Monday, October 31, 2011

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]
* 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]
* 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]

4) John Avalos [Board of Supervisor, City of SF]
* 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]
* Endorsed by: SF Bay View, SF Green Party

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

8) Bevan Dufty [former Board of Supervisor, City of SF]
* 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]
* Endorsed by: SF Republican Party, SF Libertarian Party

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

12) Ed Lee [Mayor, City of SF]
* 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]

14) Joanna Rees [venture capitalist]
* Endorsed by: Jennifer Siebel Newsom, SF Women's Political Committee

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

16) Leland Yee [State Senator, California]
* 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]
* 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]
* Endorsed by: SF Republican Party, SEIU Local 1021

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

San Francisco Sheriff (alphabetical order):
1) Chris Cunnie [Undersheriff, City of SF]
* 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}
* 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]
* 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]

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

Posted by Randy's Guide at 1:52 PM 1 comments

Thursday, October 27, 2011

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
or
2832 Mission St. (at 24th St.)
San Francisco, CA 94110

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.

Posted by Randy's Guide at 3:17 PM 0 comments

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLXII (262)

Local History

Foster City, with a median household income of $135,470, was originally built during the 1960s on landfill dredged from the San Francisco Bay on the eastern edge of San Mateo. T. Jack Foster owned much of the land at the time and was a large player in the city's initial design.


Local Food Pick
Keanu's Island Kine Food
500 Elmira Rd. (at Allison Dr.)
Vacaville, CA 95687

This place will come in handy for those journeying up to Tahoe during the winter season. It's one of the best non-chain food options in the region. The chicken katsu or kalua pork with cabbage are fantastic. Portions are huge and reasonably priced. You'll be so surprised by your meal here. 4 stars - 120 reviews

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.


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
Looking good. The late summer will return to the City this weekend!

~ THU-FRI ~
Coast: low-60s
SF: mid-60s
Bay: low-70s
South Bay: mid-70s
North Bay: mid-70s
Inland East Bay: upper-70s

~ SAT-SUN ~
Coast: upper-60s
SF: mid-70s
Bay: low-80s
South Bay: mid-80s
North Bay: mid-80s
Inland East Bay: upper-80s


Free Bay Area Activities
Lower Polk Art Walk [Thu 6-10pm]: Gallery openings, murals, Artist in the Alley with live graffiti art, and more. Along Polk and Larkin, between Geary and Bush (SF). http://lowerpolkartwalk.blogspot.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performance by Karamo Susso and Roots of Manding, as well as Red Poppy Art House artist performances and discussions. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Wind Chamber Quartet [Fri 8pm]: Featuring the Grammy-nominated Borealis Wind Quintet. At SFSU's McKenna Theater (SF). http://creativearts.sfsu.edu

Live 105's Birthday Bash [Fri 9pm]: With Young Science and The Soft White Sixties, which was named one of the Bay Area's top 10 bands by Live 105. At Milk Bar (SF). www.milksf.com

PedalFest Celebration [Sat 10am-5pm]: With a bicycle rodeo, bike-powered entertainment stage, beer garden, and more. Proceeds will benefit Walk Oakland Bike Oakland and East Bay Bicycle Coalition. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Danville Fall Crafts Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 20th annual. Halloween parade, 200+ artisans, and a metal sculpture installation. Along Hartz Ave (Danville). www.mlaproductions.com/Danville-Fall/index.html

El Cerrito Folk Festival [Sat noon-10pm]: Live performances on several stages, with classroom-based workshops. At Windrush School (El Cerrito). www.elcerritofolkfest.org

Potrero Hill History Night [Sat 5:30-9pm]: With BBQ benefit and historical archives discussion with Goat Hill Phil, Josephine Firpo Alioto, Joel Selvin, and Country Joe McDonald. At the International Studies Academy (SF).

