California Foster Care

via Witness LA

On any given day, 80,000 youngsters are in the state's care. Mostly low-income and minority, these children often struggle with mental or emotional problems. Two thirds of foster kids drop out of high school. As adults, many wind up homeless or in jail.

Foster children with serious mental or emotional problems are often confined for years in institutions.

It's not uncommon for foster children to grow up anxious or depressed. Public health agencies are obligated to help these kids, but the "revolving door" nature of the treatment creates more problems. "


Please check out this 3 part audio series on California Foster Care System from the California Report. It's one of the best description of the current foster care system that I have heard. It also gives a great description of some of the work being done to bring about change & improvement to the flawed system.

Part One: Changing the Odds of Foster Care

Part Two: As Long as It Takes

Part Three: Helping the Most Troubled Foster Kids

Rafael Casal - Bay Area Slang Top 100

Ode to Ube.

Scoop of Ube (pic via here)

Mitchells Ice cream shop is one of those must try places that is a foggy city staple. Its famous for it's unique variety of flavors including dulce de leche, avocado, and Ube (purple yam) my new favorite. Three nights ago we discovered that Mitchells is incredibly close to our apartment and since this discovery we have enjoyed its awesomeness two of the three nights. If you stop in SF you must try a scoop of Ube (ooo-bay) its to die for.

Whats new of late

(via Sunday in the City by sfgirlbybay)

Its been seven months since husband & I first moved to San Francisco and at last the feeling of familiarity has settled in. Streets are recognizable, we've developed our local "spots", habits & rituals have formed, and the general sensation of newness we felt upon first moving has faded. In a way its sad; almost like a loss. But I am glad to be a local; even though the shiny and new SF has dulled I still am in love with the seven miles by seven miles I call home.

In a city filled with so much there will always be some "new" left to experience & learn even when you are a local. The following is a list of the "new" of late:

(via JonBauer)

* Summer in the City: Wow has this been an experience. Its July, late July at that, a time when Im typically living for air conditioning and the So Cal Beaches. Here in SF July means something entierley different. In July the Fog has rolled in and cast out any sign of Sun. I leave my house wearing a scarf and a heavy jacket. Where picnics in the Park and bbq's were typical: Husband and I find ourselves cuddling under blankets eating warm bowls of chilli in complete confusion over this so called "summer".(via Dizzy Atmosphere)

* Insight into my neighborhood: Today was a futbol game and Im guessing Mexico won. Why do I know this when I dont watch sports. Well living in a highly hispanic area it was hard to miss the streets filled with families driving in their suv's waving the Mexican flags proudly from their car windows and honking unceasingly.

(via Sunday in the City by sfgirlbybay)

* Alemany Flea Market: This has been the Little Jewel of a discovery this past month. I've known about it for sometime, but hadn't scheduled time to go until recently. I went once a couple weeks ago and have since become and avid flea marketer. There you find original art, furniture, kitchen items, clothing, and other odds & ends- I could spend weeks filtering through the treasures that surface once a week at the Sunday Flea market. My purchases so far have been 2 wall pictures and a fruit basket. Husband is a true treasure hunter and has been completley jealous that his work schedule hasnt permitted him to come browsing with me. Its a dream and one of my favorite new rituals.

Symphony in the Park

Stern Grove is a beautiful park in the Sunset district of SF. Its one of those many areas where you can become so engulfed by nature that you forget your in a lively urban city. During summer they host free concerts in the outdoor ampitheater and I finally got a chance to make it to one last Sunday. Playing was the San Francisco Symphony. They did a lovely tribute to Roger and Hammerstein as well as some classical pieces. It was a fun experience and I hope to go again soon.

