New Year’s Eve’s Party’s in Northern California Cities

The year 2012 is almost over. It is ending on a somber note. With the mass shootings this year, I pray that it will be better in 2013. I know I have had my share of obstacles as well as a proud moment. One big fantastic thing that happen to me in 2012, I became a grandparent of a baby girl she is the light of my life. I know everyone is ready to party 2012 away. I put together a list of some New Year’s party’s going on in the San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Rosa, San Ramon, Vacaville and San Jose areas. Just because you’re having a good time don’t be stupid, don’t drink and drive. Happy New Year!

SAN FRANCISCO

Asian Art Museum

27th Annual Bell Ringing Ceremony (Joya no kane) - Take a swing at the giant temple bell to literally "ring in" the New Year. A 2100-lb., sixteenth-century Japanese bronze bell originally from a temple in Tajima Province in Japan will be struck 108 times with a large custom-hewn log. Participants may take turns ringing the museum's sixteenth-century bronze bell to leave behind the bad experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of the old year. Tickets to ring the bell are distributed at the admission desk. Sunday, December 30, 2012 at approx 11:00am. Samsung Hall, 200 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA 94102. (415) 581-3500.

Bimbo's 365 Club

New Year’s Eve at Bimbo's 36 Club featuring Nick Waterhouse - Plus, Quinn Deveaux and The Blue Beat Review, Gaucho and special appearances by The Girl in the Fishbowl. Admission includes complimentary glass of champagne, hats, party favors and traditional balloon drop. Cocktail Attire- Black Tie Optional. Monday, December 31, 2012. 1025 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133. (415) 474-0365.

Davies Symphony Hall

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball with the San Francisco Symphony - Party and concert with the San Francisco Symphony, some bubbly, and dancing on the stage. Doors open and entertainment begins at 8pm. Concert begins at 9pm. Monday, December 31, 2012. 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. (415) 864-6000.

Embarcadero - Pier 14

New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks - Monday, December 31, 2012 12:00am. Check out ABC7's video of the entire 2012 New Year's Eve fireworks display along the waterfront!

Fort Mason Festival Pavilion

4th Annual Streets of San Francisco - EyeHeartSF transforms the pavillion into a San Francisco inspired playground of city sights, lights and sounds. Visuals, sounds, music, and featured DJs: A-Trak, DJ Craze and Sam Isaac. Monday, December 31, 2012 9pm. Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA.

Hornblower Cruises & Events, San Francisco

San Francisco Premier New Year's Eve Cruise and Belle of the Ball New Year's Eve Cruise - Scenic views, dinner, midnight fireworks, open bar, party favors, live music and dancing. Departs Monday, December 31, 2012 at 8pm. Pier 3, San Francisco. All Ages. 1 (888) 467-6256.

Yoshi's

Maceo Parker's New Year's Party! - Celebrate the New Year with some Funk! Plus, Andy Caldwell in the lounge area. Monday December 31, 2012 8pm and 10pm. 1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115. (415) 655-5600.

ALEMEDA COUNTY

Alameda Port

New Year's Eve Dinner & Fireworks Cruise - Dinner, dancing, food and fireworks aboard a luxury yacht, sailing the San Francisco Bay. Monday, December 31, 2012, boarding 8pm, cruise 9pm - 1am. 2394 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, CA 94501. (510) 337-9000.

Yoshi's - Oakland

New Year's Eve with Pete Escovedo & Sons Latin Jazz Orchestra - Bay Area Latin Jazz Legend celebrates 2013 with the release of Live From Stern Grove Festival. NYE package includes show, 4-course dinner, champagne toast and priority seating. Monday, December 31, 2012 7pm. 707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda, CA 94501. 510-238-9200

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

San Ramon Marriott Hotel

New Year’s Eve Party - Party favors, drinks, 2 ballrooms, food, live band, complimentary casino and balloon drop at midnight. Monday, December 31, 2012. 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA 94583.

SOLANO COUNTY

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags New Year's Eve 2013 - Holiday in the Park - Ring in the new year at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Family-friendly, live music, fireworks, holiday lights, shows, food and more. Monday, December 31, 2012. Park is open from 4pm - 12am. 1001 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo, CA 94589. (707) 643-6722.

Stars Recreation Center

City Sports Bar & Grill Presents New Year's with Ascension - Dinner, dancing, party favors and more! Monday, December 31, 2012 at 6:30pm. 55 Browns Valley Parkway in Vacaville California. (707) 455-7827 x108.

