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  • [-]My second grader received in school suspension today for telling another student he was going to shoot him......I am mortified and scared out of my mind....help me please

    30 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    01.29.10, 03:25 PM Flagged ]
    • You and the school are overreacting.

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      01.29.10, 03:33 PM Flag
      • do not agree.

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        01.29.10, 03:45 PM Flag
      • everyone overreacts until something happens.

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        01.29.10, 04:22 PM Flag
    • Your kid's school sucks. He's 7/8 years old! That's what they say. I mean, unless your kid actually has a gun and intends to shoot this kid, it's ridiculous.

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      01.29.10, 03:33 PM Flag
      • He said the words "gun" and "shoot".....I agree in school suspension is harsh but it's their policy....but I'm scared about what he is going through that is making him think this way and say these things...

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        01.29.10, 03:53 PM Flag
        • all little boys think this way. Geeze.

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          01.29.10, 03:55 PM Flag
          • agree, can't find the link, but OP if you are a good internet searcher, Newsweek did a good article on this. Little boys and gun play. Try to find it, it will help you.

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            01.29.10, 03:58 PM Flag
            • the link has been posted here too (where I found it), so maybe a search with Newsweek on ub would be easier.

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              01.29.10, 04:01 PM Flag
    • I think it's an appropriate response to teach him what is and what is not acceptable behavior. On your part, I'd be mortified but not scared out of my mind. It's TALK. He's an 8 year old boy. Teach him, but don't expect that he's really going to need to be institutionalized at this point.

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      01.29.10, 03:54 PM Flag
      • Thank you ....I am overreacting and am glad for the feedback-that's why I posted-but he's such a sweet boy (I know-Charlie Manson's mother said the same thing) that I'm wondering what is going on at school to make him have such violent outbursts....he jumps in our bed most nights....sometimes interrupting "things" ;)

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        01.29.10, 04:02 PM Flag
        • What do you mean by "violent outburst"?

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          01.29.10, 04:04 PM Flag
          • Threatening a classmate is a violent outburst in my opinion

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            01.29.10, 04:11 PM Flag
        • Um, HELLO ... how the hell many red flags do you need here?? He's only in second grade and got a SUSPENSION. Plus you say he jumps into your bed nearly every night?? Seriously?? This is not normal 8-year-old behavior. Get him help ASAP.

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          07.26.10, 11:53 AM Flag
      • ITA. We have had this talk many times with our 7 yo ds. Somethings that are appropriate to say when playing with light sabers in the back yard, are not appropriate at school. I'm really surprised the school reacted this way.

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        01.30.10, 06:24 PM Flag
    • The school is overreacting, the right way to handle would be taking the boy aside and having a conversation with him, then speaking with the parents assuming it's the first time.

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      01.29.10, 04:05 PM Flag
    • in this situation, tone and context are everything. do you have more details?

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      01.29.10, 04:13 PM Flag
      • That's all he said he doesn't like this boy and his friend overheard and told on hom

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        01.29.10, 04:29 PM Flag
    • Cut back on the TV and the video games. This is obviously the parent's fault. But the school did over-react. Still, such are the times. Deal with it at home. I doubt it's a serious problem, it hardly ever is.

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      01.29.10, 04:37 PM Flag
      • NP: I don't think it's true that it is obviously the parent's fault. I used to know a kid who was obsessed with guns and warplay etc. He knew entire plots of violent movies and would go over them, blow by blow. It turned out that he had no tv in his home at all--had never seen these movies--and would just grill his friends for details and commit them to memory. Little boys pick up on our society's obsession with violence simply by leaving the house.

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        01.29.10, 04:56 PM Flag
    • I think that is an insane overreaction, personally. The teachers should have used it as a learning opportunity for him and the other boy.

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      01.29.10, 05:02 PM Flag
    • 4th grader brought a knife to school & threatened to use it. was finally kicked out after parents complained to administration (private school). there is a big differnce - little kids talk about cops & robbers etc - doesnt mean they are a threat. you r administration overreacted. public or private? (just curious)

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      01.30.10, 06:18 PM Flag
    • I don't think you are over-reacting if you are worried about him being suspended. That is what would freak me out. Cancel your cable tv, and get rid of any movies/games with violence in them. Really. If you can't live without television..

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      01.30.10, 06:29 PM Flag
    • Bernadette? Is that you? Guess the hugs and "time in" isn't working anymore. Montessori isn't all its cracked up to be.

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      02.02.10, 11:05 PM Flagged
      • Yeah, it's gotta be NPN's 35+ leader and super sanctimommy Berndadette.

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        04.25.10, 02:35 PM Flagged
        • Still haven't gotten a life have you.

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          08.19.11, 11:22 AM Flag
    • With apologiues for the delayed response: I understand being mortified about the suspension, but I would not assume there is violent intent behind his language. It is alarming to hear a child speak this way, but after all, sometimes they are just repeating what they hear, or trying to gain control of their environment, or engaging in their little battles between good and evil. It is often metaphorical and not literal. All the same, you should talk to him about what shooting really means, the repercussions, the finality of a shooting death, etc. My 3-year-old told my 5-year-old recently that he was going to kill him when disputing ownership of a balloon. It was shocking, but moments later they were having a tea party with Curious Georg...

