Good evening, avid Alex Baker enjoyers. It's been a while, hasn't it? You've probably been…read morewondering where I've been. I'm not here to waste your time, so I'll cut straight to the chase. One year ago, I was sentenced to prison due to a few grievous missteps I made in the past. My lawyer and I both agreed that it would be better if I didn't take too much detail on what happened that evening, but let's just say the incident involved Martha, the kids, and the dog. Alright, I'll start with the basics. Getting out of prison is a surreal experience -- sort of like the feeling when you've been at a long, boring movie and suddenly walk out into daylight, blinking. First thing I noticed? Space. So much space! You don't appreciate the simplicity of open sky and sidewalks until they're gone. The prison itself? Three stars at best. Let's be real; it's not exactly the kind of place you'd put on your bucket list, and I'd skip the accommodations if I could go back. The concrete rooms were sparse, the menu repetitive, and don't even get me started on the lack of privacy. Yet, it was, in a way, educational. You pick up resilience, you learn to live on limited resources, and -- I'll give it credit for this -- you gain an appreciation for things you used to overlook. Staff? Mixed reviews. Some were surprisingly decent, even humanizing, which matters more than you think in a place designed to remind you of your mistakes. Others were just fulfilling the stereotype: bored, hardened, and as much behind bars in their own way as we were. The interactions I had with them were sometimes grounding, sometimes humiliating, but always a reminder of the world waiting beyond the walls. Now, the other "inmates." They're not exactly the best company, but they are eye-opening. You get to know people you'd never meet outside, which changes you. It's where I learned not just about crime and punishment but about people, resilience, and redemption. Biggest takeaway? Freedom is priceless. There's something unquantifiable about taking a walk at your own pace, choosing your own food, or just sitting alone under a tree. So, to anyone tempted to try what I did to end up there? Hard pass. Save yourself the time, and the lesson. Trust me, you'd rather skip this 'experience' if you can. Overall, three stars for prison life, but five stars for what it taught me. Yours truly, Alex Baker.

Came here to fellowship with the residents serving time here for a church service. The place is…read morenow a rehabilitation center and residents are being trained to become productive members of society and not here for punishment like it used to be. The guards are friendly and kind to us volunteers. Still have stark reminders this is a prison when you hear the huge steel doors shut.

I like this community art gallery. Membership opportunities and studio space is offered at the…read moreMarin Art Society. The gallery offers a gallery with rotating art shows plus members get to display their artwork on dedicated wall space. This gallery is large and austere as you can see from the video. The day I visited the gallery there was a juried show. I had a nice conversation with a volunteer who also has a studio downstairs. Each month the members draw to select their wall space for the following month or quarter. Membership to the Society requires one to sit the gallery and pay regular dues. This location is the best kept secret in Marin. Every time I dove by I made a mental note to stop by. It took me 2 yrs a very sunny day and balloons and flags out front that I finally stopped by. I hope you visit this gallery and enjoy the many talented works from local artisans. I understand the Society takes part in the San Rafael Friday Night Art Walk as well.

Marin Society of Artists has moved from a rental gallery tucked away in Ross to a working…read morestudio/gallery located on third street and participating in the San Rafael second Friday ArtWalks. Shows are both local and national. Please join us, to nosh and enjoy the shows and even consider renting a reasonably priced studio for your own creative pursuits.

We rode the SMART train into town for fun one day. We didn't have a plan other than to walk around…read more We happened upon Art Works after visiting Riley Street. Both my kiddos are very artistic and were absolutely thrilled to tour this studio/gallery space. The front desk attendant was very welcoming, and we all really enjoyed being surrounded with so much creativity. There was something to see at almost every turn, and even a few interactive pieces. It really was a treat to see my kids soak it all in and to be in their element for a change. It will be our go-to destination on all future jaunts to San Rafael.

