Golden Gate Park

Freedom Road 5K and Jefferson Mile

2008-07-02T19:17:00Z

What are you doing this 4th of July? Why not start off the morning with a little running in the park? To enjoy some of the best views of Golden Gate Park, come stretch your legs at the Freedom Road 5K and Jefferson Mile – two certified courses that will certainly get the heart pumping and deliver a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Exploring the scenic Freedom Road 5K sends you on a relatively flat journey with a couple of uncomplicated hills to conquer with no repeats. When tackling the Jefferson Mile course – the pace is rather fast due to the flat terrain with a few minor hills about Stow Lake.

The Jefferson Mile begins at 8:30am at the Bowling Green, while the 5K starts at 9am on JFK (near the Conservatory of Flowers). To register, come around 7:30am on JFK Drive at Middle Drive. Good news – there will be drawings and prizes for winners, as well as for top pledge collectors. For more details, click here.

Capture the Flag at Lindley Meadow

2008-06-25T18:36:00Z

Remember the good ‘ol days when classic childhood games burst into full force during lazy summer afternoons? This weekend, test your agility and relive the adrenaline rush that comes with an energetic romp about Golden Gate Park. Head for Lindley Meadow on Saturday, June 28th to participate in a large-scale Capture the Flag game that features alcoholic rewards in each “jail.”

Keep in mind that the festivities and endless music starts at 1pm and after the main event, you are invited to stay and enjoy a delicious BBQ meal. The cost of this event is $5 to play and if you wish to partake in libations – that’s additional $5. To sign up to participate, email wahlinga@gmail.com or visit http://www.missioncountryclub.com/ for more information. And don’t worry – you can also show up and still get a chance to capture that flag…

The BIG ONE 2008

2008-06-19T03:06:00Z

Take control of your future! With informative workshops and hands-on demonstrations, join your fellow San Francisco residents, nonprofits, businesses, and municipal agencies in exploring and sharing the benefits of Sustainability, Health, Local Food and Green Economy, Spirit, and Youth Engagement. This weekend, learn how you can contribute to building a beautiful community.

The Golden Gate Park welcomes this unique event centering on the concept of a 100% noncommercial get-together that promotes the complete absence of waste with the help of agencies, such as Literacy for Environmental Justice; SF Bike Coalition; and Green Music Network. Overall, this can't miss extravaganza provides an outing full of knowledge, music, and food.

Who would have thought that educating yourself for a better tomorrow could be such fun?

If you're looking for more details on this event, a complete list of participants and workshops (such as Solar Wind Opportunities in California and Green Bloc Activism) can be found at www.beautifulcommunities.org. You may also directly contact the Event Manager (Amy Benziger) at info@beautifulcommunities.org or 415-722-6200 (cell).

When: June 21st & 22nd; 9am -7pm
Where: Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park (right next to the Children's Playground and Carousel)

Google - Doing No Evil In Golden Gate Park?

2008-06-13T15:49:00Z

A couple of days ago, residents living in the Golden Gate Park neighborhood got a surprise late at night when loud music and unexplainable "green balls shooting into the air" interrupted their sleep. If you were close enough, a quick glance out of your window produced what looked like fireworks in the park, but to the community's dismay at 12 in the morning – not everyone was too sure. For some, the sounds of U2 and Journey filling the air were a clear indication that at least someone was having a good time.

As locals scrambled to the computer and gathered on chat lines, some residents showed obvious relief when they learned that the flashes of light were indeed fireworks in the park. But, who was behind this? There were no activities slated for Golden Gate Park at this hour? The city rarely allows after-hours gatherings in the park … and certainly doesn’t give the 'OK' for events to take place in the middle of the week after 9pm. To boot, no one was properly notified of the upcoming festivities – hence the panic.

The culprit: Google requested a city exemption in early May to permit 1,400 members of their sales team to hold a celebration in the park on June 11th. The 'King of Search Engines' planned on setting up a 'picnic-style dinner with soft drinks and alcohol' alongside live band music. Sounded innocent at first, but sure caused a ruckus in the neighborhood.