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      03.14.10, 02:00 PM Flag
    • What led your child to say this? If he is being mercilessly taunted and no adults are getting involved - things can take a very ugly turn. Not sure if this is your son's situation, but intense bullying can be very dangerous for the child being bullied AND for those who bully. I'd investigate thoroughly if this were my child.

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      04.25.10, 03:19 PM Flag
    • Wasn't concerned until you mentioned 'violent outbursts' Does he often get very angry and threaten violence? If his comment was made as part of play, I wouldn't be concerned, if he was angry at the classmate, then yes, I'd be concerned. Also don't understand your segue into the bit about jumping into your bed, interrupting things. Does he come into your bed every night? That's too much for a boy this age and there may be some things you need to explore with a therapist. As for interrupting 'things', that's why doors have locks.

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      07.26.10, 12:04 PM Flag
      • He just sounds like an unhappy kid who needs more time with you...is there something going on which is disrupting his life? BTW, B. is great.

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        02.09.11, 06:29 PM Flag
    • This sounds more like a cry for attention than a violent child.

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      02.09.11, 06:29 PM Flag
  • [-]Any San Francisco moms on or moms who have lived there? We're very seriously considering a move from NYC for DH's job, but I'm worried after living here for so long, that I'll feel a little isolated. We'd likely end up in Marin. Are some towns there better for getting out and about, ie, less reliant on a car? Tiburon? Mill Valley? Maybe I just have to deal with the fact that it will be different, albeit not all different bad. Has anyone sent their kids to public in Marin? From what I've read, they seem like good options, or is private a better choice? TIA! (Sorry for double post - tagged for SF now.)

    41 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    07.14.10, 08:28 AM Flag ]
    • Marin county is the whitest, no diversity, nothing to do but hike.

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      07.14.10, 08:34 AM Flag
      • Oops.

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        07.14.10, 08:34 AM Flag
        • My iphone is acting up. Let me try it again. Marin county is like Iowa in the middle of California. Boring. Nothing to do. White; in fact, all white. It is for wealthy white bored moms who are fine doing nothing but driving kids to soccer games and such. You have to drive everywhere. But it is pretty and great to visit. Move to San Francisco!

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          07.14.10, 08:38 AM Flag
          • I'm with you. Shoot me if I end up living there. Ugh

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            08.09.11, 09:28 PM Flag
    • I live in NYC and used to live in SF and the peninsula. Marin is lovely. Gorgeous. But you are 100% reliant on a car. It is like that in most the Bay Area. Only place you can possibly get away with no car is SF. But that's a stretch.

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      07.14.10, 08:36 AM Flag
      • OP: thanks! This is what I suspected. It may just be that I have to adjust accordingly. I'm so ready to leave NYC but really do appreciate the walking culture here.

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        07.14.10, 08:39 AM Flag
      • Seriously, if you love visiting freezing, albeit beautiful beaches and parks--it is freezing there every season, and enjoying the trees, it is a great place to live. My dh and I love going there for day trips, but would not live there.

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        07.14.10, 08:42 AM Flag
        • Marin is freezing? It's a lot warmer than SF.

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          07.14.10, 08:44 AM Flag
          • I always have a coat on wgen

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            07.14.10, 08:46 AM Flag
          • Southern Marin can even be colder than SF. Starting, maybe, in Corte Madera is where it can be nicer than SF, especially during the summer. Weather wise, it doesn't matter where you live during the winter.

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            08.09.11, 09:30 PM Flag
        • Check out the Marina- as in a neighborhood of San Francisco or Pacific Heights. We had lived in Pac Heights for years- the most amazing place for families! I love Upper Fillmore area! That would be a much better fit for your family!

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          07.14.10, 08:45 AM Flag
          • OP: Thank you! This is really helpful.

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            07.14.10, 08:52 AM Flag
    • SF Mom, lived NY for 6 years. I agree about moving to SF rather than Marin with the caveat that in SF you will likely need to send your kids to private school whereas in Marin (Tiburon, Mill Valley and Ross) you can send them to public school. We live in SF and walk everywhere, shop at the local deli, farmer's market, parks and restaurants. I agree with looking in the Marina and Pac Heights but would also add Cow Hollow (btwn the two neighborhoods) to the list. Happy to answer any specific questions.

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      07.15.10, 04:34 PM Flag
      • Thank you! This is really helpful. I guess my hesitation of living in SF proper is part of the reason we're moving is for space: a yard, a real house - can we do that in these neighborhoods? Also, I'm wary of the cooler weather in the city. Does it get to you? THANK YOU so much for the help...been kind of discouraged thinking about the big change in lifestyle.

