Why Marin is to Blame for Your Credit Score

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Did you know the credit score was invented in Marin? The very data that decides if you should get a loan, and what rate you pay, traces its roots back right here.

In 1956 Fair, Isaac and Company (FICO, for short) set up shop in a small studio apartment on Lincoln Avenue in San Rafael. They sold the very first “credit application scoring algorithm” to lenders all over the country.

Over the course of several decades, the FICO score became the de facto standard for creditworthiness. They soon outgrew that San Rafael office and were headquartered in San Francisco from 1961 to 2004.

So next time you apply for a loan, you have Marin to thank (or blame)!

Also, follow up from last week’s question about where Birkenstocks were first sold in the US. From a reader:

I actually worked for Birkenstock USA in the late 70s; I left in 1981 when my first child was born. We were then located on Jacoby Street. My understanding is the original principals were Howard Embury, who owned San Rafael Health Foods, and Margot Fraser, who retained the company and for whom I worked. And no, San Rafael Health Foods hasn’t existed for a long time!

We have a big backlog of pets waiting to be featured, so I thought I’d do an extra one this week…

If you’d like your pet to be considered for Pet of the Week, please fill this out!

I didn’t know it was possible to have a view of Sonoma’s rolling hills right here in Marin, but here is a unique house that does.

It is a large 4,200 sq ft home on 3 acres at the northeast corner of Marin County. Take Highway 37 as if you are heading to Napa or Sonoma, then stop just before you leave Marin.

The architecture is unique too. I would have guessed this place was in Montana. Check it out:

Zillow link

Thanks for reading. We will be back with the regular events and activities email Wednesday morning!

— Allison + Brian