SAN JOSE

Santa Clara County

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

New Year's Eve Party & Grand Finale of Club Max - located inside the Doubletree by Hilton San Jose. 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, CA. Monday, December 31, 2012 at 8pm. 408-453-4000

Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge & Restaurant

Fahrenheit New Year's Eve 2012 - Music (Hip hop, Top 40, R&B) dancing, champagne, complimentary food stations, and balloon drop at midnight. 99 East San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA. Monday, December 31, 2012 8pm - 2am. Semi-Formal 21+.

SANTA CRUZ

Cocoanut Grove Ballroom

New Year's Eve with The Alison Sharino Band - Buffet, champagne, sparkling cider, live entertainment, dancing, party favors, full bar and countdown clock at midnight! 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Monday, December 31, 20127pm - 1am. 21+. (831) 423-2053.

Best Western Seacliff Inn - Severino's Bar and Grill

New Year's Eve Extravaganza - Featuring Joint Chiefs, four course dinner and champagne toast. 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, CA 95003. Monday, December 31, 2012, 8:30pm. (831) 688 -8987.

SAN MATEO

Broadway Grill

NEW YEARS EVE 2012 Dinner & Show - Dinner and a show featuring band Pure Ecstasy. Monday, December 31, 2011 9pm. 1400 Broadway, Burlingame, CA 94010. (650) 343-9333.

San Mateo Marriott

Carnival Night "12th annual New Year’s Party" - 6 separate rooms of music, 5 live bands, 14 DJ's, Brazilian samba at midnight, balloons, party favors, red carpet and more! Monday, December 31, 2012. 1770 Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402. (408) 507-6519.

MARIN COUNTY

George's Night Club

THE TUBES featuring Fee Waybill - A New Year's Eve Bash - Celebrate the New Year with popular New Wave rock band, best known for their classic 1980s hit "She's a Beauty." Monday, December 31, 2012 at 9pm. 842 4th Street, San Rafael, CA, CA 94949. (415) 226-0262.

San Francisco Spirit Yacht in Sausalito

New Year's Eve Family Gala - Black tie optional affair, open bar for adults, music, and gourmet dinner. Monday, December 31, 2012 at 8:15pm. 39 E. Pier, Sausalito, CA 94133. (415) 762-0554.

NAPA COUNTY

Napa Valley Wine Train

A New Year's Eve to Remember: 2012 Crystal Ball - Celebrate the New Year with caviar, sparkling wine, a gourmet meal, entertainment and dancing. Monday, December 31, 2012 5pm to 1am. 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA94559. 1 (800) 427-4124.

SONOMA COUNTY

Safari West

http://www.safariwest.com/newyeareve/

Romp with the Beasts! New Year's Eve at Safari West - Featuring Brent Farris, DJ and Voice of Sonoma County's Radio Show - KZST. Party with animals! Festive dinner and dancing plus champagne toast. Leave after midnight strikes or enjoy all the creature comforts and spend the night in a luxury safari tent. Reservations required. Monday, December 31, 2012 starts 6:00pm - 12:00am. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. (707) 579-2551. <>

LM

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/feature?section=news&id=6572465

San Jose Number One Healthiest City for Women by Self Magazine

I was watching the Doctors television show the other day, and they had a segment on there about women. The publication Self Magazine released a list of the healthiest cities in America for women. San Jose California was the number one healthiest city for women. Self magazine found that 84% of the women in San Jose exercise and out of that 84% only 8% smoke. The women in San Jose eat more fruits and vegetables then the national average, which leads to a healthier life. There is one thing that impressed me about this study. Is that the average lifespan for a women living in San Jose is 84 years. This is three years longer than the national average. There are different kinds of activities you can do in San Jose to keep you in shape that are free. There are flash mobs around the city. In San Pedro Square they have the big Zuma fitness flash mob. If you have never attended a flash mob it is exciting. Hundreds of people get up the start moving. You can also go to the world's largest flea market in San Jose which 8 miles and 2000 vendors walking around the flea market will keep you in shape. You can also catch a flash mob dancing to be some Latin beat. There are a number of bike trails in San Jose. Coyote Creek trail is one like because it’s about a three and a half mile ride. Just enough to get your heart rate up and it goes all the way to Morgan Hill. Growing up in San Jose has been a terrific experience, because of how centrally located it is. You can go for a hike in the mountains of Yosemite or along the many beaches California has to offer. With these outdoor activities you can’t help but be fit. Women of San Jose California keep up the good work. I know I’m trying to do my part.