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        07.17.10, 07:11 AM Flag
        • You can get a much bigger apt or house in SF along with a yard (not huge like the burbs but enough for the kids to play around). These areas are not the foggy areas and thus are a bit more pricey. The weather is the worst in the summer in terms of cooler, Sept and Oct can be in the mid-70s and there is no cold winters. I do not miss the hot sticky NY summers at all. You can always join a swim club in Marin (20 min drive) if you want warmth in the summer. If you really want a stand alone house, look in Cole Valley (tons of kids and less pricey than Pac Heights) and also look in the Lake District (it is right past Presidio Heights). What price range do you want? For 2mm you could buy a house in Cow Hollow, the Marina but not likely Paci...

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          07.18.10, 02:37 PM Flag
          • Thanks! Again, this is so useful. Thank you, thank you. We could spend more than that on a house (housing there is less than what we're paying in NYC), so I'll go explore those neighborhoods. I'd planned to do public in Marin, but I suppose I'd have to apply them to private from SF? Haven't read great things about the public schools in the city.

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            07.19.10, 12:17 PM Flag
            • The schools in SF face the same problem as those in Marin, the Calif budget crisis and increasing class sizes. After this year, the publics are moving toward a more neighborhood assignment. The top public schools are Claire Lillenthal (K-8) and Clarendon.

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              07.19.10, 12:27 PM Flag
            • The good news about SF is that the private schools are still for the most part in the under $25K range per year. What age/sex are your kids?

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              07.19.10, 12:29 PM Flag
              • B/G, ages 6/4 - we're doing private here in NYC but figured we could do public if we landed in Marin. But maybe not if we're in SF proper? I'll explore more of that via google - thanks for your help! Seriously, so helpful!

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                07.19.10, 01:23 PM Flag
                • The 4 year old is still in preschool so that is easy. You can likely land a spot mid-year with families moving or send to drop off classes. For coed privates, look at SF Day, Presidio Hill, Kittredge, Friends (quaker) and Brandeis (Jewish). For Boys Schools..Town is the only non-religious school and then there is Stuart Hall and Cathedral. If your 6 year old is heading into 1st grade, you might be able to find an opening. The Girl's schools are Hamlin, Burkes and Convent (affiliated with Stuart Hall).

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                  07.19.10, 01:36 PM Flag
                  • Thank you! I wish I knew you so I could send you wine when we head out there. :) But seriously, THANK YOU! We went through the process here in NYC for privates, and I've heard that SF is tough but not as bad as NYC, so I'm hoping that I can stomach it again if need be. Yes, 6-yo would be going into 1st when we move, so I'd have to find an off-year spot.

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                    07.19.10, 02:44 PM Flag
                    • 1st grade will be way easier than K. If you are willing to look at Catholic Schools look at Notre Dame Des Victories and St. Vincent De Paul.

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                      07.19.10, 03:06 PM Flag
                      • That's so interesting: here, in NYC, while the K process is tough, 1st is very difficult as there are so few spots due to low attrition rates. Glad to hear this.

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                        07.19.10, 04:46 PM Flag
                  • Preschools...p/t programs to look at are Little School, Russian Hill, One Parker and Cow Hollow. Might also try Lone Mountain for a 4 year old.

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                    07.19.10, 08:14 PM Flag
                    • Wonderful - thank you!

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                      07.20.10, 11:53 AM Flag
          • Here is an idea of what you can get in Cole Valley for under $3mm http://www.trulia.com/property/3016863655-1130-Cole-St-San-Francisco-CA-94117 or the Marina http://www.trulia.com/property/1025813453-3235-Webster-St-San-Francisco-CA

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            07.19.10, 12:54 PM Flag
            • Thanks! I'd just seen those online in my own search too! :)

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              07.19.10, 01:23 PM Flag
              • If you don't have a real estate agent, Deborah Odier is good and very matter of fact.

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                07.19.10, 01:41 PM Flag
    • It sounds like you may want to move out of city life (house, yard, etc.) and the SF move will be your excuse to do so. With suburb life you will be more reliant on a car and have less of a walkable life, no matter if you are in Marin or Westchester. Though in SF proper, you can have more space and a yard, which is virtually impossible in NYC.

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      07.19.10, 10:13 AM Flag
      • OP: yes, I think, ideally, I'd like to have the combination of city/suburbs and SF may be our excuse exactly. I'm going to explore some real estate online from the above neighborhoods. Thanks for weighing in!

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        07.19.10, 12:19 PM Flag
        • Add Laurel Heights, specifically Jordan Park, to your search

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          07.19.10, 12:32 PM Flag
    • I left NYC kicking and screaming for Santa Clara county and I love it. We looked into living in SF, but the commute was a major obstacle. I have to say that suburban living in the Bay Area is very different from the NYC. There's a lot more community here and tons of diversity- though that probably has to do with Silicon Valley and the fact that not everyone goes to work in SF as they do in NYC.

