Since 1990, Generation Green, a 501c3 nonprofit, has sought to inform and encourage environmental action in CCC. Generation Green has hosted dozens of workshops and attended countless events. Their efforts have reached all segments of the community. From local arts and crafts classes to attendance at City Council meetings—their goal is to educate all residents in the county about environmental issues.

Generation Green empowers its citizens to voice their concerns and implement earth saving actions. Through heightened awareness they encourage wise choices that ensure sustainable living and the preservation of the environment.

Programs Supported by Generation Green 

Dumpster Diversion 

Discover the process of creative reuse through arts and crafts with the Dumpster Diversion Project (DDP). This programs promote the principles of conservation, recycling and reuse. Children and adults of all ages can enjoy using unique materials to create amazing works of art! DDP facilitates the construction of trash to treasures: unusual arts/crafts pieces made from found objects. Participants easily learn that it is important to think before you toss anything away! 

The DDP also supply local artists and teachers with discarded materials for various projects. Recipients of DDP materials include the Early Childhood center of Martinez, the Martinez Arts Association, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Martinez.

Green Rheem 

Periodic Green Rheem film nights are a chance to socialize with friends at the historical Rheem Theatre in Moraga, CA. Participants savor local wine and appetizers before the film and then watch an educational documentary.

Think Global, Eat, Drink and Shop Local. Attendees are introduced to local vendors for food and wine and learn about key issues facing the health of our community.

Contra Costa County Climate Leaders Program 

Local Governments are taking the lead to develop a livable community and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Contra Costa County (CCC). To facilitate, track and measure regional action, 4CL monitors activities, provides free resources and tools, and provides a multimedia communications strategy that ensures best practices are shared and implemented. Elected officials and staff receive a monthly newsletter, attend workshops and share successes on line.

Sustainable Schools Connection 

Sustainable Schools Connection goal is to create and support sustainability with youth by developing environmental stewardship and encouraging individual, campus and community involvement.

Red, White and Blues Celebration

Generation Green holds its annual Red, White and Blues event to help raise money for their non-profit. This event features local food and wine and is held in July each year. For more information or to be a part of the celebration, send an email to info@generationgreen.com

Reduce Reuse Respect

Reduce

The program aims to reduce our impact on earth. Generation Green will cultivate and promote environmental sustainability for a healthy livable planet through education and community outreach. They provide forums, sponsor events, workshops and classes to inform and support the public on the benefit and need for a sustainable, reusable, low impact, healthy lifestyle.

Reuse

Generation Green’s goal is to reuse our materials and to reduce ecological footprint on the planet. They accommodate reuse collection centers and participate/coordinate events for promoting creativity through art and education using recycled and reuse materials.

Respect

The goal is to respect our planet to regain our connection to the planet and to abundance. Generation Green assists education and consultation on healthy living within the community and share the work of other cultures.

These include:

thoughts for working with native traditions, cultures, working for the next seven generations.

work in Ghana – educating and assisting third world countries.

restoration – native plants and habitat restoration, removing invasives.

conservation work – saving teaks, open space lands etc.

herbal medicine folklore and information and materials.

Links to education materials.

To get updates about Generation Green events and activities visit the website, http://generationgreen.com/  . Call 925-708-9686 for more inquiries.

What is Chaat?

Most chaat are based on dough made from a variety of flours. Depending on the type, they’re deep-fried, baked or steamed. They can be stuffed or topped with a variety of fillings that range from potatoes, beans and chick peas to assorted vegetables to cheese, even other grains.

About Lotus Chaat

Lotus Chaat & Spices, the only Indian chaat restaurant in the North Bay, debuted in San Rafael in April 2011.

The vibrant-colored café, which seats 80 indoors and 20 at sidewalk café-style outdoor tables, is located at 1559 4th St. on the West end of San Rafael’s burgeoning business district.

The new eatery also contains a small Indian grocery store which is imported from India’s most renowned food producers and is a center for Indian cooking classes.

