San Francisco PRICELESS AYAY ROSSINGSROSSINGS Volume 7,B Number 2 C March 2006 B C“The Voice of the Waterfront”

Winds Waves of Change

The Great North Bay, Warmth by theContainer Cup, Decking Revolution, the Rails Surfing Swells, SF Port Story Complete Ferry Schedules for all SF Lines

Voted Best Restaurant 4 Years Running

Lunch & Dinner Daily Banquets Corporate Events

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Fisherman’s Wharf on Pier 47 Foot of Jones on Jefferson Street

GOLDEN GATE LARKSPUR FERRY $7 00 One-Way (No discounts) TO ALL GIANTS Kids 5 and under FREE. (Limit 2 kids per adult. Kids must have ticket to board.) HOME GAMES! Tickets on sale at Larkspur Ferry Terminal & San Francisco Ferry Terminal or www.tickets.com* 510-762-BALL *service fees apply © 2005 S.F. Giants For season schedule, visit www.goldengate.org or call 511(TDD 711)8 L. L. Brown Jewelers, Inc The Financial District Jeweler Diamonds Rubies Sapphires Emeralds Pearls. The world’s most beautiful and colorful gemstones. Gold Platinum rings Earrings Pendants Bracelets Watches. Expert Jewelry & Watch repair. Visit L L Brown Jewelers for San Francisco’s best prices on Diamonds...yes, even better than the internet. (415) 398-3305 One Embarcadero Center Street Level San Francisco, CA 94111

COMING UP APRIL MAY JUNE In future issues of Bay Crossings Magazine... Setting Sail Working Waterfront Fair Weather “Th e Voice of the Waterfront”

DEPARTMENTS

6 NEWS Ferry disaster recovery service Shipping container revolution

8 BOATING From the Helm: White Holly Pacifi c Cup: Race to Hawaii Shipping Container Revolution 7 15 WATERFRONT ADVENTURES Fifty years ago, one event changed the landscape—the fi rst voyage of a ship fi Bay Area Sur ng with cargo in big metal boxes. The Port of Oakland would never be the same.

20 AROUND THE BAY MTC Special Report Jack London Square North Bay: Benicia City of Richmond

30 WATERFRONT LIVING San Francisco’s Port Story

33 TECHNOLOGY Small Business Options Surfi ng, totally. 15 This month, in Waterfront Adventures, we premiere the year-round-in- 34 LIBATIONS California, symbiotic sport of surfi ng—meditative oneness and adrenalin rush. Winemakers of Change

DIRECTORIES

11 WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES Our watersports resource guide

24 MARKETPLACE MERCHANTS Ferry Building fare, featuring Mistral

36 WTA FERRY SCHEDULES 26 On-time for last call Antique Phoenix Benicia retains the charm of its past lives and embodies unique history in its present-day community. ON OUR COVER

Just another day in California. Some of the world’s best surfers had 24-hours notice to grab their boards and get thee to California to ride 30 some of the most dangerous waves in Mavericks Surf Contest (see Port Story story p.15). How they did when they got there was purely up to them and their big piece of the Pacifi c. Photo by Jim Goldstein. For more Our love affair with the SF waterfront is an undying romance… the Port, the of his Mavericks photos, see www.jmg-galleries.com. piers, the ships passing in the night… but what about the money, sweetheart? www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 5 San Francisco NEWS BAYCROSSINGS Volume 7, Number 2 “The Voice of the Waterfront” March 2006

Joyce Aldana, Publisher Bobby Winston, Proprietor Michelle R. Moday, Editor Bay Area Ferries Bay Area Council’s ADVERTISING & MARKETING Eric Shatin, Advertising & Marketing Director Blue Ribbon Task Force Joel Williams, North Bay / Waterfront Adventures Director; Mary Swift Swan Proposed The Bay Area Council’s “Blue Ribbon Task Force” will GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION assess the needs for an expanded regional ferry system Francisco Arreola, Designer / Web Producer and make recommendations for the system in a disaster ART DIRECTION recovery role. Francisco Arreola; Michelle R. Moday For Disaster STAFF WRITERS & EDITORIAL Dianne Boate & Robert Meyer; Co-chairs: Patrick Burnson, Book Editor; Ron Cowan, CEO, Doric Development Bill Picture; Mary E. Shacklett, Technology; Recovery Service Bruce Spaulding, Vice Chancellor, UCSF Guy Span, SP; Wes Starratt, PE, Senior Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Scott Hargis; Alex Kolovyansky; Members: Ed & Pam McGrath; TS Owen Jerry Bridges, Executive Director, Port of Oakland ACCOUNTING BY WES STARRATT, PE Carney Campion, General Manager (retired), Golden Cindy Henderson Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District DISTRIBUTION Russell Hancock, President & CEO, Silicon Valley Franz the Man; Marine Marketing; n view of the Bay Area’s vulnerability to natural disasters Mexican Nightmare; Reliable Distribution such as earthquakes, as well as terrorist attacks, State Network John Martin, Director, San Francisco International Subscribe: Senator Don Perata of Oakland, and President pro By mail: $35 / year (12 monthly issues) Airport Online: www.baycrossings.com/subscribe.asp Tempore of the California State Senate, is considering Jim Wunderman, President & CEO, Bay Area Council Advertising Inquires: an additional role for the Bay Area’s regional ferry system (415) 350-3768 / [email protected] I— disaster recovery service. Supported by: Editorial Inquiries: As a fi rst step, the senator has offi cially requested the Bay Area [email protected] Michael Cunningham, Vice President of Transportation, Council make recommendations to give bay area ferries a primary Bay Area Council Bay Crossings role in disaster recovery. This would include the transportation Zane Gresham, Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP Ferry Building Store #22 of emergency supplies and equipment, as well as victims, as soon San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 738-8910 / 415-738-8389 (fax) as a disaster strikes. Even while bridges, trains and roads may A Division of Nematode Media, LLC be out of service, in its disaster recovery role, the regional ferry system would have terminals ringing the bay: from Alviso and Moffett Field in the South Bay to Port Sonoma and Benicia in Corrections & Clarifi cations the North Bay. Advanced Diving Technologies (ADT) led a In response to the senator’s request, the Bay Area Council LETTERS dive that we covered in Waterfront Adventures has formed a “Blue Ribbon Task Force” of experts to make in Feb. We thank ADT for alerting us to some errors in the feature, and for allowing us to print recommendations by Apr. 15. The Task Force will assess the the corrections below. needs for an expanded regional ferry system including the vessels, Dear Bay Crossings: • We retract: “Nitrox allows divers to stay routes, and terminals, as well as the necessary legislation and deeper, longer, with fewer decompression funding. problems.” What Nitrox does is permit The Task Force will be co-chaired by Ron Cowan, chief Kudos for your interview with State Senator Alan Lowenthal. extended bottom times for recreational divers. executive offi cer of Doric Development (one of those who fi rst It is about time that the word is spread about the working • Mr. Callihan was not diving with Heliox, conceived of a regional ferry system). The other co-chair will be conditions of our Port truck drivers. but rather with Triox, a hyperoxic mixture of Bruce Spaulding, vice chancellor of University of California at Oxygen, Helium and Nitrogen that reduces the As a member of the Ship Clerks’ Association, ILWU Local narcotic effects of Nitrogen. San Francisco. 34, I see it every day : the long lines on and off the terminals, It was eight years ago that a bill authored by Senator Perata lack of adequate toilet facilities and, most importantly, the lack • The photo caption referencing divemaster Jim Callihan should have been Gary Callihan. created the Water Transit Authority to establish a regional ferry of respect from the shipping and trucking employers. Their system. That program has now moved from the design to the wages are a disgrace —below minimum wage after the cost of • Capt. Les’ last name is Wilkinson, and his implementation stage, with new ferry systems being developed to maintenance and insurance of their trucks. It is unfortunate father was not a fi shing boat captain; however, his uncles, on his mother’s side of the family, serve to South San Francisco and Berkeley, as well as Richmond, that today’s reliance of “ On Time Delivery” has resulted in were sport-fi shing boat captains or ship’s Hercules, and other bay area communities. But, according this type of treatment to Bay Area workers. wrights. That’s where he obtained the bulk of to Wunderman of the Bay Area Council, “the Water Transit his seamanship skills. Our Port drivers made national headlines by taking action Authority has been given neither the funds, the authority, nor last year. Yes, there were some minor improvements, but there the mandate to establish” the full regional system now being In the Feb. edition of BC, in “Medicinal, is more work to be done. Thank you for continuing to be “ Exotic, Organic Mushrooms,” the text should’ve contemplated. So, “It is time to correct that defi ciency.” the voice of the waterfront”. read that Bulbous Reishi mushrooms have anti- Steve Castleberry, the executive director of WTA, responded, tumor-cancer-arthritis properties. “We appreciate the Bay Area Council’s support of WTA’s efforts to prepare for disaster response, and look forward to working Frank Riley, Please send comments, letters or requests for corrections to [email protected] with the Blue Ribbon Task Force.” ILWU Local 34

6 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com NEWS Global Shipping Revolution in Cargo Oakland’s dot on the map, nothing made it bigger, quicker, than McLean’s boxes.

BY BILL PICTURE

pril marks two important anniversaries for the Bay Area. San Francisco is pulling out all the stops for the first one, the centennial anniversaryA of the 1906 Earthquake. The second anniversary, however, while equally important in terms of the effect it had on both the region’s landscape and its economy, is unlikely to be met with the same level of fanfare. Fifty years ago next month, the fi rst Photo by Francisco Arreola container ship sailed from New Jersey to Texas. No one knew it at the time, More trips in less time carrying more cargo resulted in a huge drop in shipping costs... presumably, not even the so-called “father of containerization,” Sea-Land Globalization, as it would later be deemed, was underway. Corporation founder Malcom McLean. But this method of shipping cargo inside huge metal boxes, as opposed trips in less time. Some might see this as a missed neglected to mention is that San Francisco to stowing cargo loose in a ship’s hold, Ships could also now carry signifi cantly opportunity for the City of San also boasts one of the prettiest and most the way it had been done for centuries, more cargo. According to Matson, before Francisco, but port offi cials there prefer resident-friendly waterfronts in the Bay would revolutionize the shipping containerization, the average commercial a more glass-half-full take on their Area. While it was, no doubt, hard for city industry and, eventually, help shape the vessel could hold about 10,000 tons. predecessors’ decision to let Oakland offi cials in the 1960s to kiss “goodbye” entire Bay Area region. Container vessels, on the other hand, could have container cargo. to the revenue that container shipping Two years later, Matson Navigation easily hold four-times that amount. The Port of San Francisco’s Director promised to generate, they must have Company, which, at the time, was based More trips in less time and carrying of Maritime, Peter Dailey, believes that recognized the opportunity before them in San Francisco, loaded its fi rst container more cargo resulted in a huge drop in container shipping’s headquartering in to reclaim San Francisco’s waterfront for ship in Alameda bound for Honolulu. shipping costs, helping put goods and Oakland allowed the region’s six remaining residents and visitors to enjoy. Again, this hardly seemed noteworthy, products from overseas manufacturers ports to focus on better serving other Matson, which relocated to Oakland much less history-making, at the time. within the budgets of American consumers. aspects of the industry. in 1966, hasn’t any plans for an offi cial But the eventual relocation of bulk cargo Globalization, as it would later be deemed, “Each of the ports plays an important celebration of McLean’s maiden container activity from San Francisco’s northern was underway. role in the [Bay Area’s] economic well- ship voyage. They did, however, cooperate waterfront to the then-emerging Port of There was a hitch in the plan, though, being,” he explains. “The Ports of Stockton with the authors of two new books that are Oakland can be directly traced to this at least for San Francisco. The City, the Bay and Sacramento serve the agricultural coming out next month about the effect maiden voyage. Area’s busiest cargo port at the time, didn’t interests of the valley, Benicia handles auto that containerization had on the shipping It’s easy to see why container shipping have open space for the container yards, imports, the Port of Richmond [serves] industry and the global economy. would eventually replace the traditional where the containers are stored temporarily the oil refineries…and Redwood City Offi cials at the Port of Oakland say “break-bulk” method. First of all, packaging before being re-loaded onto trucks and handles shiploads of cement and building an event to commemorate McLean’s trip the cargo inside containers made it easier, trains. Oakland, however, had plenty of aggregates for the construction industry.” is currently in the planning stages, and faster, safer and cheaper to load and unload room to spare. San Francisco, Dailey boasts, has the they tip their hats to his and Matson’s ships. It took a crew an hour to load less By the mid-1960s, the lion’s share most varied maritime business portfolio shared vision, one that helped transform than one ton using the traditional method. of the cargo business had moved to of any U.S. port. In addition to owning their bayside city into a bustling Pacifi c That fi gure increased nearly seven-fold Oakland, which, under the direction of one of the largest fl oating drydocks on the gateway. using the container method, which Chief Executive Offi cer, Ben E. Nutter, west coast of the Americas, San Francisco “[Matson and Sea-Land] are the involves using large cranes to load and had built a sprawling, 140-acre terminal is also home to the region’s commercial cornerstone for this innovation in goods unload the metal boxes from a ship. to accommodate container business. That fi shing industry and the harbor service movement,” says the Port of Oakland’s This meant that a ship’s time in terminal, would later be renamed after industry. It’s also the regional port of call Director of Maritime, Wilson Lacy. “And port was dramatically reduced, which, Nutter, who is credited with converting for the passenger cruise lines. Oakland is proud to be a part of that in turn, meant a ship could make more Oakland into a container port. What Dailey very diplomatically history.” www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 7 BOATING

The West Marine Pacifi c Cup, the each day’s run. fi Fun Race to Hawaii, originally ran The offi cial number of miles sailed Paci c Cup Race from San Francisco Bay to Kauai. The will be somewhat less than the actual The 2006 West Marine Pacifi c Cup race now fi nishes at the Kaneohe Yacht distance totaled by all entrants. The marks the 100th anniversary of racing Club, on the windy northern side of offi cial course distance only considers the from California to Hawaii. The Oahu. The race is open to ocean-capable Great Circle course to Hawaii, but it is organizers of the fi rst race originally monohulls and, for the first time in the rare competitor who sails that course. planned a San Francisco start in 1906, 2006, multihulls. Boats that ignore this rule of thumb may but moved to Long Beach because of Since 1980, over 600 boats have spend a few extra days becalmed in the the earthquake that year. It became the entered the race. When the mileage light winds of the high. Or, as for Ghost, Honolulu Transpac and is now held on of the finishers was totaled up, race the Morgan 38 skippered by husband odd-numbered years. The Pacifi c Cup organizers found that around a million and wife team Lou and Kim Ickler, winds revived racing from San Francisco to miles have been sailed in the event. To may be adequate and the shorter distance Hawaii in 1980, and now fi nishes at commemorate this milestone a “Million provided the edge they needed to win Kaneohe, Oahu, in even-numbered One Million Mile Trophy” will be awarded to the their division in 2004. years. yacht with the best performance on the The West Marine Pacific Cup The start dates for the 2006 Miles of Fun day the millionth mile is offi cially sailed. currently has over 50 entries; there is West Marine Pacific Cup race are The committee anticipates the offi cial plenty of room for more. Enter on-line July 3 through July 7. For additional he Pacifi c Cup Yacht Club Millionth Mile to be sailed around July at the West Marine Pacifi c Cup web site information on the Fun Race to (PCYC) announced this 8 or 9, fi ve or six days after the fi rst start at www.pacifi ccup.org. Hawaii visit: www.pacifi ccup.org. year’s celebration of one of the race on July 3, 2006. Also available on the site is the Deadlines and entry fees: million miles of fun racing The racer doing the best on each Notice of Race (NOR), the race entry Postmarked by Entry Fee to Hawaii. Race organizers other day will also be recognized. form, entrant inspection information, Apr. 1 $950 willT be providing a special set of awards Performance will be calculated by housing information in the Kaneohe After Apr. 1 Closed to commemorate this milestone. generating a rating-corrected speed from area, and race preparation tips.

