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        <title>Olivia Deckers Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/</link>
        <description>This is the blog of Olivia Hsu Decker, San Francisco's most successful real estate broker. </description>
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    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/opus-one-premieres-yang-baos-sol-one-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/opus-one-premieres-yang-baos-sol-one-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>Opus One Premieres: Yang Bao’s Sol One by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The world premiere of Yang Bao’s Sol One on November 8, 2023 marked the debut of a new collaboration between Opus One and Festival Napa Valley: Opus One Premieres. According to the composer, “Sol One” translates to “Martian Day One” and conveys what it feels like to land on another planet. The site-specific performance was inspired by the vineyards’ beauty during Bao’s visit to Opus One last summer.


The performance was part of Festival Napa Valley’s Olivia Decker Power of Music Series and marked the Festival’s contribution to the statewide “California Festival: A Celebration of New Music.” Before the concert, the Festival board gathered at Opus One for a meeting at which several new initiatives were announced, including the Suzanne Deal Booth Visual Arts Program, the Uytengsu Family Opening Night, and a $3 million Manetti Shrem Challenge grant.


Guests for the concert and a celebratory dinner featuring select Opus One vintages included the Festival board and other distinguished guests, including Maria Manetti Shrem, Kathleen Martinez Nazar and José Luis Nazar, Nor Jemjemian, Erik Nickel, Michael Covarrubias and Kathleen McIntosh, Kelley and Jim Bailey, and Opus One CEO Chris Lynch and VP of Communications Christopher Barefoot.


























TAGS: DREW ALTIZER, OPUS ONE, SOL ONE, YANG BAO













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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:25:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/jdrf-2023-hope-gala-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/jdrf-2023-hope-gala-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>JDRF 2023 Hope Gala by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
On Saturday, September 30, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Northern California Chapter celebrated the 25th anniversary of the JDRF Hope Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francsico and raised more than $1.2 million for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.


The high-profile fundraising event was celebrated with a video game “Gala On End T1D” theme and brought the T1D community together, drawing social, business and healthcare leaders from around the Bay Area and Northern California. The event included vintage and current video games, cocktails, a gourmet dinner, the presentation of the Living &amp; Giving Award, an extraordinary live auction, an inspirational Fund A Cure speaker, and live entertainment by the popular Bay Area dance band Notorious. The JDRF Game2Give Leaders &amp; Founders were honored with the Living &amp; Giving Award for their work in raising funds and awareness through video games and streaming.


























TAGS: DREW ALTIZER, JDRF













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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:24:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/a-benefit-costume-ball-to-support-san-francisco-artists-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/a-benefit-costume-ball-to-support-san-francisco-artists-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>A Benefit Costume Ball to Support San Francisco Artists  by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation celebrated its five-year anniversary on October 26th, 2023. The Bay Area’s most influential artists and innovators, performers and politicians, thought-leaders and change-makers gathered for a party to benefit Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation’s mission to elevate our shared human experience through the cultivation of art &amp; design, conversation &amp; creativity.












Lady Cookie Couture Devlin Shand For DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY
Juanita MORE Devlin Shand For DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY























TAGS: DESIGN, DREW ALTIZER, SAINT JOSEPH'S ART FOUNDATION

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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:21:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/glides-annual-holiday-jam-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/glides-annual-holiday-jam-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>GLIDE’s Annual Holiday Jam  by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
GLIDE Annual Holiday Jam: Keep On, a live benefit concert took place on Thursday, November 9, at The Masonic in San Francisco. The GLIDE Holiday Jam celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Reverend Cecil Williams’ arrival to GLIDE with an all-star gathering. The evening also celebrated GLIDE’s brand-new President &amp; CEO, Dr. Gina Fromer. (For more information about Dr. Former: https://www.glide.org/glide-appoints-dr-gina-fromer-as-next-ceo/). In attendance were supporters of GLIDE’s and changemakers like SF Mayor London Breed, activist Honey Mahogany, SF City Attorney David Chiu, Chair and Founder of Tipping Point Community Daniel Lurie, and many more.