“We’re delighted to be the first chaat house in the North Bay,” said owner Surinder Pal Sroa, who also owns the famous Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael, Anokha Cuisine of India and Golden Egg Omelet House in downtown Novato as well as Café Lotus in Fairfax .

Sroa was born in India and grew up in the grocery and spice business. According to him chaat, or small plates of savory foods, have become one of the most popular meals in the world — not just in India, where they originated, but throughout Southeast Asia.

Why Eat Chaat?

The popularity of Chaat is spreading because these types of dishes are made with healthy ingredients: whole grains, grain and bean flours, fresh potatoes, chickpeas and vegetables such as onion and cauliflower. In addition, chaat are typically vegan as well as low in fat or even fat-free and mostly gluten-free.

Most of the ingredients are organic, even locally made. For example, the popular Three Twins organic ice cream company crafted four ice cream flavors specifically for Lotus Chaat & Spices, including Alfonso mango and green cardamom.

Popular plates at the new restaurant include Chole Bhature, wafer-thin, puffy breads deep-fried to be greaseless, airy, crisp and soft all at the same time, served with a richly-spiced, savory stew of chick peas and red onions. Bhel puris, little shells of crunchy, ultra-thin pastry filled with chick peas, tamarind sauce and yogurt, are another hit. The menu also features some of India’s most popular sodas. It truly is a street food extravaganza, but with the comfort of seating in a colorful, Indian art-filled space.

The kitchen is headed by executive chef Hari Krishana Mehta, who owned the popular India Village in San Rafael for 24 years. His chef de cuisine is Parshotam Lal, a veteran of India Palace in Mill Valley and Raja Cuisine of India in Berkeley.

The space is also available to be booked for private parties and cooking classes, such as team-building culinary adventures.

COOKING CLASS

Lotus Chaat & Spices offers monthly Indian cooking classes, usually on the last Monday of every month. Sign up to learn how to cook the finest Indian dishes.

For the Lotus Chaat menu and updates about the Lotus Cooking Class visit http://www.lotuschaat.com/. Call (415) 454-6887 to enroll or for further information.

Taste the tradition…

Café Lotus is an organic Indian Cafe in Fairfax, CA that offers an unusual dining experience. Surinder “Pal” Sroa, who owns the award-winning Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael, is also the driving force behind Cafe Lotus in Fairfax. 

This Organic Cafe in Fairfax is a unique oasis by where you can take the culinary road less traveled… all the way to India. Cafe Lotus serves authentic, home-style Northern Indian cuisine prepared with organic ingredients and fresh spices, many of which Surinder imports directly from India…all beautifully presented in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Fresh, organic, delicious!

Cafe Lotus uses only the finest natural meats, produce and dairy. All cooking is done with pure canola and olive oils. There are no dyes, no chemicals and no MSG. The entire menu at Cafe Lotus is available GLUTEN FREE. 

Twice each week, Pal visits the wholesale markets by himself, insuring that only the best of the best is served. Expect no less. So if you’re around the area stop in for lunch or dinner, or even for a snack of chats…try one and you’ll be hooked!

Savor delicious Indian cuisine at Café Lotus or even at your home by delivery service. It’s easy and convenient; the food is always piping hot, ready and waiting when you arrive. The only difficulty might be choosing between one mouth-watering entrée and another.

About Cafe Lotus

Café Lotus brings Northern India so close you can taste it…

They offer delivery in Fairfax, San Anselmo & Sleepy Hollow

You can also order online with speedy delivery to your doorstep! 

Meet The Owner

Surinder came to the US from the Indian state of Punjab in 1984 and spent ten years managing grocery store bakeries. Eventually, he became co-owner of a friend’s restaurant, and in 1998, Surinder proudly opened his first San Rafael location. He is happy to bring the organic cafe version of his successful eatery to Fairfax.