8 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com BOATING

From the Helm: White Holly’s Purpose

BY ED & PAM MCGRATH Vessel. She continues to add to her legacy the very exciting work and service of under the watch of Captain Vince Backen, the vessel White Holly. For instance, his is a true story about current owner/operator, and Joanne The Seamen’s Training Center offers a Bay Area treasure ship. Keune, executive director of The Seamen’s internships aboard White Holly with It’s a story good for the Training Center. programs that prepare students to work soul about the proud vessel Backen and Keune see White Holly as a on cruise liners, tug boats, fi shing vessels White Holly, and how she vibrant community resource whose mission and more. There are opportunities to cameT full circle, from Bay Area and back is to serve the community and the marine assist on special voyages cruising on again, over the course of her distinguished, industry. They believe that every vessel has the bay or volunteering with the non- service-oriented career. to have a purpose. They say White Holly’s profi t Seamen’s Training Center. Or, The 133-foot White Holly was built in work is scientifi c research while her service for more adventurous souls, there’s Napa in 1944. Christened on D-Day, she is training mariners. Blending these two shark diving at the Farallon Islands. started life as a Navy yard freighter, serving functions has worked well and created White Holly’s career is well her country by carrying ammunition from a mission for White Holly that does her documented. We hope this heroic lady the shore to Navy warships anchored off and her Bay Area community proud. She continues her work and service right shore. This grand vessel was converted recently completed an expedition for the here in the place where she came full- to a buoy tender for the Coast Guard Scripps Institute where the who’s who of the circle home. She represents another in 1947, and spent several decades in oceanographic world was aboard surveying example of the rich heritage we enjoy Alaska where she provided services such the Line Islands’ coral reefs to determine around our beautiful Bay. Aren’t we as search and rescue, law enforcement what they looked like in prehistoric times, proud?! and environmental protection. Nov. 11, and to gain understanding about how man 1971 was proclaimed “White Holly Day” has transformed them. in Ketchikan in celebration of her valiant More research projects are in White Ed has been selling boats in the Bay service. With the motto “Gotcha Covered” Holly’s future as Backen and Keune work Area for over 12 years. He and his wife, she continued serving in Louisiana, until their magic to keep the cost of operations Pam,opened McGrath Pacifi c Yacht her decommissioning in 1988. down to an amazingly low $3,200 per day. Sales three years ago. Being at the White Holly was then sold to the But with limited funding for research, the helm of their 36’ Seamen’s Training Center in Vallejo - back work and service of White Holly continues trawler is one of home to the Bay - and sailed on to earn only with support and involvement from Pam’s favorite more credentials by gaining Coast Guard her community. activities. status as an Oceanographic Research Anyone, even you, could be a part of

www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 9 NEWS AROUND THE BAY

Piers 1½, 3 & 5 St. Pat’s Potluck at the YC Navigable Water Analysis San Francisco Waterfront Partners, LLC (SFWP) has Master Mariners Benevolent Association host a St. Patrick’s The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a Waterways announced that Aperture Group, LLC, a San Francisco- Day Corned Beef and cabbage feed at Pt. San Pablo Yacht Analysis Management System (WAMS) study of existing based investment fi rm, has signed a 10-year lease with Club, Richmond, CA. Please bring a dish or dessert to aids to navigation on the navigable waterways in the SFWP’s historic rehabilitation development. Aperture, share. Corned beef and cabbage provided. This is a great San Francisco Bay Area, to determine the degree to currently in the Ferry Building, is the fi rst offi ce lease to event for those interested in learning more about Master which they facilitate safe commercial and recreational be signed on “The Piers”, which is not yet offi cially on Mariners and membership, so bring a friend. Call (415) navigation. The study will continue through Mar. 24, and the market. SFWP will be offering high-tech waterfront 364-1656 for details or visit: www.mastermariners.org focuses on three specifi c waterways: Southern Approach offi ce space, after a complete repair and seismic upgrade to San Francisco, Gulf of Farallones and Approach to San of the substructure. “The Piers”, are located at piers Francisco. Additional waterways will be studied in the 1½, 3 and 5, just north of the Ferry Building. For coming months. Any mariner interested in providing more information about The Piers 1½, 3 & 5 Historic recommendations or comments can contact Chief Rehabilitation Project, go to www.The PiersSF.com Warrant Offi cer, Andrea Currie at USCG Sector San Francisco at (415) 399-3458 or Andrea.F.Currie@uscg. mil User Surveys are available to mariners on the new USCG Web page: http://homeport.uscg.mil. WTA Expands Staff The WTA is off and running in 2006 and project delivery is definitely on the horizon. Planning for new terminals and service in South San Francisco and Richmond Bay Trail Berkeley/Albany, the design of two new ferry boats and 2005 was a very good year for Richmond’s Bay development of an operating plan for the WTA’s fi rst Trail. Not only did construction begin on three trail ferry service is moving full speed ahead. The WTA is segments totaling 2.7 miles, but $500,000 in new pleased to announce the addition of three staff members grants and appropriations were obtained for planning that bring the added experience and skills to the WTA and designing three miles of trail in 2006. And, 33 team to make project delivery a reality: Shirley Douglas, new exhibit panels designed during 2005 will appear Manager of Community Relations; Keith Stahnke, along the trail early this year. Richmond has 24 miles Operations Manager; Nina Rannells, Grants Manager of completed Bay Trail and 17 miles of gaps remaining in the planned route. Planning and design work is still needed to fi ll three major gaps, including a gap of almost seven miles between The Plunge and the Pt. High-tech Windmills at Pier 80 San Pablo Yacht Harbor. The Bay Trail report and the The Port of San Francisco continues to diversify its Barkitechture III new Jan. 2006 Richmond Bay Trail map are available break bulk cargo mix with the arrival of the Rickmers- Benicia Vallejo Humane Society is holding the 3rd online. Please visit http://rcvb-ca.com/baytrail.htm Hamburg, laden with windmill blades from Europe. GE annual Barkitecture competition. Fun, fantastic, or for more information, phone/fax (510) 235-2835. Energy, importer of the blades, is one of the world’s futuristic and just plain functional dog, cat and bird leading wind turbine suppliers. The windmill blades, abodes will be on display at the Vallejo Historical and were transported by Rickmers-Linie, and were destined Naval Museum on Fri., Mar. 24 from 5:30-8PM. Come for enXco, Inc.’s project to partially re-power an existing vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice Awards. All Movement in a Sustainable Region wind project near Rio Vista, CA, where 90 smaller wind entries, plus much more, will be auctioned on Fri., Mar. Whether you are new to the Transportation And turbines will be replaced by six 1.5 megawatt (MW) 31 at the Barkitecture Gala at the USA Classics Museum Land Use Coalition (TALC) or a longtime supporter, turbines. The project construction, expected to be in Vallejo. Email [email protected] whether you are a citizen activist, a transit or planning completed in March, will result in nine MWs of wind professional or an elected leader, TALC’s 9th Annual energy, enough to provide approximately 2,700 homes Summit is a great place to learn about key issues, hone with electricity for a year. your advocacy skills and take part in the movement Whale of a Ship Found for a sustainable region. This year’s summit will The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society feature strategy sessions to tap the power of planning (SFMHS) recently announced plans to house the stern and working together and training sessions to deepen Vallejo Ferry Busy section of “Candace,” in its future history museum, and broaden your knowledge and effectiveness. This Ridership on the Vallejo Baylink Ferry has increased by located in the City’s Old Mint. This is the fi rst ship, year’s Summit is Sat., Apr. 1, 9:30AM-2:30PM at the 30 percent, according to a recent report on KCBS, and found under San Francisco’s streets that will not be First Unitarian Church (685 14th St.) in downtown comments by Mark Mazzaferro, Vallejo city spokesman. In destroyed or buried. The 309-ton, three-masted ship Oakland, convenient to BART and many AC Transit response to the increase in ridership, the number of vessels was carrying 400 barrels of whale oil and 2,000 pounds routes. Pre-registration is $10 ($20 at the door), and has increased by one, and there are four additional ferry runs of whalebone, when it made an emergency stop at the includes breakfast, lunch, materials and free valet bike per day. In addition, there is a plan to increase the amount Port City of San Francisco on July 4, 1855. For more parking. http://www.transcoalition.org/ of parking spaces for commuters at the ferry terminal. information about SFMHS, visit www.sfhistory.org To have your event or announcement considered for the Bay Crossings Around the Bay listings, please send information or a press release to: [email protected].

10 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com WATERFRONT ADVENTURES March Waterfront Activities

Mar. 4 9AM - 3PM - Kayak Cosumnes Preserve in the Sacramento Delta, Blue Waters Kayaking, 415-669-2600, www.bwkayak.com Step into the backwaters and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the Central Valley’s last free-fl owing river. We launch our kayaks from the Nature Conservancy’s preserve and enter the riparian habitat of valley oaks, river otters and wood ducks. You will see birds galore this time of year, many in mating plumage! This is a very special trip that naturalists will love. $ 99

Mar. 4 9AM - 12PM - Paddle the Gate, Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center, Sausalito, 415-488-1000, www.seatrekkayak.com Following our safety orientation and paddling session, we’ll launch in our stable, two-person kayaks from Horseshoe Cove to follow the shoreline toward the Gate. As we leave the protection of the cove we’ll feel the formidable currents sweeping between bay and ocean. We’ll experience the thrill of paddling under the Golden Gate Bridge. No previous paddling experience necessary. $75 including all kayaking gear and guides.

Mar. 5 10AM - 12PM - Ocean Beach Cleanup, Surfrider Association (SF Chapter), Ocean Beach at Fulton St., www.sfsurfrider.org Help keep our local beaches clean! Just show up at Ocean Beach at the end of Rivera Street and we’ll provide gloves, bags and instructions. Rain cancels this event.

Mar. 11 9AM - 2PM - Corte Madera Salt Marsh Kayak Tour, Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222, www.outbackadventures.com Explore the wetlands along Corte Madera Marsh while taking in the views of Mount Tamalpais and the San Francisco Bay. We paddle out in stable double sea kayaks while keeping our eyes open for the curious harbor seals that gather nearby. $70 including equipment.

Mar. 11 9AM - 1PM - Marin Islands Rookery Kayak Tour, Blue Waters Kayaking, Inverness, 415-669-2600, www.bwkayak.com Four-hour kayak tour from Loch Lomand Marina in San Rafael to the Marin Islands; bird rookery accompanied by a naturalist guide. Eighty percent of the snowy and great white egrets in the Bay Area nest on these small islands, just a short paddle from shore. $88 including equipment.

Mar. 11 5PM - 8PM Full Moon Paddle, Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center, Sausalito, 415-488-1000, www.seatrekkayak.com Explore the Sausalito waterfront with its houseboats and harbor seals. From our sleek, comfortable, double kayaks, we’ll be watching the sun set behind Mt. Tamalpais and the colors of the sky and water change. We’ll paddle back to the Sea Trek beach on a ribbon of pearls, as we watch the moon rising over Angel Island. No previous paddling experience necessary. $75 including all kayaking gear and guides.

Mar. 14 5:30PM - 8:30PM - Moonlight Paddle, Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222, www.outbackadventures.com Navigating your kayak by moonlight is a mystical experience you won’t soon forget. We will paddle leisurely while admiring the moon’s silvery light refl ecting off the water’s surface. Bring your friends and family to this warm welcoming event. $45 including equipment.

Mar. 17 6PM - 10PM - Moonlight Kayaking: Jack London Square, California Canoe & Kayak, 800-366-9804, www.calkayak.com Moonlight paddling is enchanting! The water is calm and glassy on the Oakland Estuary and the city lights add to the ambiance. We enjoy a leisurely pace as the sun sets and the moon rises, illuminating a delightful evening. $49 including equipment and guides.

Mar. 18 8AM - Monterey Express, Captain Aqua, 510-728-0225, www.captainaqua.com Board the Monterey Express for a magnifi cent view of the life within the kelp forests, canyons and submerged pinnacles of Monterey and Carmel bays. Call for details.

Mar. 18 9AM - 3PM - Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Journey, California Canoe & Kayak, 800-366-9804, www.calkayak.com We will spend the day exploring quiet waterways and enjoying the inhabitants of this preserve from a unique perspective. This is a great trip for novices or students who have recently completed our Beginning Sea Kayaking class. $109 including equipment and guides.

Mar. 18 9:30AM - 4PM Angel Island Crossing, Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center, Sausalito, 415-488-1000, www.seatrekkayak.com Following our safety orientation, we’ll paddle across Richardson Bay into the dynamic Raccoon Straits where we feel the power of the Bays currents while following in the wake of the Miwoks in their tule boats. We’ll land on a remote beach for lunch and have time for more paddling or hiking depending on the conditions before returning to Sea Trek. No previous paddling experience necessary. $110 includes all kayaking gear, guides and lunch.

Mar. 18 10AM - 3PM - Angel Island Kayak Tour, Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222, www.outbackadventures.com Let’s pack our kayaks and take a real kayaking adventure to Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay. Specifi cally timed for optimal and safe paddling conditions, this trip is appropriate for beginner and intermediate paddlers alike. $85 including equipment.

Mar. 25 9AM - 3PM - Opening of Blue Waters Marshall Site - Party and Tour, Blue Waters Kayaking, Marshall, 415-669-2600, www.bwkayak.com Our Marshall site has been mostly closed for the winter. We’ll celebrate the re-opening with a three-hour tour of the Point Reyes National Seashore and a gourmet oyster brunch. $118

Mar. 26 7AM - Monterey/Carmel Dive Aboard The DV Escapade, Advanced Diving Technologies, 925-432-2111, www.adtscuba.com Come dive the third most popular dive destination in the world. Enjoy the kaleidoscope of the Monterey Seascape. $85 includes two dives and refreshments. Nitrox available. Call for details.

Mar. 26 7:30AM - Monastery Beach Dive, Captain Aqua, 510-728-0225, www.captainaqua.com Dive Monastery, one of the most popular beach sites in the Monterey area. Just show up on time and ready to dive this famous site! Call for details.

