Mill Valley Chamber Members,

We shared with you last week our exciting, upcoming transition to a new platform that will bring upgrades and enhancements that will make your experience with us even better. We're excited to give you a sneak peek of the enhancements that are on the way. Here's a glimpse of what's in store:

Easy portal access to: 

Submit your businesses' events to be added to the EnjoyMillValley.com website

Update your individual or organization’s profile info and directory listing information

Choose a membership payment option that works best for you, including secured autopay

 A merged Chamber Website with the EnjoyMillValley.com website to better showcase your business and business events

Stay tuned for more details and a full walkthrough of these exciting improvements in the coming weeks. We're just getting started! Thank you for being a valued member of the Chamber and the Mill Valley community!

AFTER HOURS FINAL STRETCH

Let's Gather at Marin Rugs!

EMV After Hours – November 14th @ Marin Rugs, 5:30-7pm. Owner Diyar Borak: "We are excited to invite you to an exclusive event that promises to be an evening of connection, celebration, and inspiration. Please mark your calendars for our upcoming "EMV After-Hours Party." This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to the Mill Valley community and the remarkable entities that bring it to life, from businesses and nonprofits to the incredible individuals who drive its success. MORE INFO.

CHECK OUT GARY FERBER'S PHOTOS OF OUR OCTOBER AFTER HOURS.

EMV EMV Holiday Party @ Porsche Marin – Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm After Hours – November 14 @ Marin Rugs, 5:30-7pm

Want to host a 2024 EMV After Hours in 2024?
Let us know here ASAP!

City of MV, MV Chamber Celebrate United Against Hate Week, Promote Art Contest to Illustrate What Kindness in MV Means, & More – Nov. 12-18

The organizations join cities across the country in a call for local civic action to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to safety and civility. This year, we invite the youth of Mill Valley to participate in a powerful art-driven expression against hate and bias. It’s your voice, your message of hope, and your vision of “Kindness in Mill Valley” that we want to share. FULL STORY.

Sweetwater Readies Anniversary Benefit Gala to Support Its Non-Profit Work, Featuring The Tubes & DJ Logic – Nov. 17

The 51st anniversary celebration promises to be a night to remember as The Tubes, seminal to the Bay Area in the 70s and 80s and renowned for their groundbreaking music and live performances, bring their unique blend of rock, punk, and avant-garde theatrics to the stage. They'll be joined by turntablist DJ Logic. FULL STORY.

Former MV City Councilman Files Appeal to Reverse Planning Commission’s Unanimous Approval of the Proposed Treehouse Project at Former BofA Building

Wachtel seeks to compel the City Council to reverse the decision on a number of grounds, including that “there was no consideration of the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” that it went against the city’s MV2040 General Plan, as well as noise, parking and the membership concept. FULL STORY.

Additional Coverage:

Planning Commission Approves Proposed Treehouse Project at Former BofA Building and Makes a Compelling Case for More Vibrancy and Less Car Dependency

SF clothing execs to turn century-old building in heart of Mill Valley into private club

Kelly Scott, Owner of The Goods, Debuts ‘More Goods,’ a Pop-Up in the Former Terrestra Space at 30 Miller Ave. That Runs Thru December

Scott, the former owner of both the Alpha Dog shop as well as Sundry, a kitchen- and garden-focused store that was at 118 Throckmorton Ave., formerly home of Branded Boutique, the Mill Valley Hat Box and MV Market – is leveraging the space for a bountiful holiday season. FULL STORY.

Calling Female Entrepreneurs: Three Local Marin Founders Host an Evening of Inspiration, Resilience & More – Assembly, Nov. 15th, 5:30-7:30

The trio “seeks to provide both networking opportunities and encouraging lessons and insights from panel trailblazers in our own backyard,” Powers says. “From a birds eye view to curated questions related to the panelists’ business this ambitious team hopes you leave with at least one takeaway that inspires an action.” FULL STORY.

Dazzled by MV Lumber Yard, Amanda and Richard Weld Expand their Ultra-Creative Tantrum Shop to Mill Valley
“Walking around the property, you could feel the incredible care and almost hear the sound of the huge lumber trucks rolling through the old yard. “It almost feels as if Matt and his team built the place from scratch – it’s incredible,” Richard Weld says. FULL STORY.

