SF Bay Area

[keska]

I didn't even know until this week that they had so many new stores at the Westfield Center. I thought it was just Bloomingdale's. I want to go but I bet it's packed this weekend.

As for romantic restaurants, I've heard good things about Firefly, which chortles recommended, but I haven't been there myself.

[sparklingshiraz]

I did this promo when they had it for the Santana Row location. It was great! You could only use the promo package Mon-Thurs, though. Might want to check the fine print, if anyone is looking into this.

Actually, THIS promo is any day. I have the order form and it specifically says that. I previously purchased a different promo package from them earlier this year which was Monday through Thursday only. But this new one is Any Day. So go get one, girls, and enjoy!

If you'd like, I can email you the order form. It contains all the details and rules. Otherwise, you can contact Terry Shonan and he (I think Terry's a guy) can send you the form too.

I like the new section of the Westfield Center. It has a Mango store, which I believe is the first opened in the U.S. There's also a Juicy Couture and another H&M. They have a food emporium on the bottom floor with various "fancy pants" eateries. There's a Beard Papas and a couple crepe/gelato places (or maybe it's just one). Oh, and on the Mission St side of the building there's a WichCraft on the corner - gourmet sandwiches.

Regarding JKI's concern about parking...I went on Sunday and it wasn't too bad. I just park at the 5th & Mission parking structure. The traffic getting to the garage was kinda brutal, but not even nearly as bad as that area gets during the holidays. So now would be a good time.

[justHB]

I like the new section of the Westfield Center. It has a Mango store, which I believe is the first opened in the U.S. There's also a Juicy Couture and another H&M. They have a food emporium on the bottom floor with various "fancy pants" eateries. There's a Beard Papas and a couple crepe/gelato places (or maybe it's just one). Oh, and on the Mission St side of the building there's a WichCraft on the corner - gourmet sandwiches.I love Beard Papas and am so excited about WichCraft! Thanks for the info. I'm heading over on Friday with a friend and can't wait.

[SiValleySteph]

Actually, THIS promo is any day. I have the order form and it specifically says that. I previously purchased a different promo package from them earlier this year which was Monday through Thursday only. But this new one is Any Day. So go get one, girls, and enjoy!

Well that's good! :) The Mon-Thurs thing made it a bit of a pain b/c of work.

[jki]

Regarding JKI's concern about parking...I went on Sunday and it wasn't too bad. I just park at the 5th & Mission parking structure. The traffic getting to the garage was kinda brutal, but not even nearly as bad as that area gets during the holidays. So now would be a good time.

Glad to hear parking wasn't too bad. For 11 years, I lived within walking distance of Union Square so I have no patience for parking! Does anyone know if Nordstrom still has valet parking?

[chi]

They have valet parking on 5th by Nordstroms and on Mission between 4th and 5th in front of Bloomingdales. I am not sure what the cost is.

[Surftraitor]

Hi all,
I need a recommendation for a good bakery. My son's first B-day party is next weekend. We live in Pacifica, so that area is preferred..TIA

[CityGirl]

Woo hoo! I just found out the new Westfield H&M has baby clothing. I'll have to try to get down there before this kidlet pops out.

On a side note, DH and I have been dining out a lot in anticipation of not being able to do so for a while, and on our list of new favorite restaurants are:

Gary Danko (holy cheese cart!)
Chaya
Range
NOPA

And for brunch, if the weather is nice, our long time favorite hands down is Park Chalet.

[SiValleySteph]

I know this has been metioned before, but maybe someone can help me out?

I'm looking for a new daycare/preschool for my 2 year old in the West San Jose/Campbell area. It needs to be full time.

Does anyone have any personal recomendations? It's so hard to find input from other parents.

[sparklingshiraz]

On a side note, DH and I have been dining out a lot in anticipation of not being able to do so for a while, and on our list of new favorite restaurants are:

Gary Danko (holy cheese cart!)
Chaya
Range
NOPA



can i just say i heart NOPA? i've been twice now and both times the food has been really excellent. and i like how late they stay open. what i don't like is that they opened up after i moved out of the neighborhood. but i can't exactly hold that against them. :)

[CityGirl]

sparklingshiraz - Love your screen name. I am a huge fan of sparkling shiraz, and rarely run accross anyone who has had it before. DH got me a case of my favorite last year for xmas (Black Chook) and I am chilling a bottle to celebrate as soon as the baby pops out!

In regards to NOPA: DH and I used to live over there too - when the building was still a laundromat. We laugh now about the guys we used to see on the street corner out front selling used, wet Levi's.

[clammyinsf]

hello ladies!

any suggestions on a good restaurant for groups? not too picky about types of food but i don't want it to be too expensive, either. anywhere in SF all the way down to SJ, preferably on the peninsula side.

thanks in advance!

[laura]

How big is the group? What do you mean by "not too expensive"?

[clammyinsf]

hmm, maybe around 15-20 people and "not too expensive", meaning $30-40pp?

[chortles]

You could try Le Charm (www.lecharm.com) which is fabulous, and would put together a lovely group on the patio.

[sparklingshiraz]

sparklingshiraz - Love your screen name. I am a huge fan of sparkling shiraz, and rarely run accross anyone who has had it before. DH got me a case of my favorite last year for xmas (Black Chook) and I am chilling a bottle to celebrate as soon as the baby pops out!

Hi CityGirl! Thanks! Yes, I heart sparkling shiraz. I went to Australia for my honeymoon and we spent about 5 days in the Barossa Valley. If you ever find yourself there, check out Peter Lehmann. They have an amazing sparkling shiraz called The Black Queen. Even better is The Black Shiraz by Rockford Wines. In the time when Liquids on a Plane were okay, my husband and I brought back 10 bottles. Two were wrapped to death and checked into our luggage, 8 we "baby carried" on board with us.

Have you been to the The Jug Shop in SF? They carry sparkling shiraz from Australia. http://www.thejugshop.com/stores/?storeID=68

[sparklingshiraz]

Hi ladies!

Get any free 12 oz drink from Seattle's Best, inside the Borders at the Westfield SF Centre. Link attached! http://f.chtah.com/i/9/276579820/BGOcoupon_10172006.html
Expires 11/03/06.

I've used it everyday since last Friday. Yummers! Maximize the free - get a double shot, vanilla, soy latte or something. ;)

[melissafromnc]

Hi everybody,

I thought I'd announce a home tour that's in the East Bay this weekend. It's in Orinda and will showcase five fabulous houses. It's being put on by the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay and supports our literacy program in West Oakland.

Each home on this year's tour has its own unique personality. You'll visit a farmhouse decorated with antiques from Italy and around the world, a Regionalism-style home with an eclectic art collection, along with Mediterranean, Spanish, and Monterey-style homes filled with one-of-a-kind details. Special elements from this year's tour include an outdoor shower, artisan tile work, and Russian artwork. You're sure to find ideas for your own home as you tour these creative and interesting residences.

You can find out a lot of information at http://www.jloeb.org/hometour.htm

Also, if anyone is looking for an incredible volunteering opportunity we're always looking for tutors for our afterschool program. Just an hour a week or a couple of hours every other week. Feel free to pm me if you'd like more information on either.

[justHB]

Finally hit up the new Westfield shopping center on Black Friday. It certainly is gorgeous.

[justHB]

http://sfgate.com/templates/brands/chronicle/images/chronicle_logo.gif

Monterey County Holidays
Sunday, December 3, 2006
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/03/PKGK7MHP5Q1.DTL&type=travel

http://sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/12/03/pk_monterey_a.jpg

The Thanksgiving feasts have been gobbled, the trees have been lit -- it's time for the frantic rush of holiday shopping. But there's still time to head to the Monterey Peninsula for a quick getaway, where nighttime tours, parades and Santa sightings offer a little respite and maybe even some holiday magic.

Participants in Monterey's annual historic evening walking tour, "Christmas in the Adobes," will have two new buildings to visit this year.

The Royal Presidio Chapel is the third incarnation, completed in 1795, of a church founded in 1770 by the Rev. Junipero Serra and Spanish military leader Don Gaspar de Portola. The stone building, once a hub of religious and political activity, is now the only structure that remains of the Monterey Presidio. Visitors will be able to see relics of Carmel Mission, examples of primitive Mexican Indian art, and Serra's chalice, cape and silver altar service.

The Pacheco Club was built in 1940 by Don Francisco Pacheco, a poor wagonmaker who became a wealthy landowner. Restored in 1929, it now serves as the headquarters for a social club.

Each of the 20 stops on the self-guided tour will be lit with luminarias and candles and will feature entertainment and decorations befitting the history of the buildings. Highlights: a fandango at the Custom House, the state's first historic landmark; musical hits of the 1840s and Mexican hot chocolate at Casa Soberanes; John Steinbeck history at the Lara-Soto Adobe; and an actor portraying Robert Louis Stevenson at the Stevenson House, which was reopened last year. Not to be left out, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos and gift requests at House of the Four Winds.

Docents and costumed volunteers will be on hand at each site to share historical tidbits and stories about former occupants.

Between these tours, Santa can be found in Old Monterey, where kids and their adults can accompany him on free horse-drawn carriage rides. Ever the multitasker, Santa will also be on Monterey's festively decorated Cannery Row every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.

And he doesn't forget the adults: On Saturday, Santa will be flying into Scheid Vineyards' Holiday Open House, where visitors can craft holiday grapevine wreaths and nibble on appetizers. Children are also welcome.

