weekender magazine

Weekender Magazine November 2010 2

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Win 4 tickets to PePPer Belly's

OngOing: ClassesTippy Toe Toddlers Ballet - Ages 3 - 6. November 6th - 20th. Is your toddler ready to point their toes and twirl like a pro? This fun, beginner ballet class will introduce little ones to the basic fundamentals of ballet. Students will learn elementary positions, steps and simple choreography. Ballet shoes required, leotard and tights recommended. Parents are to stay onsite for the duration of the class. $25 (Vallejo residents) $30 (non-resident) Vallejo Community Center, 225 Amador St. Info. 707/648-4640.

Yarn Stricken? Every third Sunday of the month, 2pm. Knitters and other ‘fiber enthusiasts’ are invited to socialize and share ideas. CAFÉ, Pure Grain German Bakery, 11 Town Square, Vacaville. Free. Info; 707/447-4121.

Yoga Stretch. 7:15pm Wednesdays. Adults & Teens. Shape up your body and your mind. Yoga Stretch is designed to relieve stress, increase flexibility through stretching exercises and improve endurance, strength and balance. Benicia Youth Center, 150 East K St., Benicia. $30 per month/$12 drop-in fee. Info; 707/746-4285.

Six and Under Gym. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 - 11am. No class 11/11, 11/23, 11/25. The City Gym is open for kids 6 years of age and younger and their parent or caregiver. Bring your basketballs, kick balls, and your sneakers for some fun with your friends and parents. Limit three children per adult. City Gym, 190 East L St., Benicia. $1 resident/$1.25 non-resident (coupon books may be purchased at Parks and Community Services Dept. for 10 visits). Info; 707/746-4285.

Open Gym for Little Ones. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-2pm. Vacaville Gymnastics has open gym for children and their parents to enjoy playtime while staying active and fit. Bounce around and get your wiggles out with us. You and your little one can drop in and have fun together. Vacaville Recreation Center, 551 Davis St., Vacaville. $5 per child/$1 per adult. Info; 707/449-6101.

OngOing: COnCerts/live MusiCBay Area Blues Society Open Blues Jam for Armatures and Pros. Every Monday 7-11pm starting November 8th. Offering musicians a place to jam that has a good PA system, amps and drums. Chris Club, 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo. Free admission. Info; 707/647-3962.

28th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival. Through November 20. SFJAZZ is pleased to announce the 28th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival. It offers a stellar lineup to delight fans of every kind, with Ravi Shankar, Arturo Sandoval, Esperanza Spalding, Taj Mahal, Chucho Valdés, Lila Downs and Chris Potter to name just a few. SFJAZZ, 3 Embarcadero Center, Lobby Level, San Francisco. Info; 866/920-5299 or www.sfjazz.org.

Look for these leaves in one of the ads. When you find it, call707-746-7992 and let us know what ad you found it in. Leave your name and phone number and youwill be entered in our drawing to win 4 ticketsto Pepper Belly's Comedy and Variety Theater.Deadline for entry is November 16th.

Congratulations to last month's winners:Peggy, Mary Ellen and Amanda!


Weekender Magazine is published monthly, with a circulation of 20,000 including over 15,000 mailed to homes! Weekender Maga-zine 2010, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the Publisher.

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Editor.....................................................Christina WileyCookin' with Earl........................................Earl MillerStories From The Big Chair........................Earl MillerSales...................................Whitney Savannah Mitchell

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues." - Cicero

Bagpipe Nights. 5-6pm. The Monterey Celtic Arts Academy (MCAA) will hold its third monthly Bagpipe Nights at the Music Building at York School at 9501 York Road, the third Tuesday night of the month. Join award-winning bagpipe instructor Michel d’Avenas as he talks about the bagpipe and performs many tunes. No Admission Fee. Info; 831/633-4444.

Jazz Series. Saturdays, 7:30pm. There’s nothing like an evening in the intimate surroundings of the Jazz and Blues Company venue. Several times each month you’ll hear some of the nation’s best jazz and blues talent - live. 236 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. $25. Info; 831/624-6432.

Saturday Opera Night. 8pm. First Saturday of every month. A chance to hear vocal talents from all over the Bay Area and beyond. At the Jarvis Conservatory, 1711 Main St., Napa. $15. Info; 707/255-5445.

Monday Blues Legends Nights. Every Monday evening, 8pm-12mid-night. Great local and national blues legends perform the blues to keep America’s only true art form alive. Kimball’s Carnival, Jack London Square, 522 2nd St., Oakland. $5 donation. Info; 510/836-2227 or 510/836-7403.

Every Night — Live Music & Dancing – Calistoga Inn. The Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery features live jazz, blues or Latin style music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every night. Dinner reservations are recom-mended. Blues on the patio every Wednesday night, Open Mic in the pub every Wed., singers/songwriters in the pub every Thurs, dancing in the pub every Fri & Sat, jazz on the patio every Fri, Sat & Sun night. 1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga. Free or small cover. Info; 707/942-4101.

Napa Valley Dixieland Jazz Society. 1-5pm, second Sunday of each month. A different premier band is featured each month. Chardonnay Room, Embassy Suites, 1075 California Blvd., Napa.

OngOing: exhibits & MuseuMsVALLEJO WATERFRONT ARTISTS. Through December, 9:30am-3:30pm. Every Saturday (weather permitting) local artists display and sell original works along the Promenade by the Vallejo Ferry, Mare Island Way, Vallejo. Info. vallejowaterfrontartists.org.

Cream of the Cloth: Quilts from the Marbaum Collection of hilary & Marvin Fletcher. November 16 through January 30, 2011. The first-ever exhibition of selections from the personal collection of long-time contemporary quilt advocates. This important collection is a rare survey of 25 years of the contemporary art quilt movement and includes works by renowned artists, from Quilt National exhibits and submissions between 1985 and 2007, as well as some commissioned works. The Museum of Quilts & Textiles, 520 South First St., San Jose. $8 adults/$6.50 students and seniors/museum members and children under 13 free. (Free to all on the first Friday of the month.) Info; 408/971-0323.

Yvonne Porcella: bold strokes. November 16 through January 30, 2011. Exhibit covers 25 years of Yvonne Porcella’s art quilts, known for their bold originality as articulated through her collage aesthetic and strip quilting. The Museum of Quilts & Textiles, 520 South First St., San Jose. $8 adults/$6.50 students and seniors/museum members and children under 13 free. (Free to all on the first Friday of the month.) Info; 408/971-0323.

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“Fences.” Through November 6. The human desire to realize one’s dreams and fulfill one’s potential is at the very heart of this great American play. It explores universal themes such as hope, family, love, and death. BDES Hall, 140 W J St. Benicia. $20 adults/$18 seniors and students with ID. Info; 707/746-1269 or www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.

“The Graceful Envelope.” Can an envelope be a work of art? The 135 beautifully illustrated - and stamped, cancelled and delivered - envelopes entered in this Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibition prove it’s pos-sible. Inspiring and enchanting. National Steinbeck Center, Salinas. Info; 831/775-4721.

Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns. Experience the rich and colorful history of the City of Benicia and the Benicia Arsenal, mu-seum and reception hall, 2024 Camel Rd., Benicia. Info; 707/745-5435 or www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org.

EYE SPY Gallery Activities for Families. 10am-5pm daily. Treasure hunts, gallery games, books, puzzles, and more! Eye Spy activities are geared towards families with children 4-7 years of age. The National Steinbeck Center, One Main Street in historic Old Town Salinas. Free of charge with museum admission. Info; 831/796-3833.

First Sundays at La Mirada. 1-4pm. “First Sunday” is an ongoing se-ries which highlights classical music and art. While taking in La Mirada’s lovely surroundings, visitors may also enjoy light refreshments. Monterey Museum of Art at La Mirada. Free. Info; 831/372-3689.

Holt Planetarium: 1pm, 2:15pm, and 3:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Experience the excitement of astronomy! $2 for ages 6 and up, Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley. Info: 510/642-5132.

Pacific Coast Air Museum. 10am-4pm. Third Saturday of every month. Antique World War II historically significant planes. Free. Info; 707/575-7900

International TECHstyle Art Biennial 2010: Exploring the Intersection of Napa Valley Museum. 10am-5pm. “California Wine: The Science of an Art”, a million dollar, state-of-the-art interactive exhibit takes you through a year in the wine making process. Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Cir., on the grounds of the Veterans Home of California, Yountville. Adults $4.50/Students and Seniors $3.50/Youth ages 7 to 17 $2.50/Children under age 7 free. Free Admission every Monday. Info; 707/944-0500.

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Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park. Demos in cooking, weaving, candle-making. Info; 707/762-4871.

Richmond Museum of History. 1pm - 4pm. Wednesday through Sunday. Free. 400 Nevin (corner of 4th & Nevin), Richmond. Info; 510/235-7387

Sea Lions at Pier 39: Weekends 11am - 5pm. Visit Pier 39 to see hundreds of sea lions basking in the sun, swimming and just plain hav-ing fun. Free. Marine Mammal Center, K-Dock in the Pier 39 Marina. Info: 415/705-5500.

Sharpsteen Museum: Noon - 4pm Daily. 1311 Washington Street, Calistoga. Info: 707/942-5911

Sonoma County Museum. Tuesdays through Sundays, 11am-5pm. Changing exhibits every two to three months on art and history. Check online for current exhibits at www.sonomacountymuseum.org. 425 7th Street, Santa Rosa. $5 general/$2 seniors/students/under12 free/mem-bers free. Info; 707/579-1500

Third Thursday at Monterey Museum of Art. 5-7pm. The gallery invites the public to enjoy live local music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Info; 831/372-5477.

Benicia Fire Museum. Open 1st three Sundays of each month. Named one of the Best Fire Museums in the West, housing several antique hand pumpers and motorized fire engines as well as hundreds of fire-fighting-related items dating back to the 1800s. 902 E. 2nd St., Benicia. Free. Info; 707/745-1688.

Mare Island Museum. First & third weekend of each month, 10am-4pm; weekdays 10am-1:30pm. See the oldest shipyard on the West Coast, the oldest Naval chapel in the U.S. with Tiffany windows, learn the Mare Island history from 1854-1996. Vallejo. Full tours of Mare Island $14. Info; 707/280-5742.

What’s Going On? – California & the Vietnam Era. Exhibit at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, Vallejo. Info; 707/643-0077.

USS Hornet. Daily, 10am-5pm. The aircraft carrier participated in two of the 20th century’s most memorable events – WWII and the Apollo 11 moon mission. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. $25 adults ($22 in advance)/$10 children 5-17/museum members free. Family & Friends Membership for one year is $75. Info; 510/521-8448 x 282 or www.hornetevents.com.


OngOing: Fairs/Festivals2010 Great Dickens Christmas Fair. November 26 through December 19, Friday through Sunday, 11am-7pm. Visit London in San Francisco! The world renowned Great Dickens Christmas Fair is the only event of its kind - anywhere. The winding lanes of Victorian London come to life in 120,000+ square feet of theatrically lit music halls, pubs, dance par-ties and charming shops overflowing with hand made holiday treasures. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. It’s a lamp lit city brimming with lively and colorful characters from the pages of history and the imagination of Charles Dickens, Jules Verne & Lewis Carol. There is a Free Bart Shuttle from Glen Park Station every Fair day. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, San Francisco. $22 adults/$19 students, seniors, military/$10 children 5-11/under 5 free. Info; 800/510-1558 or www.dickensfair.com.

A Pet Adoption Faire (Dogs and Cats). Every Saturday, 10am-2:30pm. Sponsored by Petco in conjunction with the Volunteers of the Solano County Animal Shelter. Petco, 161 Plaza Dr., Vallejo.

Boardwalk Open for Fall and Winter Events. The Grand Arcades are open for year-round fun. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz. Info; 831/460-3376.

Santa Rosa Live. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, 9-9:30pm. Santa Rosa Live is a regularly scheduled, highly entertaining television show on Santa Rosa Cable Channel 72 featuring many of the entertaining activities that go on in Sonoma County. Info; 707/526-9696.

OngOing: Farmers marketsVallejo Farmers Market. Every Saturday 9am - 1pm. Shop, eat...enjoy. Rain or shine! Georgia Street, Vallejo. Info. 1-800-949- FARM

Friday Mornings: Farmers Market Depot Park: 8:30-12:00am. Farm-ers from Sonoma Valley and nearby Northern California sell fresh fruit and vegetables direct. 270 First St. West, Sonoma. Info; 707/538-7023.