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      07.19.10, 02:48 PM Flag
      • Oh, this is good to hear. Husband is really pushing Marin, but I'm wary of the burbs, probably because I'm wary of life in NYC-burbs (taking nothing away from them, I just worry they're not for me). Glad to hear that you're loving it!

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        07.19.10, 04:48 PM Flag
        • Be wary of Sausalito, nice place but the school district is awful

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          07.19.10, 06:53 PM Flag
        • First time chiming in here, just curious, why would DH want you to live in Marin? It is extremely white-washed. What line of business..finance? If so, everyone I know lives in SF proper with the exception of a DH, who's wife is a CEO.

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          07.19.10, 08:12 PM Flag
          • ^^^also, would add, that there is tons of moms that are former NYers in SF. There is a great community here in the city.

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            07.19.10, 08:16 PM Flag
            • OP: he's ready for a more suburban lifestyle: yard, pool, etc, and with the better weather than in SF. Which I understand and kind of agree with, but I work from home, so will be much more isolated than he will be...and thus trying to find a middle ground.

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              07.20.10, 11:52 AM Flag
    • I really like my SF realtor - Eileen Bermingham http://www.ebsfhomes.com/. We wound up buying in the suburbs, but she was a very good person and gave me the lay of the land.

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      07.19.10, 03:08 PM Flag
      • Thx! Will check out the link.

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        07.19.10, 04:49 PM Flag
  • [-]Am looking to move to Marin (from NYC) and am interested in homes In sunny areas with good public schools, lively downtown area and walkable (as much as possible) with a short commute to SF. I have $2-3M to spend and would like some advice on the pros and cons of the neighborhoods ( s

    23 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    08.10.10, 02:24 PM Flag ]
    • schools in marin are mostly very strong. mill valley is the best combo of close to SF, good schools, nice downtown, and sunny, but not the sunniest. san rafael is nice, bigger too. San anselmo has a nice downtown, much sunnier than MV but longer commute. Fairfax has a great small town feel, very sunny, but longer commute. why are you moving?

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      08.10.10, 02:26 PM Flag
      • that said, all of marin is sunnier than SF

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        08.10.10, 02:27 PM Flag
      • Moving bc family and friends live in the bay area (although mostly the east bay and peninsula, but i prefer Marin for the easier commute to the city). Husband and i are isolated from both our families and lifelong friends living in NYC...but that's where the job is, for now (looking to see if transferring is an option)

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        08.10.10, 02:31 PM Flag
        • i did the same thing- for family, left friends, etc. it's good, but hard transition too, life in marin is VERY different from life in ny

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          08.10.10, 02:38 PM Flag
    • Mill Valley, for sure, though if you want to commute to SF during rush hour, there's rarely such a thing as a short commute.

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      08.10.10, 02:27 PM Flag
      • Oh, and not a whole lot in Marin is terribly walkable. You will need a car.

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        08.10.10, 02:28 PM Flag
        • agreed, there are some neighborhoods close to the downtowns, but not like nyc where there's always a business of some kind pretty nearby. once you leave the business district, you've left

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          08.10.10, 02:30 PM Flag
      • mill valley commute is about 35 mins to downtown sf by car. about 45 mins by bus, and the busses are good.

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        08.10.10, 02:30 PM Flag
    • OP:t

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      08.10.10, 02:35 PM Flag
      • Oops. I am a SAHM and my husband will probably commute during market hours. We were considering the city, but really prefer 80 degrees and sunny rather than 60 and foggy...thx for your input and advice

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        08.10.10, 02:38 PM Flag
        • join southern marin mothers club

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          08.10.10, 02:39 PM Flag
    • OP, you are under a mispercepton if you think the commute to the city is easier from Marin to the City (particularly downtown) than many parts ofthe East Bay or the Peninsula. You are also getting bad advice. The commute from San Rafael is hedious. In the East Bay, look at Piedmont and Orinda - both have better school districts than Marin and will be sunnier than the city. Piedmont may have that more urban walkable feel you are looking for. On the Peninsula, look at Hillsborough/Atherton. If you are stuck on Marin (Milly Valley can be equally as foggy as SF on many days) then I would choose Ross, Kentwood or Larkspur.

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      08.10.10, 03:07 PM Flag
      • ^^oops meant Kentfield. Ross, however, may be out of your price range.

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        08.10.10, 03:11 PM Flag
      • Schools are decent in Ross/Kentfield, you may also want to look into Tiburon/Belvedere

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        08.10.10, 03:16 PM Flag
      • I live in the city and would LOVE to live in Hillsborough. In my opinion, it's the best option of them all with one of the easiest commutes/best school districts/beautiful homes. And yes, the commute from Marin is awful. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. FYI, Marin is also the "whitest" and least diverse option (if you care).

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        08.10.10, 03:46 PM Flag
      • I think op means Wall Street market hours, which in SF are from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. So commuting from almost anywhere Marin would be ok, if waking up at 5 am is your thing. Personally, I'd consider Sausalito for the short commute despite it being a tourist trap on the weekends.

