Bryan Utech

Sign Outside Picante in Berkeley

2010-03-08T22:35:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for a good burrito in Berkeley... Picante is your place. We stumbled across this sign on the walk back to our car. Looking at it does not make me frightened of the dog, but just hungry for the many types of burritos Picante offers.

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #20

2010-03-08T22:33:00.001-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #19

2010-03-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

Peanut Loves the Bag!

2010-03-03T20:03:00.001-08:00

We decided that tonight Peanut might enjoy a trip around the house in Mom's new diaper bag. I don't think she enjoyed this ride as much as the one in the stroller. She sure was patient though.

My Very Own Gangland!

2010-03-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

In a bold move to reduce escalating gang violence, Oakland asked for a court order Thursday to severely restrict gang activity in a 100-block swath.

Nineteen people police identified as gang members would be placed under a curfew and prohibited from associating with one another, loitering and possessing guns in the "safety zone," an area in North Oakland near the Berkeley and Emeryville borders, if the Alameda County Superior Court approves the order.

The gangs include Gaskill Maniacs, Bushrod Cold Gunnaz 59, ASAP/FT, 600 The 6 and 6100. Though the gangs have carved out different territories in North Oakland, they have joined together to fight a south Berkeley gang, police said. The violence between the gangs has escalated rapidly in recent years, from three violent encounters in 2007 to 18 in 2009, including seven homicides, said City Attorney John Russo. The incidents include the fatal shooting in September of Oakland Technical High School senior Desiree Davis, 17.

Want to read the whole story: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/19/MNU91C3RAK.DTL#ixzz0hB27H1wb

I work where you see the red dot!! Yikes!!

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #18

2010-03-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

New Basquiat Documentary!

2010-02-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

Finally! a new film documentary on Basquiat with “never-before-seen footage of the artist being interviewed by friends. Graphics and Design by Shepard Fairey's Studio No.1. Soundtrack by Adam Horovitz aka Ad-Rock & Mike Diamond aka Mike D—or 2/3 of the Beastie Boys. I really look forward to seeing this full-length documentary titled the "Radiant Child." I can't tell you how damn excited I am!!!

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #17

2010-02-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

Peanut Loves the Ride!

2010-02-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

How strange!! Peanut really loves riding around in the stroller.

Amazing Views!!

2010-02-26T20:19:00.000-08:00

While at the doctor today we enjoyed some amazing views of the bay. Floor 12 in Downtown Oakland.

Baby Shower Extravaganza!

2010-02-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday, in Lodi, we had the first of three baby showers. This one was for Michelle's side of the family. We were moved by all that came and were so generous. Neko got lots of great gifts. Thanks everyone!!!

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #16

2010-02-23T20:39:00.001-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #15

2010-02-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today Was Peanut's Annual Exam

2010-02-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today was Peanut's annual exam. As always the adventure started out with a car ride to the visit. Simple enough, right? Not so, Peanut loves to cry and bark at anyone around. Taking a car ride with Peanut can be quite a test of one's patience. I feed her treats almost all the way there to try to get her to calm down. It worked most of the time and twenty treats later we were there. Peanut's exam went well, but they did have to draw blood and urine samples. Which she did not enjoy!! They also found out she had a mild ear infection. Bummer!! By the time we got home Peanut was well worn out, but the fun was not over. She needed a bath and Mom needed to apply medicine to her ears. Since she is not a big fan of us poking around in her ears we bought her a cute little muzzle. After all this activity she thought it was time for bed. She must have forgot about her friends Toby and Lucky coming to visit. It's almost 10pm now and everyone is in bed and resting. It's been a long day for everyone.

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #14

2010-02-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #13

2010-02-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

New Coffee Table

2010-02-17T20:46:00.001-08:00

Stroked that our new coffee table came today. Can't wait to put it together.

Is This Really Neccessary?

2010-02-17T20:43:00.001-08:00

Dudes in Oakland sure do like "riding on Dubs!!"

Pickle Loves a Good Chew Stick

2010-02-17T20:40:00.001-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #12

2010-02-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #11

2010-02-16T06:31:00.000-08:00

Our Sweet Peanut!!

2010-02-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #10

2010-02-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

'Open Air' Street Art Documentary

2010-02-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #9

2010-02-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #8

2010-02-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #7

2010-02-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Crime Site Cleanup

2010-02-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

This van came to work today for a pick up. The women that drives it told me she was a contractor. I had no idea she was THAT kind of contractor. Everyday at work really is an adventure. You never know what will happen.