Northern Indian cuisine

The staple foods of this region are lentils, vegetables and tandoori meats and breads. Methods and style of preparation vary depending on locale, but entrées served throughout the area include kabobs, rich, fragrant rice dishes such as pilafs and mildly spiced kormas, braised meat in a creamy sauce. North Indian food is sometimes subtle, often complex, and always a delight.

Community Support

The Lotus Family of Restaurants in Marin County has become famous for their generosity at Thanksgiving. They open their doors to the public and serve free meals on the night before Thanksgiving. Lotus Café also supports several charities in India and locally as well, such as the Canal Community Alliance, Ali Akhbar Khan School of Music and numerous school fundraisers. And they are still willing to extend their help to any school or other non-profit who are organizing fund raising project.

Lotus Café online order is available on their http://cafelotusfairfax.com/. Call (415) 457-7836 to order via phone. 

Lotus Cuisine of India is located in downtown San Rafael and has the finest Indian Food in Marin County

Lotus Cuisine of India was voted by Pacific Sun as the best Indian Restaurant in Marin 1999 – 2003, and entered  in the Hall of Fame 2004 – 2007 and then once again proved themselves as Best Indian Restaurant from 2008 to 2011. Their popularity continues and becomes the first and only Indian restaurant rated “excellent” in the Bay Area Zagat Guide from 1999-2011,

Lotus Cuisine serves contemporary North Indian Cuisine. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan delicacies using only the finest organic & local ingredients.

About Lotus

Lotus Cuisine of India is family owned restaurant committed to transport you from familiar local taste to those wholesome & varied traditions of modern Indian Cuisine.

Lotus Cuisine is one of the several restaurants in Marin County run by Surinder Sroa and his family. Surinder with his family made their Group of Indian restaurants the very best in San Francisco North Bay.

In 1998, they started Lotus Cuisine of India to feature:

• the warm, full flavors of contemporary Indian cuisine complete with personally handpicked herbs and spices and foods;

•  a cozy atmosphere and delightful ambiance framed by Indian decor;

•  gracious hosts with quick and courteous service;

•  Their experienced master chef, Purshotam, whose creations are based on core Indian cuisine

•    a wide range of choices for particular tastes, including varying degrees of spice and oil, vegan and vegetarian palettes.

 With all the accomplishments they have achieved, the group of restaurant started the tradition of giving back to the community during Thanksgiving holiday season every year. The restaurants open the doors to their guests a day before Thanksgiving and offer a free meal.

Visit http://www.lotusrestaurant.com/ for more information about Lotus Cuisine of India. Call (415) 456-5808.

WHO WE ARE 

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County’s goal is straightforward: to provide services to those in Marin County who are struggling to make ends meet and might not otherwise received help.

Competent volunteers meet with individuals and/or families in order to establish a trusting relationship and to ascertain how they can best be served. They provide assistance in the form of direct aid, intervention, advocacy or moral support. This “neighbor helping neighbor” model holds “respect” as dearest attribute: respect those they serve for their many experiences, their struggles, their talents and their humanity.

The Free Dining Room uses this same volunteer-driven model. In the dining room, neighbors provide neighbors with hot food, a place for respite and a listening heart. They serve all who enter our doors, 365 days of the year.

St Vincent de Paul Society of Marin is a part of an international catholic organization providing services and assistance to those in need. The Marin Council is independently incorporated, administered by its own volunteer board of directors and responsible for its own fundraising and programs. All donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin stay in Marin County.

One of the oldest and most effective charitable organizations in the world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (http://www.svdpusa.org) is a Catholic lay organization of more than 690,000 men and women throughout the world who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually and offer person-to-person service to the needy and people living in poverty in 142 countries on five continents. With the U.S. headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., membership in the United States totals more than 172,000 in 4,600 communities. Programs include home visits, housing assistance, disaster relief, job training and placement, food pantries, dining halls, clothing, transportation and utility costs, care for the elderly and medicine. Providing more than $595 million in tangible and in-kind services, SVdP serves more than 14 million people in need each year, performs more than 648,000 visits to people in their homes, and delivers more than seven million service hours to those in need, regardless of age, religion, creed, nationality or ethnic background.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County is committed to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to our assistance, programs, facilities, and employment opportunities. We do not discriminate against any person that will seek help and offer assistance regardless of the race, color, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, political affiliation, immigration status, mental or physical disability, income level, or medical condition.

