Thursday, April 28, 2011

Randy's Guide CCXXXVIII (238)

Historic milestones: 10 years since the first space tourist; 33 years since the first spam e-mail; 40 years since the formation of Amtrak; 60 years since the first televised Kentucky Derby; 65 years since the Alcatraz riots; 84 years since the first celebrity footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater; and 111 years since Hawaii becomes a U.S. territory.


Event Reminder
Dining Out For Life is coming to San Francisco tonight, April 28. Good options still remain on OpenTable (party of 2 @ 7:30pm), including Hyde Street Bistro, Indigo, Catch, and Firefly. All restaurants will donate 25% of your bill to area HIV prevention and care programs. Other cities participating today (April 28) include Denver, LA, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Boston. www.diningoutforlife.com


Local Restaurant Pick
Limon Rotisserie
1001 South Van Ness (at 21st St.)
415.821.2134
www.limonrotisserie.com

The Peruvian whole roasted chicken with two sides ($17.95) remains one of the City's best values. The lomito saltado, ceviches, and sangria are also great for sharing a convivial meal with friends and family alike. www.yelp.com/biz/limon-rotisserie-san-francisco


Deal of the Week
Free Museum Days. Sunday features the Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF), Oakland Museum of California, and Asian Art Museum (SF). Tuesday means the de Young, Cartoon Art Museum, Legion of Honor, SF MOMA, and YBCA. Wednesday is free for the SF Zoo (residents only), Exploratorium, and Sausalito Discovery Museum.


Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million; to date, the cause has raised over $380,000. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

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, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Warmer and sunny - it's spring time!

~ THU-FRI ~
Coast: low-60s
SF: mid-60s
Bay: mid-60s
Inland: upper-60s

~ SAT-SUN ~
Coast: mid-60s
SF: low-70s
Bay: mid-70s
Inland: upper-70s


Music
"Dynamite" by Keenan Cahill (feat. Brian Wilson and Cody Ross)

The viral-video star is up to 93 YouTube entries, including collaborations with 50 Cent, David Guetta, and Pauly D. The SF Giants are holding a Maroteaux Lamy Syndrome charity night in honor of Keenan on Wednesday, May 25.


Movies {domestic revenues for April 22-24}
1. "Rio" - $26.3 million - 3842 theatres - $6,851 per theatre - $80.8 million overall
2. "Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family" - $25.1 million - 2288 theatres - $10,957 per theatre
3. "Water for Elephants" - $16.8 million - 2817 theatres - $5,979 per theatre
6. "African Cats" - $6.0 million - 1220 theatres - $4,921 per theatre


Mainstream films:
- Dylan Dog (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Sam Huntington and Taye Diggs
- Fast Five (PG-13): Action sequel; co-starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, and Dwayne Johnson
- Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil (PG): Animation sequel; co-voiced by Hayden Panettiere, Bill Hader, Glenn Close, Amy Poehler, and Martin Short
- Prom (PG): Comedy

Art-house films:
- Cave of Forgotten Dreams (NR): Documentary
- Legend of the Fist (R): Action
- My Perestroika (NR): Documentary
- The Princess of Montpensier (NR): Drama
- The Robber (NR): Thriller
- Stake Land (NR): Suspense

Randy's DVD Pick: Invictus (PG-13). It's the rare Hollywood film that out-performed in its foreign markets. Morgan Freeman does the serious leader role again quite well, gaining an Oscar nod for his portrayal of a newly elected Nelson Mandela. Matt Damon co-stars as a rugby captain who starts to understand the importance of sport to a divided nation. Clint Eastwood is the director. Domestic box office: $37.5 million; foreign: $84.7 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Sidewalk Arts Expo [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: 66th semi-annual. Along North Main and Locust St. (Walnut Creek). www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

New Living Expo [Fri 3-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm]: Guest speakers include Daryl Hannah, Starhawk, and Julia Butterfly Hill. 300+ exhibits on higher consciousness, green living, and spiritual healing abound. At Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). RSVP at http://barttonewlivingexpo.eventbrite.com

