Growing Up on Their Parents’ Grunge Rock, Mill Valley’s The Alive Are Amped for the Main Stage Spotlight at MVMF – May 14 

The parents of Bastian Evans and Kai and Manoa Neukermans couldn’t have possibly given their kids a better road map to potential hard rock stardom. But it’s a massive leap from appreciating and digging deeply into your parents’ record collection to turning it into a sound all of your own – and the trio that forms The Alive are well on their way to doing just that. Full Story.

New Employee Parking Stickers Are Now on Sale! Renew Now to Avoid That Ticket!

The March 31st expiration of the 6-month cycle of your current Employee Parking Permit is fast approaching. Our office at 85 Throckmorton Ave. in the Depot building is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 12-4pm.

Here's how it works: Click Here, read the details and scroll down to fill out the brief digital application, and then scroll down a bit more to submit your payment via credit card. You can also submit your application and pay by check or cash when you pick up your permit in person. 

Permits are $66 for six months and they are pro-rated, starting April 1. The cost drops by $11 each month after that, i.e., $55 in May, $44 in June, $33 in July, $22 in August and $11 in September. Share this info with your colleagues and co-workers!!

Important Info: All Employee Parking permit buyers must agree to vacate those spaces on Red Flag weather days or other hazardous weather conditions, and permit holders must provide more info than in year's past to make sure they can be contacted by emergency personnel to alert them to move their car. Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Here's map of of Employee Parking spot locations. Full Details.

It's a Date: Council Looks to Pass First Reading of Reusable Foodware Ordinance – April 3

On the heels of the latest discussion on the proposed countywide Reusable Foodware Ordinance, in which business owners noted the gaps between the ordinances requirements and the lack of product availability with which to comply, County of Marin consultants Jinesse Reynolds and Susan Hopp reached back out to provide some additional context. Full Story.

Let's Fill Those Vacancies: Youth

Job Fair at MV Community Center – March 29, 3:30-7pm

There's been a ton of discussion in Mill Valley and across the country in recent years about how hard it has been for businesses to bring back their employees and hire new ones. Despite an unemployment rate of just above 2% here, the job boards for the 94941 are loaded with postings, primarily for service industry jobs, spanning grocery store, cafe and retail clerks to salon, pet care and real estate office receptionists. As with most issues, the real reasons employers are struggling to fill openings are complex. This allows job seekers to get a sense of the available opportunities before they arrive on site. Submit your specific job openings whether or not you intend to be an exhibitor at the event itself?. The Youth Job Fair gives employers the ability to get a sense of the available opportunities before they arrive on site! More Info.

Don’t Miss Sweetwater Side Stage at MV Music Fest –

Get to Know ‘Em Here

The Sweetwater Stage, powered by the legendary Sweetwater Music Hall – serves up six incredible bands across two days at the southern end of Friends Field. Those bands will perform while our ace sound crew turns over the main stage between bands. Full Story.

Flour Craft Bakery at MVLY Yard Readies Easter-Passover Menu – Orders Close April 1

This week, they are serving up an Easter- Passover menu. All items are available now for online ordering with pickup at the shop on Saturday, April 8, including those ridiculously good-looking hot cross buns at left (photo credit Erin Scott from Flour Craft Bakery & Cafe Cookbook, 2021). 

Full Story.

Mt. Tamalpais Methodist Church Readies Holy Week Schedule – April 2-9

Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church continues to make sure that its community is informed and able to attend the various masses, services and programs associated with Holy Week. 

Full Story. 

Shop Early & Shop Often: Friends of the MV Library Receive Nearly 10,000 Donations a Month 

Books that are in good to excellent condition are added to the bookstore (many are like new). The prices are quite reasonable and the inventory changes daily so it’s a good idea to shop often. 

Full Story.

Mountain Play Returns With Nicole Helfer-Directed ‘Into the Woods’ – May 21-June 18

Directed and Choreographed by Nicole Helfer, and Music Direction by Daniel Alley, Into the Woods takes you on a journey with everyone’s favorite characters from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, as they navigate the woods in search of wishes fulfilled. Full Story. 

After Four-Year Hiatus, Outdoor Art Club’s Garden Tour Returns – May 4

This year’s tour features four estate gardens with hilltop vistas on Mill Valley’s historic Middle Ridge. The tour includes a four-acre property bordering Mt. Tam State Park with an extensive organic garden and heritage trees, a garden designer’s paradise with locally crafted sculptures and a hidden pool, and an English garden bursting with roses. Full Story.

Homegrown & Going Places – Anna Harrell Is Set to Perform at the 2023 MV Music Fest

“I’ve been so honored to be recognized within my community,” she says. “I remember thinking at last year’s Mill Valley Music Fest, 'I want to play there next year.' "It’s all happening,” she says. 

Full Story.

MV Rotary Hosts a Fantastic EMV After Hours at Scout Hall

MV Rotary always delivers, this time with a delightful EMV After Hours at Scout Hall, thanks to the generous donation of the space by Roberta Keller. With generosity, spirit and a focus on making the world around us – and beyond us – a better place, MV Rotary remains uniquely capable of making our town better. See you on April 18 @ Assembly/WrapManager at 319 Miller. Full Photos From Gary Ferber. 

