Fleet Week San Francisco 2015

I remember back in 1983, several of my friends and I got together and decided to attend the fleet week celebrations in San Francisco on Friday. Now mind you we had never been before, so we didn’t know what to expect. After watching the parade of ships and the air show on Friday and partying with the Navy, Marines and Coast Guards we all decided to make a weekend out of it. We toured the ships, went to the festivals and enjoyed the entertainment. I must say it was one of the best weekends we ever had in San Francisco. All of us still talk about it to this day.

The second week in October, in the San Francisco Bay Area is Patriotic and exciting! Fleet week in San Francisco is one spectacular, fun week. For all you that don’t know what fleet week is all about? Fleet Week is a United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard tradition in which active military ships recently deployed in overseas operations dock in a variety of major cities for one week. Once the ships dock, the crews can enter the city and visit its tourist attractions. At certain hours, the public can take a guided tour of the ships. Often, Fleet Week is accompanied by military demonstrations and air shows such as those provided by the Blue Angels.
I think if you never been to a Fleet week celebration, you have to go just once.

 There are so many activities for everyone to enjoy. I put a few links to those activities. I also advise you to take public transit parking is horrendous.

LM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleet_Week
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/05/fleet-week-schedule-time-blue-angels-air-show/
http://fleetweeksf.org/
http://www.pier39.com/home/events/fleet-week/

Halloween Parties In The 

Halloween Parties In The Bay Area

October is my favorite time of year. Fall is in the air. The leaves on the trees are falling and turning beautiful colors. It also happens to be my birthday month and Halloween is in October. There are Halloween parties all over the Bay Area for adults. Some of the cities that you can go are San Francisco, San Jose, Redwood City and Santa Clara. If you like dressing up in costumes just like you did when you were a kid, put on your best costumes you just might win a prize.

Ambiance Entertainment 30 Plus Club Infused 1217 Wildwood Ave., Sunnyvale, CA, Saturday, Oct 25 10:00pm

http://events.sfgate.com/sunnyvale_ca/events/show/371747939-30-plus-saturdays-halloween-bash

Monster Manic 2014 - Count Dracula's Halloween Ball

Fri Oct 31, The Julia Morgan Ballroom San Francisco, 9pm - 2am Cost $29 - $35

http://www.sfstation.com/monster-manic-2014-count-draculas-halloween-ball-e2154601

Halloween Goes Hollywood Dead Or Alive The Sequal Fri Oct 31 Bentley Reserve San Francisco 9pm - 2am $30 - $62.50

http://www.sfstation.com/halloween-goes-hollywood-dead-or-alive-the-sequal-e2154582

Annual Halloween Party Spooky DJs & more Fri Oct 31 Starlight Room San Francisco 8pm - 2am $15 - $30

Freaks Come Out At Night Friday, October 31, 2014 08:00 PM

Summit Sheraton Hotel, 399 Silicon Valley Blvd., San Jose

http://clubzone.com/places/summit-sheraton-hotel/

Fahrenheit’s Halloween Bash Fahrenheit Restaurant & Lounge 99 EAST San Fernado ST. San Jose 11:00pm – 2pm $5

http://clubzone.com/events/fahrenheits-halloween-bash/

Boo! – Silicon Valley’s premiere Halloween Party! SP2 Communal Bar and Restaurant 72 North Almaden Avenue San Jose 9am-2pm

http://clubzone.com/events/boo-silicon-valleys-premiere-halloween-party/

Halloween Soul Train Dance Party Friday, Oct 31 9pm Club Fox Redwood City, CA $10 adv / $15 day of show

http://www.zvents.com/redwood_city_ca/events/show/371540955-halloween-soul-train-dance-party

Huge South Bay Halloween Party Hyatt Regency Santa Clara 5101 Great America Pkwy Oct 31, 2014 8pm

http://www.kicktickets.com/santa-clara/93808/2014/10/31/huge-south-bay-halloween-party-hyatt-regency-santa-clara

LM

Valentine’s Day Concerts and Shows in the San Francisco Bay Area

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Don’t get your Valentine the same old gifts you been giving year after year. Take them out for some good music. I put together some a few special Valentine’s Day shows that are going on in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose areas.