LM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/13/healthiest-cities-for-women_n_2126264.html

Northern California Says Farewell to the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Growing up in the 1960s NASA’s space program has always been fascinating to me. When I look up at the stars, I wonder what it would be like to be up there and If there other civilizations up there? Well NASA’s Shuttle Space program is over. Space Shuttle Endeavor flew over California on September 21, 2011 for its final flight. It hitched a ride on top of a 747 jet. It took off at 8:17 a.m. from Edwards Air Force Base, located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County. Space Shuttle Endeavor then soared over northern California cities of Sacramento, San Francisco Burlingame, Mountain View, Atherton, East Palo Alto, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Fremont, Foster City, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose and Sunnyvale. There were 100 of thousands of people cheered the passing Space Shuttle Endeavor. People even got emotional. George Kucera, 47 said, "That made me feel like a little boy again,'' he watched with thousands near the Golden Gate bridge, "I lost myself in a moment." Fifteen year old Alex Thanos of Redwood City said, "It was incredible, an once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was breathtaking." I saw it on TV and I started to get a little teary eyed. This was history in the making, I am sad to see NASA’s Shuttle Space Program end. All good things must come to an end.  

LM

  

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/space-shuttle-endeavour-sacramento.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-last-flight-of-the-space-shuttle-endeavor

The 15th Annual Marin City Blues, Jazz & Soul Party in the Park

I had the pleasure of attending this festival some years ago. My husband was the drummer for Lara Johnston, the daughter of Tom Johnston of the famous Doobie Brothers. It was so much fun. The City of Marin is located 1.5 miles northwest of downtown Sausalito and about 5 miles north of San Francisco. Marin City became real popular in the 90’s, due to it being the home of Tupac Shakur. In 2010 the population of Marin City was 2,666. The 15th Annual Marin City Blues, Jazz & Soul Party is held Labor Day weekend. It is on September 3, 2012 at 100 Drake Avenue, Marin City, CA 94965 from 12pm to 7pm. This festival supports the history of the root of the blues and soul music. It also supports the music education for the children of Marin City. This year’s festival will have an interactive kid zone, delicious ethnic food & beverages, local arts and craft vendors, business exhibitors and a civic information booth. Here is the great musical lineup and times they will perform.

Schedule of Entertainers

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Marin School of the Arts

12:30-1:15 p.m. Maestro JT and Afro-Rhythm

1:30-2 p.m. California Red All Stars Blues Band

2-2:30 p.m. Zakiya Hooker, Lara Johnston and Margie Turner

2:30 p.m. Sonny Rhodes

3 p.m. Sugar Pie Desanto

3:30-4:15 p.m. John Lee Hooker Jr.

4:30-5:30 p.m. Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic

5:45-6:45 p.m. Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra

Labor Day weekend is the officially the last day of summer BBQ’s. So grab the family and go to the 15th Annual Marin City Blues, Jazz & Soul Party in the Park for some fun in the sun.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marin_City,_California

http://marincitybluesjazzandsoulpartyinthepark.com/

Fremont California a Family Oriented City

The City of Fremont is located on the southeast side of the San Francisco Bay. Fremont has over 214,000 people within 90-square miles. Fremont is the fourth most populous city in the Bay Area and California's 15th largest city. Fremont is multicultural living at its best. It is in vicinity to major universities, shopping areas, recreation and cultural activities, employment centers, major airports, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit system. Fremont also offers a variety of activities for the family to enjoy. One of the activities that I had the pleasure of experiencing in Fremont was the Aqua Adventure Water Park. My 

niece had her 4^th birthday there. It was a fun in the sun, riding the water slides. Fremont offers other family oriented activities. If you enjoy trains and train depots and there history, you can take the family to see the first steam-powered train and depot in Centerville, Fremont.

The first steam-powered passenger train received a big welcome on May 29, 1909. This depot would host passenger trains operating between Oakland, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Stockton, and Redwood City. You can also take the family on an historic train ride, on the Niles Canyon Railway. This ride gives you the experience and understanding of early Californian’s riding on what was known as Transcontinental Gateway to the San Francisco Bay. 

If you have kids and they complain about doing chores at home. You can take them to the fully-functioning 1890’s Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Have them do farm chores for about 4 hours. I guarantee home chores won’t be a problem anymore. These are some of the family activities that you can enjoy with your family. Plan a day in Fremont California it is a nice city to visit.