When it's time to chill out, lace up some skates and glide around Monterey's temporary outdoor ice rink at the county fairgrounds. It's open daily to skaters of all levels, and admission includes skate rental and two hours of skate time.

Light-festooned boats will sail next Sunday, competing for prizes in the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club's annual "Brighten the Harbor" parade. Trophies will be awarded afterward at the Yacht Club.

On Thursday in downtown Pacific Grove, elaborately lit floats, marching bands, equestrian groups and Santa will take to the streets in the annual "Holiday Parade of Lights" on Lighthouse Avenue. Caroling and horse-drawn wagon rides will follow.

Santa may be ubiquitous, but there aren't many places where children can meet a real reindeer. One place is Wild Things in Salinas. On several dates through Christmas, costumed guides will lead flashlight tours among the nocturnal animals. Hot chocolate, cookies and milk, coffee and candy canes will be served post-tour, and children can have their picture taken with Santa and his reindeer.

The Farm in Salinas is also getting in on the nighttime action. Take a moonlit hayride among the vegetables, or cluster around a bonfire to sing Christmas carols, sip cider and snack on homemade cookies.

Christina Ducklow is a freelance writer.

[sparklingshiraz]

better to visit in the winter than the summer. if you come during the summer, you'll want to wear summer clothes but it will be too damn cold. there will be rain in jan/feb, but probably no comparison to seattle. although last january is when we had major rain storms that caused flooding all over the bay area.

staying in a hotel in SF is perfect for a wine country day trip. it's probably about an hour - hour and a half drive. if you drive a little further (about another hour, i think) you can visit healdsburg wineries. it's less well known than napa and has a nice downtown area.

[beachlvr]

My friend's birthday was last week, and her husband totally blew it for her. So my other friends and I want to take her out to celebrate. We want it to be really fun, and something she'll really remember.

Any suggestions on where we could go? I'm thinking dinner and maybe a bar afterwards, but we're old (ha...mid-30's and we've all had kids) so it can't be too meat market-y.

[chortles]

I used to live in the Mission, and love going out there (but not the 16th/Valencia area), so I might vote for something like dinner at Foreign Cinema (21st and Mission) and then drinks at the Lone Palm (mellow-ish bar, 22nd and Dolores/San Jose). I love Docs Clock (22nd/ish and Mission) but it is more towards the divey side - great stiff drinks, though.

I've heard Bruno's (also in the Mission) has re-invented itself yet again, and might be fun...

in SOMA, Oola is pretty fun for dinner and drinks (depending on the night).

If you're NOT going out on a Thursday or Friday night, you could probably grab some fabulous crepes at Ti Couz (16th and Valencia) and have drinks at Skylark or Casanova. On Th/Fri, those places are insanely crowded, and old ladies like me get cranky :D

ETA - for some reason I assumed you were asking about San Francisco, which is where all these recs are. What city are you looking for?

[beachlvr]

Thanks,Chortles. I was thinking about San Francisco, but was open to anywhere that would be fun. I'm going to check into the places you suggested!

[jki]

Bump!

[tonic]

Hi :)

[Bloomwood]

nice weather we're having, huh?

[tonic]

I dont mind the rain.. but I grew up in Washington :)

[SiValleySteph]

I'm glad it's raining. We've been having a drought. It has been beautiful recently. We spent the weekend in Monterey and it was just gorgeous for February.

[Natasha]

As much as the rain bugs me, it's nice to see winter weather in February. It was just too weird to me, wearing a tank top last week.

[phoenics]

Outside right now in San Jose it's GORGEOUS! But cold!!

Hey SiValleySteph - have you tried to figure out what the semaphores are on the Adobe building? They say it's a literary phrase - but they estimate that it would take someone 4+ years to solve it.

Craziness.

[SiValleySteph]

phoenics, I hadn't heard about that before! How neat. Now I want to go downtown and check it out. I got married right down the street. :)

ETA - A team of two people have solved it, but they're waiting for 1 year of for 10 people to solve it before they release the solution.

[pocket]

did you feel that one?

3.4 epicenter - berkeley.

[irish74]

I felt it. It was a pretty decent jolt downtown SF.

[Bastille]

Definitely felt it, strong jolt and I live in San Francisco

[Bloomwood]

whoa, I missed it in Burlingame.

[pocket]

DH is forcing me to go skiing this weekend. I am miserable about it, but at least I get to pick the restaurant. Where should we eat? It needs to be nice enough to make it up to me for a horrible day. Doesn't need to be expensive, or fancy, it doesn't matter what sort of cuisine (except not Mexican or Pizza) but the food needs to be really really good.

TIA!

[phoenics]

phoenics, I hadn't heard about that before! How neat. Now I want to go downtown and check it out. I got married right down the street. :)

ETA - A team of two people have solved it, but they're waiting for 1 year of for 10 people to solve it before they release the solution.

Hmmm interesting!

My office building overlooks it so I see it everyday...

[phoenics]

I missed the quake...

[laura]

Which part of Tahoe will you be staying in?

[pocket]

South Lake Tahoe.

[curlywig]

Does anyone have a GREAT florist that delivers in/near Piedmont? Need to send a sympathy bouquet and all my SF florists charge $20-30 to deliver to Piedmont. Looking for something nice b/c it's a group gift for our boss.

TIA!

[justHB]

Where'd you end up going, pocket? I was going to suggest Kalani's in the Heavenly ski resort area, but I see you're already come/gone. There's supposed to be a great fondue place up in South Lake as well that we'll likely check out at some point.

[clammyinsf]

not sure if there are any fans in here but i just wanted to post in case anyone was interested:

look who's coming to town!

http://www.nbc.com/Late_Night_with_Conan_O'Brien/travels/tickets.shtml

[LRL]

Edited

[jewamese]

Where is the interview location?

And by "small interview," do you mean less than one hour?

I have a 7.5 month old. :)

[LRL]

jewamese- I PM'ed you! ;)

[LRL]

Can I ask you local ladies for a recommendation? We need to get some photos taken of DS and maybe some family shots as well. I need some photographer recommendations. In general we like to get the photos on CD to print ourselves, but we are open to different types of photo delivery.

TIA! :)

[QT Pie]

Any mom's around with 6-18 month DC's?

I am participating in a diaper wipes study and they are in need of some more people for the study. I think they pay $50-$100 for the study. You would need to do a small interview after you pick up and use the product. If anyone knows someone who would be interested I can give you the number to call- PM me. :)

I have a 7 month old. Do you have any additional info you can post? Thanks!

[smiles33]

LRL: I PM'ed you re: the wipes but also wanted to recommend my maternity and baby photographer, Catherine Snow.

http://www.catherinesnow.com/

There are a few photos of me and my baby on her site under the "Love" and the "Play" sections! She's fantastic!

[LoveandLaw]

Hi,

My mom lives in Livermore and needs some repair work done to her car. I'm down in L.A. so I can't help her out.

Do any of you know a reputable mechanic in the Livermore/Pleasanton area? I don't want her to get hosed.

Thanks in advance!

[Niobe]

Well, it looks like I'll be joining you girls out in Cali next week. A possible job offer, and a huge mess with a previous one (that was supposed to move us to Ann Arbor, Michigan), has caused my FH and I to decide to throw caution to the wind and just head out to San Fran now.

We'll be staying in a residential hotel until I find a job (know anyone who needs a very experienced retail associate? ;) ) and we can find an apartment/house to rent. We'll be looking in SF mainly, but possibly Berkeley or Oakland, depending on where we both end up working, since we're not planning to bring a vehicle out there.

Pretty much just wanted to say hi to my soon-to-be fellow Bay Area residents. Anything I have to do or see as soon as I arrive? I'm just excited that I get to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time!

[justHB]

Hey Niobe - how'd the move go?

[Jill1228]

Welcome Niobe!

if you head toward the San Joaquin Valley, gimme a holla!

[Jill1228]

I hope she was able to find one! She lives not too far from me! DH works in livermore

Hi,

My mom lives in Livermore and needs some repair work done to her car. I'm down in L.A. so I can't help her out.

Do any of you know a reputable mechanic in the Livermore/Pleasanton area? I don't want her to get hosed.

Thanks in advance!

[Niobe]

I'm here. And it's COLD! At least to me, the native Texan. This is what the dead of winter is like down South. :p But San Francisco is incredibly beautiful, I keep seeing all these old buildings and I have to just stop and stare at the architecture and all the little carvings.

Oh, and I love not having to drive. Trains rock. And I've already lost a couple pounds from walking up all these hills. :D

[bex]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could provide me with housing recommendations. DH and I are relocating to the bay area and are looking to live somewhere between Palo Alto and San Jose (we'll be working in Mountain View). We are looking to rent and would like to be in an area that has a bit of a "downtownish" feel, i.e., where we could walk to restaurants, cafes, etc. I drove through Santana Row last time I was down but haven't quite decided what I think about it :) Thanks!

[tonic]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could provide me with housing recommendations. DH and I are relocating to the bay area and are looking to live somewhere between Palo Alto and San Jose (we'll be working in Mountain View). We are looking to rent and would like to be in an area that has a bit of a "downtownish" feel, i.e., where we could walk to restaurants, cafes, etc. I drove through Santana Row last time I was down haven't quite decided what I think about it :) Thanks!

I would suggest Mountain View or Palo Alto if its within your budget. They both have nice downtowns with more nightlife than others. Los Gatos and Campbell have really cute downtowns too but they would be a bit more of a commute. Sunnyvale is closer but I haven't spent enough time there to really comment on its downtown.. maybe someone else can chime in.