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        06.14.11, 08:16 AM Flag
        • I lived in Sausalito and it's a great town. NOT great for kids though. Schools are some of the worst in the state. Would be okay if you are doing private. I never used to even see a child in the grocery store there though.

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          08.09.11, 08:55 PM Flag
    • I lived in the bay area and have family/friends there still. For easy commute, walkability, good schools I would suggest Piedmont. Weather better than SF and I think quite comparable to Marin. It's within Oakland but it's own school district. Nice homes. Great schools, nice homes, most of it is walkable to cute streets, commute to downtown is easy b/c down is near the east bay (not Marin) - drive, BART, casual carpool, bus all options. Also probably more interesting crowd b/c it's close to Berkeley.

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      08.10.10, 04:10 PM Flag
      • Oops - meanto say Piedmont which is in the east bay. I also loved Palo Alto, which has great schools, but the commute is longer and the commuter train from south bay puts you nowhere near downtown.

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        08.10.10, 04:12 PM Flag
    • SF Mom (former NYC) - I would loathe being a SAHM in Marin. I would prefer the fog (by the way if you live in Noe Valley, you miss most of it). It is so Westchester County but worse. Of the choices mentioned above, Piedmont is your best bet but please reconsider, and move to SF proper.

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      08.10.10, 10:26 PM Flag
      • ita. Potrero Hill is sunny and very family friendly.

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        08.19.10, 03:34 PM Flag
    • I live in SF, used to work in the city and Novato, and my husband's family lives in Mill Valley so I know a little bit about the area. I personally can't stand that area, and southern Marin gets foggy or sunny and cold at the same time too, don't let them fool you. People are feel like they are entitled to everything, kids are spoiled for my taste and you don't feel welcome. I know people living there who spent years finally getting to know people, or my in-laws, who have been living there for 30 years and still say that they don't feel like they can really get to know people there. The commute during market hours is fine, around 30 minutes. No walking anywhere there though unless you live in downtown of whatever town, and even then, downto...

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      08.09.11, 08:48 PM Flag
      • I agree. I lived in Marin (worked in SF) for 8 years and HATED it. The people are really obnoxious. We're in the East Bay now and I love it. I think Orinda or Lafayette would be great for you. If you're set on Marin, Mill Valley, Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur. Good luck!

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        08.09.11, 08:53 PM Flag
  • [-]3 months pregnant 36 year old (1st preg).... I have no idea what to do about maternity clothes. Tips? I was thinking of getting one good pair of 7 maternity jeans and maybe trying to just wear tunics and smock style tops and dresses, which I have a lot of already. Does that work? Suggestions? What did you guys do?

    20 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    • don't wear the smock type tops or dresses - just get nice maternity t shirts and sweaters. jeans are fine if you are usually dressed casual.

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      07.13.09, 03:24 PM Flag
      • Where did you buy? Most stuff looks kind of cheesy to me. Do you have favorite brands/designers? I'm casual. I'm a freelance graphic artist, so I don't need suits or anything extravagant.

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        07.13.09, 03:26 PM Flag
        • just go to target for starters. then maybe some consignment shops (i got my best things there). you could also check craigslist if you have the time.

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          07.13.09, 03:39 PM Flag
          • ITA -- esp for a first preg when you ab muscles may not result in a huge need for clothes, depending on how you carry. I will say, though, that a lot of my old clothes that I wore when pg stretched & didn't fit right afterwards.

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            07.13.09, 06:45 PM Flag
    • I went to Destination Maternity and got a lot of stuff there for not much $ at all. Your maternity jeans and smock top etc idea should work too initially any way. Congrats!

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      07.13.09, 03:27 PM Flag
      • wow that's a great resource. thank you. this helps me.

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        07.13.09, 03:29 PM Flag
        • I did spend more on a special outfit for nights out with dh. It is worth it to get a couple of outfits that you feel great in.

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          07.13.09, 03:37 PM Flag
    • I loved Gap... easy to shop online... loved their jeans, basic ts, a few print tops. personally, I had the same idea in the beginning, I would just wear smock type tops that I already own, but oddly, I felt thinner when I wore tighter clothes. The bigger the top, the bigger I felt. congrats!

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      07.13.09, 04:24 PM Flag
      • I just put on a super tight tank and my yoga pants, studied myself and kept in mind what you said about tighter made you feel thinner... and I totally get it. I think I might actually wear a slim fitting top tomorrow. It does look better. I actually look pregnant and not just like a fat ass- hah.

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        07.13.09, 04:56 PM Flag
    • destination maternity - the motherhood maternity line for cheap casual stuff and the mimi maternity for somewhat nicer things (not a fan of pea in the pod); target maternity; gap/old navy maternity; H&M maternity. in the first 5 months you can get away with empire waist regular clothing, but after that your belly generally starts to protrude enough that regular clothes do not fit prportionately. good jeans are a must IMO as are good black pants. in the summer a bunch of little dresses go a long way.