Asian Art Museum [Sun 10am-5pm]: Cardamom ice cream, performance by Ashwin Batish, dress-up pictures, and more. At the Asian Art Museum (SF). www.asianart.org

*** Sunday Streets [Sun 11am-4pm]: The last of the season. With free bike rentals and repairs, swing dance lessons, outdoor yoga, youth health screenings, hip-hop dance expo, carnival, and more. Along Mission St., between Duboce and 24th St., and down 24th St. to Harrison (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Polish Festival [Sun 11am-5pm]: Polish music, folk dance, food, and handicrafts. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.pacnorcal.org

Bottom of the Hill Celebration [Wed 9pm]: 20th anniversary party. With Hank IV, Total B.S., and DJs Foodcourt and Nate. At the Bottom of the Hill (SF). www.bottomofthehill.com

Posted by Randy's Guide at 1:05 PM 0 comments

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLXI (261)

Local History

Irish-born Jasper O'Farrell (1817-1875) was the first surveyor of San Francisco, and designed the promenade for Market Street. He surveyed much of Marin and Sonoma counties, and also became a significant landowner. O'Farrell Street, which runs from Union Square to the edge of the Richmond District, is named after him in San Francisco.


Local Food Pick
Broken Record
1166 Geneva Ave. (at Naples St.)
San Francisco, CA 94112

Way out in the Excelsior, a short stroll from the Balboa Park BART station, is the Broken Record. It looks unassuming from the outside, but once you venture past the small bar (with whiskey and local brews on tap), you'll find a gourmet's trove of high-value, quick-service options. The bacon mac 'n' cheese and pulled pork fries are amazing. Several vegetarian options are available too. Show up around 6:30 if you want a full selection of menu items. 607 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.


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
Another quick storm on Monday has cleared the air and streets. Look for things to stay warm for our real summer time.

~ THU-FRI ~
Coast: mid-70s
SF: low-80s
Bay: low-80s
South Bay: mid-80s
North Bay: upper-80s
Inland East Bay: low-90s

~ SAT-SUN ~
Coast: low-60s
SF: low-70s
Bay: mid-70s
South Bay: upper-70s
North Bay: upper-70s
Inland East Bay: low-80s


Free Bay Area Activities
Menlo Park Arts Fall Fest [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: 15th annual. 90+ artists. Along Santa Cruz Ave (Menlo Park). www.menloparkchamber.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performance by Fared Shafinury, theatrical installation, Maori weaving, and hands-on art making. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival [Sat-Sun 9am-5pm]: 41st annual. Pumpkin patches, pie eating contest, haunted barn, three entertainment stages, and more. Along Main St (Half Moon Bay). www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest

Potrero Hill Festival [Sat 9am-4:30pm]: 21st annual. Cajun jazz brunch, two entertainment stages, dunking booth, and more. Near De Haro and 20th St (SF). www.potrerofestival.com

Noe Valley Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: 7th annual. Near 24th St. and Sanchez (SF). http://noevalleysf.blogspot.com

Trolley Dances [Sat-Sun 11am-3:30pm]: 8th annual. From the SF Main Library to West Portal station, along the K-L-M lines. www.epiphanydance.org

Tenderloin Block Party [Sat 11:30am-3pm]: Free food to the first 800 attendees, plus free health screenings, cooking demos, and pie-eating contest. At Boeddeker Park (SF). www.tndc.org

Midnight Mystery Bike Ride [Sat 11:59pm]: Meet at a local bar, and head out on an impromptu 5-mile ride at midnight. Check it out at www.midnightmystery.org

Fiesta on the Hill [Sun 10am-6pm]: 23rd annual. Bernal Heights brings in people with two live music stages, petting zoo, and local community organizations. Along Cortland Ave (SF). www.sresproductions.com/fiestaonthehill.html

Inner Sunset Fair [Sun 10am-5pm]: Near 9th Ave. and Irving St (SF). www.isstreetfair.org

Portola Festival [Sun 10am-4pm]: 9th annual. Along San Bruno Ave (SF). www.portolafestival.org

Chamber Music Day [Sun 10am-5:30pm]: Over a dozen chamber music orchestras. At the de Young (SF). www.sffcm.org

Family Museum Day [Sun 11am-4pm]: At the SFMOMA, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora, and Children's Creativity Museum (SF). www.sfmoma.org

Community Music Center [Sun 2-9pm]: Live choruses, chamber music, jazz, and Latin dance party. At CMC's Capp Street Hall (SF). www.sfcmc.org/site/calendar/event-single?id=1371

California Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30am-5pm]: I went last month around 4pm and faced virtually no crowds. Adult admission is $29.95 normally. At the Cal Academy (SF). www.calacademy.org

Posted by Randy's Guide at 4:36 PM 0 comments

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLX (260)

Bay Area History

Tanforan Racetrack, which operated in San Bruno from 1899-1964, was replaced by a shopping mall now known as The Shops at Tanforan. Horses such as Seabiscuit and Citation stopped by here, but its true infamy lies in its use as an assembly center for about 8,000 Japanese Americans during WWII. People were housed in the stables, grandstands, and newly constructed barracks before being set to camps around the country.


