That big bridge swathed in International Orange in our backyard is turning 75 years old this weekend. In addition to a bevy of events, exhibitions and concerts taking place in the Presidio, be on the lookout for some changes in traffic conditions. Plus some great fireworks on Sunday night!

MAY 23-25
Before the Bridge: Sight and Sound at the Golden Gate Exhibit
May 23 – November 18, Wed – Sun, 11am-5pm | Montgomery Street Barracks, Building 103 (near the Walt Disney Museum)
A newly rehabilitated Montgomery Street Barracks is the setting for a sensory experience of the Golden Gate before the iconic bridge was constructed. The show combines rarely seen images including historic photographs, maps, charts, drawings, paintings and computer graphics with the sounds of the ocean, foghorns, sailors, and soldiers to immerse visitors in an era before construction of the bridge. A kids’ treasure hunt and evening programs complement the exhibit.

Music of the Golden Gate Bridge Era
May 24 & 25, 7:30pm | Golden Gate Club
Celebrate the 1937 opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. A tenor and three sopranos will present fabulous 1930s and ‘40s songs that forever defined that era: Bye Bye, Blues, As Time Goes By, The Very Thought of You, In Apple Blossom Time, Bei Mir Bist Du Sch?n and many others. $10 suggested donation.

SATURDAY, MAY 26
The Bridge on the Big Screen: It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955)
May 26, 6-10pm | Main Post Green
This is the first film in a cinematic series celebrating films that feature the Golden Gate Bridge prominently. Bring a blanket or low lawn chair – the flm is outdoors. Plus enjoy food from Off the Grid Food Trucks, Disney Café, and Presidio Bowling Center. Also featuring live music with Whiskey Family Band and extended hours at the nearby Walt Disney Family Museum. The film series continues into September – visit the website for full details.

SUNDAY, MAY 27
This is THE day when all of the major events will be taking place. And also the day when the Presidio will be closed to car traffic from 11am until 9:50pm. So don’t plan on driving into the Presidio on Sunday (except for Presidio residents with special passes).

If you want to attend events or just gaze in admiration at the bridge, plan to walk or bike there. Free bike parking will be available. Transit tips for the festival

The Bridge’s east and west pedestrian and bicycle sidewalks will be accessible during the day but will close at 6pm. The sidewalks will reopen to pedestrians and bikes from 10pm to midnight. Unlike the 50th birthday celebration, the bridge roadway will not be closed at any time.

The main activities will be held at Fort Point, Crissy Field, The Presidio and Marina Green. Download the festival map (PDF)

While you’re walking around and admiring the bridge, be sure to walk up to the new overlook that recently opened (enter at Lincoln Blvd. and Merchant Road). You’ll get a great overview of the bridge from a new angle.

Highlights for the day include:

• International Orange Artists’ Exhibition at Fort Point, 10am–7pm. This exhibition presents new work by contemporary artists responding to the bridge as icon, historic structure, and conceptual inspiration. The artworks on view were developed specifically for installation at the fort, and the interplay between the bridge and the fort enrich the experience of the exhibition as a whole.
• Dance, Music and Local Bands at the Crissy Field and Marina Green stages, 11am-11pm. Including SF Gay Men’s Chorus, Beach Blanket Babylon, Mickey Hart Band, Golden Gate Brass Band and many more.
• Road Trip through History featuring vintage cars and motorcycles from 1937 to the present. East Crissy Field, 11am–5pm.
• Vintage Maritime Display and Historic Watercraft Parade with classic boats spanning 75 years. St. Francis Yacht Club, 11am–3pm
• Fireworks, 9:30pm–9:50pm. Spectacular grand finale showcasing the Bridge, Bay and surrounding national parklands. Optimum visibility along the waterfront from Fort Point to east Marina Green. The hills above Marina/Cow Hollow and in the Marin Headlands also provide stunning views. Soundtrack aired live on KFOG 104.5/97.7FM.

