Randy's Guide CCLXXI (271)

Dear Randy's Guide Reader,

The only news to share this week is that the holidays are upon us. Please find every moment away from the hustle of work to share with friends, family, colleagues, and those less fortunate than you. The true joys of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are the foods, the laughter, the memories. . . not the big-screen TV deal at Best Buy or Wal-Mart.

** For those remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area over the next week, here is a partial list of holiday activities **

- Contemporary Jewish Museum is free on Christmas Day (www.thecjm.org)

- The Golden Girls are reimagined with four drag queens through Friday night (www.trannyshack.com)

- Smuin Ballet's Christmas Ballet has two more available shows (www.smuinballet.org)

- Kwanzaa delivers seven days of free activities in the SF community (www.kwanzaasanfrancisco.com)

- Kung Pao Kosher Comedy offers Jewish-laden humour over Chinese cuisine (http://www.koshercomedy.com/kungpao)

- San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performs three programs on Christmas Eve (www.sfgmc.org)

- American Conservatory Theatre's "A Christmas Carol" runs through Christmas Eve (www.act-sf.org)

- Union Square Plaza's ice skating rink provides 90 minutes of fun amidst holiday shopping (www.unionsquareicerink.com)

** And for those in a charitable mood, here is a full list of the non-profits that have received donations from Randy's Guide **

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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, The Bike Kitchen, and First Graduate.

Thanks for your continued readership. What started as a whim has turned into something bigger. Cheers to another year of guiding you through the San Francisco Bay Area.

warm regards,

Randy

Randy's Guide CCLXX (270)

Local History

Fremont, Calif: The first recorded history of Fremont began in 1797 with the founding of Mission San Jose. Eventually, Fremont would incorporate five separate towns (Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Mission San Jose, and Warm Springs) in 1956. Irvington's Palmdale Winery was the state's largest until the destructive 1906 earthquake. Niles was the first home of California's motion picture industry, as Charlie Chaplin filmed several movies here. Today, Fremont is home to the largest Afghan population in the U.S. Fremont is named after John C. Fremont, the state's first Senator and the nation's first Republican presidential candidate.

Local Food Pick

Tara's Organic Ice Cream

3173 College Ave. (at Alcatraz Ave.)

Berkeley, CA 94705

or

4731 Telegraph Ave. (at 48th St.)

Oakland, CA 94609

Tara's

Tara's Berkeley - Yelp

Tara's Oakland - Yelp

Samples on metal spoons - check. Bizarre flavors - check. Organic and creamy - check. Berbere (the Ethiopian spice medley) tasted like I was eating meaty ice cream. Azuki Black Sesame reminded me of childhood. I ended up choosing epazote, based on an herb common in Mexican cuisine. The original Rockridge outpost has a much larger selection than the newer Temescal location. 4-1/2 stars - 447 reviews (Berkeley); 4 stars - 89 reviews (Oakland).

Previous SF picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Katana-Ya; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen; Firefly.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay picks: Curry Up Now (San Mateo); Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli (Burlingame/South SF); Falafel's Drive In (San Jose); Sunny Bowl (Mountain View); Back A Yard Caribbean Grill (Menlo Park).

Previous East Bay picks: Little Star Pizza (Albany); Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen (Berkeley); Asmara (Oakland); Keanu's Island Kine Food (Vacaville).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma)

Local Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

Skies are already clearing for what forecasters are calling for a week-plus of sunshine. Enjoy! Temps will range from 55 - 60 degrees everywhere.

Free Bay Area Activities

Book Signing Event [Thu 6pm]: Bi-Rite Market owner Sam Mogannam will share some treats (deviled eggs?) to go with provided wine from Green Apple Books (SF) to discuss his cookbook. www.greenapplebooks.com

Free Friday Fries! [Fri 10am-onward]: Free French fries at all participating locations, no purchase required. www.bk.com

Telegraph Ave. Holiday Fair [Fri-Sun 11am-6pm]: Along Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

Renegade Craft Fair [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 3rd annual. 250+ local artisans. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). www.renegadecraft.com/holiday-sf

*** Public Bikes Holiday Party [Sat 11am-6pm]: I'm a convert; I love the orange V7 model, which is no longer offered! Grab some mulled wine and cookies, and check out discounted bikes and merchandise. At Public Bikes' South Park office (SF). http://blog.publicbikes.com/2011/12/public-holiday-year-end-sale-party-on-sat-dec-17

Unsilent Night [Sat 7:30pm]: Bring your own boombox. Parade starts at Dolores Park and proceeds through the Mission District. www.unsilentnight.com

Midnight Mystery Ride [Sat 11:59pm]: Look up the route on Saturday, meet at a local bar, ride for about 5 miles, then enjoy your provisions at the end. www.midnightmystery.org

Hanukkah Festival [Tue 4pm]: Skating party and refreshments. At Union Square (SF). www.chabadsf.org

Menorah Lighting Ceremony [Tue 5:30pm]: Live music, refreshments, and craft making. At Ghirardelli Square (SF). www.ghirardellisq.com

California Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30am-5pm]: Free admission means a savings of up to $29.95 per person. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Ben & Jerry's (1480 Haight @ Ashbury) is offering free ice cream cake and coffee to those donating a can of food to the SF Food Bank. Valid dates: Thu 12/15 5-8:30pm; Fri 12/16 5-8:30pm; Wed 12/21 5-8:30pm. www.facebook.com/events/141571095952316/?context=create

Randy's Guide CCLXIX (269)

Local History

Jose Cornelio Bernal (1796-1842): He served as a town councilman for San Jose during the 1820s, and was rewarded with a land parcel at Mission Dolores shortly thereafter. Eventually, family holdings would increase to 4,400 acres, including the present-day neighborhoods of Bernal Heights, Visitacion Valley, Excelsior, and Hunters Point. Bernal is buried in Mission Dolores cemetery; his holdings would be fully eliminated by descendants during the early 20th century. Bernal Heights Boulevard, which cuts around Bernal Hill, and the Bernal Heights neighborhood are named after him in San Francisco.