Jack London Square Farmers’ Market. 10am-2pm. Foot of Broadway. Every Sunday you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more. Jack London Square, Oakland. Info; 866/295-9853.

Oakland Artisans Market. 10am-6pm. Every Saturday and Sunday. Twenty local artists present their handmade, homemade crafts presented along the marina walk at the foot of Franklin Street, Jack London Square, Oakland. Info; 866/295-9853.

Old Monterey Farmers Market and Market place. Winter 4-7pm, Summer 4-8pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Family fun, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, flowers, folk art and collectibles. Alvardo St. between Pearl and Del Monte Ave., Monterey. Free. Info; 831/655-8070.

Santa Rosa Original Farm Market. Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:30am-12noon. All year round market at Santa Rosa Veterans Building parking lot. Free. Info; 707/522-8629

Sweet Thursdays at Cannery Row. 4-8pm. Join us every third Thurs-day of the month on Cannery Row for music, special values and over 70 in-store drawings. No Admission Fee. Info; 831/649-6690.

Tuesday Evenings: Farmers Market on the Plaza: 5:30 until dusk. Come for music, food and farm-fresh produce. Sonoma. Info; 538-7023.

Everyone’s Harvest Farmer’s Market. Sundays, 10am-2pm. Fresh produce, baked and ethnic foods, cooking demonstrations, live music, and crafts. Marina Transit Station, 280 Reservation Road. Free. Info; 831/384-6961.


Farmer’s Market. Thursdays, 2-6pm. Fresh produce and flowers at Mon-terey Peninsula College’s lower parking lot. Free. Info; 831/728-5060.

OngOing: library eventsBenicia Library Adult Literacy & ESL Program. Help with reading and writing. Tutoring by appointment only. ESL classes meet Mondays and Thursdays, 9-11:30am at the Benicia Public Library. Limited childcare slots available for ESL class participants. Info: 707/746-4341.

Baby Storytime. Mondays at 1pm. For 6 to 18 month-olds. Free. Expect 10 to 15 minutes of fast-paced storytime fun, including stories, rhymes, bouncing songs, tickles, and felt boards. Sit on the floor, hold your baby in your lap, and play along together. One child per adult, please. Note that this program is only for babies between 6 and 18 months old. Please do not bring other children along, since this is a highly interactive program for both adult and baby. Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia. Info. 707/746-4741.

Preschool Storytime for 4 and 5 year-olds. Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. The program is free and no registration is required. Preschoolers’ atten-tion spans are longer, so expect 30 minutes of books with more complex plots, songs, finger plays, and longer felt boards. Some preschoolers like to have an independent storytime experience, so the child might sit on the floor while you sit in a chair nearby. Come a few minutes early, so the preschooler can get a name tag and meet the librarian. Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia. Info.707/746-4741.

Toddler Storytime for 2 and 3 year-olds. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. The program is free and no registration is required. Toddlers’ attention spans are short, so expect 20 minutes of simple books, songs, easy finger plays, and felt board nursery rhymes. Adults and their toddlers actively participate in this storytime together, so sit close together and help the child follow along. Come a few minutes early, so the toddler can get a nametag and meet the librarian. Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia. Info. Allison 707/746-4741.

Family Storytime. Fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. It’s a time for children up to the age of 6 and their families to enjoy the Library together! Do a fun craft, play with games and puzzles, and then join a children’s librarian as she shares great books, songs, and more. The program is free, and no registration is needed. Family Storytime will not meet during the summer months. Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia. Info. Allison 707/746-4741.

Babies Bounce Storytime. 11:30am, Tuesdays. Books, finger plays, bounces and songs for babies 18 months of age or younger. John F. Kennedy Branch, Solano County Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo. Free. Info; 1-866-57ASK US.

Preschool Storytime and Crafts. Fridays at 2pm. For children 3-6 years old. An interactive program featuring stories, music and move-ment, and crafts. John F. Kennedy Branch, Solano County Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo. Free. Info; 1-866-57ASK US.

Toddler Time. 10:30am, Tuesdays. For toddlers 18 months to 3 years old. Stories, songs, rhymes and social time. John F. Kennedy Branch, Solano County Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo. Free. Info; 1-866-57ASK US.

A Literary Afternoon. 1-3pm, 2nd Sunday of each month (except July & August). Literary Artists of the Vallejo Artists’ Guild, the McCune Col-lection, and the JFK Library will meet to ready poetry, fiction, essays, tirades or any other literary expression. Join us and listen or bring along and read a bit of creative writing that moves you. McCune Room, JFK Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo. Info; 1-866-57ASK US.


Monthly Wii Gaming Day. 4th Wednesday of every month, 3:30pm. Come show off your gaming skills or learn a new game. We’ll be play-ing a variety of Wii games, and at least three different traditional board games. Joseph Room, John F. Kennedy Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo. Info; 866/572-7587.

OngOing: miscellaneOusOyster Pirate Mondays at Sailor Jack’s. 3 pm until close. In honor of Jack London’s days as an Oyster Pirate pillaging the Bay waters off Benicia, Oyster’s will be fresh and bountiful. Time to unbuckle your swash and un-shiver your timbers. Fresh Local Oysters will be offered at $1 each, Oyster Shooter’s will be 1/2 off, other Oyster Dishes will be slashed in price and happy hour prices will be in effect all day. 123 First Street, Benicia. Info; 707/746-8500.

Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree. November 5 through December 2. A drawing for a Downtown Benicia Shopping Spree valued at $500 in Downtown Dollars. For every $10 that you spend at participating merchants, you will receive one ticket for the drawing. The drawing will take place on December 4th, the evening of the Merchant Holiday Open House. Benicia. Info; 707/745-9791.

Napa Valley ARTS 2010. Through November 14. Napa will celebrate the bounty of its own creative community in a month-long festival of all the arts, with close to 100 events taking place over five weekends. Info; www.nvarts.org.

First Fridays on First. First Friday of the month, through November, 6-9pm. Follow the colorful flags down First Street where shops and restaurants offer festivities and prize drawings. A wide variety of musical styles by various bands can be enjoyed at different locations on First Street. An outdoor movie at dusk caps off the festivities. Benicia.

9th Annual SF DocFest. With over 50 films from around the world, the ninth annual Documentary Film Festival (DocFest) is a two-week ex-travaganza of unconventional and highly engaging non-fiction films and videos. This year’s festival kicks off with the joyous Everyday Sunshine , co-directed by Chris Metzler and Lev Anderson. Called an “effortlessly entertaining, joyful docu” by Variety, Metzler and Anderson use a hybrid-ized film style (including animation) to document the why and wherefore of Fishbone’s indefinable musical hybrid of pop, punk, funk, metal, jazz-rock and ska. Roxie Theatre, 3117 16th St., San Francisco. $10-$11/film. Info; 415/820-3907 or www.sfindie.com.

Empress Theatre. The Opulent Empress hosts film screenings, live per-formances and more. 330 Virginia Street, Vallejo. For more information and event schedule go to www.EmpressTheatre.org or call 707/552-2400.

AFRP Animal Adoption Days - AFRP Cat & Dog Adoption Days. 10am-4pm. 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Animal Friends Res-cue Project will hold adoption days for rescued cats and dogs in front of Trader Joe’s in Pacific Grove. No admission fee. Info; 831/333-0722.

Benicia Day Hikers. Saturdays, twice a month (weather permitting), meet at 8:15am. Hikes will be six to eight miles; meet at parking lot be-hind City Hall. Carpooling is encouraged. Bring lunch and water, wear sensible shoes, dress in layers. $3. Info; 707/745-4661.

Benicia Pack 108 Cub Scouting. Boys in 1st through 5th grade and their parents are invited to discover the fun of Cub Scouting! If you want to join a fantastic group of individuals that are dedicated to teaching and instilling Cub Scout values, please come to a meeting near you. Pack 108 meetings are held during the last week of each month. Info; 707/751-0673 or www.benicia-pack108.org.

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Sailing Adventures Sunset Sails. Experience a spectacular sunset sail on the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Watch for wildlife and enjoy wine and light refreshments as you talk with the naturalist, or simply relax with friends. You’ll enjoy a rare view from aboard the 65-foot Derek M. Baylis, and you may get to see whales, dolphins, seals and sea otters, all common visitors to the bay. It’s an evening you’ll never forget. Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. $55 general/$45 members. Info; 831/648-4888 or www.montereybayaquarium.org.

Solano County Friends of Animals. Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 12-3pm. Adoptions every weekend at Pet Food Express, Southampton Shopping Center, Benicia. We are always in need of temporary foster homes until permanent homes are found for our animals. Info; 707/552-3323.

Twin City Steppers. Wednesdays, 7:30pm. This long-established square dance club has been dancing in the Fairfield/Suisun area for over 50 years. Suisun Senior Center, 318 Merganser, Suisun City. Info; 707/425-4276 or 707/422-8229, or drop in.

Vinhold Baronial Meeting. Second Wednesday of each month. 7:30-9pm. The Barony of Vinhold is the local chapter of the Society for Cre-ative Anachronism. All meetings are open to the public! Come join the fun and visit your local non-profit medieval re-enactment organization. Socializing begins immediately after the meeting. Call for other details. No Admission Fee. Info; 707/257-8231.

Benicia Looking for Volunteer Firefighters. Benicia Volunteer Firemen, Inc (a nonprofit organization) and the Benicia Fire Dept are accepting ap-plications for Volunteer Firefighters for their fall training session. Descrip-tion: Volunteer Firefighters/ Logistical Support Unit/ Benicia Fire Museum Support Team. Guaranteed: Adventure, fulfillment, feeling of satisfaction helping you fellow citizens and the best volunteer work you will ever love. Excellent career building opportunity. Requirements- Must be 18 years and older, graduated from high school. Living in the Benicia/ Glen Cove, and surrounding Vallejo area. Willing to train, respond, and assist the Benicia Fire Dept when available. Willing to assist in the maintenance/ operation of and conducting tours for the Benicia Fire Museum. Willing to assist, operate, and participate at Benicia Fire Dept, Benicia Volunteer Firemen, Inc and Benicia Fire Museum activities and community events. Have a love/ interest in the history of firefighting in Benicia and around the world. Application- May be obtained at Fire Station 11, 150 Military West, Benicia, Ca. 9am-5pm. M-F. Admission to the Benicia Fire Museum- is FREE. Operations hours are the first three Sundays of the Month 12pm-4pm or by appointment with two weeks notice, except holidays. Donations gratefully accepted.

Weight Loss Challenge. Tuesday nights, 6:30-7:30pm. The $29 sign-up fee is paid out in weekly prizes and to the top three “losers” at the end of 13-week program with nutritional counseling. No other money is required. People will enjoy free body analysis, nutritional information, group support & fun! Lighthouse Church, Church St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-0535 or 925/783-4043.

Step Into the Spotlight This Spring! SYT Spring Registration Fair. Make new friends; work with pros; scholarships available. Info; 707/863-7841.

Lynch Canyon Open Space. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 9am-5pm. So-lano County has partnered with Solano Land Trust to open Lynch Canyon to the public. Come out and enjoy the outdoors – hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians are welcome. Lynch Canyon is off I-80 between Fairfield and Vallejo. Exit at the American Canyon/Hiddenbrooke Parkway and follow McGary Rd. east to Lynch Canyon Rd. Parking fee required. Info; 707/432-0150 x 200 or www.solanolandtrust.org.

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155 Glen Cove Marina Rd., Suite 100 Vallejo, CA 94591 • (707) 558-8699

Accepting Medicare, Healthnet, Pacificare, Cigna, all major HMO'S through Hill Physicians or John Muir,

Mt. Diablo Medical Network and all major PPO's.

Fred Bayon, M.D.Board Certified, Internal Medicine

Trai - Hoa Nguyen, M.D.Board Certified, Pediatrics

Paige Yoshisato, M.D.Board Certified, Family Practice

Nightlife. Thursday, 6-10pm. After the Academy closes, the museum will be transformed into a lively venue filled with provocative science, music, mingling, and cocktails, as visitors get a chance to explore the museum at night. Each week, entertainment and a bar stocked with food and drinks available for purchase will be set up in a different area of the museum. However, the entire museum will be open for exploration every week. Each event will also feature engaging activities and chances to interact with scientists and other experts. Nightlife is an 18-and-up event. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco. $10 general/$8 members. Info; 415/379-8000 or www.calacademy.org.

Solano Shriner’s Club and the Women’s Organization. 7:30pm, 4th Monday of each month. Springbrook Masonic Temple, 101 Temple Way, Vallejo. Info; 707/315-0834.