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      07.13.09, 04:29 PM Flag
    • Top shop makes REALLY cute maternity jeans. There's one in SoHo or you can order online. About $80 each. Also got some cute tops and linen pants there...

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      07.13.09, 04:31 PM Flag
      • i didn't know TS did maternity. Good to know. Thanks ladies for your input!

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        07.13.09, 04:36 PM Flag
        • i love TS for maternity too! if you can get to an outlet store, a lot of times gap baby will have loads of maternity clothes for cheap... and there is usually bound to be something cute on the racks!

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          07.13.09, 04:45 PM Flag
      • When buying the maternity jeans are they sized like normal jeans? I am so clueless.

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        07.13.09, 04:59 PM Flag
        • Yes, but ask for help. I liked Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity because they have these fake bellies that you can put on (secured with velcro straps). It gives you a better idea of how the clothes will fit. I spent $189 on a pair of 7 maternity jeans. At the time it KILLED me to spend that much, but now I don't regret it at all. They look really good and are helping me keep up my morale.

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          07.13.09, 06:20 PM Flag
    • I used hair elastics as button extenders for the first 5 months and then I went to Marshals and stores like it that had Maternity stuff for cheap. The only problem was that when you buy cheap you get cheap and a lot of the stuff shrunk or the hems rolled or some other such thing that made the item ugly/unwearable. I think ebay and craigslist can be usefull and also just trolling for sales. Spending retail on mat clothes is a giant waste of $$ that could be better spent on cool baby clothes. Good luck.

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      07.13.09, 06:31 PM Flag
      • I used the hair elastic trick too!

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        04.20.11, 08:52 AM Flag
    • In addition to the maternity jeans get t-shirts and open wrap cardigans-you can wear them after...Eileen Fisher, DKNY...

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      07.13.09, 06:34 PM Flag
    • Personally I felt much better in tighter clothes. The smock tops worked well in the beginning but once I started getting bigger I really didn't like the look (big rather than pregnant)...dresses are fabulous and I plan on wearing them to work ALL summer this year (17 weeks right now).

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      04.20.11, 07:26 AM Flag
      • did you notice that this post is from july 09?

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        04.20.11, 08:00 AM Flag
  • [-]How bad would it be to get a trampoline with side netting for my 3 & 6 yo?

    10 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    • i think it would be great, just make sure there is ALWAYS an adult supervising and keeping them from getting too rough in their play. trampoline is my kids FAVORITE activity and the people who shriek not to get them should not let anyone have a swimming pool, either. they key is proper supervision at all times.

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      07.08.09, 03:17 PM Flag
      • np. Only one kid on at a time too. Watch out if friends etc use it because of insurance.

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        07.08.09, 03:27 PM Flag
    • insurance is a big deal - most homeowners' policies won't cover it. for a reason.

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      07.08.09, 03:31 PM Flag
    • American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolines never be used. Friend who is a pediatric orthopedist knows why....

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      07.08.09, 04:58 PM Flag
      • np. Despite this, I've been tempted to get one. Both my kids have had broken limbs from other activities not shunned by the AAP.

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        07.28.09, 05:07 PM Flag
        • np: no disrespect, but children do hurt themselves as they grow up. does this mean you'll place them in greater risk than the norm?

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          07.28.09, 05:12 PM Flag
          • Well, exactly. I guess I could not take them skiing, but I'm going to, although that may not be the "norm" for many children. I'm tempted to get a trampoline too, but so far I've resisted...

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            07.28.09, 05:24 PM Flag
            • lol...skiing is definitely not something your pediatrician will tell you not to do. there's a reason they aren't covered by insurance...and skiing is. if you don't get this, good luck to you.

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              07.28.09, 05:45 PM Flag
    • Have you considered an inground trampoline? My sister used to have one and it was awesome! If you were really safety concious you could do an inground trampoline plus a safety net.

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      07.28.09, 05:25 PM Flag
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      04.01.11, 02:21 AM
  • [-]Does anyone know anything about the Lick-Wilmerding HS?

    8 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    02.25.11, 07:39 AM Flag ]
    • Yes. After you stop giggling, it's actually a really good school.

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      02.25.11, 07:44 AM Flag
      • Why is it called that?

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        02.25.11, 07:45 AM Flag
        • Lick school and Wilmerding schools merged. They were the respective founders last names. Can't...stop...giggling....

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          02.25.11, 07:50 AM Flag
          • I had a friend from college who went there and I always remembered it as Lick-Winmerdink, which is also quite funny. So so silly.

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            02.25.11, 07:53 AM Flag
          • lmfao. It's only fitting that those schools come together.

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            02.25.11, 09:00 AM Flag
    • I'm scared to ask what their mascot is.

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      02.25.11, 07:58 AM Flag
      • How great would it be if they were the Beavers?

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        02.25.11, 08:03 AM Flag
    • Yes. It and University are IMHO the best private High Schools in SF. I prefer Lick, which is what most people call it and would be thrilled if DC went to the school.