Local Food Pick

Firefly

4288 24th St. (at Douglass St.)

San Francisco, CA 94114

(415) 821-7652

For 18 years, this Noe Valley restaurant has served up eclectic cuisine in a quirky atmosphere perfectly reflecting its sleepy-street residence. Prices remain very reasonable, with a three-course prix fixe with no restrictions (aside from Sunday-Thursday only) for $36. Try to get the corner table with seat cushions; you'll feel like you're back home! 920 reviews - 4 stars

Previous SF picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Katana-Ya; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay picks: Curry Up Now (San Mateo); Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli (Burlingame/South SF); Falafel's Drive In (San Jose); Sunny Bowl (Mountain View); Back A Yard Caribbean Grill (Menlo Park).

Previous East Bay picks: Little Star Pizza (Albany); Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen (Berkeley); Asmara (Oakland); Keanu's Island Kine Food (Vacaville).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma)

Local Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

Cool nights, no rain in sight. Poor Tahoe.

Coast: mid-50s

SF: upper-50s

Peninsula: low-60s

Inland East Bay: low-60s

North Bay: low-60s

South Bay: low-60s

Free Bay Area Activities

SF Rec & Park Holiday Tree Lighting [Thu 5-7:30pm]: 82nd annual. Lighting at Golden Gate Park's McLaren Lodge, complete with Santa photos, train rides, and a cookie factory. www.sfrecpark.org

Fool's Gold concert [Thu 6-9pm]: Catch Fool's Good, with Dirty Ghosts and DJ Mike Shoun (Thee Oh Sees) opening. At Brick and Mortar Music Hall (SF). http://drambuie.eventbrite.com

SF Macy's Holiday Cooking Class w/ Cat Cora [Thu 6pm]: Slow roasted pork with sweet-hot mustard, sauteed greens with Meyer lemon and garlic, and garlic mashed potatoes. At Macy's Union Square Cellar. RSVP at 800-786-2665. www.macys.com

La Cocina's Gift Bazaar [Fri 5-9pm]: 3rd annual. 30+ local food vendors. At Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (SF). www.lacocinasf.org

Mexican Christmas Musical [Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 2pm]: "La Posarela" performance, with a cast of 80 and a bilingual script with caroling. At Community Music Center (Fri - SF), Veterans Memorial Theater (Sat - Redwood City), and Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (Sun - SF). www.sfcmc.org

SantaCon 2011 [Sat noon-9pm]: Hundreds of Santas will be pub crawling around SF. In an attempt to break a Guinness World Record, a naked gathering is in the works for Washington Square Park at 4pm. http://santacon.info/San_Francisco-CA

SFMade Holiday Gift Fair [Sun 10am-5pm]: Locally made gift items from 50 vendors. At Fort Mason's Fleet Room. www.sfmade.org

Berkeley Almost Chanukah Fair [Sun 11a-2p]: Classic Jewish rock, folk dancing, storytelling, and more. At Congregation Netivot Shalom. www.netivotshalom.org

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Swensen's Ice Cream, open since 1948, is offering a free single cup or regular cone of any ice cream. Scoutmob them at 1999 Hyde St. (at Union St.) by Sunday 12/11. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1760

Randy's Guide CCLXVIII (268)

Local History

Cotati (pop. 7,265) is the smallest incorporated city in Sonoma County. Designed by Newton Smyth during the 1890s, the hexagonal downtown plaza is unique, with Detroit being the only other U.S. example. Ownership of the land was held by Dr. Thomas Page and his family until the 1940s. Big hits in the area are Oliver's Market and Sift Cupcakes.

Local Food Pick

Della Fattoria

141 Petaluma Blvd. North (at Western Ave.)

Petaluma, CA 94952

(707) 763-0161

Della Fattoria

Yelp - Della Fattoria

I stumbled across this local bakery on a drive toward Sonoma wineries. The polenta and pumpkin-seed breads are phenomenal. Baked goods are sure to sell out by mid-morning on a weekend. If you're a car-less City resident, Della makes the weekly journey to the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. 147 reviews - 4 stars

Previous SF picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Katana-Ya; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay picks: Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli (Burlingame/South SF); Falafel's Drive In (San Jose); Sunny Bowl (Mountain View); Back A Yard Caribbean Grill (Menlo Park).

Previous East Bay picks: Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen (Berkeley); Asmara (Oakland); Keanu's Island Kine Food (Vacaville).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville).

Local Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

It was, indeed, over 80 degrees in LA for three straight days. Back home, things should be dry and temporarily windy.

~ THU ~

Near 65

~ FRI ~

Between 61-66

~ SAT-SUN ~

Between 57-62

Free Bay Area Activities

SF Sundance Film Screening & Discussion [Thu 5:30-9pm]: Check out Jennifer Siebel Newsom's film, Miss Representation, along with a panel to discuss the under-representation of women and minorities in leadership positions. At Charles Schwab. http://edgeucation-esearch.eventbrite.com/?srnk=88

Free Museum Day [Thu, Sun, Tue, Wed]: Thursday - Burlingame's Pez Museum, Berkeley Art Museum, and SF Chinese Historical Society. Sunday - SF Asian Art Museum and Oakland Museum of CA. Tuesday - Legion of Honor, de Young, Conservatory of Flowers, Cartoon Art, SF MOMA, Contemporary Jewish, YBCA, and Camerawork. Wed - Sausalito's Bay Area Discovery, SF Zoo, Exploratorium, and GLBT.