OngOing: seniOr activitiesAngels Have Wheels. All Medicare recipients should be aware that if they suffer from conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disorders, and have difficulty walking or propelling a standard wheelchair, they may be eligible to receive an electric wheelchair paid for by Medicare. Info; 800/810-2877.

Classes at the Senior Center. We are experimenting with new classes. Have you had the opportunity to try Zumba or Tai Chi? Please let us know what you would like to try or which classes you would like offered on a regular basis. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Craft Instruction, Companionship, Exercise and Lunch. 9am-1pm. Tuesdays. Vallejo Hilltop Adult Activity Center, 925 Sacramento St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-4205.

Free Health Talks by Experts. 9-11am every third Saturday. Topics include Gentle Exercise for Arthritis, Reducing Weight, Back Strength, Herbal Remedies, etc. Sponsored by Healthy Benicia Task Force. An-nex of Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1400 East Second St., Benicia. Info; 707/746-8279.

Bingo: 1pm - 4pm, every Friday (except holidays.) Light refreshments. Benicia Senior Center. Info; 707/745-1202

Duplicate Bridge. Tuesdays, 9am-12noon. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; Carolyn Fallon, 707/746-6070.

Contract Bridge. Monday, 12:30-4pm. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Fit for Life Exercise Class. Monday & Wednesday, 10:30-11:10am. Friday, 10:15-11am. All levels are welcome! Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. $2 drop-in/$24 for 20-class pass/$13 for 10-class pass. Info; 707/745-1202.

HICAP. 2nd and 3rd Tuesday, 9am-12noon, by appointment only. Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, funded by the California Department of Aging, provides free counseling services. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Italian Classes. Thursday, 1-2pm. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Free. Info; 707/745-1202.

Benicia Senior Center Library. Our library here is always open for bor-rowing of books at your own convenience. This is a free service provided by the Senior Center. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L. St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.


Nurse Visits. 4th Thursday, 9-10:30am. Nurse Joyce Goodwin from Solano County will be here to check blood pressure and answer medical questions. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Spanish Classes. Tuesday, 1-2pm. Lunch Room, Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Telecare. Every morning Tele-care calls a list of shut-ins or those who live alone to check on them. If you or someone you know could use this service, please call the center. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Walking Buddies. Thursday, 10am. Get more exercise! Walking bud-dies meet at the center and walk downtown. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Walking Group. Wednesday, 11:30am. We will meet directly after Fit for Life exercise class for a walk through the State Park. Walking shoes and water are required. We will walk at an average pace. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Watercolor Painting. Thursday, 12:15-2:30pm. Interested in watercolor? Come give it a try! Meals on Wheels Room, Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Zumba Gold. Thursday, 1:30 pm. This is a class designed especially for seniors and those of all levels! Come dance, move, and have a good time while staying healthy!. Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. $2 drop-in/$24 for 20-class pass/$13 for 10-class pass. Info; 707/745-1202.

Solano Quilters: Mondays, 9:30am - 12noon. All Seniors are welcome. Benicia Senior Center. Info; Lorraine Patten 707/745-3095.

Hearing Test at Benicia Senior Center: 2nd Friday of each month, 9am – 10am. Appointments will be made for further diagnosis. De-nise Martin will be available to provide hearing tests, cleaning hearing aids and sell batteries. Benicia Senior Center, 1201 East 2nd Street. Info; 707/745-1202.

Senior Monthly Luncheons. 4th Wednesday, 12noon. Catered by vari-ous restaurants around town for only a small fee! Prices vary according to meal but always a good time! Benicia Senior Center, 187 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/745-1202.

Senior Lunches by Meals On Wheels: Lunch is served at 11:30am. The Benicia Senior Center hosts on-site lunches to any person ages 60 or older. There is no meal charge for registered seniors, although they ask that clients consider making a voluntary and confidential “fair share” donation. Benicia Senior Center, 1201 East 2nd Street, Benicia. Info; 800/788-5114 or 707/426-3979 for reservations.

Senior Crafts Class: Thursdays 10am-Noon. Do you need a creative outlet, enjoy working with your hands and like to make new friends? Plenty of interesting projects for everyone. The class hosts an annual Christmas Bazaar. Free. Benicia Senior Center, 1201 East 2nd Street.

Senior Monthly Dinner-Dance in Suisun City: Last Thursday of every month. $5 includes a full meal and dancing to a live band. Paid reserva-tions are required one week in advance. Call Suisun City Senior Center for information: 707/421-7203.

55 Alive Mature Driving. Wednesdays. $12 AARP member/$14 non-member. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Billiards. Everyday, 9am-2pm. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Bingo. Wednesdays 2pm & Fridays 9am. $10/pack. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.


932 Grant Street • Benicia

BENICIA PHOTO707-746-7777

• Complete Photography Service• Cameras and Accessories• Film and Digital Processing• Enlargement and Restoration

Video and DVD Transfer of Tapes, Movies, Slides and Photos

Camera and Photo Equipment RepairUsed Camera Trade

Photography and ModelingClasses & Workshops

Computer Lab. Mondays & Fridays, 10am-12noon. Free. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Diabetic Nurse Educator. 1st Wednesday of the month, 9am-12noon. Free. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Elder Health Program. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9am-12noon. Solano County Health & Social Ser-vices Dept. Free. Florence Douglas Senior Cen-ter, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Family History Writing. 2nd & 4th Mondays, 11am-1pm. $1. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Gifts by Seniors Thrift Store. Mondays to Thurs-days, 9am-1:30pm; Fridays 9am-11:30am. Open to the public. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Line Dancing. Beginner Class Mondays, 10-11:15am; Intro-Beginner class Thursdays 10am, free; Intermediate Class Tuesdays 10-11am; Advance class Mondays 10am, Advanced class Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am. $6 per session. Kick up your heels - do a little boot scootin’. Basic Be-ginner Class - free. Florence Douglas Senior Cen-ter, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Mah Jongg. Thursdays, 9am-11am. $1 per game. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Podiatry. 3rd Tuesday. 5 minute appointments, by appointment only. Florence Douglas Senior Cen-ter, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Scrabble Group. Thursdays, 12-2pm. $1 per person. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Senior Cards. Fridays, 9:30am-1:30pm. $2 per person. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Special Activities For Seniors Every Wednesday: Appliance repair - 9am, Crocheting (learn to crochet or get help with projects) free - 9am, Fabric Painting Class - 9am, Knitting (learn to knit or get help with projects) Free 9am, Oil Painting - 10am, Quilting, free - 9am, Tole Painting Class - 9am, Woodcarving Class - 9am, tables set aside for visiting, Florence Douglas Senior Center, Vallejo. Info: 707/643-1044.

Jazzercise Lite, Monday, Tuesdays and Thurs-days 10:15am-11:15am. Low-impact exercise. $2.50 per class. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info: 707-643-1044.

Tai Chi. 9am - 10am. Tuesdays and Thursdays (no 3rd Thursday). Ancient patterns of movement and balance providing mind and body benefi ts. $10 per month. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Travel Offi ce. Mondays to Thursdays, 9am-1:30pm, Fridays 9-11:30am. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

White Elephant Sale. 10am. Second Wednesdays of the month. Bring in small dishes or knickknacks for sale, or shop for a bargain. Donations accepted only on sale Wednesday mornings at the “White Elephant” table. Please, no food or clothing, no random drop-offs. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/643-1044.

Weekender Magazine November 201016

Zumba Exercise to Latin Music, Every Tuesday & Thursday 6:30p-7:30p (A-room), An exercise class defined by Latin rhythms & an enjoy-able party atmosphere. This is the type of exercise you’ll want to do everyday and feel good about doing it! It’s different. Zumba eliminates the work from working out by combining irresistible Latin & international music to simple exercise moves. Cost: 8 classes $25, drop-in fee $7 (pay instructor). Info: 707-643-1044

Yoga. 11am. Mondays. Exercise freedom of the self from non-eternal el-ements or states, through concentration and movement. $3 per session. Florence Douglas Senior Center, 333 Amador St., Vallejo. Info; 707/64

OngOing: ShOwS/MuSicalSBeach Blanket Babylon: Wed. & Thurs. 8pm, Fri. & Sat. 7pm & 10pm, Sun. 3pm & 7pm. Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon is the longest running, hit musical revue in theatre history. Club Fugazi, 68 Beach Blanket Blvd., S.F. Ticket info. 415/421-4222.

OngOing: TOurSCarmel Walks: Saturdays 10am & 2pm, Tuesdays - Fridays 10am. Discover the special charms of Carmel on a 2-hour guided walking tour through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens, and by enchanting fairyland cottages…the homes, haunts, and history of famous artists, writers and movie stars. Learn more about the spirit, characters, and customs that make Carmel unique. $20 per person. Meet in the courtyard of “The Pine Inn” on Lincoln St. at Ocean Ave. Info. 831/642-2700

Carolyn Parr Nature Center Museum Tours. Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4pm. View dioramas depicting habitats found in Napa County, includ-ing spectacular birds of prey. 3107 Browns Valley Rd, at Westwood Hills Park. No Admission Fee. Info; 707/255-6465.

Golden Gate Bridge Tour. Monday-Sunday, 9am, 1:30pm & 4pm. Take the ultimate tour of San Francisco, one centered around its most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour also includes Fisherman’s Wharf, the Presidio, Hyde Street Pier and more. $21.99 adult/$16.99 child. Info; 415/440-8687 or www.city-sightseeing.us.

Historic Garden League Tours. 10:30am & 1pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Docent-led tours of historic gardens, including Doud House, as featured in House Beautiful. Tours begin at picket fence 210 Olivier St., Monterey. $3.50. Info; 831/649-3364.

Historical Walking Tours in Monterey. Saturdays, 1pm. From abalone to whaling, sardines to squid... Learn about Monterey’s fishing heritage during a free one hour guided walk, starting at the Monterey Maritime Museum. Free. Info; 831/372-2608 x 11.

Introducing Beringer Vineyards Tour. 10:45am & 2pm. This historic tour ushers you through our original winery and aging tunnels, highlighting Beringer’s 128 year history and commitment to quality. Tour includes a voucher for tasting of 3 wines at our Old Winery Tasting bar. (Under 21 free when accompanied by an adult). 2000 Main St., St. Helena. $10/adult. Info; 707/967-4412.

Roaring Camp Railroads. See California’s redwoods from two historical railroads at Roaring Camp, an 1880s-styled logging camp. Steam trains depart on roundtrip excursion to Bear Mountain, Mon.-Fri., 11am. and Sat., Sun. and major holidays at 11am, 12:15pm., 1:30pm, 2:45pm and 4pm. Adults $15/kids $10. Beach trains depart Sat., Sun., and major holidays at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Adults $16.50/kids $11.50. Felton. Info; 831/335-4484.

Docent-Guided Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Petaluma. 10:30am. Ongoing Saturdays and Sundays. Free. Info; 707/778-4398

Weekender Magazine October 2010 17

Tor House and Hawk Tower Tours. Fridays & Saturdays. Now a Na-tional Historic Landmark, Tor House and Hawk Tower are open for tours throughout the year. A visit to Jeffers’ extraordinary home is a special experience. Carmel. Info; 831/624-1831.

Tour Italy with VJB Vineyards & Cellars. Discover the back roads of Italy with Vittorio and Maria Belmonte, owners of VJB Vineyards & Cellars and natives of Italy. Join us for this culinary & wine adventure in Campania & Puglia, Italy. VJB Vineyards & Cellars, 9077 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood. Info; 707/833-2300.

Benicia Capitol State Historic Park. This consists of two main buildings – the Benicia Capitol Building and the Fischer-Hanlon House. Admission for the park is $2 adults/ages 16 and under are free. Tickets are purchased at the front desk of the Benicia Capitol. The admission ticket includes the guided tours when they are available. the contact address for the entire site is 115 West G St., Benicia, CA 94510; telephone 707/745-3385; fax 707/745-8912. Schools may apply for a fee waiver; groups may schedule visit times or request guided tours, which are conducted by Volunteer in Parks Program docents or park staff. Allow time to purchase tickets before tour start time. The Benicia State Parks Association is a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation that accepts donations to be used in support of the two state parks in Benicia: the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park and the Benicia State Recreation Area; any donation is in addition to the required admission fee.

MOnday, nOveMber 1ST Oyster Pirate Mondays at Sailor Jack’s. 3 pm until close. In honor of Jack London’s days as an Oyster Pirate pillaging the Bay waters off Benicia, Oyster’s will be fresh and bountiful. Time to unbuckle your swash and un-shiver your timbers. Fresh Local Oysters will be offered at $1 each, Oyster Shooter’s will be 1/2 off, other Oyster Dishes will be slashed in price and happy hour prices will be in effect all day. 123 First Street, Benicia. Info; 707/746-8500.

