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...

Check out more photos on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SanRafaelPatch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.

Ricardo Escuela took home the prize for first place in Saturday's San Rafael Twilight Criterium.

Slideshow: Bay Area Cyclists Pedal Hard for San Rafael Crit

Sports

San Anselmo-Fairfax

Larkspur-Corte Madera

Mill Valley

Contra Costa County

El Cerrito

Pinole-Hercules

Albany

San Francisco

San Francisco County

Rockridge

Nativity Of Christ Greek Orthodox Church

Pop-up GYRO FEST-TO-GO this weekend - May 2 &amp; 3, 11am to 7pm @ Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Novato

- Traditional and authentic Greek Gyros, Fries, Baklava, Frappé iced coffee and sour cherry soda

- Orders "TO-GO" plus outdoor seating available
- Preorder online or stop by our church kitchen to pick up!

Local Event: Pop up GYRO FEST-TO-GO this weekend May 2 & 3!

Pop up GYRO FEST-TO-GO this weekend May 2 & 3!

Pop-up GYRO FEST-TO-GO this weekend - May 2 & 3, 11am to 7pm @ Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Novato

-...

Karen's Piano Studio, San Rafael, CA, 94901

Join us for a FREE Introductory Piano Session....
(There is NO obligation to sign up for lessons!)
Saturday, May 2&nbsp; &nbsp;1:00 pm
San Rafael
RSVP at www.KarensPiano.com

Learn how Simply Music is a Breakthrough Method that has students playing immediately.
*Australian- developed method
*Popular, Classical, Blues and more
*Students of All ages- Children, Teens, Adults, Seniors
*Beginners playing 40 – 50 pieces within twelve months
<a href="https://www.karenspiano.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.KarensPiano.com</a>

Local Event: Free Introductory Piano Session Sat, May 2

Free Introductory Piano Session Sat, May 2

Join us for a FREE Introductory Piano Session....
(There is NO obligation to sign up for lessons!)
Saturday,     May 2   1:00 ...

Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall

The 8th Annual Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure is coming back on May 2, 2026 to give you rare access to the region's best small, hard-to-find winemakers. At this intimate event, you will discover and taste amazing, cutting edge wines from over 40 high-quality, micro-production, commercial wineries from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Sierra Foothills, and more.
Find out for yourself why we’ve been selling out our events for ten years and why we were named the #1 Wine Festival in the Country by USA Today! Meet the winemakers and hear directly from them about the ins and outs of their winemaking styles.
Over 90% of Garagiste wineries do not have a tasting room, so this is truly a singular chance to discover and meet the next great winemakers and get the opportunity to taste their amazing micro-production wines.&nbsp;Your appointment to try these wines is all in one room, right here! You won't be able to duplicate this tasting experience at any other wine event.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Meet the winemakers, taste their passion!
2026 Winemaker Participants include:&nbsp;Absolution Cellars, Amalgam Wines, Burning Bench Cellars, Carpenter Wine, Cazadero Winery, Chaney Family Winery, Cormorant Cellars, Crosby Roamann, Diablo Paso, Flora Ranch Co., Forgotten Union Wines, G &amp; C Lurton Estate, Gothic Noir Wine, Greyscale Wines, Jambe de Bois Wines, Kaleidos Wines, Kendric Vineyards, Krueger Vaught, Lussier Wine Co., Maybach Family Cellars, McCarter Cellars, Mersenne Wines, Mon Premier Wines, Nicolina Wines, Oxlee Graham Wines, Panther Ridge Vineyards, Pine Mountain Vineyards, Rock &amp; Clay Wines, Schermeister Winery, Shick Family Wines, Spur Road Wines, Staysail Cellars, Tercero Wines and Y.B. Wine Co.
&nbsp;GRAND TASTING: 2:00-5:00pm - Includes unlimited tasting with over 30 small lot winemakers, complimentary cheese, bread and charcuterie, as well as samples from local artisan vendors.
RARE &amp; RESERVE EARLY ACCESS: 1:00-5:00pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Entry an hour early at 1:00pm and enjoy access to Rare &amp; Reserve wines only being poured during this hour. Limited tickets available to create a less crowded experience.&nbsp;Only 150 Tickets are available to this session.&nbsp;

Local Event: Garagiste Wine Festival: 8th Annual Northern Exposure

Sonoma County

Sonoma Valley

Garagiste Wine Festival: 8th Annual Northern...