Oakland Jack London Square Holiday Festival [Fri 5-7pm]: Holiday yacht parade, costumed characters, holiday music, and the Jack London Square tree lighting. www.jacklondonsquare.com

Oakland Art Murmur [Fri 6-9pm]: Free wine, late gallery hours, hors d'ouevres, and live music. Bordered by Grand, Broadway, and Telegraph. www.oaklandartmurmur.org

Half Moon Bay Nights of Light Holiday Festival [Fri 6-9pm]: Holiday floats, Santa photos, snowflakes, and carolers. Along Main St. www.coastviewsmag.com/12th-annual-night-of-lights-a-sparkling-half-moon-bay-tradition

SF Bazaar Bizarre [Sat-Sun noon-6pm]: 100+ indie artisans and DIY workshops. At Concourse Exhibition Center. www.bazaarbizarre.org

Oakland Children's Holiday Parade [Sat 2pm]: 12th annual. Giant balloons, children's TV stars, marching bands, and more. From Broadway and 11th to Harrison and 20th. www.oaklandholidayparade.com

Family Concert series [Sat 2pm, Sun noon/3pm]: Featuring Circus Bella and the SF Chamber Orchestra. At Oakland's Lakeside Theatre (Sat), College of San Mateo Theatre (Sun noon), and SF's Bayview Opera House (Sun 3pm). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

SF Union Street Fantasy of Lights [Sat 3-7pm]: 21st annual. Come see holiday lights, Santa, costumed ponies, and balloon artists. www.sresproductions.com/fantasy_of_lights.html

Berkeley Snow Day [Sun 10am-3pm]: Play in snow, sip hot cider, and make crafts. In Andronico's parking lot (Berkeley). www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com/holiday-berkeley/holiday-gourmet-ghetto.html

*** SF City Hall Tree Lighting [Mon 5:30-8pm]: Join Mayor Ed Lee, Rita Moreno, the SF Boys Chorus, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and Donna Sachet for a round of free cocktails and hors d'ouevres while the City Hall Tree of Hope is lit. www.rainbowfund.org/tree/tree-lighting.html

Mountain View Holiday Tree Lighting [Mon 5:30-7:30pm]: Holiday music, Santa photos, refreshments, and tree lighting. At Civic Center Plaza. www.mountainview.gov

SF Rec & Park Holiday Tree Lighting [Thu 12/8 5-7:30pm]: 82nd annual. Lighting at Golden Gate Park's McLaren Lodge, complete with Santa photos and a cookie factory. www.sfrecpark.org

Bay Area Deal of the Week

House of Bagels is offering a free homemade bagel with flavored cream cheese through Saturday on Scoutmob. It's at 5030 Geary, near 14th Ave. in the Richmond District. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1738

Randy's Guide CCLXVII (267)

Local History

Francisco de Haro (1792-1849): De Haro migrated from Mexico in 1819 and eventually served as the first mayor of Yerba Buena (the future San Francisco) in 1834. He contributed to forming the street grid and purchased a large parcel of land that includes Lake Merced. He is buried in Mission Dolores. De Haro Street, which runs from Showplace Triangle to Potrero Hill, is named after him.

Local Food Pick

Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen

450A Irving St. (at 5th Ave.)

San Francisco, CA 94122

Lime Tree (menu)

Yelp - Lime Tree

Tasty dishes like beef rendang (stew) and nasi goreng (fried rice) are complemented by more obscure ones such as black rice pudding and fried corn-prawn fritters. The setting is informal and slightly subterranean, leading the casual observer to believe that you've entered a new continent. 761 reviews - 4 stars.

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Sunny Bowl; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Keanu's Island Kine Food; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Back a Yard Caribbean Grill.

Local Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Holiday Weekend Highs

Showers are likely for tonight and tomorrow morning. Otherwise, conditions looks fairly dry and mild. FYI - I'll be basking in 80-degree sunshine this weekend in L.A.

~ WED-FRI ~

upper-50s

~ SAT-SUN ~

Coast: upper-50s

SF: low-60s

Bay: low-60s

Inland East Bay: mid-60s

South Bay: mid-60s

North Bay: mid-60s

Free Bay Area Activities

Thanksgiving Party [Wed 9pm-2am]: Bring a new unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item to support Toys for Tots and Glide Memorial Food Bank. Then, enjoys DJ Bad Boy Bill, Trevor Simpson, and Nick G. At Ruby Skye (SF). www.rubyskye.com

Turkey Trot 5K [Thu 9-10:30am]: Start with coffee and bagels at East Crissy Field Beach, then proceed to Fort Point. http://rentcycleturkeytrot-esearch.eventbrite.com

Kinky Thanksgiving Potluck [Thu 5-9pm]: Ham and turkey will be provided, and guests are invited to bring a dish (based on first name initial) or help clean up afterward. RSVP to melanie.a.derby@gmail.com with "Thanksgiving 11" as the subject. At The Citadel (SF). www.sfcitadel.org/calendar/index.html

Tipsy Tow [Thu 6pm-Fri 6am]: Call (800) 222-4357 and request a tipsy tow of up to five miles, from the driver's location to home. Valid for Northern California, Nevada, and Utah. www.csaa.com/auto/car-traffic-safety/aaa-tipsy-tow-program

Oakland's Keep Downtown in the Black [Fri 11am-6pm]: Support local merchants while enjoying local DJs, musicians, and food vendors. Near 14th and Broadway. www.facebook.com/pages/In-The-Black-General-Shop/223896907677895

San Rafael Winter Wonderland [Fri noon-8pm, Sat 9am-noon]: 32nd annual. Sledding on 50 tons of snow, shopping at a holiday marketplace, and tree lighting. Along Fourth St. www.sresproductions.com/san_rafael_parade_of_lights.html

Santa Rosa Winter Lights [Fri noon-7pm]: Holiday open house, tree lighting ceremony, and Santa pictures, and holiday crafts. In Courthouse Square. www.facebook.com/SantaRosaWinterLights

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony [Fri 2-7pm]: 47th annual. With holiday carolers, children's gifts, and tree lighting. At Ghirardelli Square (SF). www.ghirardellisq.com