In the end, it seems like a party other than Google benefited from this event, as approval for this get-together meant that Google posted a $1 million insurance bond in addition to $20,860.48 in fees to San Francisco. What I'd like to know is…were you affected by this event in any way and how do you feel about Google's royal exception to the rule?

Chihuly Comes to Golden Gate Park

2008-06-13T05:53:00Z

Marking the arrival of a rather intriguing and exciting art show, come celebrate the Chihuly Opening Weekend – an event sponsored by Target – taking place at the de Young Museum this weekend (June 14th and 15th, 2008). This occasion will become the first time that San Francisco welcomes one of the best glass sculptors in the world. For Dale Chihuly, it signifies the largest show he's ever staged.

This weekend, there is much more than just art to enjoy and explore at this get-together – a well-rounded family affair awaits. Live music will fill the air. Family features (including magicians and clowns) keep visitors of all ages satisfied and busy. Stilt walkers serve as greeters at Tea Garden Drive. Hands-on art activities are found at the front of de Young and the screening of a new documentary entertains at Koret Auditorium all weekend.

Artist Background: Dale Chihuly fueled his love of art by indulging an interest in the abstract forms in nature found in his mother's Washington garden. His art also shows the influence of the ocean and its inhabitants. Overall, Chihuly pieces have pushed the envelope regarding the color, size, and shape of glass blown art.

Other weekend Chihuly events at de Young include:

• Crucible's Educational Response Vehicle – blacksmithing and welding demos
• book signing at the Piazzoni Murals Room
• contortionists and extreme jugglers
• modern jazz quartet
• the sounds of Caribbean and reggae music
• artist lectures

For more information, visit www.chihulyatthedeyoung.org/content.asp?key=150

Weekend Art at de Young Museum

2008-06-04T15:09:00Z

Experience the beauty of this month's art exhibitions and variety of docent tours fit for the entire family by paying a visit to the de Young Museum this weekend (with festivities starting at 10:30am on Saturday, June 7th, 2008). Between 10:30am and 12pm – the art of Mesoamerica comes to life with "Doing & Viewing Art and Big Kids/Little Kids." Adults may enjoy the docent-led tour of "Art of the Americas" between 11am and 11:50am while the kiddies are exploring new worlds.

At 12pm – gather for a tour of "Art in America to the 20th Century," to discover intriguing sculptures, paintings, and decorative art. At 1pm – a docent tour sets off to present the permanent collections of Oceanic and African art.

If you missed the first "Doing & Viewing Art and Big Kids/Little Kids" held in the morning – you have a second chance to take a trip to Mesoamerica at 1:30pm. A popular tour featured at the end of the day is "Women: Worldly and Otherworldly" – which explores the female gender impact on some of the greatest works of art in the world (3pm to 3:50pm).

Overall, Art at de Young Museum is a real treat any time of the year! Next week – I suggest you mark your calendars for a celebration of glass-blown art and the arrival of a rather important art exhibit for San Francisco.

S.F. Gesneriad Society Rare Plant Sale

2008-05-29T06:26:00Z

This weekend, the San Francisco County Fair Building (located at 9th Ave at Lincoln Way) will open its doors to host the S.F. Gesneriad Society Rare Plant Sale on Saturday (May 31st 2008). Between 10am and 3:30pm, you can browse an exciting collection of exotic and rare plants that are sure to liven up your household with energizing shades of green, soft violet, bold reds, and regal purple.

The Gesneriad family of plants includes the likes of:

• saintpaulia (African violet) – an eastern tropical African plant
• episcia (flame violet) – with an intriguing leaf pattern and flashes of red
• sinningia (florist gloxinia) – offering an exotic display of leaves and flowers
• streptocarpus (cape primrose) – meaning ‘twisted fruit’
• nematanthus (goldfish plant) – uses distinctively shaped blooms to attract hummingbirds
• aeschynanthus (lipstick vine) – scarlet flowers with a rather odd shape

I guarantee finding prices for cuttings and potted plants that range from $1 to $8 is a rare thing as well. However, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind prize for your living room mantle or desk at work? Expect to pay a bit higher.