Mar. 26 9AM - FREE Fun Dive at Lake Don Pedro, Institute of Diving Technology, 925-551-8478, www.divewithidt.com Come join us for a cool day of diving one of our foothill lakes. Call or email [email protected] for more information.

Mar. 31 to Apr. 8AM - 5PM - Greenland Kayak Building Workshop, California Canoe & Kayak, 800-366-9804, www.calkayak.com There is something magical about the construction of a skin-on-frame boat that is hard to describe, until you have built your own. Animal lovers don’t worry — we use high-strength nylon cloth rather than real animal skin, yet construction of the frame still follows traditional ways very closely. Held over three consecutive weekends (Fri.-Sun), starting Mar. 31. $1,200 including equipment

www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 11 WATERFRONT ADVENTURES

Organizations, Associations & Clubs

Bay Access - San Rafael, 415-457-6094, www.bayaccess.org - Non-profi t organization to create a water trail in San Francisco Bay for human-powered boats and beachable sail craft.

Bay Area Sea Kayakers (BASK) - 415-457-6094, www.bask.org - Cooperative recreational club dedicated to the safe enjoyment of the sport of sea kayaking. Meetings generally on the last Wednesday of the month and are open to the public.

Cal Adventures / UC Aquatic Center – Berkeley, 510-642-4000, www.oski.org - Windsurfi ng, sailing & kayaking lessons for UC students and locals.

Cal Sailing Club – Berkeley, www.cal-sailing.org - Sailing cooperative, membership is open to the public.

Calidivers – 510-417-0025, www.calidivers.org - Recreational, networking & social club for certifi ed divers of all levels.

Dolphin Club – San Francisco, 415-441-9392, www.dolphinclub.org - Non-profi t, public access athletic organization with a diverse membership of about 900 women and men.

Kelptomaniacs – San Carlos, 650-591-5641, www.wallins.com - SCUBA diving and adventure club.

NorCal Divers – San Bruno, 650-588-4998, www.cadive.com - Active dive and adventure club.

Rio Vista Windsurfi ng Association – Rio Vista, www.rvwa.com - Non-profi t Windsurfi ng and Kiteboarding Association.

San Francisco Boardsailing Association (SFBA) – San Francisco, www.sfba.org - Non-profi t organization to promote safety, provide education, ensure access and improve facilities.

Surfrider Foundation (Marin Chapter) – Larkspur, www.surfrider.org/marin Surfrider Foundation (SF Chapter) – San Francisco, www.sfsurfrider.org Surfrider Foundation (Sonoma Chapter) – Penngrove, www.surfrider.org/sonomacoast (Non-profi t environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of our local waves, water and beaches through conservation, activism, research and education.)

Western Sea Kayakers - www.westernseakayakers.org - (Club dedicated to the safe enjoyment of the sport of sea kayaking.)

Water Sport Shops, Facilities, Training & Resources

Advanced Diving Technologies Aqua Surf Shop Bodega Bay Kayak California Surf Shop 625 California Ave. Suite F 1742 Haight St. 1580 East Shore Dr.@ Blue Whale 899 Gravenstein Hwy Pittsburg San Francisco CA 94117 Shopping Center Sabastopol CA 95472 CA 94565 415-876-2782 Bodega Bay CA 94923 707-824-4360 925-432-2111 www.aquasurfshop.com 707-875-8899 www.californiasurfshop.com www.adtscuba.com Surfboards, skateboards, art & clothing. www.bodegabaykayak.com Home of the Cold Water Surf Club. Family Full service scuba center with sales, Kayak sales, rentals, tours & classes. owned and operated full service surf, service, rentals and dive instruction plus Bamboo Reef Enterprises, Inc. skate and swim shop supporting the dive travel. Please see our ad on page 16. 584 4th St. Bodega Bay Surf Shack community and the environment. San Francisco CA 94107 1400 Hwy 1 Anderson’s Swim & Scuba 415-362-6694 Bodega Bay CA 94923 California Canoe & Kayak 541 Oceana Blvd. www.bambooreef.com 707-875-3944 409 Water St., Jack London Square Pacifi ca CA 94044 Scuba training, sales and service plus www.bodegabaysurf.com Oakland CA 94607 650-355-3050 dive trips. Full service surf shop in Bodega Bay with 510-893-7833 www.andersonscuba.com sales, rentals and lessons. www.calkayak.com Full scuba certifi cation courses, snorkeling Blue Waters Kayaking Year round canoe and kayak sales, rentals, & swimming lessons in an indoor heated 19238 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Cal School of Diving class & trips. pool plus sales, service, rental equipment Inverness 1750 6th St. and air fi lls. CA 94937 Berkeley California Dive Center 415-669-2600 CA 94710 715 El Camino Real Aqua Surf Shop www.bwkayak.com 510-524-3248 San Bruno CA 94066 2830 Sloat Blvd. Wilderness kayaking on Tomales Bay www.caldive.net 650-588-4998 San Francisco CA 94116 including naturalist-led tours, classes, Scuba instruction and dive trips. www.cadive.com 415-242-9283 rentals, overnight camping and Full service PADI fi ve star dive center. www.aquasurfshop.com youth camps. Surfboards, skateboards, art & clothing.

Institute of Diving Technology Captain Aqua’s Scuba Diving Center www.divewithidt.com www.captainaqua.com Phone (925) 551-8478 Phone (510) 728-0225

Interested in learning to scuba dive or The leader in the Northern California move your diver rating up to the next level? Diving Community. To provide the best Looking for people to go diving with? Start customer service, best selection of products your underwater adventure now! We offer and services, and offer it at the best price classes, tours, trips and just plain fun! Group possible. We will also maintain and promote and family rates available! Come join us for the highest standards in our diver education one of our monthly Fun Dives! Call us and and diver safety. ask about our FREE Discover Scuba program!

12 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com WATERFRONT ADVENTURES

Water Sport Shops, Facilities, Training & Resources

California Windsurfi ng Diver Dan’s Friendly full service dive center with training, River’s Edge 650 Shell Blvd. 2245 El Camino Real equipment sales & service and tropical dive 13840 Healdsburg Foster City CA 94070 Santa Clara CA 95050 travel. Healdsburg CA 95448 650-594-0335 408-984-5819 707-433-7247 www.californiawindsurfi ng.com www.diverdans.com Napa River Adventures Canoe & kayak trips & rentals on the scenic Windsurfi ng lessons - kayak and sailboard Full service dive center - training, P.O. Box 10881 Russian River. Retail sales and concessions. rentals. equipment sales & service, dive travel, on Napa CA 94581 site pool available. 707-224-9080 Scuba San Francisco Captain Aqua’s Scuba Diving Center www.napariveradventures.com 650-873-7321 250 E. Jackson St. Dublin Dive Center Regularly scheduled cruises on luxury www.scubasanfrancisco.com Hayward 6715 Dublin Blvd. electric riverboats plus canoe and Scuba instruction and information on 41 dive CA 94544 Dublin CA 94568 kayak rentals. sites within a 2 hour drive from 510-728-0225 925-829-3843 San Francisco. www.captainaqua.com www.captainaqua.com Nautilus Aquatics Full service dive center - training, travel, 1220 Diamond Way, Suite 110 Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center Full service dive center - training, travel, equipment & repair. Concord CA 94520 Schoonmaker Point Marina equipment & repair. 925-827-2822 Sausalito Please see our ad on page 12. Harbor Dive & Kayak Center www.bayareadiving.com CA 94965 200 Harbor Dr. Full service dive center including sales, 415-332-8494 City Kayak Sausalito rental, repair, training, recreation & travel. www.seatrekkayak.com Pier 38, The Embarcadero CA 94965 Sea kayaking classes, trips & rentals. San Francisco CA 94107 415-331-0904 O’Neill Surfshop 415-357-1010 www.harbordive.com 247 Shoreline Hwy. SF Surf Shop www.citykayak.com Full service dive center and hobie Mill Valley CA 94941 3809 Noriega Kayak rentals and trips. kayak sales. 415-383-2058 San Francisco CA 94122 www.oneill.com 415-661-7873 Clavey River Equipment Helm of Sun Valley Family owned, full service surf shop with www.sfsurf.com 409 Petaluma Blvd. South 333 N. Amphlett Blvd. everything you need to ride the waves. Custom made surfboards by John Petaluma San Mateo CA 94401 Schultze plus surfboard/wetsuit rentals CA 94952 650-344-2711 Open Water Rowing Center and board repairs. 800-832-4226 www.helmsports.com 85 Liberty Ship Way www.clavey.com Kitesurfi ng lessons plus wakeboard, Sausalito Stan’s Skin & Scuba Diving Kayak and whitewater raft rentals and sales. windsurfi ng, kitesurfi ng and water skiing CA 94965 554 S. Bascom Ave. equipment sales. 415-332-1091 San Jose, CA 95128 Demo Sport www.owrc.com 408-998-0767 1101 Francisco Blvd. High Tide Surf Shop Open water sculling instruction, club www.stansdiving.com San Rafael CA 94901 9 Fourth St. memberships and boat sales. Full service scuba center since 1957. 415-454-3500 Petaluma Training, equipment sales service & rentals, www.demosport.com CA 94952 Outback Adventures on site heated pool and dive trips. Wakeboarding, wakesurfi ng, water skiing and 707-763-3860 12 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. kiteboard equipment sales, rentals & lessons. www.waveslave.com Larkspur Stinson Beach Surf & Kayak Family owned full service surf shop on the CA 94939 3605 State Rt. 1 North crossroads to the North Coast Beaches. 415-461-2222 Stinson Beach CA 94970 Longboard, short board and paddleboards www.outbackadventures.com 415-868-2739 plus wetsuits and surf accessories. Open Kayak sales, rentals, trips & classes. www.stinsonbeachsurfandkayak.com 12-7 Mon-Fri. 10-5 Sat & 12-4 Sun. Sales and rentals of surfboards, Outback Adventures boogie boards and kayaks plus wetsuit Institute of Diving Technology 1158 Saratoga Ave. rentals. Located 100 yards north of 8646 Davona Dr. San Jose park entrance. Dublin CA CA 95129 94568 408-551-0588 Wallin’s Dive Center 925-551-8478 www.outbackadventures.com 1119 Industrial Rd., Suite 7 www.divewithidt.com Kayak sales, rentals, trips & classes. San Carlos CA 94070 Certifi ed diving school for all levels plus 650-591-5641 local trips & travel. Pacifi c River Supply www.wallins.com Please see our ad on page 12. 3675 San Pablo Dam Rd. Scuba, snorkel & swim center including El Sobrante CA 94803 instruction, sales, rentals, repairs and Kite Wind Surf 510-223-3675 dive travel. 430 Westline Dr. www.pacifi criversupply.com Alameda Infl atable whitewater raft & kayak sales, Wet Dawg Water Sports Incorporated CA 94501 rental and repairs. 4290 Knoxville Rd. 510-522-9463 Napa CA 94558 www.kitewindsurf.com Proof Lab 707-966-5701 Kiteboarding, windsurfi ng and surfi ng 254 Shoreline Hwy. www.wetdawgwatersports.com equipment, lessons and rentals. Mill Valley CA 94941 Kayak, canoe, paddleboat and ski boat 415-380-8900 rentals. Retail sales of wakeboard, water Mako Marine Outfi tters www.proofl ab.com skis and clothing. 536 Soscol Ave., Suite 2 Surfi ng & skateboarding equipment & rentals Napa CA 94559 and local art. Wise Surfboards 707-251-5600 800 Great Hwy www.makodiveandkayak.net Pinnacles Dive Center San Francisco CA 94121 Full service dive center and kayak 875 Grant Ave. 415-750-9473 sales & rental. Novato CA 94945 www.wisesurfboards.com 415-897-9962 Surfboards, wetsuits and accessories. Napa Dive & Sport www.pinnaclesdive.com Northern California’s largest surf shop. 162 S. Coombs St. Fully accredited scuba training with onsite- Napa CA 94559 heated pool. Diving equipment sales, rental, 707-257-2822 repair and local/tropical trips. www.napadive.com

For advertising information or to submit a listing for the Waterfront Adventures Directory, contact Joel Williams at (707) 556-3323 or [email protected]

www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 13 A Great place to spend the day Live

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14 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com Mavericks is ON!