SERVICES

Last year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County helped more than 16,000 people in the community, offering assistance in the form of free hot meals, rental deposits, utility assistance, social service referrals, and other vital needs. These services operate without government or church funds, allowing them to serve the community without barriers or restrictions in a timely and compassionate manner. With the kind support of its donors who value the advocacy of St Vincent de Paul, they are able to offer these services free of charge.

DINING ROOM

Every day, homeless neighbors and other struggling citizens are served with our soup kitchen, housing assistance, open pantry and much more. The Free Dining Room was created in 1981 as a free kitchen to serve Marin County’s hungry citizens with dignity and a welcoming demeanor. The Free Dining Room has been open every single day since then, and has served more than two million meals to our hungry neighbors. Each year St Vincent de Paul serves more than 140,000 meals, providing the only sustenance of the day for diners. Many of them are Marin’s “working poor,” living below the poverty line and trying to make ends meets. We also serve senior citizens and people with disabilities, who often appreciate a hot meal and some warm conversation. Finally, the Dining Room offers a welcome respite to those who do not have housing, and must sleep in their cars or in the hills of Marin County.

HOMELESS HELP DESK

Homeless Help Desk welcomes over 1,400 clients each year and offers limited financial aid, referrals, and a sympathetic ear to people without a place to live. The core of this service is to acknowledge emergency needs and stabilizing individuals and families. Last year Vinnies helped transition more than 75 people off the street and into permanent housing.

Services includes such as:
* Brief motel stays for homeless and stranded families
* Rental Deposit assistance
* Transportation
* Prescription medications
* Blankets
* Food
* Clothing, toiletries and other essentials

HOME VISITS

Every week in Marin County, volunteers from the Society visit people struggling to make ends meet in their homes to help them get through life’s struggles. The primary goal of these visits is to prevent homelessness. They do this by providing rental assistance, utility bill payments, food and more. Cash is never distributed to clients; all needs are verified with appropriate third parties, and all assistance is paid directly to landlords, utility companies, etc. This program is exceptionally committed to keeping children housed, to provide the stability and security that all children need to thrive.

Home visits are the “heart” of the Society, and have been happening around the world for more than 170 years. Last year more than 200 volunteers provided 1,174 home visits to people in every city and town in Marin County.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County owns and operates eight low income apartments above our Dining Room, providing housing for very low income and chronically homeless residents. These apartments are located in downtown San Rafael close to transportation, employment and support services.

WHO WE SERVE

The St Vincent de Paul Society provides basic assistance and serves free meals to people from all walks of life, including senior citizens, single parent families, veterans, those working two jobs to make ends meet, the unemployed and the homeless. The vast majority of those we serve are employed in Marin County.

ADVOCACY

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County focuses on key areas of social justice: poverty, homelessness, unemployment, access to healthcare, alleviation of hunger, and personal security and safety.

Please visit the list of resources we have compiled that describe system change and ways to make the world a better place for those who face poverty. The Society does not prescribe a solution, but merely encourages engagement in the public policy process.

Visit http://vinnies.org to find out how you can help. Call 415-454-3303 

Integrated Community Services (ICS) is a distinguished non-profit agency providing solutions to the critical needs of individuals with disabilities..

ICS aims to build specially designed programs that assist self-reliance and address the diverse and unique needs of this population.

We believe that people with disabilities can live rich, independent lives when provided with encouragement and practical support in the areas of employment and independent living skills.

Our executive staff has advanced degrees in the specialized field of rehabilitation counseling.

