Smog checks available now—always ready when you are

Hamilton's Smog

Grab a coupon or to book online: https://sites.google.com/view/hamiltons-smog/home?pli=1 We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2026. Experience quick and convenient service at Hamilton's STAR Smog Check, your local Novato inspection station. Since 2021, we've been serving the community with efficient smog checks for all types of vehicles, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid cars, as well as large trucks and RVs. Our certified technicians perform both STAR and non-STAR inspections, ensuring your vehicle meets all state requirements. Simply drive in for a hassle-free inspection, with most vehicles completed in under 30 minutes.

Marin County

Albert Gregory

Bay Area

Novato

California

Grab a coupon or to book online: https://sites.google.com/view/hamiltons-smog/home?pli=1 We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2026. Experience quick...

Personal Training with Unlimited DEXA and VO2 Max

Custom Fit

Most training programs run on guesswork. Custom Fit replaces it with measurement. At its San Francisco studios, Personal Training and Partner Training memberships include unlimited DEXA body-composition scans and VO2 max testing — diagnostics usually sold one scan at a time or reserved for specialized clinics. Custom Fit members can test as often as they train. The reasoning is straightforward. A DEXA scan measures fat, lean muscle, and bone density with clinical precision. A VO2 max test measures the body's maximum oxygen uptake, one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular fitness and long-term health. Run those tests on a regular cadence and a member can see exactly what is changing, where, and whether a program is working — rather than relying on the scale or the mirror. That is the idea behind Custom Fit's positioning: not a gym, a performance lab. Every program is built from a member's measured body composition and cardiovascular capacity, then adjusted as the data moves. The goal is to eliminate the guesswork that defines most fitness routines and to treat training as something you can verify. The model also brings longevity diagnostics that usually live in concierge medicine into a routine training week. Body composition and cardiovascular capacity are central markers of how well a person is aging, and regular testing keeps those numbers visible rather than treating them as an occasional, expensive add-on. Custom Fit operates in Hayes Valley (323 Octavia Street), on Market Street (1844 Market), and with a Downtown San Francisco location on Battery Street (570 Battery) opening soon. Personal Training, Partner Training, and select memberships include the testing. More information is available at customfitsf.com.

San Francisco

San Francisco County

Fernando Haro

Most training programs run on guesswork. Custom Fit replaces it with measurement. At its San Francisco studios, Personal Training and Partner...

Gaspare's Pizzeria Ristorante & Bar

Gaspare’s Pizzeria Ristorante &amp; Bar is a family-owned Italian restaurant proudly serving the community since 2008. We offer a full menu of classic Italian dishes, handcrafted pizzas, and comforting favorites made with quality ingredients. Whether you're joining us for a relaxed dinner, meeting friends for drinks, or catching the game at the bar, you can expect great food and genuine hospitality every time. Visit us and experience the difference.

San Rafael

Gaspare’s Pizzeria Ristorante & Bar is a family-owned Italian restaurant proudly serving the community since 2008. We offer a full menu of classic...

Free 20-Minute Photo Coaching Session with Camera or Lens

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Here in Berkeley, Looking Glass Photo is where gear, guidance, and community come together—since 1971. We’re a boutique-style camera shop that outfits photographers with exactly what they need and nothing they don’t. That means real conversations, hands-on help, and curated solutions across top brands like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony and more. We carry new gear, offer a thoughtful selection of preowned and consignment cameras and lenses, and place special orders when the perfect fit isn’t on the shelf. Learning is at the heart of what we do. Join our small-group classes and workshops, sign up for photo adventures in the wild (from tide pools to elk rut season), or dig into image reviews and practical technique sessions. Our Rentals program makes it easy to test drive the latest bodies, lenses, lighting and accessories—perfect for a weekend project or a big assignment—while our “Try Before You Buy” and paid Gear Outfitting service help you make confident choices. What makes us unique? Personalized coaching before and after a purchase, community-driven events (including our Photo Friends network), and a values-driven approach that puts longevity and stewardship first. We stand behind the gear we sell, keep darkroom and printing essentials flowing, and cheer on your growth every step of the way. Whether you’re brand-new to photography or a seasoned pro, Looking Glass is your trusted partner for classes, adventures, rentals, consignment and used gear, and a welcoming community that lifts each other up.

Alameda County

Berkeley

Here in Berkeley, Looking Glass Photo is where gear, guidance, and community come together—since 1971. We’re a boutique-style camera shop that...

