Good evening, avid Alex Baker enjoyers. It's been a while, hasn't it? You've probably been…read morewondering where I've been. I'm not here to waste your time, so I'll cut straight to the chase. One year ago, I was sentenced to prison due to a few grievous missteps I made in the past. My lawyer and I both agreed that it would be better if I didn't take too much detail on what happened that evening, but let's just say the incident involved Martha, the kids, and the dog. Alright, I'll start with the basics. Getting out of prison is a surreal experience -- sort of like the feeling when you've been at a long, boring movie and suddenly walk out into daylight, blinking. First thing I noticed? Space. So much space! You don't appreciate the simplicity of open sky and sidewalks until they're gone. The prison itself? Three stars at best. Let's be real; it's not exactly the kind of place you'd put on your bucket list, and I'd skip the accommodations if I could go back. The concrete rooms were sparse, the menu repetitive, and don't even get me started on the lack of privacy. Yet, it was, in a way, educational. You pick up resilience, you learn to live on limited resources, and -- I'll give it credit for this -- you gain an appreciation for things you used to overlook. Staff? Mixed reviews. Some were surprisingly decent, even humanizing, which matters more than you think in a place designed to remind you of your mistakes. Others were just fulfilling the stereotype: bored, hardened, and as much behind bars in their own way as we were. The interactions I had with them were sometimes grounding, sometimes humiliating, but always a reminder of the world waiting beyond the walls. Now, the other "inmates." They're not exactly the best company, but they are eye-opening. You get to know people you'd never meet outside, which changes you. It's where I learned not just about crime and punishment but about people, resilience, and redemption. Biggest takeaway? Freedom is priceless. There's something unquantifiable about taking a walk at your own pace, choosing your own food, or just sitting alone under a tree. So, to anyone tempted to try what I did to end up there? Hard pass. Save yourself the time, and the lesson. Trust me, you'd rather skip this 'experience' if you can. Overall, three stars for prison life, but five stars for what it taught me. Yours truly, Alex Baker.

Came here to fellowship with the residents serving time here for a church service. The place is…read morenow a rehabilitation center and residents are being trained to become productive members of society and not here for punishment like it used to be. The guards are friendly and kind to us volunteers. Still have stark reminders this is a prison when you hear the huge steel doors shut.

When the well's dry, we know desperately the worth of water. I've been a customer of Marin…read moreMunicipal Water District on and off since October 1975. It began operation 25 April 1912. PROS Unlike far too many other businesses: Their customer service has always been adequate with me. They properly credit my payments, have never misapplied my payment. Their website is reasonably user friendly for me. It has a lot of information I find useful as I review it once a month. To report water waste reportwaterwaste@marinwater.org or https://www.marinwater.org/forms/water-waste-report. CONS California is still officially in a drought. So why is it not better harvesting its water? Why isn't California storing all its rain water? Marin Municipal Water District, like all California water companies, has some reservoirs and dams for water storage. Most of the rain Marin gets has been and is flowing into storm drains that direct the rain into the Pacific Ocean or San Francisco Bay. I define that as water waste. I define that as a lack of storm water management. Instead of only water-conserving landscapes, I see too many water-guzzler grass lawns in Marin. I define that as water waste. I see far too much water-guzzler grass that is nonfunctional in Marin, including grass between roads and sidewalks and in medians, traffic circles, strips outside business parks, housing developments / homeowners associations, and more. I define that as water waste. The artificial turf industry has long been known to reduce carbon footprints by conserving billions of gallons of water per year by eliminating the need to water lawns. Artificial grass also eliminates the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. How about more underground aquifer storage aka wells, and above-ground enclosed storage tanks to store rainfall? How about above-ground enclosed storage tanks with retractable covers to catch rainfall? How about requiring roof gutters to direct rain water to stay on the property instead of wasting it into the storm drains? How about requiring homeowners and business owners harvest rain water for irrigation on their property? For rain is the time to be banking the water. Especially the rain from the these atmospheric rivers. When life places stones in your path, be the water. A persistent drop of water will wear away even the hardest stone. Unfortunately, like far too many businesses, Marin Municipal Water District does NOT have a Military Discount for the rare 1/2% of 1% of the population who are Active Duty, or a Veterans Discount for the rare 7% of the population who are Veterans. I would've rated 'em higher if they had a Military and Veterans Discount. I say to businesses and their owners. Like your Freedom? Then thank Active Duty and Veterans for it with a publicly disclosed Veterans and Military Discount every day. Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, ingratitude. - George Washington, Commander-in-Chief during American War for Independence, and 1st US President Having an Active Duty and Veterans Discount is clearly an easy and inexpensive way, and a Patriot way, for any business to create a positive impression of the business among people in and outside of the Military Community. Over and over 95% of current and past Military Personnel and their families say that they notice when companies are "Military-Friendly" and that an Active Duty and Veteran Discount is what gives an immediate and positive first and lasting impression to any business. That also means 95% of current and past Military Personnel and their families notice when companies are NOT "Military-Friendly" and when companies DON'T have an Active Duty and Veteran Discount and that gives an immediate and negative first and lasting impression to any business. March is Women's History Month and National Disability Awareness Month Corpsman (medic) Margie Talavera , US Navy Veteran from Viet Nam war, was left wounded with PTSD and was homeless for years. When she wasn't sleeping on someone's couch, she and her Scottish terrier, Little Bear, were living in her car. In 2019, Swords to Plowshares https://www.yelp.com/biz/swords-to-plowshares-san-francisco, a non-profit that serves Bay Area Veterans in need, offered disabled Veteran Talavera a subsidized home at designed-to-serve-Veterans Edwin M. Lee Apartments in San Francisco. Talavera sees her subsidized home as the most significant way to honor people who have Served their country. "We learned in the military to look out for each other, and we still do that." "When I'm walking on the street, I will point to this beautiful building," Talavera says. "I am really proud of it. It just makes a statement." San Francisco's diverse culture is represented in Talavera's building neighbors, all disabled Veterans, half of whom are black, Indigenous or people of color.

