Hey tomatoes, so maybe it’s been a while since you’ve explored the urban environment called San Francisco. If so, you might want to go on an urban adventure, grab your family or friends or visitors (yes, they are coming back too) and go on a scavenger hunt across SF.  Or head to Yerba Buena Gardens where their summer outdoor events are in full swing. If getting out in nature is more to your liking, how about a Baylands Bioblitz? Or if you are an amateur photographer, submit photos the coast and ocean for a chance to win great prizes. Above photo was the 2^nd place 2019 winner.

July 9. Explore the Baylands with a Bioblitz

What is a Bioblitz? Simple: a fun event that attempts to find as many species of plants and animals in a specific area and time! Join the Environmental Volunteers in learning about how to do a Bioblitz, why they are fun, and how they can help scientists in studying the plants and animals of the Baylands.

Instructions on what a Bioblitz is and how to join will be sent prior to the program and will also be available as printed hand-outs on site. The Bioblitz takes place Saturday July 17^th from 9 – 11 a.m. At the Baylands in Palo Alto. You and your gang check in at the EcoCenter and then embark separately on a fun, socially distanced exploration of the Baylands that records as many plants and animals as possible. Volunteers will be set up at stations throughout the Baylands so you can check in, ask questions, and learn about the Ecology there. Facemasks will be required of all participants in your group. Get the details.

Enter the Coastal and Ocean Amateur Photography Contest

If you are a Tomato who has a passion for photography, you might want to think about entering this contest. Submit your photos of the scenic coast and Pacific Ocean off California, people and the California coast, or California ocean and coastal wildlife by July 17^th in order to be entered to win some amazing prizes.

Here are some of the guidelines, should be so much fun to do!
– Images may be in color or black and white.
– Photographs must be taken from a public place.
– Plants and animals depicted should be native species in their natural setting.
– Photos of marine mammals must be taken at 50 yards away or more to avoid illegal disturbance or harassment. Prizes include whale watching cruises locally and in San Diego and Santa Barbara, kayak and SUP rentals and more! Nature lovers head here. www.mycoastalphoto.com

ChoreoFest 2021

Yerba Buena Gardens is back with their live amazing events. This weekend is the start of the ChoreoFest. highlights the spectacular strength, diversity, and vibrancy of the Bay Area contemporary dance scene. Curated by RawDance, the fourth annual YBG ChoreoFest is reimagined as safe artistic gatherings in response to San Francisco’s return to live, outdoor performances.

Spanning three Saturdays this summer, nine local companies will activate and enliven the beloved downtown park with special site-specific performances. The program takes place in multiple areas of the Gardens and requires the audience to change location. Dates are this Saturday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., July 31^st and August 14^th.  If you would rather kick up your own heels, the center offers outdoor dance classes every Tuesday through August 25^th from 11 – 12 noon. Get the details.

“The Fountainheads” Concert

Also coming up this month is Oakland-based hip-hop orchestra Ensemble Mik Nawooj. The organizations have partnered to create and present “The Fountainheads,” a singular concert featuring YBG Festival commissioned pieces based on iconic European classical works by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. A true celebration embodying the ideal of radically inclusive programming, this live premiere builds on the creative synergy generated by two innovative performing arts institutions that are uncompromising when it comes to rendering world-class artistic experiences. Featuring magnetic scores by composer/pianist JooWan Kim, riveting rhymes by MC Sandman, Turf dance by Yung Phil, and backed by a 7-piece chamber orchestra, EMN is a true global union changing the way we look at the arts. www.Ybgfestival.org

Scavenger Hunt

Let’s go on a scavenger hunt. Sure, you know SF, but wouldn’t it be a blast to gather your besties and explore our wonderful area again. You let your smart phone be your guide with clues that lead you through a fun adventure through the city.

Quests begin either in the Union Square Area or the Embarcadero, or if you want to explore San Jose, you can trek on an adventure there as well. You will see sights and experience the city as never before. It’s $49 for a group of 2 – 5 people. Something out of the ordinary to get you out and exploring! Get the details.

Get the book.