FREE EVENT! INTERNATIONAL ARCHAE0LOGY DAY at the Museum of the American Indian  OCTOBER 19, SATURDAY 1 PM TO 3 PM An archaeologist will discuss bone tools. A flint knapper will make projectile points. A bead maker will create shell beads. An interpretive guide will discuss Novato's prehistory  FREE Museum Entrance and Workshops  All ages are encouraged to come!     Museum of the American IndianMiwok Park 2200 Novato Blvd, Novato PHONE 415.897.4064

FREE EVENT! INTERNATIONAL ARCHAE0LOGY DAY at the Museum of the American Indian  OCTOBER 19, SATURDAY 1 PM TO 3 PM An archaeologist will discuss bone tools. A flint knapper will make projectile points. A bead maker will create shell beads. An interpretive guide will discuss Novato’s prehistory  FREE Museum Entrance and Workshops  All ages are encouraged to come!     Museum of the American IndianMiwok Park 2200 Novato Blvd, Novato PHONE 415.897.4064

Community Update

Local Voices

San Anselmo-Fairfax

Larkspur-Corte Madera

Mill Valley

Contra Costa County

El Cerrito

Pinole-Hercules

Albany

Rockridge

<a href="https://novatoparade.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fourth of July Parade</a>
July 4, 2026
<ul><li>Buckaroo Breakfast: 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Redwood Credit Union parking lot, 1010 Grant Ave., Novato, CA</li><li>Pre-parade entertainment: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.</li><li>Parade: 10 a.m. Grant Avenue, Novato, CA </li></ul>
From Novato 4th of July Parade:
<ul> <ul><li>"The Parade starts at 10:00 AM at Grant Ave. at Reichert Ave. &amp; lasts approximately two (2) hours.</li><li>Watch from the sidewalks anywhere along Grant Ave. from Reichert Ave. to 7th St.</li><li>Bring chairs &amp; remember they must only be placed on the sidewalk (not in the street).</li><li>No animals are allowed, except for official support animals.</li></ul><ul> </ul>Buckaroo Breakfast – hosted by the Presbyterian Church of Novato Kick off the 4th with the Buckaroo Breakfast, 7:00 AM -10:00 AM. at the Redwood Credit Union parking lot at 1010 Grant Ave, The always smiling &amp; eager volunteers from the <a href="https://pcnovato.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Presbyterian Church of Novato</a> will serve coffee, orange juice, pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, and milk, to raise funds for the nonprofit Homeward Bound. </ul>
<ul>The suggested donation: <ul><li>Adults &amp; Children over 12 years old – $12.00</li><li>Children 5-12 years old – $7.00</li><li>Children under 5 years old – Free</li></ul><ul> </ul>Free, pre-Parade entertainment, starts at 9:00 AM &amp; ends at 10:00 AM when the Parade begins. These are “warm-up” acts that get us all into a festive mood. If you arrive early – and you should – you (&amp; especially children) will enjoy many wonderful entertainers."</ul>
<ul> <figure><img data-image="Novato 4th of july parade 2025.png" data-sizes="" data-srcset="" src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/27104086/20250613/012506/novato-4th-of-july-parade-2025___13132506321.jpg"></figure></ul>
<ul>(Photo credit: Shutterstock)</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<ul><a href="https://novatoparade.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">MORE INFO HERE</a></ul>

Local Event: 4th Of July Parade & Buckaroo Breakfast 2026: Novato

4th Of July Parade & Buckaroo Breakfast 2026:...

Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2026
Buckaroo Breakfast: 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Redwood Credit Union parking lot, 1010 Grant Ave.,...

4th Of July Parade & Buckaroo Breakfast 2026: Novato

<h1>Celebrate the 4th of July Weekend on Russian River Railbikes!</h1>
Pedal Through Sonoma County's Scenic Wine Country During America's 250th Anniversary Celebration
Make this Independence Day weekend one to remember with a unique outdoor adventure aboard the Russian River Railbikes. Enjoy a leisurely ride on historic railroad tracks while taking in beautiful vineyard views, rolling countryside, and the scenic Russian River.
🚲 Family-Friendly Adventure 
🇺🇸 Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary 
🌿 Beautiful Sonoma County Scenery 
🚂 Historic Railroad Experience 
❤️ Perfect for Families, Friends &amp; Visitors
July 3 – July 5
Departures from Cloverdale, California
Reserve Your Ride Today!
RussianRiverRailbikes.org
Russian River Railbikes is operated by the Golden Gate Railroad Museum, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving railroad history.
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Local Event: Celebrate the 4th of July this Weekend on the Russian River Railbikes

Sonoma County

Cloverdale

Celebrate the 4th of July this Weekend on the...