Bravo Bravo--Great Park Rangers looking out for the hikers!…read more Probably many people don't realize that this utility actually manages a very large watershed containing many lakes and reservoirs. I had the good fortune to run into one of your Park Rangers--Barry. I was on a fairly long bike ride around the lakes in the Mount Tamalpais watershed, and had gone off hiking on the Pumpkin trail near Lake Lagunitas. The park ranger happened to see my bike left near a trail. He actually parked and waited a half hour to make sure I was okay. Of course, I was okay, but he did not know that. I could have been seriously hurt and he wanted to make sure everything was all right. So he went the extra mile. When I returned and reassured the ranger I was okay, we had a great conversation talking about the Watershed and geocaching Adventures. This area is probably one of the most beautiful properties in the entire Northern California Bay Area. I appreciate the diligence of your employees, as well as preserving the safety of the water supply. That's what I call outstanding service! (Next time I will leave a note on my bike.)

Notice there are no new reviews whether positive or negative since like 2022, it is 2024 at the…read moretime of this review. I'll present the facts first: I was driving in the slow lane, picked up my phone briefly for a second (as in literally then put it down) without even activating the screen, therefore it is like any other object in that moment and then the CHP patrol car in the far left lane started tailing me for some time, pulled up to the left and then pulled in front of me, flashing the light for a second before getting off at the next exist. Interpretation: This is a guy who is itching to exercise/abuse his authority but knew he didn't have me on anything since I was not speeding, even though I didn't speak or text on the phone nor even brought it anywhere close to me, it was simply within arms reach in the passenger side seat. I think this is a psychological issue but they will not filter for people like this nor do anything about it. Every officer is different, but experience like this makes me disgusted at even addressing one with respect with the title of officer. Notice none of the Yelp listings are claimed either and there are reviews dating years back. It seems to me whether you're writing a positive or negative review what it comes down to is they don't care. It's a nice idea that a positive experience is published, but will they even see those? I also know at other times when I've called to report something the person answering sounded like I'm just a bother. Heaven forbid actual public safety is taken care of.

Thank you Brian for making a stressful situation go as smoothly as possible…read more Had to obtain a release for a vehicle that was in my name, before going to the impound yard. The officer running the front window was polite, helpful and helped make it happen. Thank you again

If you want to deal with a driving test examiner who hates his job, makes you feel just how much he…read morehates his job, and seems entitled to patronize you, Corte Madera DMV is the place for you. Agent ID 18. There is absolutely no way leadership hasn't had complaints about this agent. Leadership needs to address this ASAP! My other experiences at this DMV have been OK, actually.

Wow for 3 hours just two window open at 10:40am open one more and now everything have to do by…read morescanning QR code when some people don't have smart phone some others don't know how to smart phone or use websites I was 6 min waiting to get a number when a lady come and say yo everyone to scan the QR code just thinking some people are going to need help from some worker to talk with a real people try to do everything electronic people coming from Novato to the renew registration because now Novato DMV don't do that for real so where all taxes going ???

The US Postal Service (USPS) operates this tiny post office in San Quentin Village. It's located on…read moreMain St, right outside the East Gate of San Quentin State Prison. The other day, I had to bring a special delivery to this post office. I just wanted to say thank you to Mr Cendon Wood, for giving me the best customer service! As soon as I pulled up, he asked how he could help me. I told him the situation, and he already knew how to receive it and who to call. The parcels were protected from heat, and properly stored. Cendon has an incredibly positive attitude. ----------------------------------------- Notes: Very limited parking at this post office.

Cendon and Rashida continue to provide excellent service. In a way, they operate a post office,…read morebut they also effectively provide a "community center" for the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and the San Quentin Village.

