please ASK Madeline about ways to save energy in your home!

Energy Tip 1: Buy Energy Star Appliances

Buying Energy Star Qualified appliances can save a significant energy compared to your present appliance:

• Washer/Dryer, 50%
• Water heater, 50%
• Dishwasher, 25%
• Refrigerator, 15%

Energy Tip 2: Not All Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are Equal

Compact fluorescent bulbs can save 75% compared to standard light bulbs. If you order bulbs online, you can discover a much better selection and better prices that you find at any of the local stores. You can buy a wide range of sizes and wattages from the equivalent of 10 to 600 Watt, standard light bulbs.

Compact fluorescent bulbs come in a spectrum of colors. You are not limited to the dull color that you associate with many compact fluorescents. Color is measured in degrees Kelvin and ranges from warm or soft white (2700K to 3000K) to brilliant (daylight) white (5500K). For reading you may want a daylight bulb (about 5000K) but for the bathroom or dressing area a soft white (3000K) or cool white (3500K).

Compact fluorescent bulbs are also rated by the quality of the light that they produce. A Color rendering index (CRI) greater than 80 indicates a bulb with colors close to natural light.

Recommendations:

• Avoid most dimmable fluorescent bulbs. One of the better brands is Ushio.
• Look at the dimensions of the bulb. Some are smaller and may be a better fit in your lamp or light fixture.
• Look for quick-starting bulbs.
• Here are brands that are generally recommended: Sylvania, N:Vision, TCP, and Eiko

This web site is informative and has a large selection at good prices: Servicelighting.com. lightbulbemporium.com is another good source of compact fluorescent bulbs.

Festivals This Weekend

Here are special activities this weekend, June 12 and 13:

Fairfax Festival

Fairfax celebrates summer this coming Saturday and Sunday, starting with a parade Saturday morning at 10 am, followed by music, art exhibits, and more. For the details, see the 33rd Annual Fairfax Festival.

San Rafael Italian Street Painting Festival

A wonder of chalk art underfoot this Saturday and Sunday in downtown San Rafael. For information see Bella Terra.

Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival

Food, wine, and art on Grant Avenue (between Redwood and 7^th), Saturday from 10 am till 7 pm and Sunday from 10 am till 6 pm.

Open-Air Music and Community Parties

Corte Madera.Town Center in Corte Madera presents a Summer Music Series on Sunday afternoons beginning June 13^th through October 10^th, from 2pm to 4pm in the central courtyard.

Sausalito. Jazz and Blues by The Bay. Friday, June 11 through August 27. You can reserve a table or sit on the grass to enjoy a dinner picnic and the best music in Marin. A delightful event. 6:30 to 8 pm. Take a coat, as the bayside location may be either warm or cool.

Tiburon. Friday Nights on Main. Friday nights from June 11 through August 20, starting at 6 pm dine on Main Street and enjoy live music. The street is closed to traffic and the local restaurants serve on tables in the street. You can drive into downtown   Tiburon, go by bicycle, or walk along the Bay from Blackie’s Pastureon Tiburon Blvd. This is a delightful family gathering place.

Farmers’ Markets

Marin Farmers’ Markets with fresh produce and food items take place weekly all summer long or all year, depending on location. Here is a summary of most of these open street markets:

Marin Civic Center Farmers’ Market. The largest market in Marin is held every Thursday and Sunday year round from 8 am till 1 pm. It is in a parking lot adjacent to the Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center in northern San Rafael. These markets have a great variety including produce, flowers, baked goods, fresh fish and meat, and take-out food.

Corte Madera Farmers’ Market.  Wednesday from noon until 5:00 pm in the courtyard at the Corte Madera Town Center, all year.

Fairfax Farmers’ Market.  Wednesday 4pm – 8pm through September on BolinasRoad.

Marin City Farmers’ Market. This is the newest framer’s market, held every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm, through September.

Mill Valley Farmer’s Market.  Throughout the year on Friday from 9 am till 2 pm in the Alto Shopping Center on E. Blithedale Ave, near the new Whole Foods Market.

Novato Farmers’ Market.  Tuesday 4pm – 8pm through September 28th, 2010 on Grant Avenue.

Ross Valley Farmers’ Market. 3-7 pm Thursdays through October 1 in the beautiful Marin Art and Garden Center on Sir Frances Drake Blvd opposite the Ross City Hall and Fire Station.

San Rafael Farmers’ Market.Every Thursday night from 5 to 8 pm part of Fourth Street is closed off from B St. to Lootens Place for this bustling farmer’s market, plus entertainment. Though October.

Point Reyes Farmer’s Market.  Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm at Toby’s Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station, through October. This is worth the trip to enjoy the Point Reyes countryside.

Tam Valley Farmers’ Market.Tuesdays, 3-7 pm at the TamValley Community Center on Tennessee Valley Road.

