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CONT ENTS CONT

ENTS

CONT Inside ENTS

SAN FRANCISCO ANNUAL EVENTS

DAVE RIGHETTI

A conversation with the Giants’ pitching coach

REVEREND CECIL WILLIAMS

of Glide Memorial Church and The Pursuit of Life, Love and Happyness

Inside

VACATION TRIPS & TIPS

ARE LIVE CONVERSATIONS Inside HISTORY OF MAKING A RIGHETTI HEALTH DAVE SAN FRANCISCO MEET KEITH BRUCE SAN AND FRANCISCO DAVE RIGHETTI COMEBACK? FITNESS FRANCISCOwith the ANNUAL EVENTS A conversation with the ANNUAL EVENTS A SAN conversation The & President of the Giants’ pitching coach Age is CEO Nothing REVEREND CECIL Super Bowl 50 Host Committee Giants’ pitching coach But a Number WILLIAMS VACATION TRIPS & TIPSCECIL REVEREND ARE LIVE 49ERS FOUNDATION SAN FRANCISCO WILLIAMS CONVERSATIONS

of Glide Memorial Church and The Pursuit of Life, Love and Happyness

A ANNUAL proud Tradition ONAand MAKING HEALTH EVENTS ANDOff FITNESS the Field COMEBACK?

of Glide Memorial Church Age is Nothing and The Pursuit of Life, But a Number REVEREND CECIL Love and Happyness HISTORY 49ERS FOUNDATIONOF WILLIAMS A proud Tradition ON and SAN FRANCISCO Off the Field Northern Californ

ia Chapter

2013-2014

of Glide Memorial Church HEALTH Pursuit of Life, AND FITNESS

HISTORY OF and The SAN FRANCISCO

Love is and Happyness Age Nothing But a Number

HEALTH AND FITNESS 49ERS FOUNDATION Age is Nothing ABut proud Tradition ON and a Number

Off the Field

49ERS FOUNDATION

HISTORY OFON and A proud Tradition SAN Off theFRANCISCO Field

DAVE RIGHETTI A conversation with the VACATION TRIPS Giants’ pitching coach

& TIPS Northern Calif

ornia Chapter

2013-2014

VACATION TRIPS

ARE LIVE & TIPS CONVERSATIONS MAKING ARE LIVE A COMEBACK? CONVERSATIONS MAKING A COMEBACK?

Northern Cali

fornia Chapter

2013-2014

y l on

Rich Borell Founder & CEO

Ken Packer Publisher & Executive Editor

BOARD OF ADVISORS Daniel Considine Founder, Boone Energy Rosanne Foust President & CEO, SAMCEDA San Mateo County Economic Development Association Harry Kellogg Vice Chairman, Strategic Relationships Silicon Valley Bank Gay Krause Executive Director, Krause Center for Innovation Foothill College Joe Parisi President, Therma Corporation Karen Tucker CEO, Churchill Club San Francisco Local Magazine is a community magazine published by Bay Area Mags LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text or photographs without the written permission from the Publisher is strictly prohibited. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photographs. The opinions expressed in San Francisco Local Magazine are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board of Advisers, Management or Owners. The magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made by advertisers in the magazine.

All rights reserved. Publisher and/or Advertiser shall be held blameless for any and all pricing errors, along with any expired dates typing errors or trademark infringements. If any errors are found, we will correct when brought to our attention within 48 hours.

For advertising and editorial inquiries, contact us at info@bayareamags.com

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Are Live Conversations Making a Comeback?

By Caroline Moriarity Sacks Director of INFORUM

I

n the technology capital of the world, San Franciscans know better than most about the latest messaging or communication apps. In a city turning conversations more virtual by the minute, a phenomenon is also developing: its citizens are wanting more interactions offline, with real people. At INFORUM, The Commonwealth Club’s Innovation Lab, we’re constantly seeing the benefits that come from live interactions.

While some may argue that social media, forums, podcasts or live video streams are just as useful as the real deal, you miss the events that aren’t captured by film or social media. These are the experiences that can only be seen or heard firsthand. Notice the facial expressions on the executives on stage? Or, the way a panelist lights up because he/she noticed their family in an audience?

These cues provide more color and context that can

add to a person’s individual experience.

Let’s not forget the benefits of making real human connections. Sometimes the best part of an event is simply hearing the commentary from attendees. Conversations that happen before and after a program is just as impactful, if not more rewarding. Plus, these conversations often open up doors to meeting new people who can become a connection in the future.

There’s also a difference between witnessing it online vs. in-person. Yes, we can listen to audio from a conversation between Marissa Mayer of Yahoo! and Marc Benioff of salesforce.com, but being there to laugh with the audience, feel the tension or witness history is something that you can always look back on. That experience is one of a kind.

There are more benefits and we encourage you to see for yourself at our next INFORUM event.

Check out our site for the next program; we hope to see you there: inforumsf.org

Salesforce Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff and Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer photo by Ed Ritger

EXPLORE WHEREYOU LI VE

We e k e ndE v e nt s&Muc hMor eAr oundTheBayAr e a

Fi nal l yFr i day . c om

San Francisco Annual Events JANUARY:

APRIL:

FEBRUARY:

Cherry Blossom Festival http://sfcherryblossom.org/

San Francisco Union Square/Chinatown 5K Running Tour http://www.cityrunningtours.com/sanfrancisco.html

Chinese New Year Festival & Parade http://www.chineseparade.com/ Pacific Orchid Exposition http://www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/poe. html Union Street Has A Crush On You Valentine Wine Walk http://www.sresproductions.com/ union_street_valentine_wine_walk. html

MARCH:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade www.saintpatricksdaysf.com Cherry Blossom Festival http://sfcherryblossom.org/ San Francisco Flower & Garden Show http://sfcherryblossom.org/ Union Street Celebration & Easter Parade http://www.sresproductions.com/events.html

San Francisco International Film Festival http://www.sffs.org/sf-intl-film-festival. aspx

San Francisco Decorator Showcase http://decoratorshowcase.org/

MAY:

Bay to Breakers http://www.baytobreakers.com/ How Weird Street Faire http://howweird.org/ Cinco de Mayo Parade http://www.sfcincodemayo.com/ Uncorked – The San Francisco Wine Festival San Francisco Carnaval http://sfcarnaval.org/

JUNE:

San Francisco Pride Parade http://sfpride.org/ Union Street Festival http://www.unionstreetfestival.com/ Stern Grove Festival http://www.sterngrove.org/ Ghiradeli Square School KidsBash http://www.ghirardellisq.com/events/ annual-events/kidsbash North Beach Festival http://www.northbeachchamber.com/ site/

JULY:

Waterfront Festival http://www.pier39.com/Events/events. htm San Francisco Jewish Film Festival http://www.sfjff.org/ North Beach Jazz Festival http://www.sunsetpromotions.com/ Fourth of July Show @ Fishermen’s Wharf http://www.pier39.com/Events/events. cfm

AUGUST:

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival http://www.sfshakes.org/ Nihonmachi Street Fair http://www.nihonmachistreetfair.org/

OCTOBER:

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER:

Noe Valley Wine Walk http://www.sresproductions.com/noe_ valley_wine_walk.html

Fleet Week http://www.fleetweek.us/

SEPTEMBER:

Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/ringers.html

Holiday Festival of Lights @ Fishermen’s Wharf http://www.fishermanswharf.org/events. aspx

ACC Craft Show http://shows.craftcouncil.org/sf

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival http://www.ghirardelli.com/chocolatefestival San Francisco Blues Festival http://www.sfblues.com/ Folsom Street Faire http://www.folsomstreetevents.org/ San Francisco Fringe Festival http://www.sffringe.org/ The Polk Street Blues Festival http://www.polkstreetbluesfestival.com/

Ockoberfest By The Bay http://www.oktoberfestbythebay.com/

Columbus Day Parade http://www.sfcolumbusday.org/parade/ San Francisco Jazz Festival http://www.sfjazz.org/ Union Street Wine Walk http://www.sresproductions.com/union_ street_wine_walk.html Fiesta on the Hill http://www.sresproductions.com/fiestaonthehill.html

Great Dickens Christmas Fair http://www.dickensfair.com/

Macy’s Union Square Tree Lighting http://www.unionsquareshop.com/ TreeLightingUnionSquare.html Guardsmen Christmas Tree Sale http://guardsmen.org/treelotparty/

Watching Your Health?

By Scott Budman

I

t will tell you the time. The weather. Your stock prices. You can book an Uber ride, a hotel room, or a pizza, all by touching the screen.

But, unlike your smartphone, you don’t have to expend the effort to take it out of your pocket.

After all the hype, the Apple Watch is here. My first impression? It’s an awful lot like an iPhone – not that that’s a bad thing – but with Budman a much smaller screen.

Now, to be honest, if you’ve already spent the money for a smartphone (and are spending more money on the monthly data plan), do you really need its mini-me?

Which brings me to my second impression.

Admittedly, I haven’t worn a watch since buying my first cell phone. But the Apple Watch will, eventually, be a lot more than just another way to check your text messages. It may take awhile, but this could be the next wave of devices: Connected, literally, to our bodies, and telling us a lot about what’s going on in our world.

And by “our world,” I mean a lot more than text messages and stocks. Before rolling out the Watch, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased a feature called ResearchKit that will collect health data from Apple devices. If you agree to it, your data would be collected anonymously and studied by doctors.

The possibilities here go way beyond ordering food or making a phone call from your wrist. It could soon mean a new way to fight diseases. Silicon Valley companies like 23andme have been collecting DNA for purposes like this.

Imagine if millions of us could learn about, and fight, a disease like Parkinson’s by wearing a watch. App makers are already working to help; Doctors and hospitals are already lining up to collect data.

We in Silicon Valley are always on the lookout for the next “New” thing. The Apple Watch is the next entry. Look for brisk sales in the beginning, and lots of imitators. But what happens next should be even more interesting.

And, dare I say, healthy.

Scott is the business & tech reporter for NBC Bay Area. He’s on Twitter: @scottbudman

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BAY AREA LEGENDS A WALK & TALK DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH

AL ATTLES W

e met in what was a different day and age. Yet, it seems like yesterday. I remember the team arriving … It was amid a lot of excitement back then. It was 1962. Professional basketball was coming to San Francisco and the Bay Area! Meet the NBA … Meet the Warriors … Meet Al Attles.

It was just a few years before, in 1958, Major League Baseball had just successfully moved the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles and the New York Giants to San Francisco, becoming the first two professional baseball teams west of the Mississippi. In 1962, the National Basketball Association (the NBA) followed, and successfully moved the Minneapolis Lakers to Los Angeles and the Philadelphia Warriors to San Francisco, becoming the first two professional basketball teams west of the Mississippi.

It was quite an era here back then. John Kennedy was President, no sign yet of the Beatles (and their concert at Candlestick Park coming just a bit later in 1964) and our San Francisco Giants, in just their 5th year here and playing in what was a “beautiful” new Candlestick Park, were playing the New York Yankees in the World Series. It would be two years later, in 1964, San Francisco would host the GOP National Convention here at the San Francisco Cow Palace, starring Barry Goldwater. It would be 23 years later, in 1985, for Super Bowl XIX at the older Stanford Stadium and 54 years later, in 2016, for Super Bowl 50 to return to the Bay Area. During this time, the 49ers have won 5 Super Bowls, the Giants have won two World Series and the Warriors have won one NBA Championship, in 1975, with Al Attles as the Head Coach.

Fast forward to the present day and it’s the same wonderful Al Attles. The same warm, friendly smile, the same positive endearing energy and the same unforgettable and most recognizable voice. And, now, there’s all this wonderful history, stories and people we can talk about, too. Al is everyone’s best friend and everyone is Al’s best friend. Case in point, to this very day, his North Carolina A&T basketball teammates are all still extremely close. They won championships playing together as a team some 50+ years ago and they still talk with one another, frequently, all the time, and as recently as just yesterday …

To read the rest of Coach Al Attles’ great article, please go to our Silicon Valley Talk website (www.siliconvalleytalk.com) and enjoy the balance under the category “Sports”.

HOW DOES SERVING OTHERS

Serve You?

By Holly Stiel Speaker/Trainer/Consultant/Author www.ThankYouVeryMuchInc.com

I

often pose this question in my workshops and keynotes. Those who serve others don’t always have it easy. Day to day, there are problems, dissatisfied people and looming burnout.

Discovering the inherent rewards of providing service—beyond the regular paycheck— has helped hotel service providers remain Holly Stiel resilient—and fulfilled—in the face of what can be very stressful work. The great concierges, however—those who create memorable experiences for their customers— are those who take joy in helping others.

I believe we can pay ourselves a “psychic salary,” every time we enjoy the gratification of serving others. We can also derive satisfaction from such things as sharpening our creativity by solving problems and knowing that making one customer happy can then cause a ripple effect for everyone he or she encounters.

This concept expands our thinking and allows us to appreciate our work in a more profound way. Instead of watching the clock, we’re present in the moment, allowing ourselves to understand the deeper meaning and noble purpose of our work.

And so I ask, “How does serving others serve you?” I also encourage anyone who oversees service providers to ask this question, both of their current staff and those they’re considering hiring. You’ll likely see an increase in job satisfaction, happier customers, more referrals and a healthier bottom line. Customer service requires various industry-specific skills, but the secret underlying all service excellence is taking gratification—even joy—in helping others. Whether this quality is innate or we “fake it ‘til we make it,” the rewards beyond the paycheck are priceless.

FEATU

S T N E V E • S E T A D P U • RES

http://bit.ly/bayareanonprofits www.bayareanonprofits.org

FERTILITY PRESERVATION 5 Things You Should Know

By Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh

Your fertility isn’t skin deep. It’s as simple as that. Just because you look like you’re 28 when you’re 42, doesn’t mean your ovaries are the same. Unlike men who don’t run out of sperm, it is totally normal and expected for every woman to run out of eggs by a certain age. The average age of menopause is 51 and it’s very difficult to get pregnant during the 10 years leading up to that age.

Some of us are born with more eggs or run out at a slower rate but at the end of the day most women are not fertile in their 40’s.

It’s unfair for women to be made to feel like there’s something wrong with them when they’re told they’re not fertile at the age of 40. Not many women are fertile in their 40’s. Empower yourself with knowledge about your fertility so you can learn more about your options.

Running out of eggs doesn’t mean you also run out of options. Women in their 40’s often turn to more creative ways to grow their family: donor eggs, donor embryos and adoption just to name a few. I find that most of my patients who see me over the age of 40 say they wish they had frozen their eggs when they could have. Women today sadly learn that they’re running out of eggs at the same time that they decide to start a family. Egg freezing technology has changed dramatically over the past 5 years or so.

Women don’t have to say that they wish they froze their eggs 10 years ago…..a time when egg freezing success rates weren’t as good as they are today. The time is now to ask your doctor whether egg freezing is for you. Here’s what you should know: 1. There are tests you can do to find

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh Photos by Jennifer Crandall

out more about your fertility. Your doctor can order an Anti Mullerian Hormone level (AMH) as a guide regarding how much battery you have in your biological clock.

Cycle day 3 FSH and estradiol levels and an antral follicle count (ultrasound looking at your ovaries often done by a reproductive endocrinologist) can also be used clinically as a guide.

2. If your Mom or other female family members had fertility issues related to conditions like endometriosis or early menopause, you should strongly consider preserving your fertility and seeing a doctor

to talk more about your options.

3. There are some medical conditions that require drug treatments that can be what we call “gonadotoxic” ie result in damage to eggs or sperm.

Patients who are diagnosed with conditions like Lupus, blood disorders, and cancer are often put on chemotherapeutic Dr. Eyvazzadeh has been hosting “Egg Freezing Parties” designed to raise awareness of fertility issues since 2014. drugs. Freezing eggs/sperm Harvard Medical School, she completed a can give these patients a chance for pregnancy in the future fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at University of Michigan. She after their treatment is over if they run out also completed a Masters in Public Health in of eggs earlier because of the treatments.

Health Management and Policy at University 4. Freezing eggs for future use is best in of Michigan. She has a private practice in younger women because our eggs have a the SF Bay Area. higher chance of being viable the younger Each day she hears story after story we are. If you’re considering freezing your from women struggling to conceive. In her eggs in your late 30’s, you could still have a attempt to alleviate some of this heartbreak, good chance for pregnancy. Speaking with she has gone on a mission of “fertility a fertility specialist would be helpful before awareness”. Her hope is to empower you decide to freeze your eggs. women at an early age, making them more 5. Egg freezing involves a surgical aware of their own personal fertility levels procedure. Women have to take selfadministered shots in the skin of their lower and allowing them to be better educated about their options. Never again does she abdomen for about 10 days prior to the egg want to hear “If I had known 10 years ago extraction procedure.

To hear more about the process of IVF or that my egg reserves were running low, I would have done things differently”. egg freezing, please read Dr. Aimee’s next In 2014, she launched her message with article.

“Egg Freezing Parties”. These hosted parties Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is a native of offer women a chance to learn more about the Bay Area. She is a graduate of UCLA egg freezing and ask their questions in a School of Medicine. After completing her comfortable, safe environment with likeresidency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at minded women.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and

BayAreaMags.com Greetings to all, Welcome to our new website BayAreaMags.com! For your convenience, we’ve established a single gateway to the information you seek via our various publications that include Silicon Valley Local, Peninsula Local, San Francisco Local, East Bay Local and Finally Friday Weekend Magazine, with more to come.

We hope that you have shared in the excitement of some of our recent cover features that have included Jed York, Owner/CEO San Francisco 49ers, Larry Baer, CEO San Francisco Giants, Lew Wolff, Owner Oakland A’s and Congresswoman Jackie Speier. We simply couldn’t deliver without our terrific team of editorial contributors who lend their expertise and insight to what’s going on in the Bay Area.

And what about what our readers have contributed? When you’re wondering what to do on a weekend in the Bay Area, be sure to visit FinallyFriday.com.

Since October 2007, community members, like you and me, have been sharing what’s fun – old or new, refined or funky!

Be on the lookout as we begin publishing our network of Webzines in selected cities throughout the U.S. Read us soon, Rich Borell, Founder & CEO and our discerning mascot, Hailey

A SPECIAL CONVERSATION

WITH PAT WADORS, Senior Vice President of Global Talent Organization at LinkedIn

ful and fastest growing companies in Silicon Valley and the world. Pat joined LinkedIn in January 2013 “to lead its world-class talent (HR) team. In addition to hiring, retaining and inspiring top talent, Pat is also responsible for all employee related HR programs at LinkedIn, including compensation and benefits and performance management”. Since her arrival, the company has nearly tripled in size. All this, and more, is why she is one of the most respected voices in business. In this brief conversation, enjoy what is some of her vision and philosophies, as we indeed have …

SVL: How do you see HR evolving – from what it was to where it is and your vision of where you see it heading?

PW: HR is evolving from a function that is often viewed as process oriented to more of an innovative role. Typically, HR folks are not the first to deviate from the norm, but successful companies will have HR teams that are not only subject matter experts but they innovate at the same time. They are the ones in the industry that are making Human Resources hip and progressive. This is what we aspire to at LinkedIn. For instance, I am always looking to move the needle and to

yond their own boarders and think of talent issues that affect the world. They become game changers.

SVL: Regarding talent – What are some of the key elements looked for – How important are data analytics and PW: When it comes to talent I hire for humility and intellectual curiosity. The candidate needs to have a decent amount of the skills required for the role, but as long as they have humility and curiosity, then the rest can almost

The HR Organization of the Future … What Does It Mean?” nization at LinkedIn. LinkedIn is one of the most success-

ny culture. Typically, these are individuals who think be-

what can aspiring employees learn to improve?

“How LinkedIn Is Creating

Pat Wadors is Senior Vice President of Global Talent Orga-

have the ability to inspire leaders and influence compa-

gain a fresh perspective. What better way to do this, and tap into the collective brainpower, than by bringing together the best and the brightest interns from around the Bay Area? We did just that this past summer when we hosted our first ever HR Hackathon event. Teams comprised of technical and non-technical interns competed against each other to come up with the coolest, most creative, out-of-the box solutions to today’s toughest HR problems. Over 150 interns from companies across the Bay Area participated, and the energy level and breadth of ideas generated from each team was inspiring.

The future of HR is not about avoiding policies and processes, it is more about innovation and knowing what should be global vs. local, and creating unique experiences that differentiate your company. These leaders help evolve/create an amazing talent brand for their organizations and influence HR practices in their community. They are willing to experiment and compete for talent in new ways.

I meet with my peers and other HR and Talent Acquisition leaders every single week. What I am discovering, are more leaders are in that third bucket or are leaders who aspire to be in that space. It means taking more intelligent risks. They

Pat Wadors and participants of LinkedIn’s inaugural HR Hackathon.

Photo credit: Tony Chung

always be learned.

to work for. Connect with those employees and see how

I am also a strong believer in treating people beautiful-

they navigate the company. Remember – a company’s

ly. At LinkedIn we are in hyper growth and in order to

best hire is a referral from someone else at the company.

maintain our wonderful culture we need to continue to

If you really want to work somewhere try to find alum-

hire people who believe in this sentiment. We also need

ni from your alma mater that already works there, grab

to constantly reinforce our culture through our behav-

coffee with a current employee, follow the company, etc.

iors and decisions we make every

Leverage your network to help you get your next job.

day. Pulsing our employees twice a year on an employee voice sur-

SVL: HR is the catalyst - What

vey is one way in which we gauge

makes a good employee, man-

our culture and engagement.

ager, leader desirable and great

To help drive talent strategies

for the company and also for the

that truly enable our businesses

employee, himself/herself?

success – we need data. Talent Analytics is the new oil.

PW: I believe that a good em-

At LinkedIn we have built a talent analytics team to help

ployee is always learning, has a strong work ethic and is a

us find, engage, hire and retain the right people. The data

brand ambassador for their organization.

helps us understand things like where the candidates

Managers and leaders need to lead the way. They cre-

are, what skillsets they have, and who our competition is.

ate the vision that others aspire to achieve. They need to

This data also helps me keep an eye on our organization-

be authentic and treat people beautifully. They should

al health. What is our hiring pattern? Where do we have

ensure their teams are working on a good mix of proj-

the most effective leaders? What do they do different

ects that both stretches them in their skills and contrib-

that we can leverage in other teams? What are the key

utes to the success of the company. They encourage the

drivers to engagement? Data helps us solve problems

team to come to the table with solutions, not problems.

and improve as a company.

They realize that mistakes are just part of the necessary

Regarding aspiring employees they need to learn to build

learning curve and should not be hidden. They believe

out their network; connect with people who they went to

in transparency to build trust. They strive to be both em-

school with, or worked with. Add your friends and family.

powering while holding themselves and their teams ac-

Then learn about the companies and cultures you aspire

countable.

A SPECIAL CONVERSATION

WITH PAT WADORS, Senior Vice President of Global Talent Organization at LinkedIn

ful and fastest growing companies in Silicon Valley and the world. Pat joined LinkedIn in January 2013 “to lead its world-class talent (HR) team. In addition to hiring, retaining and inspiring top talent, Pat is also responsible for all employee related HR programs at LinkedIn, including compensation and benefits and performance management”. Since her arrival, the company has nearly tripled in size. All this, and more, is why she is one of the most respected voices in business. In this brief conversation, enjoy what is some of her vision and philosophies, as we indeed have …

SVL: How do you see HR evolving – from what it was to where it is and your vision of where you see it heading?

PW: HR is evolving from a function that is often viewed as process oriented to more of an innovative role. Typically, HR folks are not the first to deviate from the norm, but successful companies will have HR teams that are not only subject matter experts but they innovate at the same time. They are the ones in the industry that are making Human Resources hip and progressive. This is what we aspire to at LinkedIn. For instance, I am always looking to move the needle and to

yond their own boarders and think of talent issues that affect the world. They become game changers.

SVL: Regarding talent – What are some of the key elements looked for – How important are data analytics and PW: When it comes to talent I hire for humility and intellectual curiosity. The candidate needs to have a decent amount of the skills required for the role, but as long as they have humility and curiosity, then the rest can almost

The HR Organization of the Future … What Does It Mean?” nization at LinkedIn. LinkedIn is one of the most success-

ny culture. Typically, these are individuals who think be-

what can aspiring employees learn to improve?

“How LinkedIn Is Creating

Pat Wadors is Senior Vice President of Global Talent Orga-

have the ability to inspire leaders and influence compa-

gain a fresh perspective. What better way to do this, and tap into the collective brainpower, than by bringing together the best and the brightest interns from around the Bay Area? We did just that this past summer when we hosted our first ever HR Hackathon event. Teams comprised of technical and non-technical interns competed against each other to come up with the coolest, most creative, out-of-the box solutions to today’s toughest HR problems. Over 150 interns from companies across the Bay Area participated, and the energy level and breadth of ideas generated from each team was inspiring.

The future of HR is not about avoiding policies and processes, it is more about innovation and knowing what should be global vs. local, and creating unique experiences that differentiate your company. These leaders help evolve/create an amazing talent brand for their organizations and influence HR practices in their community. They are willing to experiment and compete for talent in new ways.

