Social Media Verdict, Cosby Ruling & Godfather House — Marin Living
Social Media Verdict, Cosby Ruling & Godfather House — Marin Mar 23-29 Social Media Verdict, Cosby Ruling & Godfather House MARCH 23 – 29, 2026 Hey neighbor, This week brings a mix of heavy news and welcome spring relief. A landmark social media addiction trial concluded in Los Angeles with ties to a San Rafael family, while a civil jury awarded a former Sausalito restaurant worker $59.25 million in a lawsuit against Bill Cosby. On a lighter note, the record-breaking heatwave has finally broken, giving way to perfect weather for exploring the blooming wildflowers on Mount Burdell in Novato or checking out Francis Ford Coppola's historic Mill Valley estate, which just hit the market. If you only read one thing this week, make it the story on the new federal e-bike safety legislation proposed by our own Rep. Jared Huffman, sparked by the ongoing safety efforts right here in Marin County. — Your friends at Living in Marin In This Issue → This Week's Best Bets → Top Stories → Crime & Safety → Real Estate → Kids & Family → Social Buzz → Events & Things to Do → Trail of the Week 🌤️ Weather & Weekend Outlook Short version: The intense heat wave has ended! We're back to pleasant, typical spring weather with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Monday-Wednesday: Partly cloudy with highs in the upper 60s. Breezy west winds around 20 mph. Thursday-Friday: Mostly cloudy mornings giving way to partly cloudy afternoons. Highs in the lower 70s. Weekend: Mostly clear and beautiful on Saturday with highs in the lower 70s. Sunday will see some morning clouds before clearing up. Perfect weekend for a wildflower hike on Mount Tam or Mount Burdell before the slight chance of rain returns next Monday. Editor's Picks This Week's Best Bets 1. 🔭 Star Party — Mill Valley The Mill Valley Public Library and Marin Stargazers are hosting a star party with telescopes available for public use. It's happening from 7:15 to 9 p.m. this Friday at Hauke Park (1 Hamilton Drive). Admission is free with RSVP through the library. 2. 🌹 Mary Burdell Victorian Garden Tour — Novato Tour a rare surviving example of Victorian-era garden design in the Bay Area with guide Diane Einstein. The tour starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Olompali State Historic Park (8901 Redwood Blvd). Admission is free with RSVP; parking is $8. 3. 🐟 Herring Festival honoring Bob Weir — Sausalito Looking ahead to next week: Gather with local chefs, maritime enthusiasts, and environmental advocates on April 3 at the Sausalito Community Boating Center's 13th annual Herring Festival. The Tamaloha Band will perform Grateful Dead tunes to celebrate the late Bob Weir. Top Stories The Big Stuff This Week ⚖️ Landmark Social Media Trial Verdict Has Marin Ties A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube liable for designing addictive platforms, awarding $6 million to a 20-year-old plaintiff in a first-of-its-kind verdict. The trial has strong connections to Marin County: Paul and Victoria Hinks of San Rafael, whose daughter Alexandra died by suicide, have been prominent voices in the broader push to hold social media companies accountable for harms to children. Marin IJ Npr 🏛️ $59.25M Cosby Verdict Involves Former Sausalito Worker A civil jury awarded $59.25 million to Donna Motsinger, who was a server at a Sausalito restaurant in 1972 when Bill Cosby invited her to his comedy show in nearby San Carlos. The jury found Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting her, marking the largest financial penalty against the comedian to date. Fortune 🚲 Huffman Proposes Federal E-Bike Safety Laws U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman of Marin has co-authored a bipartisan bill aiming to establish tighter federal regulations on electric bicycles and motorcycles. The push for clear federal standards was sparked by the rapid growth of unregulated e-bikes and the safety initiatives pioneered right here in Marin County. Marin IJ 🛒 Good Earth Drops Petaluma Poultry Products Good Earth Natural Foods, a prominent Marin County grocery chain, has ended its relationship with Petaluma Poultry (a subsidiary of Perdue Foods). The decision follows claims made by an animal activist group regarding conditions at the company's chicken farms. Press Democrat 🏆 Novato Student Wins State Poetry Championship Congratulations to Lillian Braly! The junior at the Marin School of the Arts at Novato High School won first place in the annual California Poetry Out Loud competition, showcasing incredible talent on the state stage. Marin IJ 🏕️ Pushback Against Tam Union Outdoor Program Cuts The Tamalpais Union High School District is facing community pushback over proposed plans to curtail a two-year outdoor learning program. District officials cite financial sustainability, staffing limitations, and excessive absences as reasons for the proposed cuts. Marin IJ Crime & Safety Stay Safe, Marin ⚠️ Fatal Kayak Accident on Tomales Bay A tragic incident occurred Saturday evening when a kayak overturned in rough waters and high winds sout