BY SCOTT HARGIS TV cameras. NBC, Sports Illustrated, Surfer Magazine and many more news eter Mel of Santa Cruz organizations now cover the event, which spent much of January has grown exponentially in the seven years and February on-call. He of its existence. could spend his time doing Event organizers, headed by Jeffrey whatever he wanted, but he Clark, monitor storms originating in knewP that at any moment his cell phone the Sea of Japan, using satellite images, could ring, and when it did, he would a network of observers and a series of drop everything and respond. deep-ocean buoys across the North Being on-call isn’t exactly an unusual Pacifi c. Clark is looking for the perfect thing in this modern world. Doctors, combination of conditions: wind, tide, nurses, fi refi ghters, police offi cers and other the size of the waves, frequency, fetch emergency responders are accustomed to and duration. He knows that sometime spending at least part of their time off with between January and March, it’ll happen. their pager or cell phone on. The high When it does, the call goes out worldwide, Photo by Scott Hargis seriousness of their work, the consequences and a chain of events is set in motion, Nathan Fletcher of San Clemente CA, heads for the water for Heat 4 of Mavericks Surf Contest. if they can’t respond quickly to a call to culminating in one of the most prestigious duty, makes this irritating arrangement surf competitions in the world. easier to tolerate. Among the world-class surfers a narrow board, pointed straight down and beach, its camera trained on the crowd, the Peter Mel, however, is a surfer. Not participating in this year’s contest was dropping. When you reach the bottom, most common remark was “Oh, my God, just a run-of-the-mill, Saturday-morning Grant “Twiggy” Baker, a 31-year-old from if you haven’t wiped out, you’ll execute I hope my boss isn’t watching!” Further at Ocean Beach kind of surfer, but a South Africa who joined the competition a high-speed, sharp right turn, and ride down the beach, a woman was overheard big-wave surfer; one of only a handful of as one of the “write-in” candidates chosen across the face of the wave, with a rooster asking her friend, “Did you put on people on the planet that can challenge by fans. He would go on to win this year’s tail of foam fl ying out behind you. The sunscreen? You can’t show up at the offi ce waves seven or eight times his height. event, pocketing the $30,000 in prize crest of the wave is now arching over your tomorrow with a tan.” Mel was on-call with 23 other elite money offered by Mavericks. head; the noise is deafening. You can feel surfers in locations around the world, The surfers compete six at a time, in the thundering power of the wave through waiting for three words to appear as a text heats, much like a track and fi eld event. your entire body. Lose your nerve, or Top Notch 2006 message on their phones: “Mavericks is Each heat lasts 45 minutes. During this your balance, and you’ll be crushed under Mavericks Surfers On.” Mon., Feb. 6, the message arrived. time, the athletes can ride as many waves several hundred tons of foaming chaos 1st: Grant Baker, South Africa Mavericks, the annual surf competition as they like. A panel of judges scores each before being swept over the sharp rocks of 2nd: Tyler Smith, Santa Cruz held at El Granada, CA (just north of Half ride, with the best ride and/or biggest the reef. 3rd: Brock Little, Hawaii Moon Bay) boasts some of the highest wave counting double. Three surfers from “Most surfers are out of their comfort 4th: Matt Ambrose, Pacifica waves anywhere in the world. This year’s each round advance to the next, and by zone in waves higher than two times your 5th: Grant Washburn, San Francisco contest was held on Tue., Feb. 7. 1:30PM it’s down to six fi nalists. Peter Mel height,” says Thomas Bottari, manager of Mavericks is an invitation-only event. was eliminated in the fi rst round, after a O’Neill Surf Shop in Mill Valley. “Seeing Organizers identify 19 participants in controversial scoring by the judges. an event like this really gives you respect advance, and the remaining five are “The Twentyfour”, as they’re known, for what those guys can do.” Events like Mavericks Goes Green selected by surfing fans who voted are towed out to the waves by jet-skis. Mavericks are a big source of inspiration online for their favorite competitors. The The action takes place about half a mile for local surfers, according to Bottari, who This year, Mavericks was promoted competitors, who come from as far away off shore, where the undersea geography is an avid surfer himself. as being a “green” or “climate as Brazil, wait for that message: “It’s on.” creates the right conditions for the giant “These are A-plus conditions,” neutral” event. Promoters and When it comes, they have only 24-hours swells to build and make 40 and even 50- gushed an event organizer who identifi ed sponsors encouraged spectators to buy a plane ticket and show up on foot walls, which crash onto a jagged reef himself as ‘Wingnut’. “The waves are even to be eco-conscious — to take out the beach at Pillar Point for the contest. called Sail Rock. A squad of rescue craft bigger than last year, and the weather is what they brought in and “leave They aren’t the only ones; the event draws hovers nearby, ready to rush in and lift a just beautiful.” no trace” — an effort to minimize as many as 30,000 or more passionate surfer out before he slams into the rocks. Indeed, the warm, windless day the impact that 30,000 people spectators who crowd the beaches and If you’re on the 2nd or 3rd fl oor of a seemed ideal, bringing out a larger-than- can have on the environment, the high bluff overlooking the waves. Still building, look out the window at the street expected crowd to enjoy the spectacle. and to preserve the beauty of the more line the bulwarks of a small fl eet of below. You’re about 20 or 30 feet up. This Although dominated by locals, there California coast. boats bobbing in the surf just outside the is the view from the peak of a big wave. were some who had traveled several big-wave zone, and at least two helicopters The face of the wave, below you, is nearly hours to watch. http://mavericks.bolt.com buzz overhead following the action with vertical. Now imagine you’re balanced on As the news helicopter swept down the

www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 15 WATERFRONT ADVENTURES

Surfing! Northern California’s Great Big Water Sport

and, unless you’re a member of the Arctic point. Catch more waves and learn to surf you can run 400 meters Carl Lewis style BY ALEX KOLOVYANSKY Club, a wet suit might come in handy quicker. and then hold your breath for a minute, I t’s cold, it’s foggy, there are sharks around here. Once you get over the water Shorter boards are faster, more agile wouldn’t recommend going out during the and the waves are unpredictable, temperature (currently about 51-55°F), and typically used for bigger waves, but later. Check out any of the write ups from but sunrise to sunset there are you can enjoy one of San Francisco’s most they don’t perform as well on smaller the recent Maverick’s Surf Contest and people out surfi ng along the Bay popular water sports. (wave) days. In the end, it’s really a you’ll get a good idea. Conversely, spring Area beaches. What is wrong with Beginners should head to Linda Mar in matter of preference. Over time, surfi ng and summer in the Bay Area tend to have theseI people? Pacifi ca, which is right off of the gorgeous enthusiasts build a quiver of boards and smaller waves and windier conditions, but Everyone has their own reason for Pacific Coast Highway. It’s considered pick one, depending on the prevailing it’s the best time to learn, particularly in taking the plunge into a set of ocean waves, to be a safe area to learn, with two surf conditions. the mornings before the wind picks up. but the most common seems to be for the shops nearby that rent both wetsuits and There is a plethora of shops in the Bay Wave range can be as manageable as 1-3 adrenalizing fun and the parallel calming surfboards. The beach has shower facilities Area to buy new or used boards. Look for feet; and, if the weather is nice, it makes effects. Most feel rejuvenated even after a (not common in most surf spots) to rinse a local shop with a reputation for friendly, for a great, day escape. short session in the water. It’s a wonderful off the sand and salt. This all makes for a helpful and knowledgeable staff, who can feeling being connected to the ocean and great way to end a day at the beach. help pick the best board for your skill level. Weather & Waves riding waves produced by its majestic As with anything new, it takes time to It really makes sense to buy the right board power. Surfi ng is a great work out, too. master the surfi ng basics. When learning, as a beginner, since it will only make your Surf conditions in Northern California Although most surfers don’t put it in the bigger is better. It’s recommended that learning experience much more pleasant. vary almost as much as our weather, same category as going the gym, they may folks who are starting out learn on a long Surf season in Northern California so check them before heading out. practice yoga, run and do push-ups to get board. Long boards tend to be more typically starts in the fall and runs through Two sites with good information are into surfi ng shape. forgiving and easier to stand-up on, and are the winter—the time of year characterized www.surfpulse.com and www.surfl ine. It seems that more and more people are better for catching and coasting on smaller by larger waves and lighter winds. Waves com, which have daily write-ups on taking to the saltwater, so luckily, surfi ng waves closer to shore. Long boards let range is substantial, depending on location, conditions for most of Bay Area’s spots, an easy sport to get into. Really, there are you catch just about anything, including but can be 2-4 feet on small days and as well as other surfi ng spots around two things you need—waves and a board... “ankle biters”, which, in the end, is the two-story-building big on others. Unless the world. SHOP DOWNTOWN VALLEJO TIBURON’S MAIN STREET Home Accents, Gifts, Gallery, www.shorebirdstiburon.com Phone: (415) 435-0888

Located on the Boardwalk, just 3 blocks from the Ferry dock on Tiburon Blvd. Shorebirds has many little things that bring elegance to your home. Enjoy browsing among distinctive accent furnishings and decorations. Stunning hand made museum quality platters, pottery, vases plus a fi ne selection of pieces by Annie Glass, Nambe, Arthur Court, Casafi na. Gallery 108, 1704 Tiburon Blvd. Phone: (415) 435-2511

Gallery 108 is located on the corner of Tiburon Blvd and Main Street across the street from the Map design courtesy of Michael Heckmann, AIA. Ferry docks. It offers a well appointed collection of Asian art, antiques and artifacts effortlessly combined with contemporary works of art, large OLD GOLD 17 Main Street and small, by local craftsmen. You will not want to miss the fabulous jewelry. Price ranges to [email protected] suit every gift list with gift-wrap, shipping and Phone: (415) 789-9583 delivery services. Where you will fi nd beautifully detailed jewelry Caffe Acri - Servino, 1 & 9 Main St. fabricated in the original art form of die striking www.servino.com and hand chasing. OLD GOLD exhibits an Phone: A-(415) 435-8515 extensive selection of contemporary jewelry S-(415) 435-2676 by award winning American and European Start with the best Espresso outside of Italy designers. As recommended by Frommer’s and at Caffe Acri. Finish with a fi ne Italian the New York Times, “...a romantic journey for meal at Servino. Caffe Acri, 1 Main Street, exceptional jewelry.” is an Internet Café open for breakfast, Paninoteca, gelato and a wine bar. Two doors down, Servino Bar, Ristorante and Caffe’s mesmerizing Bay view enhances lunch or Michael D. Heckmann - Architect, dinner. Banquet facilities are available. 120 Main St. Phone: (415) 435-2446 Windsor Vineyards, 72 Main St. www.windsorvineyards.com For an elegant statement of quality California Phone: (800) 214-9463 style living, contact Michael Heckmann, located on historic Ark Row in Tiburon. Taste the “Best White Wine” from 2006 SF Michael has created distinctive designs Chronicle Wine Competition: sweepstakes for new homes and remodeled residences winner 2005 Sauvignon Blanc. Visit for throughout Southern Marin and Northern complimentary wine tasting; open daily. California. We will interpret your dreams into One block from the Ferry and waterfront a dramatic and comfortable living experience. restaurants. We ship gifts to 32 states with your personal message imprinted on the wine labels. Ask for a free Catalog. Baobab Gallery and Gifts, 90 Main St. Eric Schoenberg Guitars, 106 Main St. Phone: (415) 435-4471 www.OM28.com Phone: (415)789-0846 Baobab Gallery specializes in handcrafted items from Zimbabwe. There is a wonderful selection Fine acoustic guitars, at all prices, line the of Shona stone sculptures, handcrafted pottery, walls of Eric Schoenberg Guitars, on Ark unique candles, textiles, albums, wire art and Row. Brokers of fi ne instruments; new, used, many handcrafted gifts for the Holidays. vintage, and professional. We specialize in the (Baobab donates a portion of all sales proceeds best available student instruments as well as to ArtPeace, a non-profi t project assisting repairs, private and class instruction. Open struggling Zimbabwean artists.) Tues-Sun, at 11am at 106 Main Street.

18 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rebounding Economy Prompts Rise in Freeway Congestion Morning Commute Along I-80 Still Most Congested Freeway Segment

more workers onto Bay Area freeways.” The overall increase in Bay Area traffi c congestion was accompanied by a fresh shakeup in the annual list of the Bay Area’s top 10 traffi c hot spots. While the morning approach to the Bay Bridge on Interstate 80 remained the region’s most notorious congestion location in 2004—with daily vehicle hours of delay up a whopping 53-percent from 6,570 hours in 2003—one commute returned to the top 10 list after a lengthy absence and three moved into the top 10 for the For order information, see bottom of page 21. fi rst time. Three of the Bay Area’s 10 worst congestion locations now involve the rake lights could be Bay Bridge, including the morning proof that the Bay Area approach along westbound Interstate economy has begun to 80 (a segment that also carries traffi c bounce back from the bound for eastbound Interstate 580 high-tech meltdown of and southbound Interstate 880), the Brecent years. Traffic congestion on Bay eastbound afternoon commute across Area freeways increased last year for the span and the afternoon approach on the first time since 2000, according eastbound Interstate 80 and northbound to the latest congestion-monitoring U.S. 101 in San Francisco (number 4). data released by the Metropolitan “Due to the fact that the congestion Transportation Commission (MTC) decline is reversing in the Bay Area, we and Caltrans District 4. need to manage our regional system

The daily number of vehicle hours more efficiently through intelligent Peter Beeler of delay due to congestion in the nine- transportation system (ITS) strategies,” county region rose by 2-percent in 2004, said MTC Commissioner and Caltrans after dropping 18-percent in 2003, District 4 Director Bijan Sartipi. ITS 5-percent in 2002 and 12-percent in improvements include ramp metering, 2001. Among the “Top 10” list of Bay changeable message signs with accurate Area congestion hot spots, the morning travel times, FasTrakTM, carpooling commute along westbound Interstate 80 and transit interconnectivity, as well as from Hercules to the Bay Bridge retained mechanisms—such as the 511 traveler its longtime hold on the top spot in 2004 information system—that help the with an average 10,080 daily vehicle public make informed travel decisions. hours of delay. Regionwide, the congestion data The congestion statistics are part of show that vehicles typically spent the Bay Area Transportation: State of 124,190 hours per weekday in congested the System 2005 project spearheaded conditions (defi ned as average speeds by MTC and Caltrans. This annual below 35 miles per hour for 15 minutes initiative tracks the performance of the or longer) on Bay Area freeways in 2004. region’s transportation system and the While this marks a 2-percent increase condition of its facilities. over 2003 fi gures, it is far below the “The increase in congestion largely 177,600 hours per day recorded in 2000 refl ects a general uptick in the Bay Area at the height of the region’s technology- economy in 2004,” said MTC Chair Jon charged economic boom. Rubin. “A brighter employment picture put

20 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Report Tracks Travel Safety & Pavement Condition Fatal/Injury Crashes Fall for Fourth Straight Year

he Bay Area is 4. In addition to safety statistics steadily becoming and the 2004 freeway congestion a safer place for data (see adjacent story), the motorists and State of the System 2005 report pedestrians alike. features previously unreleased TAcross the nine-county region, data about pavement conditions, the number of reported auto and transit ridership and reliability, truck collisions that resulted in measures of air travel and goods death or injury—and the number movement, and much more. of motor vehicle collisions Using easy-to-understand involving pedestrians—dropped tables, graphs and maps, State for the fourth straight year in of the System 2005 details and 2004. The number of injury/fatal briefl y comments on how the motor vehicle collisions fell by Bay Area transportation network 5-percent to just under 34,000, performed in 2004 (the last full while the number of collisions year for which data are available), involving pedestrians dipped by and discusses trends going back 3-percent to fewer than 2,800. up to fi ve years. Taken together, And while the number of auto/ the many pieces of data paint bicyclist accidents involving a comprehensive picture of injuries rose 5-percent last year the state of transportation to nearly 2,400, this fi gure is still throughout the region. 16-percent below the 2000 tally. The State of the System 2005 These statistics and dozens of report’s assessment of pavement other key indicators can be found conditions on local streets and in Bay Area Transportation: State roads includes a ranking of Bay of the System 2005, a digest Area cities and counties based of data on the performance on each jurisdiction’s pavement of the region’s transportation condition index (PCI) score. network and facilities produced MTC uses a scale of 0 to 100 to annually by the Metropolitan measure pavement quality and Transportation Commission assigns a “very good” rating for (MTC) and Caltrans District PCI scores of 75 or higher. Not

surprisingly, the best pavement revenue from the Measure M would direct much of the new conditions typically are found transportation sales tax approved revenue to local streets and roads. in newer communities where by Sonoma County voters in State of the System 2005 can streets and roads have not Nov. 2004, motorists from Sea be found on the MTC Website yet been subjected to decades Ranch to Sears Point can look at: www.mtc.ca.gov. of weather and heavy traffic. forward to signifi cant investment Topping the Bay Area pavement in pavement upgrades during rankings for 2004 was the eastern the months ahead. Expenditure Contra Costa County city of plans for the transportation sales Report Now Available Brentwood, which registered taxes approved in 2004 by voters an average PCI score of 87. The in Contra Costa, Marin and For a printed version of lowest-rated streets and roads San Mateo counties made local the complete State of were found in unincorporated street and road maintenance a the System 2005 report, Sonoma County, which had high priority as well. A half-cent contact the MTC Library: a “poor” pavement rating and transportation sales tax being [email protected] an average PCI score of 44. considered for the June 2006 Tel. (510) 817-5836 Due to a new stream of ballot in Napa County also

www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 21 Good things are Happenin’ in Vallejo! March Events 2006 Opening Weekend SIX FLAGS MARINE WORLD Enjoy the all-new Shouka’s Splashtime Show. Sat. & Sun. March 4 – 19, 10 am – 6 pm March 25-26, 10 am – 8 pm www.sixflags.com/parks/marineworld