I meet with my peers and other HR and Talent Acquisition leaders every single week. What I am discovering, are more leaders are in that third bucket or are leaders who aspire to be in that space. It means taking more intelligent risks. They

Pat Wadors and participants of LinkedIn’s inaugural HR Hackathon.

Photo credit: Tony Chung

always be learned.

to work for. Connect with those employees and see how

I am also a strong believer in treating people beautiful-

they navigate the company. Remember – a company’s

ly. At LinkedIn we are in hyper growth and in order to

best hire is a referral from someone else at the company.

maintain our wonderful culture we need to continue to

If you really want to work somewhere try to find alum-

hire people who believe in this sentiment. We also need

ni from your alma mater that already works there, grab

to constantly reinforce our culture through our behav-

coffee with a current employee, follow the company, etc.

iors and decisions we make every

Leverage your network to help you get your next job.

day. Pulsing our employees twice a year on an employee voice sur-

SVL: HR is the catalyst - What

vey is one way in which we gauge

makes a good employee, man-

our culture and engagement.

ager, leader desirable and great

To help drive talent strategies

for the company and also for the

that truly enable our businesses

employee, himself/herself?

success – we need data. Talent Analytics is the new oil.

PW: I believe that a good em-

At LinkedIn we have built a talent analytics team to help

ployee is always learning, has a strong work ethic and is a

us find, engage, hire and retain the right people. The data

brand ambassador for their organization.

helps us understand things like where the candidates

Managers and leaders need to lead the way. They cre-

are, what skillsets they have, and who our competition is.

ate the vision that others aspire to achieve. They need to

This data also helps me keep an eye on our organization-

be authentic and treat people beautifully. They should

al health. What is our hiring pattern? Where do we have

ensure their teams are working on a good mix of proj-

the most effective leaders? What do they do different

ects that both stretches them in their skills and contrib-

that we can leverage in other teams? What are the key

utes to the success of the company. They encourage the

drivers to engagement? Data helps us solve problems

team to come to the table with solutions, not problems.

and improve as a company.

They realize that mistakes are just part of the necessary

Regarding aspiring employees they need to learn to build

learning curve and should not be hidden. They believe

out their network; connect with people who they went to

in transparency to build trust. They strive to be both em-

school with, or worked with. Add your friends and family.

powering while holding themselves and their teams ac-

Then learn about the companies and cultures you aspire

countable.

de Young Museum

Museums ASIAN ART MUSEUM 200 Larkin Street, 94102 (415) 581.3500 http://www.asianart.com/

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

55 Music Concourse Drive, 94118 (415) 379.8000 http://www.calacademy.org/

CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS

100 J F Kennedy Drive, 94118 (415) 666-7001 http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org/

SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART 151 3rd St, 94103 (415) 357.4000 http://www.sfmoma.org/

THE LONG NOW MUSEUM 1 Marina Blvd, 94123 (415) 561.6582 http://longnow.org/

CABLE CAR MUSEUM

1201 Mason St, 94108 (415) 474-1887 http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/

RANDALL MUSEUM

199 Museum Way, 94114 (415) 554-9600 http://www.randallmuseum.org/

MUSEE MECANIQUE

Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 45, 94133 (415) 346-2000 http://museemecaniquesf.com/

WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM

420 Montgomery Street, 94104 (415) 396-2619 http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/

EXPLORATORIUM

3601 Lyon St, 94123 (415) 561-0360 http://www.exploratorium.edu/

WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM

Presidio of San Francisco, 95129 (415) 345-6800 http://www.waltdisney.org/

CARTOON ART MUSEUM 655 Mission St, 94105 (415) 227-8666 http://cartoonart.org/

SAN FRANCISCO RAILWAY MUSEUM

USS Pampanito

77 Steuart St, 94105 (415) 974-1948 http://www.streetcar.org/

CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY MUSEUM 221 4th St, 94103 (415) 820-3320 http://creativity.org/

SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MUSEUM

655 Presidio Ave, 94118 (415) 563-4630 http://guardiansofthecity.org/sffd/index. html

YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS 701 Mission St, 94103 (415) 978-2787 http://www.ybca.org/

LEGION OF HONOR

Lincoln Park, 94121 (415) 750-3600 http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/

THE BEAT MUSEUM 540 Broadway, 94133 (800) 537-6822 http://www.kerouac.com/

DE YOUNG MUSEUM

USS PAMPANITO

CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM

GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM

THE MEXICAN MUSEUM

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, 94118 (415) 750-7694 http://deyoung.famsf.org/

965 Clay St, 94108 (415) 391-1188 http://www.chsa.org/

4127 18th St, 94114 (415) 777-5455 http://www.glbthistory.org/museum/

Pier 45, 94133 (415) 775-1943 http://www.maritime.org/index.htm

736 Mission St, 94103 (415) 655-7800 http://www.thecjm.org/

Fort Mason, 94102 (415) 202-9700 http://www.mexicanmuseum.org/

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT 175 Jefferson St, 94133 (415) 202-9850 http://www.ripleys.com/sanfrancisco/

THE WAX MUSEUM OF FISHERMAN’S WHARF 145 Jefferson St, 94133 (415) 202-0416 http://www.waxmuseum.com/

MUSEUM OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA 685 Mission Street, 94105 (415) 358-7200 http://www.moadsf.org/

GLBT History Museum

Offering a modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence.

Alexander’s Steakhouse Redefining Seafood in the Bay Area The Sea By Alexander’s Steakhouse is the Bay Area’s premier seafood dining destination. The

Alexander’s Steakhouse is a fine dining interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence throughout the menu. Featuring a variety of classic cuts such as Porterhouse, T-bone and New York, we specialize in Certified Angus Beef grain-fed from the Mid-West. We

restaurant distinguishes itself by focusing on rich sumptuous morsels from the sea, prepared with modern technique and flair. Chef Yu Min Lin blends contemporary cuisine with Japanese sensibility and ingredients to transform The Sea’s menu into the extraordinary.

also highlight dry-aged steaks and offer the finest and most luxurious products available including a tasting menu and an award winning wine list.

CUPERTINO

SAN FRANCISCO

10330 N. Wolfe Road

448 Brannan Street

408.446.2222

415.495.1111

PASADENA

TAIPEI, TAIWAN

111 N. Los Robles Ave.

235 Sec 1, Dunhua S. Rd

626.486.1111

02.2741.8080

WWW.ALEXANDERSSTEAKHOUSE.COM

PALO ALTO 4269 El Camino Real • 650.213.1111

WWW.THESEAUSA.COM

Offering a modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence.

Alexander’s Steakhouse Redefining Seafood in the Bay Area The Sea By Alexander’s Steakhouse is the Bay Area’s premier seafood dining destination. The

Alexander’s Steakhouse is a fine dining interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence throughout the menu. Featuring a variety of classic cuts such as Porterhouse, T-bone and New York, we specialize in Certified Angus Beef grain-fed from the Mid-West. We

restaurant distinguishes itself by focusing on rich sumptuous morsels from the sea, prepared with modern technique and flair. Chef Yu Min Lin blends contemporary cuisine with Japanese sensibility and ingredients to transform The Sea’s menu into the extraordinary.

also highlight dry-aged steaks and offer the finest and most luxurious products available including a tasting menu and an award winning wine list.

CUPERTINO

SAN FRANCISCO

10330 N. Wolfe Road

448 Brannan Street

408.446.2222

415.495.1111

PASADENA

TAIPEI, TAIWAN

111 N. Los Robles Ave.

235 Sec 1, Dunhua S. Rd

626.486.1111

02.2741.8080

WWW.ALEXANDERSSTEAKHOUSE.COM

PALO ALTO 4269 El Camino Real • 650.213.1111

WWW.THESEAUSA.COM

Marina Gavric

Marina Gavric Health & Fitness Training www.marinagavric.com

Age is Nothing But a Number Y

ou don’t spend 20 years in the fitness industry without learning a few things about numbers. A valuable term I learned early on, and attest to, is the age old adage that “Age is nothing but a number”.

Each of us has a calendar age and a biological age. We’ve all seen this … Often I will see a 30 or 40 year-old who may look and feel considerably older than his or her actual age … or a 60 or 70 year-old who may look and feel considerably younger. How and why is that?

Good health and well-being, so much of it is in our mind. Also our diet and exercise. It includes an attitude, our habits, our way of life. Healthy and vibrant, the good news is we don’t have to be stuck, where we might not be happy. The choice is ours and there are things we can do to improve.

We should control our health rather our health control us. Health, fitness and wellness, no matter what our age, is a great recipe that works … and is everyone’s best reward.

When and how did those years get stuck within layers of unhealthy fat, lining our frames? Can you pinpoint the time you became older than you really are? Think back.

Was it when you were 12 trying to get out of gym class?

Maybe in college when all your time was spent studying and socializing over noodles

and cocktails? Perhaps your fitness years were lost when the children began ruling your world or work sucked you in to the career abyss? Is it possible you just haven’t found your way out. Resolving when you began losing those years is key to getting them back.

No matter what your current age or fitness level, taking action in changing your fitness age, to grow younger as you age, to become a fitter and wiser you, begins with some simple, clean life choices we can all make.

Ask yourself: How old am I? How old do I feel?

What is my fitness age? If I have lost years of vibrant life, when did I lose them? How can I get them back? And when do I begin taking action in the fight to take them back?

Don’t let your “real” age rule or get the better of you. You can do it ... let your fitness age take the spotlight! … Stay Hydrated, Stay Focused, Stay Fit!

SERGIO ROMO

Jeremy Affeldt

JOE PANIK

MADISON BUMGARNER

Hunter Pence

Pablo Sandoval MATT CAIN

Buster Posey

For the Love of the Game and Their Community THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS COMMUNITY FUND AND THE GIANTS COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

M

ore than the game’s box score is what we call the game of Life. And, also as big as life, you will find the Giants Community Fund and the Giants Community Relations Department. It is a spirit, an energy. They see it as a proud tradition, a way of showing mutual appreciation, and teamwork, that we are truly together – team and community. This is our special team off the field that always goes to bat for our community, our businesses, our organizations, our non-profits and our youth.

Throughout the year and in many countless ways, it seems as if every day they are out there always hitting a game winning walk off home run and pitching a perfect game. They are angels for all they do and the difference that they make for so many …

Who are these angels? They are Staci Slaughter, Senior Vice President of Communications, Shana Daum, Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations and Sue Petersen, Executive Director of the Giants Community Fund, their staffs and all those who are employed by the San Francisco Giants baseball organization.

What they are doing off the field, for our community, as well as on, is a story of champions.

It is all truly a reflection from the top on down,

complete with heart and devotion.

The Giants are enjoying a sell-out every home game in beautiful AT&T Park. Was it really just 15+ years ago, when maybe 5,000-20,000 people would brave the freezing cold and winds of Candlestick Park? Do you believe in miracles, for this was truly one … indeed, how things have miraculously changed.

How well do you know, or remember, just how close we were to losing the Giants first to Toronto and then a few years later to Tampa Bay? It was extremely close to happening, but thanks to the dedicated and determined efforts of Larry Baer and Peter Magowan for creating a very real “Dream Team” of ownership partners, the San Francisco Giants were suddenly and very fortunately saved. I

SERGIO ROMO

Jeremy Affeldt

JOE PANIK

MADISON BUMGARNER

Hunter Pence

Pablo Sandoval MATT CAIN

Buster Posey

For the Love of the Game and Their Community THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS COMMUNITY FUND AND THE GIANTS COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

M

ore than the game’s box score is what we call the game of Life. And, also as big as life, you will find the Giants Community Fund and the Giants Community Relations Department. It is a spirit, an energy. They see it as a proud tradition, a way of showing mutual appreciation, and teamwork, that we are truly together – team and community. This is our special team off the field that always goes to bat for our community, our businesses, our organizations, our non-profits and our youth.

Throughout the year and in many countless ways, it seems as if every day they are out there always hitting a game winning walk off home run and pitching a perfect game. They are angels for all they do and the difference that they make for so many …

Who are these angels? They are Staci Slaughter, Senior Vice President of Communications, Shana Daum, Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations and Sue Petersen, Executive Director of the Giants Community Fund, their staffs and all those who are employed by the San Francisco Giants baseball organization.

What they are doing off the field, for our community, as well as on, is a story of champions.

It is all truly a reflection from the top on down,

complete with heart and devotion.

The Giants are enjoying a sell-out every home game in beautiful AT&T Park. Was it really just 15+ years ago, when maybe 5,000-20,000 people would brave the freezing cold and winds of Candlestick Park? Do you believe in miracles, for this was truly one … indeed, how things have miraculously changed.

How well do you know, or remember, just how close we were to losing the Giants first to Toronto and then a few years later to Tampa Bay? It was extremely close to happening, but thanks to the dedicated and determined efforts of Larry Baer and Peter Magowan for creating a very real “Dream Team” of ownership partners, the San Francisco Giants were suddenly and very fortunately saved. I

don’t think people realize just how catastrophic that would have been, and the ramifications it would have meant, had the Giants been taken from us.

What has come to fruition since: AT&T Park, a most beautiful new ballpark (arguably the best in all of baseball), sellout games, a revitalized SOMA and San Francisco, hundreds of millions of dollars that have gone to benefit local San Francisco and Bay Area community development, non-profits causes and two World Series Championships in three years (when not one in all the years prior since their arrival from New York in 1958); and the outstanding community programs that were born from this.

All this from a vision and great fortitude. From the top on down, led by President and CEO Larry Baer, the current ownership group has instilled a culture, a tradition, a legacy, if you will, BRANDON BELT within the San Francisco Giants organization that is indeed rocksolid and part of their own DNA. They believed strongly in their vision, their dedication and their hard work to build AT&T Park.

They also believed strongly in expressing the gratitude that the entire Giants organization feels for its community. They believe in their responsibility, to carry on the Giants legacy of giving back to the community and in turn the fans who support them. It is truly a love affair between the Giants and the community they serve – and it shows. It is so very evident.

In my conversation with Staci, Shana and Sue, I was enjoying every word they had to say. It was all with such enthusiasm, heart and passion. They love so much what they are doing … and they have each been doing this now for many years. We read in the news all that’s wrong about sports … that’s why I am happy to share this with you, all the GOOD that these Giants do off the field, because we don’t hear this; no, not near enough as we should, if at all.

The Giants take their off the field community programs very seriously. As much as they do well on the field, they do it off the field, as well. This is their arm where they can give back to community … and they do … and they have been doing, year in and year out, all these years, an extraordinary job.

Indeed, the Giants Community Fund and its

Junior Giants Program won a national award called the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy …becoming the first Major League Baseball team to have ever won this coveted honor.

And the great Giants announcers whose voices we have become so familiar with, and love listening to, are the voice of the Giants on the field, and also for the Giants organization and how it connects with the community off the field.

You will hear how they often talk about the team’s community endeavors and the results will beautifully speak for themselves. The Giants sellout all their games … and beyond the three million guests each year who joyfully are coming to the Giants games, there are hundreds of millions more, together with them in spirit, listening on the radio

Lou Seal

and watching on TV. No question, the Giants and the large community have been and are really enjoying this mutual love affair … and are seeing great direct benefits, and results, as well.

Are you possibly wondering what kind of participation there is by the Giants team, players, coaches and staff off the field? It is all voluntary and it is 100% - where the entire Giants organization, from the top on down - gladly participates. They make guest appearances, where they will visit and speak to schools, hospitals and non-profits. Indeed, they touch community always in a warm and sincere way. They, too, have and share this very special feeling between the team and community.

In addition to the many local causes and nonprofit organizations they help support, they also have been and are involved in helping with great humanitarian causes, such as raising literacy …

and funds to help support the victims of, for example, Katrina, Sandy and the Philippines … and they were the first professional team to help raise funds and build awareness in their support of what has become an annual event: “Until There’s A Cure Day” in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Through its Junior Giants Program, the Community Fund allows more youth to play baseball where it wasn’t possible - building fields, and creating leagues – all free to participate. They find coaches and work closely with the Positive Coaching Alliance, as they help in providing excellent coaching and training. They produce a wonderful handbook each year that is so well thought out and prepared for the parents and their children to read together … and discuss important and meaningful topics like teamwork, character, good health, non-violence and bullying prevention (Strike Out Bullying).

Positive role models do have an important place and do help make a big difference. Here, with the Junior Giants, 20,000 kids a year, more than 200,000 in the 20-plus years, have so benefitted.

Does it make a difference? For these kids, it surely has and still does.

Let’s for a moment talk Junior Giants. What’s it about? How about the 4 Bases of Character Development … 1st Base = Confidence, 2nd Base = Integrity, 3rd Base = Leadership, Home = Teamwork. You can’t score unless you touch All The Bases!

“Entering its 21st season, Junior Giants is a free, non-competitive and co-ed baseball program. Over 20,000 youth across California, Nevada and Oregon participate in Junior Giants. Junior Giants offers equipment, uniforms, enrichment programs and coaches Training. Junior Giants wants to help you lead, succeed and have fun! Anyone can play!”

Through this amazing handbook, in addition to Character Development, there is also Education – The Giants Community Fund is proud to offer a summer reading program for all Junior Giants players. There is also Health – Be A Healthy Junior Giant: Snack smart with healthy snacks, Exercise 30 minutes of physical activity a day, Enjoy a soda-free summer and Protect yourself by using

sunscreen. Then there is Violence Prevention – Where: I pledge to strike out bullying … Peace starts within you …

“I will build peace on the field, at home, at school and in my community each day.” And, then, there’s the Junior Giants Willie Mac Award – This will go to one outstanding Junior Giants player and coach that represents their league, as chosen by their League Commissioner.

The Junior Giants encompasses 87 leagues …

210 cities served … 21,558 Girls and Boys and 2,966 coaches.

George Kontos GREGOR BLANCO “The Giants Community Fund is a public charity with a tie to the great game of baseball, a sport that convenes people of all ages and from all walks of life. The Giants are honored to have played an active role in the community by providing programs for youth since 1991. They work all year-round to ensure that underserved populations are reached with important initiatives in Education, Health, and Violence Prevention.”

I cannot imagine what any of this would have looked like if the Giants were the Toronto Giants or the Tampa Bay Giants … and the San Francisco Giants a thing of the past and none of this - AT&T Park, two World Series Championships, the Giants Community Fund, Community Relations and Junior Giants programs, and the many millions of dollars each year to benefit community and youth programs, making a huge difference for our community day in and day out, all year long, every year - yes, none of this would exist for us today if not for “them” – this, our very special Team.

These are angels and our Giants are indeed Giant … indeed Champions on and also most definitely every year off the field. Far beyond the box score, it’s another walk off winning home run and perfect game the Giants perform in the game of life and what they do for community. Thank you for all that you have done, are doing and will do.

If not for them, it would be a completely different ballgame. There would be no game. Because of them, we are Champion. From the top on down, it is all by design, dedicated to making such a big difference. It really is an entire Team effort and a mutual love affair with the community … that is indeed very special.

don’t think people realize just how catastrophic that would have been, and the ramifications it would have meant, had the Giants been taken from us.

What has come to fruition since: AT&T Park, a most beautiful new ballpark (arguably the best in all of baseball), sellout games, a revitalized SOMA and San Francisco, hundreds of millions of dollars that have gone to benefit local San Francisco and Bay Area community development, non-profits causes and two World Series Championships in three years (when not one in all the years prior since their arrival from New York in 1958); and the outstanding community programs that were born from this.

All this from a vision and great fortitude. From the top on down, led by President and CEO Larry Baer, the current ownership group has instilled a culture, a tradition, a legacy, if you will, BRANDON BELT within the San Francisco Giants organization that is indeed rocksolid and part of their own DNA. They believed strongly in their vision, their dedication and their hard work to build AT&T Park.

They also believed strongly in expressing the gratitude that the entire Giants organization feels for its community. They believe in their responsibility, to carry on the Giants legacy of giving back to the community and in turn the fans who support them. It is truly a love affair between the Giants and the community they serve – and it shows. It is so very evident.

In my conversation with Staci, Shana and Sue, I was enjoying every word they had to say. It was all with such enthusiasm, heart and passion. They love so much what they are doing … and they have each been doing this now for many years. We read in the news all that’s wrong about sports … that’s why I am happy to share this with you, all the GOOD that these Giants do off the field, because we don’t hear this; no, not near enough as we should, if at all.

The Giants take their off the field community programs very seriously. As much as they do well on the field, they do it off the field, as well. This is their arm where they can give back to community … and they do … and they have been doing, year in and year out, all these years, an extraordinary job.

Indeed, the Giants Community Fund and its

Junior Giants Program won a national award called the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy …becoming the first Major League Baseball team to have ever won this coveted honor.

And the great Giants announcers whose voices we have become so familiar with, and love listening to, are the voice of the Giants on the field, and also for the Giants organization and how it connects with the community off the field.

You will hear how they often talk about the team’s community endeavors and the results will beautifully speak for themselves. The Giants sellout all their games … and beyond the three million guests each year who joyfully are coming to the Giants games, there are hundreds of millions more, together with them in spirit, listening on the radio

Lou Seal

and watching on TV. No question, the Giants and the large community have been and are really enjoying this mutual love affair … and are seeing great direct benefits, and results, as well.

Are you possibly wondering what kind of participation there is by the Giants team, players, coaches and staff off the field? It is all voluntary and it is 100% - where the entire Giants organization, from the top on down - gladly participates. They make guest appearances, where they will visit and speak to schools, hospitals and non-profits. Indeed, they touch community always in a warm and sincere way. They, too, have and share this very special feeling between the team and community.

In addition to the many local causes and nonprofit organizations they help support, they also have been and are involved in helping with great humanitarian causes, such as raising literacy …

and funds to help support the victims of, for example, Katrina, Sandy and the Philippines … and they were the first professional team to help raise funds and build awareness in their support of what has become an annual event: “Until There’s A Cure Day” in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Through its Junior Giants Program, the Community Fund allows more youth to play baseball where it wasn’t possible - building fields, and creating leagues – all free to participate. They find coaches and work closely with the Positive Coaching Alliance, as they help in providing excellent coaching and training. They produce a wonderful handbook each year that is so well thought out and prepared for the parents and their children to read together … and discuss important and meaningful topics like teamwork, character, good health, non-violence and bullying prevention (Strike Out Bullying).

Positive role models do have an important place and do help make a big difference. Here, with the Junior Giants, 20,000 kids a year, more than 200,000 in the 20-plus years, have so benefitted.

Does it make a difference? For these kids, it surely has and still does.

Let’s for a moment talk Junior Giants. What’s it about? How about the 4 Bases of Character Development … 1st Base = Confidence, 2nd Base = Integrity, 3rd Base = Leadership, Home = Teamwork. You can’t score unless you touch All The Bases!

“Entering its 21st season, Junior Giants is a free, non-competitive and co-ed baseball program. Over 20,000 youth across California, Nevada and Oregon participate in Junior Giants. Junior Giants offers equipment, uniforms, enrichment programs and coaches Training. Junior Giants wants to help you lead, succeed and have fun! Anyone can play!”

Through this amazing handbook, in addition to Character Development, there is also Education – The Giants Community Fund is proud to offer a summer reading program for all Junior Giants players. There is also Health – Be A Healthy Junior Giant: Snack smart with healthy snacks, Exercise 30 minutes of physical activity a day, Enjoy a soda-free summer and Protect yourself by using

sunscreen. Then there is Violence Prevention – Where: I pledge to strike out bullying … Peace starts within you …

“I will build peace on the field, at home, at school and in my community each day.” And, then, there’s the Junior Giants Willie Mac Award – This will go to one outstanding Junior Giants player and coach that represents their league, as chosen by their League Commissioner.

The Junior Giants encompasses 87 leagues …

210 cities served … 21,558 Girls and Boys and 2,966 coaches.

George Kontos GREGOR BLANCO “The Giants Community Fund is a public charity with a tie to the great game of baseball, a sport that convenes people of all ages and from all walks of life. The Giants are honored to have played an active role in the community by providing programs for youth since 1991. They work all year-round to ensure that underserved populations are reached with important initiatives in Education, Health, and Violence Prevention.”

I cannot imagine what any of this would have looked like if the Giants were the Toronto Giants or the Tampa Bay Giants … and the San Francisco Giants a thing of the past and none of this - AT&T Park, two World Series Championships, the Giants Community Fund, Community Relations and Junior Giants programs, and the many millions of dollars each year to benefit community and youth programs, making a huge difference for our community day in and day out, all year long, every year - yes, none of this would exist for us today if not for “them” – this, our very special Team.

These are angels and our Giants are indeed Giant … indeed Champions on and also most definitely every year off the field. Far beyond the box score, it’s another walk off winning home run and perfect game the Giants perform in the game of life and what they do for community. Thank you for all that you have done, are doing and will do.

If not for them, it would be a completely different ballgame. There would be no game. Because of them, we are Champion. From the top on down, it is all by design, dedicated to making such a big difference. It really is an entire Team effort and a mutual love affair with the community … that is indeed very special.

SFL: What is your title and what do you do? What has prepared you for this?