Yountville Festival of Lights [Fri 2-6pm]: 23rd annual. Journey north to Wine Country for this festival with Santa Claus, carolers, and carriage rides. At V Marketplace. www.vmarketplace.com/events

San Jose Christmas in the Park [Fri 5:30pm-midnight]: 32nd annual. Tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus, and live entertainment. At Cesar Chavez Plaza. www.christmasinthepark.com

Macy's Great Tree Lighting [Fri 6pm]: With Olympian figure skater Johnny Weir, Santa Claus, and an 80-foot fir tree. At Union Square (SF). www.unionsquareshop.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performance by Pure Ecstasy, audio installation by SpacEKrafT, make-your-own-tree art making, world premiere screening of "Farn Barn," and closing reception for muralist John Wehrle's project. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Stanford Shopping Center Tree Lighting Ceremony [Sat 5-7pm]: Holiday tunes, refreshments, and shopping center lighting. www.simon.com/mall/landing/841

Castro Tree Lighting Ceremony [Mon 6pm]: With the Lesbian/Gay Chorus, the Gay/Lesbian Freedom Band, local politicians, and more. At the corner of 18th and Castro (SF). www.castromerchants.com

555 California Tree Lighting [Tue 4-7pm]: With 49er Frank Gore, American Idol finalist Pia Toscano, and singer Andy Grammer.

Free Museum Day [Thu 12/1]: At Burlingame's Pez Museum, Berkeley Art Museum, and SF Chinese Historical Society.

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Chow down at Cafe Gratitude's restaurants in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Rafael. Butternut squash tamales, pecan & persimmon salad, cranberry salsa, and chocolate macaroons! Served free from noon to 3pm on Thanksgiving Day. www.cafegratitude.com

Randy's Guide CCLXVI (266)

Local History

A U.S. Senator and California Governor, Leland Stanford and his wife Jane founded Leland Stanford Junior University in honor of their 15-year-old son, who died of typhoid. Tuition remained free until the 1930s, and a strict 3:1 male/female ratio (implemented by Jane) was in place from the 1930s until the 1960s. Future President Herbert Hoover graduated in the first class and would later set up the Hoover Institution.

Local Food Pick

Back A Yard Caribbean Grill

1189 Willow Rd. (at Newbridge St.)

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Back A Yard

Yelp - Back A Yard

The jerked meats - particularly the chicken - are stunningly flavorful and nicely balanced with fried plaintains, rice, beans, and salad. Prices are reasonable. Indoor seating is relatively limited; the take-out business by far overwhelms the eat-in crowd. 898 reviews - 4.5 stars

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Sunny Bowl; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Keanu's Island Kine Food; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop

Local Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

A couple of cold fronts will usher in rain on Friday and Sunday. Umbrellas and parkas, on alert! Snow levels in the Sierras will be 2,000 feet.

~ Thursday-Friday ~

55-60 everywhere

~ Saturday-Sunday ~

50-55 everywhere

Free Bay Area Activities

Snow Fest 2011 [Thu 4-8pm]: Raffle prizes, free refreshments, free lift tickets, and more. At Sports Basement Presidio (SF). http://community.sportsbasement.com

CompoClay Party [Thu 5-8pm]: 50% off discount, free refreshments, raffle prizes, and more. At CompoClay Union Square (SF). www.compoclay.com

Under One Roof Holiday Party [Thu 6-9pm]: Everyone's invited to the 20th anniversary of Under One Roof, an HIV-AIDS charity shop in the Castro. Enjoy free food from Hot Cookie, Harvey's, Sausage Factory, and La Mediterranee. Hosted by Pollo Del Mar. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161688327259735

Chrome Party [Thu 7-11pm]: Free beer, live bands (The Cuss and Lemon Party), and appearance by NYC messenger Kurt Boone. At SoMa's Chrome SF. www.chromebagsstore.com/events/index/details/2011/11/17/3rdthursnov

Marriage Equality discussion [Fri 1-5pm]: With Cleve Jones, Paul Boneberg, Jennifer Pizer, Andrea Shorter, Camilla Taylor, and Thomas Watson. At SFMOMA's Phyllis Wattis Theater (SF). www.sfmoma.org/exhib_events/events/1993

Holiday Building Lighting [Fri 4-7pm]: 25th annual. Winter carnival with Santa and Mickey Mouse, live performances from Disney on Ice, holiday lighting of the Embarcadero Center, and fireworks. At the Embarcadero Center's Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.embarcaderocenter.com/ec/Holidays/index.html

Republic Party [Fri 4-7pm]: Free drinks, appetizers, and live DJ. At Marina's The Republic (SF). www.republicsf.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performance by tenor Claudio Santome and soprano Litz Plummer, world premiere of Campo Santo's Block by Block, and muralist John Wehrle in action. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Hyatt Regency Tree Lighting [Fri 7pm]: With live entertainment from Beach Blanket Babylon, the SF Symphony, and Zoo Station. At the FiDi's Hyatt Regency (SF). http://sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com

Dance Retrospective Celebration [Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm]: Feminist dance company. At YBCA's Novellus Theater (SF). www.dancebrigade.org/performances

Hawaiian Ice Skating [Sat-Sun noon-6pm]: With live Hawaiian music, hula, orchid lei making, refreshments, and lau print cards. At the Embarcadero Center's Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.embarcaderocenter.com/ec/Holidays/index.html

Blood Orange concert [Sat 9pm]: 4-piece band from England. At the Clift Hotel (SF). RSVP at www.morganshotelgroup.com/rsvp/clift-sessions.html

Midnight Mystery Ride [Sat 11:59pm]: http://midnightmysteryride.wordpress.com

Charles Schulz Museum Day [Sun 10am-5pm]: Comic strip discussion panel and Charles Schultz art exhibits. At the Charles Schulz Museum (Santa Rosa). www.schulzmuseum.org

Pier 39 Tree Lighting Celebration [Sun noon-6pm]: Live holiday music, Disneyland characters, and tree lighting. At Pier 39 (SF). www.pier39.com