SIXTH ANNUAL MARE ISLAND DAFFODIL TEA Benefit for St. Peter’s Chapel. Mare Island Historic Mansions & St. Peter’s Chapel Sat. & Sun. March 18 & 19 – Two seatings each day; $30 each For tickets call 707.642.3653

BARKITECTURE III Benefits the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society People’s Choice Voting & Preview Party Fri. March 24 – Vallejo Museum 5:30 pm – 8 pm Gala & Auction - Fri. March 31 USA World Classics Event Center, 6 pm 707.645.7905 or visit www.bvhumane.org

3RD ANNUAL VALLEJO SPORTS HALL OF FAME Sponsored by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District Special Guest Host: Martin Wyatt, ABC Ch 7 News Foley Cultural Center, Sat. March 25 – 4:30 pm; $40 per ticket. www.gvrd.org MARTIN WYATT

SOLANO COUNTY FAIR YOUTH AG DAY Solano County Fairgrounds Encourages Solano County 3rd graders to experience agriculture first hand. Tues. March 28; 9 am – 1 pm. Volunteers contact [email protected] For more info 707.551.2000 or www.scfair.org

Enjoy these events and more with a scenic cruise from San Francisco’s fabulous Ferry Building!! For schedule, see the Vallejo BayLink ad in this paper. Check out our Weekend Getaway Packages at area hotels and explore surprising Vallejo! For more information, 800-4-VALLEJO or 707.642.3653 or VisitVallejo.com 22 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com JACK LONDON SQUARE Ahoy, Tall Ships in Oakland!

rig Lady Washington, movie “Pirates of the Caribbean.” as the Battle Reenactment Sails a full-scale replica of She has sailed the Pacifi c Coast or the hands-on Adventure Sails the first American from Panama to Alaska, usually program. vessel to explore the sailing the southern coast of the Pacific Northwest US in winter and the northern Bcoast, will be sailing into Oakland coast in the summer. Tall Ships this month (Mar. 8-20) for the Launched in 1988, Hawaiian Tall Ships Tour. Chieftain is a 103-foot long topsail Dockside Tours: She is accompanied by the ketch (two masts). Her hull shape Weekdays 4-5PM Hawaiian Chieftain, a replica of a and rig are similar to those of Saturdays 10AM-1PM typical European merchant trader the European explorer’s ships at the turn of the 19th Century. used in expeditions along the Battle Reenactment Sails: Lady Washington, the original, California Coast. The Chieftain Weekends 2-5PM sailed from 1750-1798. The replica, has sailed Pacific waters, with launched in Mar. 1989, is certifi ed its crew conducting education Adventure Sails: by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry programs on marine science, sail Sundays 10AM-1PM passengers, and is as close to the training and history. original as historical records and Both, Lady Washington and For more information, please Coast Guard regulations allow. Hawaiian Chieftain, will be open contact (800) 200-LADY. She also played the role as the for dockside tours. Visitors can HMS Interceptor in the Disney on-board for special activities such Picture by Robert Esposito

!LICEPLACESTHEVIBRANTENERGYOF*ACK ,ONDON 3QUARE ONE OF THE %AST "AYS MOST DYNAMIC LOCALES JUSTSTEPSFROMYOURDOOR7HETHERITSCATCHING NEARBY"!24FORA MINUTECOMMUTETO3&ORLISTENING TOJAZZAT9OSHIS UNRIVALEDURBANLIVINGISWHATTHESE LUXURYMID RISECONDOSAREALLABOUT7ITHSTUNNING &ROM THE "AY "RIDGE TAKE ) VIEWSOFTHE/AKLANDWATERFRONTANDSKYLINE THEONE EASTTO$OWNTOWN/AKLAND TOTHREE BEDROOMRESIDENCESDELIVERALLTHECOMFORTS )  SOUTH &ROM )  EXIT STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES GRANITE SLAB COUNTERTOPS *ACKSON 3T TURN RIGHT ON *ACKSONRIGHTONTH3T3ALES HIGH SPEED WIRING AND MORE #ALL    OFlCEISLOCATEDATTH3T 0RICEDFROMTHE S /PENDAILY 7ED 

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www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 23 FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE DIRECTORY 37 ENTRANCE ENTRANCE ENTRANCE 42 11-1 11-2 ATM ancisco Arreola ancisco

05 43 47

ILLUSTRATION: Fr ILLUSTRATION: 07 09 13 15 17 19 21 23 27 29 31 33 35 37 ATM

ENTRANCE ENTRANCE

08 10 12 14 16 20 22 26 28 30 32 34

ENTRANCE ENTRANCE 06 36

ENTRANCE

05 Slanted Door 10 Miette Chocolate Maker 21 Capay Organic Fruits 27 Imperial Tea Court 32 Prather Ranch Meat Co. 37 Sur La Table 45 DELICA rf1 06 Taylor’s Refresher 11-1 Ferry Plaza Seafood 15 Acme Bread and Vegetables 28 Stonehouse California 33 I Preferiti di Boriana- 41 Mistral Rotisserie 46 Frog Hollow Farm 07 Oak Hill Farm of 11-2 Hog Island Oyster Co. 16 McEvoy Ranch 22 Bay Crossings Olive Oil Montepulciano Provencale 47 Mastrelli’s Sonoma 12 Tsar Nicoulai Caviar 17 Cowgirl Creamery 23 Ferry Plaza Wine 29 Village Market 34 Far West Fungi 42 Book Passage Delicatessen 08 Ciao Bella Gelato 13 Golden Gate Meat Co. 19 LuLu Petite Merchant 30 Recchiuti Confections 35 Culinaire 43 Peet’s Coffee and Tea 48 Boulette’s Larder 09 Farmer’s Garden 14 Scharffen Berger 20 Kingdom of Herbs 26 The Gardener 31 San Francisco Fish Co. 36 Market Bar 44 Mijita 51 Mill Valley Candleworks

Far West Fungi, Store #34 Prather Ranch Meat Co. Store #32 www.farwestfungi.com www.pratherranch.com Phone: (415) 989-9090 Phone: (415) 378-2917

Far West Fungi is a one-stop destination for Prather Ranch is a self-sustaining ranch located mushrooms. The shop carries culinary mushrooms, in the shadow of Mt. Shasta. We specialize in medicinal mushroom supplements, and even organic, sustainable, pasture-raised meats. The mushroom logs to grow your own at home. Shop ranch has the distinction of being home to a owners, John and Toby Garrone, have grown and “closed beef herd,” which means extremely sold mushrooms for over 20 years. healthy animals.

MIJITA, Shop #44 Stonehouse California Olive Oil, Shop #28 www.mijitasf.com www.stonehouseoliveoil.com Phone: (415) 399-0814 Phone: (415) 765-0405

MIJITA is a cocina Mexicana with a Bay Area fl avor. Stonehouse California Olive Oil is best known for Here Chef Traci Des Jardins cooks from her roots its citrus oils, produced by crushing fruit along with using local, seasonal ingredients. Whenever possible, olives. Stop by our shop for a free sample of our organic ingredients are used. Traci is well-known certifi ed extra virgin olive oils. nationally as the Chef/Owner of Jardiniere and Consulting Chef at Acme Chophouse.

Hog Island Oyster Company, Shop #11-1 I Preferiti di Boriana, Shop #33 www.hogislandoysters.com www.borianafoods.com Phone: (415) 391-7117 Phone: (415) 402-0421

Hog Island Oyster Company is the San Francisco I Preferiti di Boriana, translated as Boriana’s oyster bar and retail outlet for the Tomales Bay oyster favorites, offers a taste of Tuscany in the heart of SF. farm of the same name. A seat at the stunning U-shaped Owner Boriana S. Dimonte imports specialties from bar on the north end of the Ferry Building provides a Tuscany. Her shop is a Bay Area hearth for the food, great view through fl oor-to-ceiling windows of the Bay, wine and culture of Montepulciano. and a chance to taste impeccably fresh oysters. Mistral Rotisserie Provencale

food, and the gas-fi red rotisseries adds a visible warmth BY MICHELLE MODAY to the cooking.” Betty began her career in the culinary arts as a pastry ost people, when they think of French chef. Fabrice Marcon apprenticed in the culinary arts cooking think of rich sauces. Mistral starting at age 14. He learned cuisine from masters Rotisserie Provencale is a company in three and four star restaurants in cities such as with food prepared in the classic style Cannes, France and Geneva, Switzerland. Both of them inM the south of France. were working in the kitchen of the Grand Hotel in “In Provence the food is lighter in fl avors and Stockholm, Sweden when they met. It was in the Grand textures. A lot of it is warm-weather food (tomatoes, Hotel where they would also marry. peppers, garlic), which is associated more with Italy Betty says that Fabrice is the one who had the than France,” says Betty Mistral. idea for Mistral. He knew that “people wanted less Betty and her husband, Fabrice, opened their Ferry complicated, unadulterated food that paid tribute to Building store Dec. 1993. “The food we serve is very the original fl avors.” natural and not hidden in a lot of sauces,” she says. When the Ferry Building fi rst opened, the Marcon’s Mistral’s food has an earthy factor, rustic even. “The went down to take a look, then decided to inquire rotisserie allows us to stick to the natural fl avors of the about tenancy. Betty shared Fabrice’s idea, which was very well received. She says one of the reasons is because “Were not really just a restaurant (that brings all their food in); but we prepare our food on site.” Mistral serves fresh, high quality, all-natural foods, and is a great option for residents, visitors and commuters. Enjoy one of their meals on the waterfront or take dinner home. You can pre-order by phone, and their Website should be live this spring, allowing customers to view the menu and order online. There are options Mistral Rotisserie Provencale, Shop #41 for single serving orders ($6.75-12.50), Phone: (415) 399-9751 and they prepare dinner boxes ($18-36), Mistral Rotisserie Provencale is a classic which can satisfy the palettes and fi ll the French rotisserie offering meat and poultry tummies of three to four people. Mistral roasted with Mediterranean needs about an hour of notice to prepare fl avors. The shop draws its name from the strong northerly a hearty meal of roasted meat with choice wind that blows toward the of side dishes, choices that include fresh Mediterranean coast of southern caulifl ower, creamed spinach and macaroni France. The owners say this is & cheese. Plus, they always have ratatouille, most fi tting for their “back to and roasted potatoes are the specialty. nature” approach to cuisine.

Fifteen Minutes of Stop and Shop Providing a convenient parking option for the Ferry Building customer on the go

ne of the best incentives for locals to stop this convenient stop-and-shop method, we ask that the If customers stay over 15 minutes, then their vehicle will and shop at the Ferry Building Marketplace tenants and employees refrain from parking in the white be driven to the parking lot, and brought back on their Ois the 15-minute white zone in front of zone (unless you are dropping by the Marketplace for a return. Valet parking rates apply. the building. Customers can run in for call-ahead, quick purchase). pre-orders or shop for last minute groceries, and not How the 15-minute stop-and-shop zone works: Please note: On Farmers’ Market days, 15-minute white have to park in the lot and walk to the building. Drive to the white zone. Leave your keys with valet and zone parking is available after 3:30pm. To accommodate our Ferry Building visitors using get a parking stub (valid for 15 minutes). AROUND THE BAY * DOWNTOWN LIVING We’ll pay your Antique Phoenix closing costs! Genuine charm of historical Benicia

BY TS OWEN street where local legend says the secret of gold at Sutter’s Mill was fi rst spilled. illed with friendly merchants Past the pristine First Street Green and lively music, world- and imposing Promenade - center of Harbor Walk - Benicia famous artists and palate- parades and community parties - is a pleasing cuisine, Benicia, just fi shing pier and public restroom. This is 37 miles from downtown Benicia Point, where once Pony Express FSan Francisco, is one of the worst-kept riders galloped and intercontinental trains secrets in the heart of the Bay Area. rolled onto the world’s largest ferry to Its citizens are dedicated to preserving cross the Carquinez Strait. California’s its rich heritage, as more and more visitors third and only, still standing capitol stroll First Street, stopping to shop at boasts top hats and local newspapers buildings steeped in the history of three from the 1853-4 legislative session. centuries. Walking guides describe the While up in the hills, the Benicia Arsenal 1,520 - 1,704 sq. ft. I 2 - 3 Bedrooms I 2 - 3 Baths unique sidewalk tiles and dozens of 19th has some of the fi nest examples of the Attached 2-Car Garage Century buildings and museums that stonecutters art in the sandstone buildings commemorate the city’s colorful past, the of the Benicia Historical Museum, the Small town charm meets urban convenience at Harbor Walk, a modern spas, and spots to sip tea or enjoy Clocktower building and the Jefferson a full repast at the restaurants lining the Street and Commandant’s mansions. A new collection of stylish townhomes located above retail space.

M ili tar Live just steps away from downtown y West St.

restaurants and shops E. 2nd St.

I St. t 1s Enjoy a beautiful view of the harbor Benicia from your own balcony Harbor Walk Marina E. B I St. Carquinez Strait Walking distance to marina, water sports and activities I Model Now Open! Elegant and spacious floorplans Sales Information Center with 13’ ceilings Open Daily 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. I 129 1st Street, Benicia Contemporary features 707.747.5821 and amenities included 3% Broker Referral** I

Easy access to Interstates 80, 680 and 780 www.theolsonco.com Priced from the high $700,000s

* Some restrictions apply. Up to $10,000 towards non-recurring closing costs. Select homes only. See sales counselor for details. ** Broker commission of 3% of the net sales price will be paid to the Broker upon close of escrow of the property and upon compliance with the terms herein. Sales price will be calculated by Seller, which shall specifically exclude, but may not be limited to, upgrades, options, incentives, closing costs or any builder concessions. Payment of commission requires Broker to accompany and register buyer on first visit to Harbor Walk.

26 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com AROUND THE BAY

tour of the Arsenal’s colony of renowned sponsoring Farmers Markets, First Fridays artists and glassblowers is a rare treat. on First and the Waterfront Festival, Benicia abounds in the authentic plus parades from the Fourth of July to and boasts award-winning shops and Christmas. The efforts have been noticed. heart-pleasing sunsets refl ected in the Nick Jr. Family Magazine named Benicia Carquinez Strait. Nestled between two one of the most playful cities in America, bridges with a port and marina, it with its First Fridays on First, street perches on the waterfront; its beaches banners designed by local school children, and watersports adding to its unique camel races, the Holy Ghost parade, plus, character, which is celebrated in the a plethora of parks and outdoor activities. annual Waterfront Festival. It is a rare and Recognized for its outstanding genuine city that has retained its antiques schools, unique shopping district, and a unique place in California history. community spirit and world-famous The phoenix of Bay Area cities, artists, the City on the Strait is low in Benicia is proof of the adage: If at fi rst crime and high in charm. Called quaint you don’t succeed, try, try again. Plans by some, it was named one of the Best to be the premier deep water port on Places to Live on the Coast by Coastal the west coast, the capitol of the state, Living Magazine in 2005, one of the Top Photo by TS Owen a manufacturing hub, the Athens of the 10 Arts Destination Cities in America in A bronze statue by local and nationally-known artist, Robert Arneson, stands in the Benicia marina. West with abundant schools and colleges, a reader’s poll in AmericanStyle Magazine and an important military arsenal were in June 2005, one of the Great American all big dreams that turned to pipelines, Towns in CNN/Money Magazine in July Rush to Jack London’s Fish Patrol that named it after the wife of the last Mexican still bustles with new development both commandant and made it the second city downtown and in the hills. Not exactly incorporated in the new state of California, as its founders envisioned when they but a modern jewel nonetheless.