KB: My title is CEO & President of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. I think the body of work that I have had the privilege to be exposed to over the last two decades has prepared me for this role. I have worked a lot of Super Bowls and other major sporting events around the world, and have seen the explo-

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara

sion of sophistication around how those events are produced and how they are delivered.

And there’s a lot interest in where this Super Bowl is being played

I think you need that kind of perspective to bring the best possi-

- in the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, at Levi’s Stadium -

ble group of professionals together and create the best possible

a place that’s so very attractive for so many people. We expect

plan for Super Bowl 50. We recognize that the Super Bowl is the

to see more than one million people come through the region

greatest television spectacle in the United States every year, but

during Super Bowl Week.

it’s also an amazing fan experience for those lucky enough to ei-

MEET KEITH BRUCE The CEO & President of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee Super Bowl 50

– More Than A Game! In-

deed – A Super Bowl Like No One Has Ever Seen Before. That’s what this will be … and what undoubtedly will be the largest, most impactful and most beneficial Bay Area special event to date for our community in our lifetimes.

From the Super Bowl Bid Committee in 2013 … to all the planning

This is the ultimate of the ultimate. This is the San Francisco Bay Area. This is Silicon Valley, too. This is also the NFL and it is worldesque. This is by any stretch of the imagination (and that is what it takes, imagination) not your typical day at the office. This will be by far the biggest local event (and positive impact on our San Francisco Bay Area community!) to date ever in our lifetimes.

… and then the execution of it all. What does it all mean? It’s so BIG. How can the task be described? How can it be grasped?

There’s nobody who knows it better, or to hear it from, than Keith Bruce, himself, the CEO & President of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.

What’s it like, the thinking behind it all, as we approach Super Bowl 50? It takes a village? Hardly; far more, as we will see, for it’s a far grander stage than that. Until now, nothing has been THIS big. This is Super Bowl 50.

Super Bowl City to open January 30-February 7 in San Francisco

ther live in the host region or visit the region during Super Bowl

SFL: What has been so very special regarding everyone’s positive

week. If you think about an Olympics or a FIFA World Cup or a Su-

reaction since the Bid?

per Bowl or a Final Four, those are hugely passionate moments

KB: What has been really gratifying for me and our entire Host

when people are feeling the euphoria of being in that environ-

Committee is how everyone has really rallied behind all this Su-

ment. Super Bowl 50 is being planned to take the fan experience

per Bowl. Since that day when we were awarded the Bid, the re-

to the next level.

gion really has come together, from the municipalities and civic entities that are supporting our efforts, to the mayors who are all

SFL: From the inside view, just how big is this? What does this

working with us to make sure that this event is great, to the corpo-

all mean that people in general don’t know or can’t easily, really

rate community working together in an unparalleled way to help

grasp the magnitude?

us put on an unforgettable celebration.

KB: That’s a great question. You can only say so much to get peo-

Now, it’s up to our organization that we make sure we live up to

ple to appreciate this scale of what hosting a Super Bowl means

that and walk the walk and deliver opportunities for our entire

to a region. People can see renderings and they can look at pic-

region. It’s our goal to connect and glue these communities and

tures of past Super Bowls, but until you actually experience it and

regions together in a positive way. We’re just looking for the fin-

it unfolds in front of you, it’s very hard to grasp the magnitude of

ished product to be great; for everyone to enjoy it and say: “I had

it. And then you add on the fact that it’s Super Bowl 50.

a fantastic experience”.

It’s also been 31 years since we hosted Super Bowl XIX at Stanford.

There are a lot of people in the Bay Area who weren’t around to

SFL: Philanthropy plays an important role, a very important part,

experience that. So, this is all new. Our role is to really help peo-

of Super Bowl 50. How would you describe the Purpose behind

ple learn about all of the opportunities to participate and under-

this Mission?

stand that Super Bowl is more than a game.

KB: From the beginning, Super Bowl 50 has always been more

NFL is recognizing what a milestone moment it is all season-long.

than just a game; we see it as a powerful catalyst for our entire

That’s exciting because we’re going to benefit from that tailwind,

region. That’s why the opportunity to make a lasting impact on

with of all that promotional programming and everything they’re

our community drives every decision we make. And that’s why

doing to excite everyone about the 50th. This is going to be an

we charted a course from the very beginning to make ours the

extraordinary Super Bowl moment for the NFL and certainly for

most giving Super Bowl yet. The 50 Fund – our legacy fund –

the Bay Area.

aims to give more than $10 million to organizations that impact

SFL: What is your title and what do you do? What has prepared you for this?

KB: My title is CEO & President of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. I think the body of work that I have had the privilege to be exposed to over the last two decades has prepared me for this role. I have worked a lot of Super Bowls and other major sporting events around the world, and have seen the explo-

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara

sion of sophistication around how those events are produced and how they are delivered.

And there’s a lot interest in where this Super Bowl is being played

I think you need that kind of perspective to bring the best possi-

- in the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, at Levi’s Stadium -

ble group of professionals together and create the best possible

a place that’s so very attractive for so many people. We expect

plan for Super Bowl 50. We recognize that the Super Bowl is the

to see more than one million people come through the region

greatest television spectacle in the United States every year, but

during Super Bowl Week.

it’s also an amazing fan experience for those lucky enough to ei-

MEET KEITH BRUCE The CEO & President of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee Super Bowl 50

– More Than A Game! In-

deed – A Super Bowl Like No One Has Ever Seen Before. That’s what this will be … and what undoubtedly will be the largest, most impactful and most beneficial Bay Area special event to date for our community in our lifetimes.

From the Super Bowl Bid Committee in 2013 … to all the planning

This is the ultimate of the ultimate. This is the San Francisco Bay Area. This is Silicon Valley, too. This is also the NFL and it is worldesque. This is by any stretch of the imagination (and that is what it takes, imagination) not your typical day at the office. This will be by far the biggest local event (and positive impact on our San Francisco Bay Area community!) to date ever in our lifetimes.

… and then the execution of it all. What does it all mean? It’s so BIG. How can the task be described? How can it be grasped?

There’s nobody who knows it better, or to hear it from, than Keith Bruce, himself, the CEO & President of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.

What’s it like, the thinking behind it all, as we approach Super Bowl 50? It takes a village? Hardly; far more, as we will see, for it’s a far grander stage than that. Until now, nothing has been THIS big. This is Super Bowl 50.

Super Bowl City to open January 30-February 7 in San Francisco

ther live in the host region or visit the region during Super Bowl

SFL: What has been so very special regarding everyone’s positive

week. If you think about an Olympics or a FIFA World Cup or a Su-

reaction since the Bid?

per Bowl or a Final Four, those are hugely passionate moments

KB: What has been really gratifying for me and our entire Host

when people are feeling the euphoria of being in that environ-

Committee is how everyone has really rallied behind all this Su-

ment. Super Bowl 50 is being planned to take the fan experience

per Bowl. Since that day when we were awarded the Bid, the re-

to the next level.

gion really has come together, from the municipalities and civic entities that are supporting our efforts, to the mayors who are all

SFL: From the inside view, just how big is this? What does this

working with us to make sure that this event is great, to the corpo-

all mean that people in general don’t know or can’t easily, really

rate community working together in an unparalleled way to help

grasp the magnitude?

us put on an unforgettable celebration.

KB: That’s a great question. You can only say so much to get peo-

Now, it’s up to our organization that we make sure we live up to

ple to appreciate this scale of what hosting a Super Bowl means

that and walk the walk and deliver opportunities for our entire

to a region. People can see renderings and they can look at pic-

region. It’s our goal to connect and glue these communities and

tures of past Super Bowls, but until you actually experience it and

regions together in a positive way. We’re just looking for the fin-

it unfolds in front of you, it’s very hard to grasp the magnitude of

ished product to be great; for everyone to enjoy it and say: “I had

it. And then you add on the fact that it’s Super Bowl 50.

a fantastic experience”.

It’s also been 31 years since we hosted Super Bowl XIX at Stanford.

There are a lot of people in the Bay Area who weren’t around to

SFL: Philanthropy plays an important role, a very important part,

experience that. So, this is all new. Our role is to really help peo-

of Super Bowl 50. How would you describe the Purpose behind

ple learn about all of the opportunities to participate and under-

this Mission?

stand that Super Bowl is more than a game.

KB: From the beginning, Super Bowl 50 has always been more

NFL is recognizing what a milestone moment it is all season-long.

than just a game; we see it as a powerful catalyst for our entire

That’s exciting because we’re going to benefit from that tailwind,

region. That’s why the opportunity to make a lasting impact on

with of all that promotional programming and everything they’re

our community drives every decision we make. And that’s why

doing to excite everyone about the 50th. This is going to be an

we charted a course from the very beginning to make ours the

extraordinary Super Bowl moment for the NFL and certainly for

most giving Super Bowl yet. The 50 Fund – our legacy fund –

the Bay Area.

aims to give more than $10 million to organizations that impact

nity relations group, that’s really savvy about how to

Super Bowl City fan village and the NFL Experience will be open-

bring all that to life.

ing Saturday, January 30th, for an unprecedented 9 full days.

SFL: What can people expect … what will be so ex-

SFL: Seeing the big picture, as you do, with all that is being

citing?

planned, what overall do you look forward to?

KB: What gets us excited about coming to work every

KB: I am most excited about what this event can mean for the

day is working with our partners across the region and

Bay Area. Not only in terms of our philanthropic goal of mak-

the NFL to deliver a phenomenal event.

ing sure there’s a lasting impact of positive good that comes out

This Super Bowl is all about celebrating the Bay Area

of it, but also what the future holds by hosting an event of this

and the honor of hosting the 50th Super Bowl. We

size and scale. This will be the largest event in the history of the

have a tremendous heritage of winning Super Bowls

Bay Area and all of the eyes of the world will be on the Bay Area

with the 49ers and the Raiders. In fact, the Bay Area has

during Super Bowl Week. It’s just a phenomenal opportunity for

eight Lombardi Trophies - more championships than

the region to shine and show the world we can pull off major

any other NFL market.

sporting events and other massive cultural events that get peo-

This fall, we will have a mobile exhibit – 50 Tour: Cham-

ple excited about coming to this region.

low-income youth and their families with the goal of closing the

pions of the Bay presented by Chevron - that will take

It has been so gratifying to see the volume of people who have

opportunity gap, and we’re well on our way of accomplishing that

the eight Lombardi Trophies on a 12-week tour around the great-

reached out to us, saying: ‘How can we help you’, ‘We love what

goal by investing in high-impact nonprofits in the Bay Area that

er Bay Area region area to get people excited about Super Bowl

you’re doing’, ‘We are so excited to be hosting this Super Bowl’, ‘We

are really setting examples for the rest of the country.

50. What’s exciting is that this has never been done before. You’ve

want it to be great’. Whether we are seeking out help from others

The idea of putting community first is a novel concept for a Super

seen the five (belonging to the 49ers) or the three (belonging to

or they are seeking us out, there’s this amazing common theme of

Bowl in general, but certainly for a Super Bowl Host Committee,

the Raiders), but never the eight together. People can even have

pride and wanting to be there to help make it great for the region.

whose typical concerns are around the safety, the operational de-

their pictures taken with the trophies, plus we’ll have autograph

That’s quite rewarding.

livery, the fan experience, the programming, and fulfilling all of

signings with players and NFL Legends. We’ll also have the op-

the promises to the NFL. Those are all front and center for us, as

portunity to visit other activities such as the Chevron STEM Zone,

SFL: Please tell us about the impact this will have. Super Bowl XIX

well, but we also want this Super Bowl to reflect the values of our

our NFL Play 60, Play On kids zone and our early literacy area, The

was January 20, 1985 – 30 years ago. Many today weren’t even

region and put our communities first. We wanted this Super Bowl

Re(a)d Zone. We are so excited as a Host Committee to begin cel-

born or were so young then to remember. And, yet, Super Bowl

to do something that no Super Bowl has ever done before and

ebrating Super Bowl throughout the entire fall.

50 today will not be anything like it was then … it’s so much big-

leave more goodwill, more tangible results and more impact for

During Super Bowl Week, there will be activity around the entire

ger. Please describe what this will mean.

our communities.

region – from the South Bay to San Francisco to the East Bay and

KB: It’s a whole new era of Super Bowl … or any event. We are

beyond. We have amazing destination partners in Sonoma Coun-

clearly on a path - with this Host Committee working together

For example, our ‘Business-Connect’ program focuses on provid-

ty, Pebble Beach and Napa Valley, so the celebration will be felt

with all the entities here in the Bay Area with the NFL- to usher in

ing minority, women, disabled veteran and LGBT—owned busi-

throughout the region.

a new era of Super Bowl with Super Bowl 50.

nesses with the opportunity to bid on contracting opportunities

For example, in San Francisco, the Host Committee puts on a free-

The Super Bowl has kind of re-invented itself every 5 to 10 years.

with Super Bowl 50 and the NFL. We have almost 500 businesses

to-the-public fan village, which we’re calling Super Bowl City. Su-

It was a Championship Game for its first 10 years. Then it became

that are certified and registered candidates for contracts for Super

per Bowl City is really going to be this mega fan experience where

Bowl 50, and we are creating opportunities for these diverse busi-

people can enjoy everything that’s great about the Bay Area -

nesses to have a spotlight shone on them.

things that the Bay Area are known for and we’re very proud of

And we want to be the most giving Super Bowl ever. We are in-

– such as our food and our wine, our culinary prowess, our focus

vesting both dollars and resources in local nonprofits to not just

on innovation and technology, digital and social tools to enhance

make an immediate impact, but also a long-term one. Daniel Lurie

their fan experiences. So whether you live in Toronto or Kansas

(CEO and Founder of Tipping Point Community, as well as Chair-

or Pleasanton, you’re going to be excited about the opportunities

man of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee) is such a visionary in

there, because there will be something for everyone.

philanthropy. So, I’m executing on his vision, and trying to make

The tradition and history of the Super Bowl will be inside “The NFL

sure that we deliver on the goals that he set forth in the bid. We

Experience”, the pro football’s interactive theme park. This annual

have a great team here at the Host Committee, a great commu-

display will be at Moscone Center and it’s a ticketed event. Our

Ronnie Lott, Daniel Lurie, Mayor Ed Lee, Keith Bruce and 49ers’ Paraag Marathe

Super Bowl City is a free public experience

a weekend. Then, in the 80’s, it became an advertising spectacle.

Then, in the 90’s, it became about the halftime show. Then, in the 2000’s, it started to become more than just a weekend, it became this cultural phenomenon that people were talking about. And, now in the last 7 or 8 years, it evolved even further to virtually this week-long experience.

And, so, now, we’re taking it yet to another level. There will be so many things that will be unique with this Super Bowl, with how

Levi’s Stadium, the home of Super Bowl 50

the NFL will do celebrating their golden anniversary all-season long, our extended Super Bowl City experience, and celebrations around the region.

SFL: Our San Francisco Bay Area coming together like this, like it never has before - what will this special feeling be like (for us and for all, our greater community, the nation and the world) afterward?

KB: Having all these entities come together – our Host Committee, the sports community, the business community, our local governments and leadership, our local police and fire and public safety officials, our corporate partners, our nonprofit partners, all of our partners and agencies who have pulled together - will be beyond a special feeling. I think there will a moment of pride that will probably be unrivaled in our lifetimes, and it’s because we will all have had such an important role in helping deliver such a special event not only for the Bay Area, but for the world. There’s really very few times in your professional career where you have an opportunity to do that or say that. As a Host Committee, there is nothing more rewarding than to have all these entities come together in the week after the Super Bowl and say that was such a phenomenal experience, there were so many good things about it that came out of it, and we want to do it again.

nity relations group, that’s really savvy about how to

Super Bowl City fan village and the NFL Experience will be open-

bring all that to life.

ing Saturday, January 30th, for an unprecedented 9 full days.

SFL: What can people expect … what will be so ex-

SFL: Seeing the big picture, as you do, with all that is being

citing?

planned, what overall do you look forward to?

KB: What gets us excited about coming to work every

KB: I am most excited about what this event can mean for the

day is working with our partners across the region and

Bay Area. Not only in terms of our philanthropic goal of mak-

the NFL to deliver a phenomenal event.

ing sure there’s a lasting impact of positive good that comes out

This Super Bowl is all about celebrating the Bay Area

of it, but also what the future holds by hosting an event of this

and the honor of hosting the 50th Super Bowl. We

size and scale. This will be the largest event in the history of the

have a tremendous heritage of winning Super Bowls

Bay Area and all of the eyes of the world will be on the Bay Area

with the 49ers and the Raiders. In fact, the Bay Area has

during Super Bowl Week. It’s just a phenomenal opportunity for

eight Lombardi Trophies - more championships than

the region to shine and show the world we can pull off major

any other NFL market.

sporting events and other massive cultural events that get peo-

This fall, we will have a mobile exhibit – 50 Tour: Cham-

ple excited about coming to this region.

low-income youth and their families with the goal of closing the

pions of the Bay presented by Chevron - that will take

It has been so gratifying to see the volume of people who have

opportunity gap, and we’re well on our way of accomplishing that

the eight Lombardi Trophies on a 12-week tour around the great-

reached out to us, saying: ‘How can we help you’, ‘We love what

goal by investing in high-impact nonprofits in the Bay Area that

er Bay Area region area to get people excited about Super Bowl

you’re doing’, ‘We are so excited to be hosting this Super Bowl’, ‘We

are really setting examples for the rest of the country.

50. What’s exciting is that this has never been done before. You’ve

want it to be great’. Whether we are seeking out help from others

The idea of putting community first is a novel concept for a Super

seen the five (belonging to the 49ers) or the three (belonging to

or they are seeking us out, there’s this amazing common theme of

Bowl in general, but certainly for a Super Bowl Host Committee,

the Raiders), but never the eight together. People can even have

pride and wanting to be there to help make it great for the region.

whose typical concerns are around the safety, the operational de-

their pictures taken with the trophies, plus we’ll have autograph

That’s quite rewarding.

livery, the fan experience, the programming, and fulfilling all of

signings with players and NFL Legends. We’ll also have the op-

the promises to the NFL. Those are all front and center for us, as

portunity to visit other activities such as the Chevron STEM Zone,

SFL: Please tell us about the impact this will have. Super Bowl XIX

well, but we also want this Super Bowl to reflect the values of our

our NFL Play 60, Play On kids zone and our early literacy area, The

was January 20, 1985 – 30 years ago. Many today weren’t even

region and put our communities first. We wanted this Super Bowl

Re(a)d Zone. We are so excited as a Host Committee to begin cel-

born or were so young then to remember. And, yet, Super Bowl

to do something that no Super Bowl has ever done before and

ebrating Super Bowl throughout the entire fall.

50 today will not be anything like it was then … it’s so much big-

leave more goodwill, more tangible results and more impact for

During Super Bowl Week, there will be activity around the entire

ger. Please describe what this will mean.

our communities.

region – from the South Bay to San Francisco to the East Bay and

KB: It’s a whole new era of Super Bowl … or any event. We are

beyond. We have amazing destination partners in Sonoma Coun-

clearly on a path - with this Host Committee working together

For example, our ‘Business-Connect’ program focuses on provid-

ty, Pebble Beach and Napa Valley, so the celebration will be felt

with all the entities here in the Bay Area with the NFL- to usher in

ing minority, women, disabled veteran and LGBT—owned busi-

throughout the region.

a new era of Super Bowl with Super Bowl 50.

nesses with the opportunity to bid on contracting opportunities

For example, in San Francisco, the Host Committee puts on a free-

The Super Bowl has kind of re-invented itself every 5 to 10 years.

with Super Bowl 50 and the NFL. We have almost 500 businesses

to-the-public fan village, which we’re calling Super Bowl City. Su-

It was a Championship Game for its first 10 years. Then it became

that are certified and registered candidates for contracts for Super

per Bowl City is really going to be this mega fan experience where

Bowl 50, and we are creating opportunities for these diverse busi-

people can enjoy everything that’s great about the Bay Area -

nesses to have a spotlight shone on them.

things that the Bay Area are known for and we’re very proud of

And we want to be the most giving Super Bowl ever. We are in-

– such as our food and our wine, our culinary prowess, our focus

vesting both dollars and resources in local nonprofits to not just

on innovation and technology, digital and social tools to enhance

make an immediate impact, but also a long-term one. Daniel Lurie

their fan experiences. So whether you live in Toronto or Kansas

(CEO and Founder of Tipping Point Community, as well as Chair-

or Pleasanton, you’re going to be excited about the opportunities

man of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee) is such a visionary in

there, because there will be something for everyone.

philanthropy. So, I’m executing on his vision, and trying to make

The tradition and history of the Super Bowl will be inside “The NFL

sure that we deliver on the goals that he set forth in the bid. We

Experience”, the pro football’s interactive theme park. This annual

have a great team here at the Host Committee, a great commu-

display will be at Moscone Center and it’s a ticketed event. Our

Ronnie Lott, Daniel Lurie, Mayor Ed Lee, Keith Bruce and 49ers’ Paraag Marathe

Super Bowl City is a free public experience

a weekend. Then, in the 80’s, it became an advertising spectacle.

Then, in the 90’s, it became about the halftime show. Then, in the 2000’s, it started to become more than just a weekend, it became this cultural phenomenon that people were talking about. And, now in the last 7 or 8 years, it evolved even further to virtually this week-long experience.

And, so, now, we’re taking it yet to another level. There will be so many things that will be unique with this Super Bowl, with how

Levi’s Stadium, the home of Super Bowl 50

the NFL will do celebrating their golden anniversary all-season long, our extended Super Bowl City experience, and celebrations around the region.

SFL: Our San Francisco Bay Area coming together like this, like it never has before - what will this special feeling be like (for us and for all, our greater community, the nation and the world) afterward?

KB: Having all these entities come together – our Host Committee, the sports community, the business community, our local governments and leadership, our local police and fire and public safety officials, our corporate partners, our nonprofit partners, all of our partners and agencies who have pulled together - will be beyond a special feeling. I think there will a moment of pride that will probably be unrivaled in our lifetimes, and it’s because we will all have had such an important role in helping deliver such a special event not only for the Bay Area, but for the world. There’s really very few times in your professional career where you have an opportunity to do that or say that. As a Host Committee, there is nothing more rewarding than to have all these entities come together in the week after the Super Bowl and say that was such a phenomenal experience, there were so many good things about it that came out of it, and we want to do it again.

Photo by Nicolas Genin/Flickr

Investing With the Stars

By Scott Budman

I

’m hustled down a hallway, for a secretive, exclusive one-on-one. No one can see, and the crowds are kept away. The handler says “You’ll have three minutes.”

This, as you might imagine, rarely happens when we reporters talk to Venture Capitalists.

This is no ordinary VC, though. It’s Jared Leto, heartthrob thespian and winner of this year’s Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (“Dallas Budman Buyer’s Club”), certified rock star (“30 Seconds To Mars”), and tech investor.

Within seconds of talking to him, you can tell that Leto is the real deal. Yeah, sure he’s handsome, famous, etc, etc. He also knows his technology, having invested in rising startups like Zenefits, Surfair, and Wish, while starting his own companies that blend art and technology.

“Artists deserve a seat at the tech table,” Leto says, to explain why an already stratospherically famous person would seek out tech startups. “I’m looking for creative opportunities, and I see a lot of creativity in technology.”

Leto joins a growing list of well-known entertainers jumping into tech with their wallets.

Ashton Kutcher invested in AirBnB. Jada PinkettSmith invested in a safety app called bSafe. Andy Samberg, T.I., Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, the list goes on. Clearly, tech is the hot spot for famous people.

They tweet, they show up to board meetings.

They’re clearly serious about learning and making money. Kutcher recently spoke at TechCrunch “Disrupt,” telling the crowd that he looks for creative people and good ideas, not “people talking about market cap and social media platforms.”

At a recent Consumer Electronic Show (think: geek paradise) in Las Vegas, I saw no fewer than three rappers talking up headphones. 50 Cent, insisting that sound quality made his ‘phones the best; Ludacris, talking about why his brand is aimed exclusively at the high-end listener; and of course, Dr. Dre, who started Beats Electronics, brought celebrities like Lady Gaga into the fold, and just sold his company to Apple for a cool three billion dollars.

So, again, why take the time to invest? Well, according to Forbes, Dr. Dre is now worth $620 million. Who wouldn’t want to play that role?

Scott is the business & tech reporter for NBC Bay Area. He’s on Twitter: @scottbudman

Marina Gavric

Marina Gavric Health & Fitness Training www.marinagavric.com

Commit to Balance, to Your Fitness Success and to Yourself S

taying committed to an exercise and health plan is not always the simplest task.

Breaking bad habits is never easy. “I have tried and tried!” … Yes, I know, I hear this, everyone’s story, all the time!

Regardless of what age you may be or at what point you are in your life, men and women, boys and girls … a corporate executive, a student, an employee, a stay-at-home parent … we’re all busy all the time. Please recognize that health & wellness, as well as fitness & nutrition, are interrelated. It’s all a good thing and it’s a choice we make in our busy lives.

Once you have resolved a priority to yourself of “health & fitness” in your life … make “finding balance” a key component. You can stay genuinely dedicated, enjoying your commitment, while not falling victim to excuses. What a positive difference in our lives and how we feel (the energy alone, perhaps meaning better sleep) we all seem to know it would make.