With over 30 years combined experience, our expertise has been called upon by community, County, and state government agencies.

What’s New

ICS is excited to announce the grand opening of GEM (Growing Excellence in Marin), a vocational horticulture training program. GEM is structured as a three- to nine-month training program to prepare clients referred through the Department of Rehabilitation to become skilled entry-level greenhouse/nursery employees. ICS will provide job preparation, development, placement, and coaching to clients who have completed their GEM training and are deemed employment ready. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the site on Friday, July 23rd with some 70 program participants, support staff, and community members in attendance.

About Us

Our Mission is to provide a wide range of community-based services for individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, housing, recreation, information, and referral.

Our Goal is to assist individuals to develop a greater measure of personal autonomy and control in their lives.

Our Belief is that people with disabilities can and do perform to the high standards of employers and the community and live rich, independent lives when provided with encouragement and support.

Our Motto is W.I.T., “Whatever it takes!”

About ICS

ICS works with people with all types of disabilities Regardless of sex, race, religion, national origin, or sexual preference with no age limit (although some government-funded individuals must be 18 years or older).

Who are medically stable

Who are willing and able to benefit from service.

Who possess a manageable behavior in a non-institutional environment, including no threatening behaviors towards self or others.

Who have basic self-help skills, Who are willing to work with ICS on obtaining funds for services through government and private sources

CLIENT SERVICES

ILS Independent Living Skills

Through our Independent Living Skills training program, ICS addresses daily living skills that may include money management, domestic skills training, medical and social assistance, as well as community integration. We also assist students and their families as they transition out of special education programs and into adult life.

An ILS Trainer is appointed to an individual after assessment is completed and will provide focused one-on-one training.

Under ILS services, individuals can access the Movie Club and Bowling groups that are client-run. Employment

ICS provides a special combination of human and community resources that makes rehabilitation successful. Our mission is to create specially designed programs that promote self-sufficiency and address the diverse and unique needs of the populations we serve. ICS assists individuals to land competitive jobs throughout Marin County. To ensure success, we offer vocational counseling, job development, on-the-job training, and follow-up services to both the employee and the employer.

Employment Programs: STAR

The Marin County Support and Treatment after Release program (STAR) was originally implemented through a competitive Mentally Ill Offender Crime Reduction grant (MIOCRG) awarded by the California Board of Corrections in 2000-01. STAR enrollees receive intensive treatment and services to support functioning and reduce recidivism. Some of the STAR multi-disciplinary specialists include Community Mental Health professionals, County probation, the Sheriff’s Department, the San Rafael Police Department, and ICS. Our role consists of vocational/educational assessment and planning. We provide immediate vocational coordination, counseling, placement and job coaching services to enrollees. ICS also facilitates volunteer placement, educational/career planning, and service coordination of agencies such as the Department of Rehabilitation for additional vocational support.

Employment Programs: Odyssey

ICS is an integral part of Community Mental Health’s Odyssey Program. This program serves individuals with mental illness who are at risk of homelessness. Odyssey offers intensive case management services addressing housing; medical and psychiatric treatment; and vocational needs. ICS focuses on employment needs by providing volunteer placement, vocational/educational counseling, job placement, and job coaching. We also coordinate services with outside agencies and assist clients with accessing Department of Rehabilitation services.

Employment Programs: Phoenix

This unique workshop was developed by ICS for enrollees of the Odyssey and STAR programs. The Phoenix has long been a symbol of rebirth and re-creation and is linked to the idea that individuals can connect who they are with meaningful work. This workshop incorporates the creative use of songs, personal stories of triumph, the Core Gift Assessment, motivational and vocational exploration exercises, and self-reflection to help individuals define a career path which suits their personal values, beliefs and vision of the future.