With the Tragic Loss of James "Tony" Coyle, We've Lost a Gem of a Human Being

The Mill Valley Chamber's collective hearts are as heavy as they can be this week with the tragic loss of James "Tony" Coyle, a longtime Chamber member and Ambassador whose words brought laughter and whose deeds directly impacted the lives of those around him for the better. Tony has left us at 83 years old. Full Story. 

Caroline Joachim Earns Seat on Mill Valley City Council

Joachim, an 18-year resident, parent, community volunteer and real estate attorney, won the March 7th election to fill a seat open after former councilmember Sashi McEntee Sabaratnam moved out of town. She defeated Susan Gladwin, 66% to 34%. Joachim has deep roots in the community and has been a leader at Old Mill PTA and MV Little League. More Info On Joachim.

Council Denies Bob Silvestri's Appeal of Planning Commission's Approval of Richardson Terrace Project

In a 3-1 vote with Councilmember Max Perrey voting against, the City Council agreed to reject an appeal by Bob Silvestri of Community Venture Partners, who appealed the Planning Commission's approval of the mixed-use project referred to as Richardson Terrace. Full Story. 

Marin Theatre Co. Seeks Survey Input for Community's Palate for Post-Pandemic Theater

MTC wants to learn what you value most about live theatre experiences and how MTC can serve Marin residents more broadly and fully.  Please take this anonymous survey. At the end of your completed survey, you will get a code to receive a 15% discount on any ticket purchase to one show from now until the end of our 2023-24 season. Limit 4 tickets. Take the Survey Here. 

Revel in the Benefits of GA+ @ MV Music Fest – Ins & Outs!!

One of the concerns we heard after the 2023 Mill Valley Music Fest was the desire of parents and their kids to be able to come and go during the event so that they could attend baseball, lacrosse and other games. We heard you!! The GA+ ticket includes all of the perks of General Admission plus a dedicated entrance lane to the festival, premium bathroom facilities and the aforementioned In and Out privileges at the front gate. Select the lowest tier for the best available price. More Info.

Listen to the 2023 MVMF Spotify Playlist Here.

No Doubt About It: The 2023 MV Music Fest is Powered by Our Incredible Sponsors, Spanning Our Businesses & Community Members!

Want to see your business spotlighted on a giant banner at MVMF like last year's to the left? Join our amazing lineup of sponsors! Full Story.

Get More Info on Sponsorships.

Southern Marin Fire District Launches New Website for Neighborhood Response Group

The NRG program is a neighbors-helping-neighbors effort that seeks to connect individuals and neighborhoods to resources, education, and training that will help them to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. 

Full Story.

Cusimano Taps Howe as Arts & Rec Director, Taking Over for the Retiring Sean McGrew

McGrew “has managed the Recreation Department’s response to the pandemic, providing emergency shelter for fire evacuees, and the re-envisioning of the City’s Arts and Recreation programs.” 

Full Story.

With New Anti-Bias Campaign, MVFREE and Mill Valley Police Tackle a Vexing Issue

MVFREE’s greatest work in recent months has been an anti-bias campaign involving educational flyers being mailed to homeowners containing three steps that teach white people how to curb the over-policing of Black people. Full Story.

With Kiddo! Director Lampl Stepping Down at the End of the 2022-23 School Year, Organization Seeks a Successor

“Kiddo! is looking for an energetic person who is passionate about quality education in our schools to be our new Executive Director." Full Story.

Here’s Why We Created the Mill Valley Music Fest – And What We Hope to Do With It (It’s Much More Than The Amazing Sights & Sounds)

What are we doing to provide direct support to our neighbors? We’re leveraging the incredible generosity of individuals and businesses for good by turning Community Sponsorships into hundreds of scholarship tickets for students and artists – more than 300 were distributed in 2022 – who might not otherwise be able to attend MVMF. The more sponsors we get, the more people will be able to attend on a scholarship ticket via local nonprofit organizations. Read the Full Story here.

Tam Glad Wellness and Adventure Co. Seeks to Connect Marin’s Bounty of Natural Beauty & Deliciousness To Our Bay Area Neighbors Who'd Revel In It

“Adam has an amazing, bigger perspective on this, particularly with his connections and his experience organizing big events,” Clark says. “My expertise is doing what I do. That’s where I can work my magic. Organizing buses and planning logistics and being the travel agent of the experience – that’s a huge bonus for us to lean on.” Full Story.

Let’s face it: The Blithedale Project, a complete makeover of one of Mill Valley’s two main arterials, is necessary work. But it’s also already been a long slog, and our merchants, restaurants, galleries and nonprofit organizations in the downtown area are still feeling the adverse impact.

We are grateful to city officials for agreeing to do everything possible to avoid construction impacts on the business community in the fourth quarter of 2023, and to avoid all but emergency work during the Thanksgiving and Holiday weeks. The city's assurance of relief for Q4 is welcome news. We’re also grateful for the City’s stated strategies to address the impacts of major construction planned for downtown throughout the summer  construction, including... Full Story.