Worried that you aren’t equipped to care for something quite this unique in the plant world? Don’t fret – tons of experts are more than willing to answer all of your questions and give advice. If you’d like additional details on this FREE event – contact 650-359-1719 or visit http://www.sfgesneriads.org/.

14th Annual California Blues Festival

2008-05-22T15:31:00Z

With all of the BBQ’s stirring at local parks, colorful firework displays on the agenda, and endless family get-togethers – there are still some people searching for something to do for the Memorial Day weekend. Why not head for the Golden Gate Park Band Shell (Ninth Avenue – off of Lincoln Way) on Monday to take in the sounds of the 14th Annual California Blues Festival.

This event will take place between 12pm and 6pm – with an exciting array of musical performers. Scheduled to fill the air with toe-tapping fun and entertainment is Curtis Lawson, Bobbie Webb and the Smooth Blues Band, Rose Eger, Oakland Red, Emma Jean Foster, Kelley Richey, Psychedelic Mike, Fillmore Slim, Willie G, Robin Smith, and many others. Hope to see you there!

Bay To Breakers - Golden Gate Park

2008-05-15T04:42:01Z

Always held on the third Sunday of every May, the ING Bay to Breakers 12K festivities takes over San Francisco… and I'd like to inform you that the Golden Gate Park is right in the middle of the action. Mark your calendars for this weekend – where you can indulge in running, food, music, and other entertainment –fit for all ages.

It all begins with the free-to-the-public ING Greater Body Expo on Friday (May 16th – 11am to 7pm and May 17th – 9am to 7pm) on 99 Grove Street. This health and fitness event is the perfect chance to jumpstart a new outlook on life.

The celebration then continues on Sunday (May 18th), where the highly anticipated USA Track and Field Certified 12K race starts at Howard and Beale (8am – 11:30am). Don’t forget that you have to register in order to fully participate.

After the sweat has settled following your run or encouraging cheering – it's time for some more, as you dance the afternoon away at ING Footstock (held at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park). This event will have you tapping your toes and enjoying the energetic surroundings from 9:30am to 2pm. "The Last Goodnight" and "The Crazies Will Destroy You" will provide the musical entertainment, which is free and open to the public.

Held at the Polo Field during ING Footstock – the Southwest Airlines Costume Contest brings out a multitude of creative minds dwelling in San Francisco, who come compete for recognition, airline tickets, and other prizes. Judging hours are from 10am to 11:30am.

Free Sundaes in the Park…Hummus That Is…

2008-05-15T03:48:00Z

A touch of Mediterranean culture will pay a visit to the Golden Gate Park on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 – bringing the taste of mashed chickpeas blended with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini. Often used as a dip or spread, hummus comes in a variety of flavors and goes well with pita bread. Sabra – the leading U.S. manufacturer of Mediterranean dips and spreads in the United States has decided to tour the nation and allow the public to explore this rather healthy treat.

Don't miss out on the mobile kitchen coming to Polo Field (Fulton at 36th Ave / Lincoln at 41st Ave) between 9am and 2pm, where you can "make-your-own hummus sundaes." Sabra will hand out cups of delicious hummus to the curious, where they are encouraged to sample an array of toppings that include roasted garlic, roasted red peppers, spices, and lemons. In the end, a custom creation is blended – producing a savory treat to enjoy while taking in the sights of the park. Best of all – this event is free!

Sabra is known for selling products that highlight the nutritional benefits of a Mediterranean diet, including Greek Olive Hummus, Jalapeno Hummus, and Hummus with Roasted Pine Nuts. Additional details are found at http://www.sabra.com/press_sabrasunday_08.html.