It’s a matter of doing. For example, Jane is a busy executive and, although Jane is a fictitious character, she represents a good number of men and women. She is up at 5am, by 5:15am has her coffee in hand and for the next hour, before she rounds up the kids for school, she reviews her yesterday and prepares for today. In no time, she then packs up her home team, briefcase in hand and is out the door. Finally, she’s at the office and sits with another cup of coffee, with breakfast in hand … whatever pastries there may be. The sodas come later.

Day in and day out, Jane reflects on making life changes to improve her well-being and feel good about herself, inside and out. Yet, day after

day, Jane’s willpower gives in and she seems to repeat the same old routine, a cycle, she wishes she could break. When? She feels too busy. She feels not up to it”. She believes there is no other way. She speaks for many, many people.

No matter the phase of the health cycle one is in, we all struggle with this … to get in that workout in or say no to an extra helping of our favorite foods. The first step is to find your balance … and to commit to change. It starts with that commitment … even if one step at a time to begin with and to win.

Regularly reflect on all your priorities … then decide on the commitments you can realistically make and stick with them. Whether this week it’s a 30 minutes for 3 days-a-week commitment or next week a 40 minutes 6 days-a-week commitment. A key is to write your commitments down. As you would keep your word to your boss or loved ones, keep your word to yourself.

Stay Hydrated, Stay Focused, Stay Fit

Dedicated from The City for The State A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM SFL: What you know today, what would the Gavin Newsom of today like to say to the young Gavin Newsom?

GN: I would tell myself that success is not a place or a destination; it’s a direction. There is no “having made it.” As Winston Churchill said the secret to success is moving from failure to failure with enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Oh, and I would definitely tell myself to use less hair gel.

SFL: Who have been your role models and who has inspired you in politics and life itself?

GN: Sargent Shriver, Bobby Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Cesar Chavez, Mahatma Gandhi, Vaclav Havel and Richard Branson to name a few. My wife and three children also inspire me every day.

The Lt. Governor is with Gina McCarthy, the head of the EPA, as she takes a look at San Francisco’s grease recycling program.

SFL: What prepared you for this path in politics and when did you discover this idea of being Mayor of San Francisco and Lieutenant Governor of California?

GN: For a life in politics you have to

be passionate, care about issues and most importantly people. My background in business, particularly in restaurants, certainly did not hurt.

The spark to get involved in local government came from the frustration of navigating San

Francisco’s bureaucracy when I opened my first business, Plumpjack.

SFL: What did you enjoy most about being Mayor of San Francisco?

GN: Cities are laboratories of innovation. A city shows the cause and effect, the good decisions and bad decisions in real-time and with immediate feedback. As mayor you have the ability to customize policy to address the needs of a diverse citizenry. You can have a two-way conversation with citizens that result in “bottom up” solutions without having to wait for the state or federal government.

The Lt. Governor is at an event with AT&T’s Futurecast.

SFL: What do you enjoy most about being Lieutenant Governor of California?

GN: Just as cities are a laboratory for innovation, the state is a laboratory for democracy.

To be a part of the most diverse state in the world, with the most diverse democracy, is an honor. Because of California’s size, diversity and economic power, we are the perfect place for scaling innovative ideas that can then become a model for the nation. Few places can boast the kind of dynamism and influence we enjoy here in the Golden State.

SFL: San Francisco went through a great renaissance with you as Mayor. Looking back, what are some of the proudest moments or accomplishments you saw during your term as Mayor?

GN: I am proud of many things we did in San Francisco. From implementing the first city wide universal health care plan in the nation, to getting 12,000 people off the streets and addressing the pressing issue of homelessness and poverty. We also raised the bar on environmental stewardship and helped pave the way for this new tech-boom.

Beyond anything else, I am most proud of representing citizens who not only tolerate diversity but also celebrate diversity. San Francisco

The Lt. Governor discusses how cities and metros are fixing the economy at the Milken Institute in Los Angeles.

is a city that celebrates its interesting differences but, at the end of the day, also unites around our common humanity - the fundamental idea that we are all in this together. It was this spirit that led to San Francisco opening up City Hall to same sex couples in 2004.

SFL: As Lieutenant Governor of California, you are as close to this Governor as anyone ... and the same is true with the relationships with other Governorships and politicians throughout the country. What have you learned from these relationships and this extraordinary experience?

GN: I’ve had the opportunity to work with some extremely gifted politicians from Willie

Brown to our current Gov. Jerry Brown, both of whom are two unique and distinct personalities.

I’ve also had the pleasure of working with former President Bill Clinton and when I was Mayor of San Francisco, I worked with mayors John Hickenlooper in Colorado and Martin O’Malley in Maryland, who’ve both gone on to be Governors of their states, and I am now honored to call them friends. The one thing I’ve been able to learn from all of these individuals is that the best politics is a better idea and that ideas matter.

SFL: What in these past four years as Lieutenant Governor are some of the greatest, proudest accomplishments?

GN: I’m proud of the economic development plan my office put out in 2011 and the resulting statewide economic summit, both of which articulate a vision for success in building the “Next Economy” in California. Additionally, last year I released a report on college education, Boosting California’s Postsecondary Education Performance, which has started a conversation around the changing needs in higher education. Additionally, I am an active member of the UC Board of Regents and CSU Board of Trustees, I have voted against tuition increases in order to keep higher education affordable and accessible. I am also proud of the work we do on the State Land’s Commission, particularly around making this important state agency more open, transparent and collaborative.

SFL: Presently, and looking ahead, what are some of the biggest challenges or concerns we’re facing, needing our attention?

GN: The rapidly recognizable and growing divide of income inequality and social mobility in our state and nation is of great concern. It’s real. Alan Krueger referred to it as the “Great Gatsby Curve.” As everyone knows, we live in two different worlds in the same state - a coastal California and an inland California - we must reconcile this growing economic divide. As I tell my business colleagues, businesses can’t thrive in a world that’s failing and all of us are better off when everyone is better off.

SFL: If you could wave a magic wand, what would you like to see happen these next four

The Lt. Governor is at Ross School in Marin County.

He is sharing the stage with 4th graders who have taken on the role of Lieutenant Governor for the year.

They get to interview him and hear his thoughts.

The Lt. Governor is at Long Beach City College for an event centered around his higher education report … examining California’s higher education framework and providing recommendations for improvement.

years?

GN: I would like to see a 21st Century governing model based on openness, transparency and collaboration, a system that is designed for participation, two-way conversations and active engagement with citizens. I’d like to see a system that treats citizens as partners, not as subjects.

Rather than doing things to you, we do things with you. An effective, flexible and accountable system of government where the short term interests of Sacramento do not get in the way of the long term interests of California.

SFL: What advice do you give to aspiring students, and young professionals, wanting to get ahead, wanting to make a difference?

GN: I would tell young professionals to learn from, don’t follow others. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Be open to argument and interested in evidence and not to be ideological.

I would say that everyone’s expression is unique - no one else has it. Be sure to maintain your authenticity and stand on principal.

The Lt. Governor is visiting Yosemite National Park, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the park.

SFL: Who are some leaders we should be watching for who are doing great things?

GN: Mayor Greg Fisher of Louisville, Kentucky, is doing some extraordinary things with citizen engagement; having just met Malala Yousafzai, who is changing the world for women and girls, there is no question her influence is growing every day. One thing is clear, leadership can be found anywhere – in our schools, our churches, our community centers, not just in our state capitals or legislative chambers.

SFL: What is your definition of leadership?

GN: There is no better definition then the quote by John Quincy Adams, “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Leaders are not born or “made,” they decide in a moment that now is the time to be and do more.

The Lt. Governor celebrates San Francisco Pride during the annual parade.

SFL: Are you encouraged with politics in Sacramento? In Washington D.C.?

GN: If you are referring to our nation’s capital where ideas go to die, then absolutely not. I’ve always believed that if you don’t like the way things are going when you’re standing up, then stand on your head and go local. Remarkable things are happening at the local level. While Sacramento has had its struggles, in the past few years we’ve been able to turn things around. At the end of the day, however, I look for inspiration at the local levels. It’s bottom up, not top down; regions rising together.

SFL: Are you an avid sports fan? Who do you root for? As Lieutenant Governor, who can you root for?

GN: I grew up a Bay Area sports fan watching the Warriors, 49ers, Raiders, A’s and Giants. I spent countless nights falling asleep to Giants.

SFL: If you were to have a dinner party and could invite anyone (living or not), who would you like to invite and what would you want to ask them or talk about?

GN: I would have Vaclav Havel, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez and Mother Teresa over and we’d talk about leadership. I envision the topic for the evening focusing on this question: “Which is more effective and long lasting, the application of one’s ‘moral authority’ or ‘formal authority’?”

Our

Private Cooking Lesson With Alex Tishman

Regional Head Chef, Big City Chefs

Perhaps you like to cook.

For my wife and I, cooking is the last thing we would ever want to do. Our feeling has been, if you want to eat good food, someone else needs to cook it- Boy was I wrong!

By Rich Borell, Founder & CEO of Bay Area Mags LLC

N

ow, you’re probably thinking I must eat a lot of junk food and be extremely overweight. Thankfully, I don’t indulge in junk food and I enjoy exercise - be it playing tennis or using my home gym. Still, it’s hard to believe I weigh 149 based on how I eat.

For us, and as it is for many, cooking can be frustrating. You spend good money on ingredients. You invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as you thought, or hoped, it would be.

Eating healthy can be a challenge. We have busy lives and are on the go all the time, so we don’t always set aside the time to prepare a healthy, flavorful meal.

That being said, we decided to bring Regional Head Chef Alex Tishman from Big City Chefs into our home for a Sunday afternoon and teach us how to prepare a couple of delicious meals. While this sounds very exciting, my first question to my wife, when she suggested we should have a private cooking lesson, was: “We’re spending how much to do what?”

Boy, was I wrong. If only I knew before what I know now … So, let’s get started.

Our planned menu was based on what we wanted to learn along with some valuable suggestions from Chef Alex. He came up with the following: • Hanger Steak with mushrooms pan jus • Chicken (one whole, which we will butcher and then cook the different cuts) • Salad with English peas, shaved carrots and radishes, and simple shallot mustard vinaigrette.

Preparing for Chef Alex was pretty painless. He requested that we take a few pictures of our cooking utensils, and simply make our kitchen counters, along with some space in the refrigerator, available to him.

Once Chef Alex arrived, we kicked back and let him get things rolling. It was awesome that the price included the shopping of food and other needed ingredients. He sure saved us a lot of time and frustration.

From the start, with his vivacious personality, you feel as if you’ve known him all your life. We knew right away we were in for a fun day of cooking, right in our very own kitchen.

Chef Alex came so well prepared with a delightful customized class for us. He fully understood our busy schedules and our desire to create some great food from our own kitchen. He would teach us what we would like and not what we wouldn’t like.

As we started, his friendly, informal teaching style put us at ease.

We immediately felt comfortable that we’ll be able to reproduce the same fantastic results later on.

As the class went on, Chef Alex engaged us in the preparation of the entrées and salad. Most importantly, we learned tips on how to do all those little touches that make a big difference in flavor, texture and presentation; like, how to make carrots attractive and crunchy in your salad.

Some of the items we went over during the three hour private-class included: • Proper cooking techniques along with presentation • A big concern of ours … timing of the entrée and side dishes • Some good tips on safety … those knives are very sharp – especially the “Mandoline” (a dangerous but highly efficient instrument) • We learned some tips on nutrition and other health information, including good answers to questions we had about Fish As time went on, we tested some of the Chicken, Hanger Steak, Mushrooms and sauce that we prepared. Delicious.

We were amazed also how good our kitchen could smell. Next, our jaws we’re dropping - we couldn’t wait to dive in and reap the rewards of the last three hours.

As the end of the class came, and my wife and I had just about finished everything we had cooked, Chef Alex had tidied everything up.

Our kitchen was left squeaky clean. It was all a wonderful experience.

In sum, indeed, for many people, cooking can be frustrating. We spend good money on ingredients. We invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as we thought, or hoped, it would be.

What we learned and experienced is, with a little help and guidance, we all can create successful dishes packed with flavor and nutrition that are a joy to create. I encourage you to treat yourself and invite Chef Alex Tishman of Big City Chefs into your home, as we did. You will learn to have fun in your own kitchen and cook some great meals.

Bon appetit!

Our

Private Cooking Lesson With Alex Tishman

Regional Head Chef, Big City Chefs

Perhaps you like to cook.

For my wife and I, cooking is the last thing we would ever want to do. Our feeling has been, if you want to eat good food, someone else needs to cook it- Boy was I wrong!

By Rich Borell, Founder & CEO of Bay Area Mags LLC

N

ow, you’re probably thinking I must eat a lot of junk food and be extremely overweight. Thankfully, I don’t indulge in junk food and I enjoy exercise - be it playing tennis or using my home gym. Still, it’s hard to believe I weigh 149 based on how I eat.

For us, and as it is for many, cooking can be frustrating. You spend good money on ingredients. You invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as you thought, or hoped, it would be.

Eating healthy can be a challenge. We have busy lives and are on the go all the time, so we don’t always set aside the time to prepare a healthy, flavorful meal.

That being said, we decided to bring Regional Head Chef Alex Tishman from Big City Chefs into our home for a Sunday afternoon and teach us how to prepare a couple of delicious meals. While this sounds very exciting, my first question to my wife, when she suggested we should have a private cooking lesson, was: “We’re spending how much to do what?”

Boy, was I wrong. If only I knew before what I know now … So, let’s get started.

Our planned menu was based on what we wanted to learn along with some valuable suggestions from Chef Alex. He came up with the following: • Hanger Steak with mushrooms pan jus • Chicken (one whole, which we will butcher and then cook the different cuts) • Salad with English peas, shaved carrots and radishes, and simple shallot mustard vinaigrette.

Preparing for Chef Alex was pretty painless. He requested that we take a few pictures of our cooking utensils, and simply make our kitchen counters, along with some space in the refrigerator, available to him.

Once Chef Alex arrived, we kicked back and let him get things rolling. It was awesome that the price included the shopping of food and other needed ingredients. He sure saved us a lot of time and frustration.

From the start, with his vivacious personality, you feel as if you’ve known him all your life. We knew right away we were in for a fun day of cooking, right in our very own kitchen.

Chef Alex came so well prepared with a delightful customized class for us. He fully understood our busy schedules and our desire to create some great food from our own kitchen. He would teach us what we would like and not what we wouldn’t like.

As we started, his friendly, informal teaching style put us at ease.

We immediately felt comfortable that we’ll be able to reproduce the same fantastic results later on.

As the class went on, Chef Alex engaged us in the preparation of the entrées and salad. Most importantly, we learned tips on how to do all those little touches that make a big difference in flavor, texture and presentation; like, how to make carrots attractive and crunchy in your salad.

Some of the items we went over during the three hour private-class included: • Proper cooking techniques along with presentation • A big concern of ours … timing of the entrée and side dishes • Some good tips on safety … those knives are very sharp – especially the “Mandoline” (a dangerous but highly efficient instrument) • We learned some tips on nutrition and other health information, including good answers to questions we had about Fish As time went on, we tested some of the Chicken, Hanger Steak, Mushrooms and sauce that we prepared. Delicious.

We were amazed also how good our kitchen could smell. Next, our jaws we’re dropping - we couldn’t wait to dive in and reap the rewards of the last three hours.

As the end of the class came, and my wife and I had just about finished everything we had cooked, Chef Alex had tidied everything up.

Our kitchen was left squeaky clean. It was all a wonderful experience.

In sum, indeed, for many people, cooking can be frustrating. We spend good money on ingredients. We invest time and effort to put a dish together, and the end result just isn’t as good as we thought, or hoped, it would be.

What we learned and experienced is, with a little help and guidance, we all can create successful dishes packed with flavor and nutrition that are a joy to create. I encourage you to treat yourself and invite Chef Alex Tishman of Big City Chefs into your home, as we did. You will learn to have fun in your own kitchen and cook some great meals.

Bon appetit!

The

San Francisco 49ers

Community Relations and

49ers Foundation

A PROUD TRADITION BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD

ncer sula with Breast Ca m To Jim h ac Co ad 49ers He r 2014 Warriors in Octobe

49ers Linebacke rs visit Good Samaritan Hos pital

H

ow do you define a Class Organization? From the very top on down. An organization that, internally, has everyone’s attention and 100% participation. Pride that’s felt everywhere and amongst everyone. Like one big family that cares. That’s the 49ers.

The Season is actually 12 months long for the 49ers – as they like to say, “There is no off-season” – both on and off the field. As the on-field football season ends, the Foundation gets to work, hosting charitable events that raise millions of dollars to benefit non-profit organizations in alignment with the 49ers Foundation’s mission to keep kids “Safe, On Track, and In School.” During the season,

ving dinner to Serving Thanksgi at Loaves & Fishes homeless families

each week on the players’ day off, the 49ers orchestrate community events that transform people’s lives.

The San Francisco 49ers Foundation is the non-profit community funding extension of the 49ers, now in its 23rd year.

TE Vernon Davis host ing kids a a Player t VISA Sho p With

49ers honor breast cancer survivors at an October home game

The Foundation supports programs for underserved youth that keep them “Safe, On Track and In School.” Over the past 23 years, the Foundation has donated nearly $30.6 million - $4.6 million in 2014, including a $1 million gift to launch the 49ers STEM Leadership Institute in collaboration with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and the Santa Clara Unified School District with significant support from Chevron.

The philanthropic efforts of the 49ers Foundation are highly focused and strategic; remaining true to the well-developed mission statement and purpose and committed to creating measurable results through transformational grants and impact programs.

In 2014, 49ers players participated in more than 50 events, donating over 400 hours of volunteer time, impacting over Joanne Pasternack 80,000 people in Director of Community need annually.

Relations and the In 2014, 100% 49ers Foundation of the players participated in one-or-more community events.

Meet Joanne Pasternack, the Director of Community Relations and the 49ers Foundation for the San Francisco 49ers. Joanne attended high school in the Bay Area. Her father was a dedicated fan of the 49ers and Joanne grew up cheering for the 49ers as well. She went to college at the University of Pennsylvania, then to law school at Santa Clara University.

Following law school, she went to Washington, DC, where she worked with the Kennedy and Shriver families for the extraordinary non-profit, Special Olympics. At Special Olympics, she found a perfect marriage of her two passions – sports and philanthropy. It was the beginning of Joanne’s path towards a position that seems tailor-made for her interests and skills.

After working a World Winter Games for Special Olympics in Alaska, Joanne returned to the Bay Area where she secured a job with the City of Mountain View in the City Manager’s Office and the Police Department. While there, she co-founded the Mountain View Police Activities League (MVPAL), where she once again found a natural proclivity for event management, charitable outreach and using sports as a vehicle to transform perceptions and, in turn, a community. She was at the City of Mountain View in a variety of roles for over six years when, one day, she saw a job posting.

She remembers how her heart began beating with excitement as she read the position description. “Looking for the right person … The San Francisco 49ers … Community Relations.”

She couldn’t believe what she was reading. This would be her dream job and she wanted to go for it and boy, did she!

Joanne was interviewed extensively. It was a very thorough process - it was that important to them. They certainly knew that they found the right person and she certainly knew that she found the right organization! They complete each other, on and off the field. Her words: “I live this … I breathe this … and I love this job.”

Joanne told me about the 49ers and their overall commitment to charitable work. Their concept of Sports and Philanthropy was no afterthought. Leading by example, are John and Denise and Jed York and their entire family. John, Denise and Jed live and breathe philanthropy, vigorously engaging in activities and throwing considerable energy, effort and support towards the team’s charitable endeavors. John and Denise’s daughters, Jenna and Mara, are active participants in nearly every community event, sharing their zeal for transforming the lives of at-risk youth through hands on service. Their brother, Tony, is also involved and spent time with his father in New Orleans, visiting a school that had been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and taking time to get to know the students, among other activities. Daughter-in-law, Danielle (Jed’s wife), is a former school teacher and worked for years in an underserved middle school deep in the heart of one of the most challenged parts of San Francisco. From the top down, it’s the

49ers honor troops aboard the USS America

culture, the fabric, the very spirit. Their desire has always been, and will always be, to see “Philanthropic change through sports.” Indeed, they want to be not just the best in the NFL, but in all sports. In 2013, they achieved this goal and were named the national recipients of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s prestigious Steve Patterson Award for excellence in sports philanthrophy. They were also one of four finalists for the Global Beyond Sport Award for outstanding sports team.

The San Francisco 49ers Foundation was honored by the San Jose/Silicon Valley Business Journal for being No. 13 in corporate philanthropic giving in 2014. Not bad for a company that has only 250 employees. The No. 2 Company, by comparison, was Cisco, with 72,000 employees.

There are many examples of their contributions. The San Francisco 49ers Academy – a school for low income middle school youth in East Palo Alto – not only bears the name of the 49ers football team, but it is also indelibly stamped with the spirit of their storied franchise. The school focuses on the underlying socioeconomic situations that were barriers to the students’ success by collaborating with teachers, police officers and strong mentors.

Recognizing the challenges faced by youth in the economically disadvantaged community of East Palo Alto and seeing an opportunity to make a measurable difference for these youth, the 49ers Foundation has been a part of the Academy since 1996, giving grants while also providing

Coach Tomsula Greeting Football Camp for the Stars Participants - a camp for athletes with Down syndrome

49ers STEM Leadership Institute

hands on support through collaboration, 1000s of game tickets, mentorship, facility enhancement, and donations.

With an increase in obesity rates among our nation’s youth, the 49ers have incorporated the PLAY 60 youth fitness program into the Academy to increase the students’ overall health, building a $75,000 outdoor fitness zone and bringing national visibility to the school and its commitment to fitness through a partnership with Matthew McConaughey. With the 49ers involvement, test scores have skyrocketed to the highest level in the school district – on par with far wealthier ZIP codes. In 2014, the 49ers Foundation facilitated $750K in contributions to the Academy, hosted eight events and dedicated countless volunteer hours to assist the youth.

And there is so much more! Breast Cancer Awareness, helping feed the homeless, where Jed has been the Food and Fund Drive CoChairman for Second Harvest Food Bank for

LB Patrick Willis with Make-A-Wish recipient

QB Colin Kaepernick with a Make-A-Wish guest

two years. The Bayview Hunters Point YMCA near Candlestick Park is another place they love supporting. They are also strong supporters of City Year San Jose/Silicon Valley, Hedge Funds Care (eradication of child abuse), the Center for Youth Wellness, Fresh Lifeline for Youth (FLY), and the Football Camp for the Stars (a camp for athletes with Down syndrome), and many others.

The 49ers Taube/Koret Touchdowns for Kids program is another wonderful example of the giving spirit of the 49ers. For every Touchdown, Field Goal, Interception and Sack, in partnership

with the Taube Family Foundation and the Koret Foundation, the 49ers, philanthropist Tad Taube and Koret have raised $1.25 million to help support Bay Area charitable organizations.

Again, here is a collaborative commitment that helps improve the life, safety and educational opportunities for the children of the communities they serve.

The 49ers host two very popular — and philanthropically productive — fundraising events. One is the Pasta Bowl. This has become their popular annual kick-off to the new season, the night before pre-season training begins. All the players come together and literally serve their designated table of admiring fans with food and pictures and fun. All proceeds go to benefit the community. There is also the 49ers Foundation Winter Fest, held in March in Lake Tahoe. This event always sells out. It’s a fun time for all and in 2014, the 49ers Foundation brought in $2 million during the weekend to support local Bay Area charities.

That primarily is the Foundation side. There is also the Community Relations side. Each week, the players have one day off. Typically it is on Monday. On their day off, the Community Relations team organizes community events where players have an opportunity to participate in hands-on service events where they can directly impact those in need in the Bay Area.

From hosting a board game tournament for youth with serious illness at the Ronald McDonald House to building a playground in East Palo Alto, inspiring incarcerated youth to choose a different and more productive path and so very much more, for the 49ers philanthropic outreach efforts, it is always about the people and for those in need in our community. There are a good number of players who can relate to coming from hard upbringings and they pour their hearts into the events. FLY is a perfect example, where the players and students talk about issues and goals. The players inspire and make a difference for the kids they personally reach through such community visits.

Even on the road, like when they have traveled to Youngstown to train in between East Coast games, they made a huge difference visiting a local hospital, school, and community center. In October 2010 and 2013, when

dedication and passion. they traveled to London to play in the NFL “The key here is that the members of the International Series game, they had one day off. Instead of site-seeing, they arranged special 49ers family recognize that they have been blessed with a special opportunity - one that days with a hugely popular Premier League is not to be taken for granted,” Joanne said. team – Tottenham Hotspur – and together, in “The 49ers take this responsibility seriously. one of the poorer districts of London, they held That is why we do what we do. Whether it a collaborative event for 100 low-income youth is a rookie or a seasoned veteran, ownership showcasing the PLAY 60 movement and the or a 49ers alumnus, we are so very proud of importance of getting out to play, 60 minutes a day, through both football and soccer.