As WeWork Seeks Bankruptcy Protection & Court Approval to Exit Leases, MV Location Isn’t On the List, For Now

WeWork Mill Valley, the co-working space that opened in March 2019 and hosted an EMV After Hours event and later a Wellness Fair, isn't expected to be too deeply caught up in the company's recent bankruptcy filing, at least for now. FULL STORY

Polls Are Open: Vote For Your Favorite MV Businesses & Organizations in the Marin IJ’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

“Everyone is encouraged to vote and every organization is encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to humbly promote ‘the vote’ and bask in the good vibes whether or not they win a recognition award,” organizers say. FULL STORY.

After Win Over Redwood, Tam Football Eyes Matchup at Casa Grande High in NCS Playoffs – Nov. 10 @ 7pm

“Redwood is always a great opponent every year and a great rival,” Young told the IJ. “We definitely had the game circled on our schedule. We came out hot and got it done. I feel great where we are right now. This win was definitely a great confidence boost for the playoffs.” FULL STORY

San Francisco Chronicle Highlights Bay Area Death Care Workers Who’ve Charted Unconventional Paths in the Industry, Including at Mill Valley's Fernwood Cemetery

“To speak to Bay Area death care workers who’ve charted unconventional paths in the industry is to realize that many fears of death are disguised desires to avoid honestly assessing our lives. It’s also to realize that creating ritual and meaning around death is its own kind of art.” FULL STORY

THE ARTS

Desta Gallery Continues Art Curatorial Program at Depot Cafe and Bookstore, With Bryn Craig Exhibit

Craig’s paintings skillfully capture the breathtaking natural beauty of Marin County. Through his artful composition, meticulous attention to detail, and keen aesthetic sensibility, he reminds us of the extraordinary region we are fortunate to call home. FULL STORY.

MV Arts & Culture Alert: NEA Reports Fewer People Are Going to Movies, Theater and Museums

While Mill Valley is rich with arts and culture at every level, we should never take it for granted. “Research released by the National Endowment for the Arts found that significantly fewer American adults are attending cultural activities such as classical music concerts, theater productions and movies than they did before the coronavirus pandemic.” FULL STORY.

Chamber Hosts Artist Jamie Madison’s ‘Partly Truth, Partly Fiction’ Paintings – Thru Nov. 

Madison studied printmaking and painting with Wayne Thiebaud at UC-Davis and returned to painting full time over the past six years. Rooted in a sense of place among farmlands and coastal regions of Northern California, her paintings navigate a partly seen, partly imagined terrain. FULL STORY.

Op-Ed: California Has a $20 Billion Problem and No Clear Way to Solve It
California’s unemployment insurance fund debt could grow to $19.7 billion by the end of the year. FULL STORY.

Sound the Alarm: Marin’s Sea Level Rise Costs Could Reach $17 Billion

Dana Brechwald, a climate official at the BCDC, stepped into that breach last month, telling the Marin County Board of Supervisors that Marin County is facing about $17 billion in expenses to protect itself from the rising sea, the second highest cost estimate in the Bay Area, per the Marin IJ. FULL STORY.

City Builds on Partnership with Google, Identifies Use of Hamilton Drive and Emergency Evacuation in a Single Car as Key Strategies

With the arrival of Madrona Bakery at 17 Madrona St. downtown, a town that lacked a single bakery only

Play Marin Continues to Build on Annual Walk-a-Thon, Seeks to Raise Awareness and Deepen Ties Between Marin City and Mill Valley – Nov. 11

The debut was a resounding success, and they’re hosting the third annual edition of the Walk-a-Thon on Saturday, Nov. 11th along the same path. 
FULL STORY.

Foodgressing Touts the Deliciousness of Le Marais Bakery on East Blithedale

Foodgressing.com, a food, travel and lifestyle brand sharing news and reviews on restaurants, products, travel and local happenings and founded in 2014 by Areta Wong, has trained its foodie eye on the incredibly delicious Le Marais Bakery at 250 East Blithedale. FULL STORY.

