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2 weeks to find your new favorite workout
Consider this your invitation to shake up your routine. Right now, first-time FITLAB clients can experience two weeks of unlimited classes at our Fairfax and Novato locations for just $89. Plenty of time to explore, meet our coaches, and discover what keeps you excited to come back. Try our signature strength training, TRX, indoor cycling, yoga, Les Mills classes, and more.
Ready to take your goals further? We offer individual and semi-private personal training, personalized nutrition support, and a steam sauna at our Novato location. Come find your people, build your routine, and see why Marin keeps choosing FITLAB!
Take the Rodeo Avenue exit off southbound 101. Don’t expect to get anywhere.
The ramp curls off the freeway just a bit before the Robin Williams Tunnel. Then it stops. A handful of people will park and hike, but most drivers turn around and get right back on the freeway.
It isn’t a mistake. It’s a leftover from a city that was never built.
A 1965 master plan named Rodeo Avenue as one of two main gateways to a new town in the Headlands.
Marincello.
The plan was huge. It was the brainchild of East Coast developer Thomas Frouge, with Gulf Oil putting up the money. Up to 30,000 people on 2,100 acres, at a time when San Rafael had only 20,000 residents. Fifty apartment towers. A luxury hotel on the highest hill. A mile-long shopping center. And right here would be a major overpass.
Marin supervisors approved it in November 1965. Yet it was never built.
Actually, something was built. It’s not much, but you can still see it today:
This picture from the Marincello Trail is just a couple hundred feet from the well known Tennessee Valley Trail parking lot. You can see a wide graded section and a concrete median. Take a look around on Google Street View.
This was supposed to be the grand entry. They even built a front gate that stood until 1976. Instead, today you can take a beautiful gravel bike ride down the trail. The grade is steady, like a road built for cars. The walking path is about 10 feet wide now. The cut in the hillside is much wider. Brush has filled in the rest.
So why did this approved development of a massive section of the Marin Headlands not happen?
Sportsfan919, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Neighbors struck first. A Wolfback Ridge couple saw the developer’s sales model. It showed their private road as an 80-foot-wide entrance. They sued and won.
Then three local lawyers sued on Sausalito’s behalf, doing much of the work for free. The public got six days to review the zoning. The law required ten.
Meanwhile, Frouge’s own backer was losing faith. Gulf Oil began to doubt him, and the partnership fell apart in infighting and lawsuits. Construction stopped in 1967. Frouge died in January 1969, at 54. But Gulf Oil still owned the land, and by early 1970 it had patched things up with Frouge’s company. It looked like the project was about to start moving again.
Then the court threw out the county’s approval and told the developers they would have to start over. The Marin County Board of Supervisors immediately withdrew its support.
In 1972, the Nature Conservancy bought the land for $6.5 million. It became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
p.s. There’s some interesting archived news footage on the Marincello mall design and celebration of the Nature Conservancy purchase.
p.p.s. What if we created merch for the Marin history fans:
Should we make Marincello merchandise?
Hawk Hill by Susan Clever
If you’d like to be considered for Photo of the Week (nature, architecture, wildlife), please fill this out!
The Hollywood legend, who ran the Dipsea for the Marin-made film “On the Edge,” will attend the gala at Cinelounge Tiburon. There’s a reception including bites and drinks, a silent auction with ILM and Lucasfilm items, and an advance screening of the documentary about his life, followed by a chat with Dern. 5:30-9:30pm on 11/5, $125 for the reception, $300 with the screening (only 60 seats).
Join Marin Buzz at Barrel House Tavern’s new downstairs waterfront bar, where Hanson Distillery will teach you how to craft two rounds of cocktails with its organic vodka. Self-serve dinner spread included (see our recap of the previous class). Tuesday 11/10 and Wednesday 11/18, 6pm, $60.
Because leaving Marin might take more planning. Look for our Marin events in the Wednesday email.
Two-thirds of the Fugees reunite at the Greek Theatre to celebrate 30 years of The Score, the album behind “Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not.” Wednesday, November 4, doors 5:30pm, show 7pm, tickets from $105.
A scholar tells how she tracked down the scattered original photos from Jack London’s 1907 South Pacific voyage to celebrate his 150th birthday. 11am Friday, November 6, at Jack London State Park, $15.
It’s opening weekend for the hundreds of glowing animal lanterns that light up the zoo, prices vary. The SF Zoo’s ZooLights returns this weekend as well for the first time since 2018, $30.
Dozens of specialty roasters pour samples with snacks and live music. Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, starting at 9am, $40-80.
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!
$3.7M Oceanfront with Private Access to Muir Beach
The home is rustic, but this third an acre spot is tough to beat. It runs from the street all the way down to private beach access, and a small boat and kayak are even included.
It just hit the market this week and has quite the view from the top deck. It looks like the hot tub is below the house, tucked into the trees.
It was built in 1972 with 2 beds, 1 bath, plus about 1,200 square feet of unfinished basement.
It could use an overhaul inside, which is a fun project if you have the funds. And if you do, I’m happy to stay in the basement, just let me know.
Pet of the Week brought to you by: Love’s Legacy Rescue Adoption Event 11/7 at Shop Camino Mill Valley
“Cricket is a ten year old rescue from the Milo Foundation who has been my greatest comfort after the loss of my husband this year. She never lets me sit alone and greets me with a squeaky toy with great enthusiasm every time I come home. We are blessed to have these beings in our lives.”
If you’d like your pet to be considered for Pet of the Week, please fill this out!
Look and feel like your best self!
At Marin Medical Aesthetics, we believe in aging gracefully while helping you look and feel your absolute best. Our physician-led practice in San Anselmo combines clinical expertise, advanced technology, and deeply personalized care to achieve elegant, natural-looking results. Every treatment plan is thoughtfully guided by medical knowledge and a strict commitment to safety, comfort, and minimal downtime. We take the time to truly understand your aesthetic goals and partner with you to realize them. We look forward to welcoming you in!
Thanks for reading. We will be back with the regular events and activities email Wednesday morning!