Each year, the California Department of Education selects the highest achieving public schools in the state as Distinguished Schools. Schools may apply for this award only every four years. Here are the Marin schools on the list for the last four years:

Elementary and Middle Schools

* Note that Sausalito appears here with the best. For many years, Sausalito had the reputaion for weak public schools.

High Schools

All of the Distinguished high Schools are in the Tamalpais Union High School District. Go to this link to see which towns are served by each school.

* Independent study/ alternative education

The selections are based on API (Academic Performance Index) scores, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) scores, and Closing the Achievement Gap for disadvantaged subgroups, where applicable. For more information about these criteria, see the California Department of Education web site.

Marin Has Plenty of Water

The unusual springtime rains filled the Marin reservoirs to overflowing by April 3, 2010.

The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) reported: “Rainfall for April 2010 (through April 29) was an unusual 9.71 inches. Average for the month is 3.61 inches. April’s abundant rainfall brought our year-to-date numbers to well above the total annual average. Rainfall to date is 55.77 inches; average for this date is 50.38; annual (July 1-June 30) average is 52 inches.”

We will not have drought conditions this year. And with many Marin residents and business becoming aware of water conservation, water use has decreased by about 10% in the last year. Unless we have a severe shortage of rain over the next few years, our water supply should be adequate.

Great Water Quality, Too

When I moved to Marin in the 1970’s the local water tasted like water from fresh mountain streams! Since then, the state has required more water treatment to assure public health, but our water is still very good. For the details, see the annual report from MMWD on water quality.

Mt. Tamalpias Waterfall

Springtime in Marin is always a wonderful surprise. By mid-February the first daffodils and magnolias are blooming, and right now—helped by the weekly rains—Marin looks it’s best. Here are a few examples.

Magnolia tree on Magnolia Ave, Larkspur

Mt. Tamalpais from Ring Mountian, SpringtimeGrowing Tomatoes in MarinMom always said there was nothing to match a garden-grown New Jersey tomato. She was probably correct. However, the industrious home tomato growers in Marin have found ways to produce some fine tomatoes, despite the fog and cool summer nights.My friend Heidi Hornberger has mastered tomato growing in Mill Valley. Here is a summary of her tips, with the help of Rodale’s All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening.How to grow tomatoes in Marin

Another friend and Fairfax tomato gardener, Paul Clark, has this good advice, “I am one of those in a hotter place that has to prune less, if at all, so that I don’t get sunscald. Any long period of direct sun on my fruit just cooks it!”

From visiting many homes for sale over the last 20 years, I can add that there are some varieties of cherry tomatoes that are very easy to grow and produce fruit late into the fall. Any of the Marin nurseies would advise you ion the varieties. Maybe a good way to start.

Makes me think about starting a tomato plant.

About Heidi, Bali, and YKIP

The same tomato grower, Heidi, is also a very good real estate agent and a world-class sculptor. She learned woodcarving from masters in Bali and returns there for several months a year to carve. The completed works are often cast in bronze here in California. It is worth visiting her website to see the work. I find her both her portraits and her abstract/naturalistic works remarkable.

During her visits in Bali, Heidi has found many ways to help local families. Her major effort has been the establishment of the Heidi Circle, which pays the public school fees for a large group of children. Heidi sponsors several children and inspires many of her friends to sponsor others. We have paid the school fees for several years for a boy, I Made Krishna, now entering junior high. I joined Heidi’s effort for two reasons: it is a good thing to do, and Heidi’s love for this program is infectious.

The Heidi Circle is administered by a Balinese organization, YKIP. You can read more about YKIP and the Heidi Circle.

Growing Geraniums in Marin

Photo by Robin Parer

Marin has a rare resource for gardeners, which I found many years ago on an organized garden tour: a geranium nursery in Kentfield. Though you can find great flower-box geraniums (Pelargoniums) there, the focus is on species geraniums with delicate leaves and small brilliantly colored flowers. The creator of this geranium wonderland is Robin Parer. She has passion for these plants, and they respond by growing so well in cheerful billows in the Marin climate.

Photo by Ted Kipping

Robin has a beautiful web site that can engage you for hours: www.geraniaceae.com. Each year I find a reason to add a few plants to my garden. I like to pick them up at the nursery so that I can hang out for a few minutes at her front gate to see the wonderful varieties that have spilled out onto the driveway. Definitely a Marin treasure!

Larkspur Walking Tour, May 1

There is still time to join a walking tour of Baltimore Canyon in Old Larkspur. On May 1, Sue Cummingham will lead a tour of the 1860s yard of the pioneer family of Baltimore Canyon in downtown Larkspur, plus other features of this charming canyon.  The tour, organized by the Larkspur Heritage Preservation Board, will begin at 10 am from the landmark oak tree at the intesection of Magnolia and West Baltimore Avenues. For more information, call (415) 924-6976.