San Francisco Bay Area Meet (June): Summer Meet! UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens

[zayne]

Sorry for coming in late, but I can pretty much drop in at any location. I'm on an tight budget, so I will say that if we do GGF then the gardens in Berkeley, I'll just meet up at the gardens.
Oh, I also wanted to throw in I was at Lake Elizabeth a while back and they are doing major work over there for the bart extension, so a part of the walking path is blocked off.
Have fun in HK, Vanie, and thanks again for organizing.

[Parton]

Yay hope you can make it, Zayne!

It's totally fine if we don't do GGF, But I just wanted to throw out there that it's actually a good place if you're short of budget: parking, entry, beer, hot dog are all $1 each on Sundays. Box seats are free. I went there with virtually no money, borrowed $20, and went home with $40, a full tummy, and a nice buzz. One time I got a free sweatshirt. Also, if people need a lift to wherever we can probably carpool.

[vanie]

Cool, it looks most people can make March 19 or April 23rd. Shall we aim for one of those dates?

As for location, maybe we could aim for a place that doesn't cost a lot for admission and easy to get to... if anyone has a strong preference let me know! ^^

[RacerGT]

I will have to look at which date works best for all - I think I am open on both of those. The April 23rd is a tiny bit easier - my son's b-day is in mid-March. However, will make different arrangements if needed. Love getting together with everyone and I really don't have a preference. I think I will just go with what you all want to do. Now that we have the rain back - I am a bit concerned if the March date may not have good weather for tea garden meet?

[vanie]

I am so sorry for not getting back to everyone! Does anyone have a strong preference on when to meet? March or April? Any theme ideas? I guess we should open the discussion to get this back on track!

[RacerGT]

Well, weather has got colder - less rain now maybe? So the March 19th (?) sounds like vote 1 and April - a runner up <3

[vanie]

Okay! Lets see how the weather goes in the next few weeks and aim for March?

[dms_a_jem]

Either date is fine with me. Have we decided on a location yet? Looks like Jack London Square or the Berkeley Gardens have garnered the most interest...it's been ages since I was at JLS and I've never been to the Gardens so I'll let you all decide which is most exciting and doll-friendly!

[vanie]

I'm thinking Jack London Square is good because it's close to BART. Unless anyone else objects?

[Parton]

March 19 is probable not a good date for me.
I have only been to JLS a couple times to eat, and the restaurants we went to were rather pricey. I dont recall there being much interesting to do there beyond that. The website says a garden is coming soon. If someone can vouch that its a great place for a meet I am still game.

[vanie]

Hm, if that's the case then maybe we should do the gardens instead? I haven't been to JLS ever actually, hahaha. So Berkeley Gardens might be a better location if we want to keep it in the east bay. Otherwise we could have it in SF again.

[vanie]

Also, since April seems to be easier for RacerGT and Parton, I'm willing to push to April. That cool with everyone else?

[zayne]

I live not too far from JLS and, while it can be a nice outting, it probably isn't very interesting for a doll meet. Some waterscape background shots, a couple fountains but that's about it. Their redevelopment goals are to make it more market-y and restaurants.
The bart station is also a straight shot up Broadway, but probably farther than you'd be interested in walking, Vanie.

[vanie]

I don't mind walking the walk, but it seems that JLS might not be the best place then for the doll meet. Does anyone have a preference on what garden we go to? Berkeley or SF tea gardens?

[RacerGT]

Hey everyone~ sounds like we are getting the plans more concrete.

Berkeley's gardens look beautiful, very intricate and interesting. I believe the website mentions tours. However, I don't think you have to do a tour - maybe we have to let them know in advance? It has some phone number to call for that I think.

As far as dates - I will make the arrangements necessary on the March or April days. If it ends up in March; I may have our family friend from Japan visiting at my place; so, I would like to bring her along. Would that be okay with everyone?

It seems like the weather is cold but stable for now. Just some showers here and there but no storms according the the guys in my family who keep up with such matters ^_~