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