It was an amazing day. The 49ers were the first to host such a large scale event while playing the International Series game. The following year, another team repeated this warm, monumental gesture.

The 49ers are also very active in spreading the messaging of the NFL “Play 60” Campaign to inspire children to be active and keep healthy. Vernon Davis has been a 49ers spokesperson.

2014 49ers Foundation Contribution Announcement at Levi’s® Stadium One year, inspired by the youth’s our 49ers and their authentic commitment to commitment to the campaign, he hosted a transforming the lives of those in need.” team of 15 students from the 49ers Academy Indeed, when I visited with Joanne, there who participated in a competition to write a was definitely an energy, a spirit that touched commercial for “Play 60.” Vernon arranged for a Limo ride to a special evening held at his home everything and everyone there. It was obvious – all about helping benefit community – and with an Academy Awards Red Carpet look, plus infectiously and fantastically impactful. The Paparazzi and Oscar-like statues for the kids. A fun, memorable event for everyone for a life time! 49ers feel that community has done so much to benefit them as an organization and, as Another example of the tremendous a result, the organization in turn is happy player participation is Joe Staley who, with and proud to be able to give back to the a librarian for a mother, loves reading to community - as it has and will continue to in elementary students and was honored with perpetuity. If there were a Super Bowl Trophy a national accolade for helping build literacy among youth. It does make a difference. And given to the organization based on what they do off the field, as well, no doubt the San the list of what all the 49ers do, individually, Francisco 49ers would be winners of that one as a Team and as an organization is a very each and every year. long one. All without fanfare, but with total

Famous People from San Francisco When discussing famous people from San Francisco, probably the first person who comes to mind is Anthony Dominick Benedetto, or Tony Bennett as he is better known, who allegedly ‘left his heart in San Francisco’, in 1962, when he sang that most famous tune. The 86 year-old singer, who has won 17 Grammy Awards and sold over 50 million records worldwide, is still immensely popular and active in the entertainment industry … and his great song is often heard, and thoroughly enjoyed with Giants victories, at AT&T Ballpark.

If your taste runs more to the silver screen, the multitalented actor, producer, director, and former Mayor of Carmel, California, Clint Eastwood, was born in San Francisco back in 1930. Though Eastwood starred in some popular ‘spaghetti westerns’, he is probably best known for his portrayal of ‘Dirty Harry’ Callahan, a role which gave him not only worldwide fame, but a warm place in the hearts of the entire police sub-culture. In 1996 and 2004, Clint Eastwood took Academy Awards for both Best Director and Best Picture for his films “Unforgiven” and “Million Dollar Baby”, respectively.

And, of course, there is U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who was born in San Francisco in 1933.

She graduated from Stanford - after winning her election for Student Body Vice-President – which helped inspire her storied road of dedication to Public Service that was to come. She became the first woman President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and then became the first woman Mayor of San Francisco. In 1992, she and Barbara Boxer both won their elections and became the first women U.S. Senators in California. Since then, Senator Feinstein has been re-elected four times. This last election, in 2012, she received more popular votes than anyone in U.S. Senatorial Election history – with 7.75 million votes.

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Daniel Lurie:

A Man Who’s Wearing Two Hats & Making a Super Difference for Our Greater Community

Daniel in New Orleans for the Super Bowl.

I

sat down recently with Daniel Lurie, the CEO of Tipping Point Community. Before our meeting, I read and learned everything I could about him. Such a great story. I knew that there would be so much, and all of it fascinating.

Where to begin? … Where to end? … There is no end … thoughts I had and said out loud.

To which, Daniel simply smiled and said (right on cue): “It’s only just the beginning!”

That’s it. That’s the story! All of this is just the beginning. Great leadership and, as a result, a lot to be excited about and also very proud of.

A community effort based on such inspiration and talent.

What Daniel Lurie has done and is doing, is of epic proportions and, yet, humbly, not at all for fanfare or limelight. Daniel Lurie is

only 36 years old. He has done so much, and in such a short amount of time, is making a huge difference for our community - that is immeasurable, already legendary, and “just getting started”.

Daniel Lurie was born in San Francisco, the son of Rabbi Brian Lurie and the step-son of Peter Haas. Daniel grew up knowing very well the meaning of philanthropy and making a difference in people’s lives. He attended Town School for Boys and then University High School in San Francisco before attending Duke

University. Upon graduating, Daniel was set on a course of wanting to make a difference. He found himself working for Bill Bradley, who at the time, was campaigning for President.

From there, Daniel moved to New York City and from 2001 to 2003, his job there would undeniably impact his career, his life and his community – back East and then out West.

Daniel worked for the Robin Hood Foundation, considered THE MODEL for philanthropic community good will. The Board members are successful people, who want to help fight poverty and homelessness. Their support alone keeps the organization 100% self-sustained.

Everything raised goes directly to help non-profit agencies. The Robin Hood Foundation was just featured again on 60 Minutes. Last year’s Benefit brought in $57 million. That’s great! … and, yet, the announcement was made that this year’s Benefit surpassed that ... it brought in an extraordinary $81 million!

Daniel loved this concept and wanted to bring it home - to the San Francisco Bay Area.

He was advised that it wouldn’t work, that New York has much more wealth, and that it would lack for financial support here. Daniel was determined to take the challenge. He enrolled 2003-2005 to get his MPP at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley – his thesis was to develop the Business Plan for a Robin Hood model – West Coast version. Thus, Tipping Point Community was born.

Daniel was 27/28 years old when he started Tipping Point Community. The four people who were instrumental in the starting of this venture with him, who became the first Board Members, are Ronnie Lott, Katie Schwab Paige and Chris James. Since then, in just a few short years, Tipping Point has raised more than $65 million for local non-profits to help fight poverty and homelessness. And, true, it’s only just the beginning!

It should come as no surprise that Daniel and Jed York, the 32-year old CEO of the San Francisco 49ers met and have become best of friends. Daniel and Jed are similar: both are extremely bright, both have great business acumen, and both have great hearts. They are products of a wonderful upbringing and share a deep personal commitment to philanthropy and community. If you are looking for a positive

With Leadership Council member Hosain Rahman

With Preston Smith, CEO of Rocketship Education

With 2012 Tipping Point honorees Jay Banfield and Markita Mays

With Tipping Point board member Tony Bates

story – both positive role models and positive with what he was being asked to do. Then again, it directions - it doesn’t get any better than this. was the Mayor asking, and Daniel said he felt that No coincidence, then, that Jed is on Daniel’s there was only one right answer). And what was board of directors at Tipping Point Community, to become one big joint effort began immediately. where he is one of a number of great people From the start, it was a lot of diligent hard work working to make great things happen for the – almost a year, in fact - before the actual, allbetterment of our community. important pitch would be made.

Such meaning - Here in the Bay Area, we I asked Daniel what the step-by-step process look around today and we see a lot of affluence. was – it was both interesting and fascinating.

Yet, there is plenty otherwise that should be a So much was riding on the outcome. Daniel’s cause for great concern. Despite all the success, thought was that in representing the San poverty and homeless has never been higher.

Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley, it should More than 1.3 million people living here in portray the very best of what our region has the Bay Area are too poor to meet their basic to offer. Initially, the fear was that there would needs. Two-thirds of lowincome minority students drop out of high school in some of our Bay Area neighborhoods. What does that mean for these youth, their families and also our community?

Tipping Point is set up to help in four distinct areas: education, housing, employment and family wellness. Its leadership and assistance in helping local non-profits is making a big difference. What is very exciting and encouraging is that we are seeing great support from community leaders and companies coming forward, Tipping Point staff at the 2012 Tipping Point Awards Breakfast stepping up and generating assistance, making a big difference in many of these very areas, where they can. And with be competition and discord among the various this leadership, this wonderful team effort, this cities; instead, the very opposite happened. support thankfully keeps growing.

Never before has our community come together A little more than two years ago, Daniel got as it has with this joint effort. The various cities, a phone call from San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and companies, and leaders – everyone - all and his Chief of Staff. It turns out that Jed York came together and contributed as a team, like had spoken with the Mayor and specifically never before. It was amazing and refreshing recommended to the Mayor that Daniel lead - and the presentation itself was an awesome, the effort and be the Chairman of what would Dream Team experience. become the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl Steve Young said it best: “The Greater L Bid Committee.

Bay Area has it all: the wonderful hotels and Daniel had only one response and it was: “Yes!” restaurants and weather – we just didn’t have (He said, at first he felt humbled and overwhelmed the stadium. Now, with a $1.2 billion state-of-

the-art stadium, it is what the NFL was hoping for. Super Bowl L, the 50th Anniversary, the San Francisco Bay Area … it was the desire of everyone that this be by far the best ever!”

The presentation? It was amazing. Imagine you’re the owner of your NFL team and the proposal comes to you, by FedEx. What is this? You open it up and it’s not pages and pages to read; instead, it’s a beautiful white box. You open it up, and it’s a … it’s an iPad? Yes, Apple (Laurene Powell Jobs herself being on the committee), donated the iPads! It turns on and opens up with a beautiful multi-media presentation – with a gorgeous Levi’s Stadium rendition … and a magnificent travel show that is the Bay Area … narrated by none other than Eric Schmidt of Google. It was indeed impressive.

Then, two weeks later, came the actual inperson presentation. Fifteen minutes in front of the 32 team owners and their three assistants each. There were nearly 125-150 people in all to hear the presentation. Everything was riding on these 15 minutes. The other two teams making presentations were Miami and Houston.

It was held in a Boston Hotel Ballroom. Daniel led the four member team representing the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Miami was up first, then the San Francisco Bay Area, followed by Houston. When it was our turn, it was just us doing the talking. ‘You now have 15 minutes. You’re on the clock’. There was the pressure, yes, and, yet, we felt like we were well-prepared. It was a great Team effort getting us ready for this moment.”

When Daniel made the presentation, the room was totally still. When the presentation was over; any questions? None. No one said a thing. That was it.

They were taken back to their ”hotel war room” and instructed to wait. Fifteen minutes went by, and then they would hear, like the rest of the country did, on ESPN. There he was, Commissioner Roger Goodell from the same Hotel Ballroom: “We heard: Super Bowl L … and Congratulations to the San Francisco Bay Area!”

It felt like they had just won the Super Bowl! In essence, they just did!

What does this all mean? This is by far the biggest event and revenue generator here ever – nothing else comes close. The Super Bowl

two-week period of activities will be something for everyone – and all encompassing, affecting much of the greater Bay Area. In revenue alone, it could easily mean hundreds of millions of dollars generated into the local economy.

The goal is to have this be the most favorable experience imaginable and, if so, it could be placed in a rotation to be here every few years.

And why not? Who would not love coming here – for this? The Super Bowl – the ultimate party!

Daniel’s face especially lit up when we talked about “philanthropy” being attached to this. As never before, this time 25% of the revenue will be designated to local non-profits to help fight local poverty. Already $30 million in revenue has been brought in, so that’s $7.5 million already designated to local charities. Before it was on average $2 million each year total. Indianapolis then raised $10 million to fight cancer. This time, our Super Bowl L Committee’ desire is a significant difference in revenue, generosity, and helping our Community … setting what everyone hopes will be a new precedent.

There is a lot of work being done, in the areas such as security and transportation, and the good news is they are continually working on these things and have a good two years more to get ready.

Indeed, Daniel Lurie is wearing two hats, one as the CEO of Tipping Point Community and the other as Chairman of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl L Committee. I called Jed York’s article: “Meet Jed York - Born To Make Good Things Happen”. I can say the same about Daniel Lurie. Both men are certainly making good things happen here for our San Francisco Bay Area.

Daniel has been and is unifying people like we have never seen before. People active in areas such as philanthropy and sports are coming together and it’s refreshing and exciting – and certainly making a difference.

How much difference can one person make?

It is plentiful and we are all very grateful for Daniel Lurie and Tipping Point Community and now also Super Bowl L. Plus, everyone who has been and is part of these teams – it is all a job so very well done. Think of it, especially when advised “it would never work here.” I am so glad Daniel didn’t listen – and has instead responded with such great leadership and vision. And, the real good news – it’s only just the beginning!

A panoramic image of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake.

History of San Francisco F

ounded in 1776, the Northern California City of San Francisco (Saint Francis in Spanish) is one of the most-visited tourist destinations world-wide, known for its picturesque rolling hills and unique landmarks and architecture. Renowned for its eclectic blend of liberal social culture and lifestyles, San Francisco is also at the forefront of environmental conservation, as well as being a banking and finance hub.

The first known settlers were the Yelamus of the Native-American Ohlone tribe. Spanish explorers arrived in 1769, and in 1821, the region came under Mexican rule. Because of its position as the major shipping port on the Pacific Coast, immigrants from the world over flocked there, especially during the 1849 Gold Rush. Today, San Francisco is a virtual melting pot, with Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, African, Native American and Pacific Islanders making up the primary demographic.

Two iconic structures that were completed during the 1930s, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, are among the Bay Area’s most recognizable landmarks, annually attracting millions of visitors. Another major attraction is the island of Alcatraz, situated 1.5 miles off the city’s coastline in the San Francisco Bay. Called “The Rock,” Alcatraz served as a federal prison from 1933-1963, housing such notorious hoodlums as Al Capone, “Machine Gun” Kelly and many other infamous outlaws.

Other famous and familiar Bay Area landmarks

include Market Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Twin Peaks Tunnel, Telegraph Hill and the Mission District - and now also the AT&T Ballpark and SOMA. The oldest Chinatown in the North America is in San Francisco, and the ubiquitous cable cars do a brisk business transporting both commuters and tourists throughout the city.

San Francisco was nearly devastated by the Earthquake of 1906 which destroyed an estimated 75% of the city. The majority of the surviving buildings are largely in the Mission District, which

San Francisco in 1945.

was an early center of immigrant housing and churches. The Jackson Square district in downtown is believed to be the only area that survived virtually intact from the earthquake.

In recent years, the Bay Area has become known as one of the centers of the exploding hightech industry, with many startup companies from nearby Silicon Valley headquartered in both San Francisco and Oakland.

Love matters.

At GLIDE, we express our love by actively working to break the cycles of poverty and marginalization in our community. We feed the hungry, house the homeless, train the jobless, and are deeply committed to creating social justice for all. But our work depends on your generosity. Please, show your love by donating what you can at glide.org.

Thank you.

Please donate at glide.org Follow glidesf

Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani at the GLIDE Annual Holiday Jam, 2010 Photos: Alain McLaughlin

Janice Mirikitani, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi with Reverend Cecil Williams at his 85th Birthday Celebration in Sept. 2014.

Janice Mirikitani & Cecil Williams at GLIDE in the 1960s

REV. CECIL WILLIAMS THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS … AND SERVICE …

A CHERISHED “WAY” ABOUT LIFE AND LIVING LIFE

M

ost of us are very familiar with and love the real-life-story-made-movie, The Pursuit of Happyness. It is one of many examples, coming out of GLIDE Memorial Church that was and is very real, that touches our hearts. It also brings us all together with this extraordinary life purpose, The Pursuit of Service … which, for more than 50 years, has always included Love, Justice, Acceptance and Community.

For more than a half century, GLIDE Memorial Church and the entire San Francisco Community has greatly benefited under the illustrious leadership of its pastor, Cecil Williams, and also his wife, GLIDE’s founding president, Janice Mirikitani.

It brings us together with a very special love and marriage between Reverend Williams and his wife, Janice. He was “a black Texas minister with a solid upbringing” and she was “a Japanese American agnostic, graduate of UCLA and Berkeley and Poet Laureate to-be.” The common thread would be the Unconditional Love.

For all these years, it is Unconditional Love that wove them together and also this Methodist Church in San Francisco, known as GLIDE. It is Unconditional Love that transformed GLIDE from what had been “staid and empty”, at the time when they arrived and met in the early 1960s, to what quickly became “always a growing center of hope for the downtrodden and uplifter of the recovering.”

Ever since the early 1960s and the days of Martin Luther King, to the present, Reverend Cecil has been recognized as “a national leader on the forefront of change in the struggle for civil and human rights”. Janice became early on the founding president of the GLIDE Foundation, and together they have continually led the way for this vibrant 11,000-member strong congregation. This includes

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream march in San Francisco, early 70s

all ages, backgrounds, races, genders, ethnicities, social and economic rank, sexual preferences and religions. It didn’t matter. Everyone is welcome.

The common thread again has always been this very special theme, that of Unconditional Love.

Under the leadership of Reverend Cecil and Janice, GLIDE has long been the greatest provider of social services that San Francisco has seen. It serves nearly 3,000 meals a day and 850,000 meals a year.

GLIDE has also long been a loyal provider of Aids/ HIV screenings … and provider of adult education classes and programs for advancement … and

“Cecil and Janice took a dying church and turned it into one of the most important social institutions that I’ve seen in this country.” – Warren Buffett

provider of assistance to women challenged with homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health issues.

In 2000, at the age of 70, Reverend Cecil was forced to “retire” as Pastor, as this was the mandatory age of retirement for pastors employed by the United Methodist Church.

It was because of this, and the wish of the congregation and the affiliate non-profit GLIDE Foundation, that a new position was created for Reverend Cecil … namely, Minister of Liberation. In this official capacity, he has been able to continue his work in serving the community and the church.

Today, Reverend Cecil is 85 years old. He still is committed as ever to Unconditional Love and this Pursuit of Service. No one has done more to help Robert Friend, Tad Taube and Janice Mirikitani with the people physically, mentally and spiritually, as he Reverend Cecil Williams at his 85th Birthday Celebrahas these past 50-plus years. tion in Sept. 2014.

In August, 2013, the intersection of Ellis and Taylor Streets in front of GLIDE was officially prepared him for what would become … and, proclaimed “Reverend Cecil Williams Way” in thankfully, continues to be … of epic proportions. honor of him. Indeed, he has come a long way to Remember, Martin Luther King and Nelson achieve this. Here, then, from him, is more about Mandela and the Civil Rights Movement and unrest his continuing remarkable story of service … and the everywhere throughout the 1960s … “defiant” (was “Reverend Cecil Williams Way.” a label) … and how very difficult these times were.

Reverend Cecil was born September 22, 1929 in San Francisco was the capital of sorts, a haven, for San Angelo, Texas. He was one of six children going all those trying to find themselves … rock & roll … into the Great Depression and then World War II. His sexual revolution … drugs … political free-speech family was close; they would eat at the table together … freedom … hippies … Haight-Ashbury … ethnic as a family and talk. It may have been tough times, diversity … gays and lesbians (homosexuality). Prewhich it was, yet this fed them all courage and faith. AIDS. It was and would be a challenging time for He received his BA Degree in Sociology from many.

Huston-Tillotson University in 1952 and then fulfilled More than a Church … but a community. GLIDE his dream, when he became one of the first five Memorial Church became a symbol, a foundation African-American graduates of the Perkins School of for life, and it grew. It became what was needed Theology at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, for a very troubled time and population. Since his in 1955. arrival in 1963, Reverend Cecil had been considered In 1963, at the young age of 33, he was assigned “controversial and radical”, in thought, in belief and to become the Pastor of GLIDE Memorial Church in action. here in San Francisco. Imagine what San Francisco “Radical, deviant” … you heard these words was like back then. It was unlike any place in … there was nothing normal or standard about the country … or the world. John Kennedy was this church. It was (and is) one of a kind, for these President and, August, 1963, was the Martin Luther past 50-plus years, a special spiritual haven. GLIDE King “I Have A Dream” speech.

Memorial became one of the fastest growing How would he be accepted? Would he be churches in the country. It was fully inclusive … accepted? This was the 60s … and no one was rich and poor, black and white, people from all familiar with this. What he brought was not walks of life, sitting together, seeking “something” considered ordinary, standard or acceptable. As … something special that GLIDE Memorial offered radical as it sounded - and it was - his childhood every day. upbringing, and then his formidable college years, Every Sunday, people came from near and

far … to hear the words and sing the songs of transformation … standing up for all people …

Reverend Cecil brought faith and hope to many when and where there was little or none to be found outside.

Important to Reverend Cecil was (and is) that GLIDE Memorial Church would always be “far more than a Church”. In fact, it became, as he calls it, an oasis. “We talked about God and it became this oasis. We turned it upside down for many … People were seeking a place and people, wanting to be able to relate. They were relating to us and we were relating to them,” he would say.

Reverend Cecil added, “My goal then was to make sure the Church was alive, always moving, always in motion. And we grew because of that.

Everyone would be welcome here.”

The congregation regularly heard diverse guest speakers, the likes of Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, the Black Panthers and Billy Graham, they all spoke there. And, yes, today, great speakers still come and speak to the congregation, some fifty-plus years later.

Such inspiration. By definition, Inspiration means “breathing life into” which, at GLIDE Memorial, it has done for many … and continues to.

In 1967, Reverend Cecil had the cross taken down from the Church Sanctuary. He had said that the cross represented death … and that the congregation should be celebrating life and the living. He would say, “We must all be the cross”.

Reverend Cecil has published No Hiding Place: Empowerment and Recovery for Our Troubled Communities and I’m Alive, An Autobiography.

Janice has published Out of the Dust: New and Selected Poems; Love Works (San Francisco Poet Laureate Series, where Janice became San Francisco’s second Poet Laureate); We, the Dangerous: New and Selected Poems; Shedding Silence: Poetry and Prose; Awake in the River: Poetry and Prose.

Janice arrived in 1964 and served as Reverend Cecil’s Executive Assistant. More than that, she also became his inspiration and shining light. They married in 1982. In 2013, having been married for 31 years, Reverend Cecil and Janice published together a special book, Beyond the Possible – 50 Years of Creating Radical Change at a Community Called Glide. It is exemplary and powerful in all the messages it shares.

Beyond the Possible is about coming to the oasis

… about a radical way in making things work. How people can come together and make the impossible possible … to work together in overcoming the powers that keep us down …

Speaking of which, it’s hard to imagine that the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, came to be in 2006, nearly 10 years ago. This had been the making and great success of the based-on-fact movie about Christopher Gardner and his son, Christopher.

Reverend Cecil played himself in the movie, and Will Smith and Will’s real-life son, Jaden, played the two Christopher’s, respectively. What Reverend Cecil portrayed had been real. This was … and is … real life. Every day … for many … for 50-plus years real.

This real life story took place in the latter 1970’s.

The close relationship they had back then was very special. It remains very special to this day.

Christopher will visit and spend hours at a time with Reverend Cecil; and over the years he has helped many people and continues to.

Reverend Cecil, if you could have your “Fantasy Dinner” and could invite anyone (living or not), who would you like to invite, what would you like to ask them and what would you like to talk about?

Reverend Cecil responded, “Janice, for sure, would be #1. I wouldn’t want to do anything without her.” He also added, “Indeed, Maya Angelou. And, yes, Oprah, too. That would be great. She knows how I feel about her … She is one of the most special people in my life; she is one of the most powerful women in the world. And, of course, Christopher, too. I would love for Christopher to be there, as well … plus someone who had been near and dear to me and GLIDE for many years, Leonard Bernstein.”

People always like to refer to Mother Teresa as having done so much in her lifetime, and she did.

We also have our own right here. When you talk about making a big positive difference in the lives of so many, each day, and every day, for 50-plus years … it is indeed very significant and extraordinary.

It’s as if Thanksgiving Day is every day. It’s the Unconditional Love. For all this, everyone is so grateful. The dedication in Beyond the Possible is perhaps a great place to begin and end, “To the people of the beloved community at GLIDE – you demonstrate what it is to go beyond the possible every day.” Indeed, such is the dedication … the Service and the Love … that’s behind “The Reverend Cecil Williams Way.”

GRATITUDE:

A POWERFUL ANTIDOTE TO ENTITLEMENT

By Carole Pertofsky, M.Ed. Director, Wellness and Health Promotion Services at Stanford University I was meeting up with friends in the latest hot restaurant in Palo Alto. As I walked towards my group, a very cool looking guy wearing a classy expensive black T-shirt leaned back in his chair and almost crashed into me as I squeezed between tables. He glared at me. And there, nestled just below his sculpted pecks, was the message, in bold Elephant Font: “You don’t get my respect. You have to earn it.”

There may be many interpretations. What might you think? Would you be attracted to his swagger? Turned off by the implied entitlement? Be curious about how this attitude plays out in his life? Wonder how this message impacts those around him?

I don’t know what goes through this guy’s mind when he awakens at 3 in the morning. But I know too many people of all ages who brand themselves with some display of entitlement, even arrogance. The attitude is fueled by media that offers top billing to those who display their entitlement and arrogance as strengths of character, even virtues. What is the impact on you, me, our kids looking for successful role models?

The truth is that on the surface, these people appear to be dominant, accomplished, on top of things. But trust me, it’s an illusion. Because deep down, they often experience isolation, emptiness and frustration. “Superiority” masks vulnerability. Recent studies indicate that this loss of empathy and connection to self and others is a growing concern among all ages.

Is there a way out of this trend towards displaying arrogance or entitlement as valor?

Consider the power of gratitude as an antidote to this deep well of discontent.

Gratitude isn’t just a soft filmy blur of appreciation. It takes gumption and courage to live with gratitude in a culture that rewards snarky digs and hostile irony. It takes grit to choose to live with thankfulness for what we have, rather than focusing on endless lists of what is missing. Gratefulness is a gold standard of deep happiness, positive emotion and good health.

