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

The High Cost Of Driving Drunk

2,000 people a year die from drunk driving auto accidents in the United States. Of the 900,000 annual DUI arrests, more than one-third are repeat offenders!  That fact is astounding!  You would think THEY WOULD LEARN the first time, seeing as how deadly, dumb, and costly driving drunk is!

The sad stories pile up every day, and not just in America. The latest international tragedy happened yesterday.  South Africa's beloved anti-apartheid icon 'Nelson Mandela' planned on attending the opening ceremonies of World Cup Soccer being hosted in his hometown of Johannesburg.

Instead, he stayed home with his family, mourning the death of his 13-year old great-granddaughter Zenani who was killed in a car accident after attending a concert the night before.

The man driving the car lost control and slammed into a barrier, after which he was found to be drunk, was arrested on site, and faces serious charges, including homicide.  He probably won't see the light of day again for a long time, let alone have another chance to drive drunk!

However, millions of other drivers suffering from far less, grave circumstances, somehow manage to take even more chances....and get caught again!  Then, they get flattened again with enormous financial losses that are so hefty--it seems impossible for anyone short of  a millionaire to afford!

Young drivers just starting out should pay attention to this, especially those in California, where DUI frequency is ranked in the upper third nationwide. Here is a financial breakdown of just how much it costs for your first, "routine" DUI issued in California!

Hint: Do you have $7000 to $20,000 handy? (prices vary depending on case, judge, attorney,etc)

FINE                                                                 $390-$1200

ATTORNEY FEES                                           $500-$10,000

INSURANCE RATE INCREASES                  $3600-$6600

Total: $4490-$17,800 (and..there's more)

Penalty Assessment Fee                                      $666

State Restitution Fund                                         $100

Alcohol Abuse Ed. Fund                                     $50

Blood or Breath Testing Fee                               $37

Jail Release Fee                                                  $10

Alcohol Awareness School                                 $500

Towing and Storage                                           $190

Total: $6140-$19,450 (and there's more still)

Ignition Interlock Device Installation                   $100

Ignition Interlock Device Annual Fee                  $720

Lost Time and Wages                                        $$$$$$ lots!

Now, remember,  these are costs for a "routine" DUI. If you also damage your vehicle or other property, or if you've injured or killed someone....these costs would only be a fraction of what you'll REALLY PAY!

I'm happy to say I've never been cited for DUI, and that covers 37 years of driving in the San Francisco Bay Area, mostly in San Jose and Campbell where I grew up, and also much of the state....including 7-years in Bakersfield, and two years in Reno Nevada.

For me, it took only one colossal drunk driving episode of stupidity and luck at the same time, to learn my lesson!. My freshman year at San Jose State University,  I drank wine for the first time, and put down 7 or 8-glasses at a fraternity party. 

When I woke up on my bedroom floor with a pounding, sick hangover... I had no idea how I got there, and no recollection of driving home!

I kept thinking miserably-- what happened during that 8-mile ride I DON'T REMEMBER....from downtown 10th street....on to Hwy 280...exiting at Southwest Expressway...down Meridian Ave....and HOME! HOW! 

I immediately hit my knees and thanked God for not  being one of those fools who never wake up from this! That very revelation scared the hell out of me....forever!  I never did that again, ever! 

 My very best friend was not so lucky. He often prided himself on being able to skillfully drink and drive.  One day long ago, I had to pick him up from a drunk tank in Hollister, California....where he also told me,  "he didn't remember how he got there, hung over on a jail cell floor!"

It took him a few more mistakes, many thousands of dollars, and six years without his license to finally see the light. Today, he is richer, happier, and totally sober, having raised a wonderful family. Neither of us uses alcohol, and that's a good story...being able to joke about the wild old days!

We both learned our lessons in different ways, but the key for all young California drivers...and drivers everywhere--is not to drink and drive at all!  No need to learn any lessons!  Just DON'T do it.  You'll  save lives....and lots of money! 

Thanks, and drive safely and sober!

Sincerely, PeteCam4

LIVE MUSIC IN SAN JOSE AND LOS GATOS

LIVE MUSIC IN SAN JOSE AND LOS GATOS




I had friends from out of town one of them was a Jazz and R an B Singer from Florida she wanted to check out the Jazz  and R an B scene, but we did not fill like driving to San Francisco or Oakland. I found two live spots to go and listen to live music this past week. The first spot was right down the street from where I live called the Three Flames at 1547 Meridian Avenue San Jose, CA  95125. For all you Jazz lovers, there’s a Swing Jazz band called Modesto Briseno Septet from 7:30 to 10:30 pm on Tuesday, come dance or sit back and groove to their Blues-ey Jazz style. If you can’t get out on Tuesday there’s always Sunday night too they have Latin Jazz added to there repertoire. Come out and get your Salsa on from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, there is no cover charge. The second spot is a place I used to frequent back in the 90s, called The Number One Broadway 102 South Santa Cruz Avenue Los Gatos Ca. 95030. If you play an instrument or sing you can come put your name on the list and sit in with The JC band on Thursday nights from 10:00pm to 1:00pm. They play R an B this is definitely a kick back atmosphere, there’s dancing and no cover charge. My friends and I had a great time we didn’t have to take a long drive, If your looking for something different to do, check out these two spots you will have a great time.




