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