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Beverly Hills Town Center?

So the Town Center is refusing to renew Marshall's lease...because it doesn't think it's a "good retail mix"?  Is this the same thinking that brought us the useless new store called West Elm, which sounds like a new disease, and in a way, is exactly that?  What's next, Gucci?  What's happening to our little town? Where are we normal, non-rich, bargain-seeking folk going to buy socks, underwear and shoes for our family?  Marshall's has been one of the most valuable retailers in this family town.  Rumor has it that a big chain book store is taking Marshall's place. If it ends up putting our beloved Book Passage out of business, there will be hell to pay!   We should not have to drive to Novato for socks!  We should not allow our wonderful independent, locally owned businesses like the Book Passage to be swept under by the likes of Barnes and UnNoble!

Yes, I love to rant, and while some of this is admittedly tongue-in-chic, it does bring to mind the idea of some kind of "Resident's Retail Review Board."  I know we realtors are supposed to believe in property rights, but our "retail mix" is such an important part of a town's character, it seems to me the residents should have some input into things. It simply makes sense that local retail decisions should reflect the needs and wants of the local market. Maybe our planning commissions can take this on? What do you think, Jimmy?

Beverly Hills North here we go!

A friend went into the ritzy new Canvas clothing store on Magnolia in search of the least expensive item. It was a pair of ladies' underpants -- for $35!  The same garment at Marshall's  -- $3.50!   A nice food market might have been a better use of that prime spot.  In Corte Madera, I understand that Whole Foods and/or Trader Joes had wanted to go into the spot where the Jaguar Dealer now stands.  But Jags apparently bring in more tax dollars than figs, so we end up with Jags.  Why are we so determined to bring all of the Bay Area's money into Corte Madera?  Retail taxes are nice, but they aren't the only thing that counts.

Where's the democracy in all this?   We should be able to vote: Jags or figs!  Marshall's or not!  Panties or butter!  Write to me how you feel about this and I will report back to you.  My husband thinks I'm crazy of course, but then he usually does.

Help for businesses hurt in the recent flood.

Stephanie Goldsborough of the Ross Valley Mother's Club is collecting used books to help replenish the lost stock of the Booksmith, a beloved San Anselmo retailer, which lost more than half of its inventory in the recent flooding of Corte Madera Creek.  Call her at 453-4382 for more information.

The Marin Association of Realtors has set up a web-based bulletin board for people needing or seeking flood-related help. Find it at Marstormrecoveryhelp.blogspot.com .  I checked it out and initially there were zero entries on it, but maybe word was just getting out?

Free Bathroom Safety Bars for Seniors.

Preventing falls at home is one of the most important thing seniors can do to extend their healthy life and their ability to stay in their own homes.  The Corte Madera Community Foundation is offering to install safety bars for seniors who want them, free for those on limited income.  Just send your name and telephone number to Safety Bars, P.O. Box 7109, Corte Madera, CA 94976.  Or if you can't find a stamp or get out to mail a letter, just call me at 925-3209 and I'll forward your message to the right people!

Indigo Evolution? Let's hope so!

A premier movie showing, about the "Indigo Evolution," in which certain children are reportedly being born with supernatural gifts which empower them to create a world based on laws of love and compassion (Yippee! It's about time you folks got here!) will show at the Lark Theater on Sunday, January 29 at 7 pm.  They're expecting a sellout, so reserve early and take your kids!  Speaking of the offspring, February 15th is the due date for Youth Film Festival entries.  See www.larktheater.com for more information.

Do you hear the call of the wild?

The Wildcare Nature Lovers Ball will be held Saturday, January 21 at the Presidio Officer's Club. Tickets are $125. Call 453-1000 #11 for tickets or write jolynntaylor@wilcare.bayarea.org.  Proceeds support this excellent organization which rescues and repairs wild animals and does an excellent job of community outreach and education. I'll never forget how great they were to me and my children the day we dropped off a dying (already dead?) baby bird that had fallen out of a tree.

Write or call me about this retail business business. Surely we townies should have some say in all this?

Until next week,
Neighbor Pat Ravasio
Write me! pravasio@fhallen.com