Photo by Joel Williams that is, in the form of the 25-year-old and featured as a North Bay Getaway oil refi nery, the crown jewel of a thriving in December in Sunset Magazine. The industrial park that fuels the economy Downtown Tea Room was named a while downtown attracts visitors. leader in the trendy new tea market by Main Street has been an integral VIA Magazine in January-February 2006. part of preserving that past while The New York Times named Benicia revitalizing the spirit of the founders of a top place for antiquing, and the San this once-bustling rival to San Francisco, Francisco Chronicle a number one place encouraging celebratory events such as to raise a family as well as a one of 15 Benicia in Bloom in April, artists’ open “Good Hoods” for being “hipper, cheaper houses in May and December, the Mardi and more neighborly than anyone knew.” Gras Festival and Arts in the Park, the What remains is a pristine slice of Peddler’s Fair and Handicraft Festival; and California’s colorful past from the Gold

www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 27 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Richmond Welcomes Anchor Cove to the Waterfront

580

80 Rosie the Riveter Memorial Eastshore State Anchor Cove Park

Shimada Park Lucretia Edwards Park Vincent Park Point Isabel Regional Miller-Knox Shoreline Regional Shoreline

Bay Trail Complete N Incomplete Brooks Island Parks/Open Space Regional Preserve Water Bodies

Illustration by Francisco Arreola

ichmond’s Marina Bay is rich of the Bay Area’s most desirable places to live, play and excitement of San Francisco, as well as the thriving art with culture, history and endless work. Today, Richmond is home to more miles of the scene in Point Richmond and the Marin Peninsula. opportunities to explore and have fun. San Francisco Bay Trail than any other Bay Area city, as It is in this setting that construction has begun on Once the site where “Rosie the Riveter” well as a picturesque 750 boat Marina and a shoreline Signature Properties’ Anchor Cove development. built WWII liberty ships in the Kaiser esplanade perfect for early evening strolls. Anchor Cove consists of 128 townhome style Shipyards, Marina Bay is being transformed into one Located at the northeast corner of Marina Bay is condominium units ranging from 1,300 square feet the Rosie the Riveter Memorial, part of the World to 2,100 square feet, and including two, two-plus, War II Home Front National Historic Park. Fully three and three plus bedroom units. With six distinct engaged in winning World War II, American women floorplan designs, highly detailed maritime-style and men worked side-by-side toward a common exteriors and private outdoor patios and terraces, all goal in a manner that has been unequaled since. The of the conveniences of modern-day living have been accomplishments of these women, affectionately placed into these homes. These attached units typically known as “Rosies,” helped change industry and contain three levels of living area with an attached two- had sweeping and lasting impacts in the war effort. car garage. The architecture style is eastern seaboard Richmond played a significant and nationally and blends with the architectures of the existing recognized part in the World War II Home Front. neighboring retail and residential structures. The four Richmond shipyards with their combined At Anchor Cove, residents will never need to 27 shipways, produced 747 ships, more than any other leave home to enjoy the views of the San Francisco Photo by Joel Williams shipyard complex in the country. skyline, the fog engulfi ng the Golden Gate Bridge or A view of the many masts at the City of Richmond’s Marina Bay Marina Bay is within minutes of the never-ending the rolling hills along the coast of Marin County. They SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Illustration courtesy of Barney Davidge and Associates can take in the views from their balcony, soak in the culture and excitement of the Bay Area’s fi nest cities and enjoy the comforts and convenience of life along Richmond’s scenic waterfront. While Anchor Cove at Marina Bay enjoys a serene, self-contained bayside setting, it also has convenient and quick access to I-80 and I-580 as well as Richmond’s Intermodal Transit System, consisting of BART, Amtrak, and AC Transit Public Transportation. Along with the unique condominiums of Anchor Cove, Marina Bay will soon boast 45,000 square feet of new shops, offi ce space, restaurants, and public plazas. The commercial component of the project, also being developed by Signature Properties, will consist of up to six buildings located around a central public plaza with bay views and Bay Trail access. These buildings are being designed to create Drawing courtesy of Perkins Design Associates an outdoor themed retail experience with eastern Artist renderings of the Anchor Cove Condominiums (top) and of the Richmond waterfront’s public plaza (bottom). seaboard architecture, refl ecting the architectural character of the neighboring residential units now the elegant, Salute Ristorante at Marina Bay, offering the marina waterfront, Salute is a unique restaurant under construction. spectacular views of the harbor and Bay. Housed in serving authentic Italian cuisine with updated creative Nestled between the Park and Anchor Cove is a 100-year old Cape Cod Victorian that overlooks dishes and traditional favorite pastas and entrees. WATERFRONT LIVING

In a three-part series, special to Bay Crossings, we examine the irony of having one of the most picturesque and romanticized waterfronts in the world, and why its piers - described as “rotten timbers” by Herb Caen back in 1949 Port - continue to tip and rot, even though the salty air is sweet lately with a growing interest in waterfront revitalization. This is Part I of San Francisco’s Port story. Story It also faces a sophisticated public that BY KRISTEN BOLE is newly connected to its waterfront for the fi rst time in 50 years. And it’s placing strong demands on what that real estate he Port of San Francisco’s looks like and how it’s managed. headquarters is an old “The Port is getting an amazing amount C&H sugar warehouse at of pressure,” said Port Executive Director the base of Washington Monique Moyer, the fi nancial dynamo Street, next door to the whom Mayor Newsom appointed in TFerry Building’s upscale markets. Inside, 2004 to clean up the Port’s mess. “It gets it’s as though the 1990s never ended. no city money, its one of the smallest Boldly redesigned by San Francisco city agencies, yet it’s in the paper every architects SMWM, the ceilings vault single day.” above old steel girders and are artfully It’s there because people care. integrated into a modern interior with The only question is what do we knee-to-ceiling glass in the offi ces. The care about? And how do we plan to pay conference rooms host original pegged for it? bookcases and double-hung windows, alongside complete sets of Aeron chairs— Desperate Finances those $700 ergonomic wonders made As it now stands, the Port is designed popular by extinct dot-coms. as an “enterprise” agency, both self- A mile south along the waterfront, Pier suffi cient and generating revenue for 36 stands barricaded from the public, its the city, much like the water or sewer pilings literally breaking off and fl oating departments or a private business. into the Bay. Nearby, the Victorian ship In truth, it’s barely making ends repair buildings are boarded up, hosts to meet. Its current, $55.602 million seasonal fl ooding and clandestine rave budget is only a hair larger than last year’s parties. actual $55.599 million, according to This is the irony and struggle of one Port Finance Director Tina Olson. Even of the world’s most beautiful stretches after Moyer’s substantial trimming, Port of waterfront. With a host of successful revenues have only risen 12.5 percent in renovations in its portfolio and a newly the last fi ve years, while expenses rose invigorated Embarcadero, the Port’s 41.7 percent, leaving a capital budget 7.5 miles of waterfront are simply of just $7 million. stunning. Yet its civic contribution is huge: Yet that same waterfront is at a Each year, the Port supports 30,000 jobs breakpoint. – the same as the San Francisco airport Like an old-money family with no – of which every dollar of payroll- and cash left, the Port is barely earning enough sales-tax goes to the city, as does $20 to survive, much less to maintain its million from the cruise business alone. version of the family mansion. It generates $1.6 billion in revenue Desperate for funds and hamstrung in the 700 companies on Port land and by 2,000 pages of regulations and the $120 million in state and local taxes, but seven government agencies to which it none of those return to the Port. Then, reports, the Port is facing the hard truth the Port pays $11 million per year for that it is, in essence, a real estate developer City services: police and fi re department, Photo by Francisco Arreola with huge limits and no money. among others. 30 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com WATERFRONT LIVING

And unlike any other port in this country, it is Last Century’s Problems expected to cover those costs on its own, with limited The Port’s fi nancial struggles are hardly new. Many date ability to raise rents and under the constraints of an back to World War II, when cargo calls began a steady urban setting, without Seattle’s tax support or San decline, due to a combination of competition from other Diego’s $50-million revenue hotels. West Coast ports and San Francisco-specifi c obstacles. “We (earn) enough money every year to cover “The reality is that, for reasons that were outside our annual operating costs,” Olson said. “What we the decision-making responsibilities of San Francisco, don’t have enough money for is the major repair and there was a sea-change in the shipping industry,” said replacements. That’s our concern because our facilities Aaron Peskin, president of the San Francisco Board of are so old.” Supervisors. “It was an inevitability for a number of What remains of its maritime business – fi shing, reasons.” cruise ships and bulk cargo – is also heavily subsidized, Perched atop a peninsula and full of hills, the Photo by Najib Joe Hakim costing $2.5 to $3 million per year for dredging alone, city’s geography made it hard for trucks to get to the San Francisco’s Port Executive Director, Monique Moyer plus maintenance, to generate $5.7 million in revenues. Port, which had limited room for parking, storage or The Port, which will issue a 10-year Capital Plan loading, given its railroad-era, fi nger-pier design. Its on March 10, estimates it needs more than $1 billion urban setting also provided no “buffer zone” for the further disintegration and lawlessness that helped drive for maintenance and upgrades on its facilities and piers, community. shipping from the Port, according to the San Francisco most of which date back to 1908-1912. Of that, $300 That gave Oakland, with plenty of space, a distinct Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR). million is needed immediately for life-safety issues advantage—that was only exacerbated by the global shift So the city took back the Port – and its debt – but alone. One in 20 Port buildings is already unsafe for toward containerized cargo in the mid-1960s, increasing the problems didn’t stop. As recently 2004, just before public use. the need for space and access to truck lines. Moyer took charge, a city audit showed widespread Port “The average age of a Port roof is 46 years,” added By the time the Burton Act restored San Francisco’s mismanagement, to the tune of $3.1 million per year. Moyer. “The utilities and underground pipes are even control over its port in 1968, the Port had brought with The audit blamed the Port for development older. The average age of a pier structure is 80 years and it $81 million in debt, which Olson said is nearly paid agreements that failed to cap construction costs, the failure to enforce its own leases and outspending its own offi ce-space budget by $500,000 in FY 2002 for “Until we figure out a way to address the long-term infrastructure needs of the Port, its current digs—on top of $1.7 million in “tenant it’s worrisome. If you pull a pier off line because it’s red-tagged, you don’t develop your improvements” as a one-time expense. Thus, the Aeron chairs in the conference room, revenues any further.” —Tina Olson, Port Finance Director over which Moyer recently retorted, “I couldn’t afford those!” As a fi nal symbol of disarray, the Port reported I can’t fi nd any manufacturers who would guarantee off, after 38 years. that it oversaw between 756 and 817 parking meters them for 10 years in salt water.” “The Port of San Francisco was, no pun intended, and couldn’t account for discrepancies over how much For perspective, it costs $20 million to repair and under water from day one,” Supervisor Peskin noted. money they generated. In fact, the audit found 880 retrofi t one pier for the high-occupancy use needed by “People forget that. They think that San Francisco meters under Port control, corresponding to $216,000 a museum or new cruise terminal. Since 1950, the Port (mismanagement) and the loss of the container industry in unaccounted income on roughly $1 million annual has rehabilitated 8 of its 39 pile-supported piers. There drove it into the ground.” revenue. are 31 to go. But historical accounts point to a bigger problem, This was the Port that Moyer inherited. “As things get older and older, and you can’t pull the much earlier. “Monique’s job was to dig the Port out of a canyon, cash out of your operating revenues, you’re stuck,” Olson In 1949, Herb Caen wrote lovingly of the Port and she was given a teaspoon to do it,” said Jon said. “Either a developer does it, or you close it down.” that, “(At night) you can hear the water sighing over Golinger, who leads Citizens to Save the Waterfront, a In fact, partnerships with developers have been the rotten timbers of the piers.” coalition that ranges from the Sierra Club to real estate the Port’s lifeblood since the demise of the maritime Clearly, this was not a healthy port with recent investors. “She needs a bulldozer.” business, starting with one of the nation’s fi rst public- fi nancial struggles. private partnerships at Pier 39. Now, those projects In truth, the problems stem from before 1863, when Real Estate in Shackles are under added pressure to generate the money to San Francisco asked the state to assume control over the She also inherited some stunning renovations, among rehabilitate Port property before it’s too late. Port to curb years of corruption and mismanagement. them PacBell Park, Pier 1, the new Embarcadero and “Until we fi gure out a way to address the long-term Even then, “piers and wharves were disintegrating the Ferry Building, all funded by either developers or infrastructure needs of the Port, it’s worrisome,” Olson and fi lled land was constantly slipping into the Bay, federal funds. With them came rents that approach said. “If you pull a pier off line because it’s red-tagged, preventing ships from berthing,” according to Mel modern market levels, in bold contrast to many of the you don’t develop your revenues any further.” Scott’s “The San Francisco Bay Area: A Metropolis in Port’s 66-year leases. That creates a downward spiral, in which the Port Perspective.” Yet, even those come at a cost. The Ferry Building condemns piers, they fall into the Bay and they’re lost State management only made it worse. San has been a huge success, in part from a decision to forever as a potential for revenues. With real estate now Francisco’s port was a low priority for state funds choose the developer who proposed more open space generating 72 percent of its income, that’s no small and couldn’t generate the voter interest to pass any sacrifi ce. of several fi nancing proposals. That, in turn, led to continued on page 32

www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 31 WATERFRONT LIVING

Port Story “It’s taken 11 different funding retail-recreation project financially Lombard Street. continued from page 31 sources over many years to piece together unsound, and proposing term limits for “No one views the Port as a portfolio the money to create that public presence,” Port Commissioners. of assets with costs and benefi ts,” Moyer and lower retail density. That, in turn, said Byron Rhett, the Port’s director Each of those stemmed in varying said. “We have neighbors who see each generates less money for the Port. of planning and development. That degrees from public outcry over the proposal as a stand-alone issue. Our Likewise, the Port’s outdoor open includes $2.5 million for the upcoming Port’s direction. Most significant of regulators don’t see it that way.” space, including the partly completed Pier 14 and the $15 million park at those was the Mills Project, in which Moyer refutes the “mega-mall” Bayside promenade from Mission Street the Brannon Street Wharf. “It’s very mall developer Mills Co. had planned to characterization of the Mills plan, but to Broadway, accomplishes one of the expensive to build over water.” build a $218 million retail and recreation it’s a moot point. The project has been Port’s primary goals – connecting San They’re also subject to what some center on piers 27-31, at the base of in limbo since the Supervisors’ October Francisco to its waterfront – and meets might consider the whims of the current Lombard Street. vote. In Feb., local developers offered an the requirements of the Port’s Waterfront Board of Supervisors. That project almost single-handedly alternative offi ce-recreation proposal as Land Use Plan, which voters required it Three times over the past two awakened San Franciscans to the a possible replacement, in part due to a to develop when they passed Proposition years, the Board has tried to thwart waterfront’s future, largely due to efforts timely intervention by until-then-silent H in 1990. either significant Port projects or its by Supervisor Peskin and Golinger, who Mayor Newsom. Yet all of that is expensive to build current administration: setting height alerted residents that Mills planned To Moyer’s team, those public and maintain, with no revenues. restrictions on hotels, deeming its Mills to build a “mega-mall” at the base of interventions are a direct blow, giving the Port no ability to act on long-term plans, which often are approved by one administration, only to be shot down after decades of work. “So what do we want?” Moyer demanded. “Do we want Pier 36? It’s an ugly shed with a fence around it because it’s not safe. Or do we want the Ferry Building, borrowing on the developer’s terms?” Opponents of those projects maintain they simply don’t want to be sold one bill of goods and delivered another. But from either direction, San Francisco’s waterfront is at a turning point. “It’s up to us to fi gure out what we can be,” said Olson, speaking for all San Franciscans, not just the Port itself. “We’re in the middle of a transition from where we were to what we could be, and it’s a painful process.”

