As the fires continue to send smoke billowing out into the streets, you may want to get take-out instead of dine out this weekend and since BLM still very important, one way to help out is to dine at Black owned restaurants now through the 30^th. Burning Man is virtual this year and if you have ever wanted to attend, here is your chance. The lively mission event Carnaval will take place over Labor Day – in a slightly more somber manner. ACT is live streaming one of its most favorite shows and live music can actually be found in Solano County. Like most other events, the inspiring (for home décor lovers) Decorators Showcase heads to your electronic devices. Stay safe and wear your masks – even more reason now with the smoke.
We send our heartfelt thanks to the first responders fighting the blazes! And check out this week’s Happy Hour Podcast.

In this week’s podcast, Kim Selby, our SF Editor has a wonderful conversation with Genevieve Piturro, founder of the non-profit “Pajama Program” that donates new pj’s to children in shelters awaiting foster care. Her delightful new book just launched, and it is perfect for this time of isolation. Purpose, Passion and Pajamas – How to transform your life, Embrace the human connection and Lead with meaning. LISTEN IN.

Dining Out

For your dining out pleasure this weekend, you know it’s time, head to one of the black owned restaurants in our area for great food and to show your support. It’s a nationwide event to show appreciation, awareness and education of African American owned culinary businesses. This 4-year young event reaches even more people this year due to recent events of course.

Chow down on Cajun, creole, soul food, vegan eats, Italian food and delish desserts. In SF find your feast at EKO Kitchen, Cocobreeze Caribbean, and Voodoo Love, among others. In Oakland, head to Hella Nuts, Daisy’s Desserts and Marzano. All mouth-watering, so hard to choose! Check it out.

Aug. 30-Sept. 6. Ah Burning Man

That mysterious, dusty, artistic, creative experience at Black Rock. Anyone ever want to go, but just couldn’t manage the camping, the heat, the crowds? This is your year and the mad drive to prepare for Burn Week is alive and kicking. There are 10 teams of dedicated Burners working tirelessly, building for everyone, so we can all come as close as possible to feeling the cacophonous playa wonder and magic.

 It’s all a bit difficult to comprehend if you have not attended (me), but we will be guided to explore each of 8 “universes”. Since this tomato has never been, I can only surmise what transpires. Apparently, you can create your own burning man sculpture, details on line, and find a guide to lead you through your first Burning Man experience if you are a newbie. This is going to be fun – and you won’t get dusty in your orifices! Kindling.burningman.org

Sept. 5-6. Carnaval

The season of street fairs and festivals is upon us. Usually the most temperate time of year when thousands roam the streets in SF, but now what? Well Carnaval, the Mission’s beloved and wild event may look a bit different this year, but it is happening. This year’s event theme, which was chosen pre-pandemic but has clearly taken on new meaning, is “Salud es Poder/Health is Wealth.”

And instead of having the traditional street festival that has lit up the Mission neighborhood for 41 years, organizers have pivoted to a more somber affair — though small dance troupes (slash samba schools) are scheduled to make some surprise appearances. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Latinx community and the Mission neighborhood particularly hard, Carnaval organizers say that they want to offer health screenings to members of the community who might not otherwise have a day off to seek medical attention.

The event takes place September 5-6 at John O’Connell High School, and on Harrison Street between 18th and 20th, between noon and 5 p.m. There will also be a limited number of vendors selling crafts created from their homes. Volunteers will be enforcing social distancing and 1,000 free covid tests will be offered each day. Carnavalsanfrancisco.org

Cruise-In Concerts

Listen to live music from your car at Solano County Fairgrounds’ new Cruise-In Concert Series. Called the “Cruise-In” Concert Series, it kicks off this Saturday with two sets of Jerry Garcia Band tunes, performed live by Jerry’s Middle Finger, along with a psychedelic liquid light show. Shows will take place every second Saturday. The second show on 9/12 features Bay Area favorites The California Honeydrops.

Bands will perform under a giant archway. Cruise-In Concerts are all ages, and the shows are from 7-11 pm every other Saturday through the end of October. Put on a mask and dance on the driver’s side of your car—or get Mexican food, Korean barbecue, and drinks delivered straight to your trunk or rear window; 7:30pm (gates at 6:50pm) Saturday.  Tickets ($99 per vehicle) on sparxo.com.

SF Decorator Showcase

Virtually visit the SF Decorator Showcase. While you sadly can’t meander through the 6,500-square-foot West Clay Park Mediterranean-style house IRL, you can still ogle 27 impeccably designed spaces via a 3-D self-guided video tour and catch interviews with the designers; launches Saturday.  Tickets ($25) benefit the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Program and can be purchased on decoratorshowcase.org.