Smog checks available now—always ready when you are

Hamilton's Smog

We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2025. 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

We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2025. Experience quick and convenient service at Hamilton's STAR Smog Check, your local Novato inspection...

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

Fernando Haro

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...

Improv Marin

Get in here for laughs, fun, and creative courage! Dip your toe at a Free Taster Hour, or book us to help your team work better together. Improv Marin connects people and teams with courageous creative collaboration (improv) tools, then fosters exploration of the unknown at work, on stage, and in life.

Get in here for laughs, fun, and creative courage! Dip your toe at a Free Taster Hour, or book us to help your team work better together. Improv...

Looking for May/June rentals. Retired educators whoes son and family have moved to San Fran. Also have a luxury vacation rental near Asheville N.C. to exchange if interested. <a href="mailto:ktmcguirl@hotmail.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ktmcguirl@hotmail.com</a>.

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Rockridge

Open Air Open Studio with Sam &amp; Shoshana ParryFine Art &amp; Functional ArtMay 9th &amp; 10th, 11am-5pm106 Dominga Ave, FairfaxCome by, enjoy some cheese &amp; wine and find your original art here!

Local Event: Open Air Open Studio

Open Air Open Studio

Open Air Open Studio with Sam & Shoshana ParryFine Art & Functional ArtMay 9th & 10th, 11am-5pm106 Dominga Ave, FairfaxCome by,...

Downtown San Rafael 

San Rafael will rumble back to life as the 36th Annual May Madness Car Show &amp; Parade returns on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
This free, family-friendly event, the longest-running car show and parade in Northern California, features over 200 classic cars, hot rods, and customs lining Fourth Street from noon to 6 PM, with the crowd-favorite parade rolling out at 5 PM. The celebration kicks off with a Friday Night Cruise on May 8 at 6 PM.
New this year: a retro-inspired mobile photo booth inside a restored 1962 Ford Falcon, offering a fun, nostalgic experience for attendees. Also, there will be special American Graffiti screenings at the Rafael Theater in conjunction with May Madness!
Enjoy live music, local food and drinks, and a full day of community celebration in the heart of Downtown San Rafael! FREE!!

Local Event: The 36th Annual May Madness Car Show and Parade

The 36th Annual May Madness Car Show and Parade

San Rafael will rumble back to life as the 36th Annual May Madness Car Show & Parade returns on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
This...

RangeCafe Bar and Grill

Celebrate Mom with our Mother’s Day Brunch at RangeCafe. Choose from 2 seatings; 10:30am and 1:00pm.&nbsp;RSVP at&nbsp;<a href="https://mother-s-day-brunch-bpvet.tripleseattickets.com/registration/select" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">mother-s-day-brunch-bpvet.tripleseattickets.com/registration/select</a>
Mother’s Day Brunch Menu
Mains: – Chicken Marsala with a cremini mushroom sauce – Prime Rib with au jus
Sides: – Caesar Salad – Spring Mix Salad&nbsp;topped with Fuji apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and tossed with a champagne vinaigrette – Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes – Mixed Spring Vegetables&nbsp;sautéed in garlic butter
Breakfast: – Eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce – Scrambled free range eggs – Buttermilk pancakes with strawberries, whipped cream and warm maple syrup – Bagels and Lox served with cream cream, red onion, tomatoes, and capers – Country style breakfast potatoes – Hobbs applewood smoked bacon – Hobbs chicken apple sausage – Pastries and Danishes – Fresh seasonal fruit arrangement
For the Kids: – Classic Mac and Cheese – Chicken Tenders Desserts: – Cookies – Mini Cupcakes – Petit Fours – Seasonal Tartlets
Drinks: – Bottomless Mimosas – Fresh Brewed Coffee – Iced Tea

Local Event: Mother's Day Brunch 

Mother's Day Brunch 

Celebrate Mom with our Mother’s Day Brunch at RangeCafe. Choose from 2 seatings; 10:30am and 1:00pm. RSVP...

Across California

Cyberattack Cripples UC, CSU Schools During...

Universities across the nation, including schools in the UC and CSU system were attacked along with USC, Stanford and community colleges.

Cyberattack Cripples UC, CSU Schools During Finals, Thousands Of Records Stolen

Crime & Safety

Road Closure In Marin County Announced For ...

Police said families with young children are expected to be riding bicycles in the area and along routes during closure times.

Road Closure In Marin County Announced For 'School Fuel' Event

Traffic & Transit

7 Can’t-Miss Events In Northern CA In May,...

Plan your weekends this month with diverse events, including a major wine and jazz festival, Mother's Day market, and flamenco show.

7 Can’t-Miss Events In Northern CA In May, Including An NY Deli Pop-Up

NY Deli Kosher Pop-Up And 6 More Can’t-Miss Events In Northern CA In May

Community Corner

 'Dead In The Kitchen' — The Food That Turned...

Food writer Gabi Moskowitz hosts a Grateful Dead–inspired celebration with recipes, music, and community - and kind food, of course. 

 'Dead In The Kitchen' — The Food That Turned The Grateful Dead Into A Traveling Community

Arts & Entertainment

Drone Records Drug Deal | 4.4 Magnitude Quake |...

ALSO: Masked robbers smash and grab at mall; A-list actor honored at Bay Area festival; Who runs the local wine industry revealed. 

Drone Records Drug Deal | 4.4 Magnitude Quake | Shakedown Cops Busted | 'Chonkers' To Take Home: Patch PM

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

Health & Fitness

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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katie K. McGuirl, Neighbor

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