Dr. Robert Emmons, UC Davis, leading researcher and author of “Thanks”, reminds us, “Gratitude can be as easy as a beautiful sunset, an exquisite bite of chocolate, a child, or the brilliance of autumn leaves. No matter what shape

or form gratitude takes, it fills us with a warmth and a reminder that life is good; this moment is special. Gratitude provides lessons to make us stronger. It is more than appreciation- it is a gift.”

Research suggests why the experience of gratitude is transformative and offers tremendous health benefits.

Thankfulness awakens our brain’s pleasure centers, and our bodies produce bio-chemicals that activate a strong and powerful sense of our potential, well-being and connection. Our bodies respond with vitality and a stronger immune system. We may be inspired to serve others, to contribute to the greater good.

Power up your gratitude muscle with a few simple actions.

Do these with your family. Do these with your friends.

Do them alone. Mix it up. If you practice just three times a week, you’ll begin noticing a stronger sense of ease, fun, and lightness. Best of all, these practices will spark new connections among your friends and family in fun heart-warming ways.

- Gratitext: Everyone takes out their cell phone or notepad. Each person imagines a particular person to whom you are grateful, maybe someone who helped you get where you are today. Send them a “gratitext” or a note, expressing your thoughts and feelings of gratitude to them for adding some benefit- or sparkle- to your life.

Notice the good feelings that arise when you send this note- and how you feel when they respond.

- Reach Out: Notice the many people who earn minimum wage performing a service that adds value to your day. Reach out, and thank them. Experience the gentle exchange of appreciation.

- 3 Good Things:. Begin a “gratitude” journal and several times a week, write down 3 good things that happened. Even if you aren’t feeling particularly grateful, no problem. Just take a deep breath, and give thanks for the simple things. Hot and cold running water. A daily meal.

The people who contribute to your comfort, whether or not you personally know them. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to entitlement, indifference, the “blahs”, and discontentment.

- -

- Just Like Me. Find a good place to “people watch”. Relax and just be aware of others, take a deep breath and bring to mind the following thought: “Just like me this person has faced struggles, suffering and disappointments, and just like me, this person wants to be content and happy.” Observe what gets stirred up in you or how this guided attention changes your emotional state.

Do you feel more empathy or perhaps appreciation for our shared humanity? Share your experience with each other.

- Soak in this awesome 5 minute video with your family and friends: Just watch and notice your thoughts and feelings. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj2ofrX7jAk - Gratitude. Simple. Powerful. Transformative. It is an act of courage to express your thankfulness. Do stuff that opens your heart. Tell your friends and family how they contribute to your life. When you savor and appreciate the goodness in your life, the little things and the million dollar moments, no one will ever need to earn your respect. Gratitude itself is an act of deepest respect, freely given, for life itself.

GRATITUDE:

A POWERFUL ANTIDOTE TO ENTITLEMENT

By Carole Pertofsky, M.Ed. Director, Wellness and Health Promotion Services at Stanford University I was meeting up with friends in the latest hot restaurant in Palo Alto. As I walked towards my group, a very cool looking guy wearing a classy expensive black T-shirt leaned back in his chair and almost crashed into me as I squeezed between tables. He glared at me. And there, nestled just below his sculpted pecks, was the message, in bold Elephant Font: “You don’t get my respect. You have to earn it.”

There may be many interpretations. What might you think? Would you be attracted to his swagger? Turned off by the implied entitlement? Be curious about how this attitude plays out in his life? Wonder how this message impacts those around him?

I don’t know what goes through this guy’s mind when he awakens at 3 in the morning. But I know too many people of all ages who brand themselves with some display of entitlement, even arrogance. The attitude is fueled by media that offers top billing to those who display their entitlement and arrogance as strengths of character, even virtues. What is the impact on you, me, our kids looking for successful role models?

The truth is that on the surface, these people appear to be dominant, accomplished, on top of things. But trust me, it’s an illusion. Because deep down, they often experience isolation, emptiness and frustration. “Superiority” masks vulnerability. Recent studies indicate that this loss of empathy and connection to self and others is a growing concern among all ages.

Is there a way out of this trend towards displaying arrogance or entitlement as valor?

Consider the power of gratitude as an antidote to this deep well of discontent.

Gratitude isn’t just a soft filmy blur of appreciation. It takes gumption and courage to live with gratitude in a culture that rewards snarky digs and hostile irony. It takes grit to choose to live with thankfulness for what we have, rather than focusing on endless lists of what is missing. Gratefulness is a gold standard of deep happiness, positive emotion and good health.

Dr. Robert Emmons, UC Davis, leading researcher and author of “Thanks”, reminds us, “Gratitude can be as easy as a beautiful sunset, an exquisite bite of chocolate, a child, or the brilliance of autumn leaves. No matter what shape

or form gratitude takes, it fills us with a warmth and a reminder that life is good; this moment is special. Gratitude provides lessons to make us stronger. It is more than appreciation- it is a gift.”

Research suggests why the experience of gratitude is transformative and offers tremendous health benefits.

Thankfulness awakens our brain’s pleasure centers, and our bodies produce bio-chemicals that activate a strong and powerful sense of our potential, well-being and connection. Our bodies respond with vitality and a stronger immune system. We may be inspired to serve others, to contribute to the greater good.

Power up your gratitude muscle with a few simple actions.

Do these with your family. Do these with your friends.

Do them alone. Mix it up. If you practice just three times a week, you’ll begin noticing a stronger sense of ease, fun, and lightness. Best of all, these practices will spark new connections among your friends and family in fun heart-warming ways.

- Gratitext: Everyone takes out their cell phone or notepad. Each person imagines a particular person to whom you are grateful, maybe someone who helped you get where you are today. Send them a “gratitext” or a note, expressing your thoughts and feelings of gratitude to them for adding some benefit- or sparkle- to your life.

Notice the good feelings that arise when you send this note- and how you feel when they respond.

- Reach Out: Notice the many people who earn minimum wage performing a service that adds value to your day. Reach out, and thank them. Experience the gentle exchange of appreciation.

- 3 Good Things:. Begin a “gratitude” journal and several times a week, write down 3 good things that happened. Even if you aren’t feeling particularly grateful, no problem. Just take a deep breath, and give thanks for the simple things. Hot and cold running water. A daily meal.

The people who contribute to your comfort, whether or not you personally know them. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to entitlement, indifference, the “blahs”, and discontentment.

- -

- Just Like Me. Find a good place to “people watch”. Relax and just be aware of others, take a deep breath and bring to mind the following thought: “Just like me this person has faced struggles, suffering and disappointments, and just like me, this person wants to be content and happy.” Observe what gets stirred up in you or how this guided attention changes your emotional state.

Do you feel more empathy or perhaps appreciation for our shared humanity? Share your experience with each other.

- Soak in this awesome 5 minute video with your family and friends: Just watch and notice your thoughts and feelings. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj2ofrX7jAk - Gratitude. Simple. Powerful. Transformative. It is an act of courage to express your thankfulness. Do stuff that opens your heart. Tell your friends and family how they contribute to your life. When you savor and appreciate the goodness in your life, the little things and the million dollar moments, no one will ever need to earn your respect. Gratitude itself is an act of deepest respect, freely given, for life itself.

The

Beautiful Wedding

By Julie Hart Conde

M

y passion is bringing peace, joy and beauty into people’s lives. I especially enjoy doing this for brides and grooms, who often find it overwhelming when planning their wedding.

If the multitude of details involved in planning your wedding is starting to get you stressed, below are 8 ways to keep you at peace as you plan one of the most important days in your life.

1. Breathe: When things start to get overwhelming, breathe deep, take a look at your options and focus on the most pressing one.

2. Focus: Keep a notebook near you or use your notebook app to jot down the myriad of thoughts that distract you from the task at hand. This will help you to focus and give you reassurance that you won’t be forgetting something important.

3. Hit List: While the long list of details can be overwhelming, the key is to break your list down into smaller bites.

Find a wedding timeline online and use that to break down your list into separate monthly plans. Then focus on just one month at a time.

4. Stress Reducer: If you find yourself getting stressed, talk with a friend or call your wedding planner. It’s great to get a different perspective and encouragement from those who love you and those who have the expertise.

Similar to the point above, keep focused on the positive and the possibilities. Look to your future and keep people around you who want your true happiness.

6. Vendors: When considering working with any vendor, read their contract thoroughly. Make note of the specifics and ask questions if anything isn’t clear. If something doesn’t fit in with what you originally had in mind, decide now if it is a deal breaker or if you are willing to compromise.

7. Possibilities: You don’t have to do a wedding a specific way, anything is possible. This day should be all about the two of you coming together and your guests should leave feeling like they saw who you are and what you like.

8. Wedding Style: Pinterest is a great tool that can help define your style. Once you have pinned a set of pictures that you love of the various elements of your wedding, look for common themes among your selections. Next, pick 3 to 5 words that describe your style. Moving forward, if you have a question about whether something is right for your wedding, you can go back to these words and decide if it fits in.

Remember, at the end of the day you will be married to the one that you love and the one who loves you: deeply, completely and unconditionally. No matter what elements you put into your day … take joy in this and savor the moments that bring you the most joy during the planning process.

Julie Hart Conde, Wedding and Event Planner, is the owner of Celebrations by Heart. www.celebrationsbyheart.com 5. Positivity: Surround yourself with positive people.

TEAM STORE VISIT OUR OFFICIAL TEAM STORE LOCATIONS SAN JOSE

Westfield Valley Fair

SAN FRANCISCO Westfield SF Centre

PALO ALTO

Town & Country Village

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

From Theatre To Zoos To Beaches

By Rich Borell CEO & Founder Bay Area Mags

well as an impressive collection of

One of our favorite stops for drinks

fine wines and craft beers. Seasonal

is Dicks Last Resort. The food there

cocktails curated by Chef de Bar Cory

is reasonably priced with above av-

Alberto are each hand crafted with

erage portions. We all know there’s al-

meticulous attention to taste and pre-

ways a reason to party at Dicks!

sentation.

Of course San Diego has some beautiful Hello Everyone,

Gaslamp Quarter:

beaches likes Coronado, La Jolla and Mission Bay.

Recently my wife and I took a long weekend trip to San Di-

Built by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. in honor of his father, the 18th

When it comes to dining, shopping and

ego, because a road trip sounded fun.

President of the United States, THE US GRANT bears distinc-

some fun, a visit to the Gaslamp Quarter Some of the sites I suggest include:

tion as a treasured National Landmark captivating world Some of the city’s most popular attractions are the muse-

travelers and hosting the city’s premier events since 1910.

• San Diego Zoo: I’d suggest a couple of days Locat-

ums, gardens, and Spanish colonial style architecture found

The hotel’s rich history includes operating a Speakeasy

ed in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest

in Balboa Park, the world famous

during Prohibition to welcoming

and most famous zoos in the United States.

San Diego Zoo, and the Midway

14 U.S. Presidents, including a fire-

• SeaWorld: located along the waterfront in Mission Bay …

Aircraft Carrier Museum. For a little

side chat by President Franklin Del-

among the highlights are the myriad of shows featuring kill-

history and shopping, visitors can

ano Roosevelt.

er whales, sea lions, dolphins, and other sea life.

• Balboa Park: A great fun place for the family. Balboa Park

stroll the streets of Old Town San

is over a 1400 acre site with historical buildings, numerous

Diego State Historic Park or wander

I love that the modern updates

through the Gaslamp Quarter. San

were appropriate for the time peri-

is a must. The Gaslamp Quarter is a district made up of 16

museums, gardens, and green space.

Diego also has more than 68 miles

od of the hotel.

blocks in a historical neighborhood. If it’s night life you’re

• USS Midway Museum: The museum is an actual Aircraft

looking for … look no further. The district is loaded with

Carrier that includes over 60 exhibits and 25 restored air-

Named one of the “Best Hotel Bars”

night life venues, festivals, including Mardi Gras and at the

craft.

We decided to stay at the US Grant a Luxury Collection Ho-

in the Nation by Food & Wine, The Grant Grill Lounge offers

end of the block you will find Petco Park home of the San

San Diego, a perfect blend of attractions, tourism, awesome

tel. When you stay at the US Grant you will feel like you’re

a unique Gaslamp Quarter experience, equally tantalizing

Diego Padres.

restaurants, blue skies and lots of fun for any age!

staying at the Four Seasons. A National icon since 1910, is

for late-night revelry or mid-day happy hour. With Mixolo-

situated in the city’s lively and historic downtown Gaslamp

gist, Sommelier and Cicerone Jeff Jesenhans at the helm of

The area is loaded with great restaurants like the Bandar

Quarter, just steps from top shopping, dining, and enter-

the beverage offerings, signature drinks include US GRANT

Restaurant and elegant Persian Restaurant, Rei Do Gado a

tainment, and a short drive from the destination’s world-re-

exclusives like the 100 Day Barrel Aged Centennial Manhat-

Brazilian Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant that features

nowned beaches, museums and family attractions.

tan and Silver Medal award-winning Genepi Americana, as

a gluten free menu.

of beaches in and around the city.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

From Theatre To Zoos To Beaches

By Rich Borell CEO & Founder Bay Area Mags

well as an impressive collection of

One of our favorite stops for drinks

fine wines and craft beers. Seasonal

is Dicks Last Resort. The food there

cocktails curated by Chef de Bar Cory

is reasonably priced with above av-

Alberto are each hand crafted with

erage portions. We all know there’s al-

meticulous attention to taste and pre-

ways a reason to party at Dicks!

sentation.

Of course San Diego has some beautiful Hello Everyone,

Gaslamp Quarter:

beaches likes Coronado, La Jolla and Mission Bay.

Recently my wife and I took a long weekend trip to San Di-

Built by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. in honor of his father, the 18th

When it comes to dining, shopping and

ego, because a road trip sounded fun.

President of the United States, THE US GRANT bears distinc-

some fun, a visit to the Gaslamp Quarter Some of the sites I suggest include:

tion as a treasured National Landmark captivating world Some of the city’s most popular attractions are the muse-

travelers and hosting the city’s premier events since 1910.

• San Diego Zoo: I’d suggest a couple of days Locat-

ums, gardens, and Spanish colonial style architecture found

The hotel’s rich history includes operating a Speakeasy

ed in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest

in Balboa Park, the world famous

during Prohibition to welcoming

and most famous zoos in the United States.

San Diego Zoo, and the Midway

14 U.S. Presidents, including a fire-

• SeaWorld: located along the waterfront in Mission Bay …

Aircraft Carrier Museum. For a little

side chat by President Franklin Del-

among the highlights are the myriad of shows featuring kill-

history and shopping, visitors can

ano Roosevelt.

er whales, sea lions, dolphins, and other sea life.

• Balboa Park: A great fun place for the family. Balboa Park

stroll the streets of Old Town San

is over a 1400 acre site with historical buildings, numerous

Diego State Historic Park or wander

I love that the modern updates

through the Gaslamp Quarter. San

were appropriate for the time peri-

is a must. The Gaslamp Quarter is a district made up of 16

museums, gardens, and green space.

Diego also has more than 68 miles

od of the hotel.

blocks in a historical neighborhood. If it’s night life you’re

• USS Midway Museum: The museum is an actual Aircraft

looking for … look no further. The district is loaded with

Carrier that includes over 60 exhibits and 25 restored air-

Named one of the “Best Hotel Bars”

night life venues, festivals, including Mardi Gras and at the

craft.

We decided to stay at the US Grant a Luxury Collection Ho-

in the Nation by Food & Wine, The Grant Grill Lounge offers

end of the block you will find Petco Park home of the San

San Diego, a perfect blend of attractions, tourism, awesome

tel. When you stay at the US Grant you will feel like you’re

a unique Gaslamp Quarter experience, equally tantalizing

Diego Padres.

restaurants, blue skies and lots of fun for any age!

staying at the Four Seasons. A National icon since 1910, is

for late-night revelry or mid-day happy hour. With Mixolo-

situated in the city’s lively and historic downtown Gaslamp

gist, Sommelier and Cicerone Jeff Jesenhans at the helm of

The area is loaded with great restaurants like the Bandar

Quarter, just steps from top shopping, dining, and enter-

the beverage offerings, signature drinks include US GRANT

Restaurant and elegant Persian Restaurant, Rei Do Gado a

tainment, and a short drive from the destination’s world-re-

exclusives like the 100 Day Barrel Aged Centennial Manhat-

Brazilian Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant that features

nowned beaches, museums and family attractions.

tan and Silver Medal award-winning Genepi Americana, as

a gluten free menu.

of beaches in and around the city.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

there, the line was very, very long. It’s a big tourist spot. We moved on with our original plan to spend the day in Pioneer Square which was Seattle’s first downtown. You will see an area with character - lots of nineteenth century brick and stone buildings. You won’t find a shortage of things to keep you busy in this bustling district.

A visit to the Emerald City

By Rich Borell

About a month ago, my wife and I were thinking about a long August weekend. We’d already done an awesome road trip to South Dakota/Montana, so we thought this time we would maybe take a short flight. It didn’t take long for us to agree that we needed to go back to one of our favorite cities in the Northwest, Seattle Washington.

Thursday: Our flight from San Jose was a bit delayed, but we were still able to arrive in Seattle around 2PM. The only problem, was that with the flight delay we had to miss afternoon tea at the Fairmont – But no worries, we just did it another day.

We stayed at the beautiful Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It is a historic landmark and site of the original University of Washington.

After checking in we strolled down for a late lunch at the Crab Pot located along the waterfront. After lunch we walked along Pioneer Square and did some shopping.

In the evening, we attended a really cool dinner event. It’s a cirque comedy cabaret called Teatro Zinzanni. Along with a multicourse meal this is one of the most entertaining performances you will ever see. Everyone- including the wait-staff and audience are a part of the show. The price per-person can range anywhere from $99 to $174 and additions can be purchased the night of the show. . They also have a really great gift shop and old time bar. It was fun and well worth the price.

Friday: On Friday, I wanted to start my day at the very first Starbucks that opened in 1971 on Pike Street, but when we got

Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance, so we walked to the Space Needle for dinner. The SkyCity Restaurant is located at the top of the Space Needle. If you ever want to dine there (and I do recommend you do) be sure to make prior reservations … they start taking them 3 months prior to your date. We had an awesome table, great service and excellent food. The restaurant rotates so you get excellent views of the city, waterways, landmarks and Mount Rainier. I had the wild salmon and my wife savored in the Prime Tenderloin. Thanks to Chef Jeff Maxfiled for a splendid dinner.

Saturday: Some of our highlights today included the famous Underground Tour. There’s a few different versions and since we hadn’t been in a while, we chose the history tour. Our guide was a very passionate and extremely detailed story teller. It was great walking the underground streets hearing stories of the past underground city.

We then walked back to our hotel and attended afternoon tea. This is one of my wife’s favorite things to do and I figured - if she was going to sit through a Mariners game with me on Sunday – that I’d have tea with her.

Well, what’s a trip to Seattle if you don’t ride the Duck Tour?

This is a combo land and water tour. Most likely your Captain will have a silly sense of humor and everyone on board will be blowing their quacker for the next 90 minutes. Highly recommended!

For dinner we went back to the waterfront to Ivar’s and had another great Wild Salmon dinner.

Sunday: Today we enjoyed a leisurely morning then went for a nice long walk to SAFECO Field to watch the Mariners take on the Chicago White Sox. It’s a pretty awesome stadium … the home team crowd was very pleased as the Mariners made a great comeback to win the game.

While walking back to our hotel, we remembered a great looking restaurant around the corner from the Fairmont called The Brooklyn Seafood Steak & Oyster House. They had availability and so we had another great dinner.

Next thing we knew – it was Monday and we had to go home. We had a great long weekend trip and love Seattle.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, check out the Emerald City … it’s only a 2 hour flight from the bay area.

Cheers

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

there, the line was very, very long. It’s a big tourist spot. We moved on with our original plan to spend the day in Pioneer Square which was Seattle’s first downtown. You will see an area with character - lots of nineteenth century brick and stone buildings. You won’t find a shortage of things to keep you busy in this bustling district.

A visit to the Emerald City

By Rich Borell

About a month ago, my wife and I were thinking about a long August weekend. We’d already done an awesome road trip to South Dakota/Montana, so we thought this time we would maybe take a short flight. It didn’t take long for us to agree that we needed to go back to one of our favorite cities in the Northwest, Seattle Washington.

Thursday: Our flight from San Jose was a bit delayed, but we were still able to arrive in Seattle around 2PM. The only problem, was that with the flight delay we had to miss afternoon tea at the Fairmont – But no worries, we just did it another day.

We stayed at the beautiful Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It is a historic landmark and site of the original University of Washington.

After checking in we strolled down for a late lunch at the Crab Pot located along the waterfront. After lunch we walked along Pioneer Square and did some shopping.

In the evening, we attended a really cool dinner event. It’s a cirque comedy cabaret called Teatro Zinzanni. Along with a multicourse meal this is one of the most entertaining performances you will ever see. Everyone- including the wait-staff and audience are a part of the show. The price per-person can range anywhere from $99 to $174 and additions can be purchased the night of the show. . They also have a really great gift shop and old time bar. It was fun and well worth the price.

Friday: On Friday, I wanted to start my day at the very first Starbucks that opened in 1971 on Pike Street, but when we got

Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance, so we walked to the Space Needle for dinner. The SkyCity Restaurant is located at the top of the Space Needle. If you ever want to dine there (and I do recommend you do) be sure to make prior reservations … they start taking them 3 months prior to your date. We had an awesome table, great service and excellent food. The restaurant rotates so you get excellent views of the city, waterways, landmarks and Mount Rainier. I had the wild salmon and my wife savored in the Prime Tenderloin. Thanks to Chef Jeff Maxfiled for a splendid dinner.

Saturday: Some of our highlights today included the famous Underground Tour. There’s a few different versions and since we hadn’t been in a while, we chose the history tour. Our guide was a very passionate and extremely detailed story teller. It was great walking the underground streets hearing stories of the past underground city.

We then walked back to our hotel and attended afternoon tea. This is one of my wife’s favorite things to do and I figured - if she was going to sit through a Mariners game with me on Sunday – that I’d have tea with her.

Well, what’s a trip to Seattle if you don’t ride the Duck Tour?

This is a combo land and water tour. Most likely your Captain will have a silly sense of humor and everyone on board will be blowing their quacker for the next 90 minutes. Highly recommended!

For dinner we went back to the waterfront to Ivar’s and had another great Wild Salmon dinner.

Sunday: Today we enjoyed a leisurely morning then went for a nice long walk to SAFECO Field to watch the Mariners take on the Chicago White Sox. It’s a pretty awesome stadium … the home team crowd was very pleased as the Mariners made a great comeback to win the game.

While walking back to our hotel, we remembered a great looking restaurant around the corner from the Fairmont called The Brooklyn Seafood Steak & Oyster House. They had availability and so we had another great dinner.

Next thing we knew – it was Monday and we had to go home. We had a great long weekend trip and love Seattle.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, check out the Emerald City … it’s only a 2 hour flight from the bay area.

Cheers

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

The Presidio: It’s What’s Going On!

F

By Rich Borell

or many of us, the Presidio of San Francisco may only be 10-40 miles down the road.

Perhaps you drive through it from Lombard to get over the GG Bridge. However, ever since the Inn at the Presidio opened a few years back, my wife and I have spent a few weekends each year staying at this historic hotel … right in the middle of the Presidio of San Francisco.

This former military base has so much to offer - from its many hiking trails to enjoying the open space with your pet. This vast land has over 1,400 total acres and just under 1,000 acres of open space. If you’re looking for something to fill a day … or a weekend … or more, this vast open land sure has plenty to offer.

For you history buffs, you can check out over 400 historic buildings. A good place to start is the Presidio Officer’s Club. There, you will get a good

taste of history through multi-media exhibits.

One of our favorite pastimes is to hop on the PresidiGo Shuttle. One thing we really enjoy is seeing, and experiencing, the Presidio on foot.

Each time we stay, we explore a different route … our favorite is going down to Crissy Field – and observing the spectacular views of the bridge. You can feel free to get off the shuttle anytime, as it has 40 stops.

No matter what one’s age, one activity

WEEKEND GETAWAYS everyone would want to catch is The Walt Disney Family Museum. At the Disney Museum you will capture the true history and timeline of Walt Disney’s life and the Disney enterprise. I would suggest allowing at least four hours for this selfguided tour, as well as your hands-on experience with exhibits and taking in all the original artwork that’s there.

Wish you could stay here? Well, you can. You can keep the car parked and stay at the Inn at the Presidio. This Georgian Revival-style hotel, built in the early 1900’s, was once home for bachelor officers when the Presidio was a U.S. Army post.

Now you can stay here at this historic landmark.

When we stay, we always put a request in for a room on the third floor. From here you get incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, also the fog rolling in and, on clear days, you can see many sailboats.

Each room is extremely spacious, offering Wi-Fi, flat panel screens and mini-fridges. For a bit more, I would suggest getting a suite on the third floor. This has a large sitting area and a gas fireplace.

