The Long Beach Ballet (LBB) successfully held its annual event “The Nutcracker” Extravaganza during five performances last weekend – complete with numerous artists, magnificent sets, exciting pyrotechnics and of course beautiful ballet dancing.

The conception, direction and choreography of the LBB's artistic director, David Wilcox, shone in this year's production. A humble chimney sweep (Ken Datugan), looking for work in the home of young Clara (played wonderfully by Maeve Callahan) and her family, helps greet party guests on Christmas Eve.

In addition to the full orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's melodic score (excellently conducted by Roger Hickman), what immediately stands out are the highly detailed costumes by a number of designers (Adrian Clarke, Donna Dickens, Ann de Farra, Hilde Byrne and Cheryl Cartwright). Of particular note were the girls' frocks and women's dresses, which were similar in style but featured uniquely charming patterns and textures, as well as lots of bows.

Equally enchanting were the floor-to-ceiling sets (designed by Elliott Hessayon, Rex Heuschkel and Scott Shaffer), with a wall of portraits in Clara's warm family home and a decorated Christmas tree and presents that magically grew as her perspective changed changed from her beloved Nutcracker puppet (a sturdy Benjohn Magcalas) when he came to life to defend her against creepy mice led by a melodramatic Mouse King (Craig Rexroad).

Delzio Design's pyrotechnics surprised during this battle as the Nutcracker and his army fired cannons and muskets with loud bangs and glowing sparks. And when the Nutcracker turned into a prince (Steven Morse), he and Clara rose into the air in a sleigh at the end of the first act, before floating angels opened the second act.

Despite the captivating production, it was the music and ballet dancing that kept the audience's attention. The Long Beach Terrace Theater's acoustics allowed the tunes to resonate loud and clear while remaining sharp. And the many young LBB students and their talented teachers confidently took the stage in their various dances that evoked snow and sweets.

A scene from Long Beach Ballet's “The Nutcracker,” performing Dec. 17-19 at the Terrace Theater. (Photo by Katie Ging)

Megan Wilcox as Sugarplum Fairy stood out for her poise and precision. Her Grand pas de deux with our handsome Nutcracker Prince Morse (from the San Francisco Ballet) was both technically and aesthetically exquisite. Aurora Gray's technique as a dewdrop fairy was also fascinating.

The sporty and exuberant performances of the three Russian dance artists (Alfredo Garcia, Hector Garcia and Magcalas), who stole the show, were extremely graceful, as were two cheerful fools (Aaron Augustin and the young acrobatic Emily Medillin).

If you weren't able to attend LBB's The Nutcracker this year, mark your calendars for December 2022, when LBB will most likely return for its annual performance. In the meantime, a video recording of this year's performance can be rented for $25 or purchased for $50 through the LBB website.gallery” Page.

You can also look forward to this summer's LBB production of Don Quixote, which it describes as “the romantic, crazy adventures of history's most beloved knight!” Based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes Don Quixote of La ManchaThe ballet was originally choreographed in 1869 to the music of Ludwig Minkus by Marius Petipa – who also created the ballet The Nutcracker.

Like “The Nutcracker,” the ballet “Don Quixote” includes a dreamlike adventure, sword fights, fairies and even puppetry. And like “The Nutcracker,” LBB will likely fill the stage with dozens of engaging and graceful performers, beautiful costumes and fun sets, all backed by a live orchestra.

“Don Quixote” is scheduled to be performed on June 4thTh and 5Th at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 6200 E. Atherton St. on the CSULB campus. Tickets will be available “soon” via LBB websiteLongbeachballet.com.

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Emeryville’s month-long streak with no significant store closure ended last week with the abrupt shutdown of the East Bay Bridge Taco Bell (near Home Depot).

Other news in this report include the possible end of a restaurant establishment in Emeryville and the start of the upcoming renovation of the Bay Bridge Center.

East Bay Bridge Taco Bell closes

The Taco Bell at the East Bay Bridge Shopping Center near Home Depot is closed. They closed abruptly on December 27, according to a source, saying they would “open again in 30 minutes.” They never reopen and the signage has since been removed.

Other sources have indicated that neighboring Starbucks has temporarily closed due to “staffing shortages” amid the ongoing Omikron surge.

The closest available Taco Bell is located at 2255 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland.

Trader Vic looking for an apartment on site?

Trader Vic’s has started exploring buildings on the grounds of their fabled restaurant City of Emeryville November Progress Report. City planners met with the owners of Trader Vic on the property in November to discuss a potential housing project. Your design team has now also met online to discuss various development options.

The plans are preliminary and no documents have been officially submitted, but initial indications suggest that the restaurant area would not be maintained in its current form. “As far as I understand, the restaurant building would not be preserved,” noted a city contact. The Emeryville site is an extension of the original location on San Pablo Avenue and is still run by the Bergeron family.

Trader Vic’s has worked hard to adapt amid a challenging business climate exacerbated by the pandemic. They tried to maximize their kitchen space by creating a take-away Mexican spin-off called. have integrated Senor Picos. This endeavor was short-lived.

Full-service no-chain restaurants are a dying breed in Emeryville, and the few who have tried have quickly failed, including within the city 612One and Yuzu ramen.