Mint Condition

Feb 14 Yoshi's San Francisco Time 8pm & 10pm

http://www.sfstation.com/a-special-valentines-day-with-mint-condition-e1807612

Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers

Feb 14 Biscuits & Blues San Francisco Time 8pm & 10pm

http://www.sfstation.com/valentines-day-with-lavay-smith-and-her-red-hot-skillet-lickers-e1453681

Berel Alexander Jazz Ensemble

Feb 14 Mechanics' Institute Library & Chess Room San Francisco 7:30pm

http://events.sfgate.com/san_francisco_ca/events/show/302913905-vintage-valentine-concert-with-the-berel-alexander-ensemble

Lara Price & Laura Chavez R&B & Jazz

Feb 14 Poor House Bistro San Jose 6:00pm

http://events.mercurynews.com/san_jose_ca/events/show/305766845-valentines-day-party-w-lara-price-laura-chavez

Dr. John New Orleans music

Feb 12-14 Yoshi’s Oakland

http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/3207

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 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/

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

Foster City

Where is Foster City? Is a question people ask all the time? Well it is located 25 miles south of San Francisco along the San Francisco Peninsula. It is about 30 miles north of San Jose. San Mateo is to the West, and San Francisco to the East. Did you know Foster City is built on an engineered
landfill on the bay? Foster City is a community that is environmentally concision. On March 16, 2011 Go Green Speakers Series Event kicks off. You will learn how to conserve water and beautify your garden using plants
that are native to California. Foster City is also having its second Earth Day Fair on April 16, 2011. This fair will focus on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. You can bring your old electronics, shred personal documents and
dispose of expired pharmaceuticals. There is also a swap meet, you can bring your unwanted clothes, book, toys anything you don’t want anymore or find something you need. If you have not been to Foster City go check it
out.

LM

 http://www.fostercity.org/news/press_releases/Water-Wise-Gardening-with-Beautiful-California-Natives.cfm

http://www.fostercity.org/news/Earth-Day-Fair.cfm

http://www.fostercity.org/news/press_releases/Foster-City-to-Host-Earth-Day-Fair.cfm

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Crab Season Is Here!

Image via WikipediaCrab lover's crab season is here, San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is going to be lit up with the smell of crab pots boiling. It is fun walking the wharf and tasting the crab. I like crab but I don't like picking it out of the shell. If you want to really get your crab eat on There is the I.F.E.S. annual Crab Cioppino Feast. I have family members who have been going for 15 years. This feast is held in Mountain View call (650)
967-2759 to find out when this feast will take place. Well people here are places to go to get your crab on enjoy.
LM
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2010/11/12/fisherman-foodies-eye-crab-season-opening-at-fisherman's-wharf/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ifes-crab-cioppino-dinner-mountain-view

Related articles

• Calif crabbers wait, give catch time to fatten up (sfgate.com)
• SFgate.com Robust Dungeness crab season expected (sfgate.com)
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PUMPKIN PATCHES IN THE BAY AREA

Image via Wikipedia



October is here! I’m especially fond of October, the leaves are changing colors we have Indian summer, it’s my birthday month and there are pumpkin patches all over the Bay Area. My parents would take my siblings and I  to the pumpkin patch so each one us could pick out our own pumpkin. When we got home we would crave our pumpkins and roast the seeds. This memory is something that has stayed with me. I passed it on to my son and I hope he passes it on to his kids.


These are some of the top pumpkin patches in the Bay Area.


Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch at 4351 Mines Rd. Livermore, CA 94550, in the heart of wine country.


Lemos Farm at 1230 San Mateo Rd. Half Moon Bay CA. 94019, Lemos is known for family fun.


 J.E Perry’s Farms at 34600 Arden Blvd Fremont CA. 94555 is located in Ardenwood Regional Preserve (East Bay Regional Parks).


Nicasio Valley Organic Farms at 5300 Nicasio Valley Rd. Nicasio CA. 94946, is located in Marin.


Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch at 1620 7Th Ave. San Francisco CA 94122. Clancy’s is the very first pumpkin patch in San Francisco.


Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm at 1060 Pine Lane Clayton CA 94517. Clayton has a play land, train  and Duck Races.


Families pack up the kids in the car go to a pumpkin patch near you or go to one of theses. If you have never been to a pumpkin patch, start a new tradition you will never forget.


LM


http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/top-lists/the-bay-area%e2%80%99s-best-pumpkin-patches/

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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/

Exploding MANHOLE COVERS

Image via

Exploding MANHOLE COVERS


If your walking down the street in San Francisco Ca., beware manhole
covers might explode into the air at anytime. On June 5th about 9:15
p.m. a manhole cover exploded, at Mason Street. A fireball erupted from a
manhole at O’Farrell and Polk Street July 6th at 4th & Market another
manhole cover exploded. I wondering how many times this have happened? San Francisco better fix this problem before someone gets seriously hurt or
dies.



http://cbs5.com/local/underground.fire.san.2.452597.html
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/PGE-continue-repairing-underground-equipment-week-after-fire-47946222.html
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Noxious_Fire_Sprews_Flames_in_Tenderloin.html
http://cbs5.com/local/san.francisco.explosion.2.1073630.html