Santana Row is ok, but I think Campell or Los Gatos have a bit more local feel (if that makes sense). I do love the neighborhoods in Santa Clara near Santana Row though :)

[laura]

Well we are looking to buy in Mountain View, so I am partial to that area. It has a cute downtown, IMO, and a big farmer's market on Sundays. Palo Alto has a nice downtown, also, but it has a different feel entirely than MV, IMO. To me Sunnyvale is more 'strip mall-y' and the downtown is pretty small, but everyone's opinion is different.

On that note, can anyone recommend a peninsula realtor? We are specifically focused on Mountain View, but will take names of anyone who is good hopefully to get a rec for someone familar w/ MV. Lately it seems like finding a good realtor is the biggest challenge in home buying! =/ TIA!

[clammyinsf]

On that note, can anyone recommend a peninsula realtor? We are specifically focused on Mountain View, but will take names of anyone who is good hopefully to get a rec for someone familar w/ MV. Lately it seems like finding a good realtor is the biggest challenge in home buying! =/ TIA!

we worked w/ Donna Marie Baldwin when we placed an offer on a townhouse in the peninsula. very experienced, knowledgeable and nice!

www.donnamariebaldwin.com

[Chicksinger]

bex I think the Mtn. View downtown is the most like what you are looking for, and I know that there are often some nice rentals just a few (walkable) blocks from Castro St. which has restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops, bookstores, a (live) theater, and a library.

[bex]

Thanks laura and Chicksinger! We'll start checking out rentals in Mountain View downtown.

[bluhimmy]

bex - I agree that downtown Palo Alto and Mt. View are your best bets. Although I loved it when I was living in Sunnyvale, downtown wasn't exciting.

[FutureLamGirl03]

Hi,

Just finished reading this entire thread.. i love how it talks about different subjects.. :-D Anybody recommend a mothers group or something for sunnyvale area...

TIA,
Emi

[smiles33]

Wow, Emi, you read the whole thing? :)

Sorry, I'm in the East Bay so I don't know about Sunnyvale options. I know Palo Alto/Menlo Park has a very active group. PAMP, I think? They have a website, membership dues, and I went to their HUGE sale when I was pregnant and picked up lots of gently used baby gear.

Good luck finding one!

[jki]

I don't know if there's any interest - but I thought I'd post it. Unfortunately, I'm not in technology because I'd LOVE something like this!

Date: May 15, 2007, Tuesday
Time: 6:30 PM light buffet; 7:00-9:00 PM panel discussion
Venue: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP
Location: 3175 Hanover St, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Cost: Pre-register by 5/13/07: $20 alumni, $25 others; Walk-ins: $25 alumni, $30 others
Register at: https://alum.mit.edu/smarTrans/user/Register.dyn?eventID=13240&groupID=154
Contact: Colleen Vandevoorde, colleenv@gmail.com

(Space is limited; pre-registration is strongly encouraged.)

Detailed Event Description:

This third event of the AMITA series on Women and Careers will focus on women in technology who are looking for part-time or flexible work arrangements and want to know how to begin: how best to present your case, how your company may respond, and what career paths are open to you. We will present strategies for finding satisfying part-time work in a field that leverages your educational and professional background. We will also discuss the psychology surrounding this transition and how to fit in to more than one "world". Both MIT alums and non-alums are welcome.

Our panelists will include women who have worked part-time in different capacities for extended periods, a career coach with concrete strategies for arranging part-time work, and a researcher in social psychology who will highlight aspects such as salary negotiations, and emotions in negotiations.

Some of the questions we'll discuss are:
* How do you propose a flexible or part-time arrangement to your current employer?
* What possibilities exist when you look for part-time work from a new employer?
* How do you negotiate a part-time salary that's right for your education and experience?
* How do you find or create opportunities for working part-time on a free-lance basis (consulting, technical writing, etc.)?
* How do you continue to grow in your career despite working part-time?

[justHB]

What an interesting panel. I was just at an event where one of the SVPs from Deloitte (a woman who was recently named the most distinguish female in the Bay Area) was talking about how they are going to try to work to accommodate these type of arrangements for their employees.

[Kimberlina]

Hi, Not sure if this is the appropriate place to post but I'm looking to buy a gift cert for mani/pedi in this area.

Can does anyone have any recommendations?

Not sure if there's something similar but in LA there are plenty of nail salons that have rows of massage chairs for spa mani/pedi. The new ones are trendy/clean and you can usually get a combo for under $40. Does anyone know of something like this in the Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area?

[smiles33]

Sorry, Kimberlina, I don't know the nail salons out there.

For East Bay (Berkeley south to Fremont) moms: how did you research preschools and any recommendations? I started by finding all the NAEYC accredited ones but am not sure how to proceed from there. Also, I have no idea about the various philosophies (e.g., Montessori, Challenger, etc.). DD is 1 (today!), but I hear there are crazy waiting lists so I would love to start now. TIA!

[laura]

Any recommendations for packers and movers? We are moving and I have a couple of recs from coworkers, but I can always use more. It is peninsula-peninsula move, so companies that work here would be good! (ie. not SF only, etc)

TIA!

[Bloomwood]

have you tried mayflower yet? a friend just got a good estimate (the cheapest of 3). I am planning to call them as well.

[laura]

No, I'll try them - thanks! Are you moving w/in SF? I have a good rec for a local company there, if so.

[Bloomwood]

no, we're moving from the peninsula to north bay. Thanks though!

[Natasha]

Has anyone heard of the Beauty Bar (http://www.beautybar.com)? My BM's are thinking of taking me there for my bachelorette party. I'm so far out of the bar loop, it isn't funny, and their website doesn't have a lot of information. I was hoping maybe I'd get lucky and get some reviews here.

[CityGirl]

Natasha - I haven't been there in about 8 years, so my review might not mean much. I did go there with a huge group of girls for a ladies night out. We didn't arrive until 10pm or so, and found it too crowded to consider a manicure or anything like that. Also, it seemed like the bar was full of guys cruising for drunk girls. I would totally go back, but would maybe go there to start the evening and actually get a manicure/martini...

Maybe look it up on yelp.com to see if there are any recent reviews?

[Natasha]

Thanks! I'll check yelp.com.

[bluhimmy]

Any restaurant recommendation for Sunday brunch in the Pleasanton/Dublin/San Ramon area?

[Hawaii2SJ]

We went to the Pleasanton Hotel Easter Sunday brunch this year for the first time and I was not impressed, JMHO. I'm still on the hunt for an awesome sunday brunch place. Where I'm originally from Sunday Brunch has a huge selection of foods and I haven't found one that compares out here in CA yet.

While I'm here has anyone been to Threads Beauty Bar in Pleasanton?? http://www.threadsbeautybar.com/ I'm gonna try getting my eyebrows threaded instead of waxing.

[Chicksinger]

Hawaii2SJ It's not in the Pleasanton area (as bluhimmy wanted), but I wanted to recommend brunch at the Claremont (http://www.claremontresort.com/Dining/) in Berkeley. I've been there 3 times and I've always enjoyed it. (And the view is great!)

[bluhimmy]

Hawaii2SJ - Thanks for the warning about Pleasanton Hotel. That was actually on my list, but not anymore.

Chicksinger - We may have to venture out further seeing how there's a lack of good brunch places; so thanks for the rec. :)

[Hawaii2SJ]

Chicksinger Now that place is more like a Sunday Brunch. Pleasanton Hotel didn't have anything made to order like the omlette station. Everything was pre-made, including their omlettes. They did have someone serving prime rib and the desserts had a wide spread with a large selection of diabetic desserts which I've never seen before. I guess maybe they have alot of diabetics in the area...or I'm just bitchy and want more real food selection :p

Bluhimmy I heard good things about the Fairmont hotel brunch in San Jose. That was my first choice but we decided to try Pleasanton Hotel instead :rolleyes: Wherever you decide let us know if it was any good. Good Luck!

[karen]

I wasn't crazy about the brunch at the SJ Fairmont. We had a Mother's Day brunch there three years ago. I thought it was way too expensive for the food they served.

I haven't been to too many brunch places in the Bay Area but my favorite is the Palace Hote in SF.

[richgal]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good RE (reproductive endocrinologist) in the South Bay or Peninsula?

Thanks in advance!

[QT Pie]

Hi! I am looking for a restaurant in SF for my DD's first birthday dinner. I want a place with a private room that could accomodate 20 people and won't break the bank. I'm thinking of Asian, Italian, or American cuisine. TIA!

[smiles33]

QT Pie: I went to a party with 30-40 people at E&O Trading Company near Union Square a few years back. I think we were on the 2nd floor or something. I remember it being private and spacious, not a cramped tiny room. It might be too big for your needs, but it's SE Asian and had a nice mix of choices.

[QT Pie]

Thanks Smiles33! I love the E&O Trading Co. but it was a little out of my price range.

By the way, your daughter looks so cute in her bunny outfit!

[Cali_Katy]

While I'm here has anyone been to Threads Beauty Bar in Pleasanton?? http://www.threadsbeautybar.com/ I'm gonna try getting my eyebrows threaded instead of waxing.

I have been there several times. The location is kinda weird -- it's in a Holiday Inn -- but the people were really good.

[ejs]

Hi! I am looking for a restaurant in SF for my DD's first birthday dinner. I want a place with a private room that could accomodate 20 people and won't break the bank. I'm thinking of Asian, Italian, or American cuisine. TIA!

Is it mainly adults or kids?

