San Anselmo Optometry, Red Hill Troubles and Ice Cream Headaches

Fresh Eyes the Focus at New Optomertry Clinic

After practicing in Berkeley for 30 years, Dr. Larry Harrison sold his practice and went into an early retirement. But the work bug had bitten Dr. Harrison, and it was only a few years into his retirement that he decided to open a new clinic in San Anselmo.

"We decided on San Anselmo because of the community feel," fellow optician Royce Kakar explains.

Dr. Harrison has lived in Marin County for over 25 years. The new clinic, located at 634 San Anselmo Avenue, will provide patients will complete eye exams, contact lenses and treatment for many eye diseases. The space will also play host to an optical boutique with a large selection of modern, unique and classic eyewear styles. Additional product lines include prescription and non-prescription sunglasses and eyewear for children of all ages.

Dr. Kakar is looking forward to seeing patients in his new space.

"We are so excited to be here and be a part of Marin."

Something Corporate This Way Comes?

The Scoop has learned of possible plans that corporate chain stores Chipotle and Pet Arcade may soon be calling Red Hill home.

Local residents are alarmed at the cost such businesses may inflict on local alternatives Burritoville, O.B.B. and San Anselmo Pet Center. Look for a more in-depth follow-up on this pressing issue in a future installment of The Scoop.

Fairfax Scoop Gets the Cold Shoulder

Patrons of the newly opened Good Earth in downtown Fairfax may have noticed a special brand of ice cream in their freezer cases. That would be Three Twins Creamery, the Nothern California company known for their high-end product and inventive flavors.

What has employees and customers of town staple Fairfax Scoop upset is the potential detriment to business. The Fairfax Scoop has always been the undisputed king of icy treats in town, but now sweet-toothed customers will have a choice. The Scoop is confident it will be their product that people choose, but the advent of Three Twins certainly has their attention and concern.

A Good Neighbor George Lucas Makes

Well before the residents of Lucas Valley went all negative, maybe they should have checked in with San Anselmo on resident George Lucas. San Anselmo Mayor Tom McInerney shared his thoughts with Patch on the Grady Ranch debacle and George Lucas' track record in the community.

George Lucas has been a great neighbor and steward in San Anselmo, most recently demonstrated by the utility undergrounding work along Redhill Avenue he paid for and the rebuilding of what is now the Amazing Grace building across from United Market.  I think it's a real shame that a tiny group of residents up at Lucas Valley Estates could have such a negative impact on our whole region.  I really hope Lucasfilm will realize that it's not in this alone, but that it has a broad segment of the population of Marin in its corner on this project.  I also hope that our board of supervisors will redouble its efforts in terms of outreach to George and the rest of Lucasfilm.  It would be a travesty if 20 years from now this property is just another housing subdivision instead of the Grady Ranch studio and open space preserve.

Have a tip? Notice a For Sale sign or a new store moving in? Email me: zruskin@gmail.com. About this column: Zack gets the scoop on local businesses and restaurants closing, opening, changing owners, remodeling and any other exciting business happenings.

[Guest Editor Tracey Ruiz contributed to this story]