Representatives from the restaurant did not respond to our request to clarify their long-term plans.

Hidden place for hometown heroes

The Hometown Heroes sports bar has a new kitchen tenant that we didn’t report on EvilleEye.com. Hidden Spot announced it would take over the kitchen that was previously occupied by the Populars Likha Filipino Food about a year ago.

Hidden Spot also operates a location in South San Francisco that serves burgers, sandwiches, and wings.

Order food online at hiddenspotemy.com

DISPLAY

Compound Gallery “Expanding” to Emeryville

North Oakland’s Compound Gallery has found a new home for their gallery space just across the border in Emeryville. The building at 1339 61st Street has lived many lives lately as an enterprise software company called relola.

They announced the move to a December 6th Instagram post after completing their tenancy. “It was a really crazy time for us and we struggled to find a way to keep the gallery alive and thriving in the future. First two years of global pandemic, then landlords fighting. “

They then explained the various challenges they faced, including resignation and legal threats. “After a crazy search, we were able to find a building that we’ve had our eyes on for a while.”

“Our extensive main facilities and studios will remain in Oakland, but the new building will house the gallery, a community printing facility (specializing in book printing – including etching and screen printing), an art shop, an art academy, and the @hifructosemag Micro Mega Store! “

Compound expressed relief and optimism about the future of their Emeryville business. “We are also very happy about the move to Emeryville and have already been welcomed wonderfully by the city.”

DISPLAY

Feature image and top photo courtesy of @scoobmx via Twitter.

Bay Bridge Center officially closed

All stores in the Bay Bridge Shopping Center on Christie Avenue have been officially vacated and the property has been fenced off. Wells Fargo, Allegro Ballroom, EmeryBay Cafe, and Copy Central have all either closed or moved. Denny’s and 76 gas stations will remain open and are currently not part of the redevelopment plans.

Oxford properties acquired the mall already in August with the intention of building a “mixed-use” project. Oxford has put forward a proposal that will be considered by the Planning Commission at a scheduled study meeting on January 27th.

Oakland Monster Pho parade

While the Emeryville location remains closed to customers, the Oakland Monster Pho location moves a few blocks closer to Emeryville on 40th Street off Broadway. You have been at the Broadway location since 2014.

Monster Pho reflected on her long journey and valued her employees and her loyal customer base rolled into one Instagram post. “We would like to sincerely thank you for your hard work and dedication. We’re also very happy with the continued support and feedback from the community over the years. Without you we wouldn’t be here today either. “

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OAKLAND (KPIX) – The network of religious organizations, nonprofits, nonprofit providers, volunteers and donors in the Bay Area is expanding in preparation for the waves of several hundred Afghan refugees to the South Bay, East Bay and beyond.

“At the moment we just expect the numbers to continue to rise. We anticipate a likely 200 relocation by September, ”said Holly Taines White, senior director of development and community engagement for Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay.

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According to White, that first round of Afghans arriving in Alameda and Contra Costa counties have a local connection with a friend or relative or a special immigrant visa. Some of the refugees had supported the US government in some way and made them targets of the Taliban.

White added that there had been an “outpouring” of support with thousands of volunteers.

“That’s one of the things we love so much about refugee resettlement in this community that it’s a really welcoming and warm community. And they understand the moral need to provide security and refuge for these people, ”White said.

Mindy Berkowitz, executive director of the Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, also expects to relocate around 200 Afghans by the end of September, and said the most pressing need is housing. Berkowitz called property owners with job offers.

“What we used to call a family-in-law or an additional house in the backyard. We have people who may be empty nests who still have big homes and can open their homes to a family. We also look for and work with people who own condominiums or own an Airbnb, ”said Berkowitz.

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JFSSV has also set a donation goal of $ 500,000 over the six months to help hire more staff and double the number of case managers and counselors in mental health, professional training, and other resources.

“The Bay Area is a place that celebrates diversity, and I know we will do everything we can to welcome these refugees who were there for us when we needed them,” said Berkowitz.

The Bay Area has a long history of helping refugees, one of the most notable being Operation Baby Lift’s first flight, which landed in Oakland in 1975. Hamilton Air Force Base in Novato processed thousands of Vietnamese refugees in the years that followed, many of whom were resettled nearby. The Bay Area is now home to one of the largest gatherings of Vietnamese Americans in the country.

For Dr. UCSF’s Tung Nguyen was eerily reminiscent of the fall of Saigon and the chaotic evacuation in 1975 to see the pictures of Afghans crowding into US facilities, chasing American military planes on the tarmac, and handing infants over to Marines.

“These photos from Afghanistan were really emotionally traumatic for me,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen, the president of PIVOT, the Progressive Vietnamese American Organization, has called in an open letter to allow more Afghan refugees to enter the USA.

