My Holiday Wishes

As I write this, I am personally thankful for many things, despite the world's current events, ecological crises, and political unrest in our beautiful country.

As an end of year wrap up,  I am thankful for my family, friends, pets, real estate colleagues, huge thanks to Phillip and Kai, clients, my coach Vanda Martin, my podcast producers Matt Cowie and the crew, the editors and publishers at Berkeley Hills Living and Montclair Living Cathy Schmitt and Randy Lyman, Open Homes Photography, Agent Upgrade, and my marketing team: Simon, Maggie, Wilbur, Sarah, Nurture Source- Ben Kimmich and Gary Faber and their whole crew, Green Couch staging, Casa Di Vita Staging, Dressed to Sell Staging, all my vendors- Real Estate has been a wonderful profession for me. I do not take any of my success or the joy I find in my work for granted.

I am continually grateful to my classmates in graduate school, my advisors, Connie Jones and Dan Crowe, as well as my professors, Jennifer Bell, Pearl Abood, Bethany Simmons, Fernando Ona, and Deb Kirby. Going back for my PhD has been a tremendous challenge, something I have always had on my bucket list, which has opened my mind, imagination, and heart.  CIIS is a phenomenal place, and the people involved are terrific. It is an honor to study there.

I am grateful for my colleagues at the Magic Theatre, Sean, Stephanie, Kevin, and everyone who makes my work there possible. Three Girls Theatre, a special shout-out to Zoe Chien, and all the amazing actors, playwrights, designers, and stage managers with whom I take joy in working.  

This year, I lost my great friend Lee Brady, a woman who had inspired, cajoled, and mesmerized me for 44 years. She was my mentor and muse; I directed over 20 of her plays, and she was the dramaturg on all of mine. I dedicate all my theatre work to her, and I am profoundly grateful to have had her in my life; I will never take her influence for granted.

I am grateful to my piano teacher, Eric Lenchner, for introducing me to the works of Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy, Schumann, and Satie, which I have been learning this year. I am genuinely grateful to all musicians and their work - they make us dance, sing, and feel joy. 

This Holiday Season:

• 41 million Americans currently have food insecurity. In the Bay Area, here are food banks you can donate to:
• Alameda County Community Food Bank: https://www.accfb.org/
• San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: https://www.sffoodbank.org/
• Second Harvest of Silicon Valley: https://www.shfb.org/
• Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano: https://www.foodbankccs.org/
• Redwood Empire Food Bank: https://www.refb.org/ 

Other Bay Area food banks and resources

• Berkeley Food Pantry: https://www.berkeleyfoodpantry.org

Remember that when people are unable to feed their children, they often abandon or neglect their pets. Please consider making a generous donation to the Berkeley Humane Society and other fine animal rescue organizations. Hard times for people mean horrible times for pets:

• East Bay SPCA: Provides a variety of animal care and shelter services. Learn more

• Berkeley Humane: A non-profit organization that relies on public generosity for its life-saving efforts. Learn more

• Contra Costa Humane Society: Offers various services and has a pet food pantry.

• Furry Friends: A pet relief and rescue organization in the Bay Area.

• Ohlone Humane Society: Focuses on community education and operates a wildlife rehabilitation center. Learn more 

Food and supplies sources

• Full Belly Bus: Distributes pet food on a monthly basis at San Francisco Animal Care and Control.

• Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry: Provides pet food to those in need. Learn more

• Contra Costa Humane Society AniMeals: Distributes pet food to qualified residents. 

• Pets Lifeline Sonoma: Offers pet food services in Sonoma County. 

• Vets In Vans: Offers low-cost veterinary clinics every Tuesday and Wednesday at San Francisco Animal Care and Control.

• Pets In Need: Maintains a list of pet food resources across the Bay Area. Find resources here

• East Bay SPCA Humane Advocate Program: Provides resources and assistance for pet owners in Alameda County.