Celebrate the 4th of July Weekend on Russian River Railbikes!
Pedal Through Sonoma County's Scenic Wine Country During...

Celebrate the 4th of July this Weekend on the Russian River Railbikes

Volunteer Park

<a href="https://www.homesteadvalley.org/events" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Homestead Valley July 4 Celebration</a>
<ul><li>Parade Starts at 11 a.m.&nbsp;Volunteer Park to Stolte Grove</li><li>Picnic after the Parade at Stolte Grove park</li></ul>
<a href="https://www.homesteadvalley.org/events" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">From Homestead Valley Community Association:</a>&nbsp;"Grab your coolers and blankets and join your neighbors as we march our parade through Homestead Valley. Decorate your bikes, scooters, and strollers while donning your favorite red, white, and blue gear - after all, we are the parade!
10:30 - 11:00 AM: Gather at the corner of Evergreen and Melrose
11:00 AM: The Parade starts in Volunteer Park and the route goes up Melrose to Laverne and ends in Stolte Grove. 
11:30 AM: The Picnic follows in Stolte Grove with food and dessert treats by local businesses. Music and artists will entertain the crowd."<a href="https://www.homesteadvalley.org/events" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">MORE INFO</a>&nbsp;
(Photo credit: Shutterstock)

Local Event: Homestead Valley 4th Of July Parade & Picnic 2026: Mill Valley

Homestead Valley 4th Of July Parade & Picnic...

Homestead Valley July 4 Celebration
Parade Starts at 11 a.m. Volunteer Park to Stolte GrovePicnic after the Parade at Stolte...

Homestead Valley 4th Of July Parade & Picnic 2026: Mill Valley

Cheryl Teach Music

Weekly Adult Ukulele Group Lessons
Each Session is Four WednesdaysFirst Session: July 15th, 22nd, 29th, August 5th

Where?&nbsp; In Person at Cheryl Teach Music, 2700 Yulupa Avenue, Bennett Valley Ste 5A, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 
Day/Time?&nbsp; One Hour Weekly Group Ukulele Lessons on Wednesdays at 11:30am-12:30pm (See website for dates) 
Cost Per Session?&nbsp; $220 (Including Music, Pencil, Folder, T-Shirt, and Tote Bag. All supplied at No Extra Charge!) No Refunds.&nbsp;
How Do I Pay?&nbsp; Register Online and Pay In Advance by Venmo, Cash App, Credit Card. No Sign-Ups at Classes.
Goal of Each Weekly Lesson in a Session? To Learn How to Play Songs on the Ukulele and to Experience Immense Joy and Satisfaction. 
What to bring?&nbsp; Bring an Ukulele, none will be available during the lessons! 	<a href="https://cherylteachmusic.com/weekly-adult-ukulele-group-lessons/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">cherylteachmusic.com/weekly-adult-ukulele-group-lessons/</a> Interested? Text (707)326-8796 or Email <a href="mailto:CherylTeachMusic@Gmail.com">CherylTeachMusic@Gmail.com</a>

Local Event: Group Adult Ukulele Classes Sessions

Santa Rosa

Group Adult Ukulele Classes Sessions

Weekly Adult Ukulele Group Lessons
Each Session is Four WednesdaysFirst Session: July 15th, 22nd, 29th, August 5th

Where?  In...

Baby Mink Rescue | Pride Attendees Stabbed |...

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Community Corner

Teen Arrested In Attempted Homicide...

Investigators said surveillance footage and a distinctive handgun helped identify the suspect.

Teen Arrested In Attempted Homicide Investigation After Marin County Shooting: Police

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Hand Recount Begins For Marin Supervisor Race...

The review could determine whether Magali Limeta's narrow victory stands or the Novato-area race advances to a November runoff.

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Parasite Outbreak Sickens People In 19 States,...

Federal health officials are investigating the outbreak of the foodborne illness that can cause weeks of diarrhea.

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Fireworks Near Me: July 4th Events Around San...

Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary in and around Marin County.

Fireworks Near Me: July 4th Events Around San Rafael For 2026

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CA Has 3 Of The 10 Healthiest Counties In The U...

MarketWatch ranked 576 U.S. counties across multiple health measures. See which CA county is No. 1 in the nation.

CA Has 3 Of The 10 Healthiest Counties In The U.S., New Study Says

Emily Rahhal 

Larkspur Restaurant On 2022 Wine Spectator List

A glass of wine is nice with dinner but this Marin restaurant goes above and beyond with its extensive lists and service. 

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