Issue #27 | September 2026
Real Estate News Nuggets | Marin Transactions | Alzheimer's Walks | Misbehaving! | London Pad | San Rafael Taquerias | By The Numbers
Hi Friends, if you live in Mill Valley like I do, then you probably know what this photo is...Tartine has returned! The beloved Bay Area Bakery empire has finally opened their Marin outpost - and in the same town that claimed the first ever brick-and-mortar location (Madrona St) of the business itself, in 1999! The talk of the town since word got out several years ago, Tartine made its Strawberry (in unicorporated Mill Valley) debut about two weeks ago. To ensure the success of high Marinite standards, Tartine will also be serving up beer & wine for those late afternoon dunch-goers or early happy hour devotees with a fine palette. If you're in the neighborhood, shoot me a text and I'll meet up with you for a taste...morning or afternoon!
On to some real estate news of note:
The More Homes on the Market Act, (aka H.R.1340) is very exciting! The capital gains tax exemption on home sales has remained the same since 1997; if this bipartisan bill passes, it will DOUBLE your exemption to keep up with inflation and definitely the Bay Area's residential equity: $500k for single people, $1M for married. It will also rise annually to keep up with rising inflation!
Prop 37 coming to our CA ballots this November will attempt to gnaw away at the 20% down payment necessary for most mortgages. It allows the state (via CalHFA) to loan middle-income residents up to 17% of the purchase price of a newly constructed home thereby allowing buyers to pay only 3% of their down payment. The bonus: you don't have to be a first-time buyer to qualify, just the first-time owner, thus this applies only to new construction.
Fabulous Fairfax is looking into owning their own solar microgrid to store and share energy from the solar panels on the Fairfax Pavilion. They currently power City buildings but by storing that excess energy - instead of making pennies by selling it back - they could use it on cloudy days, during power outages and by powering back-up generators for residents during outages.
Cheers, Suzanne
BUZZWORTHY HOME SALES | AUGUST
Old Town | Tiburon
Sales Price | $1,795,000
List Price | $1,795,000
Price Per Sq. Ft. | $1621
Days on Market | 20
1 Offer | Cash
1 Bed 1 Bath
Courtesy of: Howard Wynn | MLS: 326060377
Golf Course | Mill Valley
Sales Price | $4,800,000
List Price | $4,400,000
Price Per Sq. Ft. | $1705
Off Market
1 Offer | Cash
3 Bed 3 Bath
Courtesy of: Rachel Cleaveland | MLS: 326072301
GOOD TIMES | SUBLIME EVENTS September & October | Bay Area Alzheimer’s Walks
My family has been participating in the annual SF Alzheimer’s Walk the past several years on behalf of several women in our family, but this year is extra special because Vanguard Properties has signed on to the cause and we’re duking it out across the Bay Area counties we have brokerages in, and turning it into a friendly competition across the Bay.
I’m so proud to have recruited my company in this nascent partnership and hope you want to join us in any of the 4 Walks noted above or can donate any amount possible to this important organization.
I walk for my mother who mentored me as a Realtor from the time I was 9 years old. The moment she retired, after a successful 40-year career that began in Los Angeles and ended in Berkeley, Alzheimer’s took over.
Alzheimer's affects everyone: family, friends & beloved clients. As Realtors, our career is an intimate one - sharing life's ups and downs, the good, bad & ugly - through our clients' life's transitions, most of whom will become lifelong friends.
My involvement in the Alzheimer’s Walk makes me a better Realtor and one who understands how to help navigate tough times with our diverse communities.
Last year we had a great time together, vibing on the positive and comforting energy of everyone who came together in solidarity over our common foe.
Participating in this walk brought us purpose, hope and community - all essential ingredients necessary while you and your sphere navigate this lengthy disease.
We have relied so much on the Alzheimer's Association throughout this journey. The Association is free and available 24/7, covering every topic imaginable under the Alzheimer’s umbrella.
GOOD TIMES | SUBLIME EVENTS September 24 - 26 | San Rafael
I'm excited for this show because it's set in Paris, marries stories, dance and deeper messages and San Rafael's Civic Center offerings have been quite impressive of late....from last month's Roller Disco Daze to Flamenco Audaz and so many inspiring theatrical and musical performances.
With the tagline "Well-behaved women seldom make history!" of course I couldn't resist Misbehaving. The brains behind the brawn is Doree Clark, a 'dansicals' impresario with a 30 year record of choreographing, directing, and producing in Marin; at one point she even taught next door to us at the Almonte Clubhouse! We'll be there on 9/25. Let me know if you're going too!
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT | LONDON
Wapping | $1,100,000
1230 sq ft | $894/sq ft
I'm a sucker for brick interiors, ever since my college days in Boston, where I shared a condo with my BFF whose family owned an exposed brick basement unit on Gainsborough Avenue.
When I saw this loft's brick walls, I immediately felt at home. Located close to the Thames in East London, this 2 bedroom pad reminds me of the quintessential San Francisco loft - a place steeped in culture and history of bygone times, retaining some of its character and charm, elements of its humble past. In this case, it was once home to a 19th-century wool and textile warehouse. Beyond the exposed brick you’ll also find its original industrial doors. Located in Telfords Yard and converted to loft apartments in 1985.
On a single level, you’ll find wide-plank floors, double-height ceilings, and tall casement windows. The open floor plan includes the 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one even has a tub!), a large sitting room and dining area. A kitchen is enclosed to create some separation between the other living quarters.
Outside awaits a cobblestone courtyard with trees and benches, perfect for unwinding with a pint before cruising the nearby Marina, the sole one in Central London called St. Katharine Docks.
Annual taxes & common charges run about $16.000.
Listing & Photo Courtesy of Mark Lee | Knight Frank
COMMUNITY CORNER SAN RAFAEL TAQUERIAS
Mexican cuisine is one of my go-to’s. Growing up in LA, some of my fondest memories are of summer beach days, kissed with agua frescas, baja style fish tacos and salty tortilla chips. I’ll be searching forever to experience the absolute delight that comes from the first crunchy bite of a great taco. You can fill it with anything, but the crunch is king.
Michael and I frequent two standout taquerias in Marin - both in San Rafael - whenever we need our fix. Picante in the Canal is practically around the corner from Twinkle Lighting HQ, and serves as our daytime go-to for the enormous, tostadas, cheery indoor decor and economical pricing. Their Mission-style burritos are extra large and seafood dishes are the standout - whether it’s fish tacos, plates or Michael’s favorite, fish tostadas - the year-round fresh ingredients are consistent. Seating includes a small, outdoor patio and the expansive, indoor dining room, awash in vibrant Mexican decor, hand-painted square tiles and a plethora of live plants.
For date night, I’m usually jonesing for Tacos El Picán. My foodie client, Jules, initially turned me on to it, and when Michael and I pulled up the first time he laughed and said “this was a dive bar I used to come to after work!” The Tijuana-style tacos are the true standouts here and they have my favorite hibiscus margaritas, along with a full bar and plenty of large-screen monitors to catch whatever game is streaming. The outdoor patio with a view of the harbor under twinkly, cafe lights creates a casual romance with attentive service and generosity. Immediately upon arrival, a wood tray heaped with warm tortilla chips and 3 types of salsa is delivered to your table. One of the must-trys here are the fried red tacos - the red created by red chile-staining corn tortillas - filled with adobada al pastore (tender pork marinated in a rich, red chili adobo sauce). With other locations (SF, Richmond), it’s no wonder El Picán knows how to do good food and ambience.
PICANTE DETAILS
EL PICÁN DETAILS
