In a Packed, Nearly 7-Hour Planning Hearing, Richardson Terrace Proposal Garners a Bevy of Discussion and Feedback – Commission Punts
Decision to Jan. 10

Ed. note: Thursday's Planning Commission hearing on the Richardson Terrace project lasted nearly seven hours.

“I’ve been working on this project for 18 years,” local developer Phil Richardson said in a brief project introduction, expressing his gratitude for city staff and his consultants “so that we can come up with a project that addresses the town’s concerns. I’m here to build some housing for Mill Valley, which I think it needs,” nodding to his pending agreement with the Mill Valley School District to purchase six affordable units for rental units for teachers and staff.

Richardson’s architect, Mill Valley resident Mark Cavagnero, noted that the project’s mass was reduced to 80 percent of what’s allowed and the unit count as 74 percent of what he could build.

The bulk of the evening was spent with commissioners hearing commentary from local residents, starting with Jake Moskovitz, who kicked things off with a different tack than the yay-or-nay conversation that dominated much of the evening. “If we need to build as much housing (as is being included in our Housing Element), why are we leaving the opportunity to have even more housing on the site? How is that satisfying the housing needs as much as possible for the city?”

Melanie Morgan of Altamont Ave. told the commission that she was initially opposed to the project but changed her mind in the intervening time. “I can’t ignore the need for housing in Mill Valley and in the Bay Area and I feel like it is something we need to deal with it.”

Most residents expressed concerns about the project. “You guys haven't paid attention to what the community is saying to you,” said 40-year Mill Valley resident Carl Arena. “Do not be the bureaucrat who turns away from your constituents, the people who pay taxes here!”

We'll update you in the coming days. For now, we're going to take a nap. Enjoy our coverage from earlier this month below. FULL STORY.

If You’re Able, Use Your Dollars to
Support The Depot Bookstore, Mill Valley's Comprehensive Literary Treasure!

The Depot Bookstore is the hidden gem, offering up an incredible selection of tomes. It serves as the quintessential example of a business that flourishes when all residents of this incredibly literate town we live in supports having a bookstore within the 94941. FULL STORY.

Surf + Sand, Poet and/the Bench Invite Downtown Businesses to Join the 'Small Business Bash' – Thursday, Dec. 1, 5-8pm
Hello Neighboring businesses along Blithedale, Sunnyside, Miller, and Throckmorton. We are kicking off a holiday event on Dec. 1st to celebrate our community and neighboring businesses.
We would love for you to be involved as part of the festivities – we are better together! All we ask is that you stay open later on Thursday, December 1st until 8pm to allow for nighttime holiday shopping, eating, drinking, and fun!
If you would like to help spread more holiday joy, feel free to offer special promotions, items, offerings, and/or services during the later hours for the community to enjoy. Send it out in email, on your IG… let’s magnify the spirit of creativity and community in Mill Valley!
We would love to get an idea of who is planning to participate, so please send an email with a YES or NO to: [email protected]
Thank you! We look forward to making this a super busy event for everyone! Customers will enjoy a festive night with participating downtown businesses for shopping, dining, drinks, and more! Fun for the whole family. Come out and show your support for our local businesses! Date: Dec. 1stm 5-8pm. QUESTIONS? EMAIL THEM HERE.

Coho, a Sustainable, Seasonal Seafood-Focused Eatery from Piazza D’Angelo Owners, Eyes Debut in The Near Future
Mill Valley is laden with some of the best restaurants in Marin, if not the entire Bay Area. It’s about to get another gem in the near future. With Coho, a sustainable, seasonal, seafood-focused concept from Piazza D’Angelo owners Felicia Ferguson and Luigi Petrone, they're putting their imprint on something that seeks to add to the array of options in town. FULL STORY.

Joe’s Taco Lounge, a Mill Valley Institution, Turns 30 in Nov.!
For thirty years this month, Joe’s Taco Lounge has been churning out fantastic Mexican fare at 382 Miller Avenue in Mill Valley. One of the 94941’s most celebrated gastronomic institutions, Joe’s is built on the foundation established by co-owner Gabriel Leis’ inimitable late father Joe Leis, who founded Joe’s in 1992. FULL STORY.

Join MV Chamber, City & MV Schools in 4th United Against Hate Week – Nov. 13-19
It all started with a poster. United Against Hate Week (Nov. 13-19) is a call for local civic action by people in every Bay Area community to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. United Against Hate Week emerged from a United Against Hate poster campaign created by Bay Area Cities in response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco in 2017.
FULL STORY.

Time for Some Truffle Yum: Piazza D’Angelo Serves Up Truffle Week – Nov. 15-20
Piazza D’Angelo co-owners Luigi Petrone and Felicia Ferguson are heading Into what they call their “favorite time of the year.” For Truffle Week, from November 15-20, the restaurant is serving up dinner specials highlighting fresh black and white truffles from Alba, Italy. FULL STORY.

IJ’s ‘We Are One Marin’ Campaign Rolls Into Third Year, Expands to Include Businesses Owned By Veterans and Those With Disabilities
The IJ has been given the green light to continue the campaign effective Nov. 1, following a commitment from MCF to extend its support for another 12 months. FULL STORY.

Teddy Bear Tea: A New
Holiday Tradition Emerges in Homestead Valley – Dec. 10
“Children are invited to gather for a Teddy Bear Tea at the Homestead Valley Community Center and enjoy a special experience of hot chocolate or tea and scones, teddy bear sweet treats and assorted sandwiches. There will be a fun activity and a holiday story! Each child will receive a teddy bear gift and keepsake photo to take home.” FULL STORY.

At Nov. EMV After Hours, We Toasted Sweetwater Music Hall's 50th Anniversary!
What an incredible evening to have the gorgeous front patio of the Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley's iconic music venue, all to ourselves! Thanks to Sweetwater GM Maria Hoppe and her fantastic team for hosting us, providing such delicious food and allowing us to listen to the soundcheck for yet another night of amazing music. We'll be at it again on Dec. 13 at the Outdoor Art Club, with delicious food from Piazza D'Angelo! MORE INFO & PHOTOS FROM GARY FERBER.

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