The Obama's Top Dog Picks: Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Dog

My dog, Demi, a black labradoodle. Isn't she cute?!

All the news casts this morning were abuzz with updates on the Obama's ongoing search for the perfect puppy--apparently, the family has narrowed their search down to two breeds. They're considering either a Labradoodle, or a Portuguese Water Dog. Both of these dogs are hypoallergenic, which is obviously very important to this family. Also, President Elect Obama has been quoted as saying he wants a real dog, as a opposed to a little wimpy one, and both of these breeds feature dogs big enough to satisfy the future President. Labradoodles range in size from 14 inches to much, much bigger, depending on the line. Portuguese Water Dogs usually weight between 40 and 60 pounds. Ted Kennedy has Portuguese Water Dogs.

The reason this topic interests me particularly is because I have a small (16 inches!) black labradoodle, who is often mistaken for a Portuguese Water Dog, and I want to go on record as having my dog for almost 2 years now. Despite my great admiration for the Obama family, I am not copying them. I did this before they did. I expect a huge surge in the popularity of either of these breeds once one is picked, and I don't want people to think I am a copy cat! 

Also, I love my dog, Demi, and could spend all my time writing about her instead of real estate, but then who would that help? So, I will continue to keep all of you updated on real estate in the Silicon Valley, including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale, among other cities, and only occasionally bore you with my dog stories! 

Save San Francisco's Magic Theatre

Saving the Magic Theatre isn't just about retaining one of San Francisco's most valuable historic landmarks and cultural institutions--it's about saving modern theater itself. For 42 years the Magic Theatre has stood for what's new, ground-breaking, and yes, magical, about the stage and its stories, about the possibility behind the curtain.

The theatre's impact isn't just on the Bay Area. It extends into the national theater community and beyond. The Magic has acted as a haven for playwrights that rose to the forefront of the artistic world: Sam Shepard, Nilo Cruz, and Paula Vogel are among the four Pulitzer prize winners whose voices came to life here. The Magic Theatre is one of the places that makes San Francisco a cultural destination rivaling cities like New York and Chicago.

Now, due to the economic turbulence wreaking havoc across the world, the Magic might be forced to cancel the rest of its current season and close its doors for good. In order to continue with their current season, stop a staff shutdown, and keep on the right side of creditors, the Magic needs to raise $350,000 by January 9th--this upcoming Friday. The Magic has always prized artistic risk over money-making, and their admirable, barrier-breaking history proves just how much that choice has influenced contemporary theater. Beyond all this, the Magic employs over 200 artists annually and changes the lives of countless audience members with every performance. If we allow the Magic to shut its doors, we're turning our back on the artists that make the Bay Area such a vibrant place. 

Financial losses have hammered the Magic, and this 43rd year might be the theatre's far too early end. The theatre has already enacted drastic budget cutbacks and begun a rigorous campaign to increase revenue despite the recession.  This season is the inaugural year with new artistic director Loretta Greco, and the first two shows under her leadership, The K of D: An Urban Legend and Evie's Waltz, won much critical praise. Loretta Greco and the rest of the staff have been working without pay since December 19th. 

The rest of the season promises to be equally stunning, featuring new works by some of the most talented and creative writers around. Without the Magic, it's hard to imagine work by luminaries like Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, slated to run April 18-May 21) or Craig Wright (Mistakes were Made, May 23-June 21) finding a suitable space to run in the Bay Area. Especially since three major Bay Area theaters have either closed on or been on the brink of closing in the last month. Shakespeare Santa Cruz was in a similar plight back in December, but thanks to over $400,000 in pledges that theater will make it through another season. 

The season has four plays left, and without our help these plays might never see an audience in the Bay Area. In a recent San Francisco Chronicle article, Loretta Greco says, "This $350,000 appeal, the third prong, is more grassroots. We're sending it to our colleagues and friends here and around the country. We've raised about $170,000 so far, and no gift is too small. That's where we are. We've got to get back in rehearsal."

You can help. No donation is too small. To contribute to the Magic Theatre and help keep its doors open CLICK HERE. Help us save the Magic and everything it stands for! 

