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Celebrating Independence Day


USS Hornet's 4th of July on Pier 3 in Alameda

The USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum in Alameda presents its 4th of July on the Pier event Saturday, July 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Pier 3 next to its historical aircraft carrier.

While the USS Hornet is not open yet, its spirit is as the free event promises to showcase some of its treasures which will be on display on the pier, including a Jet Cockpit. Food and drinks will be available for purchase and A-Town will DJ big band music.

We are reminded of the USS Hornet’s place in history as noted on its website: “In World War II, her air groups consisted of a fighter (VF) squadron, a bombing (V8) squadron and a torpedo (VT) squadron. During the 1950s as naval warfare technology evolved, so too did the complexity and specialty of carrier-based aircraft. Joining the classic fighter and attack aircraft were electronic/early warning, photo-reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Dual-role aircraft also provided aerial tanking and limited cargo capabilities and helicopters proved essential to carrier operations which included search and rescue missions.”

For Saturday’s event, masks are required and social distancing rules will also be in effect. Plenty of free parking is also available. The USS Hornet is located at 707 W. Hornet Avenue, Pier 3, in Alameda. Call 510-521-8448 or visit uss-hornet.org for more details and to confirm any updates.

BRAVO MAESTRO! Last Sunday, June 28, the SF Symphony premiered MTT25: An Online Tribute which

Michael Tilson Thomas

takes a look back at 25 extraordinary years of memories with the San Francisco Symphony’s acclaimed Music Director, Michael Tilson Thomas. The virtual event was co-hosted by vocalists Audra McDonald and Susan Graham, showcasing personal stories, memories, and performances by a star-studded guest list of friends and musical colleagues of Michael Tilson Thomas including Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, Julia Bullock, and Bonnie Raitt, among others. To watch the tribute online as well as support the San Francisco Symphony, please visit sfsymphony.org/MTT25.

RESTAURANT BITES. The return of outdoor dining puts the

Lake Chalet in Oakland overlooking Lake Merritt

spotlight on an Oakland gem as Lake Chalet overlooking Lake Merritt joins the choice of delightful options. The restaurant’s dockside seating is available daily for walk-up guests for lunch and dinner, weather

permitting. Lake Chalet is open daily from 12noon to 8 p.m. serving groups of up to six guests. A modified version of the previous Lake Chalet menu is available including seasonal offerings along with its special Taco Tuesday menu. Curbside pickup and delivery is available. Pre-orders are also welcomed by phone at 510-208-5253 or online at thelakechalet.com. Lake Chalet is located at 1520 Lakeside Drive in Oakland.

Tahoe Spotlight: Universal Mask Policy. While Lake Tahoe’s annual spectacular 4th of July celebration is cancelled this year, plenty of casinos and restaurants are still open. Caesars Entertainment recently announced the reopening of its Harveys Lake Tahoe property on June 30, joining its sister property Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Additionally the company stated that everyone indoors at its properties across the Caesars network will be required to wear masks at all times, except while eating or drinking.

“We promised that Caesars would continue to evaluate the latest recommendations, directives and medical science regarding the COVID-19 public health emergency and modify our enhanced health and safety protocols accordingly,” said Tony Rodio, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. “As a result, we are immediately requiring everyone in our properties to wear masks, because the scientific evidence strongly suggests that wearing masks and practicing social distancing may be the most important deterrents to spreading COVID-19 from person to person.”

To plan your holiday weekend in Lake Tahoe, and for more information, visit tahoesouth.com and gotahoenorth.com.

Have a safe and joyous Independence Day weekend!

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