SF Chamber Orchestra [Sun 3-5pm]: With works by Dvorak, Wallace, and Haydn. At the Herbst Theatre (SF). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Kimya Dawsom live set [Mon 6pm]: You'll know her from the Juno soundtrack and The Moldy Peaches. At Amoeba Berkeley. www.amoeba.com

Little Boots concert [Tue 9pm]: Multi-talented female artist will play the piano, synthesizer, stylophone, tenori-on, and keyboards. At the Clift Hotel (SF). RSVP at www.morganshotelgroup.com/rsvp/clift-sessions.html

Holiday Sugar Castle celebration [Wed 10-11am]: 12-foot-tall rotating holiday sugar castle weighs more than 1,200 pounds. Free refreshments. At the Westin St. Francis (SF). www.westinstfrancis.com/holiday-events

Free Vegan Thanksgiving Meal [Thu noon-3pm]: At Cafe Gratitude in SF, Berkeley, and San Rafael. www.cafegratitude.com

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Not to be outdone by Ike's Place, El Metate is offering a free chicken burrito until Tuesday. Yelp says four stars from 624 reviews. Must be good? www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/today/2011-11-16

Randy's Guide CCLXV (265)

Local History

Thomas Hayes (1820-1868): An Irish immigrant arriving in San Francisco in 1849, he would later own a large tract of land in the Western Addition and serve as county clerk (1853-1856). He was the original franchisee of the Market Street Railway, which opened its first horsecar line in 1860. Hayes Street, which runs from Civic Center to the edge of Golden Gate Park, and Hayes Valley are named after him.

Local Food Pick

Yasukochi's Sweet Stop

1790 Sutter St. (at Buchanan St.)

San Francisco, CA 94115

(415) 931-8165

Yelp - Yasukochi's Sweet Stop

A favorable article in The San Francisco Chronicle reminded me how much I like visiting this tiny bakery stand inside Super Mira Market in Japantown. The coffee crunch cake really stands out, and orders for Thanksgiving have already started and will finish in the hundreds. Arrive early, for slices of this cake sell out quickly. 242 reviews - 4.5 stars

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Sunny Bowl; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Keanu's Island Kine Food; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now.

Local Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

A good chance for showers on Veterans' Day tomorrow. Otherwise, skies should be mostly cloudy.

~ Thursday ~

Coast: mid-60s

SF: mid-60s

Bay: upper-60s

North Bay: low-70s

South Bay: low-70s

Inland East Bay: low-70s

~ Friday-Sunday ~

Coast: mid-50s

SF: upper-50s

Bay: low-60s

North Bay: low-60s

South Bay: mid-60s

Inland East Bay: mid-60s

Free Bay Area Activities

Ty Segall performance [Thu 8pm]: Local solo career began in 2008. With DJ Southworth opening at 6pm. http://drambuie.eventbrite.com

Veterans' Day Parade [Fri 11am]: Starts at Market/Montgomery and finishes at Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.sfgov3.org/index.aspx?page=1688

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performance by Ensemble Parallele, Dangerous Beauty film screening, and muralist John Wehrle in action. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Manila Film Night [Fri 7pm]: Screening of the short fil "Patlang" and a reading by author R. Zamora Linmark about the Filipino-American experience. At YBCA (SF). www.ybca.org

*** Green Festival [Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm]: 10th annual. 125+ speakers, career resource center, Sierra Club cinema, DIY tents, and 300+ exhibitors. Free admission for students, youths 18 and under, bicyclists, seniors, card-carrying union members, Green Festival volunteers, Green America/Global Exchange/Sierra Club members, Rainbow Grocery shoppers, New Resource Bank customers, and donors of four canned goods. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). www.greenfestivals.org/sf

Chinese Historical Society of America Museum [Sat 11am-4pm]: Celebrate the museum's 10th anniversary with live performances, discussions, and refreshments. RSVP to 415-391-1188 x101 or info@chsa.org. www.chsa.org

Armenian Festival [Sat noon-9pm, Sun 12:30-2:30pm]: 30th annual. Armenian folk dancing, food, and crafts. At Calvary Armenian Congregational Church (SF). www.cacc-sf.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum [Sun 11am-5pm]: Show your SF Library card for free admission. Magician shows at noon and 2pm. www.thecjm.org

They Might Be Giants performance [Sun 4pm]: Catch the '80s artists live at Amoeba Records (SF). www.amoeba.com

Free National Park Weekend [Fri-Sun]: The final fee-free weekend of the year, in honor of Veterans' Day. Check out Yosemite, Muir Woods, Sequoia, Pinnacles, Joshua Tree, and other national parks! www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

MetroWize [Mon 6-9pm]: Three hours of free drinks and live DJs. At 111 Minna (SF). http://111minna.eventbrite.com

California Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30am-5pm]: $29.95 for adults on any other day this month. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org

Nocturnes Photography Exhibit [Wed 6:30pm]: Opening reception for the 20th anniversary of night-based photography. At the Harvey Milk Photo Center (SF). www.harveymilkphotocenter.org

Under One Roof Holiday Party [Thu 6-9pm]: Everyone's invited to the 20th anniversary of Under One Roof, an HIV-AIDS charity shop in the Castro. Enjoy free food from Hot Cookie, Harvey's, Sausage Factory, and La Mediterranee. Hosted by Pollo Del Mar. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161688327259735

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Ike's Place, the San Francisco Bay Area's most-rated sandwich shop on Yelp, is offering a free sandwich to those with the Scoutmob phone application. Select one small Elvis Kieth, Ugly Owl, or Vegan Ugly Owl. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1630

Randy's Guide CCLXIV (264)

Local History

Hayward, with a population of about 145,000, is the sixth most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is likely named for William Hayward, who purchased a large tract of land, constructed a resort hotel of 100 rooms, and became road commissioner and supervisor for Alameda County. California authorized the town's charter in 1876 under the name of Haywards, which remained in effect until 1910 when the "s" was dropped.