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“I think the Vietnamese Americans in the United States really helped the country. And I have no doubt that the Afghan refugees we allow into this country will make a huge contribution to our country over time, ”said Nguyen. “The Vietnamese Americans who are here are here mainly because they took risks. And they had people to help them. And we just can’t sit by and do nothing while someone else is going through the same thing as us. “

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Nazareth House resident Nadine Calliguiri is pictured outside her room at the San Rafael Catholic care facility, which announced on October 27 that it will close in 2021, in part due to staffing problems that have worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic. Calliguiri, 82, of San Francisco founded Handicapables, an adult nonprofit service. (Photo by Christina Gray / San Francisco Catholic)

November 10, 2020
Christina Gray
Catholic San Francisco

After caring for Bay Area seniors, including dozens of priests from the Archdiocese of San Francisco, for nearly 60 years, the Sisters of Nazareth are closing the doors of the Nazareth home in San Rafael.

Surprised residents, families, and staff learned from community leaders on October 27 that the Marin County facility – one of the Order’s four supervised care facilities in California – is down and will be closed in early 2021.

A press release released on the same day said the coronavirus pandemic has dealt a fatal blow to Nazareth House, which has not been able to accept new residents for eight months.

“As with so many affected by the global pandemic, Nazareth House simply cannot sustain the financial, human and health challenges of the current circumstances,” said Barbara Ann Crowley, community executive director.

Sisters of Nazareth American Superior Sister Rose Hoye, CSN, told Catholic San Francisco on November 4th that the closure of the Nazareth House in San Rafael was not something for the sisters or their board of directors.

“It took us a long time to make this decision,” she says. “Even if it sounds like a quick decision, it wasn’t.”

The same staffing issues that other Marin County companies are facing became “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Sister Hoye this year amid the pandemic.

The Sisters of Nazareth own and operate four Nazareth House locations in California: Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Rafael. Only the latter closes.

The lack of affordable housing in or even near Marin County was not an issue when the Sisters of Nazareth opened the San Rafael facility in 1962, she said. However, over the past 20 years it has become a critical barrier to finding and retaining skilled workers.

Nazareth House employs more than 75 nurses, home nurses, catering staff, maintenance workers, and others who cannot afford to live where the average home rents at $ 2,700 a month.

“It has always been a challenge, but when the coronavirus hit, a challenge turned into a crisis,” said Sister Hoye.

Employees came from Vallejo or Richmond or further to work in relatively low-paying jobs. Those who lived in San Rafael typically lived in the low-income Canal neighborhood that became the hotbed of the Marin County’s virus case.

Sister Hoye confirmed that there had been a coronavirus outbreak in the building that year but declined to elaborate.

During a visit to the facility, which is approved for up to 125 residents, the Catholic San Francisco noticed the number of obviously unoccupied rooms that bordered a beautiful courtyard.

“We haven’t been able to take pictures since March,” said Sister Hoye. “That is not financially viable.”

Nazareth House just completed a $ 3.5 million renovation project of the nursing ward and added a new roof, she said. Another major home fitout renovation project in the planning stages was drawn when the sisters saw where the journey was going.

Sister Hoye said the response to the closure announcement was “a great sadness” from residents and staff.

“We are very sad ourselves,” she said. “It’s a tragic, tragic decision that we have to make.”

Crowley said the sisters will work with each resident to help them transition into a new community.

The San Franciscan Nadine Calliguiri, 82, moved to Nazareth House seven years ago.

“I was happy here from the first day I moved here,” said Calliguiri, who was born with cerebral palsy and started Handicapables, a nearly 60-year-old Catholic ministry for adults with disabilities. “Here you can feel the joy of the Holy Spirit,” she said.

The San Francisco Chapter of the now national organization is now run by Catholic charities and was renamed Breaking Bread with Hope earlier this year.

Calliguiri said she has friends who will help her find an apartment, hopefully in Petaluma, but added, “I’m not sure where I’m going.”

Claire Miller volunteered at Nazareth House for 15 years before moving there with her late husband Don three years ago.

“This peaceful and joyful home gave us a home to be together in during the final days of his journey here on earth,” she said. “I felt safe and supported when I needed it most.”

Nazareth House has been favored by many retired priests, and its closure will leave a void for the future, said Rachel Avelais, care manager for retired and aging priests for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

She said the community of priests who live in the house of Nazareth grew a few years ago after some priests chose to live there.

“For many years there was quite a group there with their own table to gather at for dinner,” Alvelais told San Francisco Catholic. “The community that arose there became an attraction in its own right.”

Past residents include the late Father Ray Zohlen, former pastor of St. James and St. Raymond Parishes, the late Father Kirk Ullery, former pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in San Francisco, and Father Bernie Brennan and Father Kevin Gaffey, both pastors from several parishes in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and now deceased.

Archbishop of San Francisco, George H. Niederauer, lived at Nazareth House before his death in 2017, aged 80. According to Avelais, only three priests currently live there.

The “full Catholic” living environment of Nazareth House with its high levels of community and care will not be easy to replace, she said. The closure “further restricts our choices” for priests, certainly, but for all residents who appreciated it.

“People will have to make more compromises,” she said, including leaving the area or swapping a Catholic-run congregation for a secular, nonprofit or for-profit organization.

Sister Hoye said that despite the losses that are not easy to replace, the sisters believe they made the right decision.

“We believe that God is in that choice and that our mission never dies, just takes a turn,” she said.

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