GoGGBRIDGE MOBILE APP
I also recommend downloading the new GoGGBridge app for iPhone or Android. It’s full of great photos – like ones from the opening in 1937, historic information, trivia (the bridge contains 600,000 rivets in each tower and took 4 1/2 years to build), fun activities (“Paint the Bridge” where you can recolor the bridge in yellow and black like the US Navy originally proposed), a foghorn ringtone you can download, historic videos like one of Blackie, the horse that swam under the bridge from Ocean Beach, plus an easy link to the calendar of events for Sunday, May 27. The app makes a great accompaniment to the anniversary celebration.

SHARE YOUR OWN BRIDGE MEMORIES AND HIGHLIGHTS
Wells Fargo, one of the sponsors of the 75th celebation, started a website called Built in the Bay, inviting people to share their stories, photos and videos about the bridge which will be put into a digital mosaic later this year.

Happy 75th Anniversary to the Golden Gate Bridge!

Sarah B.

This is a great collection (playlist) of videos related to the Golden Gate Bridge, assembled to celebrate the 75th anniversary:

This video contains vintage 8mm footage of the Golden Gate Bridge opening in 1937:

The event will feature Laura Tam, Sustainable Development Policy Director for the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR). Under her leadership, SPUR has published major reports on Bay Area climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as a study on the future of Ocean Beach in light of rising sea levels. Tam will talk about the studies and SPUR’s proposed policy recommendations.

Prior to joining SPUR, Laura worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General, where she conducted research and analysis that produced recommendations for the EPA to better manage environmental problems. In this position, she worked on a variety of policy issues, such as enforcing the Clean Water Act and managing electronic waste. She previously worked for the Northern Forest Center on rural development and conservation in the Northeast. She is the author of the book, At Home in the Northern Forest.

The forum is free and takes place from 7pm until 8:30pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 4620 California Street near 8th Avenue. No RSVP is required.

Sarah B.

This Sunday night, we’ll have our first solar eclipse since 1994. The moon will cover up all but a sliver of the sun just before sunset.

FuncheapSF reports, “The eclipse, which will cover more than 90% of the sun in in the Bay Area, will be viewable from around 5:15pm to 8:18pm with the peak being around 6:32pm. Although the Bay Area is just south of the “full eclipse” zone, you should still get a spectacular view of the partial eclipse in the Bay Area – especially from Point Reyes. The further north you drive, the more “full” the eclipse will be.”

If you want to watch with a zen crowd, head out to Ocean Beach for the Solar Eclipse Meditation Celebration event taking place between 6:30pm and 7:45pm. “We will sit for one hour in blissful, silent meditation, followed by 11 minutes of vibrational toning, in what we like to call a “sound bath”. All voices and vibrational instruments welcome.” They’ll meet on the beach across from the Beach Chalet restaurant.

The National Park Service is also hosting a viewing at the new Lands End Lookout. Look for a ranger on the walkway of the ocean side of the visitor’s center between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. SFAppeal also recommends some other spots in the city for optimal viewing.

NASA’s eclipse expert expects this to be a ’9 out of 10′ in terms of visual spectacles, so try not to miss it. Most of us probably remember constructing viewing devices for just this occasion, because you never want to look directly at a solar eclipse! The National Park Service website has all the best tips on how to view the eclipse.

So cool – I’m excited to see this!

Sarah B.

Note that the change to an open primary election system does not affect how the primary elections for U.S. President or elections for county central committees are conducted.

On Saturday, the Anza branch library will host an information session for residents who want to learn more about this new open primary election system.

A representative of the SF Department of Elections will be on hand to answer questions and explain how the new system works, which goes into effect in our next primary election on June 5, 2012.

You can also find out more on the Dept. of Elections website.

Drop in anytime this Saturday between 2pm and 4pm at the Anza Branch Library, located at 550 37th Avenue between Anza and Geary.

Sarah B.