[smiles33]

QTPie: If you're inviting mostly adults who like Chinese seafood, R&G Seafood lounge has private rooms and wouldn't be as pricey as E&O. I've been in rooms with as little as 12 guests and as much as the entire second floor. Not sure if kids would go for Chinese seafood though (e.g., garlic lobster, salt and pepper crab, steamed fish, etc.). I think it would be anywhere from $20-$30 per person for a seafood dinner but they could probably work with you for a custom menu. Good luck!

And thanks for the compliment re: my DD. I love that jacket! :)

[melissafromnc]

richgal It kind of depends on what your issues are or what you think they might be as to what RE I'd recommend. Overall, I'd say tops on the Peninsula would be Stanford. Steer very clear of RSC. I have friends who love NOVA and friends who only like NOVA. Same with Zouves (and I think he only does IVF). Feel free to pm me if you have other questions. I've been a patient at RSC, SIRM, UCSF and have had friends go to every RE in the Bay Area (not to mention several other states). Best of luck to you.

[Hawaii2SJ]

I have been there several times. The location is kinda weird -- it's in a Holiday Inn -- but the people were really good.


When I found the info I thought that it was really wierd too so I put it off. I then called a week later to make an appointment and it said they just moved to a new location and its really nice and cute too. I was very happy with the results and shape of my eyebrows. And I agree, they are all really nice. They are now located across the street in the Namaste (?) shopping center. Next time I'm gonna try a facial :)

[richgal]

Thanks, Melissa... I'm going to PM you. :)

[QT Pie]

QTPie: If you're inviting mostly adults who like Chinese seafood, R&G Seafood lounge has private rooms and wouldn't be as pricey as E&O. I've been in rooms with as little as 12 guests and as much as the entire second floor. Not sure if kids would go for Chinese seafood though (e.g., garlic lobster, salt and pepper crab, steamed fish, etc.). I think it would be anywhere from $20-$30 per person for a seafood dinner but they could probably work with you for a custom menu. Good luck!

And thanks for the compliment re: my DD. I love that jacket! :)

Ahhhh........... love R&G Lounge! Unfortunately their private room is booked on the night I need it and they wanted a minimum of $1000. My party is half kids and half adults. I'm sure we will find something soon though. Thanks everyone!

[Suzlywoozly]

richgal Overall, I'd say tops on the Peninsula would be Stanford. Steer very clear of RSC.

Yes, stay far, far away from RSC!!!! I had success at Stanford on my first cycle with them:D

[maybebaby]

Anyone have recommendations for a photographer for baby and kids in the bay area? I'd like something more artsy than traditional and not extravangantly expensive.

I've asked around our neighborhood parents group a little and gotten a few suggestions but would love some more ideas.

[jki]

maybebaby:
Here's a list of recommendations from my mother's club board: (Assume 415 for the phone numbers without area codes.)

Chi Fang in Fremont
http://www.chiphoto.net/

www.kocreations.com

Jeanne de Polo takes great pcitures and can be reached at (650) 575-5959

Regan Sherris – Studio Orange - (510) 866-5027

www.saraheisner.com

Mike
415-948-3711
http://www.kornder.net

www.lisaleigh.com

http://www.merrillphotographics.com/gallery-f-01.html

www.photosbykara.com

Jonathan Payne
www.photopayne.com
510 333 6676

MARIA and her business line is: 415-867-2211

Kristie Pellegrino
(925) 260-9350
www.kristiepellegrinophotographs.com.

Bruce Forrester
415-388-3686
http://www.bruceforrester.com

Lisa Knutson photography
256-9597
www.lisaknutsonphotography.com

Laura Turbow
http://www.ltphoto.com

Sam Borquez

Susannah Robbins
382-7989

www.tamiland.com

Tom Vo
www.accolade-photo.com

Lisa Leigh
www.lisaleigh.com

Jennifer Skinner, her number is 415-456-5644

[Lucy Van Pelt]

A friend of mine just had her son's pics taken by Augie Chang. He is amazing!

www.augiechang.com

[bluhimmy]

maybebaby - I used Gretchen Adams (http://www.gretchenadamsphotography.com/) for both DS and DD baby pictures. She's exceptionally good with kids. I just loved working with her.

Lucy - Thanks for posting Augie Chang. I love what I see on the website. I think I might have to use him later.

[Suzlywoozly]

Anyone have recommendations for a photographer for baby and kids in the bay area? I'd like something more artsy than traditional and not extravangantly expensive.

I've asked around our neighborhood parents group a little and gotten a few suggestions but would love some more ideas.

We used Shanti Dupree for our engagement pics and had found her through someone that used her for all of the pictures of her kids. Her website is www.portraitsbyshanti.com

[Katie]

If you are still looking for a photographer for kids and babies, I highly recommend Helen Bae. We used her last year for our first family portraits/baby pictures and I LOVED her. Our son was being really difficult that day and she still managed to get some amazing shots.

http://www.helenbaephotography.com
(510) 548-2560 (El Cerrito)

Good Luck!
(In fact the picture in my avatar is from her)

[QT Pie]

Tami Desellier took some really cute pictures of DD

http://www.tamiland.com/

[K&H's mommy]

photographers - our wedding photographer specializes in kids/babies. I know she does a shoot at Crackerjacks clothing store in Oakland too. You play a flat fee and she takes some shots of your kiddo. If I remember correctly it was pretty cheap (we haven't done it since we moved out of the Bay Area when I was pregnant). www.amyperl.com

[jewamese]

Any recommendations for parks, gardens, or place of interest for a photo shoot in either the East or South Bay? I'm in Campbell (south bay), but the photographer is in Lafayette (east bay). I'd prefer interesting places in the south bay bc I'd prefer not to travel with two toddlers, but if there are any interesting places in the East Bay, I'd be willing to travel to meet her in the middle somewhere.
Thanks in advance! :)

[bluhimmy]

Cin - What about Japanese Tea Garden by Happy Hollow? Or the Rose Garden in Santa Clara? There's also the Standford campus, always a popular wedding photography spot.

[bluhimmy]

I need recommendations for a good OT specializing in pediatrics. Hopefully one located in/near Fremont area, or around San Jose. TIA

[Chicksinger]

Cin - What about Japanese Tea Garden by Happy Hollow?

That's just what I was thinking. Also Hakone Gardens (http://www.hakone.com/) in Saratoga.

[Hawaii2SJ]

I was also going to suggest Hakone Gardens. It's really pretty and lots of space for action shots of the kids too. We took pictures there last September but just an FYI- you need to contact them because you need a permit to take pro pictures there. IIRC I think we even had to pay a small fee. During our session someone even approached us and asked for our permit :rolleyes: But the pictures came out great!!

[bluhimmy]

FYI- you need to contact them because you need a permit to take pro pictures there. IIRC I think we even had to pay a small fee. During our session someone even approached us and asked for our permit :rolleyes: But the pictures came out great!!

Yes, they require permits.

[maybebaby]

deleted

[smiles33]

Blu--what does OT mean?

[bluhimmy]

Blu--what does OT mean?

I guess that would have help. :o OT = Occupational Therapist

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I was particularly amazed by Augie Chang and Gretchen Adams photos, but I'm still going through all the links.

Augie also photographed my friends' wedding. He is so incredible. I want to get married again just so he can be the photographer! He's expensive, of course, but sooo worth it. I talked to him for a few minutes at my friends' reception and he was so fun - just such a great personality. I love to check out his blog every few weeks to see his newest pictures.

[chi]

Has anyone had any experience with Golden Gate OB/GYN in San Francisco, or can recommend a good OB/GYN in San Francisco? Any doctor there specifically that you liked or stayed away from? I am chaning health care providers, and am in need of a new and good doctor. TIA!

[karen]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a plumber and electrician in the South Bay?

[Chicksinger]

The guys at Dollens Electric Corporation were just great. They were very thorough and careful, and did an excellent job. They also had a discount coupon in one of the San Jose Yellow Pages.

Dollens Electric Corp.
408-929-6100
408-608-2600 (fax)
Lic. # 867376

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Try Jeff at Street Plumbing - (408) 496-1155. He's been to our house multiple times and does a fabulous job!

[karen]

Lucy Van Pelt, Thank you!

Chicksinger, Thanks as well. Can you tell me what kind of work you had done from them? We are looking to get new wiring done for lights.

[Honu]

South Bay Ob/Gyn & Pediatrician
Hi, can anyone recommend a good HMO Ob/Gyn and Pediatrician in West San Jose/Campbell/Los Gatos area? I looked into joining the SCCIPA (Santa Clara County Individual Practice Assoc) or CMG (Camino Medical Group) through Blue Shield HMO, but all the Ob/Gyn & Pediatricians I wanted are only PPO contracted. PPO is an option, but would love if we can find great HMO doctors. Thanks in advance!

[bluhimmy]

Honu - I used to see a Family Physician in Los Gatos, and she's part of SCCIPA. Los Gatos was too far for me to travel since I'm moved to Fremont, so I made the switch. But prior, she would take care of my annual exams. My good friend still goes there, and the doctor delivered her DD at Good Sam. If you're interested let me know.

[fifibee]

Honu -- My OB/GYN is part of the Camino Medical Group and her office is located in Sunnyvale, which is not too close to Campbell/Los Gatos area but still could give her a try. Her name is Ann Wong, and she has been such a great doc through my two pregnancies. I would highly recommend her.

[Lvella43]

Hey Ladies! I am a Bay Area naitive who now lives in the mid-west. I am hoping someone can recommend a nice day spa in the Lafayette area.

TIA!