The 8th Annual Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure is coming back on May 2, 2026 to give you rare access to the region's best...

Garagiste Wine Festival: 8th Annual Northern Exposure

Red Hill Shopping Center

See a variety of EVs and Ebikes all in&nbsp;one place! Talk to EV/Ebike owners, and&nbsp;find the EV or Ebike that’s right for you.&nbsp;Learn how to switch to electric and save money with incentives, enjoy a better riding and driving&nbsp;experience, charge at home and on the road, power up with your EV during an&nbsp;outage. Sponsored by Ride and Drive Clean, Town of San Anselmo, Town of Fairfax.

Local Event: Free EV and EBike Show

Free EV and EBike Show

See a variety of EVs and Ebikes all in one place! Talk to EV/Ebike owners, and find the EV or Ebike that’s right for you. Learn...

Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church

Pop-up GYRO FEST-TO-GO this weekend - May 2 &amp; 3, 11am to 7pm @ Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Novato

- Traditional and authentic Greek Gyros, Fries, Baklava, Frappé iced coffee and sour cherry soda

- Orders "TO-GO" plus outdoor seating available
- Preorder online or stop by our church kitchen to pick up!

142 Throckmorton Theatre

Join us for a beautiful afternoon of chamber music and individual performances by our elmCATS, our most dedicated, motivated students.

Local Event: elmCATS Recital & Chamber Music Concert

elmCATS Recital & Chamber Music Concert

Join us for a beautiful afternoon of chamber music and individual performances by our elmCATS, our most dedicated, motivated...

The community is invited to a quiet and contemplative Celtic SoulSong meditation at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael at 1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael on May 6 at 5:30 pm. The service will include soul soothing music, readings from Celtic poetry, silence and candle lighting. This is a program of the One World One Spirit contemplative spirituality program of First Presbyterian Church. The chapel is handicap accessible.

Local Event: Join us for SoulSong meditation at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael

Join us for SoulSong meditation at First...

The community is invited to a quiet and contemplative Celtic SoulSong meditation at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael at...

Join us for SoulSong meditation at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael

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...

Large Quake East Of Bay Area Felt Across NorCal...

A 5.2-magnitude quake and four other smaller quakes struck western Nevada in the early hours of Friday morning. 

Large Quake East Of Bay Area Felt Across NorCal: Did You Feel It?

Weather

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles

Major CA Airline On Brink Of Closure As...

The airline has been attempting to get a $500 million infusion of cash from the federal government, according to a report.

Major CA Airline On Brink Of Closure As Taxpayer Bailout Falters: Report

Business

Pacifica Rated As The Worst Small City To Start...

Officials had come to this conclusion based on the business environment, access to resources, and business costs. 

Pacifica Rated As The Worst Small City To Start A Business; Coastal Residents Shrug It Off

5 Events To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo In NorCal

While the official holiday doesn't arrive until next week, some places will kick off celebrations this weekend.

Seasonal & Holidays

Swalwell Donors Want Money Back | Haunting...

Beloved Artist Dies | Fatal Freeway Hit-And-Run | Guy Fieri Called Racist Slur | Farm-To Community Hub | 13 East Bay Churches Closing

Swalwell Donors Want Money Back | Haunting Child Murder | Guy Fieri Victim Of Slur | 'Weird' Speakeasy

Community Corner

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. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Sports

Slideshow: Bay Area Cyclists Pedal Hard for San Rafael Crit

Ricardo Escuela took home the prize for first place in Saturday's San Rafael Twilight Criterium.

Justin Morrison, Neighbor

More from San Rafael

Youth Town Hall Offers Students Direct Line To Local Leaders In Marin County

Protesters Push For 'ICE Free’ Ordinance In Marin County

DUI Checkpoint Announced For Marin County

Pop up GYRO FEST-TO-GO this weekend May 2 & 3!

Free Introductory Piano Session Sat, May 2

Garagiste Wine Festival: 8th Annual Northern Exposure

Free EV and EBike Show

Pop up GYRO FEST-TO-GO this weekend May 2 & 3!

elmCATS Recital & Chamber Music Concert

Join us for SoulSong meditation at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael

The 36th Annual May Madness Car Show and Parade

Mother's Day Brunch

Gaspare's Pizzeria Ristorante & Bar

Hamilton's Smog

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Improv Marin