Sausalito Bike RIde

We got on the road around 12 in the afternoon and made our way to the Bart.
The Bart took us to the waterfront at the Embarcadero where we started our trek towards the Golden Gate.
Stopped at Crissy Field one of my favorite local spots to catch our breath, watch the kites, and see the picturesque view of the bay.
After a mostly "uphill" ride we made it to the bridge and prepared to bike to Sausalito on the other side. We made it and although, by the time we reached our destination we were both exhausted - it was a fabulous ride. In Sausalito we ate clam chowder, perused art Galleries, explored the local neighborhoods that reminded us of Santa Barbara, experienced pistachio ice cream, and took a nap in the park.

There is a ferry that takes you back from Sausalito to SF. It only holds 35 bikes per trip and runs infrequently. Unfortunatley our trip took place on a holiday weekend and everyone else apparently had the same great idea as we did and biked to the city across the Golden Gate. So when we expected to be home by 7pm we really made it home by 12am. Luckily we had no time schedule to make , so sitting and reading as we waited hours for the Ferry wasn't so bad.


It was a great day.

Bay to Breakers

I believe this was the 15th time husbands grandma has participated in the race. Amazing!

This is the first beaver dam I have come across in any race. We had to jump over the logs held by the "beavers" in order to pass.
It wouldnt be a race in SF without the hills. Looking back all you see is a sea of people.Dressing up as the "swine flu" was the popular costume of choice this year.

Sharks swim down stream...
... and Salmon swim up stream.
Husband and our dear friend find the SF chapter of their Alma mater along the race.

SF Zoo

Spring closet cleaning.

New City and I go through the constant problem of trying to transition my Socal clothing to Nor-Cal practicality. Reality is its cold here and I own a million tshirts, dresses, and skirts. So this week I pledge to go through my closet and goodwill anything I haven't worn in the past year. This way Ill have more room for cardigans..and other additions that will make it more possible to wear my tshirts, dresses, and skirts her in SF. Spring cleaning here I come.

Bernal Heights

New discovery last week was Bernal Heights park. It's only a 2min drive from our house and I spent a day running to it last week (20 minute run with a lot of walking due to the "hill" factor). The view from the top is gorgeous and husband and I spent an afternoon overlooking the city, relaxing with a book. Click on the video to see the view.

Local fav's

Crissy Field..I have to say that this is probably my favorite spot so far. Ive tried to drag my husband here almost every weekend and its always a great time. The path that circles around the equestrian and along the bay is a wonderful walk with a beautiful view of the golden gate & the bay. However, my husband and I tend to get the most joy out of spying on the many dogs that come here to play.


The Ferry building market place is a where I like to go for window shopping since there is always plenty to look at, but most items for purchase lean more on the expensive side. On Saturdays the famous SF Farmers market is located here and there is lots to see and taste test. The husband and I walk around trying the various cheeses, produce, and chocolate and ususually work our way to Peets..grab a cup of coffee and sit on the outisde benches looking out on the bay & treasure island.



Went with some friends last weekend to Beretta for their amazing cocktails and pizza.
The husband & I venture to Cafe Bello probably 2-3x a week. we love glen park and this cafe is convenient and has some delicious coffee. Plus the Latte's come with a heart.

Also in glen park is Glen Canyon Park..very picturesque and it's a great escape from the cities hustle and bustle. There are some rocks for bouldering here that my husband has enjoyed and although it's short and trails tend to have lots of rocks and tree roots its a nice run as long as you watch your step.


Casa Lucas is our local market. We venture there every Saturday to collect our week of produce at the best prices. I normally spend $6-13 on a shopping spree here..its amazing.

The Castro Theater is a landmark in SF first built in 1922 and it has become a favorite place for a weekend night out. My husband and I spent Valentines Day here this year seeing an amazing Silent Film (Sunrise) with the original score played by a live organist.

Four star video in Bernal Heights is a great place to satisfy our movie lusts. Dollar movie Wednesday and a large selection including foreign and the criterion collection, friendly and helpful staff bring us back here time and time again.

City Church of San Francisco has been a great fit for my husband and I. The pastor is engaging and I appreciate their emphasis on community & outreach . Servies take place at 11:30 so its great when we tend to not roll out of bed till 10 on a Sunday morning not to mention the free parking across the street.