[shortcake]

I am just subscribing - grew up in the bay area and moved away to Seattle...now moving back (to San Jose) with my family!

[Chicksinger]

Chicksinger, Thanks as well. Can you tell me what kind of work you had done from them? We are looking to get new wiring done for lights.


Sorry! I was on vacation!

Dollens did SO much for us! They found a fire hazard in the attic crawlspace (we had a smolder/smoke scare), they re-wired 2 outlets and five overhead spots, they checked every lightbox (where ceiling lights are suspended) in the house (found and rewired the ones that were dangerous and not to code), they installed a new ceiling fan/vent in our non-windowed bathroom.

They did great work and showed me all parts that were used, removed or added. They were nice to my son and friendly to me. They cleaned up when they were done. I would hire them again right away.

South Bay Ob/Gyn & Pediatrician We have the SCCIPA. My OB/Gyn is in Los Gatos, right on the Campbell border. Dr. Angela Pollard, but she's really popular and most new patients get assigned to her partner, Dr. Kim Dang. They're both really good, Dr. Pollard just takes a little more time to meet and greet. She was recommended to me by a friend's SIL, and she delivered my newest baby. 408-370-3100
700 West Parr Ave.Ste. I (that's 'i', not a 'one'), LG, 95032

I LOVE our Ped. Dr. Peter Contini (you may have heard him as a regular guest on Ronn Owen's KGO morning show), 408-268-4900
6475 Camden Ave. #107, SJ, 95120

[tinkerbelljenny]

Hey Ladies! I am a Bay Area naitive who now lives in the mid-west. I am hoping someone can recommend a nice day spa in the Lafayette area.
http://www.lafayetteparkhotel.com/index.html
Grew up in the Bay Area. I use to go here.

[chortles]

Just an FYI, the Lafayette Park Hotel used to have a lot of problems with Union Busting and unfair labor practices. I haven't looked to see if that is still the case, but if possible, you might want to google other options.

[chortles]

...anyone have someone good they recommend in San Francisco? Preferably someone who cleans with green supplies.

TIA!

[Soulmate]

We are very tentatively contemplating moving back to the bay area (fremont/union city/newark area). I was just curious how much child care costs in that area. We would be looking for probably a center since we would want to know someone before doing in-home.

[maybebaby]

deleted

[bluhimmy]

We are very tentatively contemplating moving back to the bay area (fremont/union city/newark area). I was just curious how much child care costs in that area. We would be looking for probably a center since we would want to know someone before doing in-home.

We live in Fremont and when DS was in the 2's room, it was about $230 per week, for M-F from 9am-3pm. For the toddler room they only offer fulltime daycare, so I think you would be looking at somewhere around $300 weekly. I thought I had the pricing sheet, but I can't seem to find it.

[laura]

If anyone on the peninsula/south bay is looking for a cleaning person, PM me. My cleaner is fantastic and she is looking for ~2 more clients. She cleans our 1350 sq ft 3BR/2.5BA place for $60 every 2 weeks, and she does a fabulous job - I highly recommend her. She lives in Mountain View, so you would need to live a reasonable distance from there.

[ejs]

If anyone on the peninsula/south bay is looking for a cleaning person, PM me. My cleaner is fantastic and she is looking for ~2 more clients. She cleans our 1350 sq ft 3BR/2.5BA place for $60 every 2 weeks, and she does a fabulous job - I highly recommend her. She lives in Mountain View, so you would need to live a reasonable distance from there.

Laura, does she clean baseboards? And get all the cobwebs out of corners? Do you know how she cleans hardwood? We're considering getting a new cleaning person.

[laura]

She does baseboards and cobwebs for us. We don't have any hardwood, but I would imagine she cleans that also. She is really very flexible depending on your needs. We just get the basic cleaning stuff (including baseboards), but she was recommended to me by our realtor and for her she does other things, like clean out her fridge, etc.

[Soulmate]

Thanks bluhimmy! How would you classify the center she was at? Like Goddard quality, middle of the road, or something else?

[smiles33]

FYI, Soulmate, we live in the Tri-City area but I send DD to Stanford's on-site center (where I work). I recently researched centers near home but only Kidango (www.kidango.org) has NAEYC-accreditation. Unfortunately, even though we would be a full-fee family, we're still on the waiting list 6+ months later. I can't recall the exact monthly fee, but somewhere around $1300 or so for part-time care (so equivalent to what I pay now).

Good luck!

[bluhimmy]

Thanks bluhimmy! How would you classify the center she was at? Like Goddard quality, middle of the road, or something else?

It was Kindercare so it's not Goddard. The center DS we attended is NAEYC accredited. There are 3 Kindercare locations in Fremont, and not all of them are equal. We're happy with the one DS attended and I will be sending DD there once she turns 2. The center director has been there for years, and she's great with the kids; very caring and patient. A big chunk of the staff that works there have been there a long time.

I also looked into Kidango since there are 3 locations in Fremont. I visited one that was close to our home and I was not thrilled with them. But our friend sends her daughter to a different location, and they love it there. So every center is different even if they are part of the same chain. You just have to visit and get a feel for the environment.

From what I remember, the cost for both Kindercare and Kidango came out to be roughly the same. Kindercare charges weekly; whereas Kidango was monthly. I think Kidango had offered a program that was pretty flexible: you could drop off/pickup any time during the day, as long as it didn't exceed x number of hours. I don't know if they still do that.

Good luck.

[laura]

Anyone have a suggestion for a good bakery to make a birthday cake on the peninsula? I have an idea in mind for a design, but it's not extremely fancy; I would prefer really good cake over extremely intricate design. It needs to serve 30-40 people, so probably just a sheet cake style w/ a design on it. (It's for my husband's 30th bday, if that matters.) TIA!

[clammyinsf]

laura - we've used copenhagen bakery in burlingame in the past and have always been pleased. there's also the cakery right down the street which does really good work too :)

www.copenhagenbakery.com/

yelp reviews of cakery: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mwSWn4-M6BGEkOLFNK_uMw

[SiValleySteph]

Does anyone have a plumber they would recommend for gas line work? I'm in San Jose.

LucyVanPelt, Did you use your plumber for any gas line or just for water? I saw your recommendation earlier in the thread.

TIA!

[shortcake]

Steph - we just had a plumber come and so far very happy with them. Of course it was for work that was covered by home warranty, so we don't know what the price would have been. However, they were very nice and helpful and even did some extra work (re-set a drain basket in the sink) at no charge. I have no idea if they do gas line work though. They are: Street Plumbing - 408.496.1155

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Does anyone have a plumber they would recommend for gas line work? I'm in San Jose.

LucyVanPelt, Did you use your plumber for any gas line or just for water? I saw your recommendation earlier in the thread.

TIA!

Hi Steph! Yeah - He did the gas line as well. Among other things, he installed our tankless water heater and our water softner.

Jeff at Street Plumbing - (408) 496-1155.

BTW - congrats on your pregnancy! It seems just yesterday we were planning our weddings and now you are going to have TWO kids!! :eek:

[SiValleySteph]

Thanks shortcake & LVP! :D I will pass along your recommendations to DH. As much as he likes to tease me about CC, then he wants me to post a question. :p

I'm not sure if I should use your real names or not, since I know both of you IRL. hahaha. I'll just use the secret code names...

congrats on your pregnancy! It seems just yesterday we were planning our weddings and now you are going to have TWO kids!!

Thanks! :eek: is exactly how I feel! :D

[shortcake]

Steph -Oh - looks like we recommended the same company! We had Mark (the owner) and Joel over here. And yeah I guess just call me shortcake here - it's always confusing to me when people use people's real names but the names aren't part of their "code name" - and then I don't know who they are talking about when I'm trying to follow the thread! (I cheat with your name b/c it's easy to decipher - I did that before I met you IRL anyway).

LVP - Glad to hear another recommendation for Street Plumbing, since we'll be using them to repair some leaks and we have to actually pay for it ourselves. :)

[KarenInSF]

Anyone have a suggestion for a good bakery to make a birthday cake on the peninsula? I have an idea in mind for a design, but it's not extremely fancy; I would prefer really good cake over extremely intricate design. It needs to serve 30-40 people, so probably just a sheet cake style w/ a design on it. (It's for my husband's 30th bday, if that matters.) TIA!


Laura: We used the Cakery in Burlingame for our wedding cake a few years ago. Very nice to work with. I'm not going to say it was the BEST cake I've ever had, but I remember the price was reasonable. We were pleased (and we did get a lot of compliments on it.) I think they're located very close to the Copenhagen bakery recommended earlier.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Weeee - that was a long earthquake! I didn't realize what it was at first, but once I did, I grabbed DD and stood in the kitchen doorway. No damage here - just knocked the fireplace tools out of their holder. The dog is a bit anxious though. Poor thing!

[pixiecat]

I heard it first, took two steps to look out the window and then felt the shaking! It's being reported as a 5.6.

[pontmarie]

Yep, we each had one kid. Y'all check your gas lines!

[shortcake]

How do you check your gas lines??

That was pretty exciting! But guess where I was? DD was on the potty pooping, so I just had to run over there and hold her while she freaked out! She's 4 and it really startled her. Anyway, I know y'all wanted to know that detail. :)

[pontmarie]

go to your meter, from then the gas line it goes into your house - check with a flashlight or glow stick - NO MATCHES - check exterior for any cracks, you can smell leaks.

ours has cracked on the wall where it went into the house, we'll patch it up tomorrow.