On my first visit I found a community of artists ready to invite me into their studios and share…read moretheir meaningful works of art. Barbara, one of the artists there, even gave me a tour of the space, galleries and filled me in on the history and mission of the building and community. As a non-profit organization they work to keep the costs low for renting studio space and allow artists to rent gallery space for exhibitions. And I'm very much looking forward to the next art walk which occurs every 2nd Friday of the month. If you're looking to find an artistic community in Marin County, or just enjoy speaking with passionate artists, then you've found the right spot.

Totally responsive upon initial request. Came and looked at job, very quick with quote. Very fair…read moreprice. Work is quite outstanding, down to minutest detail. Very agreeable to work with, had 5-6 exchanges of ideas, with John the customer is the driver, John delivers what he says he will in the time he says it will take. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for mural work, small scale (mine 250 sq ft), or large.

Very creative, professional, easy to work with, and the work is very widely appealing.read more

Initially I joined this club because its president was someone in my profession and I wanted to…read morelearn from her. Once there, I thought, "Maybe this will help me learn to talk -- to open my mouth and speak in public instead of hiding behind my preferred form of communication -- writing." I'm still here, years later, because club 1441 is one of hundreds of thousands in a worldwide organization that provides a step-by-step program in speaking and leadership that will take you as far as you want to go -- to develop your skills in the local club, or belong to two or three clubs at once and zoom through the program, or work to attain Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM, the highest-level award) and compete in the international competition for Worldwide Champion of Public Speaking. Our DTM advanced to the international competition (eight of the best speakers in the world) three times, and came in second once. She started with us, branched out, and now serves as our secretary and "raise-the-bar-way-up-high" member and mentor. When she speaks, you see the results of years of hard work and training from all the organization's top coaches. When she presents, I watch and listen so hard, to learn from her, that my eyes and ears hurt! The thing is, everyone finds a place, and from there grows and evolves into astonishingly developed versions of themselves. In fact, Toastmasters was founded by Ralph Smedley, in the early 20th century, as a YMCA self-development program for boys. Some clubs are specific to the employees of a company. Some are for advanced speakers. Ours is a community club, which results in a great diversity of personalities and professions, all cross-pollinating. Serious learning in a party atmosphere among people who become like family -- that might be a shorter way to describe Southern Marin Toastmasters, Club 1441, Mill Valley. And, oh yes, I did learn to speak in public, and to really listen!

I used to be a Toastmaster in the East Bay and was looking for a new group to join when I moved…read morecloser to Marin. I visited a couple of groups and landed in this group. From the moment I entered the room, I could feel lots of great energy. everyone was very friendly and I felt very at home. I've been a member now at this club for about 2 years. Toastmasters is a very safe place to improve my speaking skills, learn new skills and become part of larger organization that has tremendous resources for leadership and professional speaking. I highly recommend Toastmasters to anyone who wants to improve their presentation, speaking and communication skills.

The US Postal Service (USPS) operates this tiny post office in San Quentin Village. It's located on…read moreMain St, right outside the East Gate of San Quentin State Prison. The other day, I had to bring a special delivery to this post office. I just wanted to say thank you to Mr Cendon Wood, for giving me the best customer service! As soon as I pulled up, he asked how he could help me. I told him the situation, and he already knew how to receive it and who to call. The parcels were protected from heat, and properly stored. Cendon has an incredibly positive attitude. ----------------------------------------- Notes: Very limited parking at this post office.

Cendon and Rashida continue to provide excellent service. In a way, they operate a post office,…read morebut they also effectively provide a "community center" for the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and the San Quentin Village.

