ABOUT OAKLAND

Oakland is the home of the Raiders, Warriors, “A’s” and world-renowned author Jack London.  This beautiful city on the Bay ranks second to Manhattan, New York, in artists per capita.  On any given day, a visitor could hear up to 18 different languages and dialects in this ethnically diverse urban center.  Shoppers may browse the waterfront, the revitalized downtown business district, historic neighborhoods and sprawling suburban malls.  Discover first-class galleries, museums, beaches, parks, zoos, gardens, shops and nightclubs.  Explore Jack London Square, the Oakland Zoo, Chabot Space and Science Center, the Paramount Theatre, Montclair Village and so much more!

For more information on the 100 surprising things to do and see in Oakland, visit:  http://www.oaklandcvb.com or call:  (510) 839-9000.

A FREE Visitor’s Guide may be ordered online.

   WEATHER

   ON THE CALENDAR

In addition to the sightseeing and museums, the bay area hosts numerous festivals and special performances.  And with the hotel only 12 minutes from downtown San Francisco on the Bart,  they are easy to access. Following is a sampling of some of the activities during the conference week:

OAKLAND: For a complete listing of OAKLAND Events CLICK HERE.

Oakland Greek Festival

5/16Tthrough 5/18/2008
Enjoy Greek food, music, fashion and art. Located at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension.
Web site: www.oaklandgreekfestival.com

Oakland East Bay Symphony American Masterworks Series
Conductor: Michael Morgan

5/16 Through 5/18/2008
A concert version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Hit
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Book by James Goldman
Web site: /www.oebs.org/page/may16.htm

SAN FRANCISCO AREA: For a complete listing of SAN FRANCISCO Events CLICK HERE.

Dancin' with Gershwin (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts)
05/09 Through 05/11/2008

Spring 2008 will ring with the glory of Gershwin as Michael Smuin’s classic Dancin’ With Gershwin makes a welcome return. Broadway meets Ballet in this award-winning production.
Web site: www.smuinballet.org

San Francisco Giants at Home (AT&T Park. Mission Bay)
5/09 Through 05/16/2008

www.sfgiants.com

Kaboom (Pier 30/32, Embarcadero, San Francisco)

05/10/2008

The 15th annual fireworks celebration sponsored by KFOG Radio features a synchronized soundtrack, live music and children’s stage.
Web site:  www.kfog.com

Cooking for Solutions 2008 (Monterey Bay Aquarium)
05/16 Through 05/17/2008

Great chefs from the United States and around the world, including Ireland’s Darina Allen, Australia’s Kylie Kwong, Food Network all-star Alton Brown and 14 others will share their passion for fine dining and environmentally sustainable living.
Web site:  www.mbayaq.org

Uncorked! Ghirardelli Square Wine Festival (Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco)
05/17 Through 05/17/2008

Uncorked is a public event which provides an opportunity to taste, learn and experience wine and gourmet food from throughout Northern California. Other activities include cooking demonstrations by renowned Bay Area chefs, seminars, and great musical entertainment.
Web site:  www.ghirardellisq.com

2008 Tiburon Wine Festival (Marin County/Sausalito)
05/17 Through 05/17/2008

The Tiburon Wine Festival began twenty-five years ago as a modest fundraising event for community projects of the Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Today, it has grown to become a major source of funding for the Chamber activities during the year. Beautification of Main Street and the meridian strip, Opening Day Ceremonies, and the Lighting of Main Street are some of the featured events.
Web site: www.tiburonchamber.org

 4th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration
05/17 Through 05/17/2008

The annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration (AHSC) gathers the diversity of the Asian American populations of San Francisco and promotes cross cultural interaction and acceptance through the sharing of cultures, the creation of innovative programs and entertaining activities for visitors and participants. It is the largest event in California for the greater APA community.
Email: AsianWeek@AsianWeek.com

2008 O'Reilly's Oyster and Beer Festival (Fort Mason Center,  San Francisco)
05/17 Through 05/18/2008

The inimitable joy of pairing fresh oysters and creamy stout draws some 20,000 annually to celebrate a timeless tradition that began in Ireland.
Web site: :www.oreillysoysterfestival.com

12th Annual A La Carte and Art Festival (Silicon Valley)
05/17 Through 05/18/2008

The official kick-off to festival season in the Bay Area. The A La Carte and Art Festival is a vibrant, open-air springtime celebration in the heart of Silicon Valley featuring live rhythm and blues, jazz, Motown, and rock 'n roll music, a juried arts and crafts show with 250 exhibitors showing their latest handcrafted wares, savory stroll-around food, premium wines and microbrews, a farmers' market with fresh seasonal produce, chefs' demonstrations, street performers, and the "Tons of Fun Zone" with amusements and games for kids.
Website: www.miramarevents.com