Sweetwater Music Hall Dials Up ‘Loretta Lives,’ a Tribute to the Music of the Legendary Loretta Lynn – April 16

The venue has a special treat in store as it hosts “Loretta Lives! A Tribute to the Music of Loretta Lynn,” performed and curated by Laura Benitez and the Heartache. Full Story.

Beth Brody & Team Link Up With Milo Foundation for ‘Pups on the Plaza’ –April 22

The latest edition of this event is set Saturday, April 22, from 11am-2pm on the jam-packed Depot Plaza with an array of fun-filled activities for the entire family. There will be a variety of dogs seeking their “forever” home and plenty of puppies to entertain everyone. Full Story.

Get Ready, Stay Ready: City Debuts Emergency Preparedness  Emergency Preparedness Guide For All Employees in Mill Valley

If the past few weeks haven't provided us with enough reminders that we must focus on keeping each other safe, the City of Mill Valley has created a four-page guide for new and seasoned employees in businesses and organizations throughout Mill Valley. You Can View and Print the Full Guide Here.

Reminder: All requests for promotion must be made by Monday at 12pm for inclusion in that week's Friday Flash and EMV Blog. Thank you!. 

Questions? We'Re Happy to Chat.

Mill Valley Love Fest Continues

Restaurant Review: Mill Valley’s Mamahuhu Serves Tasty, Well-Executed Chinese American Cuisine

Look around the restaurant and you’ll see cartoon-like pictures of horses and tigers. Mamahuhu translates as “careless” or “so-so.” There is nothing careless or so-so about this restaurant. It is well thought-out and executed. Full Story.

Financial Times: Countercultural Cool of Marin County

Anthony Meier Gallery in Mill Valley recently wrapped its showcase of a group of international artists who all, for one reason or another, chose to live in Marin County between the ’40s and the ’70s. The show was Meier’s first in his new gallery space, having relocated to Marin from San Francisco’s Pacific Heights after nearly three decades. Full Story.

For Diablo Mag, Mimi Towle Basks in the Wonders of MV

"There are plenty of unique shops at MVLY, as well as Watershed restaurant. If you’d rather grab and go, head up Miller Avenue to Equator Coffees or the historic Depot Café and Bookstore.This café and former railroad station has recently been renovated and provides a fabulous opportunity for people watching. Stroll up Throckmorton to spots like the Poet and the Bench, where you’ll find art, jewelry, and home goods. Full Story.

IJ: Coho is Marin's First Fine Dining Spot That's Exclusively Dedicated to Sustainable Seafood and Seasonal Veggies

“We’ve been building relationships with amazing fishermen, farmers and purveyors, and continue to add more,” Felicia Ferguson says of the suppliers their chef and partner David Kornell has built to help execute their culinary vision. Full Story.

More More More

SFGate's Mueller Touts Mill Valley's Deliciousness & Beauty – And We’re So Grateful!

Feel the 94941 Love: Marin Mag Shines Its Bright Spotlight on the 2022-23 EMV Guide

Since we published our 2022-23 Enjoy Mill Valley Guide print magazine, which went out to nearly 40,000 homes within the August issue of Marin Magazine, our longtime partners have embedded the 48-page guide on their site here for more than a month. We’re incredibly grateful for that 94941 love! These assets are timed not only to promote the Guide, which includes all Chamber members, but also to encourage holiday shopping in Mill Valley – #ShopMV! Full Story.

Go here for the Full 2022 EMV Guide.

Discounts Abound With the Chamber Saver Card for Businesses & Consumers!

Our Chamber Saver Discount program an easy, effective way to encourage our Chamber Members to support other Members, Shop Local and save money while doing so, is now 7 years old! It's this simple: Members offer other members discounts at whatever level they choose. Email us if you want to participate and offer a discount; email us if you have questions; and email us if you need a new card. More Info.

Curated News You Can Use

Curated News From Mill Valley & Beyond – Week of March 20

We hope you agree that we’re one of the best sources of news and information in Marin, a communications pipeline that directly connects to the broader 94941 and Bay Area via maps, magazines and the Enjoy Mill Valley Blog.

Full List of Stories.

EMV Film Series

Our EMV Films series highlights some of the myriad creative businesses, organizations and people in Mill Valley. Thanks to filmmaker Norm Hunter and his team. To date, we've put the spotlight on historic family businesses, inspiring chefs, nightlife, MV Lumber Yard, health & wellness and the family-centric spaces of Miller Ave. – more to come!

Go here to check Out the Films We'Ve Released to Date.

Wondering What Our

Members Think of Our Work?

Watch this Video.

Member Spotlights

Monthly Membership Plans!

For your convenience, we offer monthly, subscription-style billing for our Mill Valley Chamber members through Stripe. Email us with questions, and let us know if you'd like to switch over to a monthly plan when you're up for renewal!

Sign Up for City's New MV Connect E-Newsletter

Looking to catch up on what's happening with the City of Mill Valley? The MV Connect e-newsletter has it all. Click here to sign up for it. If that doesn't satiate your thirst for City news, the E-Notification program has dozens of topics about which you can sign up to receive email blasts. Click here to read the latest edition.