I want to share an honest review of my recent experience with the Marin History Museum. While my…read moreexperience initially became frustrating surrounding the San Quentin tour, I am grateful for how the situation was ultimately addressed. When I signed up for the tour, my ticket was somehow cancelled. After further review, I learned that this was the result of a clerical error. Unfortunately, it created a difficult situation for me, especially because it took several days to determine what had happened. My only intention was to feel confident that I could participate in an opportunity I had signed up for based on the stated requirements. I was recently offered the opportunity to join the San Quentin tour after everything was reviewed, and I truly appreciate the effort that was made to make things right. A special thank-you to Jennifer and Heather for taking the time to help resolve the situation and for attempting to make a difficult experience better. I also want to sincerely apologize to Lori if my concerns caused any unnecessary commotion. That was never my intention. I simply cared deeply about being able to participate and wanted to understand why my registration had changed. Ultimately, I appreciate the Marin History Museum for hearing me out and working toward a positive resolution. I look forward to continuing to reach out, participate, and support the museum and the important work it does to preserve and share Marin County's history. Thank you to everyone who took the time to help. I truly appreciate it.

Fascinating for history students...rare finds...travel far...in Bay Area...house museum with Maple…read moreLawn building...Elk's Lodge? Downtown San Rafael has a main street with shops and restaurants...like old times...fun...anytime really...it's not hard to visit some parts of outer Bay Area counties...this area has access with the transit center buses that go out of the bridge area...nice adventure...some people are ignorant of buses...sometimes buses are a better to way to transport...house museums are in all directions NWSE...etc...this one is different...it says that the daughter was a polar photographer, geographer, and went on expeditions...related to Canada etc...really wonderful time to visit the history house...quiet community...scholarly...athletic...

This place is magical! They have a huge selection of Buddhas…read morethat will bring peace to your home or garden!

A Gem!! Routes…read moreGallery has become one of my absolute favorite places--not just to shop, but to be inspired. Nearly every room in my world is touched by the beauty I've found there: my Skin Care Spa is filled with serene Buddha statues, shimmering geodes, and soulful objects that have helped create a sanctuary-like atmosphere for my clients. It's more than decor--it's energy. A feeling of peace, presence, and reverence that people feel the moment they walk through the door. My home and garden are equally graced by their treasures: a majestic Balinese water goddess by the fountain, a large Buddha watching over my deck, and a meditation room filled with meaningful, handpicked items--all from Routes Gallery. What truly makes this place extraordinary is the owner, Richard Routher. Richard is a gem--kind, thoughtful, full of creative ideas, and genuinely loves his work and is always so helpful to me.. He always goes above and beyond, and it shows in every interaction that I have had over the years. Whether you're looking to infuse your space with sacred beauty or searching for that perfect meaningful gift, Routes Gallery is a place of wonder and heart. I'm forever grateful I found it. Dalini

I stayed there on May 10, 2026…read more Positive: Price Fridge and microwave Negative: The bathroom door- you have to push it all in to close and then to open, you got to use your muscles to pull it open. Shower floor- it is uneven and there was yellow old water on the other end of the shower. I told the male employee when checking out. Will they fix it? Idk. Room 101. USB charger from the lamps did not work. Breakfast can be improved by adding some small juices or water, as alternatives for coffee. Also, maybe a variety of type muffins to go. A soap, shampoo, conditioner dispenser in the bathroom would be convenient for guest.

Good staff Breakfast basically non existentant…read more No ice machine Stayed 2 nights Elevator work well

Lots of details about this interesting corner of the Bay Area provided by our guide Dan G. He was a…read morewealth of information, pretty funny and as a local was able to share a lot of perspective on the islands changes. Great day trip and I wish we had more time to poke around.

Wonderful tour led by Jim. History + nature! A great morning spent on the island…read more For people who are looking to visit the Naval Museum on the island, it is no longer open, but this tour is operative and you get to see the naval chapel and walk around the area. I was originally looking for information about the museum and arrived at this page: https://www.mihpf.org/tours. I hope this will help you find their tour options and dates! All digitalized, no fuss. And it turns out I was the only who signed up for today's tour, and they did not cancel on me because of that. I really really appreciated it. One last thing, the money you spend on the tour goes into helping this foundation : ) Yay!