32 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com TECHNOLOGY

Technology Service Options Changing for Small Business

BY MARY E. SHACKLETT business also has the option of entering 1. Determine how mission-critical your vendors have business partners that can into a longer-termn contract that further technology is to your business. If your supply other technology needs, or disaster arge companies have their discounts computer technical support technology is a critical component of recovery services. own technology staffs, but fees. your end business, and you can’t afford to what if you’re a small business Although consumer stores offer be without it, you need strong technical 5. Check a prospective service provider’s under 100 employees with hardware technical support only, support. Conversely, if your business is references, and take the time to interview technology needs that can programs like these give small businesses able to function several days without them. Customer references are excellent beL just as critical to your business? cost-effective, round-the-clocke support your technology, you might consider sources of “inside information,” and can Understanding your business information for hardware failures and trouble- an affordable, but less service-intensive, be instrumental in helping you with your needs (and their criticality) is paramount shooting. Some of the disadvantages mode of technical support. decision. to your technology strategy—a major are lack of software technical support, factor when you make decisions like limited training options, lack of an 2. Consider leasing instead of buying Mary E. Shacklett is President of whether to hire your own IT staff, or equipment leasing program and little your computer and network equipment. Transworld Data, a marketing and outsource your technology support. help or assistance in computer and Companies you lease from typically track technology practice specializing in network security. technology developments, and can assist marketing, public relations and product Rightsizing a technology plan you in keeping up with current trends management for technology companies Two types of small companies opt to The neighborhood computer store is as you upgrade equipment on lease. You and organizations. Mary is listed in use internal employees for technology another alternative for small companies. can expense lease costs, and can thereby Who’s Who Worldwide and Who’s Who support. They are at the opposite ends of The neighborhood store does not avoid having to depreciate an asset that in the Computer Industry. She may be the spectrum: typically offer 24/7 service, but offers will obsolete itself in three years. Leasing reached at [email protected] • Companies with little or no the opportunity for a pay-as-you-go arrangements also assure immediate or (360) 956-9536. resources and expertise in IT support that hardware repair service. Many times replacement of technology that fails— “make do” with whatever knowledge their these smaller stores can respond quickly with the lessor assuming all servicing and existing employees have; and to a problem situation. However, like replacement costs. All you worry about is • Companies that recognize they other small businesses, these smaller, the monthly cost of the lease. will not be a commercial success without privately owned computer stores can be excellent technology, and make the limited by their own internal resources. 3. Look for an industry buying group or decision to employ highly skilled IT Sometimes, companies may have to wait network service provider. If you belong professionals who are dedicated to their a little longer for technical support and to an industry with a trade association, operations. problem resolution. the trade association often offers buying Companies between these extremes programs that give you better technology are beginning to consider outsourcing The technology programs of major PC purchasing (and possibly even lease) technology support because of the equipment manufacturers, like Dell, options. If you are looking for servicing, outsourcing options now available. HP, CDW and Gateway, offer small a number of vertical sectors also have businesses discount purchasing and network providers with both specialized Tech outsourcing options technical support programs. All are technology and industry knowledge. Consumer-oriented stores like Circuit reputable companies with their own core This combination is often a “best of City and Best Buy have recognized the competencies and areas of expertise. breed” combination for a small business. small business market, and are expanding You get the technology know-how at a programs that serve it. Small business Smaller networking companies supporting discount price and do not have to take programs in these stores are built around specifi c vertical markets in a number of on payroll; at the same time, you have multi-year contracts that provide 24/7 industries have formed associations a service provider that understands your technical support for computer hardware or consortiums that offer discounted end business and the specifi c technology and networks. technology purchase prices at group rates, demands it has. For example, with Circuit City’s as well as affordable technical support. “City Advantage” program, if a business This is especially prevalent in sectors like 4. Ask the vendor about performance purchases six desktop computers it is banking, hospitality, healthcare and small guarantees, before entering into a charged between $130-140 per station government. contract for technology services. Also, as a one-time upfront contract fee. The it is important to ask how quickly the contract is in force for two years, and if Finding an effective strategy vendor promises to respond to your the company chooses to exit the contract, Regardless of how a small business trouble call, and how quickly the vendor the remainder of the monthly contract addresses its technology needs, there are pledges to resolve problems. At the same payments is returned as a prorated amount fi ve best practices that contribute to a great time ask your vendor about service levels, to the business without penalty. T h e network servicing and support program: and about its business partnerships. Many www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 33 LIBATIONS Winemakers of Change

BY DIANNE BOATE AND ROBERT MEYER gently. In addition, he was barrel fermenting the Nebbiola grape, which had never been attempted successfully. Other winemakers in the region were predicting dire results. But, hen our editor chose the theme of this by sticking to his ideas and wine philosophy, his results month’s issue, she suggested as our topic were quite the opposite. Today, his wine commands some the changes that have taken place in the of the highest prices in Italy, as well as Europe. Gaja is now winemaking industry, especially how some considered one of the top winemakers, if not the best, in New World techniques and philosophies Italy, and has expanded from Barbaresco to Barolo and have infl uenced Old World traditions. Tuscany. California, Oregon, and Washington have led some of the winemaking changes. The most dramatic change was to California — Stocks and bonds the fermentation tanks. The variety of tanks is a never ending For a domestic perspective, we called on Jan Wells, marketing wonder to Dianne. While functioning as basically the same specialist with Cannon Wines, purveyors of premium thing, they are all different. California wine, and importers of high quality wines of Many wineries used concrete tanks (some still do) and Europe. He says that one of the more fascinating aspects wood uprights, made locally from easy-to-obtain Redwood. of change has to do with the extraordinary wine families Redwood gave way to oak, with superior results. Some of of California, like Mondavi, Mirassou, Sebastiani, Wente, these large wooden casks can be seen at the Sebastiani tasting Gallo and Fetzer. Everyone started small, grew, and grew room in Sonoma. They are used as backdrops now, highly more, establishing dynasties that cover fi ve generations. decorated by a woodcarver. For the most part, stainless steel Wells told us that the biggest change in the US wine has replaced wood and concrete in the US. In France and Italy, industry is due to marketing: Thirty-odd years ago, the some winemakers are using modern methods to ferment old marketing of wines was dominated by distilled spirit vine fruit. companies who were pouring profi ts into wine ventures. When they discovered the profi t margins were not what France — Concrete and fi berglass they expected, they got out of the wine business. France still uses concrete; but they have lined the insides with Today the market is heavily influenced by large fi berglass. This is seen often in the Riviera, in the hills behind corporation owners, no doubt intent on the good-old the resort areas above St. Tropez, Cannes and Nice, a region bottom line. Although the bottom line should focus on where the most popular wine is Rosé. quality, oftentimes it’s the stockholders who rule. We believe, all of this adds into the mix of the ongoing legal fi ghts for Italy — Steel and jackets small winemakers to ship out-of-state. To put it bluntly, the Twenty years ago, on a trip to Barbaresco in the Piemonte bottom line is control. region of Italy, and armed with some bottles of California wine, a borrowed camera and an invitation to the local cooperative Dianne Boate is a freelance writer, that makes exceptional Barbarescos, we conducted a blind photographer and budding botanical tasting of their wines versus California reds. Everyone present illustrator. Robert Meyer is a consultant gained a new respect for the wines from both countries. While to the wine and spirits industry. For 28 we were there, we were invited by local winemaker, Angelo Gaja years, he is still trying to change what to visit his winery. He showed us around and pointed out the time she is ready to leave; for 28 years revolutionary techniques he was trying—using stainless steel she has tried to change the newspaper tanks with cooling jackets to control fermentation. encampment around his chair. Guess Since the region has always followed “the old methods” he what! Everything is different and nothing has changed. was considered, at the time, to be out of the stream, to put it

Table Set for Wine.com finalization of an announcement: -assembly building its headquarters Plans for the Internet wine merchant and main distribution facility. in City of Richmond to rent over 135,000 square feet of Built in 1930, during the Great space in the historic, former Ford Depression, the Ford assembly plant was s Bay Crossings was going to Motor Company Assembly Plant the largest plant to be built on the West press, Wine.com and Orton appear to be imminent. Wine.com is Coast. Founded in 1997, Wine.com is ADevelopment were nearing planning to make the historic auto America’s leading online wine retailer. 34 March 2006 BAYCROSSINGS www.baycrossings.com Kingsway Limousine Service Phone: (415) 307-3000

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www.baycrossings.com BAYCROSSINGS March 2006 35 Sponsored by GET THERE BY FERRY

