Smog checks available now—always ready when you are

Hamilton's Smog

We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2025. Experience quick and convenient service at Hamilton's STAR Smog Check, your local Novato inspection station. Since 2021, we've been serving the community with efficient smog checks for all types of vehicles, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid cars, as well as large trucks and RVs. Our certified technicians perform both STAR and non-STAR inspections, ensuring your vehicle meets all state requirements. Simply drive in for a hassle-free inspection, with most vehicles completed in under 30 minutes.

Marin County

Albert Gregory

Bay Area

Novato

California

We test all vehicle, all ages 1976-2025. Experience quick and convenient service at Hamilton's STAR Smog Check, your local Novato inspection...

Free 20-Minute Photo Coaching Session with Camera or Lens

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Here in Berkeley, Looking Glass Photo is where gear, guidance, and community come together—since 1971. We’re a boutique-style camera shop that outfits photographers with exactly what they need and nothing they don’t. That means real conversations, hands-on help, and curated solutions across top brands like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony and more. We carry new gear, offer a thoughtful selection of preowned and consignment cameras and lenses, and place special orders when the perfect fit isn’t on the shelf. Learning is at the heart of what we do. Join our small-group classes and workshops, sign up for photo adventures in the wild (from tide pools to elk rut season), or dig into image reviews and practical technique sessions. Our Rentals program makes it easy to test drive the latest bodies, lenses, lighting and accessories—perfect for a weekend project or a big assignment—while our “Try Before You Buy” and paid Gear Outfitting service help you make confident choices. What makes us unique? Personalized coaching before and after a purchase, community-driven events (including our Photo Friends network), and a values-driven approach that puts longevity and stewardship first. We stand behind the gear we sell, keep darkroom and printing essentials flowing, and cheer on your growth every step of the way. Whether you’re brand-new to photography or a seasoned pro, Looking Glass is your trusted partner for classes, adventures, rentals, consignment and used gear, and a welcoming community that lifts each other up.

Alameda County

Fernando Haro

Berkeley

Here in Berkeley, Looking Glass Photo is where gear, guidance, and community come together—since 1971. We’re a boutique-style camera shop that...

A Journey with Dementia Starts with The CARE Method

Aging Solutions

We are a professional concierge agency that provides Care/Case Management for older adults and disabled adults. Our groundbreaking program is The CARE Method. Our clinical team includes a Physician Assistant, Dementia Certified RN and Medical Assistant. The CARE Method is able to stabilize difficult behaviors that are common with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Depression, Parkinson‘s Disease and other difficult diseases. We do not medicate to sedate and we treat all of our clients like our own family members. Our support for family members is unsurpassed and we love what we do. If we can add some of our magic to your lives, we will be honored and grateful to do so.

Larkspur-Corte Madera

We are a professional concierge agency that provides Care/Case Management for older adults and disabled adults. Our groundbreaking program is The...

Improv Marin

Get in here for laughs, fun, and creative courage! Dip your toe at a Free Taster Hour, or book us to help your team work better together. Improv Marin connects people and teams with courageous creative collaboration (improv) tools, then fosters exploration of the unknown at work, on stage, and in life.

San Rafael

Get in here for laughs, fun, and creative courage! Dip your toe at a Free Taster Hour, or book us to help your team work better together. Improv...

<a href="https://sanrafael.patch.com/jobs/careerbuilder">Take a look at local employment opportunities this week.</a> <figure><iframe src width="460" height="1000" data-src="http://patch-field.s3.amazonaws.com/widget-maker/b12f050cf54a314f662757882abfa9a1.html"></iframe></figure>

<a href="https://sanrafael.patch.com/jobs/careerbuilder">Take a look at local employment opportunities this week.</a> <figure><iframe src width="460" height="1000" data-src="http://patch-field.s3.amazonaws.com/widget-maker/b12f050cf54a314f662757882abfa9a1.html"></iframe></figure>

Looking for a new career? Check out who's accepting applications in the North Bay this week.