ThurSday, nOveMber 4Th Tony Rock at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Annual Stillwell’s Snow in the Park. 10am-4pm. Caledonia Park in down-town Pacific Grove behind the Post Office will be covered in a blanket of snow & decorated with twinkling lights. Lots of wintry fun for all! Featuring Santa’s arrival on a shiny fire truck, Frosty the Snowman, Snow Queen, hayrides, petting zoo & lots of entertainment. Free. Info; 831/373-3304.

Solano College Theatre Presents dracula. 7:30pm. The truest to Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Steven Dietz’s adaptation brings suspense and seduction to the stage. Rich with humor, horror and sensuality. Harbor Theatre, 720 Main St., Suisun City. $20 adults/$18 seniors/military/$13 students (with valid ID) and children. Info; 707/864-7100 or www.sola-nocollegetheatre.org.

Friday, nOveMber 5Th “Fences.” 8pm. The human desire to realize one’s dreams and fulfill one’s potential is at the very heart of this great American play. It explores universal themes such as hope, family, love, and death. BDES Hall, 140 W J St. Benicia. $20 adults/$18 seniors and students with ID. Info; 707/746-1269 or www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.

Tony Rock at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Buika. 8pm. Known as the “Flamenco Queen,” Spanish singer Buika performs a heady combination of traditional coplas (female-centric torch songs) and fusions of jazz, Gypsy rumba and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $26/$30/$34/$40. Info; 510/642-9988.


http://www.pepperbellys.com


Big Sur Food & Wine Festival. A long weekend enjoying the grandeur of Big Sur in intimate settings, of savoring great food paired with exquisite wines – what more could one ask for? Winemaker dinners, wine tasting, Dinner with Friends, Auction and more. Info; 831/667-0800.

Taste of Solano. 6pm. This signature gala event features gourmet ap-petizers and desserts, wine and beer tasting, live music and a live and silent auction. All proceeds benefit Heather House Homeless Shelter. The Clubhouse, Rancho Solano, 3250 Rancho Solano Pkwy., Fairfield. $45. Info; 707/428-7469 or www.heatherhouse.org.

Mission Players Live at Forestville Club. 9pm. San Francisco’s hot-test live band, Mission Players, bring their amazing mix of funk, soul, groove, jazz and blues to the Forestville Club. This band throws down some of the best funk and soul around. The band will be debuting some of the new material slated for their next CD. Come get funky! 6500 Front Street, Forestville. $8. Info; 707/887-2594.

Napa Valley College Repertory Theater Inaugurates Studio Theater With Yasmina Reza’s ‘Art.’ 8pm. ‘Art’ tells the story of three men whose friendship is tested in hilarious ways when one of them buys a white on white painting for a huge sum of money. The White Barn, 2727 Sulphur Springs Ave., St Helena. $15/$10 seniors & students. Info; 707/251-8715.

The Coast Range of California. 6pm. John Muir Laws will lead us in an appreciation of some of the little known California coast range spe-cies, including their astounding behaviors and interrelationships. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood Preserve, 3450 Franz Valley Road, Santa Rosa. $10 suggested donation. Info; 707/591-9310.

Solano College Theatre Presents dracula. 7:30pm. The truest to Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Steven Dietz’s adaptation brings suspense and seduction to the stage. Rich with humor, horror and sensuality. Harbor Theatre, 720 Main St., Suisun City. $20 adults/$18 seniors/military/$13 students (with valid ID) and children. Info; 707/864-7100 or www.sola-nocollegetheatre.org.

“Wine & Food Affair” at Windsor Oaks. 11am-5pm. Tantalize your taste buds as you dive into a marinated Beef Short Rib Sandwich paired with our 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine Club members can step into our VIP Room for more of our piping hot, truffle soup! All of our wines will be available for tasting. We are open for public wine tasting on Friday to get this party started. 10810 Hillview Road, Windsor. $10 Refundable w/Purchase. Info; 707/433-4050.

SaTurday, nOveMber 6Th “Fences.” 8pm. The human desire to realize one’s dreams and fulfill one’s potential is at the very heart of this great American play. It explores universal themes such as hope, family, love, and death. BDES Hall, 140 W J St. Benicia. $20 adults/$18 seniors and students with ID. Info; 707/746-1269 or www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.


MoonDance Baile de la Luna 2010. 5:30-11pm. Dunbar Elementary School’s Annual Fundraiser. Price includes wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing. Silent and live auction and cash raffle. Seating is limited, so call to reserve your tickets today! Come out to support the 2nd oldest continuously school in California! Atwood Ranch, 12099 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen. $45. Info; 707/343-1422.


Oh, Mr. Sousa. 4pm. John Philip Sousa and the “most famous band in America” graced the Opera House stage 105 years ago. Join us for a commemorative performance with a semi-staged concert, featuring a 22-piece concert band and eight singing actors walking, talking, singing and playing through Sousa’s entire life. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $25-$30. Info; 707/226-7372.

Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation Dinner. The Annual Dinner is an evening of celebration as QVMC Foundation presents awards to four individuals for their contributions to the Napa community. The event, held at the Silverado Resort, begins with an elegant cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception. Wines, provided by premium Napa Valley wineries, are paired with culinary delights while you enjoy an evening of dazzling entertainment. $85-$160. Info; 707/257-4044.


235th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. 5:30-8pm. Celebrating 235th years of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Marines’ Memorial Club will host its an-nual Birthday Ball. Marines’ Memorial Club and Hotel, 609 Sutter St., San Francisco. $89-$150. Info; 415/673-6672 or www.marineclub.com.

Día de los Muertos Family Concert. 6pm. Bring the entire family as the San Francisco Symphony marks the Day of the Dead with the third Annual concert celebrating Latino culture. Come early for pre-concert festivities in the Davies Symphony Hall lobbies including refreshments, children’s activities, and colorful displays celebrating Día de los Muertos. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. $15-$68. Info; 415/552-8000 or www.sfsymphony.org.

Master Class: Animating @ Pixar. 10-11:30am. Pixar Supervising Animator, Bobby Podesta of Toy Story 2 and 3, takes you behind-the-scenes of his experiences animating at Pixar over the last thirteen years. Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. $10 adults/$5 seniors (62+), students (with ID) and children 4-18/under 3 free. Info; 707/579-4452 or www.schulzmuseum.org.

Hike and Taste at Kunde Family Estate. 10am-2pm. Join Sonoma Valley Docent Bill Myers on a fun, casual and up-close hike through the 1,850 acre Kunde Family Estate. Wind through the estate’s distinct eco-systems, each one uniquely contributing to the process of sustainable winegrowing. Taste wines along the way in the very vineyards where the grapes are grown! $25/$15 under 21. Info; 707/282-1534.

Solano College Theatre Presents dracula. 7:30pm. The truest to Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Steven Dietz’s adaptation brings suspense and se-duction to the stage. Rich with humor, horror and sensuality. Harbor Theatre, 720 Main St., Suisun City. $20 adults/$18 seniors/military/$13 students (with valid ID) and children. Info; 707/864-7100 or www.solanocollegetheatre.org.

Singles Wine Tasting & Dance. 7:30pm. Single professionals of all ages are invited to meet new friends who appreciate fi ne wine and great dance music. Includes all the wines you taste, from boutique winer-ies; accompanied by appetizers to cleanse the palate, plus dancing to the greatest hits of all time, plus some of today’s hottest hits. Redux Nightclub, 1411 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $30. Info; 415/507-9962 or www.ThePartyHotline.com.



“Wine & Food Affair” at Windsor Oaks. 11am-4pm. Tantalize your taste buds as you dive into a marinated Beef Short Rib Sandwich paired with our 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine Club members can step into our VIP Room for more of our piping hot, truffle soup! All of our wines will be available for tasting. 10810 Hillview Road, Windsor. Info; 707/433-4050.

SuNDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH Ensemble Zellig. 3pm. New music for clarinet, flute, cello and piano. Hertz Hall, Bancroft Way at College Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $42. Info; 510/642-9988.



First Annual Holiday Boutique. 10am-4pm. The Fairfield Suisun Twilight Rotary Club is looking for craft and gift vendors. This is a community fundraiser and all booth fees will be donated to the Twilight Rotary Chari-table Fund, a 501(c)3. Info; [email protected].


Stephen Sondheim. 7pm. He’s won more Tonys than any other composer, plus Grammys, an Oscar and a Pulitzer Prize. His name is synonymous with musical theater (West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd). Now, as he celebrates his 80th birthday, he has published a complete collection of his lyrics (1954 - 1981) and offers a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of his profes-sional and personal life. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St., San Francisco. $5-$10. Info; 415/292-1200 or www.jccsf.org.

Solano College Theatre Presents dracula. 2pm. The truest to Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Steven Dietz’s adaptation brings suspense and se-duction to the stage. Rich with humor, horror and sensuality. Harbor Theatre, 720 Main St., Suisun City. $20 adults/$18 seniors/military/$13 students (with valid ID) and children. Info; 707/864-7100 or www.solanocollegetheatre.org.

“Wine & Food Affair” at Windsor Oaks. 11am-4pm. Tantalize your taste buds as you dive into a marinated Beef Short Rib Sandwich paired with our 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine Club members can step into our VIP Room for more of our piping hot, truffle soup! All of our wines will be available for tasting. 10810 Hillview Road, Windsor. Info; 707/433-4050.

Peter Gros’ Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom. 3pm. Peter Gros brings a Wild Kingdom of live, wild animals that are the stars of the stage. With a long-standing commitment to conservation that dates back more than 40 years, Mutual of Omaha believes in protecting the world’s natural resources. Family show appropriate and entertaining for all ages. The Lincoln Theater, 100 California Dr, Yountville. Info; 707/944-9900.

MOnday, nOveMber 8Th Oyster Pirate Mondays at Sailor Jack’s. 3 pm until close. In honor of Jack London’s days as an Oyster Pirate pillaging the Bay waters off Benicia, Oyster’s will be fresh and bountiful. Time to unbuckle your swash and un-shiver your timbers. Fresh Local Oysters will be offered at $1 each, Oyster Shooter’s will be 1/2 off, other Oyster Dishes will be slashed in price and happy hour prices will be in effect all day. 123 First Street, Benicia. Info; 707/746-8500.

Weekender Magazine November 201022

Bay Area Blues Society Open Blues Jam for Armatures and Pros. 7-11pm. Offering musicians a place to jam that has a good PA system, amps and drums. Chris Club, 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo. Free admission. Info; 707/647-3962.

Tuesday, November 9Th Grand Reopening Party for Singles. 7-9pm. Single adults of all ages are invited to celebrate the Grand Reopening of the historic Hilltop 1892 Restaurant, 850 Lamont Ave., Novato. $10 at the door includes a fun Mixer Game, which makes it EASY to meet people, accompanied by appetizers. Info; 415/507-9962 or www.ThePartyHotline.com

Green Wine Summit. The Green Wine Summit makes a unique contribution to our industry and is different from other green educa-tion programs in that we are more focused on the business, sales, marketing & communications aspects of the wine industry sustainable business efforts than other conferences. Hyatt Vineyard Creek, Santa Rosa. Info; 707/255-9222.

ZooZoo at the Wells Fargo Center. 6:30pm. A giant dinosaur, hungry anteaters, hitch-hiking rabbits, introverted frogs and cantankerous polar bears fill the stage in this menagerie featuring the best of Imago’s ac-claimed productions FROGZ and Biglittlethings! 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Info; 707/546-3600.

WedNesday, November 10Th Green Wine Summit. The Green Wine Summit makes a unique contribution to our industry and is different from other green educa-tion programs in that we are more focused on the business, sales, marketing & communications aspects of the wine industry sustainable business efforts than other conferences. Hyatt Vineyard Creek, Santa Rosa. Info; 707/255-9222.

Thursday, November 11Th Friends of the Benicia Library Members-Only Sale. 6-8pm. Friends of the Benicia Library members-only book sale. Proof of membership required. Memberships can be purchased at the door. Benicia Library, Lower Level, 150 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/746-4343.

Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. Rain or shine! Texas Street, Downtown Fairfield. Info; 707/422-0103.

Napa Valley College Repertory Theater Inaugurates Studio Theater With Yasmina Reza’s ‘Art.’ 8pm. ‘Art’ tells the story of three men whose friendship is tested in hilarious ways when one of them buys a white on white painting for a huge sum of money. The Napa Valley College Studio Theater, 2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy., Napa. $15/$10 seniors & students. Info; 707/256-7500

Annual Northbay Veterans Day Parade. 1pm. See what has been called the largest, most colorful parade of its kind in Northern California as it winds its way through Historic Downtown heading south on Petaluma Boulevard. Free. Info; 707/769-0429.