[Chicksinger]

Hoo, baby, did that shake us!! Still standing, though! :)

[Jill1228]

we felt it, but it was pretty mild here. I am right outside Tracy. I saw the chair move and DH was like...do you feel that?
My friend in San Jose, REALLY felt it

[tonic]

whoa that was big!!!

[bex]

We're in San Jose (on the border of Milpitas) and boy did we feel it!

[SiValleySteph]

What's the best thing to do in an earthquake? Is it get in a doorway or go outside? I grabbed DS and we went in a doorway, but then I was thinking the door to the outside was about the same distance the other way... would going outside have been safer?

Very scary!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

What to do during an earthquake

1. If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.

2. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.

3. If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.

4. If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.

5. If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

This has some very useful information.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/topics.php?topicID=25&topic=Preparedness

[ejs]

What's the best thing to do in an earthquake? Is it get in a doorway or go outside? I grabbed DS and we went in a doorway, but then I was thinking the door to the outside was about the same distance the other way... would going outside have been safer?

Very scary!

It depends what your outside is like. You need to beware of falling power lines, power poles, trees, rupturing water and gas lines, etc.

[SiValleySteph]

I didn't even think about falling trees! Our power lines are in the front and the gas in on the opposite side, so I think the back yard is pretty safe, with the excpetion of falling trees. There's a giant pine right over the fence.

I think I need to do some more research. I never really had that primal "must protect my child" kind of urge before. DH & I need to come up with our plan for what to do if a major earthquake (or other disaster) strikes while we are both at work. Like, who tries to go get DS, etc.

[Jill1228]

Moderate earthquake shakes Bay Area

By RON HARRIS, Associated Press Writer 2 minutes ago

A magnitude-5.6 earthquake shook the San Francisco Bay area Tuesday night, rattling homes and nerves, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

The moderate temblor struck shortly after 8 p.m., about 9 miles northeast of San Jose, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Residents reported feeling the quake as far east as Sacramento and as far north as Sonoma.

The California Highway Patrol has received no reports of damage or injuries, spokesman Tom Marshall said.

The epicenter of the quake was near Alum Rock, in the Diablo Range foothills east of San Jose — not far from the home of San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed.

Pictures fell off the walls of Reed's house, but the mayor said there was no major damage there.

"It was a pretty strong ride here, a lot of shaking but nothing broken," Reed told The Associated Press in a phone interview from his home. "I've talked to a few people and we have no reports of injuries or damage. There was a lot of shaking, but it wasn't the big one."

Amrit Shergill, a night cashier at Alum Rock Shell gasoline station in San Jose, said there was no damage other than some small items that toppled off a shelf — but the intensity of the shaking sent her outside and crouching on the sidewalk.

"My God, I felt like running because the roof might come down on my head," said Shergill, who was born in India. "I've never felt anything like this in 16 years in the United States."

Rod Foo, a resident of south San Jose, about 10 miles from the epicenter, said everything in his house shook for several seconds, but the electricity never went out and his telephone was still working.

"I could hear it coming up the street before it hit the house," said Foo, a former reporter with the San Jose Mercury News. "I thought it was the kids messing around at first, then I felt the house shaking and I knew it was an earthquake. ... It was rattling for a long time and really loud."

The USGS reported 10 aftershocks, the biggest with a preliminary magnitude of 2.1.

In downtown San Jose, the quake caused a pipe to break, streaming water into the parking garage of a condo building, according to the Mercury News.

An employee at Beverages and More, a liquor store in Milpitas, a few miles from the epicenter, reported a few broken wine bottles.

Allison Guimard, 25, a technology executive who lives in Mountain View, about 18 miles west of the epicenter, said her china started shaking and she grabbed her dog. It was the first significant earthquake for Guimard and her husband, Pierre, who moved here from New York six months ago.

"It felt like the apartment was rolling — shaking and rolling," said Pierre Guimard, 25, a home entertainment installer. "Almost like a boat on the water."

Bob Redding, a dispatcher at the California Highway Patrol dispatch center in the Central Valley town of Atwater, 70 miles east of the epicenter, said the office had received calls from numerous locations in the valley, but CHP had received no reports of injuries.

"When it first hit, we thought a truck might have hit our building," Redding said. "But it was just one jerk."

A representative of Caltrain, which runs light rail between Silicon Valley and San Francisco, said all trains were stopped as soon as the earthquake hit, and they've been running at restricted speeds ever since. There were no reports of injuries or other problems. The trains were expected to remain in service until midnight.

A spokesman for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, which runs underground and aboveground trains throughout the region, said all trains were stopped soon after 8 p.m. for five minutes. Train operators were then instructed to run trains at half their normal speed, and look out the windows and perform track inspections at every stop.

"There's no damage so far and we're not anticipating any," said BART spokesman Linton Johnson. He said trains were running five to seven minutes behind schedule but were expected to get back on schedule later Tuesday evening.

___

Associated Press Writers Rachel Konrad in San Francisco, Tom Verdin in Sacramento and Aaron Davis in Sacramento contributed to this report.

[SiValleySteph]

Stongest one since I've been here (7+ years)!

[maybebaby]

deleted

[shortcake]

Yep - strongest since '89!

[J&T2005]

hey sf'ans!

I hope everyone's ok!

[phoenics]

Wow that one scared me to death - it was my first quake. I thought some car had hit one of the support columns in the garage or something.... and then all the shaking and rolling.

I shook for a good hour after that... just raw nerves.

[laura]

It was pretty strong in our area. We went outside b/c that seemed most logical, but I guess a doorway is most logical (?) - I don't know, we're on the second floor and staying inside just seems weird.

[Bloomwood]

We are in Marin. I was cooking upstairs and everything started rattling. DH was downstairs and had no clue. It was our first one in this house and I didn't know what to do when it didn't stop (and DH and DD were downstairs).

I immediately looked at my dog thinking she'd be acting weird and that would confirm it was a quake. Nope. She was just laying there oblivious (waiting for me to drop a piece of food). The dogs across the way barked for over an hour after it passed though. Guess their survival instinct is better than my dog's!

[tonic]

We are in Marin. I was cooking upstairs and everything started rattling. DH was downstairs and had no clue. It was our first one in this house and I didn't know what to do when it didn't stop (and DH and DD were downstairs).

I immediately looked at my dog thinking she'd be acting weird and that would confirm it was a quake. Nope. She was just laying there oblivious (waiting for me to drop a piece of food). The dogs across the way barked for over an hour after it passed though. Guess their survival instinct is better than my dog's!

Hehe.. my dogs reacted the same way. We were eating dinner in the living room when the quake hit. My husband and I both went to the nearest doorway and then I realized the dogs were still sitting on the couch. They were much more interested in our dinner then what we were doing. I would have thought they would have followed us. They didnt seem bothered by it at all.

[tonic]

Anyone feel the 3.7 at 3:54? I felt it at work... (Cupertino, CA)

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I'm in Santa Clara - right by the new Kaiser Hospital and I didn't feel it.

[richgal]

I felt it at work (also in Cupertino). Only about 1/2 of my coworkers felt it, though. At first I thought I was imagining it, but then it finally appeared on the USGS site. :)

[laura]

I work in Palo Alto and I didn't feel it, I don't think. There is a lot of construction going on around here, so I have tuned out most noise/movement lately.

[phoenics]

Anyone feel the 3.7 at 3:54? I felt it at work... (Cupertino, CA)

I did - I'm in downtown SJ at work... 7th floor of a high rise. Felt kinda queasy for a while afterwards - gave me motion sickness.

There was a 1.9 or something about 90 seconds after the 3.7 one too.

[justHB]

late to the party, but i'm so glad i didn't feel the quake - those things shatter my nerves for days on end. our plane landed 40 minutes afterwards and i didn't know about it until the next day.

[melissafromnc]

I don't know if any of y'all like home tours as much as I do, but there's one in Walnut Creek that I thought I'd post about here. Here's the info (http://www.jloeb.org/hometour.htm). It's a fund raiser for the Junior League of Oakland - East Bay and features four incredible homes in Walnut Creek.

[Jill1228]

I love tours. i went through a new awesome model home tour in livermore. To die for

[QT Pie]

I need to get a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Does anyone have a suggestion for the best pie in SF? TIA!

[justHB]

For anyone who's traveling to Sonoma anytime soon (or not soon), here's an interesting article from the Chron today:

Sonoma's laid-back look
A taste of winery architecture, from rustic to refined
By John King, Chronicle Urban Design Writer
Friday, November 16, 2007

Sonoma County's wine culture prides itself on being more relaxed than nearby Napa Valley, more rooted in place - which might explain why the architecture of local wineries is more down-to-earth as well.

The odes to Italy and France aren't quite so over the top; buildings in a contemporary style emphasize views over ostentation. The inspiration for many is that most humble of structures, the barn.

Make no mistake: You'll still find pompous temples of pseudo-refinement, as well as woodsy kitsch. It's also easy to spot the wineries designed with no higher aspiration than to look good on a wine label.

Even so, a tour through agricultural Sonoma includes architectural treats as well as sublime grape juice. Some wineries deserve exploration for their historical significance, while others tie buildings into the landscape with understated grace. As for the theme parks, a few are so meticulously preposterous that they're worth checking out.

Read more here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/16/WIAAT2QE8.DTL

[smiles33]

Hey ladies! I'm looking to plan a romantic weekend getaway with DH (without DD) for the first time in 6 months, especially because we need some couple time before he has to get knee surgery right before Christmas.