Information and Referral

Our staff is exceptional. The executive staff has advanced degrees in the specialized field of rehabilitation counseling. With over 50 years combined experience, our expertise has been called upon by the community, county and state government agencies. Our professional staff consists of Transition and Employment Specialist, Job Coaches, Independent Living Skills trainers, and Resource Specialists. Integrated with ICS’ provision of services is our coordination with partner agencies and referral to appropriate resources.

For more information about Integrated Community Services programs and services of visit, http://connectics.org/ or call 415-455-8481.

ABOUT JESSUPS

Jessup’s of Daytona was originally a hardware store started in 1931 by Charles Jessup.  During the Great Depression in the early years of Jessup’s, Charles lived in the back of the original store. Roger remembers him telling of opening the store at 7:00AM and closing at 11:00PM.  He explained all of the merchants would watch each other to see who was going to close first. Times were very hard and a merchant could not afford to miss a single sale.

Charles’  daughters,  Esther  and  Ruth  Jessup  Harshaw  eventually  joined Charles  in  the  business. Their passion for jewelry rather than hardware prompted the change towards the Jessup’s you see today. Ruth’s son Roger, his wife Barbra Leigh, and Dan Harshaw are the present owners.  Dan is the great grandson of Charles and therefore represents the fourth generation.

78 Years – How have we done it?  Granddad and his daughters Esther and Ruth were honest hardworking people.  They treated all costumers fairly and with respect, so we began the third generation with a wonderful, loyal customer base. We  are  the  FIRST merchant in Daytona Beach  to  sell  gold  by weight  and  also  the  FIRST merchant  in Daytona  Beach to  show costumers  the  wholesale  price  sheets  on  diamonds,  so  customers  can  compare.

Price does matter!! Many independent merchants across America are going out of business because they cannot compete with the mass merchandisers on price.  Jessup’s is unique.  Most of our merchandise is pre-owned. The fact that we buy from individuals, allows us to sell wholesale or below. Pre-owned merchandise, refurbished, with money-back guarantee at below market price. 

Jessups guarantees our price to be the lowest!

6 C’S OF DIAMOND BUYING

COLOR

DIAMONDS are found with a range of colors, from faint yellow or brown through to the very rare pinks, blues, greens and other colors known as “fancies”. However, the best color

For a diamonds is no color. It is totally colorless diamond that allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color.

CLARITY

To determine a diamond’s clarity, it is viewed under 10-power magnification by a trained eye. Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond, and the more beautiful the diamond will be. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capacity to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare and therefore more valuable.

CUT

Of all the 6C’s, cut is the most directly influenced by man? The other three are dictated by nature. The cut or make of a diamond will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle, for it is the cutter’s skill that releases its beauty.

It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light. 1: When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. 2: If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of their pavilion. #: If the cut is too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.

CARAT WEIGHT

As with all precious stones, the weight ~ and therefore the size ~ of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat originated in a natural unit of weight: the seeds of the carob tree. Diamonds were traditionally weighted against these seeds until the system was standardized and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams (one fifth of a gram). One carat is divided into 100 “points” so that a diamond of 25 points is described as quarter of a carat or 0.25 carats. Here are some other examples that show the approximate size of the diamonds in question.

CONFIDENCE or TRUST: The jewelry industry for years has had a campaign asking for consumers trust. Unfortunately in world one must be cautious. We have found that the customer that is well informed and educated about the product they are buying is much more likely to get a good buy than the person who “trusts” all will be O.K. We do not agree with policies of protection such as “no refunds”, “no exchanges”, “no returns”, “and no exchanges on lay-a-way”. Instead JESSUP’S policy on diamonds is simple. Buy it; take it home, comparative shop. If you are not happy with your purchase, return the diamond, in the original condition, within 30 days for a full refund.

COST

WHY SHOULD I BUY FROM JESSUP’S?

It is our goal to offer you the very best price available anywhere. In today’s world of huge chains and mass merchandisers this is a lofty goal.