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      02.25.11, 08:03 PM Flag
  • [-]Any other peninsula moms also having a hard time finding a great nanny? We had someone superb and have been looking for over half a year since then with no luck. Past 2 nannies, that were touted as "amazing" by former employers were lazy and incompetent, e.g. slept on job or forgot when infant's feeds were. I admit we are particular, but come on....

    4 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    02.14.11, 04:04 PM Flag ]
    • nyc mom about to move to SF. I have read that nanny salaries are higher in SF and much more likely to be on the books and that majority of nannies there are caucasian. Average wage in nyc is $15/hr or $600-700/week for 1-2dc. 85% or so are off the books. I would estimate 90%+ of ft nannies are non-caucasian. How does this compare? Is there a good population of Spanish-speaking nannies?

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      02.14.11, 04:20 PM Flag
      • Not OP but there are lots of Spanish speaking nannies in SF and East Bay. Will you be in SF proper? Check out Berkeley Parents Network for info on how much to pay etc.

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        02.14.11, 04:30 PM Flag
      • SF is very different than where I am (about 1 hr south). My friends in the city all love their nannies--active, organized, and just more with it in general. Last I checked, rate in SF was something like $16-18 for one/ $18-20 for two kids, though people definitely pay higher. I think nannies out here feel more entitled to whatever they made at their peak, even as high as $22-25--too much imho. Lots of Spanish speaking nannies, as the state is 25% Hispanic. Not sure on exact breakdown of on/off books and ethnicity...

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        02.14.11, 04:32 PM Flag
      • SF mom here, we have only had caucasian nannies. Ditto with most of my friends, though some have had nannies who's first language is french. We and my friends pay on the books and pay by the hour, not the week. For one DC, I would say the range is about $16-18, some pay more and some pay less. There is a large contingency of Spanish speaking and Brazilian nannies in SF. Look at Parent's Place for postings on nannies and also sign up for the Golden Gate Mother's Group where you will see all kinds of discussion on nannies and where mom's post nanny availability. Best wishes.

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        02.16.11, 10:33 AM Flag
  • [-]We'll be in Santa Cruz / SF area between xmas and New year with 3.5 year old dd. Any suggestions for kid friendly activities/adult and kid friendly restaurants etc?

    10 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    12.19.10, 09:16 AM Flag ]
    • Peir 39 seals and carousel. Exploratorium. Cable car ride to China Town (after dark). Golden Gate Park playground & museum there.

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      12.19.10, 09:19 AM Flag
      • fun! thanks. any restaurant recs?

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        12.19.10, 09:20 AM Flag
        • I'd just google top resturants. Oh and also, near sea lions along wharf you can charter a small boat to take you under the bridge- it's really fun and inexpensive. They will have some little signs where boats dock.

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          12.19.10, 09:36 AM Flag
    • The beach boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz. The Montery Aqurium. In SF, take the kids to the Academy of Sciences. Great indoor rain forrest there. All the resturants are kid friendly in Santa Cruz. Is SF, you can take them to any reesaurants on the warf.

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      12.19.10, 10:17 AM Flag
      • Second the Academy of Sciences. It's fantastic!

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        12.19.10, 01:15 PM Flag
    • Holiday carousel in Tilden Park(Berkeley), skating in Union Square (SF)

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      12.19.10, 10:49 AM Flag
    • A bit confused as Santa Cruz and SF are 2 hours a part but we live in SF and have a weekend house in the Santa Cruz area so here are my recommendations with the caveat that I hate the boardwalk, its like coney island. However, it does have appeal for a 3.5 year old. In the Santa Cruz Area - apple picking at Gizdich Ranch, Roaring Camp Railroad (there is a special christmas lighted train), Wilder Ranch has events , hiking in Henry Cowell, favorite thing is just looking at the tide pools at Natrual Bridges, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center (indoor if raining). Restaurants - Gayles in Capitola and Carpos in Soquel, Rivas on the Santa Cruz Wharf are my kid go to friendly places to eat.

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      12.20.10, 09:52 AM Flag
      • San Francisco - hands down best thing for a 3.5 year old is the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito (first exit across the bridge). In SF - the Academy of Sciences (note the kids play area which you will miss if you do not look for it), there are drop in art classes at the SF Children's Art Center at Fort Mason, Chrissy Field is fun to explore, the Westin St. Francisco has some great holiday displays, the JCC has an indoor swimming pool you can get a day pass to with a kids pool, the Disney Store on stockton st has a theater for kids to watch movies. If it were me, I'd see if you can get a spot at Peekadoodle kidscamp for the 27th-30th, it runs from 9-1 and your kid would have a blast. Restaurants - if you eat early - good food and wil...

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        12.20.10, 10:02 AM Flag
        • If you must take the cable car, take the California line (there is hardly any wait) compared to the Powell St or Hyde St lines which start in Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf respectively. Additionally, the Randall Museum is a free museum in the city which at age 3, my kids liked.

