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When one talks about “quality of life” in the San Francisco Bay Area, can one size fit all? It’s doubtful, when one considers the geographic, socio-economic, and political divisions that carve the Bay Area up into vastly different places and ways to live.

Chuck Underwood, generational researcher and author, visited with The Real Story in February, and made us aware that the psyche of Americans today is shaped by the key events of their early years, and creates “generations” within our culture. What surprised many of our readers and listeners the most about what Chuck had to say was that quality of life—and key values—vary so widely among the generational groups. Interestingly, the Boomers, who have influenced social and political change since their adolescence in the 1960’s, are now the senior managers at the helm in California and all over the country. It seems like a good idea to ask: “What happens when the Counter Culture becomes The Culture?”—especially now that this largest demographic group, which ushered in the civil rights movement, the feminist movement and the anti-war movement is now sitting in Congress and on Wall Street. Is the Me generation going to make good decisions for the We generation? Their children—called the Millennials—resemble them in sheer numbers, and in their attitude that they can create change. Their idea of change is greener, cleaner and more technology-based than their predecessors, and their drivers will have an enormous impact on the kind of homes and communities we live in.

Another aspect of quality of life are the “qualities” that make up one’s home life experience. The Real Story received some wonderful insights on looking at landscaping as more than a “labor of lawn” from Linda Gates, from Gates and Associates. Architect David Johnson, West Coast Studio Director for William McDonough + Partners, opened the door for a discussion about why quality in a home is more important than space, and how the younger buyers expect green, sustainable homes—not as an option or an upgrade, but as a value standard integrated into every home’s design.

If you’d like to kick off running season, there’s an opportunity coming at the 2010 Oakland Running Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 27th and 28th. This inaugural event, the first running marathon to be held in Oakland in more than 25 years, has attracted some 5,000 registrants for its four races: full marathon, half marathon, 5K walk/run and 4-person relay.

A word of caution: Unless you’re a seasoned runner, both the Marathon and Half Marathon events might be biting off more than you can chew; eight days is hardly sufficient time to train for the physical challenge of running 26.2 or 13 miles. For those in search of a less-taxing experience, a 5K twilight run around Lake Merritt will be offered on the evening of March 27th.

Marathon runners will be able to take in some of Oakland’s most iconic architecture and points of interest.  The route starts at City Hall, travels up Broadway, through Temescal and Rockridge, then through the redwoods of Temescal Regional Park and Montclair. Then it’s down the hill to the Diamond District, through Fruitvale, down International Boulevard, then to the waterfront, through Chinatown and west Oakland. The last few miles takes you around one of Oakland’s favorite settings for running and walking—Lake Merritt. There’ll be plenty of festivities at the finish line.

Runners are able to register online through March 21st.  Even if you just watch the runners and join the party, it sounds like a fun way to spend a spring day.

On a day when the green is on everyone’s mind, you might want to visit one of the greenest buildings in the world:  The California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park. The museum’s March free admission day just happens to fall on St. Patrick’s Day. Normally, general admission is $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for youths, so this is quite a deal!

Designed by Renzo Piano, this 400,000 square foot building features an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history area and a four-story rainforest. Scheduled activities include coral reef dives, penguin feedings, planetarium shows and the popular Swamp Talk, a close look at creatures of the southern swamps—including the Museum’s rare albino alligator.

Should you work up an appetite, the Moss Room offers fine dining, emphasis on FINE. The executive chefs, Charles Phan of the Slanted Door and Loretta Keller of COCO500, have created a California/Mediterranean menu with organic, seasonal and local ingredients. It’s a guaranteed “This is a museum?” kind of experience with a trendy bar and contemporary décor, so plan enough time to sit and relax. Reservations can be made through Open Table.

The decade starting in 1963 was a magic time in San Francisco. Influential groups such as Jefferson Airplane, Sly and the Family Stone, Santana and the Grateful Dead ignited the rock scene—and San Francisco was the epicenter.

This diverse and memorable era in the annals of popular music is chronicled in a free exhibition at the Museum of Performance & Design. Somethin’s Happenin’ Here: Bay Area Rock ‘n’ Roll 1963-73 celebrates the timeless appeal of San Francisco rock and its ongoing impact on our culture.

The exhibit includes rare audio clips from the archive of KSAN radio, which are now part of the museum’s permanent collection.  Also on display are:

• Costumes and clothing worn by Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Sly Stone and other luminaries
• Full sized original painting featured on the Grateful Dead’s Anthem of the Sun cover album
• Original posters from classic Bay Area venues
• Iconic photos
• Musical instruments from famous rockers of the era

The exhibition runs through August 28, 2010; gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, noon until 6.  The MPD is located on the 4th floor of the Veterans Building (which also houses the Herbst Theater). Again, admission is free.

The Year of the Tiger will kick off with a roar this Saturday (2/27) at the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade. This colorful event, which dates back to the 1860’s, has evolved into the largest such parade outside Asia. Elaborate floats, marching bands, costumed dancers, firecrackers, colored lights and plenty of drums make this parade a favorite, attracting upwards of 700,000 people. This year, floats will feature the theme of the Chinese zodiac.

The grand finale of the procession is always Gum Lung, a 200-foot long golden dragon. This sacred dragon, which symbolizes strength and goodness, has the head of a camel, horns of a dear, eyes of a rabbit, ears of a cow, neck of a serpent, belly of a frog, scales of a carp and talons of a hawk. Carried by a team of 100 men and women, Gum Lung snakes back and forth across the street to the beat of drums and the staccato of more than 600 firecrackers.

The parade route starts at Market and Second, and makes a loop around Union Square and back to Kearney, ending at Kearney and Washington.

Starting at 5:15 p.m., the parade takes place rain or shine, and—right now—they’re predicting showers.  Hooded ponchos work much better than umbrellas, as they don’t block the sight lines of those behind you.

The parade is free if you sit or stand on the curb; bleacher seating is available.

Here are some fun facts:

• Gung Hay Fat Choy, the traditional new year greeting, means “Best wishes and congratulations.  Have a prosperous and good year.”
• The Chinese new year marks the end of winter and beginning of spring.
• Before the parade, lions will be dancing through the streets of Chinatown to scare off evil spirits from businesses and shops.

Photo credit:  Knight Lights Photography

Although foul weather is predicted for this Saturday, the mood is sure to be festive at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center—the venue for the public tasting of the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

More than 1,200 wineries will be pouring some 4,913 varieties in what the Web site calls “the largest competition of American wines in the world.” It’s a chance to sample, compare and learn about all the major varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, among many others. There’s plenty of opportunity for casual conversation with people who are passionate about the wines they’re pouring.

Your admission ticket ($60 in advance), buys a commemorative glass and all the wine tasting you can pack into an afternoon. There will also be dozens of artisan food purveyors with tasty morsels of meats, breads, cheeses and sweets prepared by (among others) the California Culinary Academy. Proceeds support various wine and cooking educational programs and non-profits.

A word of caution: pace yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the festive ambience of the event. Because you’re tasting in sips, you may not realize just how much wine you’re drinking. Take it slow, eat as you go and don’t hesitate to call a cab if it sneaks up on you.