“You can read a lot online, but (reading) ‘The Devil’s Highway’ by Luis Urrea. which puts you in the shoes of people crossing the border and border patrols, can help form a deeper understanding of a complicated issue.”. Margolin says Berkeley has always been “an assemblage of separate neighborhoods,” but the “central core” has a strong presence and influence. He uses the environmental movement to illustrate his position, citing the Sierra Club, the backpacking industry and the UC Berkeley Zoology Department as local examples that influenced the world.
Following a short video intro, the former star of Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” appeared onstage in all white and immediately joined her dancers for a rousing version of “Bang Bang Bang.” The music was propelled by a versatile live band, which spiced up the songs just enough to let us know we weren’t listening to the radio, The production was relatively straightforward, perfectly fitting for a young singer on her first solo tour, The main stage was split in two by a large ballet slippers lace custom made staircase, which provided Gomez with a dramatic way make her entrance after each wardrobe change, and there was an “S”-shaped catwalk that led out to a smaller stage, decorated with a large “G” on it, in the crowd..
“Hansel and Gretel”: Solo Opera presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s endearing holiday opera in a production featuring the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus and dancers from the Next Step Dance Studio; Dec. 18-20; Del Valle Theatre, Walnut Creek; $25-$40; 925-943-7469, www.lesherartscenter.org. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”: Featuring the San Francisco Symphony orchestra and Chorus joined by singers, actors, and dancers; Dec. 18-24; Davies Hall, San Francisco; $15-$80; 415-864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org.
The book promises to be an interesting read, Each guest received an ballet slippers lace custom made autographed copy, Guests included Merv and Roz Morris, Buffett’s grandson Alex Rozek, San Mateo History Association President Mitch Postel and ABC sportscaster Ted Robinson, who performed emcee duties, The evening raised $75,000 for the two organizations, “During these very difficult times for most nonprofit safety net services providers such as Caminar, it was timely the Buffett family stepped up to help us, By no means have our financial challenges subsided, but this reception certainly helps,” Huggins said..
Rosewood Sand Hill to Host Team USA: Jan. 8, 2825 Sand Hill Road. Meet the chefs representing Team USA at the international cooking competition, the Bocuse d’Or. Enjoy a meet and greet reception with culinary personalities and chefs while they cook up small bites. $175. http://bit.ly/2R8YgXP. Raise the Bay: In Her Voice: 7-10 p.m. Jan. 10, UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley. Highlighting female-identifying singer/songwriters and spoken-word artists in the Bay Area. $10. http://www.theuctheatre.org.