Alexander String Quartet concert [Fri 6pm]: Award-winning quartet! At Community Music Center (SF). www.sfcmc.org/site/calendar/event-single?id=1226

Lao New Year Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: 3rd annual. Green papaya salad contest, southeast Asian cultural performances, Lao Kato tournament, and more. In Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.laonewyear.org

Cherry Blossom Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: Check out taiko, karate, judo, origami, bonsai, hula, and chado (tea ceremony). At Memorial Park (Cupertino). www.cupertinotoyokawa.org

Streets Alive San Mateo County [Sun 8am-3pm]: Reader Eric P. points out this event taking place in several cities across San Mateo County, including San Mateo, Belmont, Millbrae, Redwood City, and Pacifica. www.streetsalivesmc.org

Glen Park Festival [Sun 10am-4:30pm]: 13th annual. Live music, local restaurants, food carts, artisans, and more. Along Diamond St. (SF). www.glenparkfestival.com

May Day March [Sun 11:30am-2:30pm]: March and speak out. Starts from 24th St. BART to Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.maydayunited.org

Art in the Alley [Sun noon-6pm]: 25+ emerging artists are featured in this award-winning festival. In North Beach's Kerouac Alley (SF).

How Weird Festival [Sun noon-8pm]: Nine blocks of colorful costumes, electronica music, food, drinks, and fun. Near Howard and Second St. (SF). www.howweird.org

Bay Area National Dance Week [through Monday]: A wide range of dance options, from lessons to performances. Throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. www.bayareandw.org

Kitchen Table Talks [Tue 6:30-8:30pm]: Five youth food activists share stories about opening a grocery coop, a mushroom business, and various educational endeavors. At UC Berkeley School of Journalism Library (Berkeley). RSVP at www.civileats.com

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Randy's Guide CCXXXVII (237)

Historic milestones: 17 years since the first evidence of a top quark; 26 years since the introduction of New Coke; 41 years since the first Earth Day; 72 years since the introduction of Batman; 100 years since the first publication of Pravda; 219 years since the creation of La Marseillaise.


Event Reminder
Dining Out For Life is coming to San Francisco on Thursday, April 28. Good options with OpenTable reservations for two at 7pm include Mission Beach Cafe, Specchio, Bisou, Dosa, and Alamo Square Grill. All restaurants will donate 25% of your bill to area HIV prevention and care programs. Other cities participating on April 28 include Denver, LA, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Boston. www.diningoutforlife.com


Local Restaurant Pick
Radius
1123 Folsom (at Seventh St.)
www.radiussf.com

It's a fine example of a locavore restaurant, as the large majority of ingredients are sourced within a 100-mile radius. Radius is also participating in Dining Out For Life next Thursday. The San Francisco Chronicle has a lovely write-up in today's section: www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/04/21/DDBF1GSKVD.DTL


Deal of the Week
Celebrate Earth Day with Starbucks on Friday with free coffee or tea. Simply bring in a reusable mug! www.starbucks.com/responsibility/community/community-service


Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million; to date, the cause has raised over $370,000. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

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, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Repeat. Mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of rain over the next few days (particularly Saturday evening/Sunday morning).

Coast: upper-50s
SF: upper-50s
Bay: low-60s
South Bay: mid-60s
Inland East Bay: upper-60s
North Bay: upper-60s


Music
"Wash Away" by Joe Purdy (Northwest Arkansas)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq4Dsv7EdyQ
He's been featured in Lost, Grey's Anatomy, House, and a Kia commercial. I'm considering his folk-rock show at the Independent on May 3; his tour also includes stops at Austin, LA, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Philadelphia, NYC, Atlanta, Nashville, and Minneapolis. www.joepurdy.com


Movies {domestic revenues for April 15-17}
The animated birds in "Rio" surprised with the biggest opening of the year, with $39.2 million [3827 theatres; $10,250 per theatre]. 11 years after the last film, "Scream 4" whimpered with $18.7 million [3305 theatres; $5,656 per theatre]. "Conspirator" debuted in eleventh for $3.5 million [707 theatres; $4,963 per theatre]. And the long-awaited "Atlas Shrugged Part I" opened with $1.7 million [299 theatres; $5,640 per theatre].


