In May
Eighty men from the Pampanito submarine crew, 1945
Lost Boat Ceremony
Published: May, 2007
Submarine veterans, San Francisco Maritime National Park Association staff and volunteers will gather aboard the World War II USS Pampanito submarine, to honor the men and their 65 submarines that never returned. This moving and colorful event features an individual bell toll for each boat lost and on eternal patrol, bagpipes, and more than 200 submarine vets in full military dress. Mon., May 28, 1PM, Pier 45, SF. 415-775-1943, www.maritime.org
Memorial Day Ceremony
A Memorial Day ceremony will be held onboard the USS Hornet Museum from 1-2PM to honor veterans of past and present who have paid the ultimate price during war. Tours of the ship will be available from 10AM to 5PM ($14 adults, $6 kids). Free parking. Mon., May 28. 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda. 510-521-8448 www.hornetevents.com
Famous Span Turns 70
The Golden Gate Bridge turns 70 years old on Mon., May 28. Once the longest suspension span ever built, the Bridge is considered an international icon, a structure of grace and beauty, and a lasting symbol of American progress and ingenuity. Find the new book, a report of the chief engineer, at the Roundhouse Gift Center on the southeast side of the Bridge.
www.goldengate.org
Asian/Pacific Maritime History
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is hosting programs highlighting the hopes and challenges of Asian and Pacific Islanders, whose lives and cultural contributions were an essential part of west coast maritime commerce: Tour the workers’ quarters aboard the Balclutha; Raise the sail of the Grace Quan. Events and admission are free. 499 Jefferson St., 415-447-5000, www.nps.gov/safr.
Choose a Cruise for Mom
Nobody works harder than Mom. Why not take her on a cruise for brunch, lunch or dinner? Mother’s Day is Sun., May 13. Hornblower, SF 415-438-8355, www.hornblower.com; USS Potomac, Oakland 510-627-1215, www.Ticketweb.com; Red & White, SF, 415-673-2900, www.redandwhite.com; Blue & Gold, SF, 415-705-8200, www.blueandgoldfleet.com
Cinco de Mayo
Watch the Gala Parade as it heads up International Blvd. (from 47th to 33rd Ave.), and then see live music and entertainment on two stages. Sat., May 5, 10AM-6PM, Sun., May 6, 11AM-3PM. 510-535-6900, www.Unitycouncil.org
KaBoom!
The weather is often better in May than in July, great for being able to appreciate the fireworks synchronized to World Class Rock on the waterfront. Live performances from Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Guster and Ozomatli. Entrance to Piers 30/32 is $10. Sat., May 12, 4-10PM.
No Pollute Commute
The 14th Annual Bike to Work Day is Thu., May 17. Oakland will start the day with a pancake breakfast, a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and free, all-day valet bike parking in Frank Ogawa Plaza. May 17, 7AM-9AM. 510-238-3983, www.oaklandpw.com/btwd
Walk Around O-Town
Free 90-minute walking tours of downtown Oakland happen every Wed. and Sat., May - Oct. The tours offer glimpses into Oakland’s past and present, and changing skyline. Eight different tour itineraries are offered, and begin at 10AM. Reservations 510-238-3234. Itineries at www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours
Alcatraz Island’s Softer Side
Who knew that Alcatraz Island, site of the infamous federal penitentiary has a softer side? Bay Crossings’ Dianne Boate went with the SF Botanical Garden Society to paint the gardens, tide pools and bird colonies on Alcatraz (Apr. 2007, Libations). The Softer Side of the Rock, Botanical Illustrations from the Historic Gardens of Alcatraz, a collection of watercolors created that day, is the resulting exhibit showing in the main prison building on Alcatraz, May 8-July 31. Hours vary by season. Free with ferry ticket. 415-661-1316 x-316, www.sfbotanicalgarden.org. Ferry tickets: www.alcatrazcruises.com
Ordinary Beauty
A group show of collage, sculpture and photography titled Homage to the Ordinary, is a collection of work from two artists, and friends, whose approach to art attempts to capture the overlooked elements around us. Show runs May 16 - June 15. FLOAT Gallery, 1091 Calcot Pl., Unit #116, Oakland, 510-535-1702, www.thefloatcenter.com
Benicia’s Open Studios
The small waterfront town of Benicia, tucked between rolling foothills and the Carquinez Strait, boasts a thriving artists’ community. Over 75 studios are located in the historic buildings of the Arsenal District. This is year13 that Benicia’s artists and the famous glass blowing studios open their doors to their live/work studios so that the public can view original works and demonstrations. Arts Benicia Gallery, at 991 Tyler St., #114, offers maps and a group exhibit. Sat-Sun, May 5-6, 10AM-5PM. 707-747-0131, www.artsbenicia.org
Aeonium Sp. by Dianne Boate and on display at Alcatraz.