LM

http://www.fremont.gov/

http://www.fremont.gov/BusinessDirectoryII.aspx?lngBusinessCategoryID=26

http://www.goaquaadventure.com/

Alum Rock Park in San Jose Closed Due To High Fire Danger

Back in 1970s Alum Rock Park in San Jose California was the place to go for family fun. My family would have their reunions there. I used to love Alum Rock Park when I was a kid. I could not wait to go horseback riding and swimming. Alum Rock always had a lot people there during the summer time.

Alum Rock has been closed to cars and pedestrians due to the high fire danger. Officials say with the high temperatures and low humidity, it is a recipe for a wildfire. All over the state brush fires are happening, due to the hot and dry conditions. Last week in Brisbane, small brush fires were sparked last Monday. It is good that Alum Rock Park in San Jose is closed, because of the houses in the area. The people that live near Alum Rock Park are happy that it is closed. They don’t want what happened in the Oakland Hills in the 80s. If you never been to Alum Rock Park go up there when it’s open it is beautiful.

LM

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/06/12/san-jose-park-closes-due-to-high-fire-danger/

50th Anniversary of fabled escape of Alcatraz

My first time going to Alcatraz was in 1998, as a chaperone for my son’s class field trip. We boarded a bus headed for San Francisco and caught a ferry to Alcatraz Island. I remember how excited the kids were, this was the biggest field trip of the year.

Alcatraz Island off the coast of San Francisco is commemorating 50 years of the fable escape of three prisoners in 1962. The three men who escaped from Alcatraz were, two brothers John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris. All three men were serving time for bank robbery. It was supposed to be a fourth man, but he had technical problems and had to pull out. That is how authorities found out about how they escaped. The men hatched a plan to dig their way out. Using spoons and forks to dig holes in the crumbling brick walls, surrounding the air vents in their cells. Creating a crawl space, they pierced the six-and-a-half-inch thick walls until they reached a utility corner. They created mannequin heads out of paper, paint and hair they stole from the prison barber shop. They made rafts out of raincoats they stole. The night of the getaway they left the heads in the beds. They were able to shimmy out through a roof vent, to get an 8 hour head start before the authorities knew of the escape.

Authorities still have arrest warrants out for the three men, believing their still alive. No bodies were found in the ice cold water. These three men showed real ingenuity to come up with such an elaborate plan. If their still alive they would be in their late 70s or early 80s. These three men were the only ones to successfully escape from Alcatraz. I don’t think they are still alive if they are they should be arrested.

LM

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_20838931/alcatraz-marks-50th-anniversary-fabled-escape?source=rss

California State Senate Approves Self-Driving or Autonomous Cars

Yes! The future is here self-driving cars have arrived. I remember in 2011 my cousin Michael Ealey owner of Streetwise Special Delivery Courier Service in Gilroy California, was driving from Gilroy to San Jose to do a pickup and delivery. He called me on the phone and said he was driving next to a self-driving car made by Google. Senators from the state of California voted 37-0 in support of the bill that would allow self-driving cars on the streets and highways as long as a licensed driver is aboard. Senator Alex Padilla said "Human error is the cause of almost every accident on the road today. If autonomous technology can reduce the number of accidents, and then we also reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on California's roads," sponsor of the bill, State Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), explained to the Los Angeles Times. "For me this is a matter of safety." These self-driving cars use radar, video cameras, lasers and a database of information collected from manually-driven cars to navigate and are meant to prevent accidents. I think this would be great, there should be no more accidents and no more traffic jams wouldn’t that be nice. All the handicapped people who have not been able to drive will finally get their chance. Would everyone go for the self-driving car? I don’t think so, because first of all the car will drive only the speed limit. We all know in this fast pace world people won’t like going the speed limit. What if there is some kind of electrical outage in the world? Like we see in the movies, what then? I would like to see how these cars drive, I probably would be nervous wanting to put my hands on the steering wheel. If the people of California passes Padilla's bill, SB 1298 and this bill is signed by Governor Jerry Brown it would go into effect in January 2013.

LM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/22/self-driving-cars-in-ca_n_1536738.html

Memorial Day Weekend Festivals

Memorial Day is the day of remembrance for all our fallen Veterans. Memorial Day weekend is the official kicks off for the beginning of summer barbecues and festivals. For all of you who would like to go somewhere and pay tribute here are a few places you can go on Monday.