Mainstream films:
- African Cats (G): Documentary; co-starring Samuel L. Jackson
- Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Tyler Perry, Loretta Devine, and Shad "Bow Wow" Gregory Moss
- Water for Elephants (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz

Art-house films:
- Ceremony (R): Romantic comedy; co-starring Uma Thurman
- The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (PG-13): Documentary; directed by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me)
- Red White & Blue (NR): Suspense
- Trust (R): Drama; co-starring Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, and Viola Davis; directed by David Schwimmer
- White Irish Drinkers (R): Drama


Free Weekend Activities
BART Blue Sky Festival [Fri 11am-2pm]: Free $6 BART tickets, dozens of eco-exhibitors, organic food samples, and live music. At Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.bart.gov

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through Friday]: One last chance to see a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org

* Earth Day SF [Sat 10am-6pm]: I'll be helping to set up this event, so come by and say hello! There will be organic cooking demos, an eco-fashion show, live music, an alternative vehicle exhibit, and lots more. In Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.earthdaysf.com

Berkeley Earth Day [Sat noon-5pm]: Check out Trumer Brewery tours, Chevy Volt test drives, e-waste drop off, and how-to workshops. At Civic Center Park (Berkeley). www.hesternet.net/events.html

Union Street Celebration [Sun 10am-5pm]: 20th annual. This spring fiesta features a parade, many children's activities, an Easter Bonnet Contest, and several local artisans. Along Union St. (SF). www.sresproductions.com/union_street_easter.html

Easter in the Park [Sun 11am-4pm]: The popular Easter Bonnet Contest and Hunky Jesus Contest are mixed with performances and an Easter Egg Hunt. At Dolores Park (SF). www.thesisters.org

People's Park Party [Sun noon-6pm]: Celebrate the park's 42nd anniversary with live music, children's activities, and hands-on workshops. At People's Park (Berkeley). www.peoplespark.org

Science at the Theater [Mon 7-9pm]: Features moderator (and Guide reader) Andrew Fraknoi with three Berkeley Lab cosmologists on a talk about dark energy. At Berkeley Repertory Theatre's Roda Stage (Berkeley). http://friendsofberkeleylab.lbl.gov

Bay Area National Dance Week [through May 2]: A wide range of dance options, from lessons to performances. Throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. www.bayareandw.org

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Randy's Guide CCXXXVI (236)

Historic milestones: 55 years since the first demonstration of the videotape; 87 years since Rand McNally's first published road atlas; 105 years since the massive San Francisco earthquake; 117 years since the first commercial motion-picture house; 165 years since the start of the Donner Party expedition; and 180 years since the founding of the University of Alabama.


Deal of the Week
Free admission to the Academy of Sciences on Wednesday, 9:30am-5pm. Adult tickets normally cost $29.95 each. Arrive early to get tickets to the Planetarium show! www.calacademy.org


Local News
Ike Shehadeh's sandwich empire continues. With 3151 Yelp reviews to date, the wildly popular Ike's Place relocated across the street (3489 16th St.) from his original location following a lengthy battle with neighbors and a temporary stay inside Lime. Other locations include the Stanford campus and Redwood Shores. Plans are underway to open a shop on San Francisco State's campus, Santa Rosa, and Hollywood. http://sanfrancisco.grubstreet.com/2011/01/ikes_goes_hollywood.html


Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million; to date, the cause has raised over $350,000. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

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, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of rain over the next few days.