We've done Napa/Sonoma/Calistoga too many times, we honeymooned in Carmel and Half Moon Bay (so there's sentimental reason to return but we spent 2 weeks exploring both areas, since Italy was canceled post 9/11, so I don't know that I really want to go back), and we used to live in SF so we're not really interested in going there. Can you please help recommend places within 3-4 hours' driving distance (max) for an overnight trip? I'm at a loss.

Our priorities are good food and relaxing--we're not into museums, shopping, nightclubs, bars, etc. If anything, our favorite vacation is houseboating up at Lake Shasta (where we can read, sleep, and cook good food ourselves). I think a nice B&B or cottage, or a retreat-like hotel (so we can lounge in the hotel room) would be best.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

You could go a little further south to Pismo Beach? I love that area. You can hit Hearst Castle and take a tour. They should have all of the Christmas decorations up so it would be gorgeous right now!

[Hawaii2SJ]

Pre kids DH and I went here http://www.sycamoresprings.com/index.html

It's near Avila Beach. We had a luxury suite with private hot tub on the balcony. As for food there are resturants in the area but we just did room service thru the resort resturant which was very yummy IMO but I'm no food expert. You can go biking and cruise around the beach. Theres lots to do in that area :)

[jki]

I would want to go to Chateau du Sureau (http://www.elderberryhouse.com/) - it's near Yosemite.

[bluhimmy]

Pre kids DH and I went here http://www.sycamoresprings.com/index.html

That's what I was going to suggest too. :)

[keska]

Has anyone stayed here at Big Sur Treebones Resort (http://www.treebonesresort.com/)? I think the yurt sounds interesting.

[ejs]

Has anyone stayed here at Big Sur Treebones Resort (http://www.treebonesresort.com/)? I think the yurt sounds interesting.

The latest issue of Via (AAA's magazine) mentions this place. IIRC, they said it was a cool place to go.

[smiles33]

Thanks everyone! Sorry for not coming in earlier--I've been swamped at work and haven't had a chance to check on the weekends either. We ended up just planning another trip to Carmel/Monterey because we realized we could only go away this weekend (given babysitters' availability!).

I love all the ideas and will definitely file them away for the future.

[phoenics]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a good tailor in the San Jose area. I want to get some clothing made (a few sweater wrap dresses, some pants, a couple of skirts, etc.) and I want high quality but an excellent fit.

Does anyone know where I can go? Help.

[keska]

There are a few attorneys at work that live in San Jose, I'll ask around about tailors.

Does anyone have any ideas for things to do in the local area for the holiday season? We haven't done anything Christmas-y yet -- haven't even decorated our house.

[Hawaii2SJ]

We always enjoy good ole' Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose :)

[bluhimmy]

Does anyone have any ideas for things to do in the local area for the holiday season? We haven't done anything Christmas-y yet -- haven't even decorated our house.

In addition to Christmas in the Park mentioned by Hawaii2SJ, there's also Festival of Lights (http://www.realtown.com/LiveInLosGatos/blog/lifestyle/vasona-parks-festival-of-lights) at Vasona in Los Gatos.

[phoenics]

There are a few attorneys at work that live in San Jose, I'll ask around about tailors.



Thanks Keska. :)

[smiles33]

We just did the Fremont/Niles Holiday Train ride last weekend. They decorate the train with lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus walk through, and I think my DD enjoyed it. She spent most of it in Grandpa's arms staring out the window.

[jarocha]

smiles33: Where did you buy tickets? Their website says they are sold out for this year.

[Katie]

jarocha They are sold out unfortunately. They sell out the first day usually. I missed it last year due to that, but signed up right when they opened it up this year (early October) and got tickets for the day we wanted it. My 2.5 year old loved it!

[smiles33]

Thanks for replying for me, Katie. I actually didn't buy them, as my husband's colleague arrange for the whole office and their families to ride in the "caboose" right behind the engine.

[Hawaii2SJ]

The Niles Train of lights is FUN! We had a great time and DS enjoyed it ALOT!. I also missed getting tickets last year and when I got online the first day they were for sell it was almost sold out :eek: We went on a wednesday 4:30 ride which was perfect. You could see the hills and the other trains & tracks, then as it got dark you could see all the lights on the train. Definitely something we plan to do next year again.

[tonic]

I may have asked this before, but I couldn't find it using search.

Does anyone have a pet sitter (must be overnight) or boarding recommendation for the south bay area? I would prefer they still in our house or go to someone's house over going to a kennel like place.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Are you looking for a sitter for your 2 spaniels? If so, I *might* have someone for you. She has watched my cocker, Lucy, and her friends King Charles spaniels. I'm not sure if she is doing any dog sitting right now though. When are you going to be gone?

[tonic]

Are you looking for a sitter for your 2 spaniels? If so, I *might* have someone for you. She has watched my cocker, Lucy, and her friends King Charles spaniels. I'm not sure if she is doing any dog sitting right now though. When are you going to be gone?

Yes I am. I'm for sure going to be gone the first weekend in July (3-6th I think) and probably memorial day weekend. I'd like to do a couple other weekend trips too but nothing planned yet. If you have her email/contact info, feel free to PM me. If she ends up not dog sitting anymore, no biggie. Thanks!

[laura]

your dogs are so cute, it makes me want to do it. ;)

our friends have used Peninsula Pet Resort and been happy. not sure if that is too far north for you, though.

[bex]

Hey Tonic,

We have a great pet sitter who looks after our cats when we're away. She does dogs too so PM me if you want her name :)

[laura]

Does anyone have any recommendations for restaurants participating in Dine About Town?

http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/dineabouttown/

We are thinking of meeting friends for dinner next weekend. Right now I am leaning toward bacar or Le Charm, but any suggestions are appreciated!

[melissafromnc]

We ate at bacar last night. Make sure you double check the Dine About Town website because Open Table told us bacar was available for Sunday night. bacar IS participating in Dine About Town - but not on weekends. Dinner is available Monday through Friday.

[Soulmate]

Does anyone have any recommendations for pediatricians in the Fremont/Newark/Union City area? I am looking for someone who is moderate with regard to interventions, listens, also has good hours for walk-in sick babies. Also, they don't just barge into the room w/o knocking and open the door right into your 15 mo old knocking him to the floor :rolleyes:

Also an OB who would be willing to consider a VBAC...also in the Fremont area.

[clammyinsf]

Does anyone have any recommendations for pediatricians in the Fremont/Newark/Union City area? I am looking for someone who is moderate with regard to interventions, listens, also has good hours for walk-in sick babies. Also, they don't just barge into the room w/o knocking and open the door right into your 15 mo old knocking him to the floor :rolleyes:

Also an OB who would be willing to consider a VBAC...also in the Fremont area.

I love my OB and our Ped...

OB: Dr. Stacie MacDonald w/ http://www.obgynoncall.com/home
PED: Dr. Sara Dobbs w/ http://www.sebpmg.com/

[smiles33]

We love our pediatrician, Dr. Rupal Badani, at Palo Alto Medical Foundation's office in Fremont. She is a great listener, very understanding, moderate to conservative in not taking huge risks (e.g., kept my daughter on prophylactic antibiotics for the full course after she had a UTI at 3 weeks old in case there was any kidney infection issues). However, since PAMF is a group practice, she's not always the one we see if DD gets sick. We just get the first available appt. with any pediatrician. Last winter, DD's first when she was getting sick all the time because of daycare viruses, the ped group was SO slammed that we ended up shuttled off to an Internal Medicine specialist instead of a ped. Not a problem, but I was surprised.

My OB/GYN, Dr. Neeta Patel was friendly and outgoing. FYI, the OB/GYN group rotates being on-call so I was lucky that she actually delivered my baby (I was induced because my DD was a week late and huge), but I don't know anything about her VBAC philosophy.

[Soulmate]

Thanks clammyinsf and smiles33!

smiles33 DS' ped is part of a group practice now so I am used to, and don't mind, seeing any available doctor. I am also used to rotation with my previous OB as well. Thank you so much for the recommendations.

[smiles33]

You're welcome! Good luck choosing someone. They are both fantastic, but I understand that sometimes it's just about how you click so I hope you find someone that works for you and your family. I chose Dr. Badani because she's actually my husband's good friend from high school (both grew up in Fremont) and I knew she was brilliant (Yale Med School, UC Berkeley undergrad). I chose Dr. Patel because I liked her bio on the PAMF website (she writes that she has two mischievous but adorable dachshunds!) and we just clicked when we met--she loves to eat, too, so we'd talk about restaurants during all my check-ups).

[shortcake]

We are hoping to go out to a nice(ish) italian restaurant this weekend. Something you wouldn't bring the kids to, but not ridiculously expensive either. And something delicious. Any suggestions? Los Gatos, Campbell, or West San Jose would be ideal. Thanks!

[QT Pie]

I am in the middle of planning DD's second birthday party. Does anyone have a suggestion for a venue? We're pretty open, but prefer to stay in the city. It would be for about 30 kids or so. TIA!

[LaughAtlantis]

We are hoping to go out to a nice(ish) italian restaurant this weekend. Something you wouldn't bring the kids to, but not ridiculously expensive either. And something delicious. Any suggestions? Los Gatos, Campbell, or West San Jose would be ideal. Thanks!
This suggestion is too late for you, I know, but I want to make the recommendation to everyone anyway. When I was visiting San Jose last summer, my husband and I went to a restaurant called A Bellagio, where I had the best Italian food I have ever eaten - and I've been to Italy! I highly, highly recommend it.