Bay Area Food Pick
Park Tavern
1652 Stockton St. (at Filbert St.)
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 989-7300

Deviled eggs, welcome back to menus outside of picnics and grandma's house. Prices are reasonable, and entrees are varied enough that you'll find something to your liking. The main appeal, though, of one-month-old Park Tavern is its glamour and spaciousness, where you might be dining next to a bachelorette party and a power couple on either side of you. 53 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.


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 Weather
A rare October storm blew through the Bay Area, and now things should clear up. Seasonally cool.

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


Deal of the Week
Romano's Macaroni Grill is offering a free "choose 2" lunch combination for dine-in only on Friday, October 7, 11am-4pm. Bay Area locations include San Mateo, El Cerrito, Dublin, San Jose, Milpitas, and Stockton. http://i.imgur.com/s2mac.jpg


Free Bay Area Activities
Rotunda Dance Series [Fri noon]: Beach Blanket Babylon and Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu. At SF City Hall Rotunda. www.dancersgroup.org

Greek Festival [Fri 5-9pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun noon-7pm]: 40th annual. With Greek dance lessons, authentic food, and entertainment. At Resurrection Church (Castro Valley). www.greekfestival.me

First Friday on 24th [Fri 6-9:30pm]: Street performers, merchant discounts, and various activities. Along 24th St., between Mission and Potrero (SF). www.facebook.com/event.php?eid-246723925359560

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Performances by Rodrigo Teague and The Freeze, live sketching, caricature drawings, and create-your-own Picasso print. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Sandcastle Contest [Sat 10am]; 28th annual. Near Great Highway and Balboa (SF). www.leap4kids.org

Classic Car Show [Sat 10am-4pm]: 18th annual. 400+ show cars, live DJs, and classic bike show. On Park St., between Encinal and Buena Vista (Alameda). www.shopparkstreet.com/carshow

Indigenous People's Day [Sat 10am-6pm]: 19th annual. Inter-tribal dancing, crafts marketplace, and raffle. At People's Park (Berkeley). www.ipdpowwow.org

San Carlos Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5:30pm]: With two live music stages, kids' activities, and local vendors. At Laurel Street Park (San Carlos). www.sancarloschamber.org

Pumpkins in the Park [Sat 10am-4pm]: 17th annual. Costume parade, kids' activities, raffle, sunflower contest, scarecrow contest, and more. At Guadalupe River Park (San Jose). www.grpg.org/PIP.shtml

Excelsior Festival [Sun 11am-5pm]: 9th annual. Live bands, local vendors, and more. Mission St. at Ocean Ave. (SF). www.eagsf.org

Rockridge Out & About [Sun noon-6pm]: Artisan alley, chef's stage, wellness area, and more. Along College Ave., between Alcatraz and Manila (Oakland). www.rockridgeoutandabout.com

Italian Heritage Parade [Sun 12:30-3:30pm]: 143rd annual. From Fisherman's Wharf into North Beach (SF). www.sfcolumbusday.org

Golden Gate Park Concert [Sun 1pm]: 129th annual. Final weekend. Theme: Audience requests. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Great Night in the Park [Sun 4-7pm]: Literary friends and family should commence for a discussion with authors Chris Adrian, Andrew Sean Greer, and Daniel Handler. At the Buena Vista Park summit (SF). www.booksmith.com/greatnight

Fleet Week [Sat-Sun]: Air shows from 12:30-4pm, parade of ships on Sat 11am, entertainment in Ghirardelli Square, ship tours, and more.

Posted by Randy's Guide at 3:53 PM 0 comments

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