Coast: low-60s
SF: mid-60s
Bay: upper-60s
East Bay: upper-60s
South Bay: low-70s
North Bay: mid-70s


Music
"Such Great Heights" by Iron & Wine (Dripping Springs, Texas)

The father of five daughters has seen his music creep into television, from Ugly Betty to House to Grey's Anatomy. His majestic voice will grace sold-out shows in SF (June 1), Indianapolis, Omaha, Missoula, Boulder, DC, and Portland. I'm considering the free show in Chicago's Millennium Park on June 6. www.ironandwine.com


Movies {domestic revenues for April 8-10}
"Hop" retained the top spot with $21.3 million [3616 theatres; $5,890 per theatre; $67.8 million overall]. The action-packed "Hanna" debuted with $12.4 million [2535 theatres; $4,880 per theatre]. Russell Brand could only muster third-place with "Arthur" [3276 theatres; $3,731 per theatre; $12.2 million overall]. "Soul Surfer" opened with $10.6 million [2214 theatres; $4,789 per theatre]. Finally, James Franco and Natalie Portman teamed in "Your Highness" for a sixth-place showing at $9.4 million [2769 theatres; $3,380 per theatre].


Mainstream films:
- The Conspirator (PG-13): Drama; co-starring James McAvoy, Tom Wilkinson, and Robin Wright; directed by Robert Redford
- Rio (PG): Animation; co-voiced by Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Tracy Morgan, and George Lopez
- Scream 4 (R): Horror sequel; co-starring Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Hayden Panettiere; directed by Wes Craven

Art-house films:
- An Affirmative Act (NR): Drama
- Circo (NR): Documentary
- Henry's Crime (R): Thriller; co-starring Keanu Reeves, Vera Farmiga, and James Caan
- Meet Monica Velour (R): Comedy; co-starring Kim Cattrall
- Some Days Are Better Than Others (NR): Drama


Free Weekend Activities
Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: 29th annual. 90+ artisans. Along Santa Cruz Ave. (Menlo Park). www.menloparkchamber.com


16th Street Players theatre [Fri 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 3pm]: Featuring four one-act comedies. At Mission Dolores Notre Dame Community Room (SF). www.missiondolores.org

Cal Day [Sat 9am-4pm]: Open house of the UC-Berkeley campus. http://calday.berkeley.edu

Pacifica Earth Day 2011 [Sat 9am-3:30pm]: Do some spring cleaning, then enjoy music from Pollo Del Mar, Linda Martians, and Linda Tringali. Near Linda Mar State Beach (Pacifica). www.pacificabeachcoalition.org

Ferry Building Goat Festival [Sat 10am-1pm]: 3rd annual. Check out cooking demos, farmer talks, and tasty samples of beloved goat milk and cheese. At the Ferry Building (SF). www.cuesa.org

John Muir-Earth Day Celebration [Sat 10am-4pm]: Guest speakers, 50+ exhibitors, live music, recycled fashion show, self-guided tours of his 1882 home, nature stroll, and more. At John Muir National Historic Site (Martinez). www.johnmuirassociation.org

* Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade [Sat-Sun 11am-7pm]: Features origami, taiko, bonsai, historical talks, tea ceremony, parade, samurai swords, karate, and more! In Japantown (SF). www.nccbf.org

Butter & Egg Days Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: 30th annual. Massive parade, kids' zone, cow-chip tossing contest, and more. In historic downtown Petaluma.
www.petalumadowntown.com/ButterAndEggDaysParade.aspx

Mission Open Studios [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 200+ artists. Go. Around the Mission district (SF). www.missionartistsunited.org

Earth Day Santa Rosa [Sat 11am-3pm]: With free ZAP electric scooter rides, display plug-in hybrid auto, e-waste disposal, and more. At Courthouse Square (Santa Rosa).
http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/departments/utilities/Projects/Pages/EarthDay.aspx

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through April 22]: Featuring a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Historic milestones: 11 years since the opening of AT&T Park; 35 years since the creation of the Apple I; 44 years since the first Boeing 737 flight; 71 years since the first African-American on a U.S. postage stamp (Booker T. Washington); 99 years since the departure of the Titanic; and 118 years since the first recorded college basketball game.


Deal of the Week
Free scoop day at all Ben & Jerry's on Tuesday, April 12. 33 years in business and still going! Most scoop shops open at 10 or 11am. www.benjerry.com


Local News
Beloved Saigon Sandwich, home to the $3 banh mi, is undergoing a facelift with the help of the Department of Public Health. Stay tuned for its grand reopening... http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2011/04/06/the-story-of-why-saigon-sandwich-is-closed-and-how-it-will-reopen-cleaner-than-ever/


Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

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, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Possible thunderstorms and hail today, with continued cool conditions over the weekend.