From 8am until 12noon, bring your items by 48th Avenue between Anza Street and Geary. Eligible items for drop-off include:

• Green Waste and Other Compostables
• Free Shredding & Document Destruction, Truck on site (max of two banker’s boxes)
• Curbside recyclable material (cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, cardboard, and all paper).
• Appliances (water heaters, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers).
• Scrap Metal (any item that contains metal, such as a kitchen chair, lamp, pipes, bird cage, bed frame, etc.).
• Mattresses and Box Springs (including futon mattresses).
• Electronics (including stereo equipment, VCR’s, old telephones and microwaves).
• Goodwill Industries will be on hand to recycle and reuse computer equipment (limit 5 computers per household).
• Non Recyclable/Non-Compostable Waste such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, ceramics, light bulbs, painted or treated wood, etc.
• Used motor oil/oil filters. Place used filters in a plastic bag. Do not mix motor oil with anything!
• All household batteries (non-automotive)
• Fluorescent bulbs and tubes (Broken tubes will not be accepted)

This drop-off is open to residents of the Richmond District only and proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill) is required. To avoid a lengthy wait, appointments are encouraged – call Recology at 330-1300.

For complete details, visit the Gigantic 3 Recycling Program website.

Sarah B.

Photo by Nina Sazevich | Conservatory of Flowers

It’s too bad the dinosaurs died off millions of years ago. If they’d survived, they would have found some tasty treats at the new Plantosaurus Rex exhibition that opened yesterday at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park.

We’ve all learned the names of the dinosaur greats like Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, but how much do you know about what they ate and how they survived? Platosaurus Rex recreates a prehistoric paradise, displaying the giant ferns, spiky horsetails, and primitive cycads that grew in abundance and fed many of the monstrous reptiles that roamed the earth millions of years ago.

Tucked in with the plants on display are larger than life dinosaur models – you may have spotted the T-Rex’s head popping through the ceiling of the Conservatory as you passed by on JFK Drive. In one section of the exhibit, visitors come face to face with a scale model Meganeura, a massive dragonfly-like creature with a wingspan of over 2 feet. It’s the largest insect that ever lived.

The exhibition follows a timeline through various prehistoric eras, starting with the Triassic Period (250 to 205 million years ago), when the hot, dry climate forced plants to be near water to survive. Ferns, cycads, and lycopods (club mosses) are the horticultural heroes of this period.

Next up is the Jurassic Period (approx. 206 to 144 million years ago), known as the heyday for dinosaurs. Pangea had split in two creating new coastlines, and a warmer, wetter climate – the perfect environment for plants to thrive. The dominant land plant species of the time were non-flowering, fruitless seed plants including Gingko and conifers like Araucaria along with another important dinosaur food, horsetails.

Last up is the Cretaceous Period (approx. 144 – 65 million years ago), when flowering plants first came on the scene. Orchids, water lilies, and magnolias dominate this section of the exhibition. Well, the real dominate character is the giant, 23 foot tall T-Rex model among the plant life, but unlike the real thing, this one won’t bite.

The Conservatory has created a booklet for the exhibition that helps guide visitors through the different eras, and includes activities for younger dinosaur seekers. Docents are also on hand to share fossils.

Plantosaurus Rex runs through October 21, 2012. The Conservatory of Flowers is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am until 4:30pm (last entry at 4pm). Put on your best paleontologist gear and head on over!

Sarah B.

Photo by Nina Sazevich | Conservatory of Flowers

Photo by Nina Sazevich | Conservatory of Flowers

The Health Festival features FREE clinical health services including blood pressure tests, body mass index tests, body fat tests, allergy advice, hearing tests, eyeglass cleaning, dental screening, bone density tests, Hep B screening and medical reviews.

The fair will also feature FREE giveaways, food, health education offered by more than 40 community health organizations, children’s activities and family fun.

The festival takes place at the Richmond Recreation Center (251 18th Avenue) from 10am until 2pm.