Local Food Pick

Curry Up Now

225 Bush St. (at Sansome)

San Francisco, CA 94104

or

8000 Marina Blvd

Brisbane, CA 94005

(650) 477-3000

Curry Up Now

Yelp - Curry Up Now

One of the top food-truck purveyors to hit the scene, Curry Up Now makes spicy burritos filled with tikka masala sauce and either chicken or paneer (cheese). I've tried - and willingly eaten - both. The burritos are quite sizable too. If you're at various food-truck events through Off the Grid, you'll come across their colorful truck at some point. 466 reviews - 4 stars.

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Sunny Bowl; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Keanu's Island Kine Food; Rosamunde Sausage Grill.

Bay Area Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

Cold rain is forecast for Thursday night and Saturday night. Slight chance of showers on Election Day -- let's hope not.

Thursday:

Coast: upper-50s

SF: low-60s

North Bay: low-60s

Bay: mid-60s

Inland East Bay: mid-60s

South Bay: upper-60s

Friday-Sunday:

everywhere: 55-60

Free Bay Area Activities

Free Museum Days [Thursday / Sunday]: Thursday - Burlingame Pez Museum, Berkeley Art Museum, and SF Chinese Historical Society. Sunday - Asian Art Museum (SF) and Oakland Museum of California.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration [Fri 5-8pm]: Live music, arts & crafts, and more. At the Mission Arts Center (SF). www.harveymilkphotocenter.org

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performance by Quartet San Francisco, film screening of The Magic of Illusion and muralist John Wehrle. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

SF Bike Party [Fri 7:30pm]: 3-hour bike ride from Balboa Park BART to the Mission District. www.sfbikeparty.com

Come Out & Play Festival [Sat 11am-10pm, Sun noon-5pm]: Field Frogger, Cardboard Tube Fighting, and more. At The Go Game (SF). www.comeoutandplaysf.org/2011

Martha Stewart cooking demo [Sat 11am]: Standing-room opportunity to watch Martha Stewart prepare a holiday menu. At Macy's Union Square Cellar (SF). www.macys.com

Mime show [Sat 7:30pm]: Broadway veteran Bill Bowers in performance. At San Jose State's Music Concert Hall.

Science Discovery Days [Sun 11am-4pm]: 170+ exhibits, experiments, and shows. At AT&T Park (SF). www.bayareascience.org

Rip Curl Pro Search [through November 12]: Check out 36 pro surfers and 16 junior surfers in competition. At Kelly's Cove in Ocean Beach (SF). http://live.ripcurl.com

Special Edition: Election 2011

Below is a summary of next Tuesday's election (November 8) in San Francisco. Voters can select up to three candidates for the positions of Mayor, District Attorney, and Sheriff. Eight propositions range in topic from pension reform and sales tax to roads and schools.

San Francisco Mayoral Candidates (alphabetical order, partial endorsement list for one of your ranked-choice votes):

1) Jeff Adachi [Public Defender, City of SF]

www.adachi2011.com

* Endorsed by: SF Bay View, SF Chronicle, SF Green Party, SF Libertarian Party, Tenant Rights Association

2) Michela Alioto-Pier [former Board of Supervisor, City of SF]

www.michelaformayor.com

* Endorsed by: Supervisor Mark Farrell, former Vice President Al Gore, California Women 4 Women, National Women's Political Caucus, Building & Construction Trades Council

3) Cesar Ascarrunz [businessman]

www.cesarascarrunz.org

4) John Avalos [Board of Supervisor, City of SF]

www.avalosformayor.org

* Endorsed by: SF Chronicle, SF Bay Guardian, SF Bay View, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Sierra Club, SF Bicycle Coalition, SEIU Local 1021, United Educators of SF, SF Tenants Union, CA Nurses Association

5) Terry Baum [playwright]

www.terryjoanbaum.com

* Endorsed by: SF Bay View, SF Green Party

6) David Chiu [President of Board of Supervisors, City of SF]

www.davidchiuformayor.com

* Endorsed by: SF Chronicle, Sing Tao Daily, Supervisors Eric Mar + Jane Kim + Malia Cohen, SF Bicycle Coalition, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, CA Nurses Association, SEIU United Healthcare

7) Paul Currier [businessman]

www.mayorcurrier.com

8) Bevan Dufty [former Board of Supervisor, City of SF]

www.bevandufty.com

* Endorsed by: Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Times, SF Examiner, Sing Tao Daily, State Assemblymember Fiona Ma, community activist Donna Sachet, SEIU Local 1021, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, African-American Democratic Club

9) Tony Hall [former Board of Supervisor, City of SF]

www.tonyhallsf.com

* Endorsed by: SF Republican Party, SF Libertarian Party

10) Dennis Herrera [City Attorney, City of SF]

www.herreraformayor.com

* Endorsed by: SF Chronicle, SF Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, SF Examiner, California Treasurer Bill Lockyer, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Sheriff Mike Hennessey, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, Supervisors Scott Wiener + Malia Cohen, former Mayors Art Agnos + Frank Jordan, former Supervisors Sophie Maxwell + Jake McGoldrick, SF Democratic Party, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, United Educators of SF

11) Emil Lawrence [taxi driver]

www.sfgate.com/emil-lawrence

12) Ed Lee [Mayor, City of SF]

www.mayoredlee.com

* Endorsed by: Sing Tao Daily, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Bay Area Reporter, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Supervisors Jane Kim + Carmen Chu + Malia Cohen, former Mayor Willie Brown, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, Mexican-American Democratic Club, SF Republican Party, Log Cabin Republican Club, SF Police Officers' Association, SF Firefighters Local 798, SF Bicycle Coalition, SEIU United Healthcare West