Bay Area Highlights, Oct 21-Nov 5

The Peninsula and South Bay Edition

Music and Comedy:

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, 8:00PM-10/21

Rock/Pop Shoreline Ampitheatre, Mountain View

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic, 8:00PM-10/23

HP Pavilion, San Jose

Craig Shoemaker, 8:00PM-10/23

Comedy Improv Comedy Club, San Jose

Palo Alto Philharmonic Orchestra, 8:00PM-10/25

Cubberley Community Center Theater, Palo Alto

Neil Young, Norah Jones, Wilco, ZZ Top, Death Cab for Cutie, Cat Power, Pegi Young, 9:00PM-10/25

Rock/Pop Shoreline Ampitheatre, Mountain View

San Jose Chamber Ochestra, 7:00PM-10/26

World premiere of Mimi Dye's One Beautiful Light. 

Le Petite Trianon Theatre, San Jose

The Assads, 6:00PM-10/28

Brothers Sergio & Odair amaze on Brazilian guitar. 

Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, Mountain View

English Beat, 7:00PM-11/1

Dave Wakeling tours across the States, Canada, & the UK.

Paris Piano Trio

Former Prize-winning students at Paris Conservatoire, 7:00PM-11/2

Classical Kohl Mansion, Burlingame

Phil Markowitz Trio, 4:40PM-11/12

Jazz Piano Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, Half Moon Bay

More Things To Do:

Zappe Family Circus

An Italian Theatrical Circus since 1842

10/24-10/26, 4:00PM-6:00PM

Circus Tent, Redwood City

Haunted Hostel Halloween Festival

The 6th annual Haunted Halloween Festival at the Point Montara Lighthouse is a once-a-year spooktacular for kids of all ages! 

10/25, 2:00PM--Point Mantara Lighthouse Hostel, Montara

Book Group Expo

Meet authors, eat chocolate, attend lively discussions, taste wine, have books signed, and savor fine tea.

10/25, 10:00AM--McEnery Convention Center, San Jose

Trick or Treat on Twin Pines Lane

Trick or treat room, carnival games, crafts, snacks.

10/31, 6:00PM-9:00PM, Twin Pines Community Center, Belmont

Halloween Bash!

Biggest Bash in San Jose. Listen to the sounds of Latin Affect, Jammin, Tortilla Soup, & special guest GQ

10/31, 6:30-12:00AM. Mexican Heritage Plaza, San Jose

Bay Area Highlights, Oct 6-20

Enjoy October by taking advantage of some of the great events happening this week in the Bay Area!

Music--

7:30PM, 10/7

Earth, Wind, & Fire, Rock/Pop, Mountain Winery, Saratoga

8:00PM, 10/9

David Byrne, Mountain Winery, Saratoga

9:00PM, 10/10

New Kids on the Block, Lady Gaga, Rock/Pop, HP Pavilion, San Jose

7:00PM, 10/12

Classical Pianist Garrick Ohlsson, McAfee Performing Arts and Lecture Center, Saratoga

9:00PM, 10/16

Russ Barenberg and Byron Sutton, Bluegrass/Country, Little Fox, Redwood City

8:00PM, 10/17

Jeffrey Siegal plays Grieg, This celebrated pianist returns to kick off Peninsula Symphony's 60th Season, San Mateo Performing Arts Center, San Mateo

7:00PM, 10/19

Tina Turner, HP Pavilion, San Jose

More Things To Do--

26th Annual Chocolate Fest

Twenty different vendors of chocolate wares: ice cream, gelato, brownies, cakes, cookies, truffles, and candy. 

10/11. 7:30--10:00PM. First Congregational Church of Belmont, Belmont

San Carlos Art and Wine Faire

The San Carlos Chamber of Commerce's Art and Wine Faire will celebrate its 18th year. 

10/11-10/12. 11:00AM, Downtown San Carlos

Campbell's Oktoberfest

Many cities across the U.S and world celebrate Oktoberfest. Campbell might well be mistaken for a German village during this event. 

10/18-10/19. 10:00AM-5:00PM. Downtown Campbell.

Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival

Pumpkins reign supreme on the picturesque terrain surrounding the charming coastal areas. 

10/18. 9:00AM-5:00PM. Downtown Half Moon Bay

3rd Annual Midtown Fun Festival

Games giveaways, and fun for the family.