Who's Hiring: Wells Fargo, Levis, George Allen

Business

San Anselmo-Fairfax

Mill Valley

Contra Costa County

El Cerrito

Pinole-Hercules

Albany

San Francisco

San Francisco County

Rockridge

Join us for a FREE Introductory Piano Session in December.
(There is NO obligation to sign up for lessons!)
Saturday,    ...

Free Introductory Piano Session Sat 12/20

Marin

Kentfield

Now through December 21st, Bon Air Center is hosting an urgent Hat, Scarf, and Glove Drive to benefit St. Vincent de Paul. We...

Wrap A Neighbor in Kindness - An Urgent Appeal

CPC in Terra Linda Presents:  Concerts on the Corner
Holiday Free Concert Featuring Winter Wonderland String Quartet and Carol...

Free Concert - Winter Wander String Quartet & Carol Sing-A-Long

Light spreads hope and joy!
Join Chabad of Marin and the City of San Rafael as we celebrate the last Sunday night of Chanukah...

Downtown San Rafael's 4th Annual Giant Menorah Lighting & Gelt Drop

The community is invited to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael on Dec. 24 at 5:00...

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at First Presbyterian Church San Rafael 

Warm your winter heart with this knotty, twisted and wickedly fun workshop! In class, each ticket holder will receive a demo...

Soft Pretzel Class at a Brewery!

Man Arrested In Theft Of Beloved Bulldog |...

ALSO: Woman shot in East Bay; Roommate who begged for public's help now prime suspect; Car crash ignites hardware store.  

Man Arrested In Theft Of Beloved Bulldog | Celebrity Gang Rape Suit Tossed | Racist Vandalism: Patch PM

Community Corner

DUI Checkpoint Time And Place Announced For...

Police said they will be conducting an upcoming DUI checkpoint and have just announced when and where.

DUI Checkpoint Time And Place Announced For Marin County

DUI Checkpoint Time And Place Announced For This Marin County Town

Crime & Safety

Woman Shot In East Bay During Argument With Man...

The woman told police she was shot in the leg after getting into a confrontation with a man walking a dog on her way to the BART station.

Woman Shot In East Bay During Argument With Man Walking A Pit Bull: Report

Santa Clara County

Campbell

Woman Who Pleaded For Help Finding Roommate's...

A woman, who went on TV tearfully asking for the public's help to find the hit-and-run driver, is now the prime suspect, police said.  

Woman Who Pleaded For Help Finding Roommate's Hit-And-Run Killer Becomes Prime Suspect In Bay Area: Police

Bay Area Mortuary Gives Father Son's Brain In A...

The mortuary handed the father a bag, which led to him dumping his son's brain matter directly into his washing machine. 

Bay Area Mortuary Gives Father Son's Brain In A Bag Instead Of Clothes: Report 

CA Has 3 Of The 10 Healthiest Counties In The U...

MarketWatch ranked 576 U.S. counties across multiple health measures. See which CA county is No. 1 in the nation.

CA Has 3 Of The 10 Healthiest Counties In The U.S., New Study Says

Health & Fitness

Emily Rahhal 

Larkspur Restaurant On 2022 Wine Spectator List

A glass of wine is nice with dinner but this Marin restaurant goes above and beyond with its extensive lists and service. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Business & Tech

Who's Hiring: Wells Fargo, Levis, George Allen

Looking for a new career? Check out who's accepting applications in the North Bay this week.

Drew Himmelstein, Patch Staff

More from San Rafael

DUI Checkpoint Time And Place Announced For Marin County

Man Stops For Gas In Wine Country, Leaves In Handcuffs: Police

Box Cutter Attacker At Marin Home Depot Arrested: Police

Free Introductory Piano Session Sat 12/20

Wrap A Neighbor in Kindness - An Urgent Appeal

Free Concert - Winter Wander String Quartet & Carol Sing-A-Long

Downtown San Rafael's 4th Annual Giant Menorah Lighting & Gelt Drop

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at First Presbyterian Church San Rafael

Soft Pretzel Class at a Brewery!

Hamilton's Smog

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Aging Solutions

Improv Marin

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Who's Hiring: Wells Fargo, Levis, George Allen

Looking for a new career? Check out who's accepting applications in the North Bay this week.

Drew Himmelstein, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Drew Himmelstein, Patch Staff