13) Wilma Pang [professor]

www.facebook.com/pages/Wilma-Pang/151937874879879

14) Joanna Rees [venture capitalist]

www.joinjoanna.com

* Endorsed by: Jennifer Siebel Newsom, SF Women's Political Committee

15) Phil Ting [Assessor-Recorder, City of SF]

www.resetsanfrancisco.org

16) Leland Yee [State Senator, California]

www.lelandyee.com

* Endorsed by: SF Bay Guardian, Philippine News, African-American Democratic Club, Latino Democratic Club, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, SEIU Local 1021, CA Nurses Association, United Educators of SF, SF Building & Construction Trades, SF Labor Council, Sierra Club

San Francisco District Attorney (alphabetical order):

1) Sharmin Bock [Assistant District Attorney, City of SF]

www.sharminbock.com

* Endorsed by: Sing Tao Daily, SF Bay View, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Assemblymember Fiona Ma, Supervisors Malia Cohen + Eric Mar, Sheriff candidate Ross Mirkarimi, SF Democratic Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, African-American Democratic Club, Sierra Club, SEIU Local 1021

2) Bill Fazio [trial attorney]

www.billfazio.com

* Endorsed by: SF Republican Party, SEIU Local 1021

3) George Gascon [District Attorney, City of SF]

www.gasconforda.com

* Endorsed by: SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Bay Area Reporter, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Kamala Harris, Supervisors Scott Wiener + Carmen Chu + Sean Elsbernd + Malia Cohen + Mark Farrell, former Supervisors Matt Gonzalez + Bevan Dufty, SF Republican Party, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SEIU United Healthcare West, SF Building & Construction Trades Council, SF Police Officers' Association

4) David Onek [criminal justice attorney]

www.davidonek.com

* Endorsed by: SF Bay Guardian, SF Bay View, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, Sheriff Mike Hennessey, Supervisors Carmen Chu + Eric Mar + Sean Elsbernd + Scott Wiener, Mayoral candidates David Chiu + John Avalos, former Mayor Art Agnos, former Police Chief Heather Fong, SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, CA Police Chiefs' Association, United Educators of SF, SEIU Local 1021, Sierra Club

5) Vu Trinh [certified criminal law specialist]

www.vutrinh.com

San Francisco Sheriff (alphabetical order):

1) Chris Cunnie [Undersheriff, City of SF]

www.chriscunnie.com

* Endorsed by: SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Sing Tao Daily, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Attorney General Kamala Harris, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Assemblymember Fiona Ma, Supervisors Malia Cohen + Carmen Chu + Jane Kim + Mark Farrell + Scott Wiener, former Police Chief Heather Fong, SF Republican Party, Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, Log Cabin Republicans, Mexican-American Democratic Club, SF Police Officers' Association, SF Building & Construction Trades Council

2) Ross Mirkarimi [Supervisor, City of SF}

www.rossforsheriff.org

* Endorsed by: SF Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay View, Sheriff Mike Hennessey, State Senator Mark Leno, Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano + Fiona Ma, Supervisors David Campos + Jane Kim + Eric Mar, Mayoral candidate John Avalos, SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Libertarian Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Latino Democratic Club, African-American Democratic Club, Sierra Club, SEIU Local 1021, United Educators of SF, SF Firefighters Local 798

3) Paul Miyamoto [Sheriff's Captain, City of SF]

www.miyamoto4sheriff.com

* Endorsed by: Assemblymember Fiona Ma, Supervisors Sean Elsbernd + Carmen Chu + Malia Cohen + Mark Farrell, former Supervisors Bevan Dufty + Matt Gonzalez, Mayoral candidate Tony Hall, Northern Alliance of Law Enforcement, SF Republican Party, Log Cabin Republicans, Chinese-American Democratic Club, SF Deputy Sheriffs' Association

4) David Wong [former Deputy Sheriff, City of SF]

www.davidwongforsheriff.com

San Francisco Propositions:

A: San Francisco Unified School District bonds

* In Favor: SF Chronicle, SF Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, SF Democratic Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SF Planning & Urban Research (SPUR), SEIU Local 1021, SF Board of Education

* Against: SF Libertarian Party

B: Road bonds

* In Favor: SF Chronicle, SF Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisors Scott Wiener + Ross Mirkarimi + John Avalos + Malia Cohen + Jane Kim + Carmen Chu + David Chiu, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, Police Chief Greg Suhr, State Senator Mark Leno, SF Democratic Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SPUR, SF Bicycle Coalition, SF Chamber of Commerce, SEIU Local 1021

* Against: SF Examiner, Mayoral candidates Cesar Ascarrunz + Tony Hall, SF Republican Party, SF Green Party, SF Libertarian Party

C: Pension reform

* In favor: SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, Mayor Ed Lee, all 11 Supervisors, Sheriff Mike Hennessey, SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SF Chamber of Commerce, SPUR, SEIU Local 1021

* Against: Mayoral candidates Jeff Adachi + Tony Hall, SF Peace & Freedom Party, SF Libertarian Party, SF Green Party

D: Pension reform

* In favor: Mayoral candidate Jeff Adachi, SF Republican Party, SF Libertarian Party

* Against: SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, SF Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, Mayor Ed Lee, SF Democratic Party, District Attorney George Gascon, Police Chief Greg Suhr, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, State Senators Mark Leno, Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano + Fiona Ma, former Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Mayoral candidate Leland Yee, SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Peace & Freedom Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SF Chamber of Commerce, SEIU Local 1021, SPUR

E: Amendment of voter-approved legislative ordinances

* In favor: SF Chronicle, Bay Area Reporter, Supervisors Scott Wiener + David Chiu + Carmen Chu + Malia Cohen + Sean Elsbernd + Mark Farrell, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SF Chamber of Commerce, SPUR

* Against: SF Bay Guardian, Mayoral candidates Tony Hall + Jeff Adachi + John Avalos + Leland Yee, Sheriff candidate Ross Mirkarimi, Supervisor Eric Mar, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Libertarian Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Sierra Club, SEIU Local 1021