I was just wandering into this thread randomly. My husband has a job interview in San Francisco tomorrow; the company is flying him out there for what amounts to their fourth interview with him. He's meeting with their entire engineering team... I will be chewing my nails all day tomorrow. This would be huge from us, meaning a move from Boston to California. I'm so excited!

[shortcake]

Hi LaughAtlantis! That's funny - we actually ended up going there! The food was indeed delicious, and the service was very nice. Next time I'll ask to be seated on the "other side" of the restaurant as the bar...the TV was on over the bar and although nothing was loud or obnoxious, it spoiled the mood for me a little. Other than that, though, it was great.

Good luck to your DH with the interview, and if you end up moving, good luck with the big move!

[LaughAtlantis]

Good luck to your DH with the interview, and if you end up moving, good luck with the big move!

Thanks! If it works out, I will no doubt be back in this thread and the SF Bay moving thread, looking for advice! Cross your fingers for us.

[laura]

My husband's best friend from HS (they are less close now, but still email semi-regularly) and his wife are coming to wine country next week, but we are going to meet up with them in SF one night for dinner. Any suggestions on a good place? I have NO idea what kind of price range they would feel comfortable with, but my guess is less than our normal fare- not McDonald's, but not The Slanted Door. And not The Cheesecake Factory, either. Their hotel is in Union Square (Andrews Hotel), so that may or may not be a good location. Any cuisine, I guess - I really have no clue, I am not particularly close to these people and we have not seen them for 1-2 years.

TIA!

[JessicaT]

Laura - there are several cute restaurants on Belden Alley near Union Square - Plouf, B44, an italian place whose name I forget ... it's been a few years since we've eaten at any of them but you might check those out. If it's warm, they'll have outdoor seating and it's very charming. I also like Cafe Claude near there - cute little french place.

Laughatlantis - hope the interview went well! Good luck to you both!

[LaughAtlantis]

Laughatlantis - hope the interview went well! Good luck to you both!

Thank you! He actually wound up interviewing with three separate companies - my husband has mad networking skills - and things look *extremely* promising with at least two of them, even with regard to their meeting our financial needs for a move. So I may be a California girl soon! Eek!!

[Bloomwood]

Good luck! It is a great place to be!! Where are you moving from?

[LaughAtlantis]

I'll be coming from Boston (so at least I'm relatively used to the high cost of living already) but my whole family still lives in Rhode Island. It was a big deal when I moved away from RI eight years ago to go to Boston - a whopping hour away by car. My parents are going to flip when this move happens! Of course, I wasn't married then. My husband is from Scotland, so his family is even further away - but obviously, he has already made a major move like this in his lifetime. This is just huge for me.

[LaughAtlantis]

Oh my goodness! One company has offered him a job already!

So now we're waiting to determine if another of them will... and then consider our options. But... WOW!!!

[shortcake]

Congrats! How exciting!

[LaughAtlantis]

Rod got offered all three positions he applied for and has accepted his favorite. We are meeting with a realtor here in Boston next week to look into selling our house - which means I will be spending the next few days cleaning like a whirling dervish!

[tonic]

Congrats!! Welcome to the bay area :)

[smiles33]

Congrats as well! Good luck w/the house-hunting and the big move cross-country. Let us know what neighborhoods/parts of the SF Bay you're considering and I'm sure someone can chime in w/insight about it. Right now, the market for most places is stabilizing, but I hear there are still some "hot" markets where houses are selling at or above list price (like in places with really good public schools).

[Jill1228]

Rod got offered all three positions he applied for and has accepted his favorite. We are meeting with a realtor here in Boston next week to look into selling our house - which means I will be spending the next few days cleaning like a whirling dervish!

Congrats and welcome to the 'hood :D

[Lvella43]

Help! I am a born and raised San Carlos girl who is now living in Madison WI. I wanted to get my father a restaurant GC for his birthday (Monday) and I've tried Carpaccio in Menlo Park 3 times and they kept asking me to call back because they were busy and I was calling back when they asked! /rant Ok, now I'm S.O.L. because I need to get something ordered ASAP.

Any good restaurant recommendations on the Penisula/SJ area? I'm trying to avoid SF this time around since last time I got my parents a Boulevard GC.

TIA!!!

Lisa

[Bloomwood]

what about the dining room at the new Four Seasons in EPA? It's yummy!

[shortcake]

I thought Carpaccio closed??? Do you know for a fact they are still open? Not sure (I've been in Seattle the past 4 years and just moved back to San Jose so haven't been up on the Penninsula much). I can't think of any recommendations - the ones I loved have closed! Sorry...

[fifibee]

I think I'm super late in giving Lvella43 the recs but what the heck...

Carpaccio's in Menlo Park is definitely still there and it's one of my favorite restaurants. DH and I have so many fond memories there that we even made it the spot for our rehearsal lunch. I do have to agree that they are busy and so the phone answering and helping can be somewhat lacking. Hope you have better luck soon.

As for other recs, how about Marche (http://www.restaurantmarche.com/) just down the street from Carpaccio's? It's a very nice restaurant with great customer service. However, the last time we were there was 2005 so I don't have any recent reviews. We've also enjoyed Manresa (http://www.manresarestaurant.com/) in Los Gatos and their tasting menu is definitely one for those celebrating a special occasion.

[shortcake]

Oh good, I must have been thinking of a different place! Sorry for the misinformation.

[tonic]

Anyone have a recommendation for a plumber? I need someone to unclog a drain and do some other minor plumping work (leaking sink/faucet). This would be for the south bay area.

I'm desperate enough to try one of those craigslist ads, but I am fearful they will suck or rip me off.

Thanks!

[bluhimmy]

I'm looking for recommendations for a good pediatric dentist. I'm in Fremont so I'm hoping to find one around this area. However, I'm willing to travel to South Bay if the dentist is really good. Thanks!

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Anyone have a recommendation for a plumber? I need someone to unclog a drain and do some other minor plumping work (leaking sink/faucet). This would be for the south bay area.

I'm desperate enough to try one of those craigslist ads, but I am fearful they will suck or rip me off.

Thanks!

Try Jeff at Street Plumbing - (408) 496-1155.

[LaughAtlantis]

I will be coming out the week of April 7-12 to find a place to live - I'm sure as heck not going to trust the husband to do that on his own! I think, since we are planning to rent for our first year or so, that we are going to wing it off craigslist as opposed to getting a realtor to help us. Does this sound like a completely ridiculous idea? Are we insane?

[shortcake]

I've always found my housing from craigslist, as well as the local newspapers, rather than a realtor (when I was renting).

[smiles33]

Bluhimmy: DH is an orthodontist and hworks w/a lot of pediatric dentists in the area and the one he respects/trusts/likes enough to send our DD to is Dr. Dave Morris (Young Smiles) in Fremont off Stevenson/Mission. He's got a friendly front and back office staff (which makes a difference since they're the ones you see the most), he knows his stuff, and it's a nice office (not super new/fancy but also not outdated). HTH!

[Bloomwood]

I will be coming out the week of April 7-12 to find a place to live - I'm sure as heck not going to trust the husband to do that on his own! I think, since we are planning to rent for our first year or so, that we are going to wing it off craigslist as opposed to getting a realtor to help us. Does this sound like a completely ridiculous idea? Are we insane?

Not at all. People don't really use realtors out here for rentals like in Boston. Craigslist started in SF, so it is pretty well-established and will likely be your best bet. Good luck!

[LaughAtlantis]

Good! We have been monitring the listings for the past few weeks and it looks like we will be able to find something nice at a relatively reasonable price... fingers crossed. I'm glad I'm going out to find the place with my husband though. You can never tell with him what he's going to think is a positive. "So what that the floors are broken crumbling concrete, the views are all of brick walls, and it's the size of a postage stamp. There's free cable, honey!"

[irish74]

Craigslist is definitely the way to go. I'd definitely start calling about a week before you arrive so you can have some appointments set up in advance. I can't remember if you are looking in the City or the burbs, but if you are looking in the City don't discount driving around or walking the neighborhoods where you'd like to live looking for "for rent" signs. Often the best deals never make craigslist or the paper.

Best of luck!

[LaughAtlantis]

Getting very excited... I've been doing my craigslist scouting and whatnot and am coming out next Monday. DH starts his job on Tuesday and I get to scout apartments (whilst learning the BART and MUNI systems).

Any tips for getting around San Francisco on public transportation?

[Bloomwood]

oh man, do not come out here expecting PT to be ANYTHING like the "T". I'm amazed I survived 2+ years in the city without a car and didn't get killed by MUNI. I haven't had too much experience with BART, but I do believe it is better and more timely than MUNI. They sell passes for MUNI that are helpful so you aren't constantly looking for change. Once you figure out where youo're living, you'll be able to find the express MUNI busses, they are definitely better.

Can't wait to hear about the move and getting settled!! Best of luck.

[curlywig]

Getting very excited... I've been doing my craigslist scouting and whatnot and am coming out next Monday. DH starts his job on Tuesday and I get to scout apartments (whilst learning the BART and MUNI systems).

Any tips for getting around San Francisco on public transportation?

Oh, MUNI can be challenging. There is a train system and buses. Overall, the trains are much faster and more convenient than the buses. An area of town called West Portal has the access to the fastest trains with the best access to downtown (not sure where you or DH will be working). But, there don't seem to be a ton of apartments in that part of town.

HTH.

[irish74]

Eh, I guess I'm the odd man out, but save for a few bus lines, I think MUNI is pretty efficient. Or maybe I'm just comparing to the transit in the burbs and MUNI 15 years ago. <shrug>

There have been a few major improvments recently. First, you can call 311 and tell