EQUITY & HOUSING

Marin IJ: Marin County Makes Slight Gains Towards Improved Racial Inequity

Catalyst ranks California’s 58 counties on how they perform in seven key areas: democracy, economic opportunity, crime and justice, access to health care, healthy built environments, education and housing. It also ranks the counties on the level of disparity that exists in the categories. FULL STORY

Council Backs Latest Iteration of Housing Element Thru 2031, Eyes Approval From California HCD Before It Can Be Enacted

“There are no new goals or policies being implemented in the latest update to the plan. The changes that staff are recommending are administrative and technical in nature,” and quite limited. FULL STORY.

Front Porch’s Home Match Program Links Homeowners with Underutilized Housing and Those Seeking Housing

“We made the first three matches of the pilot between June 30th and September 15th, and we’ve now allocated all of the dollars for the first round of funding ($50,000 over 2 years),” Barnesmoore says. “Per our eligibility requirements, all three participants make 60% of AMI or less and work in the City of Mill Valley. FULL STORY.

SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS

Mill Valley Philharmonic Presents ‘The Magic of Mahler,’ Featuring Soprano Jayne Diliberto – Nov. 10 & 11

The longtime Mill Valley institution, led by Artistic Director Dana Sadava, is unveiling its latest set of performances with the “Magic of Mahler,” a deep dive into Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in G Major featuring soprano Jayne Diliberto.
FULL STORY.

City, County Deliver Great Info on Green Biz Program & Foodware Ordinance For Those Who Couldn't Attend

The Foodware Ordinance is now in effect and enforcement begins Nov. 10th. This week's free seminar featured Green Business Coordinator Mark Chhabria and Danielle Staude, the City of MV's sustainability coordinator. FULL STORY. 

GO HERE TO VIEW FULL VIDEO AND A SERIES OF INFORMATIVE SLIDES.

MORE HELP ON THE WAY: Grace Ledwith, Mill Valley's new Sustainability /Climate Action Coordinator, is hosting Foodware Ordinance conversations on Wednesdays from 9-10 until Nov 8th. Email her here to coordinate! This is a great chance to get your questions addressed!

The New Employee Parking Stickers Are on Sale! Avoid That Ticket!

The expiration of the 6-month cycle of your current Employee Parking Permit has passed. Our office at 85 Throckmorton Ave. in the Depot building is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 12-4pm.
 FULL DETAILS – APPLICATION, PAYMENT ETC. HERE.

2023-24 EMV Guide Has Arrived – Let's Celebrate Our Amazing People, Places & Connections!

In recognition of the path we’ve traveled and the road ahead, we chose “connectivity” as the overarching theme of the 2023-24 Enjoy Mill Valley Guide that recently arrived on your doorstep and in your inbox. The Guide’s content emphasizes the bonds we developed, the lessons we learned, and, perhaps most importantly, the patterns we changed for the better, as many residents set aside the rat race commutes in favor of more time spent with family and friends in the 94941, engaging with our incredible restaurants, dynamite boutiques, nonprofit orgs and amazing service businesses.

GO HERE FOR THE FULL 2023-24 EMV GUIDE.

EQUITY

SF Chronicle Digs Into City of Mill Valley’s Affordable Housing Efforts and Friends of Hauke Park’s Lawsuit That Cites ‘Continued Discrimination’ Against Residents in Eastern Part of Town

The San Francisco Chronicle is the most recent news organization to take notice, with reporter Emily Hoeven quoting Jenny Silva, a YIMBY watchdog and board chair for the Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative, as saying “it’s disingenuous to claim a fair housing violation when the area in question is 70% white and has a median household income of about $124,000. This is not a poor neighborhood by any stretch of the imagination.” FULL STORY.

MVMF SIMPLY DOES NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT OUR SPONSORS & VENDORS – PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THEM!!

Some of the best coverage we've seen so far. (Amazing photos by Jon Bauer)

DIDN'T GET ENOUGH OF THAT LINEUP?
LISTEN TO THE 2023 MVMF SPOTIFY PLAYLIST HERE.

MORE INFO

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.

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 Nov. 6

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.