I've gotten my COVID vaccinations here. Friendly, organized, modern, professional, clean…read more Impressive!

I just got a ticket for being over 18 inches away from the curb. By officer A Shaw number36, I…read morepulled out a measuring tape, and measured it. It's only 16 inches! He obviously did not measure it! The good part was I called the officer trough the switch board of the police department, left a message, He cared to call back and clarify the issue, and in fact I was mistaking the Law. The measurement was from the passenger side not the driver side----- So, Now I have to pay a $40.00 ticket. But I liked the fact, that there are real people behind Law enforcement that care to communicate!

I joined yelp specifically to post about my experience with the Twin Cities Police Department…read moretoday. Suffice it to say, if I could give them a Zero, I would. I understand that issuing citations is part of the job and there is a certain stress level built into the occupation. In general, I respect law enforcement and I'm a law abiding citizen with absolutely no previous record. Today, I was pulled over while riding my bicycle for "rolling through" a stop sign. Fair enough, a verbal warning and/or a ticket followed by an exchange of pleasantries such as "Be safe, and have a nice day" would have been greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, instead of returning the respect that I was showing the officer, I received nothing but disrespect from the officer. I'm extremely disappointed in the lack of people skills and frankly the lack of respect this individual displayed as a representative of law enforcement. I'm usually a very positive person but this experience just left me so drained and bummed out that I felt it necessary to join yelp to express my dissatisfaction. Please note: I'm not advocating that civil disobedience, malfeasance, or the like should be tolerated by law enforcement. However, it seems to me that the police need to start showing a little respect when dealing with the folks who they are supposed to be serving. I'm seriously struggling with whether or not to favorably support law enforcement related programs moving forward as I feel helplessly under served by a group who touts they are here "To protect and serve". I'm hopeful that this message resonates loud and clear to those who are either currently serving as officers and/or those who are considering a career in law enforcement.

I see San Rafael Police department handle a person who I believe called SFPD…read more He was having a mental health issue yet Dan Rafael Police did super good on resolving the situation. And made sure of extra Police officers to be on site. This had happened a few days ago at Target San Rafael CA Brsvo SFPD

They did absolutely nothing when a car hit and run my vehicle. They tried to talk me out of filing…read morea report at all because they didn't want to do anything or the work. Never followed up. Didn't hold anyone accountable despite clear as day evidence who did it. Tax money should not be spent paying these lazy's salaries. Pathetic.

I mainly pick up books that I have placed on hold, so I forget how much space there is inside…read more There is a community room with plenty of seating to study, a teen area, free events, guest speakers, computers & printers, and helpful staff to answer questions. I will definitely consider spending time there the next time I feel stir crazy working on a project at home.

Corte Madera Library is the perfect escape to allow for productive work…read more The Corte Madera Library is one of the smaller libraries in the Marin area. However, it has a quaint charm that really draws me back. Although a bit of a drive from where I live, I like to on occasion drop by the Corte Madera Library especially when I have a meeting free day at work. It is somewhat hidden covered with plenty of greenery in the surrounding area. I appreciate that there are plenty of spacious work spaces that not only allows for natural light, but also an excuse to stare outside. No need to worry about outlets because there are plenty of those too. For those who need a computer, there are stations available. In need of a caffeine boost, there is a Peet's conveniently located across the street! Or if you are more of a Starbucks or Philz Coffee person, those are just a few blocks away. If you are interested in checking out books, DVDs, or CDs, they do have a decent selection but a little limited because of its smaller size. However, if you are willing to wait, the librarians can help get books from another branch delivered if avaialble. Another downside with the smaller size is the smaller parking lot, but there is definitely ways to find a reasonable parking spot walking distance from the library. Overall, Corte Madera Library is a great place to get work done especially if you are in the Corte Madera area.

Fascinating for history students...rare finds...travel far...in Bay Area...house museum with Maple…read moreLawn building...Elk's Lodge? Downtown San Rafael has a main street with shops and restaurants...like old times...fun...anytime really...it's not hard to visit some parts of outer Bay Area counties...this area has access with the transit center buses that go out of the bridge area...nice adventure...some people are ignorant of buses...sometimes buses are a better to way to transport...house museums are in all directions NWSE...etc...this one is different...it says that the daughter was a polar photographer, geographer, and went on expeditions...related to Canada etc...really wonderful time to visit the history house...quiet community...scholarly...athletic...

MHM has some excellent programs, both over zoom and in person. I attended Jo Haraf's discussion of…read moreher book Murder, Marriage, and Betrayal, set mostly in Marin--Novato, San Rafael, Olompali--and learned so much about the founders of Marin County and it's early history. Marcy's walking tours sound fantastic, and since they are outside, they should be within covid protocols. Now that part of the collection is back in it's beautiful home in downtown San Rafael, it's more accessible. Reach out.