10/18. 11:00AM-4:00PM. Midtown Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Bay Area Highlights is brought to you by Cindy Solomon at North American Title Company. 

Enjoy your week! 

Ten Reasons to Love Mountain View

1. Schools, Schools, Schools! Like Palo Alto, Mountain View has excellent schools. The Whisman School District is renowned for challenging academics that encourage students to reach their highest potential. Several magnet programs are offered throughout the district, including opportunities for dual language immersion. All schools are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Students consistently achieve some of the highest average test scores in the nation. Making the choice to raise your child in Mountain View guarantees a they'll get a good education, and it also reinforces the property value of your home--houses in good school districts are always better investments.
2. Castro Street. This downtown Mountain View centerpiece was designed with leisure in mind--the street is clean and well-lit, with thriving trees everywhere and wide stone benches perfect for quick shopping breaks or enjoying an outdoor lunch. There are a number of bookstores and high-end clothing stores, but the essence of Castro Street is really in the food. Indian-Chinese Fusion, healthy (really!) pizza, Greek, Japanese, Mexican--nearly every cuisine imaginable is represented within six blocks.  I had the best mulligtawny of my life at Godavri, a small Indian gem with intensely flavorful food and great service. Lovely small town feel that's especially romantic at night, when the restaurants prop open their doors and the white lights strung through the trees turn on. 
3. The Best Tennis Courts in Santa Clara County-- Cuesta Park is a giant neighborhood park in Mountain View, with 16 tennis courts and great family bike trails. The courts stay open until 11PM and feature spectator areas and high judge's seats. Everything in the park is well-maintained, and there are bocce ball courts and play areas for kids. Patrolling security guards ensure a family atmosphere, and catching a free concert here in the summertime is a must. 
4. Center for the Performing Arts.  The place to go for dance performances, TheatreWorks productions, children's theatre, and other cultural events. The center is cleverly designed and features state of the art technology. Local artists display their works in the Center's lobby.  
5. Caltrain Station and Light Rail-- Great for commuters and anyone looking to get to nearby San Jose, Palo Alto, or Sunnyvale in a flash. The station has tons of amenities--bicycle lockers and shelters, pay phones, station building with meeting room, and newspaper racks. It's also right in the heart of downtown Mountain View. 
6. San Antonio Shopping Center. Functional plaza with a variety of stores. Target, Craft, Sears, The Milk Pail, Albertson's, Payless, WalMart, a 24 hour gym, and best of all--Trader Joe's. It's the only Trader Joe's around and it's a good-sized store, chocked full of reasonably priced food and wine and Trader Joe's unique products. I love their cookie dough and blueberry museli. The pre-made wraps and sandwiches in the cooler are also a yummy lunchtime option.
7. Diverse Housing Styles and Options. Walking through the residential streets in Mountain View is a visual pleasure--the houses are stylistically interesting, and there are many new homes, cottages, and contemporary style homes. It's also a nice area for buyers looking for alternative housing options. There are a lot of rentals, condos, and town homes in the area. 
8. Bridge School Benefit and Other Concerts at Shoreline Ampitheatre-- The annual Bridge School Benefit is organized by Neil Young and his wife Pegi. Every year I look forward to this one. All the proceeds from the concert go toward the Bridge School, which aids children with physical impairments. The line-ups of musician are always good and varied--last October I saw Tom Waits give a riveting performance with the Kronos Quartet, and there are always some fresh faces from the music scene kicking off the night. The Shoreline Ampitheatre is perfect for this event and other concerts--if you arrive early enough you can get close the stage, and if you come late the deal is almost better. Just spread out a blanket on the grass, uncork a bottle of wine, and enjoy the show. 
9. Doggie Heaven at Shoreline Dog Park-- Two areas--one for big dogs and one for small dogs, and shaded picnic tables for people too! Outside of each area you'll find purel hand sanitizer, paper towels, and poop bags. Water fountains for dogs and people, and close walking distance to downtown. This place is always crowded, so you and your dog will leave with a few new friends.  The owners who take their dogs here are respectful, and if you go in the morning you'll see rake marks in the sandy dog areas--they're cleaned nightly.  
10. Popcorn! Movies! Popcorn! Century Cinemas 16 is a big commercial movie theater that usually plays 13 or so movies at a time. They always run the latest blockbusters and keep some well-reviewed movies around for a while--handy if you miss the opening weekend rush. There's a Starbucks stand inside and every theater has those comfy wide chairs that lean back. But my favorite thing about Century 16 is the popcorn. It comes from the same standard glass case with the popping thing inside, but it's exceptionally good. Even if I'm full from dinner I always cave in to the popcorn when I catch a movie here. 
    