LM




http://www.3flamesrestaurant.com/index.html


http://www.numberonebroadway.com/

HAITI’S CHALLENGES

Image via Wikipedia

HAITI’S CHALLENGES


The country of Haiti has had serious challenges throughout it’s past and present. The years between 1791 through 1803 there was the Haitian Revolution, this was a violent time in Haiti’s history. In the 1900s, U.S.
Marines occupied Haiti from 1915 through 1934, another violent and bloody part of Haiti’s past. Haiti once was the richest colony in the New World, with the man made and natural disasters it is one of the poorest of the Caribbean. With this last earthquake on January 12, 2010 Port-au-Prince is in ruins, with the Hundreds of thousand of lives lost and millions of homeless is going to take years to rebuild Haiti. It’s going to take help from the international community, to help rebuild this poor country. We can all help by going www.redcross.org to find out what we can do to help this country to heal. If everyone donated 50 cents that would be a great start.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Revolution


http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jan/25/the-sad-history-of-how-poor-haiti-got-that-way/


http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/01/2010125173052160977.html


http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=dd1c3004ae666210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD


LM

THE BAY BRIDGE S CURVE IS IT SAFE?

Image via Wikipedia

THE BAY BRIDGE S CURVE IS IT SAFE?

The Bay Bridge S curve has had Forty Two accidents on the bridge since it
was put into place. A Hayward man died November 9.2009. When he lost
control of the truck he was driving on the Bay Bridge S-curve. He went
over the side and fell 200 feet. October 14, 2009 a Safeway truck turned
on it’s side and block four lanes for hours. I think the Bay Bridge
S-curve is safe, if drivers would just slow down and stop speeding. It’s
just like any new high construction, you have to obey the laws of the
road, it’s put there for a reason. The other part of the bridge is another
story, the jury is still out. All you drivers pay attention to the road
and your speed and drive safely.

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Caltrans-S-Curve-is-Safe-69609662.html


LM

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ACCIDENTS ON MUNI TRAINS AND BUSES

(ACCIDENTS ON MUNI TRAINS AND BUSES) MUNI train and bus accidents in San Francisco Ca. are getting more severe. It seems like San Francisco’s MUNI train operators are getting into accidents that are causing havoc on the streets of San Francisco Ca. There was a hearing August 10, 2009 where people voiced the concern about the MUNI train and Bus system. A day after the hearings a MUNI bus hit a woman at Ninth and Market street and shut down Market between 8th and 9th street. The people are scared that this problem is getting out of control and they fear for there safety. People want answers on how MUNI intends to fix the problem. One man at the hearing said he was hit by a MUNI train driving his SUV. It was a good thing that he was in a big SUV, because if he were in a smaller car it would have been deadly. MUNI finely filled the position of Chief Safety Operator this might cut down on the accidents or put a better safety system in place. The Chief Safety Operator better make stricter guide lines for the drivers. If not then San Francisco MUNI will keep paying lawsuits in the millions of dollars. http://www.kgoam810.com/article.asp?id=1451877&spid=15884 http://www.kgoradio.com/Article.asp?id=1422000&nId=1&spid=30365 LM

Carjacking Scam

Image via Wikipedia

Hello everyone,

I just received some valuable information from a close friend about a carjacking scam that we ALL need to avoid. Apparently it is happening all over the country, so listen up!

Say you're returning to your parked car, and just as you are ready to back up and leave you notice a piece of paper stuck to your back window...possibly obstructing your rear view. CAUTION!!!! Whatever you do...DON'T get out of the car to investigate!

Simply DRIVE ON...and check on the paper sticker somewhere down the road, or when you get home. Why??? Because the normal reaction is to shift back into park, unlock the doors, get out and walk to the rear window to check out the paper sticker, when suddenly.....SUPRISE!!!!!

Carjackers appear out of nowhere, blow past you and take off with your car! Even worse, chances are you left your wallet or purse inside with money, credit cards, id, house keys...the works!! All compromised in the 'blind of an eye'.

According to various police agencies, this is really going on everywhere...so be careful of the rear window paper sticker. Don't get out to check on it until SAFELY away. Take care and drive safely.

Sincerely, Peter C. Jr........