San Francisco loves dogs!

Two visitors from Sacramento. (All photos by Terry Gardner)

Last December I visited San Francisco because I had heard it may be the most dog-friendly city in America.  I met a woman from Sacramento who was walking her dog along Market Street.  She and her husband visit San Francisco every four weeks to get their hair cut, and their dog always comes along.  She said most shops are dog-friendly, especially Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.

Since I was dog-less in San Francisco, a friend from Oakland brought her pitbull Bob into town so we could all visit Chrissy Field together.

For my story on the best dog parks in San Francisco, please visit: DogWonderful.com.  DogWonderful.com is a new website that launched last October.  It's devoted to both helping dog lovers  find dog-welcoming destinations and helping them snag deals on airfare, hotels and vacation packages.  One reason I write for DogWonderful is that 10% of the commissions and fees earned through travel bookings on the site are donated to two non-profits that help dogs, NEADS and Red Rover.

This border collie mix also enjoys Chrissy Field.

Pre-Grammy Slack Key Guitar Concert can add Aloha to your weekend

George Kahumoku, Jr. (photo: Shane Tegardent)

If hearing a ukelele or a slack key guitar strummed rekindles memories of Hawaii, on Sat. Feb. 11, you may find yourself transported to your favorite Hawaiian island. 


From 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Manhattan Beach, 2012 Grammy® Award nominees George Kahumoku Jr. and Daniel Ho will present a special pre-Grammy Slack Key concert.


The performance will be preceded by a morning guitar, ukele or social media workshop followed by lunch with the artists.  Special musical guests will be Tia Carrere (who won a Grammy in 2011 with Ho for Best Hawaiian Music Album), Keoki Kahumoku and Kimo West (Weird Al's guitarist who contributed to Apocalypse, Weird Al's 2012 nominated CD).


George Kahumoku Jr.’s Wao Akua - Forest of the Gods (Regional Roots Nominee) and Daniel Ho’s E Kahe Mālie (Pop- Instrumental Nominee) are the 2012 nominated CDs.

Three pre-concert workshops will be offered:

• Guitar instruction with George & Kimo
• Ukulele instruction with Daniel & Keoki; and
• Internet marketing 101 with  George's social network specialist, Elliot Prestwich (because some musicians may need more tips on tweeting than strumming).

Daniel Ho and Tia Carrere (photo: Shane Sato)

When:  Saturday, Feb 11, 2012

Where:    Manhattan Beach Community Church

Address:  303 South Peck Ave, Manhattan Beach CA 90266

Option 1: Ukelele, Guitar or Social Networking Workshops: 10:30-11:45 + Lunch with the artists noon-1pm + Concert Package ($47 adv/$55 door)

Option 2: Concert only 1:30-3:30 matinee ($22 adv/$25 door)

Tickets: www.Kahumoku.com  or 800-838-3006 ext 1 (Brown Paper Tickets)