Illustrious songwriter and performer Valerie Simpson led the celebration. Alongside the nationally renowned GLIDE Ensemble and the Change Band lead by Vernon Bush and Zoe Ellis, Simpson, and special guests blues guitarist, producer, composer, and philanthropist D’Wayne Wiggins (from Tony Toni Toné); prolific R&amp;B and soulful visionary Goapele; and captivating soul singer Martin Luther McCoy shared meaningful tributes to Cecil featuring the legendary music of Ashford &amp; Simpson. KQED’s Priya David Clemens was the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies.











Mary Glide, Laura Thompson and Emily Cohen Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Chuck Collins, Paula Collins and Dori Caminong Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Pete Sittnick and Kathy Sittnick Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
David Hirschberg and Laura Thompson Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Conrad Sherby, Kaye Foster and Gavin Escolar Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Emily Cohen, Bob Nibbi and Phyllis Kaplan Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Gabby Deyi, Danielle Dixon, Lisa Gulezian, Priyanka KadamAndo Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Rabbi Michael Lezak and Noa Kirschner Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography



TAGS: DREW ALTIZER, GLIDE, REVEREND CECIL WILLIAMS













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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:20:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/david-packard-award-dinner-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/david-packard-award-dinner-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>David Packard Award Dinner by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Monterey Bay Aquarium held its bi-annual David Packard Award Dinner on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. More than 235 guests gathered at Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park where Schmidt Ocean Institute co-founder Wendy Schmidt received the Aquarium’s David Packard Award in recognition of her wide-reaching philanthropic leadership and commitment to ocean restoration around the world. The Award honors leaders whose scope and achievements embody the qualities of thought and action that David Packard held dear, and who have effectively worked to ensure a sustainable future of our planet. It was given in recognition of Schmidt’s two decades creating innovative philanthropic organizations dedicated to clean air, renewable energy, resilient food systems, healthy oceans, and human rights for all. The event raised almost $5M to support the non-profit Aquarium’s conservation and education initiatives.



















Susan Ford Dorsey and Mike Dorsey Drew Altizer and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography
Catherine Debs and John Debs Drew Altizer and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography


Joanne Hall and Art Hall Drew Altizer and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography



TAGS: DAVID PACKARD AWARD, DREW ALTIZER, MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM













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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:19:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/acts-2nd-annual-all-hallows-gala-zombie-ball-2023-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/acts-2nd-annual-all-hallows-gala-zombie-ball-2023-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>A.C.T.’s 2nd Annual All Hallows’ Gala: Zombie Ball 2023 by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) and gala co-chairs Heather Stallings Little &amp; John Little and David Jones &amp; Joe D’Alessandro hosted Zombie Ball, the second annual All Hallows’ Gala that was held on Friday, October 27 at San Francisco’s August Hall. Hailed as San Francisco’s best costume party fundraiser, the All Hallows’ Gala Zombie Ball presented guests with a frightfully elegant and theatrical night full of fun, gourmet food and wine, and dancing and games. The evening is the sole annual fundraising event for A.C.T., providing essential funds for the theater’s artistic, actor training, and education and community programs. Guests at this year’s Zombie Ball were encouraged to dress in costume or cocktail attire.


The wonderfully frightening evening began with a cocktail reception where guests enjoyed live music and conversation on the mezzanine, or escaped to the “scream-easy” for a luxe respite.  Guests were ushered to the historic music hall and treated to an autumnal-inspired menu created by Gold Leaf Catering. Afterwards, A.C.T. Young Conservatory alum and award-winning stage, screen, and music recording artist Darren Criss (American Buffalo, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Glee) regaled guests with some thrilling, Halloween-themed programming Capping off the festive evening was the After-Life Party, featuring ultimate dance band Vinyl Project and the opportunity to play retro-games in the cool underground haunt, which included bowling, hoops, skee-ball, and late-night bites, tricks, and treats. Gala special guest Darren Criss joined the band on vocals and guitar, treating guests to an impromptu mini-concert


Jomar Tagatac and Darren Criss Devlin Shand and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography
Lauren Ellis, Marisa Rodriguez, London Breed and Rodney Earl Jackson, Jr. Devlin Shand and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography
Pam MacKennon, Joe D’Alessandro, David Jones, Heather Stallings Little, John Little and Jennifer BielsteinDevlin Shand and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography
Jesse Lee Eller, Adam Mischlich and Shikiri Hightower-GaskinDevlin Shand and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography
Robina Riccitiello, Kristen Riccitiello, Betsy Miller and Susan Insley Devlin Shand and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography
Darren Criss Devlin Shand and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography















TAGS: AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER, DARREN CRISS, DREW ALTIZER, GOLD LEAF CATERING













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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:18:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/juma-ventures-30th-anniversary-paths-to-possibility-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/juma-ventures-30th-anniversary-paths-to-possibility-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>Juma Ventures 30TH Anniversary Paths To  Possibility by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
On October 28, 2023, Juma celebrated its 30th Anniversary at their annual fundraising event, Paths to Possibility. The event welcomed over 300 guests at the Four Seasons Hotel for a night filled with music, dancing, and stories from Juma’s inspiring young people. The night, emceed by Warriors’ Hype Man Franco Finn, was a phenomenal success and raised over $620,000 to support Juma’s young people as they work toward building a career and a better future for themselves.




























TAGS: DREW ALTIZER, JUMA VENTURES, PATHS TO POSSIBILITY













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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:16:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/pop-lounge-returns-to-the-westin-st-francis-for-the-holiday-season-by-teresa-rodriguez/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/pop-lounge-returns-to-the-westin-st-francis-for-the-holiday-season-by-teresa-rodriguez/</link>
        <title>POP Lounge Returns To The Westin St. Francis For The Holiday Season by TERESA RODRIGUEZ</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bask in the epitome of luxury this holiday season at POP Lounge, an exclusive pop-up champagne and caviar bar gracing the heart of Union Square at The Westin St. Francis. Open from November 24 to December 31, POP Lounge is set to become the go-to destination for those seeking a sophisticated respite from bustling Union Square.



Tucked away off the Powell Street Landmark Lobby adjacent to where the grand Sugar Castle takes center stage, POP Lounge features an elegant ambiance with expansive windows that offer grand views of the Macy’s Holiday Tree, the ice rink, and the iconic cable cars. Guests can place their orders at the bar and then unwind on plush velvet sofas or at intimate candlelit tables, creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate the holidays.



The menu features Moët &amp; Chandon Champagne paired with an exquisite caviar assortment sourced from the local, female-owned California Caviar, recognized for its commitment to sustainability. Caviar is available by the ounce, served with blinis and an array of accompaniments, providing the perfect setting for an afternoon of refined indulgence. Wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and delectable small bites such as chocolate covered strawberries, charcuterie boards, and more will also be available.



POP Lounge Details:


Date– November 24 – December 31, 2023. Fridays and Saturdays 1-7 pm; Sundays 12-6 pm


Location – Just off the Powell Street Landmark Lobby, The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94103


*No Reservations


In addition to POP Lounge, there are a variety of additional holiday experiences to enjoy at The Westin St. Francis including Breakfast with Santa, Dollie + Me Holiday Tea, a Traditional Holiday Tea Experience, and Thanksgiving and Christmas brunches. For reservations and more information, contact (415) 397-7000 or click here.


About The Westin St. Francis


A stimulating fusion of current and classic San Francisco, The Westin St. Francis offers a timeless respite for the modern guest. Stunning original architecture dating back to 1904 is seamlessly blended with contemporary design and state-of-the-art technology throughout the 1,189 guestrooms and suites and 56,000 square feet of meeting space. Special amenities include the expansive 6,000 square feet Westin WORKOUT® Fitness Studio, The Oak Room Restaurant, Café Rito, Michael Mina’s cocktail lounge CLOCK BAR, and Chateau Montelena Tasting Room. Evoking the perfect sense of place, The Westin St. Francis is the only hotel located directly on Union Square, a bustling metropolis with world-class shopping and restaurants, performing arts, and historic cable cars stopping at the front door. Guests can easily walk to popular neighborhoods such as Chinatown and North Beach. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the Moscone Convention Center and 13 miles from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). For more information and reservations, call (415) 397-7000, toll free (888) 627-8546, or visit www.westinstfrancis.com. Stay connected on Twitter &amp; Instagram at @WestinStFr and facebook.com/WestinSF.