DIAMONDS: Diamonds are one of the most tightly controlled commodities in the world, dominated by the De beer’s Corporation. All jewelers buy diamond’s wholesale then add their markup (normally from 50% to 300%), JESSUP’S buys all of our major diamonds from individuals at below wholesale prices. Our graduate Gemologist determines the wholesale value of the diamonds offered to JESSUP’S. This true wholesale value becomes JESSUP’S selling price. Diamonds have Blue Books just like cars, boats, or any other valuable commodity (ask us to show you the Blue Book on the diamond you are considering.)

MARKETING: Service versus Price. Most companies today market their product by offering low price or quality service. This has worked well for the discounters on the standard items where comparison shopping is easy. It is very difficult to compare prices on diamonds. No two diamonds are alike and most consumers do not believe they are capable of determining value of diamonds without guidance from knowledgeable salespersons. It is because JESSUP’S is able to sell at true New York wholesale. We are able to offer our customer’s a WIN WIN combination of very knowledgeable staff and the lowest price available.

Caution: Grading diamonds is an art, science, opinion, and situation. Know in whose opinion the diamond is graded. Salesperson, the store, an in-house appraiser, an outside appraiser, Gemologist, or a Gemologist is an independent lab.

If you decide to purchase a diamond without an independent lab report, protect yourself with a full refund clause that gives you the right to have the diamond graded at an independent lab.

CONFIDENCE

Choose a jeweler in whom you have confidence. Make sure that he or she will talk to you, frankly and freely, about the diamond you want to buy and the price you want to pay. He is the diamond expert and will be happy to explain the Four C’s to you. He will tell you the difference between various qualities of diamonds and how these differences affect the price.

ABIUD RIVERA – MASTER JEWELER

Abiud is our MASTER Jeweler with 35 years’ experience from a family of Master Jewelers. He began jewelry making at 19 in New York, where he apprenticed with top European and South American goldsmiths, as well as his father and uncle.

Jewelry making and repair is an art that requires many skills and abilities. The precise and delicate nature of jewelry work requires finger and hand dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, patience, and concentration. Add creativity, and you have Abiud defined.

We at Jessup’s have learned in our many years in business, that nothing is more important to jewelry business than having a great Master Jeweler. Every piece left for repair is special and precious to its owner. It may be a family heirloom, a gift from a loved one, or their very favorite jewelry item. It is our responsibility to repair that piece to exceed our customers’ expectations.

Abiud has been our Master Jeweler since 2003. We are so confident in his ability that we added a line to our repair ticket.

“100% delighted or no charge”

This is our testament of confidence to our Master Jeweler

Learn more about Diamonds on Jessup’s of Daytona by visiting http://www.jessupsofdaytona.com/. Call (386) 252-8257 for inquiry

Healdsburg, Sonoma artist Linda Shea works directly with you or your designer to create custom murals, borders and theme rooms.

Her repertoire of architectural finishes includes: faux stone, wood graining, textures and metallic patinas.

She creates new finishes for cabinetry and furniture including glazing, antiquing/distressing and decorative painting.

She and her craft experts guide your interior or exterior project from color selection through all phases of prep and painting to the finish itself. She is also available for design and color consultations exclusively.

Her palette of decorative motifs includes:

•             architectural finishing design

•             faux wood grain, stone and patinas

•             reinterpretation of fabric, wallpaper, photos, paintings, or historical motifs

•             color consulting 

Linda offers:

•             color consulting

•             interior / exterior paint treatments

•             cabinetry and furniture

•             faux painting

•             custom draperies

•             on site color mixing

To see samples of Linda Shea’s designs visit http://lindashea.com/index.html. Call 707-838-2523 for free one hour consultation.

Michael Shea is an award winning and bestselling author of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy books.

Michael A. Shea was born to Irish parents in Los Angeles. There he frequented Venice Beach and the Baldwin Hills for their wildlife.

After attending UCLA on the advance Placement program while still in the tenth grade, he made his way to UC Berkeley for the wild-life there during the Time of Troubles.