Thursday: mid-50s
Friday-Sunday: upper-50s (SF-coast); low-60s (bay); mid-60s (inland)


Music
"Let Me Be" by Xavier Rudd (Australia)

He tackles heady themes like aboriginal rights and the environment with the help of his didgeridoo, and he's toured with Jack Johnson and Ani DiFranco. Xavier will set foot in SF at the Regency Ballroom (May 3), plus stops in Denver, San Diego, LA, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, New Haven, New Orleans, Charlotte, and Austin. www.xavierrudd.com


Movies {domestic revenues for April 1-3}
"Hop" delighted families to the tune of $37.5 million [3579 theatres; $10,490 per theatre]. "Source Code" came in second with $14.8 million [2961 theatres; $5,002 per theatre]. A Paranormal knockoff "Insidious" mustered a third-place opening with $13.3 million [2408 theatres; $5,511 per theatre]. Finally, "Yogi Bear" passed the $100 million mark.


Mainstream films:
- Arthur (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, and Jennifer Garner
- Hanna (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Cate Blanchett, Saoirse Ronan, and Eric Bana
- Soul Surfer (PG): Drama; co-starring Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid
- Your Highness (R): Comedy; co-starring James Franco, Natalie Portman, and Zooey Deschanel

Art-house films:
- Bill Cunningham New York (NR): Documentary
- In a Better World (R): Drama
- Max Manus (NR): Drama


Free Weekend Activities
Urban Green Art Installation [Thu 5:30-8pm]: Artists reception opening for Infin8 Sync. At SF Environment EcoCenter. www.sfenvironment.org

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:30pm]: With music and dance by Los Cenzontles Focus on Veracruz, DJ Sandina, jaguar amulets, a musical documentary, and more. At the de Young (SF). www.famsf.org/deyoung


* Spring Green Festival [Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm]: 125+ speakers, live music, 300+ exhibitors, and more. It's well worth a few hours. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). Free with 4 canned goods, government ID, Green America/ Global Exchange membership, Ford hybrid/electric test drive, Rainbow Grocery receipt, under-18 status, or nonprofit donation/volunteer time. www.greenfestivals.org/sf

Anarchist Book Fair [Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm]: 16th annual. Speakers, panels, art shows, Arizmendi baked goods, and more. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). http://sfbookfair.wordpress.com

* Cherry Blossom Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: Features taiko, karate, tea ceremony demo, anime, bonsai, and origami. In Japantown (SF). www.nccbf.org

Cesar Chavez Parade & Festival [Sat 11am-6pm]: 11th annual. Features mariachi, parade, classic cars, and youth folkloric ballet. Along 24th St. (SF). www.cesarchavezday.org

SFO Terminal 2 Open House [Sat noon-5pm]: Peruse the LEED-certified terminal for its public art, gourmet food, and 3 music stages. At SFO. http://t2opening.eventbrite.com

* Sunday Streets #2 [Sun 11am-4pm]: Check out free bike rentals, bike repairs, live music, pet programs, and more. Along JFK Drive and the Great Highway (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

* Civic Symphony Winter Concert [Sun 1pm]: With works by Handel, Dvorak, and Mendelssohn. At the Sir Francis Drake's Empire Ballroom (SF). www.sfcivicsymphony.com

Greek Parade & Festival [Sun 2-7pm]: With authentically clothed Greek Freedom Fighters, traditional dance, and a food reception. Along McAllister and 7th St. to City Hall (SF). www.hellenicfederation.org

EarthExpo 2011 [Wed 10am-2pm]: Check out 100+ exhibitors, from nonprofits to artisans to food purveyors. At Frank Ogawa Plaza (Oakland). www.oaklandearthexpo.com

Macy's Flower Show [through Sunday]: At Macy's Union Square (SF). www.macys.com

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through April 22]: Featuring a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org