Every Friday, Pacific Union International takes a look at what’s new and notable in our Bay Area neighborhoods. Here’s what we’ve got for the week ending May 11, 2012:
MARIN COUNTY
Action! The 4th annual Sausalito Film Festival kicks off tonight with an exciting weekend ahead. Tonight’s Opening Night celebration includes a block party and red carpet at Caledonia Street, along with food and drink from Sushi Ran, Da Vino, and Plate Shop. Following a number of award-winning films is the Closing Night reception at Cavallo Point and final screening on Sunday. Festivites, films, and Sausalito – what’s not to like?
SAN FRANCISCO
Feeling adventurous? Forage through the flora of our prehistoric pals. Running into October, “Plantosaurus Rex” opened at the Conservatory of Flowers this week. The display includes a giant T. Rex extending through the roof from the inside out, offshoots of the giant ferns and cycads from the dinosaur days, and much more. What do you think “Meatosaurus Rex” would be like? Actually, never mind.
NAPA COUNTY
It’s moving forward, folks. This week the Downtown Napa Specific Plan was given a green light to bring two-way streets downtown Napa. In an effort to execute a smooth transition, the opening of First, Second, Third and Fourth streets to two-way traffic will occur in stages. There is no word yet on whether First and Second west of Jefferson Street will get the same treatment, but the goal to complete the Downtown Napa Specific Plan is fall of 2013.
SONOMA COUNTY
It’s Horseman Jack! The Sonoma County Fair just announced the 2012 recipient of their Award of Excellence in the Horse Industry. This year’s honoree, John J. “Jack” DeMeo, has not only logged over 50 years breeding, raising, and selling Thoroughbreds, but is a rare California attorney versed in equine law. In his career he has represented injured jockeys and served as counsel for the California Horseman’s Association. Congrats, Jack, and thank you for all your hard work!
EAST BAY (ALAMEDA COUNTY & CONTRA COSTA COUNTY)
Overture, curtain, lights, this is it, the night of nights. Lamorinda prepares for its 19th annual “Concert at the Res,” and introduces an exciting new player this year. The new 40-by-40-foot permanent stage at the Lafayette Reservoir will join acts such as bands from Acalanes High School, the Big Band of Rossmoor and, this year, Westlake Middle School of Oakland. No stage hogging necessary, this setup is here to stay.
(Conservatory of Flowers image courtesy of Laurie Jo Miller Farr via examiner.com; Horseman Jack image courtesy of pressdemocrat.com)