TAGS: COCKTAILS, HAUTE TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS, HOTELS, LUXURY TRAVEL, THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS

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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/the-mill-valley-film-festival-by-layne-randolph/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/the-mill-valley-film-festival-by-layne-randolph/</link>
        <title>The Mill Valley Film Festival by LAYNE RANDOLPH</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Bay Area Treasures Honored at Annual Event


One of the highlights of the 2023 Mill Valley Film Festival, The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane, directed by Maureen Gosling, features the incredible life of legendary Bay Area singer and social activist Barbara Dane. The film and Dane herself encapsulate the spirit and import of the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), a cultural cinema event held annually for almost a half-century. Inspirational, informative, and entertaining, the film celebrates the powerhouse blues/jazz/folk singer, activist, feminist, and record producer Barbara Dane, whose life has spanned over nine decades—and she’s still singing. Dane was also celebrated with the Performances in Honor of An American Hero tribute concert.




Mill Valley Film Festival, MVFF 46, Closing Night Party
MVFF46 – FAST CHARLIE

Erica Tremblay
MIWriter and Director Cord Jefferson arrives at the premiere of “American Fiction” 
Producer Christine Vachon, Director Todd Haynes, Screenwriter Samy Burch attend the screening of “May December”



MVFF46 – THE FORTUNATE ONES – Jeanne Waltz – Director

MVFF46 – I AM HOPE – ShakaJamal Redmond – Director and Wendy Martinez-Marroquin – Producer
MVFF46 FRYBREAD FACE AND ME – Billy Luther – Director and Peter Simonite – Cinematography








Director Gosling explained how the documentary came to be. “[Barbara’s] daughter had taken an interest in preserving her archive—this incredible collection of photos and posters, letters, and recordings—and she thought it would be cool to have a film. I was editing a promo for Barbara’s new CD (that came out when she was 89), and as I was learning more about her, I thought, oh my God, look at all the stories she’s got.”



Dane’s experiences go back to the early days of the civil rights movement. “She said that when she was 18, the only people who were doing anti-racism work were communists; union supporters were communists, and she just thought that that was the thing to be. This was way before the McCarthy hearings. To get it fresh from a young person’s perspective in the ’50s or late ’40s was interesting.”



Barbara Dane



The annual MVFF celebrated its 46th anniversary with 10 days of screenings, Q&amp;A sessions, seminars, and a rich program of classes and hands-on workshops led by international and local filmmakers and industry professionals. Held in partnership with the California Film Institute (CAFILM), a nonprofit organization that celebrates and promotes film and media arts, MVFF presented a diverse lineup of potential award-winning films in locations throughout the Bay Area.








MVFF has come a long way since 1977, gaining international recognition for its commitment to showcasing exceptional films, supporting emerging talent, and fostering creative dialogue. This year, the MVFF screened 148 films representing 41 countries, including 56 premieres, 86 features, and 62 shorts. Notably, 45 percent of the films screened were directed by women.


“What has been really evident this year is the creative spirit that is at the root of why we do this work—its boldness and fearlessness, its commitment to an exploration of why we’re all here,” said Zoë Elton, MVFF Director of Programming.


Some of the films shown this year include Jack Huston’s extraordinary writing/directing debut, Day of the Fight, featuring Michael Pitt, Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci, and Nicolette Robinson. Director Sofia Coppola presented her film Priscilla, based on Priscilla Presley’s best-selling memoir, and received the MVFF Award for filmmaking.


Gosling said what she learned from the experience of directing the documentary was the value of elders like Dane. “We’re not starting from day one in our protests of the different problems in this country; we’ve got shoulders to stand on.”












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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:13:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/sf-human-rights-commission-reception-by-drew-altizer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.sanfranciscofinehomes.com/blog/sf-human-rights-commission-reception-by-drew-altizer/</link>
        <title>SF Human Rights Commission Reception by DREW ALTIZER</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The energy was high in City Hall – North Light Court as the third annual Pathways to Parity economic rights summit came to a close with a fun and festive reception on Friday, October 6, 2023.  Civic and community leaders, economic scholars, and friends gathered to celebrate the closing of the innovative, multi-site, two-day convening to create transformational economic impacts for all.  Dr. Sheryl Davis, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, gave remarks, and a special performance by Bay Area hip hop’s own Suga-T kept things going as attendees danced into the evening.
























TAGS: DREW ALTIZER, SF HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, SUGA-T













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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:12:00 -0600</pubDate>
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