Another local place to explore, The Sanchez Adobe:
The Sanchez Adobe was constructed between 1842 and 1846 by Francisco Sanchez, owner of Rancho San Pedro and one-time alcalde of San Francisco. Sanchez was a leader of Mexican California who led volunteers against United States forces at the Battle of Santa Clara.
1000 Linda Mar Boulevard,
Pacifica, CA
For more information about visiting the Sanchez Adobe, please call (650) 359-1462
Learning your local history is an exciting way to become involved with your community. You’ll meet local volunteers, learn new things, and become part of shaping the future, by knowing the past. Redwood City has a long history, and many walks, talks and buildings that make this effort the perfect “green”, family-oriented outing.
Here are a few bits of history to tantalize you: Redwood City became the first incorporated city in San Mateo County on March 27, 1868. The town was basically self-contained, employing most of its working populace in a diversity of activities (government, education, farming). By the turn of the century, the lumber business had moved out of the area, and other businesses like hotels and general stores had taken its place.
Built in 1910, the Redwood City Courthouse, which is now the San Mateo County History Museum presides over the Plaza. Courthouse Square is flanked by the old Fox Theater building (now a venue for live music), several art galleries and It truly feels like the center of Redwood City. This area was completely revamped and it has revitalized the entire area with food, movies, events, stores and more. This location is so convenient, and is walking distance to Cal Train, Shopping Center, Library and other government buildings. This area is full of life and energy!
The courthouse is two stories, topped by a stained glass dome and bell tower. Eagles and crests adorn the rooftops making it quite a lovely, stately building. Inside you’ll find mosaic tile floors and a grand staircase. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for seniors and children. Entrance to the gift shop is free and you’ll find books about local history and toys for kids
The Courthouse Square is shaping up to be the cultural center of Redwood City, with music, art, events, movies and so much more. The fountains are glorious and the plaza has a welcoming feel and room for the hundreds that make this area their “first stop” for summer fun. The farmers’ market takes place here on Saturdays (April – November).
At the San Mateo Historical Museum, which is part of the courthouse square you can enjoy the building and many exhibits.
2200 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0104
EVENT: on Thursday, February 17, 2011, there will be a film premiere and exhibit opening. The evening starts with the world premiere of the movie The Last Train from Bay Meadow.
Then, celebrate the opening of the exhibit that is at the History museum: ”Broads, Bootlegger and Bookies”.
Southern Wines and Spirits is marketing sustainably produced ultra-high quality spirits. Grouped under the product name of FAIR, obviously, they are highlighting the Fair Trade ethics that started this effort. Look for:
Let the Full Moon guide you! You can try for a calm beach walk and watch the water sparkle in the moonlight and listen to the waves rush and roar in gorgeous Half Moon Bay. After your peaceful time listening to the surf you can wind down at HMB Brewery afterwards.
Or try an urban walk in SF, heading down twisting Lombard Street’s pink brick.
The bright moon guide you over San Francisco’s most famous street. And it is not that easy, start at Pine and Polk, then climb up to Lombard and Hyde, take careful steps down Lombard’s switchbacks, and descend further on the Nob Hill side. Creep down Macondray Lane, the inspiration for Barbary Lane in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City. After our foray into history and fiction.
Don’t forget: With either hike you’ll want warm layers, shoes with very good traction for the descents slippery surfaces and water.
Drink with the Fat Angel. You can spend a relaxing evening enjoying the wine bar, finger food, even including flavored butter, with hand selected wines.
Fat Angel was born out of a passion for The Fillmore District. It is a casual wine bar and cafe that serves comforting food and drink to the community. They offer a handpicked, eclectic mix of international wine and beer. The restaurant is enhanced by the “green” building interest and was built with reclaimed, re-purposed, and recycled materials from around San Francisco. It’s comfy here and welcoming. Fat Angel’s mission is to become your favorite – check them out.
Enjoy Happy Hour until 7: $1 off Draft Wines, $1 off Draft Beers, $2 off flatbreads.
1740 O’Farrell St (x Fillmore)
San Francisco, CA 94115
415 525 3013
In a recent study of almost 300 pregnant women, 100% showed traces of several individual chemicals in their blood or urine. They include certain PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, PFCs, phenols, PBDEs, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and perchlorate.
Read more: NIH Study with methods and conclusions
With pregnant women understanding more about the risks of toxins to their unborn child, AND going to great measures to lead the cleanest most healthy life during pregnancy–these exposure types and levels are very surprising and disturbing. Looking at what you eat, drink and put on your skin, face and your living environment is critical. Read all your labels, and educate yourselves. It is a big task, but the rewards of a healthy life and healthy family are worth it.
If you want to immerse yourself in nature films… this is the place to go. Starting Friday January 14 and continuing through the weekend, you can take in “green” films, nature films and films about the great outdoors. And the beautiful towns of the foothills, Grass Valley and Nevada City, are full of restaurants, B&Bs, hotels, history, little shops and a festive happy atmosphere.
Not to be missed, go and enjoy! More details on the Wild and Scenic Film Festival.
Do you know your ferns? I am determined to get the names right this year, it is a NY resolution! The Latin name for the family of ferns is Polypodiaceae, and if you know that you’ll know the name of one of the local ferns. Here are a few that you’ll see in our woodland areas:
A good reference to learn more about the local ferns is: Ferns and Fern Allies of California, Steve J Grillow, University of California Press, Berkeley, California, 1966. Then you too, will know that not every fern is a sword fern!
The Santa Cruz Fungus Fair is the second weekend of January on the 10th and 11th. If you want to be a FUN GUY or learn more about fungi… this is the place. If you missed it, check out the FUNGUS FEDERATION in Santa Cruz, the experts there have been learning, sharing and enjoying mushrooms for abou40 years. BTW, it is important NOT to go out and go tasting mushrooms without a guide/expert. Some of the most innocent looking mushrooms are deadly in our Bay Area.
Don’t you want to know what a Cowboys handkerchief looks like? Maybe that was a bad one to start with!! How about learning more about mycelium (threadlike “roots: that extend throughout the soil), or Turkey Tails, Artist’s Palette, Elfin saddle — all mushrooms in our area!
Also Filoli (www.filoli.org) is giving mushroom tours and they might include information about lichen (which is my new favorite fascinating subject). Mushroom Discovery with Bill and Louise Freedman on Thursday, January 13, 10 am – 1 pm. It meets at Red’s Barn. If you wish to attend please reply directly to me at classes@filoli.org. Registration will be confirmed on a first-come first-serve basis. You can register online Or you can phone Member Services at 650-364-8300 x508. Update 1/13: Filoli also has two other Mushroom Discoveries planned on 1/22 and 29! J
p.s. Filoli offers many classes all year long AND so does Hidden Villa, both places are amazing and you’ll be enjoying some of the best natural places in the Bay Area when you go.
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