San Francisco International Animation Festival. Come and join San Francisco International Animation Festival, The boldest and most exciting animated films from around the world. Landmark’s Embar-cadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. Info; 415/561-5000 or www.sffs.org.

The Value of Storytelling with Pixar Pioneer Galyn Susman. 7pm. Pixar animation pioneer Galyn Susman, associate producer of the Pixar film “Ratatouille,” will discuss how moral values are taught through story-telling - from the Book of Jonah to Buzz Lightyear...and beyond! Contem-porary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St. San Francisco. $10 adults/$8/Students (with ID) and Seniors. Info; 415/655-7800 or www.thecjm.org.


Warren Miller’s Wintervention at the Wells Fargo Center. 8pm. Narrated by skiing icon Jonny Moseley and presented in striking high-definition, Warren Miller films showcase incredible cinematography that will get you craving vertical lines, deep powder and epic adventure. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. $21. Info; 707/546-3600.

Friday, November 12Th

Great Wine Escape Weekend. Immerse yourself in all things wine at the Great Wine Escape Weekend. The weekend is packed with seminars, cooking classes, tasting events, tours, open houses, and, of course, wine-oriented dinners. The hardest part of the Great Wine Escape Weekend is deciding which events to attend! Monterey County. Info; 831/375-9400.

Donnell Rawlings at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

PEJU Winery Holiday Open House. 6:30-8:30pm. Ring in the holiday season with Peju! Napa Neighbors, Industry Friends and Tasting Room Visitors are invited to the winery to enjoy Peju wines paired with festive holiday bites. Get an early jump on holiday shopping – gift a bottle of Peju wine or find a unique present in our beautiful gift boutique. RSVP to [email protected] or by phone. Free. Info; 800/446-7358.

Garage Band 101: The British Are Coming! 7pm. Napa School of Music presents a concert featuring classic British rock, the culmination of an 11-week program in which the experienced instructors teach students as young as seven to play in their own rock band. A great event for the whole family! Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $12-$15. Info; 707/226-7372.


Pacific Grove Holiday Fashion Show. 5:30-8:30pm. A Fashion Show by 8 Pacific Grove Boutiques. More than 120 donations of trips, restaurant certifi-cates, accommodations & golf packages will be auctioned off to support the Chamber. The event includes dinner & live entertainment. Held at Asilomar Conference Grounds, Merrill Hall, Pacific Grove. Free. Info; 831/373-3304.

San Francisco International Animation Festival. Come and join San Francisco International Animation Festival, The boldest and most exciting animated films from around the world. Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. Info; 415/561-5000 or www.sffs.org.

saTurday, November 13Th

Donnell Rawlings at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com


Wine Makers Dinner with John Robert Eppler. Vino Paladini, 145 East D St., Benicia. $40. Info; 707/746-6203.

Friends of the Benicia Library Book Sale. 10am-4pm. Come find yourself a special book. Book sales support musical performances, reading programs, and special needs for the library. Free admission. Benicia Library, Lower Level, 150 East L St., Benicia. Info; 707/746-4343.

Griefshare: Surviving the Holidays Seminar. 1-4pm. GriefShare is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. It features practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and other people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death. Topics to be discussed include “Why the Holidays are Tough,” “What to Expect,” “How to Prepare,” “How to Manage Relationships and Holiday Socials” and “Us-ing the Holidays to Help you Heal.” Those who attend will receive a free book with over 30 daily readings providing additional insights and ideas on holiday survival. New Harbor Community Church, 4858 East 2nd St., Benicia. Free. Info; 707/745-4448 or [email protected].

Zenshinza Theatre Company. 8pm. Narukami: One of the world’s great kabuki dramas, presented in the aragoto (heroic) style. Chatsubo (“The Tea Chest”): A classic comedy. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $48/$60/$72/$86. Info; 510/642-9988.

Holiday Craft Faire at Rodney Strong. 11am-4pm. Join us for this festive kickoff to holiday shopping featuring the handmade goods of local crafters and artists and help out the local Redwood Empire Food Bank! Bring in a food or cash donation (per person) for the benefit of the Redwood Empire Food Bank, we will treat you to a taste of our newly released Malbec. 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg. Free with food donation for REFB. Info; 707/431-1533.

Debbie Harding Pastels at The Red Paprika. 10am-6pm. Debbie Harding, Santa Rosa artist, pairs up with The Red Paprika for an art reception, showing her pastel paintings, on display at the store on an ongoing basis. Enjoy her colorful landscapes and florals, while you sample delicious foods from Hungary. 377 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg. Free. Info; 707/433-6087.

Hands-on Artisanal Cocktail Class. 2-4pm. With Spoonbar Mixologist Scott Beattie at H2Hotel, 219 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg. We’re proud to offer some stellar suggestions for great holiday cocktails for your party this year. This class will essentially be a mock holiday party. $50. Info; 707/433-7222.



COOKIN'With

COOKIN'

EARLEARL

www.weekendermagazine.com

Hey... Earl here....Been eatin up a storm lately.....yup fell off the plan, but I swear in a few days......I am back on it....NO really I mean it....I just took a break for some stress and anxiety weeks I lost control with.....I'm back....I feel Good!!!

Low Fat Chicken Bake2 chicken breasts, halved 1 cup fresh bread crumbs 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt

San Pancho Macaroni and Cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a medium size shallow baking dish with vegetable spray. Rinse chicken and pat dry. In a shallow pan, combine bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pep-per and ginger. Dip chicken in yogurt, then into crumb mixture. Place in prepared dish. Bake uncovered, 45 to 50 minutes, or until tender.

3 1/2 cups macaroni, cooked and drained 1 3/4 cups low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cups onion, finely chopped 3 tablespoons chopped parsley1 3/4 cups low-fat cottage cheese 1/2 cups evaporated skim milk 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard 1 slice bread, crumbled 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cups salsa 1 teaspoon fajita seasoningSalt and pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees FIn a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, onion, and parsley. In a blender or food proces-sor, combine cottage cheese, milk, and mustard. Process until smooth. Mix in salsa and fajita seasoning and pour over macaroni mixture. Mix thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and place macaroni mixture into dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese over casserole. Bake for 20 minutes. Feeds 8

Rosanne Cash at Uptown Theatre. 8pm. Cash has selected twelve songs from the syllabus presented to her by her father and recorded her first album of covers. She remains a songwriter to her core, so she approached each composition, from Jimmie Rodgers’ “Miss the Missis-sippi and You” to Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country”, in search of its particular essence. 1350 Third St., Napa. $45/60. Info; 707/259-0123.

All Breed Dog Show. 8am-5pm. Over 1500 dogs, with some of the top ranked dogs in the country competing for Best in Show. This is a very family friendly event. Shop with vendors selling everything from dog toys to wonderful food for both you and your dog. We’ll also have a wine tasting to benefit Napa Humane and Take the Lead. Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third Street, Napa. Free. Info; 707/746-0420.

Dr. Spin’s Propaganda Machine Film & Video Extravaganza. 5pm-12midnight. Dr. Spin’s is a self-guided film and video tour “video crawl” at various locations in downtown Napa with films from one-minute to one-hour, made by local artists. Some of the venues include Bloom Salon (1146 Main Street), Bloom Too (968 Pearl Street) and Wildcat Clothing’s loft (1210 1st Street). Maps will be available November 8th. Free. Info; 707/257-2117.

S.I.N.’s Lobster Dinner. 6pm. Join us for a delicious lobster dinner that benefits Soroptimist International of Napa, a 501(c)3 organization. St. John’s Parish Hall, 924 Napa Street, Napa. $75. Info; 707/255-4434.

Napa Valley College Repertory Theater Inaugurates Studio Theater With Yasmina Reza’s ‘Art.’ 2pm & 8pm. ‘Art’ tells the story of three men whose friendship is tested in hilarious ways when one of them buys a white on white painting for a huge sum of money. The Napa Valley Col-lege Studio Theater, 2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy., Napa. $15/$10 seniors & students. Info; 707/256-7500

Chiara String Quartet. 8pm. With a style best described as a journey to the edge of expressive possibility, we will be treated to a world premiere piece by Berkeley composer Gabriela Lena Frank, which she wrote for the Quartet. They will bring their favorites from the Beethoven Quartet Cycle to accompany the Frank piece. Occidental Center for the Arts, Occidental. $25. Info; 707/874-1124 or www.redwoodarts.org.

156th Annual Fall Concert. 3:30pm. The concert is free to the public; subsequent dinner and dance is $25 per person and requires reserva-tions. Sacramento Turner Harmonie, Turner Hall, 3349 J St., Sacramento. Info; 916/362-2607.

San Francisco International Animation Festival. Come and join San Francisco International Animation Festival, The boldest and most exciting animated films from around the world. Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. Info; 415/561-5000 or www.sffs.org.

Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover. 6pm-8am. Why count sheep when you could count geckos, butterflies, sharks, and penguins? Starting this summer, kids can camp out for a night at the California Academy of Sciences - and see the museum in a whole new light. Explore the museum with during an after-hours sleepover that includes a penguin talk, planetarium show, and story time with cookies and milk. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco. $99-$119. Info; 415/379-8000 or www.calacademy.org.

Girl Scout Patch Program: Living Eco-Wise. 2-4pm. Explore what makes the Academy the greenest museum in the world -- from their reused blue jean insulation to their amazing Living Roof covered with native plants. Increase your eco-awareness doing fun activities and games, such as making your own recycled art masterpiece and creating your own pesticide watch card. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco. $24.95 adults/$19.95 seniors (65+) and youth (12-17)/ $14.95 Children (7-11)/under 6 free. Info; 415/379-8000 or www.calacademy.org.


Tosca. 8pm. Opera San Jose presents Tosca, an opera that always leaves its audiences startled and breathless by the searing beauty of Puccini’s melodies. This is an opera where no one escapes death or destiny. California Theatre, 345 South First St., San Jose. $50-$100. Info; 408/437-4450.

Post Harvest Party at Roche Vineyards. Join us in celebrating our 2010 Harvest with barrel tasting and fine foods! Join the Roche Family and Winemaker Michael Carr for an afternoon of 2009 & 2010 Barrel Tasting with light bites prepared by Mara Roche. 122 West Spain Street, Sonoma. Info; 707/935-7115.

Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society Christmas Gem, Jewelry and Gift Show. 9am-5pm. Come do your Christmas shopping with us! Vallejo Vet-erans Bldg., 420 Admiral Callaghan Ln., Vallejo. $1. Info; 222.iwired.org.

Holiday Open House @ Goosecross Cellars. 12-4pm. Join Goosecross Cellars for a Holiday Open House. We will celebrate the beginning of this festive season with a barrel tasting. Delicious appetizers made with our gourmet food products will be paired with our terrific wines. Take home specially made recipe cards to help make your holidays a little easier! 1119 State Lane Yountville. $10. Info; 707/944-1986.

suNday, November 14Th Donnell Rawlings at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Calling All Authors. 2-4pm. The Benicia Historical Museum is inviting local authors to take part in a “Meet your Local Authors” day as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Museum. Local authors are invited to bring copies of their books to share with colleagues, sell and sign, and meet with each other and the general public. Please respond by November 7. Refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public and free of charge. Stone Hall, Benicia Historical Museum, Benicia. Info; 707/745-5435 or [email protected].

Zenshinza Theatre Company. 3pm. Honen and Shinran: An historical drama depicting the upheaval of 13th-century Japan and two priests con-sidered the Calvin and Luther of Buddhism, who opened a path to freedom in a time of civil war. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $48/$60/$72/$86. Info; 510/642-9988.

Big Sur Half Marathon: Help Fight Pancreatic Cancer! 7am. Walk or run with us at the Big Sur Half Marathon & 5K! This is a wonderful opportunity to help in the fight against pancreatic cancer while doing something remarkable for yourself and for others and contributing to a good cause. Info; 831/372-0900.

Debbie Harding Pastels at The Red Paprika. 10am-6pm. Debbie Harding, Santa Rosa artist, pairs up with The Red Paprika for an art reception, showing her pastel paintings, on display at the store on an ongoing basis. Enjoy her colorful landscapes and florals, while you sample delicious foods from Hungary. 377 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg. Free. Info; 707/433-6087.