He hitch-hiked twice across America and Canada, and at a hotel in Juneau Alaska, chanced on a battered book from the lobby shelves: Cugel the Clever, by Jack Vance.

Not till four years later, after a brief first marriage, and a year spent hitch-hiking through France and Spain, did he write homage to Jack Vance, for which that great man graciously declined to share the advance offered by DAW Books. Shea’s first novel, A Quest for Simbilis (1974), was an authorized sequel.

Subsequently he ranged all over the L.A. Basin, painting houses and teaching Adult ESL by night. In 1978 he had the blessed luck to meet his wife, artist and author Lynn Cesar. Shea then moved to the Bay Area. 

His other novels include:

Nifft the Lean (1982) – received a World Fantasy Award
The Color out of Time (1984) – homage to H. P. Lovecraft’s “The Colour out of Space“
In Yana, the Touch of Undying (1985)
I, Said the Fly (1993)
The Extra (2010)

The Novella “The Growlimb” (2004) was also a winner of the World Fantasy Award, in the 2005 Novella category. Shea has received many other awards for his writing.

Shea’s interest in Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos continues. Copping Squid and Other Mythos Tales (2010) is a collection of such tales.

 Reviews

SF Site 

The Extra, A review by Seamus Sweeney.

“With its plentiful gallows humour, competitive struggling in a world of scarcity, and dark extension of the reality TV concept to a logical extreme, The Extra is an entertaining mirror of our own strange days.”

The Extra, by Michael Shea

(Reviewed by Robert Thompson) on January 27, 2010

“Michael Shea’s “The Extra” is an exhilarating thrill-ride full of creativity, insane action, and accomplished writing. Hugely entertaining, I can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy…”

To know more about Michael Shea and all of his books visit, http://www.michaelsheaauthor.com or call (707) 838-2523 to set schedule for interview.

The “My Earth Day Marin Coalition” was founded by the Marin County Parks and Open Space District, the City of San Rafael Volunteer Program, the San Rafael Clean Program, the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin, and the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Together we sought  to increase the number of service projects in Marin, abate litter in our watersheds (beaches, creeks, parks, open space preserves, cities and towns), remove invasive plants, restore trails, watersheds and sensitive habitat areas, remove graffiti, encourage community involvement, inspire youth, and enjoy our beautiful, natural environment!

Inspired by the incredible success of California Coastal Cleanup Day, we saw Earth Day as an opportunity to organize, promote and publicize multiple environmental service projects in Marin. Together, we organized large groups of volunteers who participated in cleanup events at several different locations.  For example, at Pickleweed Park in San Rafael, over 100 people removed countless pieces of litter from local streets and beautiful marsh areas bordering the bay. Local Rotary Clubs prepared and served food to smiling volunteers, musicians donated their time and skill on stage, fruit smoothies were made by bicycle pedal powered blenders, knowledge was gained and great differences made, a solid stepping stone was set!

The My Earth Day Marin Coalition is dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to get involved in their community and environment.  Our list of partner agencies and project opportunities continues to expand. 

We are now grateful to have planning and other assistance from the Marin County Community Development Agency, the Marin Municipal Water District, the Marin County Department of Public Works, and the San Rafael Department of Public Works. We’re promoting our own Earth Day service projects as well as those of many amazing organizations throughout Marin, including, but not limited to, the Marin Audubon Society, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model Visitor’s Center, City of Novato, City of Mill Valley, Gallinas Creek Watershed Council, Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, Conservation Corps North Bay, Friends of Corte Madera Creek, Willow Creek Academy Charter School, Safe Passage Along Lucas Valley Road, and the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary.

And we could not have produced our website without a Marin County Parks and Open Space District volunteer, Alex Kahl of Kahl Consultants (http://www.kahl.net), who donated his time to design and build the site. We’re grateful to all the agencies and volunteers who work to abate trash and care for our natural environment on Earth Day!

For more information about activities and events visit http://www.myearthdaymarin.org or call 415-499-3778.