Around the bay in DECEMBER 2007

Have you ever noticed the lights that shine from the top of Angel Island each December? Angel Island Association calls them "Angel Lights" and encourages "adoptions" of the lights by the public to help fund its work on Angel Island State Park. "Adoptions" are gifts not only to the Association but to friends and loved ones.

Angel Island will keep the light on for adoptions in December

They are a thoughtful way for people to celebrate, remember, thank or honor those who the donor wishes to acknowledge. For some, adoption of Angel Lights is a way to acknowledge acts of kindness and generosity of others, whether honoring someone who has helped to make a single life, a neighborhood, the Bay Area or the world a better place. Angel Island Association (AIA) is a nonprofit organization working to facilitate the preservation, restoration and interpretation of historical and natural resources on the island, with a current focus on revitalizing Ayala Cove, where the ferries dock and visitors can enjoy a picnic. To learn more about adopting Angel Lights, becoming an Angel Lights Sponsor, or to buy a ticket to the Angel Lights Count Down Benefit, call (415) 435-3972 or visit www.angelisland.org

San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park presents a special holiday celebration, Christmas at Sea, which will feature live music, refreshments, ornament-making, costumed characters from 1901 and a special visit from Santa Claus, arriving by boat. Festivities start on Saturday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m. with the Dogwatch Nautical Band playing aboard the historic ship Balclutha. At 6:00 p.m., the park’s costumed Living History Players will take you back to Christmas 1901, where you will meet and talk with the captains, wives and crew aboard the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier. Admission to the event is the regular admission fee to board the historic ships: $5.00 for ages 16 and up and free for ages 15 and under with adult supervision. Reservations are required for the 6:00 p.m. portion of the program. Please call (415) 447-5000 for reservations and information.

Santa Claus will park his sleigh in the lot at the corner of Webster Street and Taylor Avenue in West Alameda from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8. While he’s there, he’ll be handing out goodies and taking free pictures with children of all ages. During Santa’s visit, local artists will have hand-made gifts for sale at a Christmas bazaar and Webster Street merchants will have their Christmas stock on display. Santa’s visit is sponsored by the West Alameda Business Association and the Alameda Sun. For more information visit www.westalamedabusiness.com.

Ever wondered how a robot could judge other robot’s artistic qualities? Probably not, but here’s your opportunity to come find out as Monty, the first humanoid robot of its kind, judges robotic art in his first public appearance. Join the FLOAT Gallery in celebrating the art of robotics with a DIY show and contest. This event will encompass a diverse group of robotic artists including mixed media, painters and kinetic artists. The contest will be 100% violence free, and will focus on form, function, and fun. Prizes will be given for overall artistic aesthetics, unusual functionality, robots as a reflection of society, and incorporation of unusual objects, to name a few. A diverse group of robotic enthusiasts is expected. Included in the event will be a presentation on the history of robotics, a raffle and door prizes. The opening reception is December 15th, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and the show runs December 13th through January 17th. FLOAT, located at 1091 Calcot Place, Unit 116 in Oakland, is the only floatation center and art gallery in the San Francisco Bay Area. Floatation therapy is a unique and powerful tool that allows you to shut out the world, and drift into the deepest possible level of physical and mental relaxation. For information, visit www.thefloatcenter.com or call (510) 535-1702.

An easy drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, Point Reyes is an ideal choice for a weekday getaway this winter.  The decision to escape to Point Reyes is made even easier with Point Reyes Lodging’s Whales and Wildlife promotion.  From now through March 31, 2008, guests can stay two nights midweek and get the third night free at any of Point Reyes Lodging’s 16 bed and breakfast inns and cottages. Winter is also the optimum time to view wildlife at Point Reyes. Heralded by the arrival of mature elephant seals and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, winter also brings the annual migration of gray whales along the coast, plus spawning Coho salmon and steelhead trout up coastal streams. To make a Whales and Wildlife reservation, visit www.ptreyes.com and contact the inn or cottage of your choice.  Mention Whales and Wildlife when you make your reservation.  Holiday periods are excluded and advance reservations are required. Don’t forget your spotting scope or binoculars!

Monty, the humanoid robot, will judge robotic art at FLOAT Gallery. Photo courtesy of Anybots