Hey my friends.....It's November and I just don't believe it.....It seems like this morning we were celebrating New Year's. Some of you probably still are....Well alot has happened this year and the one thing that sticks out most in my mind is the Loan I got four years ago in Mexi-co for my little Casa....(Bungalow Bills) It took about 2 years to get it straight about how much money I should send every month, as it changed every month

with the value of the dollar to the Peso....If that wasn't confusing enough I then learned that all the extra money I was sending was vanishing into cyber space. One of the things after 4 years that never got resolved was the monthly bill, as it always came in Span-ish.....Yup you guessed it.....I don't speak Spanish and it wasn't un-til about 2 months ago that I found Google translate.....WOW...that sure changed things....a little to late....I put my Casa on the market for sale and some snow birds from Canada purchased it.....well kinda....We are still in the process of getting the bank to release the trust to the new owners. Now alot of you think that you can't buy property in Mexico....well you can and it is even titled with an American Title co...In America...so it's safe...SPEAKING OF SAFE: I am getting a little tired of people telling me how scary it is in Mexico.....Usually the ones who have never been here.....I had a lady answer one of my blogs tell me she would never go to Mexico because of all the crime....she sent me the letter from Atlanta Georgia, so I googled her town and I think she would be much safer down here....Her city where she lived was ranked #2 in the state for violent crime....There are some bad spots like everywhere in the world.....google your town... and those within 50 miles....if everyone googled their area.....everyone would be mov-ing to Mexico.... Ok back to the loan on the Casa.....I started the escrow about 3 months ago and in the meantime the bank where I got my loan seems to have sold (for billions of pesos) and is now in the process of changing everything around.....Of course they are.....I believe that they waited until I opened escrow....because this couldn't happen to anyone else on the planet except me...Now all the paperwork is in the wrong name for the lender and it seems that it has confused everyone even more than they were before ....if that is possible...so I was suppose to close escrow yesterday, but they didn't have the approval to close the loan. I finally got a hold of the highest person in the chain and she broke down how it works and it looks as though it is not as it seems.....the process takes an extra 3 weeks now, because of the backup of the sale of homes here in Mexico. How was I to know that things are still doing well here in our area....things are selling and homes are being built all along the coast. Well Monday is a new day and another wild adventure, so we will travel into Puerto Vallarta and see if the paperwork has arrived. I have found that stressing does not get the job done, but it does set the eating frenzy in motion.....I just love the food down here and all the goodies that I don't get to enjoy at home....Like the dozen fresh Macaroons I bought on the beach along with the pineapple and watermelon sliced up for munching on the beach.....by the way the macaroons are all gone and so is everything else in sight.....I told myself I was going to be good while I was down here.....Well I am being good if you remember what your mom al-ways told you....Eat everything on your plate, as there are starving kids all over the world who don't have any food who would love to eat yours.....

Wanna Buy a Casa?Russian River Chamber Music. 4pm. This years’ Salon Concert, “Café Budapest”, will feature Hungarian music from the Glendeven Quartet, food, wine and poetry. Costeaux French Bakery, Healdsburg. $25. Info; 707/524-8700.


All Breed Dog Show. 8am-5pm. Over 1500 dogs, with some of the top ranked dogs in the country competing for Best in Show. This is a very family friendly event. Shop with vendors selling everything from dog toys to wonderful food for both you and your dog. We’ll also have a wine tasting to benefit Napa Humane and Take the Lead. Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third Street, Napa. Free. Info; 707/746-0420.


San Francisco International Animation Festival. Come and join San Francisco International Animation Festival, The boldest and most exciting animated films from around the world. Landmark’s Embar-cadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. Info; 415/561-5000 or www.sffs.org.

New Italian Cinema. The Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema is celebrating the rich cinematic tradition of Italy and its newest generation of filmmakers. Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embar-cadero Center, San Francisco. Info; 415/561-5000 or www.sffs.org.


Post Harvest Party at Roche Vineyards. Join us in celebrating our 2010 Harvest with barrel tasting and fine foods! Join the Roche Family and Winemaker Michael Carr for an afternoon of 2009 & 2010 Barrel Tasting with light bites prepared by Mara Roche. 122 West Spain Street, Sonoma. Info; 707/935-7115.

LUNAFEST Wine Country. 2-6:30pm. Films by, for, about women. Sup-ports Sloan House, Community Action Partnership’s Women’s Shelter. Emcee, Jan Wahl, Emmy winning film critic will lecture on Fabulous Females in Film at a VIP Champagne Reception. Live 60s music by the Rolling Blackouts, Prizes for wearers of the best Film Hat, Wine & Food. $40 General/$15 Students/$65 VIP. Info; 707/544-6911 X1015.

Marnie Breckenridge with the Napa Valley Symphony. 3pm. Conduc-tor Kazem Abdullah. Copland - Music for the Theatre, Barbar, Knoxville Summer of 1915, Mahler - Symphony No. 4. Lincoln Theater, 100 Cali-fornia Dr., Yountville. Info; 707/944-9910.

moNday, November 15Th Oyster Pirate Mondays at Sailor Jack’s. 3 pm until close. In honor of Jack London’s days as an Oyster Pirate pillaging the Bay waters off Benicia, Oyster’s will be fresh and bountiful. Time to unbuckle your swash and un-shiver your timbers. Fresh Local Oysters will be offered at $1 each, Oyster Shooter’s will be 1/2 off, other Oyster Dishes will be slashed in price and happy hour prices will be in effect all day. 123 First Street, Benicia. Info; 707/746-8500.



Tuesday, November 16Th An Evening with Michael Caine. 7pm. From his humble upbringing in poverty-stricken Sussex, England, Sir Michael Caine went on to make more than 70 films and be knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Combined with juicy, offbeat anecdotes about life among Hollywood’s glitterati he expresses surprise and delight that the last several decades have been filled with great roles. From Alfie to Harry Brown, Michael Caine is indeed one of our true acting legends. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St., San Francisco. $5-$10. Info; 415/292-1200 or www.jccsf.org/.

Thursday, November 18Th Rex Navarrete at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Just Be Claus Christmas Show Preview. 4-6pm. “Just Be Claus” is a Christmas & Gift show at The Welcome Grange. Wonderful handcrafted Santa gourds, snowmen, stitchery, chalk ware, and many more holiday items to add to your Christmas treasures or special gift giving. Just the right show to start the holiday season. 3275 Hagen Rd., Napa. $5. Info; 707/254-8775.




Friday, November 19Th Just Be Claus Christmas Show. 9am-6pm. “Just Be Claus” is a Christmas & Gift show at The Welcome Grange. Wonderful handcrafted Santa gourds, snowmen, stitchery, chalk ware, and many more holiday items to add to your Christmas treasures or special gift giving. Just the right show to start the holiday season. 3275 Hagen Rd., Napa. Free. Info; 707/254-8775.

Rex Navarrete at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Gifts ‘n Tyme Holiday Faire. 10am-6pm. Features 80+ booths of fine crafts, art and gourmet foods. The N.V. Lion’s Club holds their home-baked goodies annual sale. Excellent lunches and dinners are offered. This is a great time to get your Christmas shopping done early with the personal touch! Napa Valley Expo/Chardonnay Hall, 575 Third Street, Napa. Free. Info; 925/372-8961.


The 11th Annual San Francisco World Music Festival - The Ritual Project. 8pm. Experience three innovative evenings of transformation as San Francisco World Music Festival brings together the music of many cultures - featuring youth and master musicians from the Bay Area and beyond with stylized video footage from around the world, including live-streamed performances from Taiwan via satellite. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St., San Francisco. $12-$35. Info; 415/292-1200 or www.jccsf.org/.

12th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest. 8pm. For the past 11 years, the San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest has been a groundbreaking event, presenting hip hop dance companies from all over the globe. It has blown away bay area audiences repeatedly with high energy performances and developed a reputation for the highest quality and innovation. Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco. Info; www.sfhiphopdancefest.com.

The Cake Boss at the Wells Fargo Center. 7:30pm. Join celebrity baker Buddy Valastro for an evening of cakes, stories and fun. In this rare live, interactive event, TLC’s Cake Boss will share stories behind his hit series and his colorful Italian family, answer audience questions and give a live demonstration of the techniques that have made him one of the most successful and renowned cake artists in the nation. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Info; 707/546-3600.

Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus: The Elements. 7:30pm. A choral meditation on Earth, Wind (air), Fire and Water. The chorus will be di-rected by R. Daniel Earl and accompanied by Robert Hazelrigg. Preview dress rehearsal is Friday. Glaser Center, 547 Mendocina Avenue, Santa Rosa. $15 Adults/$10 Seniors & Students. Info; 707/527-4999 x9228.

White Barn Winter Fair. 5-8pm. Reviving an old tradition, The White Barn will hold its beloved Winter Arts Fair to present artwork by a variety of talented local artisans and craftsmen. The event will benefit Arts Council Napa Valley. Admission is free. A special preview night will include wine, a winter soup, dessert and light music for a $15 suggested donation. 2727 Sulphur Springs Ave, St. Helena. Free. Info; 510/594-7614.


For Weekender Magazine ad rates and information call 707/722-2238

saTurday, November 20Th Earlier Than the Bird! 7-10am. Jump out of bed, stay in your pajamas and grab your friends and family to get a head start on your Holiday shopping! Register your “Wish List” at participating businesses and they will send a copy to your designated “Santa.” Benicia. Info; 707/745-9791.

“Understanding Islamic Terrorism.” 6-8pm. An evening with David Witt, affiliated with Voice of the Martyrs. Benicia Fellowship Church, 935 West Second St., Benicia. Free. Info; 707/746-5673.

Holiday Home Tour and Winter Market. 10am-4pm. The Junior League of Napa-Sonoma is pleased to announce its annual fundraiser. Stroll through festively decorated homes in Bennett Valley and stop by the Winter Market to start your holiday shopping! The hospitality suite at the nearby Friedman Event Center will feature the Winter Market where local vendors and artisans will be selling a wonderful variety of quality merchandise. Free to attend. Info; 707/545-5567.

Recital. 8pm. Bryn Terfel, baritone; Malcolm Martineau, piano. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $38/$46/$60/$78/$96. Info; 510/642-9988.

Holiday in Carneros. 10am-4pm. Holiday in Carneros is a multi-winery open house event featuring food and wine pairings, live music, unique tasting opportunities, special pricing and more. $35 Advance/$40 Day of Event. Info; 800/909-4352.

Just Be Claus Christmas Show. 9am-6pm. “Just Be Claus” is a Christmas & Gift show at The Welcome Grange. Wonderful handcrafted Santa gourds, snowmen, stitchery, chalk ware, and many more holiday items to add to your Christmas treasures or special gift giving. Just the right show to start the holiday season. 3275 Hagen Rd., Napa. Free. Info; 707/254-8775.

Rex Navarrete at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Gifts ‘n Tyme Holiday Faire. 10am-6pm. Features 80+ booths of fine crafts, art and gourmet foods. The N.V. Lion’s Club holds their home-baked goodies annual sale. Excellent lunches and dinners are offered. This is a great time to get your Christmas shopping done early with the personal touch! Napa Valley Expo/Chardonnay Hall, 575 Third Street, Napa. Free. Info; 925/372-8961.

The Original Stars from RENT – Live. 8pm. Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, the original stars from RENT, embark on a national concert tour. Their acoustic evening will feature material from both of their solo shows including well known pop songs, original material, classics from Aida, Cabaret and Chess plus hip arrangements of classic standards. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. $30-$35. Info; 707/226-7372.




12th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest. 8pm. For the past 11 years, the San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest has been a groundbreak-ing event, presenting hip hop dance companies from all over the globe. It has blown away bay area audiences repeatedly with high energy performances and developed a reputation for the highest quality and innovation. Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco. Info; www.sfhiphopdancefest.com.


Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus: The Elements. 8pm. A choral medita-tion on Earth, Wind (air), Fire and Water. The chorus will be directed by R.Daniel Earl and accompanied by Robert Hazelrigg. Glaser Center, 547 Mendocina Avenue, Santa Rosa. $15 Adults/$10 Seniors & Students. Info; 707/527-4999 x9228.

An American Portrait at Wells Fargo Center. 8pm. American Phil-harmonic presents Gabriel Sakakeeny, conductor, Marilyn Thompson, piano. Conte – A Copland Portrait, Desjardins – Bartholdiade, Gershwin – Concerto for Piano in F, Dooley – El Mirador (world premiere), Bern-stein – West Side Story: Symphonic Dances. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Info; 707/546-3600.

White Barn Winter Fair. 11am-4pm. Reviving an old tradition, The White Barn will hold its beloved Winter Arts Fair to present artwork by a variety of talented local artisans and craftsmen. The event will benefi t Arts Council Napa Valley. Admission is free. A special preview night will include wine, a winter soup, dessert and light music for a $15 suggested donation. 2727 Sulphur Springs Ave, St. Helena. Free. Info; 510/594-7614.

Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra at the Lincoln Theater. 8pm. Their string of hits includes the pop chart-topper “Elvira,” as well as “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” and many others. This holiday show will feature traditional holiday favorites, as well as Oak Ridge Boy classics and Country hits. 100 California Dr, Yountville. Info; 707/944-9900.

suNday, November 21sT Holiday Home Tour and Winter Market. 10am-4pm. The Junior League of Napa-Sonoma is pleased to announce its annual fundraiser. Stroll through festively decorated homes in Bennett Valley and stop by the Winter Market to start your holiday shopping! The hospitality suite at the nearby Friedman Event Center will feature the Winter Market where local vendors and artisans will be selling a wonderful variety of quality merchandise. Free to attend. Info; 707/545-5567.

Will Shortz, an evening with the Puzzle master. 7pm. Will Shortz, crossword editor of The New York Times, returns to discuss the curious history of crosswords and his lifelong passion for puzzles. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $20/$24/$28/$32/$36. Info; 510/642-9988.

Holiday in Carneros. 10am-4pm. Holiday in Carneros is a multi-winery open house event featuring food and wine pairings, live music, unique tasting opportunities, special pricing and more. $35 Advance/$40 Day of Event. Info; 800/909-4352.

Gifts ‘n Tyme Holiday Faire. 10am-4pm. Features 80+ booths of fi ne crafts, art and gourmet foods. The N.V. Lion’s Club holds their home-baked goodies annual sale. Excellent lunches and dinners are offered. This is a great time to get your Christmas shopping done early with the personal touch! Napa Valley Expo/Chardonnay Hall, 575 Third Street, Napa. Free. Info; 925/372-8961.


Rex Navarrete at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfi eld. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Chocolate/Wine @ Wineries of Napa Valley. 4-6pm. Join us for an evening of Wine and Chocolate indulgence at Wineries of Napa Valley. We are pairing our favorite wines with a variety of chocolate treats... No reservations required. Comfortable outdoor patio, indoor seating, wine tasting, Wi-Fi access, wine bar. 1285 Napa Town Center, Napa. $10 (Comp for Wine Club members). Info; 707/253-9450.


12th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest. 1pm & 7pm. For the past 11 years, the San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest has been a groundbreaking event, presenting hip hop dance companies from all over the globe. It has blown away bay area audiences repeatedly with high energy performances and developed a reputation for the highest quality and innovation. Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco. Info; www.sfhiphopdancefest.com.

Organ Recital with Olivier Latry. 6pm. This event features Olivier Latry, organist. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. $20-$30. Info; 415/552-8000 or www.sfsymphony.org.

PIER 39 Holiday Tree Lighting 2010. 1-6pm. PIER 39’s Holiday Tree Lighting will feature Bay Area groups performing seasonal favorites from around the world. Pier 39, Beach Street and The Embarcadero, San Francisco. Free. Info; 415/705-5500 or www.pier39.com.


Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus: The Elements. 3pm. A choral medita-tion on Earth, Wind (air), Fire and Water. The chorus will be directed by R.Daniel Earl and accompanied by Robert Hazelrigg. Glaser Center, 547 Mendocina Avenue, Santa Rosa. $15 Adults/$10 Seniors & Students. Info; 707/527-4999 x9228.

An American Portrait at Wells Fargo Center. 3pm. American Phil-harmonic presents Gabriel Sakakeeny, conductor, Marilyn Thompson, piano. Conte – A Copland Portrait, Desjardins – Bartholdiade, Gershwin – Concerto for Piano in F, Dooley – El Mirador (world premiere), Bern-stein – West Side Story: Symphonic Dances. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Info; 707/546-3600.

White Barn Winter Fair. 11am-4pm. Reviving an old tradition, The White Barn will hold its beloved Winter Arts Fair to present artwork by a variety of talented local artisans and craftsmen. The event will benefi t Arts Council Napa Valley. Admission is free. A special preview night will include wine, a winter soup, dessert and light music for a $15 suggested donation. 2727 Sulphur Springs Ave, St. Helena. Free. Info; 510/594-7614.


moNday, November 22Nd


Oyster Pirate Mondays at Sailor Jack’s. 3 pm until close. In honor of Jack London’s days as an Oyster Pirate pillaging the Bay waters off Benicia, Oys-ter’s will be fresh and bountiful. Time to unbuckle your swash and un-shiver your timbers. Fresh Local Oysters will be offered at $1 each, Oyster Shooter’s will be 1/2 off, other Oyster Dishes will be slashed in price and happy hour prices will be in effect all day. 123 First Street, Benicia. Info; 707/746-8500.

Daniel Tosh at the Wells Fargo Center. 7:30pm. Tosh is currently one of the most requested headliners in the country, especially with the col-lege crowd, having performed at more than 700 campuses in his career. Tosh’s television appearances are also numerous and include “The Late Show with David Letterman” and the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He can currently be seen starring in “Tosh.0,” a series he created for Comedy Central. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Info; 707/546-3600

Tuesday, November 23rd Tosca. 8pm. Opera San Jose presents Tosca, an opera that always leaves its audiences startled and breathless by the searing beauty of Puccini’s melodies. This is an opera where no one escapes death or destiny. California Theatre, 345 South First St., San Jose. $50-$100. Info; 408/437-4450.

Tuesday, November 24Th

Monique Marvez at Pepper Bellys. 849 Texas Street, Fairfield. Tickets & info. 707-422-SHOW or www.pepperbellys.com

Thursday, November 25Th

Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!Sonoma Community Center’s Thanksgiving. 3pm. Please join us at Sonoma Community Center for our annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner. We will have a hosted bar, music, festive holiday decor and traditional foods. 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma. Free admission. Info; 707/938-4626 ext. 1.


Friday, November 26th Benicia Ballet Theatre's 20th Annual Nutcracker. 7pm. Artistic Director Margaret Rose Kenrick. Enjoy a majical eventing with several exceptional professional guests and BBT Company dancers. Adults $20, Students (18 & under) $15, Seniors (55 & over) $15. Tickets available at ABC Music & Benicia Chamber of Commerce. Hogan High School Theatre, 850 Rosewood Ave., Vallejo. Info. 707/746-6757.


Mummenschanz. 2pm. The world-renowned Swiss pantomime troupe, Mummenschanz, returns with 3x11, a retrospective on the company’s 33 years of original theater. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $22/$30/$38/$46/$42. Info; 510/642-9988.

Bodega VFD Christmas Crafts Faire. 10am-5pm. Annual Bodega Vol-unteer Fire Department’s Christmas Crafts Faire. Come Celebrate The Christmas Holidays With Us. All Proceeds Go Directly To The Bodega Volunteer Fire Department. McCaughey Fire Hall, 17184 Bodega Hwy., Bodega. Free Admission. Info; 707/876-3385.

Holiday Tree Walk. Passengers riding Roaring Camps, daytime steam train to Bear Mountain will delight in the tree-lined walk of beautifully decorated holiday trees at the summit. Area businesses and organizations teamed together to create ornaments and deco-rate trees to raise funds for their favorite charities. Trains depart at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm. $21.50 adults/$15.50 children 2-12. Info; 831/335-4484 or www.roaringcamp.com.

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Annual Holiday Heart of Sonoma Valley Open House. 11am-4pm. Join over Twenty wineries throughout the Heart of Sonoma Valley for this annual celebration and enjoy wine tastings, meet winemakers, mingle in our caves & cellars, stock up on your favorite wines for the holidays, pick up holiday gifts for your friends & family and relish in wine country holiday cheer! This event takes place at each winery, and as you travel from winery to winery you will enjoy award-winning wines, fresh baked nibbles, savory treats, caroling, holiday cheer and much more. $40 per person for both days in advance/$50 at the door. Info; 866/794-9463.

Yountville Annual Festival of Lights. 2-6pm. All-day holiday faire with food, wine and entertainment town-wide. Visit by Santa Claus, carolers, carriage rides and shopping. In the evening the Town is set aglow with thousands of sparkling white lights. Free. Info; 707/944-0904.

Saturday, November 27th Mummenschanz. 2pm & 8pm. The world-renowned Swiss pantomime troupe, Mummenschanz, returns with 3x11, a retrospective on the com-pany’s 33 years of original theater. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $22/$30/$38/$46/$42. Info; 510/642-9988.

Bodega VFD Christmas Crafts Faire. 10am-5pm. Annual Bodega Vol-unteer Fire Department’s Christmas Crafts Faire. Come Celebrate The Christmas Holidays With Us. All Proceeds Go Directly To The Bodega Volunteer Fire Department. McCaughey Fire Hall, 17184 Bodega Hwy., Bodega. Free Admission. Info; 707/876-3385.

Benicia Ballet Theatre's 20th Annual Nutcracker. 2pm & 7pm. Artistic Director Margaret Rose Kenrick. Enjoy a majical eventing with several exceptional professional guests and BBT Company dancers. Adults $20, Students (18 & under) $15, Seniors (55 & over) $15. Tickets available at ABC Music & Benicia Chamber of Commerce. Hogan High School Theatre, 850 Rosewood Ave., Vallejo. Info. 707/746-6757.

Gualala Arts’ Festival of Trees. 10am-5pm. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating “Christmas on the Coast” with two days of fun, food, live entertainment and activities for the entire family while shopping for that perfect gift. This is a community celebration and a fundraising event for Gualala Arts, as well as a step back in time to the ambiance of Gualala’s past as an 1850s thriving mill town. Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Road, Gualala. Free. Info; 707/884-1138.

Healdsburg’s Downtown Holiday Party. 5-9pm. This celebration in and around Healdsburg’s charming Plaza will have plenty of refresh-ments, holiday cheer and entertainment including jazz, a brass quintet, horse-drawn carriage rides and much more. It is also a perfect time and place to get a jump on Christmas shopping at scores of unique shops. Free. Info; 707/433-6935.

16th Annual Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting. 6pm. Santa sleighs in for a full-day of play along legendary Cannery Row. The festivities begin at Steinbeck Plaza overlooking Monterey Bay when Santa flips the switch on a towering 25-foot holiday tree. Free. Info; 877/MONTEREY.

tosca. 8pm. Opera San Jose presents Tosca, an opera that always leaves its audiences startled and breathless by the searing beauty of Puccini’s melodies. This is an opera where no one escapes death or destiny. Califor-nia Theatre, 345 South First St., San Jose. $50-$100. Info; 408/437-4450.

The San Rafael 31st Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonder-land. 12-8pm. Downtown San Rafael will once again host its annual holiday Parade & Winter Wonderland. In its 31st year, the event features a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, free snow sledding, and one of the largest Holiday Parades in the Bay Area. Between Fourth St. and Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Free. Info; 800/310-6563 or www.SRESproductions.com.


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Holiday Tree Walk. Passengers riding Roaring Camps, daytime steam train to Bear Mountain will delight in the tree-lined walk of beautifully decorated holiday trees at the summit. Area businesses and organizations teamed together to create ornaments and deco-rate trees to raise funds for their favorite charities. Trains depart at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm. $21.50 adults/$15.50 children 2-12. Info; 831/335-4484 or www.roaringcamp.com.

Sip, Savor, and Shop at B.R. Cohn! 10am-5pm. Get a jump on holiday shopping; come to B.R. Cohn Winery for Sip, Savor, and Shop! Holiday shopping just got a whole lot easier and a lot more fun. Bring in a new toy for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots and your tasting will be comple-mentary. 15000 Sonoma Highway 12, Glen Ellen. Info; 800/330-4064.Gualala Arts’ Festival of Trees. 10am-4pm. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating “Christmas on the Coast” with two days of fun, food, live entertainment and activities for the entire family while shopping for that perfect gift. This is a community celebration and a fundraising event for Gualala Arts, as well as a step back in time to the ambiance of Gualala’s past as an 1850s thriving mill town. Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Road, Gualala. Free. Info; 707/884-1138.

Healdsburg’s Downtown Holiday Party. 5-9pm. This celebration in and around Healdsburg’s charming Plaza will have plenty of refresh-ments, holiday cheer and entertainment including jazz, a brass quintet, horse-drawn carriage rides and much more. It is also a perfect time and place to get a jump on Christmas shopping at scores of unique shops. Free. Info; 707/433-6935.

Holiday Celebration at Dry Creek Vineyard. 11:30am-4pm. Deck the halls and toast the season in our beautifully decorated tasting room. Enjoy shopping for that perfect gift by the warmth of our stone fireplace while sipping our award-winning wines. This is a terrific event for the whole family to enjoy! 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg. Free. Info; 800/864-9463 x121.

