Marin County is drawing criticism from outsiders, but recently, the county finds itself humorously turning the tables on itself

Marin County, until recently, lacked a communal area to mock the perceived flawlessness of its residents, particularly the progressive individuals who strive to surpass each other in their ideals...

, and Administrator

2025 September 11 . 5:10 PM

2 min read

Residents of Marin County, once a target of mockery, now find themselves chuckling at their own... — Residents of Marin County, once a target of mockery, now find themselves chuckling at their own circumstances

Marin County is drawing criticism from outsiders, but recently, the county finds itself humorously turning the tables on itself

In the picturesque landscape of Marin County, once renowned for its dairy farms and natural beauty, a new voice has emerged, caricaturing the region as an enclave of privileged hippies. This voice belongs to Marin Lately, a satirical online publication that has filled a void by ridiculing Marin's perceived perfection and lack of diversity.

Marin Lately, with its style reminiscent of The Onion and Portlandia, has become a sensation in the region. The author, a 45-year-old writer named Patrick Heij, resides in Marin with his family. Heij, who grew up in San Francisco and moved to Marin for more space and an escape from the fog as his family grew, found ample material for satire in the tech boom of the Bay Area and the increased wealth in Marin County.

The publication's first post, titled "Tiburon Still Boring," was a satirical interview with Tiburon's mayor about a "landmark study" concluding that the town lacks much to do. Since then, Marin Lately has published headlines such as "Ross to Tentatively Welcome First Resident Not Traced Directly to Mayflower" and "Marin's Last Blue-Collar Resident Caught, Tagged."

The content of Marin Lately quickly spread across the region by word of mouth and social media, generating laughs and controversy. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, who purchased a $9 million mansion in the Marin community of Kentfield, is a fan of the publication. Even David Sutton, Marin's public defender, immediately loved a post and lives in Tiburon.

However, not everyone is amused. Critics have taken issue with Marin Lately, saying it makes fun of people, is a sham, and is not funny. Some have even argued that it perpetuates stereotypes and contributes to the region's lack of inclusivity.

Despite the controversy, the stories of Marin Lately have caught the attention of local literary agent Danielle Svetcov, who believes they could make a good book. As Marin County, located north of the Golden Gate Bridge, continues to grapple with issues of affordability, diversity, and its own self-image, the satirical publication offers a unique perspective on the region's complexities.

Marin County, known for its rolling hills, redwood forests, golden beaches, and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, has a voter majority that backed Kamala Harris in the 2020 presidential election. Yet, less than 3% of its population is Black, a fact that the publication addresses in its satire.

In the town of Sausalito, efforts to construct affordable housing units have been met with resistance, as seen in a lawsuit when the town tried to put low-income housing on a patch of underwater eelgrass. This resistance to change is a recurring theme in Marin Lately's satire, highlighting the region's struggle with growth and diversity.

As Marin Lately continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the delicate balance between satire and social commentary, and how it impacts the conversations around Marin County's future.