1. 10:30 a.m. - The 142nd San Francisco Memorial Day ceremony. The event begins with a parade of veterans. Guests include San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, members of the board of supervisors, Rep. Jackie Speier, d-San Mateo/San Francisco, Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, and others. Starts at Main Post parade ground, San Francisco Presidio, Montgomery Street and Sheridan Avenue; continues top the cemetery at 1 Lincoln Blvd.
2. 11 a.m. St. Mary's cemetery, 4529 Howe St., Oakland
3. 12 p.m. Holy Sepulcher cemetery, 26239 Mission Blvd., Hayward.
4. 1 p.m. Memorial Day ceremony aboard the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier Museum. USS Hornet, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda.
5. 1 p.m. Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, will attend a Memorial Day ceremony at the Contra Costa County Veterans Monument. Contra Costa Boulevard and Boyd Road, Pleasant Hill.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=7470686

This weekend for all of you who are staying in town. There are festivals right in your town, here are some.

1. 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge at PIER 39 Sunday, May 27 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at PIER 39, San Francisco, CA

http://events.sfgate.com/san_francisco_ca/events/show/261367105-75th-anniversary-of-the-golden-gate-bridge-at-pier-39

2. The 34th Annual San Francisco Carnival Saturday, May 26 10:00a at Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA
3. A Day in the Park Sunday, May 27 12:00p to 5:00p at St. James Park, San Jose, CA

http://events.sfgate.com/san_jose_ca/events/show/261581905-a-day-in-the-park

4. Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival Saturday, May 26 10:00a to 7:00p at Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, Morgan Hill, CA

http://events.sfgate.com/morgan_hill_ca/events/show/200280085-morgan-hill-mushroom-mardi-gras-festival

Well these are some places you can take the family to. Remember to be safe on the Highways. For all your delivery needs Streetwise Special Delivery Inc. Courier Service Delivers to San Francisco, Morgan Hill, San Jose, Oakland, Alameda, Walnut Creek and other bay area cities.

LM

Easter Parades on April 7, 2012

Springtime is here and you know what that means Easter. There will be children all over the United States in Easter Pageants and hunting for Easter eggs. Northern California will be hopping with Easter Parades; here are some of the parades you can take the kids too. Get out there and make some memories and have some family fun. Happy Easter!

1. Campbell will have its 14 Annual Bunnies and Bonnets Parade on April 7, 2012. http://www.livesv.com/event/detail/441480425/14th_Annual_Bunnies_and_Bonnets_Parade
2. Palo Alto is having a Children’s Easter Party with Puppet show on April 7, 2012 http://www.livesv.com/event/detail/441480145/Childrens_Easter_Party_with_Puppet_Show
3. Hayward is having its Easter Bonnet Parade and Egg Hunt on April 7, 2012 http://www.livesv.com/event/detail/441480431/Easter_Bonnet_Parade_and_Egg_Hunt
4. San Carlos the Easter Bunny Arrives by Helicopter on April 7, 2012 http://www.livesv.com/event/detail/441480225/Easter_Bunny_Arrives_by_Helicopter
5. Menlo Park will be having a Easter Egg Hunt on April 7, 2012 http://www.livesv.com/event/detail/441479698/Egg_Hunt_in_Menlo_Park
6. Felton is having Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt and Train Rides on April 7 & 8, 2012 http://www.livesv.com/event/detail/441480297/Eggstraordinary_Egg_Hunt_Train_Rides

LM

Santa Cruz 38th Annual Fungus Fair

It is that time a year again the 38^th Annual Fungus Fair is January 13-15, 2012 in Santa Cruz California at the Louden Nelson Community Center. All you mushroom lovers like me, this is the place to be. There are hundreds of mushrooms on display you also get to learn about different mushrooms in their recreated habitat. There is a special room for the kids with hands on activities where they can also learn about the mushrooms. If you enjoy cooking with mushrooms like I do there culinary stations set up teaching you how to prepare the mushrooms to get the best flavor out of them. Mushrooms in the wild can also be very dangerous if you don’t know what to look for.  There will be renowned speakers on all three days informing people on edible and poisonous mushrooms. Mushrooms are very healthy for you there rich in iron, copper, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and folic acid. My favorite mushrooms are Shitake, Beef Steak and Button mushrooms. If you love mushrooms like me the 38^th Annual Fungus Fair in Santa Cruz California is definitely the place to be, so pack up the kids and make this a family day trip.

LM

http://fungusfed.org/

http://scfungusfair.org/mushrooms_101.html