The hotel offers an evening wine and cheese reception … usually there’s live music, as well. Or you can stroll outside with your wine and kick back on their outdoor deck that features a large fire pit with cozy rocking chairs. It’s truly delightful.

You’re also within walking distance to some nice restaurants on base. Recently opened is The Commissary, a new restaurant by the awardThe Inn at the Presidio

winning chef, Traci Des Jardins, featuring Spanishinfluenced California cuisine.

One of our favorite places to eat is the Presidio Social Club – which once was the home of the ex-military barracks. Inside the Presidio Officer’s Club, you can try out Arguello. This restaurant offers Mexican food with a contemporary bar.

If you still have a little time on your hands, there’s plenty more to do in the Presidio, such as: A beautiful stroll along Baker’s Beach … perhaps a round of golf at the Presidio Golf Course with its enchanted forest setting … and, yes, there’s even a bowling alley.

And think you might miss that latte or cappuccino at Starbucks? Not to worry, they have one of those, too.

People would love coming from all corners of the world to experience this, and do. A far away distant world that’s literally just a few minutes away. There’s the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow … for us, this is a gem at the foot of the Golden Gate.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

town Palm Springs. The views and grounds are awesome of the Golf Resort, they have a large pool with two hot tubs. We were also able to enjoy a little tennis.

We had an early dinner reservation so we didn’t get too much activity in today. We did walk downtown and strolled the Palm Springs Walk of Stars … I heard that there are over 400 stars! Interesting and delightful to see and experience.

Palm Springs – Fun In The Desert Sun!

L

By Rich Borell

ooking to relax? Perhaps a nice getaway and some sun, some fun, some R&R? How about a nice quiet desert resort? Sounded great to us. Just 100 miles east of Los Angeles was our recent long weekend getaway destination … Palm Springs.

For this weekend destination we decided to do a road trip. Our journey started out early Friday morning with a quick cup for the road from Starbucks.

Along with its gift shop and Beef & Bakery store, it’s the best service along I-5 you can encounter.

Our first stop along the way was breakfast at the Harris Ranch, located in Coalinga, about two hours from Silicon Valley. If you’re traveling along Interstate 5, you may know the Harris Ranch is a welcome oasis for travelers.

After stopping off at a few rest stops to stretch a bit, our next encounter was going to be lunch. As we we’re driving, we saw a sign for a restaurant I didn’t even know still existed, so we pulled over and had lunch at Bob’s Big Boy... Yes, it was great to see them still around.

There are many amenities at this fine establishment including comfortable lodging, some of the best steaks you will ever enjoy, along with a café for that quick bite.

We arrived in the Palm Springs area around 2PM. Our stay for the next few nights was at the Desert Princess Inn. This Golf Resort is located about five miles from down-

If you’re in the Palm Springs area, then the Purple Room Restaurant & Stage is a must for dinner and a show. It all started in 1960 … The still popular venue is considered to be one of Palm Springs “Original“ Rat Pack Hangouts ... where Frank Sinatra would bring friends to Eat, Drink and Play.

Saturday morning we were up early to meet our group for the Desert Adventure Tour. This is an open Jeep tour that takes you along the San Andreas Fault. The tour was great and very informative.

You can experience the landscape of an active fault, walk between the steep canyon walls – we actually we’re able to have one foot on each of the two major plates in California. The tour took us through a natural Palm oasis. We also learned about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter and more.

Our tour was about three hours. We had lunch planned at the Peaks Restaurant, located on top of the San Jacinto Mountain, over 8,500 feet up. The aerial tram will take you up the mountain. The gondola floor rotates while ascending and descending so that everyone sees everything. Yes, this is a “must” if you’re in the Palm Springs area.

Ticket prices are reasonable if you only want to take the ride up for photos and get some great hiking in. There are a couple of cool trails anyone can enjoy, and also a couple of cafés that offer a different price range, being considerate of people’s budgets.

If you’re looking for entertainment in the evenings there certainly is no limit as to what’s available. You will find several high end Indian Casino Resorts close by. To fill our evening, we took in a few shows. At the Morongo Casino, we saw the very talented comedian, Lilly Tomlin. Saturday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort, we saw the very talented singer, Marie Osmond.

With many points of interest, the World’s largest rotating Aerial Tramcars, over 130 Hotels & Resorts, over 100 Restaurants and sunny days practically every day of the year … If you’re looking for a nice relaxing and fun getaway, plan on enjoying a nice weekend in sunny Palm Springs. We sure did.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

town Palm Springs. The views and grounds are awesome of the Golf Resort, they have a large pool with two hot tubs. We were also able to enjoy a little tennis.

We had an early dinner reservation so we didn’t get too much activity in today. We did walk downtown and strolled the Palm Springs Walk of Stars … I heard that there are over 400 stars! Interesting and delightful to see and experience.

Palm Springs – Fun In The Desert Sun!

L

By Rich Borell

ooking to relax? Perhaps a nice getaway and some sun, some fun, some R&R? How about a nice quiet desert resort? Sounded great to us. Just 100 miles east of Los Angeles was our recent long weekend getaway destination … Palm Springs.

For this weekend destination we decided to do a road trip. Our journey started out early Friday morning with a quick cup for the road from Starbucks.

Along with its gift shop and Beef & Bakery store, it’s the best service along I-5 you can encounter.

Our first stop along the way was breakfast at the Harris Ranch, located in Coalinga, about two hours from Silicon Valley. If you’re traveling along Interstate 5, you may know the Harris Ranch is a welcome oasis for travelers.

After stopping off at a few rest stops to stretch a bit, our next encounter was going to be lunch. As we we’re driving, we saw a sign for a restaurant I didn’t even know still existed, so we pulled over and had lunch at Bob’s Big Boy... Yes, it was great to see them still around.

There are many amenities at this fine establishment including comfortable lodging, some of the best steaks you will ever enjoy, along with a café for that quick bite.

We arrived in the Palm Springs area around 2PM. Our stay for the next few nights was at the Desert Princess Inn. This Golf Resort is located about five miles from down-

If you’re in the Palm Springs area, then the Purple Room Restaurant & Stage is a must for dinner and a show. It all started in 1960 … The still popular venue is considered to be one of Palm Springs “Original“ Rat Pack Hangouts ... where Frank Sinatra would bring friends to Eat, Drink and Play.

Saturday morning we were up early to meet our group for the Desert Adventure Tour. This is an open Jeep tour that takes you along the San Andreas Fault. The tour was great and very informative.

You can experience the landscape of an active fault, walk between the steep canyon walls – we actually we’re able to have one foot on each of the two major plates in California. The tour took us through a natural Palm oasis. We also learned about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter and more.

Our tour was about three hours. We had lunch planned at the Peaks Restaurant, located on top of the San Jacinto Mountain, over 8,500 feet up. The aerial tram will take you up the mountain. The gondola floor rotates while ascending and descending so that everyone sees everything. Yes, this is a “must” if you’re in the Palm Springs area.

Ticket prices are reasonable if you only want to take the ride up for photos and get some great hiking in. There are a couple of cool trails anyone can enjoy, and also a couple of cafés that offer a different price range, being considerate of people’s budgets.

If you’re looking for entertainment in the evenings there certainly is no limit as to what’s available. You will find several high end Indian Casino Resorts close by. To fill our evening, we took in a few shows. At the Morongo Casino, we saw the very talented comedian, Lilly Tomlin. Saturday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort, we saw the very talented singer, Marie Osmond.

With many points of interest, the World’s largest rotating Aerial Tramcars, over 130 Hotels & Resorts, over 100 Restaurants and sunny days practically every day of the year … If you’re looking for a nice relaxing and fun getaway, plan on enjoying a nice weekend in sunny Palm Springs. We sure did.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

A MEMORABLE WEEKEND TRIP TO JAMESTOWN AND YOSEMITE

By Rich Borell

Hello Everyone, I want to share with you a recent long weekend getaway my wife and I took. This road trip took us to the Gold Country, where we enjoyed fascinating historic Jamestown and the most breathtaking views of Yosemite National Park.

Our trip started out Friday around noon to beat the Bay Area getaway crowd. We had accommodations for Friday evening, just outside of Jamestown, at the Jackson

Rancheria Hotel & Casino. We really want to extend a warm thank you for a great room.

While driving up to Jackson, my wife always wanted to visit Daffodil Hill located in Volcano, CA, a few miles outside of Jackson. It’s the perfect time of year since all the daffodils are in full bloom. If you’re in the area traveling, this is a great place to get out and stretch and walk through the gorgeous gardens. You will see some rather loud and colorful peacocks, too, as you walk along the path.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS Daffodil Hill is open only in the spring, usually from the end of March through the first three weeks of April … best of all, admission and parking are free.

From there, we drove to the hotel to settle in for the evening, grab a bite; yes, pay our dues on the casino floor; and, of course, do some shopping in the gift shop.

Our Saturday morning started out with a quick bite in the café, and then it was on to the Gold Country. Our first stop was Angels Camp, also known as the City of Angels.

The story goes that Mark Twain based one of his short stories, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, from a story he had heard here in 1865.

Thus, a great reason to celebrate every year with the jumping Frog Jubilee each May at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Some say that Angels Camp other name is “Frog Town” – now you know why!

Angels Camp is a very historic town …

I’d suggest definitely stopping by the Angels Camp Museum to get the scoop on the town.

The hours are Thursday – Monday from 10AM – 4PM. From Angels Camp we drove to Jamestown.

This amazing town is filled with many historic homes and buildings near Main Street. The first gold here was discovered by Benjamin Wood, who had come from Oregon. The

crossing and also Woods Creek, which runs through Sonora and Jamestown, were named in honor of him. This was in the early summer of 1848; just a few months before, the famous gold discovery took place at Sutter’s Mill about 100 miles north, which started the Gold Rush. Jamestown is the home of the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park; and for you TV buffs, the TV shows, “The Wild Wild West” and “Green Acres”, were filmed in and near Jamestown.

If you visit the Gold Country, I’d definitely make time to visit Jamestown, park your car, step back in time and walk the street. I’d suggest dining at the Willow Steak House (established 1864), where the builders of the Sierra Railway once hung out in the bar. If you decide to stay in Jamestown, there are several historic hotels, including the Royal Carriage Inn, the National Hotel and the Jamestown Hotel.

After our stop in Jamestown, we continued for another hour’s drive to Yosemite National Park. There are several choices for lodging.

We decided to stay at the Yosemite Westgate Lodge. Normally, you would want to spend 3-4 days in the park; however, we didn’t have that much time. We did work in some of the most famous areas like Half Dome which is Yosemite’s most familiar rock formation. A “must” is getting a view from the viewpoint at Valley View; there, visitors can take in Yosemite Valley in its entirety. Clearly visible are the original lines formed by the glacier which carved out the valley. Of course, there’s Bridalveil Fall. It’s just a short hike on a paved trail and you’re right up to the front of the waterfall.

Another “must” is El Capitan – a giant granite rock that stands more than 3,000 feet from the base... a great thrill, I’m sure, for the rock climbers of the world.

The beauty of Yosemite is astonishing, whether you have a day or a week. One visit and you’ll gladly want to come back again and again!

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

WHAT HAPPENS IN

By Rich Borell

Hello Everyone, When we think about weekend getaways from the Bay Area, we may consider Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa, Lake Tahoe … Ever think about parking the car and flying to Vegas?

That’s exactly what my wife and I did recently.

Our last trip there was very memorable since we spent New Year’s Eve celebrating with hundreds of thousands of people on the Las Vegas strip. This time we thought how fun to have a long weekend getaway there.

Our trip started out on a Friday late-morning flight via Virgin America out of SFO. Once we landed, you can feel the party starting … Indeed, this city radiates so much energy. Cab fares are posted so you will have an idea of what to pay.

With gratuity you can figure on $20, or a little more, for the fare.

Our stay was at Harrah’s Resort Hotel. They were very nice to work with, and we would like to thank them for the suite upgrade they gave us. We were early (about 3PM); yet, our room was ready and we could drop off our luggage.

We had a few hours before our 5:15PM dinner at The Strip Steakhouse located inside the Planet Hollywood. Dinner was early since my wife wanted to get some shopping time in at the Hard Rock Café prior to seeing the Kiss Concert at 8PM. For our short time before dinner, we strolled the mall next door to Planet Hollywood. The Strip Steakhouse is a chain; however, it’s a great place to eat with excellent service. I don’t usually eat red meat; however, tonight I had the urge to have a nice Rib Eye Steak. My wife had the Filet along with her two favorites, Lobster and Crab. If you have time for a long dinner, with the urge to

WEEKEND GETAWAYS be catered to, then this is the place to come. We also had the opportunity during dinner to chat with their Operations Manager and want to send a thank you to her. BTW, if you enjoy Ports, you may want to cruise their exclusive selection.

As I mentioned, the Kiss concert was at the Hard Rock Café - the band featured two of its original cast, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – and they played to a delighted full house. If you have a chance to see them, they put on a great show.

On Saturday, we prepared a list of fun things we could choose from; however, since the weather was a sunny 70 degrees, we opted for a nice walk instead. Some suggestions of interest during the day might include: *An all-day visit to Area 51 *There are four thrill rides at the top of the Stratosphere Tower *At the New York New York you can hop on a 67 MPH rollercoaster *Drive a race car at Exotics Racing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway *Crime Solving at MGM’s Grand CSI – The Experience We spent some time at the Mirage at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, which defines wildness in a whole new way. You can also catch a glimpse of several white Tigers and

Lions along with the Dolphin Habitat. The shows were awesome!

Saturday, night we had two shows on tap, first, was a Murder Mystery Dinner put on by Marriage Can Be Murder. It was a great show and dinner was delicious. The cast of characters did a great job in getting the audience involved.

Our main show was at 10PM, at the Mirage, to see Ray Romano from the very popular TV Show, Everybody Loves Raymond. Kevin James opened the show, getting the audience involved, and was hilarious. Of course, Ray Ramano was himself, and everybody was in stiches. I’ve seen some great comedians, and I would put Ray high on my list as one of my favorites next to Jerry Seinfeld.

When he was closing the show and about to say good night, he said I have one more thing for you … He brought out Adam Sandler to sing a few songs. The lyrics we’re hilarious, so you guessed it, not your typical song to sing along to. After Adam played, Ray and Kevin came back out and, together, they did a Q&A with the audience. We also got to meet Ray’s twin sons, sitting near us in the audience.

So if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, and don’t want to drive, check out sin city! Yes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas … except for the great experience of it all and good memories.

Farmers Markets 1. FARMERS’ MARKET @ CROCKER GALLERIA

50 Post Street, 94107 Thursdays 11AM – 3PM Year-Round Tuesdays June – September http://cafarmersmkts.com/markets/category/crocker-galleria

2. INNER SUNSET FARMERS’ MARKET

1315 8th Avenue, 94122 Sundays 9AM – 1Pm Year-Round http://www.pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=67

3. ALEMANY FARMERS’ MARKET

100 Alemany Boulevard, 94110 Saturdays 6:30AM – 2:30PM

4. FERRY PLAZA FARMERS’ MARKET

1 Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building, 94111 Tuesdays & Thursday 10AM – 2PM Saturdays 8AM – 2PM http://www.cuesa.org/

5. HEART OF THE CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

1182 Market Street, 94102 Wednesdays 7AM – 5:30PM Fridays 7AM – 2:30PM Sundays 7AM – 5PM http://www.hocfarmersmarket.org/

6. VALENCIA FARMERS’ MARKET 1299 Valencia St, 94110

7. DIVISADERO FARMERS’ MARKET Grove Street, at Divisadero Sundays 10AM – 2Pm http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=63

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12 7

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8. CASTRO FARMERS’ MARKET Noe Street at Market Street Wednesdays 4PM – 8PM March – December http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=64

9. FERN ALLEY FARMERS’ MARKET

Fern Street & Polk Street Saturdays 10AM – 2PM June – September http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=82

10. FILLMORE FARMERS’ MARKET

O’Farrell at Fillmore & Fillmore Center Plaza Saturdays 9AM – 1PM http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=13

11. GLEN PARK VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET

Parking lot of the Glen Park BART Station at Bosworth & Arlington Sundays 10AM – 2Pm April – November http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=46

12. KAISER PERMANENTE SAN FRANCISCO FARMERS’ MARKET

Geary at St. Joseph’s Street Wednesdays 10AM – 2Pm Year-Round http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=10

13. MISSION BAY FARMERS’ MARKET @ UCSF

Gene Friend Way between 3rd & 4th Wednesdays 10AM – 2PM April – December http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=66

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14. UCSF PARNASSUS FARMERS’ MARKET

505 Parnassus Ave Wednesdays 10AM – 3PM http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=35

15. UPPER HAIGHT FARMERS’ MARKET

Waller Street @ Stanyan Street Wednesdays 3PM – 7Pm April – October http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=41

16. VA SAN FRANCISCO

Veterans Drive, off Clement Street & 42nd Ave Wednesdays 10AM – 2PM Year Round http://pcfma.com/market_home. php?market_id=80

y r a n o i s i V ordinair5 e a r t x E

LARRY BAER

PRESIDENT & CEO SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

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t’s A Wonderful Life, circa 2013. Imagine San Francisco without our beloved Giants and where everything south of Market would be nothing but old warehouses. Far fetched? Not at all. The Tampa/St. Pete Giants? It may not sound right, but it was so close to happening.

As I drove to meet with Larry Baer, the President & CEO of the San Francisco Giants, in what has become beautiful SOMA, it felt like a dream come true. Had it not been for Larry Baer, who back in 1992 partnered with Peter Magowan and a group of civic-minded investors, none of the San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park and two World Series Championships would be here today. Instead, we would have struck out and Larry Baer enjoying the San Francisco Giants 2012 World our City by the Bay would Series Championship Parade together with his family and have been the baseball another million very happy fans. equivalent of Mudville! diligently at creating a local ownership group Larry could not have to save the Giants. That was 1992 and, been more gracious. For all the Giants’ fortunately for San Francisco, they succeeded success, it’s always about everyone else. He – and the future since has been so very bright. genuinely prefers it that way, truly a Team With the sale behind them, the question effort. became “what were they were going to do?”

Larry is a native San Franciscan. He They poured money into Candlestick Park to attended Lowell High School and graduated improve the stadium for the fans. They lost Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley with a money doing that, but felt it was the right degree in Business. He then in 1980 went thing to do. to work for the Giants as the Director of The Giants desperately needed a new Marketing before leaving to attend Harvard ballpark.

There was fear that a ballpark where he got his MBA. in SOMA would create a traffic nightmare.

Following graduation, he worked as a Larry again worked diligently to ease the special assistant to Lawrence Tisch, the neighborhood concerns in defense of this Chairman of Westinghouse Broadcasting valiant cause. He felt it was essential to have (CBS). In the early 1990’s, Larry was in New York, when he learned about the Giants being open communications and good relationships with all the potential neighbors. close to being sold and moving to Tampa/St. Under the previous ownership, public Pete. Larry promptly called Peter Magowan, financing for a ballpark was voted down his CEO friend at Safeway, and they worked

four times. What to do? In 1995, the Giants unveiled plans for the first privately-financed Major League ballpark. From 1992-on, this was the beginning of what Larry refers to as: “A Dream Sequence”. Larry and the ownership group had a vision of a special ballpark. With this in mind, Larry went to visit some of the newer ballparks. When in Denver, visiting Coors Field, he read an ad in the paper: “Beautiful condominiums just a block and a half from the ballpark.” What? A beautiful and vibrant residential area surrounding the ballpark? Could that be? - Hello SOMA. From his conversations, he envisioned a combination of Camden Yards in Baltimore, Jacobs Field in Cleveland and Coors Field in Denver. All beautiful ballparks. For San Francisco, the team also wanted to utilize what we had here – the Bay and such beautiful scenic views. Thus became what Larry likes to call: “Where Wrigley Field Meets Camden Yards”. Representing the past and present, a beautiful place we all can go, to escape the real world … and appreciate such a ballpark, community oasis … where every day and night, truly a special, fun and exciting experience and place to be.

The vision of AT&T Park (then Pacific Bell Park) became a reality and opened in April, 2000. It has drawn each year more than three million people in baseball attendance, nearly double the average yearly attendance at Candlestick Park. Currently, season tickets are at a maximum, all-time high.

Larry also talked about the joy that’s behind the Giants’ FOUR businesses. First, they are in the Baseball Business. They are the defending World Series Champions. Two times in the last three years. Currently, they are a young team, sprinkled with seasoned veterans. There’s much to be grateful for and to look forward to.

The Giants are also in the Entertainment Business. In addition to baseball, they host another 120 non-baseball events a year. This includes concerts, football games, corporate events, etc. A third business is that they own

one-third of Comcast Sportsnet. The Giants are extremely happy with this very popular network.

They’re also tremendously pleased with the Giants announcers — “they’re the best!”

The fourth business is another vision they are also very excited about. It’s called:

Larry Baer living a life-long dream. It’s about team, community and joy - coming together. We are in the Happy business, Larry would say. Indeed, we are truly very happy, proud and grateful.

Mission Rock. This soon will be a beautiful development – a 27 acre, $1.6 billion and sixyear project in the making. Just south of AT&T Park, this creation will be: (1) A spectacular Waterfront Park that can accommodate 5,000 people for outdoor movie nights or community festivals. (2) An energetic and inviting environment with wonderful shops,

cafes and galleries. meaning, literally (3) Anchor Brewing and figuratively. will expand its None of this would operations in a have been, had it restored historic not been for Larry Pier 48. (4) An Baer’s vision and exciting place to leadership. As work with some Larry, however, 1.7 million square would be the feet of office first to say, it’s all space for nearly about everyone 7,200 employees. … the players, (5) A dramatic organization and waterfront living fans alike …it’s a experience with total Team effort. new homes for up Lastly, we to 2,000 people. talked further Larry Baer, with Peter Magowan, Barry Zito and This will about the 2012 Lou Seal, enjoying the moment and creating generate 7,000 Playoffs and something special, including many special jobs, hundreds of World Series. The moments, that we’d be celebrating together for millions of dollars Giants had SIX many years to come. each year in tax elimination games revenue for the in the playoffs City and for the businesses located at Mission vs. Cincinnati and St. Louis. Lose any one of Rock. As Larry said: “We want this to become those six games and, it would be over, we’d be another beautiful hub for the City.” out. Larry said: “It’s a good metaphor for what Larry then talked about the meaning of we are as an organization. We never gave baseball and what in particular the Giants up. We purchased the team … then we built mean to the community. He loves how he AT&T Park…… now we are two-time World sees people everywhere wearing their Giants Series Champions! We have worked hard, yes, jersey or shirt or cap with pride. Larry, in fact, and will continue to do so. We look forward has his own Giants jersey. I saw it hanging on to more successes for our faithful and adoring the inside of his office door. fans.”

Special moments? There are many. In Like in the Field of Dreams: “Build it and particular, he expressed how heartfelt it was to they will come” - they have. Millions each experience the two World Series Parades. He year. For Larry, it certainly has been, and is, thought of how special it must have been back a dream come true. He lives it and loves it … in 1958 when The City welcomed the Giants every day. He has always loved his City and to San Francisco. And, now, how great it was his Giants and you can certainly sense that to experience the nearly one million fans special spirit that’s centered around 24 Willie who came out to cheer them on – twice. He Mays Plaza. It’s such a wonderful vision that rode in both parades with his family and how has become an ongoing tradition … it’s a lot happy and proud he was, and is, for everyone. more than just a game … “we’re in the Happy “We are indeed so very grateful.” business” … so glad the Giants are here to stay Together We Are Giant … Together We … for all of us to enjoy … and for generations Are Champions… has taken on a special to come.

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A CONVERSATION WITH DAVE RIGHETTI, PITCHING COACH OF THE THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

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hey call him “Rags”. Dave Righetti was born and raised locally, in Willow Glen, San Jose. He enjoyed a 16-year major league pitching career and is currently in his 16th season as the extraordinary pitching coach of our three-time World Series Champion San Francisco Giants. Three World Series Championships in the last five years. It’s very special, as was our conversation.

What’s It Like Being Dave Righetti?

I’ll be honest with you, it feels good. You get in this mode, coaching in baseball, and fortunately it’s easier to stay in the game longer as a coach than as a player. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

It’s great, but there’s also the heartache. If you don’t win the World Series, you’re considered a loser.

Unfortunately, many don’t have this gratification of

winning at the end. There’s only one team in 30 each year that does.

The Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958.

There have been many great players and many great teams. In all those years prior to 2010, they hadn’t had this great experience of winning it all, not like we have, in 2010, 2012 and 2014.

“The Giants Win The Pennant!” What Does That Feel Like?

To see the faces of Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry, each time when we won the World Series, it’s been priceless, so gratifying. When I was with the Yankees, the old-timers all had rings. These past five years, when relaxing during our off-season and watching a 49ers or Warriors game, the thought, the feeling would come over me, ‘Gosh darn it, we won it!’ It’s such a great feeling. You win as a team, as a city … something everyone will remember and they so appreciate.

Is There A Magic Formula To Winning?