Latest News

2008-05-11T22:42:00Z

San Francisco Botanical Garden Volunteer

2008-05-07T15:11:00Z

Whether it looks good on a resume, fulfills volunteer hours, or simply gets you out of the house – the San Francisco Botanical Garden is on the prowl for helpers to take on an array of interesting positions.

Perhaps you'd like to lead activities in the Children's Garden or tend to the herb, butterfly, and vegetable displays. At the Nursery, you'll encounter a chance to cultivate rare and odd-looking plants to be sold at the monthly public plant sales or the Annual Spring Plant Sale. Are you more of a bookworm? The Helen Crocker Russell Library is in need of library assistants to aid visitors who come to browse one of the best horticultural libraries in California.

Other volunteer positions could see you spending time at the San Francisco Botanical Garden Bookstore; the Plant Collections Department; the Botanical Garden Society office; serving time as a Garden Guide; or lending a hand during special events.

To learn more about this fascinating attraction found at Golden Gate Park – check out www.sfbotanicalgarden.org or call 415-661-1316 (ext 312). To receive additional details on other volunteer opportunities, send an inquiry to . The Botanical Garden is located at Ninth Ave at Lincoln Way.

Lindy in the Park

2008-05-01T15:55:00Z

For all of you looking forward to the free beginner swing dance lessons offered at the Golden Gate Park – I should alert you to a time change that will start this weekend. May 4th, 2008 will mark the first lesson showcasing an earlier time for Lindy in the Park. It's only 30 minutes earlier – but who wants to miss out on this amusing adventure filled with shaking, toe tapping, turning, and energetic fun? When weather is permitting – the swing lessons will be held between 12pm and 12:30pm on Sundays.

Instruction for the free beginner lessons are taught by Hep Jen, who has won a great deal of recognition from the likes of SF Weekly and SF Magazine for her participation in Lindy in the Park and Tuesday Night Jump. The overall experience is quite enlightening with infectious DJ music hitting the air and friendly faces at every turn. Don't miss out – Lindy in the Park is waiting for your attendance this weekend!

Celebrate the ‘Bard’ and Visit ‘His’ Garden…

2008-04-23T04:47:00Z

This weekend – why not take in the sights of one of the gardens at Golden Gate Park and pay homage to one of the most celebrated playwrights in history – all at the same time? While the exact birth date of "the Bard" is unknown – William Shakespeare enthusiasts usually send birthday wishes around April 26th – the reported date of his baptism.

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. Today, his memory and works of literary art are alive and well – not only decorating the bookshelves of every shop and library in town, but also in gardens across America. Golden Gate Park is home to one of these gardens – known as a 'Shakespeare Garden,' which centers on plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespearean plays and sonnets – like poppies, daisies, roses, lilies, and violets.

To absorb the intriguing surroundings of Shakespeare's Flowers, make your way to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Middle Drive East – right in the same vicinity as the Japanese Tea Garden and Strybing Arboretum. The garden is free to enjoy and provides the perfect getaway for relaxation, daydreams, and catching up with a good book.

Where Tradition and Music Collide…

2008-04-16T15:03:00Z

It’s that time of the year again – when the Golden Gate Park Band assembles for their weekly concerts held on Sundays between the months of April and October. Head for Golden Gate Park on April 20th, 2008 to take in the sounds of the first free Sunday afternoon concert of the year.

As music fills the air at the Spreckles Temple of Music (located at the Music Concourse), you never know what you will encounter. The band has performed entertaining sessions of classical ditties, marches, Broadway tunes, opera, swing, folk music, and other diverse presentations. At times, soloists strut their stuff and throughout the season – guest artists will also take to the stage.

It's pretty impressive that the Band has been supplying the public with free concerts on Sundays since September of 1882 – unwavering in their commitment to the arts. The shows begin at 1pm and continue to keep visitors amused for about two hours. You should also prepare for the delightful mixture of colorful costumes, dancing, and singing provided by various ethnic and arts groups about San Francisco.

Don’t miss out on your chance to explore one of the oldest professional concert bands in the United States. I encourage you to become part of this unique tradition.