North Bay Woman

S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 21 Sally Field, Rosario Dawson and Reese With- erspoon, who know firsthand that the film industry's perception of women has affected their ability to land good roles: "It's really bad for women. They've all said it's gotten worse." As the movie industry increasingly caters to the international market, Newsom explains, films are "dumbed down and hyper-sexu- alized. The industry is having a lot of prob- lems." Does she see herself returning to movies and television one day? "I don't know if I'll act again," she says. "It's just not practical since we live here." Given her daily focus on gender stereotyp- ing, it's no surprise that Newsom watches her children carefully to make sure the messages they're receiving are healthy ones. She's also witnessed firsthand the differences between raising girls and boys. "Hunter," she says, "is not as keen to sit still. He's very active. The physicality, one could argue, is more boyish. But he's actually gentler with the baby than Montana is. He's very loving and affectionate. I really try to nurture his loving, gentle side." Both she and her husband played a lot of sports growing up, Newsom says, "so naturally our kids will be athletic. But I want to encourage what they're passion- ate about." Hunter loves to dance, for instance, so for a time he attended a ballet class. "I want to encour- age his love of dance. It's not just something that girls should know how to do. All parents need to be comfortable with letting their kids explore everything." And that's precisely what the Newsoms do with their three children. "We love to explore nature and tell stories and dance. We're pretty private and we like to stay home. I'm just so grateful to be here (in Marin). There are endless activities to do with the kids." Marin County and the greater Bay Area feel like home. "I just think it's a healthier place to raise a family," Siebel says. "I love the philanthropic community here, the diver- sity. We're such a rich culture and there's so much intellectual substance. My heart and soul is one of a Northern California girl. Over the last few years, Newsom says she has become a more laid-back mother. When Montana was born, "I was ridiculously paranoid. I was a psycho, always checking on her. I was a sleep- deprived mess. With Hunter, I was > Above: The Newsom family. Photo courtesy Jennifer Siebel Newsom. 209 Western Ave., Petaluma 707-778-8277 www.petalumagalleryone.com Since 1988 Fine Art & American Craft DISCOVER UNIQUE GIFTS Handmade in North America ■ jewelry ■ pottery ■ decorative accessories ■ art glass ■ paintings

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