There are people who have been here, it seems, forever. Somewhere along the line, you’re grateful for that longevity. With the Yankees, I saw 14 different managers come and go … Billy Martin four of those times! Lou Pinella twice! Just in my time.

It just doesn’t work well; it wears guys down.

The reason the Yankees started winning again, was Joe Torre came in to manage. The core got good and stuck together. And you build around that … fill in for players that don’t fit. It became good when Joe Torre came around. He calmed the boat, things settled down, and together they kept the pieces together. Sounds a lot like us, with Boch, and where we are as a team and an organization, today.

This Attitude of Winning It All, Where Does It Come from?

Here, we thought it was going to happen even sooner than when it did. With Larry Baer and Brian Sabean and the scouting team … the fabulous ownership group that’s put money into this team, starting back in1992, and the building of our beautiful ballpark … I’m very happy for these folks.

It’s an amazing organization. They treat people really well. They understand the team, the

organization, the community. I cannot believe the stamina of Larry Baer and everyone in the front office. It’s a love affair between the team and the community and the community with the team. It’s working out, I can tell you that.

A Special Moment, What Was It Like Throwing Your No-Hitter?

It was July 4th, 1983. That day, that moment, made me feel very good, and over the years you just don’t forget it. It was against our rival, the Boston Red Sox. It was Yankee Stadium. It was Lou Gehrig’s Day … AND it was also George Steinbrenner’s birthday.

And the YES Network (the Yankees TV Network) plays it every year, all the time. Now, it’s a good thing. But then, I was kind of afraid. You know if George saw your name in the paper too much, it wasn’t a good thing. There was a mentality there for a young guy, ‘Don’t get too big for your britches’. It was a ‘They could send you out of here’ kind-of-thing. I was leary of that when I did it. I was happy we won the game and we beat the Red Sox, but I was still afraid.

It was also the All-Star “Getaway Day”; it was like ‘Spring Break’, where everyone immediately took off following the game. After my interviews, everybody was pretty much gone.

They got three days off, they had their packed suitcases with them at the stadium and they left.

When I walked into the clubhouse, there weren’t many guys left.

So, too, the team record for saves. It was something that just felt natural, not like today, where everything is so celebrated. I held the record for a long time (it was not until years later when Mariano Rivera broke it). But if we lost, if we didn’t win the World Series (which happened each year I was there), it was awful.

I didn’t have a family there, I didn’t have kids, yet, back then; so, who could I enjoy it with?

Over the years you finally start to appreciate it. But until then, when you’re not winning championships, there wasn’t all that much to celebrate.

Your Greatest Moment?

Indeed, by far, my marriage to my wife, Kandice and the birth of our three wonderful kids, beautiful triplets. It was hard when the triplets were born. I was with the Giants then, and we were on the road in Montreal, about ready to come back home. It was early yet when I got the call that the babies would soon be born, I would be back in time for everything, or so everyone thought.

The moment came, and proceeded, quickly. Our three came prematurely, and to this day, it’s painful for me that I wasn’t there. And also you always want the very best for your kids. Being triplets, it was a challenging delivery. Today, they are all doing awesome. To see them doing their things and finding their niche, it’s so very wonderful. I couldn’t be happier or prouder.

What’s It Like Being At The Ballpark?

The coaching staff, and in particular, Gardy (the Giants Bullpen Coach, Mark Gardner) and I, are all very close and work very well together. You know this family thing we talk about? When you are together for such a long period of time, you are lucky.

There’s no story book ending all the time. You know, the Brady / Belichick winning / success tandem is what everyone strives for.

In our game, it’s about consistency and being good. I’m happy to be around that and coach that.

If not being able to share that, then it’d be just a paycheck. For me, for us, it’s all so much more, so much about everything else. I feel we couldn’t be more fortunate or love more what we do.

Do You Have Heroes?

Yes, my parents … and the people I grew up with. For example, the mailman, the milkman.

These are the people I saw all the time, they were our friends. These were my role models. I ‘lived’ at the bowling alley. My parents bowled and I kept score. My father was a truck driver and my friends

from school all went to community college or trade school. It was a simple life … that’s all I thought of being. Once I got to New York, the dynamics changed. It was the largest city in the world … and with so much going on.

Were You Close With Anybody In Particular?

Yes, everybody. I got drafted at a young age, at 19, by the Texas Rangers. There were a lot of guys from my home, from the Bay Area and California, on the team when I got drafted. “Paddy” Cottrell was the scout for the Rangers and was from here. He was the outstanding baseball coach at Santa Clara University (and had also been my father’s Quarter Master in World War II). He wanted to draft me, and people like that, of course, you listen to. They have been around and they have seen a lot. Back then you didn’t have many people telling you things; but, bits and pieces from someone like “Paddy”, for me, it was big.

If you got any advice, it was helpful. Remember, there was no video. My father had been an exminor league player (with the San Francisco Seals!).

He played for 14 years. He couldn’t tell me how to pitch. But what he did do, ‘You know this fellow at that school, he’s pitched, go ask him’. My parents were my role models.

In a funny way, George Steinbrenner was, too. You wondered how he did so much of what he did, but you had to admire him. In the sports world when you think of greatness you think of

achievement, and in society you have to earn it. You feel you have to keep your eye on it, or someone will come along and take away your job. Those mentors stayed that way for me. People like Don Mattingly, Willie Randolph, Ron Guidry were like brothers.

Guidry was my locker mate.

Who Can You Talk To … Anyone?

Can you talk with Don Mattingly? We’re very close and, of course, Don is now the manager of the rival Dodgers. We’d love to, but the players don’t like it if we talk before a game. We’d love to talk … and, of course, we wouldn’t share anything. We have the highest respect for each other and that will never change. Another is Matt Williams, now the manager of the Washington Nationals. We were locker mates for three years with the Giants. Mike Matheny, manager of the St. Louis Cardinals is, yet, another; I coached Mike here with the Giants, and Mike Aldrette, his bench coach. We were teammates and close friends. Bob Melvin, manager of the Oakland A’s is, yet, another; he, Bob Brenly, Matt Williams and I have always been very close … we still are and always will be. When we won our championships, yes, I heard from my former Yankee teammates … and many others, as well … from all around. Yes, a ton!

A Love and Appreciation For The Game …

When the old timers came in for Old Timer’s Day at Yankee Stadium, we let them share our lockers.

Mine, I shared with Lefty Gomez. It was such a thrill for me to see him and everyone there. For a young guy, and being a Yankee, it was a huge thing!

I wish the Giants held an annual Old Timer’s Day. The Giants do a lot for their alumni, but I think this would be great, much like it is every year in New York … for the players and the fans. In New York you had two wants – One was to make the team and be there for Opening Day because Opening Day at Yankee Stadium is something you just can’t explain.

And two, Old Timer’s Day, you need to be there for that. Indeed, having your picture taken on Opening Day and for Old Timer’s Day, there’s nothing quite like it.

You know, when we won our three World Series Championships, all three were on the road. It’s too bad that we couldn’t do it in front of our fans. But, each time, with the ballpark afterward being empty, it allowed us to come back to the field and soak it all up – which I would do. This last series, vs. the

Royals was especially meaningful for me. The Royals were our big rival when I was with the Yankees.

Those were the George Brett years, so to beat them is always big. And the Royals pitching coach, Dave Elland, was my teammate from the Yankees.

What’s This About The Energy, The Magic, The Particles?

How do you explain how the team keeps coming back, there being such magic in the air, particles?

Tell me sports aren’t important. They are. We all know they are.

Speaking of “Pep Talks” … They’re not easy.

They have gotten bigger perhaps because of football and TV. But in baseball you have been at it for 162+ games, working together for eight months, and how to keep everyone’s attention? Do they really need to be motivated at this point? Maybe a meeting to come together and relax?

It’s an art. Boch does it as well as anybody I have ever seen. Whatever Boch does, it’s always very good. Hunter Pence? The players encourage Hunter to speak. It’s motivating. It’s not boring… that’s for sure. It might take some needling from his teammates, like Buster, for example, ‘Come on, come on, we need you to do this.’

Buster Posey, What Can You Say About Buster?

He’s truly amazing. I felt when he came up, he was young and great from the start. He replaced Bengie Molina, which was huge, because Bengie was very popular. There was room for only one regular catcher. Buster, along with Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner, formed quite a core of young starters … and Buster brought a kind of energy and confidence that inspired everyone around him. Our relievers have been a constant.

They have all stayed intact all these five years and have been stellar, working so very well together with Buster.

Since Buster arrived, he always sits next to me on the bench and he vents. He says, ‘If I can’t vent to you, there’s no one else I can vent to’. Our relationship is solid … as it is with everyone here.

There’s a rhythm. There has to be a rhythm, if you’re going to do this over and over and over again.

If we can stay healthy, we have that rhythm.

Are You As Excited As Ever?

Yes. Quite honestly, I feel we can do this again, that we’re on a good run. I hope so. We all do.

Jean-Michel Cousteau

President, Ocean Futures Society www.oceanfutures.org

The Great Ocean Adventure S

ince first being thrown overboard by my father, Jacques Yves Cousteau at the age of seven in 1945, I have been compelled to explore, to discover, to understand the secrets of the sea. An oftquoted fact is that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about our own ocean. How can we protect what

We protect over 14 percent of our land and less than one percent of the ocean. It is time to demonstrate the same stewardship for the ocean.

we don’t yet understand? This is what has made me want to continue to support the philosophy of my father through our efforts at the Ocean Futures Society, my non-profit marine conservation organization based in

Santa Barbara, CA. Today we have the knowledge and technology to admit that we, humans, are the biggest threat to our oceans; but we are also 100% responsible for its long-term preservation and protection. Overfishing, pollution, climate change, ocean acidification are all impacting the oceans because of the misuse and abuse caused by humans. The ocean is our life support system. We need to stop harming it because what we do to the ocean we ultimately do to ourselves.

It is ironic that the depletion of our ocean resources has accelerated at the same time we were personally donning dive masks and witnessing the richness of the ocean first hand over 50 years ago. Just as we started to dignify and appreciate the ecological role of individual marine species and how they contribute to the sustainability of the marine ecosystem they call home, we were improving our fishing technology to remove them faster than they were replenishing their populations. From an ecological standpoint, we now understand how everything is connected. We now appreciate the need to set aside protected areas in the ocean just as we have done on land. But we are over a hundred years behind terrestrial conservation measures when it comes to protecting our marine assets. We protect over 14% of our land and less than 1% of the ocean. It is time to demonstrate the same stewardship for the ocean and recognize the importance of marine protected areas as a way to increase

Photo: © Carrie Vonderhaar, Ocean Futures Society

abundance, improve biodiversity and provide a nursery for species that will spill over into areas open to fishing. It is a win-win situation for us all. Ninety percent of all large fish populations are at risk from overfishing and most commercial fisheries are in decline.

The problem is enormous but the solution is clear, quickly effective, and costs little.

But this is where the heart comes and where we must remain hopeful for the future; otherwise I would not keep traversing the planet, sharing the mission of Ocean Futures Society, empowering people to take personal responsibility for the long-term sustainability of our oceans. It starts with the individual; it starts with the heart and a desire to care.

The more I learn about the ocean, the more I realize how little I truly understand it. Even after all these years, a sense of exploration and wonder still fills me each time I dive into the ocean’s depths. We owe it to ourselves--we owe it to our water planet—to do all that we can to protect our life support system.

We must connect the ocean to the existence of every human being. This is the only way for people to understand that the quality of each and every one of our lives depends on water, depends on the ocean. My father said, “People protect what they love,” and so we want more people to fall in love with water. And I say, “Protect the ocean and you protect yourself.”

HOW TO PERFECT YOUR GOLF SWING

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he search for the perfect swing is the Holy Grail for golfers all over the world as they strive to ďŹ nd an action that will permit them to play the game to a high standard. Grooving a golf swing that is repeatable and dependable can only be achieved through practice, and this will require time and patience.

Trying to perfect a swing while playing in competition is never advisable as you cannot possibly give your full concentration to the areas that need attention. Professional golfers will work tirelessly on their swings, some even hiring teachers who will give advice on elements of the swing. For recreational golfers, perhaps securing the services of a club professional will help, but for most golfers, it is a case of trial and error on the practice range. What can you do to improve

you swing?

The starting point for anyone who hopes to improve their game is to ensure that the fundamentals are in place. These include a good grip, proper stance, correct alignment and tempo of the swing. When the basics are in place, you will be in position to hit golf shots that are reasonably good. Your next step is to experiment with things that may improve your swing allowing you to hit the ball longer, straighter and with more spin. For example, ball position is something that can have a real impact on your swing as it often determines the angle at which you approach the ball and how this affects your arms and shoulders on the downswing. If you position the ball too far toward your front foot, this can encourage an over-the-top pass at the

ball, probably resulting in a pull or a slice. On the other hand, if you position the ball too far back in your stance, you may find you are blocking the ball to the right or hooking it wildly.

Experiment with ball position and you will most likely find that placing the ball in the middle of your stance or just fractionally toward your front foot will reap dividends. On longer clubs like the driver, the ball will be further toward your front foot.

A tip you will find helpful when working on grooving your golf swing, is to experiment on the practice range with different tempo swings.

Some recreational golfers swing very hard and fast in order to attempt to hit the ball further. You may be surprised to find that with a more leisurely, smooth swing, you will actually achieve greater distance. In reality, you want to hit the ball better, not harder. Fast swings tend to pull the arms into play too quickly and this often results in cutting across the ball, leading to a slice. The tempo of your swing is possibly the most crucial element you can work on as it will promote a repeatable swing you can rely on under pressure. In fact, you can groove such a swing in the garden at home without the need to hit golf balls. Find the tempo that works best for you, and make this part of your golf game.

Another element that impacts on your swing

is how you stand to address the ball. This can make a real difference to the quality of your shots and determine how high or low your ball trajectory will be. It can also influence how you bring the club head to the ball. Are you possibly stretching for the ball at address? Or is your stance too upright causing you to slice? Again, take time on the practice range to experiment by hitting shots while taking a variety of address positions. A tall person will naturally stand more upright to the ball while a shorter person will reach more for the ball and have a flatter swing. On that subject, if you are serious about grooving a solid, repeatable golf swing, you would do well to make sure you are using golf clubs suited to your height.

Badly fitted clubs will have you swinging on an arc that is unnatural and will inevitably result in hooking or slicing.

As is true for even the best of players, grooving a good golf swing is a matter of practice. You may find that there is a great deal of trial and error involved until you find a swing that suits you individually. Do not treat this as a chore, but enjoy those times you spend on the practice ground, realizing that it will result in a better golf swing that will in turn, allow you to derive greater enjoyment from the game and improve you score. stories@svlocalmag.com

As is true for even the best of players, grooving a good golf swing is a matter of practice.

War Memorial Opera House

Performing Arts SAN FRANCISCO WAR MEMORIAL PERFORMING ARTS 401 Van Ness Avenue, 94102 (415) 621-6600 http://www.sfwmpac.org/

THE WARFIELD

982 Market Street, 94102 (415) 345-0900 http://www.thewarfieldtheatre.com/

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA 301 Van Ness Avenue, 94102 (415) 861-4008 http://sfopera.com/Home.aspx

HERBST THEATER

401 Van Ness Avenue, 94102 (415) 392-4400 http://sfwmpac.org/herbst/ht_index.html

CURRAN THEATRE

445 Geary Street, 94102 (888) 746-1799 https://www.shnsf.com/online/

1 Taylor Street, 94102 (415) 551-2000 https://www.shnsf.com/online/shngoldengate

500 Sutter Street, 94102 (415) 345-0900 http://www.performances.org/

701 Mission St, 9410 415) 978-2787 http://www.ybca.org/

859 O’Farrell Street, 94109 (415) 885-0750 http://www.slimspresents.com/venue_ detail/gamh/

GOLDEN GATE THEATRE

SAN FRANCISCO PERFORMANCES

YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL

ORPHEUM THEATRE AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER 405 Geary Street, 94102 (415) 749-2228 http://www.act-sf.org/site/PageServer

1192 Market Street, 94102 (888) 746-1799 https://www.shnsf.com/online/

MARINES MEMORIAL THEATRE

609 Sutter Street, 94102 (415) 771-6900 http://www.marineclub.com/theatre/ about.php

THE RED POPPY ART HOUSE 2698 Folsom St, 94101 (415) 826-2402 http://redpoppyarthouse.org/

ASIAN AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY 1695 18th St, 94107 (415) 913-7366 http://www.asianamericantheater.org/

DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL 201 Van Ness Ave, 94102 (415) 864-6000 http://www.sfsymphony.org/

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY (201 Van Ness Ave, 94102 415) 864-6000 http://www.sfsymphony.org/

CROWDED FIRE THEATRE COMPANY 1695 18th St (415) 255-7846 http://www.crowdedfire.org/

SF PLAYHOUSE

450 Post St, 94102 (415) 677-9596 http://www.sfplayhouse.org/

Davies Symphony Hall

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Reasons to Shop at Local Stores

Y

ou may already shop locally because it is convenient, or perhaps you don’t shop locally at all. There are however, many excellent reasons why shopping at local stores is very beneďŹ cial to you and the community in which you live. Here are the top ten reasons why you should do more local shopping: Better Customer Experience

Are you tired of being served by a grumpy, miserable, or even downright rude checkout operator? If you shop locally you are more likely to be received with a smile and have a very pleasant customer experience. At your local shop you are not just a faceless money-carrier, you are a person. Building a friendly relationship with the local shop owner makes for a much more relaxed atmosphere and a nicer shopping experience allround. Rather than making your day worse, shopping at a local store might just brighten your day.

Helping to Local stores are owned and Maintain the operated by local people. The Community very same people as yourselves who care about the neighbourhood they live in.

Local businesses donate to local charities and causes and improve the surrounding area. Why? They care about the area in which they live, just like you. Support local stores and you are supporting your local community.

Local Economic Properity

Money you spend at local shops and businesses is money that is kept in your community, enriching it for all. When you spend at a superstore the profits are taken by the corporation, whereas when you spend locally your whole community indirectly benefits, since that money will be re-invested in your region.

Unique Nothing destroys a region’s Community character like the imposition of Charactor an all-purpose megastore store.

Local communities are unique places that have their very own culture, history and individual quality. Local stores are a part of this rich history and culture, having usually been around for several decades serving as pillars of the community. By supporting these local businesses you are ensuring the maintenance of the tradition and character of your area. A traditional diner or grocer is part of a town’s identity, and you would do well to support them with your custom.

Unique When you shop at a local store, Products and you get to buy unique, local prodQuality ucts of a diverse range that you Produce would not find at a superstore.

The stock has been carefully picked by the owner, rather than the dictates of market research and profitability. Especially when it comes to fruit and vegetables, shopping locally is superior to supermarket shopping in every way. The produce is fresher and tastier than supermarket goods, often picked only a day or two beforehand.

Fresh, organic, locallygrown food is also not only healthier for you, but it is also healthier for your community, as you are sustaining local agriculture.

Using local businesses encourLocal ages healthy competition. This Competition ultimately brings you, the consumer, and a cheaper, wider range of goods.

Multiple companies competing in individual markets is much better for everyone than one huge conglomerate selling a narrow range of every type of product.

More Local Jobs

Small local companies create a wide variety of local jobs which help sustain community economies. By shopping at local stores and using local businesses you are ultimately creating a supply of jobs in your local area, through increasing demand for goods and services.

Supporting Regional Agriculture

Through buying your fruit and vegetables from local outlets there are multiple positive effects. Aside from cheaper food bills and fresh produce, by supporting local farmers you are reinvesting money into your community and also helping the environment by reducing transport pollution.

Helping In the world today everyone wants the to do what they can to help conserve Environment the environment and the planet’s natural resources. Shopping locally serves this cause in several ways.

Major road congestion is reduced, as is general transport pollution. Buying goods from local stores also reduces fuel and energy consumption by bypassing the need to import from around the world. Local shops require little infrastructure, further decreasing our impact on the environment.

Local Decision Making

Important decisions made by local stores and businesses ought not be harmful to the community since the owners are part of the community too – they have a vested interest and are committed to the area’s future themselves. Decisions affecting the community are not made in corporate board rooms hundreds of miles away, they are made by fellow members of the community who appreciate their impact. Happy Shopping! stories@svlocalmag.com

History of The Presidio of San Francisco T

he Presidio is a former military outpost located in San Francisco. The land the Presidio stands on was inhabited by Native Americans of the Ohlone-Costanoan tribe for thousands of years. In 1776, Spanish forces built a fort made out of adobe here and named it the Presidio. Between 1776 and 1821, the Spanish military used this outpost to guard the harbor and prevent other settlers from using its resources. The soldiers’ families lived there too, and they spent much of their time farming the surrounding land.

An 1812 earthquake damaged the Presidio, but shortly thereafter it was not only rebuilt but expanded. When Mexico announced, in 1812, that it was seceding from the Spanish Empire to become an independent nation, the Presidio switched from being a Spanish fort to a Mexican fort. However, all of the Spanish

soldiers who were stationed there simply stayed put. Instead of being Spanish soldiers, they were now Mexican soldiers.

The Presidio lost most of its soldiers, however, when General Mariano Vallejo of Mexico decided, in 1835, to move them north to Sonoma. One soldier was left behind just to watch over the Presidio. During the Mexican War, a volunteer regiment from New York took over the fortress in 1846; by that time it was falling apart.

From that point on, the U.S. Army worked to expand the Presidio, bringing in cannons and adding Letterman Hospital, Crissy Army Air Field, and several more state-of-the-art facilities. In the late 1800’s, they also planted trees on surrounding hills to reduce wind. The American soldiers stationed at the Presidio fought Indian warriors and helped supply troops who went on to establish outposts throughout the Pacific Islands.

In 1994, the Army no longer needed the Presidio, and it became a tourist attraction run by the National Park Service.

Northern California Chapter 2015-2016

Gordy Soltau 1925-2014

NFL Alumni

Salvation Army

The Chapter teamed up with the Salvation Army’s Redwood City branch to distribute food for the holidays. Hundreds of local families were provided meals at the facility. Many local companies and stores contributed the groceries for these meals.. The Chapter collaborates annually with the Salvation Army to serve families and continue giving in the holiday spirit.

Henry “Model T” Ford, Allan Kennedy

NFL Alumni

George Mark Children’s House The NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter enjoys visiting local Children’s hospitals throughout the year. A long-standing tradition is bringing toys, games, and teddy bears to children and their families at Oakland’s Children’s Hospital. Additionally this year, the Chapter visited the George Mark Children’s House in San Leandro, where they were touched by the strength of the children.

Many thanks to Gary Weaver, Henry “Model T’ Ford, Michael Hooper, Larry Schreiber, Todd Lewis, Dave Casper, Chapter Secretary Pierre Spear, and NFL Alumni supporter John Valentine.

Charities NFL Alumni is proud to support these outstanding organizations that do so much to enrich the lives of youth in Northern California.

Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

American Heart Association Mount Madonna School Athletic Program March of Dimes Peninsula Council of Lions Clubs Las Lomas Football Foundation Concord High School Band Boosters Joe DiMaggio League NAACP San Bruno Junior Giants San Mateo Junior Giants St. Pius School Peninsula Bay Chapter of the Links The Ted Hendricks Foundation Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Salvation Army San Mateo Police Athletic League Fatherhood Collaborative Soul Stroll Rotary Club of San Bruno Job Train Wender Weis Foundation For Children Afro - American Cultural And Historical Society, Inc. Oak Grove Youth Football Domini Hoskins Black History Museum George Mark Childrens House Silicon Valley Rugby Football Club Operation Dream (SFPD) Gold Star Parents Strides For Life Colon Cancer Prevention Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame

We are grateful to our wonderful sponsors for their support in our mission of Caring for Kids Jelly Belly Candy Company Peterbuilt Oakland Raiders Mark Davis Sanmina David Wright Rick Lozoya & Janice Claridge Children of Warriors YoDerm Jackson Rancheria Verifyle Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Harry’s Hofbrau Keypoint Credit Union Duffy’s American Asphalt Maloney Security Straw Hat Pizza Whipple Auto Body Saags Sausage Shasta R.J. Dailey Construction Company Arthur & Carlyse Ciocca Foundation Wente Vinyards GLW Associates Len Rohde Hyundai Roto Rooter Manco, Inc. Sprig Electric St Francis Electric Magnum Drywall Saddle Rack Campanella Corporation Mark Jurich Gallina LLP Accuvant RDL Construction

WACA James V. Barnett Spicy Vines Ernie Co. Body Armor Pierre Buljan Group Rock the Casa Gordon Biersch Dennis Sanfilippo Autovino United States Marine Corp Color Guard United States Navy Color Guard Aryana Healthcare Physician Providers Tahoe Cottage Inn Carpaccio Sun Dance Eagle VInes Golf CLub Los Lagos Golf Course Las Positas Golf Course Half Moon Bay Golf Links Hidden Brooke PF Changs Kincaids Jack’s Car Wash The Office Go Kart Racer MoMo’s Dailey Construction Company Norcal Events Ted Stokes The City of Redwood City Oakland Flyers LLC Hengehuld Trucks Hooters The Cobblers Lake Chabot Golf Links The Golf Club at Roddy Ranch