Comfort Food at Wineries of Napa Valley. 4-6pm. Please join us on a crisp autumn day to enjoy a taste of Comfort Foods and sip some wonderful Napa Valley Wines. Appetizer served plus the choice of 5 dif-ferent wines from our impressive list of boutique Napa family wineries. No reservations required. Comfortable outdoor patio, indoor seating, wine tasting, Wi-Fi access & wine bar. 1285 Napa Town Center, Napa. $10 (Comp for Wine Club members). Info; 707/253-9450.

Napa Christmas Parade. 5pm. Join your family, friends and neighbors for Napa’s Annual Christmas Parade. Since becoming an evening parade, Napans have figured out how to add lights to any entry, cars, horses, even children. Santa wraps this one up and leads everyone to the Oxbow Public Market for free cookies and hot chocolate. Rain or Shine. Free. Info; 707/257-0322.

Celebration of Craftswomen 2010. 10am-5pm. Offering a pleasant and enjoyable alternative to the holiday shopping experience, this fair features a dynamic roster of over 200 craftswomen each weekend. The Celebration is San Francisco’s biggest holiday fine crafts retail fair, and the largest event exclusively celebrating the craft of women in America. Creating positive social impact, the Celebration benefits the programs of The Women’s Building, a community center serving women and girls in San Francisco. Fort Mason Cen-ter, San Francisco. $12 two-day pass/$9 each/$7 seniors, students, disabled/children 12 and under free. Info; 415/431-1180 or www.womensbuilding.org.

San Francisco’s Christmas Crystal Fair. 10am-6pm. The Crystal Fair is a magical mix of crystals, minerals, beads, jewelry, and the healing arts. More than 40 vendors from around the country as well as places like Nepal, Bali, Afghanistan and China, provide thousands of items avail-able at affordable prices. Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. $6/children under 12 free. Info; 415/383-7837 or www.crystalfair.com.

For ad rates and information call: 707-722-2238


Holiday Open House at Windsor Oaks. 11am-4pm. Visit us for pre-holiday shopping. Sip our award-winning wine as you select the perfect Holiday wine for all your friends and family! We will host a hot chocolate bar and serving other treats. Special gift bottle signings and gift boxes available! This is a great way to relax and check off names from your holiday list! 10810 Hillview Road, Windsor. $10 Tasting Fee, Refundable with Purchase. Info; 707/433-4050.

SuNday, November 28th Teddy Bear Tea Party. Camellia Tea Room and Benicia Main Street invite you to bring your teddy bear and join in the festivities at 828 First Street. Reservations are required. Info; 707/746-5293 or 707/745-9791.

Mummenschanz. 3pm. The world-renowned Swiss pantomime troupe, Mummenschanz, returns with 3x11, a retrospective on the company’s 33 years of original theater. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. $22/$30/$38/$46/$42. Info; 510/642-9988.

The San Rafael 31st Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonder-land. 9am-12pm. Downtown San Rafael will once again host its annual holiday Parade & Winter Wonderland. In its 31st year, the event features a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, free snow sledding, and one of the largest Holiday Parades in the Bay Area. Between Fourth St. and Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Free. Info; 800/310-6563 or www.SRESproductions.com.

Holiday Lights Train. Get in the holiday spirit on the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage excursion cars, adorned by thousands of color-ful lights, as they roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Sing along to seasonal carols while sipping hot-spiced cider, listen to musical entertainment, and enjoy a visit from Santa. Continue the merriment at Santa’s Kingdom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Choice of one activity: “Holiday” miniature golf, laser tag or arcade games. Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom at 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. . $25 adults/$17 children 2-12. Info; 831/335-4484.

Annual Holiday Heart of Sonoma Valley Open House. 11am-4pm. Join over Twenty wineries throughout the Heart of Sonoma Valley for this annual celebration and enjoy wine tastings, meet winemakers, mingle in our caves & cellars, stock up on your favorite wines for the holidays, pick up holiday gifts for your friends & family and relish in wine country holiday cheer! This event takes place at each winery, and as you travel from winery to winery you will enjoy award-winning wines, fresh baked nibbles, savory treats, caroling, holiday cheer and much more. $40 per person for both days in advance/$50 at the door. Info; 866/794-9463.

Old World Christmas Market with Snow Field. 10am-2pm. Children 12 and under can come and play in the snow (weather permitting). Waterfront District, Suisun City. Info; www/suisunwaterfront.com.

For Weekender Magazine ad rates and information call 707-722-2238


Holiday Tree Walk. Passengers riding Roaring Camps, daytime steam train to Bear Mountain will delight in the tree-lined walk of beautifully decorated holiday trees at the summit. Area businesses and organizations teamed together to create ornaments and deco-rate trees to raise funds for their favorite charities. Trains depart at 11am and 12:30pm. $21.50 adults/$15.50 children 2-12. Info; 831/335-4484 or www.roaringcamp.com.

Comfort Food at Wineries of Napa Valley. 4-6pm. Please join us on a crisp autumn day to enjoy a taste of Comfort Foods and sip some wonderful Napa Valley Wines. Appetizer served plus the choice of 5 dif-ferent wines from our impressive list of boutique Napa family wineries. No reservations required. Comfortable outdoor patio, indoor seating, wine tasting, Wi-Fi access & wine bar. 1285 Napa Town Center, Napa. $10 (Comp for Wine Club members). Info; 707/253-9450.

Sip, Savor, and Shop at B.R. Cohn! 10am-5pm. Get a jump on holiday shopping; come to B.R. Cohn Winery for Sip, Savor, and Shop! Holiday shopping just got a whole lot easier and a lot more fun. Bring in a new toy for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots and your tasting will be comple-mentary. 15000 Sonoma Highway 12, Glen Ellen. Info; 800/330-4064.

Tree Lighting Ceremony. 3-5pm. Tree Lighting Ceremony - VNA Hos-pice., Healdsburg Plaza Park, Merchant Open House from 3-5pm, Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5pm. Free. Info; 707/535-5680.

Celebration of Craftswomen 2010. 10am-5pm. Offering a pleasant and enjoyable alternative to the holiday shopping experience, this fair features a dynamic roster of over 200 craftswomen each weekend. The Celebration is San Francisco’s biggest holiday fine crafts retail fair, and the largest event exclusively celebrating the craft of women in America. Creating positive social impact, the Celebration benefits the programs of The Women’s Building, a community center serving women and girls in San Francisco. Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. $12 two-day pass/$9 each/$7 seniors, students, disabled/children 12 and under free. Info; 415/431-1180 or www.womensbuilding.org.

San Francisco’s Christmas Crystal Fair. 10am-4pm. The Crystal Fair is a magical mix of crystals, minerals, beads, jewelry, and the healing arts. More than 40 vendors from around the country as well as places like Nepal, Bali, Afghanistan and China, provide thousands of items avail-able at affordable prices. Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. $6/children under 12 free. Info; 415/383-7837 or www.crystalfair.com.


Holiday Open House at Windsor Oaks. 11am-4pm. Visit us for pre-holiday shopping. Sip our award-winning wine as you select the perfect Holiday wine for all your friends and family! We will host a hot chocolate bar and serving other treats. Special gift bottle signings and gift boxes available! This is a great way to relax and check off names from your holiday list! 10810 Hillview Road, Windsor. $10 Tasting Fee, Refundable with Purchase. Info; 707/433-4050.

Benicia Ballet Theatre's 20th Annual Nut-cracker. 2pm. Artistic Director Margaret Rose Kenrick. Enjoy a majical eventing with sev-eral exceptional professional guests and BBT Company dancers. Adults $20, Students (18 & under) $15, Seniors (55 & over) $15. Tickets available at ABC Music & Benicia Chamber of Commerce. Hogan High School Theatre, 850 Rosewood Ave., Vallejo. Info. 707/746-6757.

Old World Christmas Market with Christmas Carolers. Waterfront District, Suisun City. Info; www/suisunwaterfront.com.

moNday, November 29th Oyster Pirate Mondays at Sailor Jack’s. 3 pm until close. In honor of Jack London’s days as an Oyster Pirate pillaging the Bay waters off Benicia, Oyster’s will be fresh and bounti-ful. Time to unbuckle your swash and un-shiver your timbers. Fresh Local Oysters will be offered at $1 each, Oyster Shooter’s will be 1/2 off, other Oyster Dishes will be slashed in price and happy hour prices will be in effect all day. 123 First Street, Benicia. Info; 707/746-8500.

Bay Area Blues Society Open Blues Jam for Armatures and Pros. 7-11pm. Offering musi-cians a place to jam that has a good PA system, amps and drums. Chris Club, 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo. Free admission. Info; 707/647-3962.

tueSday, November 30th Christmas at the Inns. 6-9pm. Visit 10 bed & breakfast inns decorated for the holidays in Victoria-era splendor. Limited number of tickets sold. Entertainment and light refreshments served. $20 per person. Info; 831/373-3304.

Artists in the Museum. 5-9pm. Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and enjoy the work of fifteen local artists. This is a great chance to purchase one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and meet the artists in person. Items for sale will include glasswork, pine needle baskets, photography, watercolors and acrylics, textile work, carved gourds, jewelry and ceramics. Free. Info; 831/648-5716.

WedNeSday, december 1St Christmas at the Inns. 6-9pm. Visit 10 bed & breakfast inns decorated for the holidays in Victoria-era splendor. Limited number of tickets sold. Entertainment and light refreshments served. $20 per person. Info; 831/373-3304.

tosca. 3pm. Opera San Jose presents Tosca, an opera that always leaves its audiences startled and breathless by the searing beauty of Puccini’s melodies. This is an opera where no one escapes death or destiny. California The-atre, 345 South First St., San Jose. $50-$100. Info; 408/437-4450.

For Weekender Magazine ad ratesand information call 707/722-2238


Christmas at the Waterfront. Skating Rick, Christmas Tree Charity Auction, Fireworks, Lighted Boat Parade, Santa Arriving by Boat and other activities. Waterfront District, Suisun City. Info; www/suisunwaterfront.com.

Sunday, deCember 5th teddy bear tea Party. Camellia Tea Room and Benicia Main Street invite you to bring your teddy bear and join in the festivities at 828 First Street. Reservations are required. Info; 707/746-5293 or 707/745-9791.

Christmas at the Waterfront with Outdoor Skating rink and Pictures with Santa. Waterfront District, Suisun City. Info; www/suisunwaterfront.com.

Voices of the Season … O holy night. 7:30pm. VOENA (Voices of Eve ‘N Angels), a multicultural, a cappella & world music experience. Dean Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek. Info; 925/943-7469.

Friday, december 3rd

holiday Open house. 6-9pm. First Street merchants along with Benicia Main Street host this ever-popular open house at the beginning of the Christmas Season. Merchants offer beverages and treats and show off their holiday goods while costumed carolers sing traditional Christmas Music. Live entertainment, wagon rides, and wine tasting add a festive atmosphere to this family event. Info; 707/745-9791.

Saturday, december 4th 2010 holiday Parlor tour. 1-5pm. Presented by the Benicia Histori-cal Society and the Benicia Soroptimists. Tour includes open house of Commanding Officer’s Quarters. Benicia. $25. Info; 707/745-3551.

Voices of the Season … O holy night. 7:30pm. VOENA (Voices of Eve ‘N Angels), a multicultural, a cappella & world music experience. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park. Info; 707/588-3400.

Celebration of Craftswomen 2010. 10am-5pm. Offering a pleasant and enjoyable alternative to the holiday shopping experience, this fair features a dynamic roster of over 200 craftswomen each weekend. The Celebration is San Francisco’s biggest holiday fine crafts retail fair, and the largest event exclusively celebrating the craft of women in America. Creating positive social impact, the Celebration benefits the programs of The Women’s Building, a community center serving women and girls in San Francisco. Fort Mason Cen-ter, San Francisco. $12 two-day pass/$9 each/$7 seniors, students, disabled/children 12 and under free. Info; 415/431-1180 or www.womensbuilding.org.

13th annual Global holiday Faire. 9am-3pm. With fair trade gifts from around the world, plus art, crafts, gift baskets, and baked goods from our own community. Join churches in Vallejo, Benicia, and American Canyon for this unique craft and gift faire where all the proceeds go to nonprofit organizations. First Christian Church, 1035 Indiana St. (corner of Indi-ana and Colusa Sts., one block north of Tennessee St.), Vallejo. Free Admission. Info; www.globalholidayfaire.org.

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