Sarah B.

Classical cellist David Abramsky will provide musical accompaniment while attendees browse the work of local artists and participate in a silent auction of exhibited works.

Later in the evening, acoustic singer/songwriters Stefan Mitosinka, Robbie Collins and Nate Currin will also perform. More on the performers

The hands@work benefit runs from 6:30pm until 9pm, and the suggested donation at the door is $10. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Sarah B.

Photo by Rob R.

This Saturday, the restored Murphy Windmill at the south end of Golden Gate Park will take its final step to becoming fully functional – prepare to see it turn!

April 28 commemorates the Dutch national holiday Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag; normally celebrated April 30), and SF Rec & Park is using the occasion to celebrate the re-opening of Murphy Windmill. The windmill has been under restoration for many years at a cost of several million dollars.

Saturday’s celebration kicks off at 11am at the Murphy Windmill, where SF Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg and Dutch Consulate General Bart van Bolhuis will officially open the windmill, and commemorate its first turns. The cottage next to the windmill will also be open to the public. Windmill Designer Lucas Verbij will also be on hand to give a windmill history tour at 11:30.

The Murphy Windmill will only be turning for the day on Saturday. We’re not sure what the plans are for its long-term operation, but there is probably more work needed to bolster it for 24/7 turning. Let’s hope for a decent breeze on Saturday so the Murphy Windmill can finally turn along with its cousin, the Dutch Windmill, at the north end of the park!

I’ve been told that Rec & Park has been testing Murphy’s turns for an hour every day “to make sure the parts are greased and working.” So far so good.

In addition to the kick-off at Murphy Windmill, there will be a large Queen’s Day celebration at the Dutch Windmill including vendors, food, games, children’s activities, live music and more from 11am until 5pm.

Stop by to enjoy all things Dutch including pastries, cheese, and other delicacies, plus a flea market (Queen’s Day is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt (“free market” or flea market), at which many Dutch sell their secondhand item) and a beer garden.

The stretch of JFK Drive alongside the Dutch Windmill will be closed to traffic to host Saturday’s festival.

Sarah B.

This Saturday, the Parks Conservancy will host a celebration for the grand opening of the new Lands End Lookout visitor center.

The new visitor center – located just above Sutro Baths in a corner of the Merrie Way parking lot – features “exhibits and artifacts, interpretive merchandise, a café, restrooms, and “green” features throughout”. Also newly built is a 1,000 square foot building for restrooms (no more porta-potties!).

Saturday’s celebration kicks off at 11am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. From 12noon until 2pm, the center will be open to visitors and there will be live music performances. Beginning at 1pm, you can join guided walks on the area’s Ohlone heritage, wildflowers, history or archeology.

The construction of the Lands End Lookout was made possible through a $5 million donation from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund and the Goldsmith Foundation. Additional funds were provided by the National Park Service and Parks Conservancy members.

In early community meetings, the architectural firm on the project, Esherick, Homsey, Dodge & Davis (EHDD), said they envisioned the Lands End Lookout as “a touchstone for a network of places along the edge”, a starting point for visitors to begin their exploration of Lands End. And visitors don’t just mean tourists – according to a surveys conducted for the project, 80% of visitors to Lands End are local to San Francisco.

To help guide the design process, the Park Service developed five themes for the project: Lands End’s history of recreation (think Sutro Baths, Camera Obscura, rides along Merrie Way, the Cliff House and its Sky Tram), the cultural landscape (who’s been part of the history of Lands End and the archaeology that has evolved), the natural landscape, the Native American presence of the Ohlone/Costonoa tribes that visited seasonally for nearly 3,500 years, and finally, Lands End’s identity as a National Park.

EHDD summed up their design goal for the center as “a place that reflects the past, represents the present, and provides opportunities for future use of Lands End, its protection and enjoyment.”

Come out Saturday and see if they accomplished it!

Sarah B.