Why do you love Mountain View? It doesn't matter if you live here or just can't stop visiting, I want your comments! Fill me on the neighborhood's best and brightest. Post a comment! 

Top Ten Reasons to Love Palo Alto

1. Schools, Schools, Schools! Palo Alto has some of the greatest schools in the country. Whether your kid is seven or seventeen, going to school in Palo Alto guarantees access to incredible academic resources and enrichment programs. Gunn High School is renowned for its competitive academics (and award-winning robotics team!)--they send over twenty graduates a year to college right around the corner at Stanford University. Palo Alto Children's Theatre sponsors outreach programs in district elementary, middle, and high schools. First-rate music programs are available at every turn, and choice programs like teacher-directed learning at Hoover, conceptual learning at Ohlone, and Connections at JLS are always options for parents interested in exploring a wide range of learning possibilities for their children.
2. Rolling Foothills, Open Spaces, Artfully Landscaped Public Gardens, Jasmine Flowers---Palo Alto is a community that treasures its trees and open spaces. The city is classified as an urban forest, and Palo Alto stays true to that description with 34 city parks and almost 4,000 acres of wildlife preserves. A local commitment to keeping businesses "green" ensures a healthy environment, as does a requirement forcing all new buildings to adhere to strict environmental codes. There's also a Zero Waste Initiative and a dedication to alternative transportation.
   
3. Calling All Bookworms! Libraries in Palo Alto are truly exemplary--creativity blossoms during the interactive story-telling programs at the Children's Library, and annual summer reading programs keep pages turning. Visits from famous writers dot the library's schedule. Online programs offer opportunities to learn a new language or to survey newspapers from other countries. Libraries here are a community hallmark and a great enrichment resource.
   
4. Nationally Acclaimed Theatres-- Catch the world premiere of an original play or a Shakespeare staple at TheatreWorks, the best repertory theatre in the Bay Area. The current season includes the Pulitzer-Prize winning drama Doubt, August Wilson's Radio Golf, and beloved musical Grey Gardens. Local theatre company the Palo Alto Players mount yearly productions in case you exhaust the shows at TheatreWorks. The Palo Alto Children's Theatre gives kids a place to test their acting chops.
5. Easy Access to San Francisco and San Jose--Two nearby CalTrain stops make getting to San Francisco, San Jose, and other Northern California locations a snap.
   
6. Red Mango Yogurt!!!! Enough said. If you've never tasted Red Mango's creamy froyo perfection laced with your choice of mango, kiwi, strawberry, blueberry, coconut, blackberry, raspberry, chocolate chips, almonds, or basically any other delicious topping imaginable--that's reason enough to move to Palo Alto. Or at least visit.
   
7. University and California Avenues--Both avenues embody Palo Alto's quaint downtown appeal--personalized local shops and restaurants are nestled next to the Apple Store on University, and at night the thriving bar scene makes this area a prime destination for coeds and graduates. Word-class Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, and Italian restaurants are among the many dining choices.
   
8. Architecture. Diverse housing styles make Palo Alto visually appealing. New homes with cutting-edge design line blocks alongside cottages, ranch homes, Eichlers, Tudors, and Spanish Style houses.
   
9. The Baylands. The largest tract of undistrubed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay is hemmed in by Mountain View and East Palo Alto. The Baylands encompass 1940 acres of unique tidal and freshwater habitats. The best bird watching in the world is done right here. Wildlife observation platforms and picnic areas with barbecues make this spot a family favorite.
   
10. Locally Sustained Farmers Markets. From mid-May through mid-December farmers markets downtown and on California Avenue are open every Saturday from 8AM to 12PM. Local vendors offer a wide array of fresh produce and specialty items like grass-fed beef, artisan cheese, Bay Area wines, California-grown bananas, mangoes, and avocados. Local musicians provide a relaxing atmosphere for browsing samplings from nearby ranches and farms. Non-Profit.