Randy's Guide CCIV (204)

Historic milestones: 38 years since the start of BART service; 160 years since the admission of California as the 31st state; and 196 years since Francis Scott Key's lyrics for "The Star Spangled Banner."


Local News
SFMTA voted unanimously to add 1,340 new parking meters over the next six months in 10 neighborhoods, including Civic Center, Fisherman's Wharf, CalTrain, and AT&T Park. The new-wave metered spaces will allow drivers to pay using credit cards, debit cards, parking cards, and coins. Expected annual revenue is $2 million. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/08/BAR71FA5ME.DTL


Deal of the Week
Next Wednesday will be free admission for the California Academy of Sciences, where admission typically runs about $25. www.calacademy.org


Change for Change
Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.org

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and Shanti.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Morning coastal and bay fog, followed by afternoon sunshine everywhere.

Highs: low-60s (coast); mid-60s (SF); low-70s (bay); low-80s (inland)
Lows: near 55



Movies {domestic revenues for September 3-6}
George Clooney moved "The American" to the top, with $16.6 million [2823 theatres; $5,902 per theatre; $19.8 million overall]. The action-packed "Machete" was second with $14.1 million [2670 theatres; $5,282 per theatre]. The Drew Barrymore romantic comedy "Going the Distance" finished fifth with $8.5 million [3030 theatres; $2,808 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Resident Evil: Afterlife (R): Action sequel; co-starring Milla Jovovich

Art-house films:
-Bran Nue Day (PG-13): Musical; co-starring Geoffrey Rush
-Change of Plans (NR): Comedy
-I'm Still Here (R): Documentary; co-starring Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck
-Legendary (PG-13): Sports drama; co-starring John Cena and Patricia Clarkson
-Mademoiselle Chabon (NR): Drama
-White Wedding (NR): Comedy
-A Woman, a Gun, and a Noodle Shop (R): Action comedy

DVD Pick - Boys Are Back (PG-13): Clive Owen is a major draw in this family drama about a father settling into his role as a single dad. Domestic box office: $0.8 million; foreign box office: $2.3 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Armenian Food Festival [Fri 7p-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-7p]: 53rd annual. Featuring Armenian food, dance, music, and more. At Saroyan Hall (SF). Free admission voucher at www.stgregorysf.org

* Film Night [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "Alice in Wonderland" in Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) on Friday, and "Amelie" in Washington Square Park (SF) on Saturday. www.filmnight.org

Flyaway Production Dances [Fri-Sat 8/9:30p, Sun 8p]: Featuring off-the-ground dances in honor of the Women's Building's 100th anniversary. At the Women's Building (SF). www.flyawayproductions.com

Webster Street Jam [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 9th annual. Featuring two live music stages, local food vendors (including Everett & Jones and Drakes Beer), and local international vendors. Along Webster St (Alameda). www.westalamedabusiness.com/events/jam.html

Mountain View Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 39th annual. Featuring live music, 600+ artisans, Pigskin Party Lounge, and more. Along Castro St (Mountain View). www.miramarevents.com/mountainview

Power to the Peaceful Festival [Sat 11a-5p]: 12th annual. Featuring Rupa and the April Fishes, Crystal Bowersox, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and more. In Golden Gate Park's Speedway Meadow (SF). www.powertothepeaceful.org

* Chocolate Festival [Sat-Sun noon-5p]: 15th annual. Featuring chef demos, ice-cream eating contest, children's entertainment, and local restaurants' interpretations of chocolate-based treats. In Ghirardelli Square (SF). Free entry, but $20 ticket equals 15 samples and a healthy donation to Project Open Hand. www.ghirardellisq.com

Latin Jazz Youth Summit [Sat 1-3p]: Featuring two Bay Area ensembles, the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble and Futuro Picante. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Curtain Theatre - Shakespeare [Sat-Sun 2p]: 11th annual. Featuring "As You Like It." In Old Mill Park (Mill Valley). www.curtaintheatre.org

Chinatown Night Market [Sat 6-11p]: Featuring lion dancers, martial arts, cheap DVDs, fresh produce and meat, and more. In Chinatown (SF). www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/nightmarket.html

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat 7p, Sun 5p, Wed 7p]: Featuring the latest annual production, "Possibilidad, or Death of a Worker." At Community Park (Davis) on Saturday, Southside Park (Sacramento), and Chabot College (Hayward) on Wednesday. www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30p, Sun 2:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." At Presidio's Main Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Solano Avenue Stroll [Sun 10a-6p]: 36th annual. Featuring a parade, children's activities, 500+ vendors, and more along one mile stretch of Solano Ave (Berkeley). www.solanoavenueassn.org

Hawaiian Theme Days [Sun 11a-3p]: Featuring Hawaiian music, food, and activities. In Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.redwoodcity.org

Chamber Music Day [Sun noon-6:30p]: Featuring 31 ensembles and soloists on three stages. At the Conservatory of Music (SF). www.sfcm.edu

* Opera in the Park [Sun 1:30p]: Featuring arias from this fall season's stars. In Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.sfopera.com/park

Salsa in the Square [Wed 6-8p]: Featuring salsa lessons, followed by a live performance by Los Compass. In Union Square (SF). www.unionsquarepark.us