Could you please advise me on the best way to get a list of women owned businesses in San Mateo, San Francisco, and Marin? Thank you.

The best place to track down women owned businesses in your area is through the National Association of Women Business Owners (#301-608-2590). I believe that this is their national headquarters -- and they are likely to have a chapter in the San Francisco area. I hope this helps--good luck.
—Amy