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Discover Springboard and Platform Diving at Dive Lab
Dive Lab, founded in 2021 by former champion diver and licensed therapist Miranda Maas, is a nonprofit diving program based at the Indian Valley Campus/College of Marin. Built on a holistic philosophy that prioritizes personal growth over podiums, Dive Lab blends diving, mindfulness, strength training, and even circus skills to create confident, healthy athletes. Serving participants ages 6 to 60, the program fosters community, resilience, and joy in and out of the pool. Learn more about our year-round program, explore the last few weeks of Summer Dive Camp, or visit our website to discover how we’re changing the future of club sports.
There is a small two-story building at 321 San Anselmo Avenue that today holds a few offices. No plaque. Nothing to look at.
You have probably walked right past it on the way to Comforts and had no idea this is where some of the most famous movie sound was created.
321 San Anselmo Avenue
There’s a YouTube video featuring four-time Academy Award-winning sound designer Ben Burtt giving a tour of the building while telling stories. George Lucas, John Williams, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
It's also where an alien learned to speak.
Pat Welsh sat in a chair in the back room and delivered every English word E.T. says. Burtt had found her at a local camera store — a two-pack-a-day smoker whose rasp was exactly the texture he'd been hunting. She was paid $380 for about nine and a half hours of work. Her voice became one of the most recognizable in film history by delivering the famous line “E.T. phone home.”
But Welsh was only one ingredient. E.T.'s voice was assembled from roughly eighteen sources. Burtt's old USC cinema professor, Ken Miura, performed E.T. drunk. Howie the engineer supplied the belching. Raccoons, sea otters and horses contributed breath and exhalation. Debra Winger was recorded in that same room, and her slightly asthmatic breathing became E.T. running through the forest in the film's opening minutes.
When Burtt’s wife Peggy had the flu, she became an unexpected contributor as well. He set a microphone over the bed and recorded her struggling to breathe in her sleep. “She's never forgiven me for this,” he says, and then adds the sound editor's creed: sometimes you have to stretch your relationships with your loved ones.
The magic at this building ended abruptly. In January 1982, days after work began on Return of the Jedi, a storm flooded San Anselmo Avenue under five feet of water. The equipment was destroyed. By March the operation had moved to San Rafael, and it would eventually become Skywalker Sound.
p.s. Thanks to Pat Townsley of Creekside Pizza and the soon-to-open restaurant at the old Hilda’s location for sharing this video.
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Many Marin residents are aware of the pancake breakfasts at the West Point Inn. But the Tourist Club isn’t as well known. It’s also a hike-in destination on Mt Tam, but a shorter and flatter walk (or start at the bottom of Mill Valley for a longer, steeper hike). They host a massive Oktoberfest event, however it gets crowded enough that it isn’t for everyone. This event might be more your speed.
One of my favorites, Mitch Polzak, is playing live music. You’re able to bring in your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Food and drinks for purchase. Saturday, August 15 from 1-6pm, $20 for adults, kids are free.
Because leaving Marin might take more planning. Look for our Marin events in the Wednesday email.
A new taproom is opening in Petaluma with an Olympic torch style tradition. Join the procession carrying the original Old Caz tap handle from Rohnert Park to Petaluma. Biking is recommended for the 7.3 miles. Saturday 8/8, 10am.
It’s this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Golden Gate Park. Sold out, but just want you to be aware in case you are planning to be in the area.
All things apple, both Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. Live music, ag games, and more. $23 for adults.
Zillow of the Week brought to you by: Making Marin Home. From neighborhood trends to off-market opportunities, our team offers the local real estate expertise that gives you a real advantage. Email [email protected] today.
Please note that this property isn’t associated with the banner sponsor above or Marin Buzz in any way. It is just a unique home you might be interested in seeing, for entertainment purposes only!
$1.5M Condo with a Boat Slip in San Rafael
This is a unique property. How often do you see large waterfront properties for a reasonable price, including a boat slip?
This condo checks in at 2,495 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Then it also includes a “fully refurbished private dock with a 32'x15' boat slip and a 50' side tie.” You can take the San Rafael channel right out to the bay.
The interior pictures look nice: bright and updated. And it’s not a large complex, just two units with some shared space.
You could probably even take a paddle board over to El Tucan…
Catarina is a 9 year old Sphynx cat. She was rescued 3 years ago and now lives with us in Sausalito. We rescued her and her mother. Soon after we rescued her she had kittens and we now have three generations: grandmother (Sophia), mother (Catarina), and daughters (Fiona and Charlotte). sausalitosphynx on Instagram
If you’d like your pet to be considered for Pet of the Week, please fill this out!
Michael Jackson’s Birthday Celebration
What better way to celebrate on August 29th than a dance party during the day? We will play songs from the movie Michael, now the top music biopic of all time, featuring hit songs by Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, plus Jaafar Jackson — Michael Jackson's nephew, who stars as Michael in the film.
At Eria Sausalito just above the Trident with sweeping views of the Bay. There's a full bar and great food available to purchase. Lock in your $20 early bird pricing now.
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Thanks for reading. We will be back with the regular events and activities email Wednesday morning!