F: Campaign consultants

* In favor: SF Chronicle, Bay Area Reporter, Supervisors Scott Wiener + David Chiu + David Campos + Mark Farrell + Carmen Chu + Jane Kim + Sean Elsbernd + Malia Cohen, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SPUR

* Against: SF Bay Guardian, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, Mayoral candidates Leland Yee + Tony Hall + John Avalos + Jeff Adachi, Sheriff candidate Ross Mirkarimi, Supervisor Eric Mar, SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Libertarian Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Sierra Club, SEIU Local 1021

G: Sales tax

* In favor: SF Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, SF Democratic Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SF Chamber of Commerce, SEIU Local 1021

* Against: SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, SF Republican Party, SF Libertarian Party, SPUR

H: School District Student Assignment

* In favor: Mayoral candidate Tony Hall, SF Republican Party, SF Chamber of Commerce

* Against: SF Chronicle, SF Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, State Senator Mark Leno, Supervisors Eric Mar + Jane Kim, SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, SEIU Local 1021

Randy's Guide CCLXIII (263)

Local History

Frank McCoppin (1834-1897) was San Francisco's first Irish-born mayor and 12th overall. During his tenure as supervisor on the SF Board of Supervisors, they approved the plan for Golden Gate Park. McCoppin is also credited with the concept of using ladybugs to help citrus growers battle pests. McCoppin Square (Parkside), McCoppin Elementary School (Richmond), and McCoppin Street (Mission) are all named in his honor.

Local Food Pick

Rosamunde Sausage Grill

545 Haight St. (at Fillmore St.)

San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 437-6851

or

2832 Mission St. (at 24th St.)

San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 970-9015

Rosamunde

Yelp - Rosamunde Haight

Yelp - Rosamunde Mission

The tiny original Lower Haight location has a certain aura to it. Order a sausage (including one vegan option), add a couple of hearty condiments like beef chili or sweet peppers, and enjoy next door at Toronado where 50+ beers are regularly on tap. It's a classic combo. The new Mission district spot - less than a block from BART - has several beers on tap, and it's quite large with several outdoor tables. 4-1/2 stars - 1164 reviews (Haight); 4 stars - 444 reviews (Mission)

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Sunny Bowl; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Keanu's Island Kine Food.

Bay Area Charity

Charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.com

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, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

Mild autumn has arrived in time for trick o' treating. No rain in sight.

Coast: mid-60s

SF: upper-60s

Bay: low-70s

North Bay: mid-70s

South Bay: mid-70s

Inland East Bay: mid-70s

Free Bay Area Activities

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performance by Velocity Circus, lecture by curator Dr. Orr about Renaissance art from Venice, and a closing reception for Maori weaver Glenda Hape. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

White Picket Fences opening reception [Fri 7:30-10pm]: Six installations on LGBT perspectives of marriage, family, and relationships. Score some free wine and food too! At Michelle O'Connor Gallery (SF).

Discovery Day at CS East Bay [Sat 11am-4pm]: Experiments, hands-on activities, and lectures to celebrate science and technology. At Cal State East Bay Hayward. www.bayareascience.org

Downtown Throwdown [Sat noon-4pm]: Snow will be imported to create a snowboarding challenge. In SF Civic Center near Fulton and Larkin. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=230760726976386

Bike Riding Free Art Giveaway [Sat 12:30-2pm]: 1000 rolled up art pieces from 14 local artists will be distributed by bike along a route through the Mission, Lower Haight, Panhandle (yay!), Inner Richmond, and Golden Gate Park (SF). www.papergirl-sf.com

*** Ghost Tour - Palace [Sat 6:30pm]: I did this last year. Hear about the mysterious occurrences at The Palace Hotel (SF). www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=32

Journey to the End of the Night [Sat 7pm]: Halloween edition of an urban scavenger hunt, with participants in Chicago, London, Mexico City, and elsewhere. Starts at Cupid's Span in Rincon Park (SF). www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=276548972366113

Dia de los Muertos Festival [Sun 10am-5pm]: With live performances, commemorative altars, Aztec dancers, and more. At the Fruitvale Transit Village (Oakland). www.unitycouncil.org/ddlm

Tipsy Tow [Mon 6pm - Tue 6am]: 5 miles of free towing to the driver's home. Call 800-222-4357 to request "I need a tipsy tow." In Northern California, Nevada, and Utah. www.csaa.com

*** Ghost Tour - City Hall [Mon 6:30pm]: Hear about exciting facts about SF City Hall's past. Meet in the South Light Court. www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=31

Free Cab Rides Home [Mon 10pm - Tue 4am]: From a restaurant or bar to an individual's home. Within SF, call Luxor at 415-282-4141. Within Alameda, Oakland, and Berkeley (or to get home to SF), call Veterans at 800-281-4488. Mention Berg Injury Lawyers to get a free ride! www.berginjurylawyers.com

Free Museum Days! [Tue / Wed]: Tuesday - De Young, Legion of Honor, Conservatory of Flowers, Cartoon Art Museum, SFMOMA, Contemporary Jewish, YBCA, and Camerawork. Wednesday - Bay Area Discovery, SF Zoo, Exploratorium, and GLBT.

*** Mary Roach discussion [Wed 6-7:30pm]: Hear the author of curious novels such as Spook, Stiff, and Bonk speak with MythBusters co-host Adam Savage about her latest work, Packing for Mars. At SFPL's Koret Auditorium (SF). www.bayareascience.org

*** Contact Screening & Discussion [Wed 6-9:30pm]: Dr. Jill Tarter, the inspiration of the film Contact, discusses her work with SETI. I've seen her before; she's the real deal! At SFSU's McKenna Theater (SF). www.bayareascience.org

Free Deal of the Week

Enjoy a free one-night movie rental from Blockbuster Express. Use rental code FURLTY on any $1 title. Blockbuster Express kiosks can be found in Safeway and a few other retailers such as Pak N Save and 7-Eleven.