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          12.20.10, 10:06 AM Flag
      • Also, for a nice restaurant which caters to kids is Luella on Hyde St in Russian Hill. I would avoid most of the restaurants in the Fisherman Wharf/Union Square area as tourist traps with a few exceptions (Gary Danko being one of them but then again, I would not take a 3.5 yo to GD). Wondersitters is good baby sitting service if you need one.

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        12.20.10, 10:13 AM Flag
  • [-]I'm going to Sonoma with a group of girls for a few days. Any suggestions on wineries, restaurants, hotels....

    4 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    10.17.10, 04:09 PM Flag ]
    • Sorry for the late post. I hope this finds you. Wineries - Pezzi King (think its now Passalacqua), its hard to find outside of the winerries. Others - Gunbund, Audelssa, Lynmar, Yoakim Bridge, Imagery, Porter Creek, Inspiration Vineyards, Rafanelli (or any of the smaller wineries off Dry Creek Rd). Also Thumprint in Healdsburg quare and Selby is fantastic!

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      10.21.10, 04:15 PM Flag
    • Hotels - Gaige House, Kenwood Inn, MacArthur Place. The location of Hotel Healdsburg is great because you can walk to Selby and Thumbprint but I am not all that impressed with the hotel itself. I have heard good things about the Healdsburg Modern Cottages (also a walk) but I have never stayed there.

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      10.21.10, 04:21 PM Flag
    • Restaurants - Hot Box Grill, Bistro Ralph, Dry Creek Kitchen, Cena Luna, Cyrus, The Girl & The Fig (or in Glen Ellen - The Fig Cafe)

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      10.21.10, 04:31 PM Flag
    • we just went to healdsburg and stayed at h2hotel - it was great. also highly recommend locals tasting room in geyserville. the owners are great and it's a collaboration of local wineries - so if you become a club member, you will receive wines from local wineries. have fun!

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      12.02.10, 10:46 PM Flag
  • [-]Taking a weekend trip to SF. We are NYers. Any good (not expensive) hotel & restaurant suggestions? Not taking kids!

    2 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    10.12.10, 05:41 PM Flag ]
    • Hotel Del Sol is in a way better location than Union Square tourist central and is not to $$$. If you stay there Tacolicious, Betelnut, Dosa on Fillmore and A16 (both Chestnut St) are nearby and great for dinner and not too pricey. The Nob Hill Spa at the Hunington Hotel is the best spa I have been to anywhere and I have been to a lot! I would also look into Hotel Vitale whch is walking distance to tourist areas without being central and is right across from the Ferry Buliding - eat at Slanted Door and Town Hal - both nearby. Good cheap fun food includes Cha Cha Cha in the Haight.

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      10.21.10, 04:38 PM Flag
    • whenever we go to sf, we always bid on priceline or hotels.com for our hotel - we end up with a 4 or 5 star hotel for less than $200/night. usually they aren't boutique hotels, but they have been fine. as far as restaurants go, we were just there and loved la mar ~ not v. cheap, but it has great food and a fun atmosphere. have fun ~ we love sf!!!

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      12.02.10, 10:45 PM Flag
  • [-]HELP from SF moms: dh just got a job offer in sf. dcs are at a wonderful progressive here in nyc. are there any good progressives in sf? was just googling and found presidio hill school. any presidio parents on? also, how hard is it to get into K in sf schools compared to nyc schools?

    7 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    11.17.10, 08:52 PM Flag ]
    • SF has several progress schools, that will be the least of your worries. Getting in, is another question. Presidio Hill has a pre-K or transitional K, if your DCs school director has connections, start using them. App deadlines are soon.

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      11.18.10, 04:58 PM Flag
      • ^^there is no ERB scores used in SF, your child is given a playdate and a readiness assessment. Most families I know from NYC have found spots.

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        11.18.10, 04:59 PM Flag
    • Live Oak is another SF school that holds itself out as progressive. Also, Synergy School. Some other schools are not labled necessairly as progressive but have some progressive elements like Marin Country Day School (in Marin with half the students from SF) and SF Friends. The single sex schools and the langauge schools (FAIS and CAIS) are more traditional. What do you like about your progressive school? I can throw some more names of schools out there.

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      11.18.10, 05:15 PM Flag
      • Ring Mountain is another progessive school, where a large portion of the school population is from SF (the kids take the bus).

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        11.18.10, 05:17 PM Flag
      • op: i love the intimacy of the physical environment, the parent involvement, the relaxed and low-key parents

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        11.18.10, 05:56 PM Flag
        • Then you should find a number of schools to your liking as outside of the more traditional single sex schools, there are lots of low-key parents and nurturing schools. In addition to PSH, look at Friends, Kittredge and Live Oak. If you are willing to let your kids take the bus, I would also look at MCDS. It might also be worth looking at Alta Vista, which is a new school that there is some good buzz about.

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          11.18.10, 06:46 PM Flag
          • op: thank you so much for this response, i will look into your recommendations!

            [ Reply | More ]
            11.20.10, 06:20 PM Flag
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