San Pablo Bay Vallejo

Larkspur Harbor Bay Ferry Richmond Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Pacifi c Tiburon Harbor Bay S.F. Ferry S.F. Ferry Harbor Bay Ocean Angel Island Island Bldg. Bldg. Island Sausalito 6:30am 6:55am 7:00am 7:25am Alcatraz 7:30 7:55 8:00 8:25 Berkeley 8:30 8:55 4:35pm 5:00pm 4:30 5:35 6:00 5:05pm 5:30 6:35 7:00 N Oakland 6:05 6:30 7:35 8:00 7:05 7:30 San Francisco San Alameda No service on weekends Francisco Harbor Bay Isle Bay Angel Island - Red & White Tiburon Ferry BAY CRUISE SCHEDULE PIER 43 1/2 Mon. - Fri. Weekend Schedule Fare: Weekday Tiburon to Angel Island Angel Island to Tiburon Adult ...... $21 Golden Gate Ferry Schedule Effective Dec. 12, 2005 Senior (62+) ...... $17 10:00am 1:45 Youth (12-17) ...... $17 10:00, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00 10:20, 11:20, 1:20, 2:30 11:15 2:30 Child (5-11) ...... $13 LARKSPUR * 12:00pm 3:00 Under 4...... $Free Weekdays (excluding Holidays) Weekends and Holidays 1:15 3:45 Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Leave Arrive *Monday Thru Friday Schedule Subject to California Sunset Cruise Schedules Larkspur S F S F Larkspur Larkspur S F S F Larkspur Flexible Schedule. change w/o notice 2-Hour California Sunset Cruise Call (415) 435-2131 Departures at 7:00PM every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 5:50am 6:20am 6:25am 6:55am 9:40am 10:30am ------www.angelislandferry.com Adults $10.00 Fare: Adult (18+) $48, Child (5-17) $33, Children under four 11:00 11:50 12:30pm 1:20pm ride Free! Includes one drink ticket (good for beer, wine or 6:35 7:05 7:10 7:40 Bicycles $1.00 Child $8.00 7:10 7:40 7:45 8:15 1:30pm 2:20 2:30 3:20 soda) and appetizers. 7:50 8:20 8:30 9:05 3:30 4:20 4:30 5:20 8:20 8:50 9:10 9:45 5:30 6:20 7:00 7:50 9:15 9:50 10:10 10:45 One-Way Ferry Fares Blue & Gold Ferry 10:10 10:45 10:55 11:30 LARKSPUR SAUSALITO 11:10 11:45 11:55 12:30pm ALAMEDA/OAKLAND ALAMEDA/OAKLAND 11:40 12:15pm 12:25pm 1:00 Daily Daily 12:40pm 1:15 1:25 2:00 Adult Cash Fare $6.45 $6.45 Weekdays to San Francisco Weekends and Holidays to San Francisco 2:15 2:50 3:00 3:30 Leave Leave Arrive Arrive Leave Leave Arrive Arrive 2:50 3:25 3:35 4:05 Frequent Rider Ticket $4.05 $3.45 Oakland Alameda Ferry Bldg. Pier 41 Oakland Alameda Ferry Bldg. Pier 41 3:40 4:15 4:25 4:55 (Book of 20 Tickets) 6:00am 6:10am 6:30am ----- 4:15 4:45 4:55 5:25 10:00am 10:10am 10:30am 10:45am 7:05 7:15 7:35 ------*5:20 6:05 Seniors (age 65+) $3.20 $3.20 11:30 11:20 12:00pm 12:15 8:10 8:20 8:40 ----- 5:10 5:45 5:55 6:25 with Medicare or 1:45pm 1:30pm 2:20pm 2:35pm 9:15 9:25 9:45 10:00 5:35 6:10 6:20 6:50 approved I.D. 11:00 10:50 11:30 11:45 4:45 4:05 4:45 4:55 6:35 7:10 7:20 7:50 12:45pm 12:35pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 5:45 5:35 ---- 6:25 7:20 7:55 8:10 8:40 Youth (ages 6-18) $3.20 $3.20 2:30 2:20 3:00 3:10 7:10 7:00 ---- 7:50 8:10 8:45 8:50 9:20 4:40 4:30 5:10 ----- 8:50 9:25 9:35 9:25 10:05 Children (age 5 & under) FREE FREE Weekend Ferry Service Will Resume Beginning March 4, 2006 5:50 5:40 6:15 ----- Weekends and Holidays from San Francisco *All weekdays trips except on (5:20pm SF departure) are operated by high-speed catamarans. Weekend 6:20 6:10 ----- 7:00 6:55 6:45 7:20 ----- Leave Leave Arrive Arrive service is provided by high capacity Spaulding vessels. 7:55 7:45 8:20 ----- Pier 41 Ferry Bldg. Alameda Oakland SAUSALITO 8:55 8:45 ----- 9:25 9:15am 9:25 10:10 9:55 Weekdays from San Francisco 10:50 --- 11:20 11:30 Weekends and Holidays Weekdays (excluding Holidays) Leave Arrive Leave Arrive 1:00pm 1:10 1:30 1:45 Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Pier 41 Ferry Bldg. Alameda Oakland 3:30 3:45 4:05 4:15 Sausalito SF SF Sausalito Sausalito SF SF Sausalito ----- 6:30am 7:15am 7:05am 5:00 5:15 5:35 5:45 7:10am 7:35am 7:40am 8:10am ------10:40am 11:10am ----- 7:35 8:20 8:10 6:30 6:40 7:00 7:10 8:20 8:45 10:15 10:45 11:20am 11:50am 12:00pm 12:30pm ----- 8:40 9:25 9:15 10:55 11:25 11:35 12:05pm 12:45pm 1:15pm 1:25 1:55 ALAMEDA/OAKLAND FARES: 10:15am 10:30 10:50 11:00 12:15pm 12:45pm 12:55pm 1:25 2:10 2:40 2:50 3:20 One Round 10Ticket 20Ticket Monthly 12:00pm 12:15pm 12:35pm 12:45pm 1:55 2:25 2:35 3:05 3:35 4:05 4:15 4:45 Way Trip Book* Book* Pass 1:45 2:00 2:20 2:30 3:20 3:50 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:25 5:35 6:05 3:45 4:10 4:30 4:40 Adult (13+) $5.50 $11.00 $45.00 $80.00 $150.00 4:45 5:15 5:30 6:00 6:20 6:45 6:30 7:00 Child (5-12) $2.75 $5.50 ----- 5:20 5:40 5:50 PURCHASE TICKETS 6:10 6:35 6:45 7:10 Child under 5** FREE FREE 7:20 7:50 7:55 8:20 5:20 5:45 6:10 6:20 ONBOARD THE FERRY ----- 6:25 6:45 6:55 Senior (65+) $3.25 $6.50 or at the Regional Transit Disabled Persons* $3.25 $6.50 INFORMATION CONTACTS E-mail/Comments to ferrycomments.goldengate.org ----- 7:25 7:45 7:55 Connection (RTC) at Active Military $4.25 $8.50 participating 511 (toll-free) or 711 (TDD) For Larkspur and Sausalito website:www.goldengate.org ----- 8:25 8:45 8:55 Seniors must show valid I.D., Bay Area businesses. Regional Transit Connection, or Please call the 24-hour HOLIDAY SERVICE: Larkspur & Sausalito NO SERVICE: Larkspur & Sausalito Medicare Card. Ferry Fone Schedule information harvested online. at (510) 522-3300 to In effect on Martin Luther King, Presidents’, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor No ferry service on New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Military personnel must show confi rm times. Day, modifi ed Holiday service is operated on the Day after Thanksgiving. and Christmas Day. Schedules are subject to change. March 2006 military I.D. Fun on Ferries, Shoreline Snacking and Shopping, Take the Kids, Bikes on Boats, Fun on Ferries... Blue & Gold Ferry ALCATRAZ ALCATRAZ AFTER DARK SAN FRANCISCO/ANGEL ISLAND SAUSALITO FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PIER 41 Thursday through Sunday FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PIER 41 FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PIER 41 Weekdays Access: SEAR (Sustainable Leave Leave Weekdays Weekdays Pier 41 Alcatraz BY FERRY Leave Leave Easy Access Transport) Leave Arrive Leave Arrive is available for wheelchair Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Pier 41 Alcatraz 4:20pm 7:15pm Pier 41 Angel Island Angel Island Pier 41 users and visitors Pier 41 Sausalito Sausalito Pier 41 9:30am 9:50am physically unable to walk 10:00am 10:20am 3:20pm 4:00pm 10:15 10:35 up the quarter mile, 12% FARES: Round Trip 11:00am 11:40am 11:50am 12:10pm 10:45 11:10 grade hill. Children under Adult (18-64) ...... $23.50 12:15pm 12:55pm 1:05pm 1:25 14 must be escorted by an 1:35 2:10 2:20 2:35 11:15 11:45 Junior (12-17) ...... $20.75 Weekend direct return to Alameda and Oakland 3:10pm adult. Only service animals 11:45 12:15pm Senior (62+) ...... $20.75 2:45 3:35 3:40 4:00 allowed. Weekends 12:15pm 12:45 Child (5-11) ...... $14.25 ---- 7:55 8:00 8:20 12:45 1:15 Under 5 ...... FREE Leave Arrive Leave Arrive 1:15 1:45 Pier 41 Angel Island Angel Island Pier 41 1:45 2:15 10:35am 11:00am 11:05pm 12:20pm 2:15 2:45 VALLEJO/SAN FRANCISCO ^Arrives from the Ferry Building via Tiburon 2:45 3:20 FERRY BLDG./ FISHERMAN’S WHARF ---- 3:45pm 3:50pm 4:55pm *Service on Friday Only 3:15 3:50 Weekdays ^Recommended for bicycles 3:45 4:30 Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Weekend and Holidays 4:15 4:45 Vallejo Ferry Ferry Pier 41 Pier 41 Vallejo FARES: Round Trip Leave Arrive Leave Arrive 5:50 5:20 Bldg. Bldg. Adult (13+) $14.50 Child (6-12) $ 8.50 Pier 41 Sausalito Sausalito Pier 41 6:30 5:30am 6:25am 6:35am ------7:30am 5 and under FREE 10:35am 11:50 11:55 12:20pm 6:30 7:25 7:35 ------8:30 All prices include State Park fees. Only service animals allowed. 12:30 1:20 1:25 1:50 FARES: Round Trip 7:00 7:55 8:10 ------9:05 2:00 2:45 2:50 3:15 7:45 8:40 8:55 ------9:50 SAN FRANCISCO CITY TOUR Adult w/Cell house Audio Tour* ...... $16.00 3:20 4:25 4:30 4:55 without Audio ...... $11.50 8:45 9:40 9:55 ------10:50 FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PIER 41 10:00 10:55 11:10 11:20 11:30 12:05pm Senior (62+) w/Cell house Audio Tour* ...... $14.25 Leave Pier 41 11:30 12:25pm 12:40pm ------1:35 City Tour does without Audio ...... $9.75 Daily not operate during Child (5-11) w/Cell house Audio Tour* ...... $10.75 1:00 1:55 2:10 ------3:05 inclement weather. 9:15am without Audio ...... $8.25 2:00 3:20 3:30 3:00 3:10 4:25 Check with ticket FARES: One-Way 11:15 * Self-guided Audio Tour of the Cell house. 3:20 4:15 4:30 ------5:25 booth on day of 4:05 5:00 5:15 ------6:10 2:15pm departure. Adult ...... $8.50 4:45 5:40 6:00 ------6:55 City Tour City Tour Child (5-11) ...... $4.50 BAY CRUISE 5:35 6:30 6:45 ------7:40 FARES: Only w/ Bay Cruise 20 Ticket Commute Book ...... $100.00 Leave PIER 39 6:35 7:30 7:45 ------8:40 8:20 9:45 9:50 9:20 9:30 10:45 Adult $38.00 $50.00 Weekdays Weekends and Holidays Missed the last ferry from San Francisco? Take the bus to Vallejo, Senior (62+) $38.00 $48.00 TIBURON 10:00am 10:00am weekdays at 10:35pm and weekends at 10:30pm from in front of Junior (12-18) $38.00 $48.00 FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PIER 41 10:45 the Pier 1 Deli. Check Giants schedules at www.baylinkferry.com. Child (5-11) $19.00 $26.00 10:45 Weekdays 11:30 11:30 12:00pm 12:00pm Weekends and Holidays TIBURON Leave Arrive Leave Arrive 12:45 12:45 Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Leave Arrive Pier 41 Tiburon Tiburon Pier 41 1:15 DOWNTOWN S.F., FERRY BLDG. 1:15 Vallejo SF FB SF FB Pier 41 Pier 41 Vallejo 11:00am 11:20am 11:25am 12:10pm 1:45 1:45 Weekdays 12:15pm 12:35pm 12:40pm 1:25 2:30 8:45 9:40 9:55 ------10:50 2:30 1:35 1:50 1:55 2:15 3:15 10:00 10:55 11:10 11:20am 11:30am 12:30pm Leave Arrive Leave Arrive 3:00 2:35 2:45 3:05 3:10 3:45 11:30 12:25pm 12:40pm ------1:35 Tiburon Ferry Bldg. Ferry Bldg. Tiburon 3:30 4:00 4:05 4:45 ------4:30 4:00 1:00pm 1:55 2:10 ------3:05 6:00am 6:20am ------7:35 7:45 8:20 5:15 4:30 3:00 4:20 4:30 4:00 4:10 5:25 6:50 7:10 7:15am 7:35am 6:00 5:15 4:05 5:00 5:15 ------6:10 7:50 8:10 8:15 8:35 5:45 5:35 6:30 6:45 ------7:40 8:45 9:05 ------6:30 6:35 7:30 7:45 ------8:40 *Service on Friday Only ------4:25pm 4:45pm 8:20 9:40 9:50 9:20 9:30 10:45 Bay Cruise does not operate during inclement weather. Additional 5:00pm 5:20pm 5:25 5:45 Weekends and Holidays cruises may be added on demand. Check with ticket booth on day 5:50 6:10 6:15 6:35 of sailing for schedule. No reserved seating available. 6:40 7:00 7:15 7:35 Leave Arrive Leave Arrive VALLEJO/SAN FRANCISCO Pier 41 Tiburon Tiburon Pier 41 FARES: All prices include audio tour. FARES: One-Way Round Trip Adult ...... $21.00 Junior (12-18) ...... $17.00 FARES: One-Way 10:35am 11:20 11:35 12:20pm Adult ...... $7.50 ...... $15.00 12:30 12:55 1:05 1:50 Senior (62+) ...... $17.00 Child (5-11) ...... $13.00 Regular ...... $10.00 Child (5-11) ...... $4.25 ...... $ 8.50 2:00 2:25 2:30 3:15 Special Rates On Line Discounted fares sold starting at 9am: 20 Ticket Commute Book ...... $85.00 3:20 4:05 4:10 4:55 ANGEL ISLAND Senior (65+)/Disabled ...... $5.00 No service Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Child (6-12) ...... $5.00 Year’s Day (Jan.1), or Presidents’ Day. Weekends and Holidays* to Angel Island Day Pass** ...... $17.00 FARES: One-Way Monthly Pass*** ...... $230.00 Leave Leave Arrive Depart Arrive SBC PARK SEVICE Oakland Alameda Pier 41 Pier 41 Angel Is. Adult ...... $8.50 *DayPass offers a full day of travel on Baylink ferries and Vallejo Direct service is available from Alameda, Child (5-11) ...... $4.50 9:00am 9:10am 9:35am 9:45am 10:10am Transit. Sold at Vallejo Ferry Terminal, local Safeways, and Pier 41. 20 Ticket Commute Book ...... $100.00 Validate the Day Pass before boarding by scratching current date. Oakland, Tiburon, Vallejo, Sausalito, and *Monthly Pass is valid seven days a week on Baylink boats, Vallejo Weekends and Holidays* from Angel Island Larkspur for selected Giants baseball games. GENERAL INFORMATION buses, and MUNI. For information, call (415) 705-5555 or visit Leave Arrive Arrive ^^ Service VIA BUS our website at www.blueandgoldfl eet.com. Reservations: Advance ticket sales are available for all Angel Island Alameda Oakland services and highly recomended for Alcatraz. Please call (415) MONTEREY/CARMEL & 17-MILE DRIVE 705-5555 to charge tickets by phone or online at www.telesails. 3:10pm 3:45pm 3:55pm MUIR WOODS TOUR com. There is an additional service charge of $2.25 per ticket Visit the famed Monterey Peninsula by deluxe motor coach. A for all individual phone and web orders. No reserved seating Effective May 21 through Ocober 30, 2005 breathtaking journey along the rugged California coastline to FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PIER 43 available. Monterey and Carmel for a day you won’t forget. Tour departs Angel Island Round-trip Fares Muir Woods Tour does not operate during inclement from Pier 43-1/2 at 9:15am. Call (877) 855-5506 to reserve. Bicycles: Bicycles load fi rst and leave last unless otherwise weather. Check with booth on day of sailing for schedule. Offered daily except Tuesday and Thursday. instructed. On board, secure bike in bike rack provided. Roundtrip fares -- Adult Motor coach departs immediately upon arrival at ferry Bicycles are allowed on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. Twenty- Includes park Admission Junior (13-18 yrs) $13.50 dock. Service animals only. fi ve bicycles are allowed on the ferries; space permitting at the and Pier 41 Transfer Senior (62+ yrs) / $10.50 Departs 9:15am at Pier 43 Fares: Round Trip discretion of the Captain. No bicycles or scooters allowed on Disabled $10.50 Alcatraz, Muir Woods, or Wine Tour. No scooters, rollerblades, Adult ...... $61.00 Leave Pier 43 or skateboards on Angel Island. Child (6-12) $8.00 Under 5 Child (3-11) ...... $40.00 Daily FREE Groups: Special fares may be available for groups of 15 or All times are estimates. SONOMA-NAPA WINE TOUR 9:15am more. Call (415) 705-8214. Purchase tickets onboard the ferry. 11:15am FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PIER 43 Disabled: All ferries are accessible by gangways and ramps for * Angel Island Service operates on Saturdays and 2:15pm disabled persons. Ferries are accessible on the fi rst deck only. Sundays only, as well as on the following holidays: FARES: Round Trip FARES: Round Trip (Boats are glass enclosed for sightseeing and snack bar Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th; Monday, July 4th; service is available.) Restrooms are accessible on all boats. If Leave PIER 43 Adult ------$57.00 and Labor Day, Monday, September 5th. you need help, please ask for assistance. ATM located at Pier Daily Under 21------$39.00 Adult...... $48.50 39 & Pier 41. Child (5-11)...... $25.50 9 : 15am Schedules, Services, and Prices Subject to Change. www.baycrossings.com/ferry_schedules.htm Includes round trip, motor coach, and winery tours. Muir Woods Package includes round trip ferry and bus shuttle. Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. No service Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. No service Christmas Day or New Year’s Day (Jan. 1). Blue & Gold Fleet is a concessionaire of the National Park Service.

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Take a Giant leap across the Bay! Catch a good deal. Ferry to/from SF Giants games starting April 6th • Mon–Thurs. Special for ticket holders: 1/2 price DayPass* • Ferry leaves from SBC park 20 minutes after the game Convenient daily services to avoid traffic • Up to 15 sailings to/from SF Ferry Building • Express bus service

in Solano County Photo by Seahorse8

• Group rates now * Show your Giants ticket & receive a Baylink Ferry DayPass at HALF PRICE. Children & seniors: available. Travel HALF PRICE off the discounted one-way fare. Day of Game only, no advance sales. Available the Easy Way only at Vallejo Ferry Terminal Ticket Office, not on boats. Limit, first 200 Giant ticket holders. For information: 877.64.FERRY or BaylinkFerry.com

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