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #6

2010-02-10T20:42:00.001-08:00

This Poor, Poor Panda!!

2010-02-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

While out shopping this past weekend I came across this poor Panda. I'm not sure if the maker ever took a good look at it before sending it out to stores. Poor thing.. that look on it's face with the rope around it's neck. Heartbreaking!!!

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #5

2010-02-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #4

2010-02-06T21:46:00.001-08:00

Rainbows are AWESOME!!

2010-02-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

It's been years since I saw a Rainbow. I guess today changed that.

Philip Lumbang's Show at GRSF

2010-02-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Bears, Bears, and more Bears. I really enjoyed this show. Philip's bears are one of my favorite!

It's a Friday in San Francisco

2010-02-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Friday was another wonderful day out in San Francisco. There was a break in the rain and Michelle and I had time to kill before her hair cut. We ended up hitting up a couple of our favorite spots, or at least mine!!

The drive over the Bay Bridge.

One of SF finest street cars.

We made it to Giant Robot just in time. Philip's show closes on the 10th. Here is a sample of his show. See the next update to view all pieces from the show. Philip is spreading his word by painting these bears around the streets of Los Angeles. Brightening everyone's day in the process.

We enjoyed a vegan sausage on lower Haight at Rosaunde Sausage Grill.

I always look forward to a visit to the Fecal Face gallery but I guess this time was just not in the cards. I arrived five minutes late and found it already gated up for the night. Bummer!!

We ended the day at Louie Salon with a visit to Steven and a fresh haircut for Michelle. I always like going with her as there is a beautiful Victor Reyes piece painted on the side of the building near the entrance. I was surprise this time by a really well done street piece across the street. I wish I knew who the artist was. My phone went dead at the salon (I guess too many pictures throughout the day) so I don't have any photos after, but we did end the evening at Little Star pizza. The best pizza in San Francisco. Here's to a really fun Friday!!

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #3

2010-02-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #2

2010-02-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

El Mac @ Fifty 24SF Gallery

2010-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

El Mac is definitely one of my favorite artists. I was pleasantly surprise to see this painted on the side of Fifty 24SF Gallery. Since I missed his show there this was my chance to see one of his portraits up close. SIMPLY AMAZING!!

D*Face Leaves His Mark

2010-02-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

D*Face Sticker seen in San Francisco (Mission Street)

Barry McGee Photo of the Day #1

2010-02-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Barry McGee Installation

2010-02-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Each day for the next 30 Days I am going to be posting one photo I took of the Barry McGee installation at the SFMOMA. Some 625 small works made up the installation. I took hundreds of photos of it and am excited to try to pick just 30 to show. Here is the first.

Big Day Out in San Fran!!

2010-02-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Michelle and I spent a wonderful Saturday bumming around San Francisco. On our agenda was SFMOMA to see the Barry McGee installation (check), Upper Playground's 50% off sale (check), Kid Robot to pick up a Love Bunny for Neko (check). We were hoping to get to Giant Robot to see Philip Lumbang's show, but just didn't have it in us. We bowed out and went to get Indian food instead. We plan to see it on Friday. Here are a couple pictures taken during our adventures.

Barry McGee installation at the SFMOMA.
It was incredible. I stared at it for over an hour.

Blue Bottle coffee on the new Sculpture garden at the SFMOMA.

I was so happy to see El Mac left his mark near Upper Playground SF.

Neko got her Love Bunny. So so cute. Nice work Jermeyville!!

Wondering Where I've Been??

2010-01-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

I think this photo says it all!!
We're pregnant!!!

Wasn't X-Mas Months Ago?

2009-06-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

So this plant has become an on-going joke in our house. Why is it still alive? Aren't poinsettias suppose to die after Christmas time or do people just throw them out?!? I guess we will continue to enjoy it.. maybe until next Christmas.

GATS!

2009-06-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing this face and eye character painting all over Oakland lately. Especially in the Emeryville / Berkeley area where I work. I recently discovered it is a painter named GATS. I guess he is an old school guy from Oakland.

Vintage Fair & Mini Donuts!

2009-06-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I got up early this morning to attend the Alameda Vintage Fair. It happens on the first Sunday of every month and we try to go as often as possible. After the long day we had at BFD we were questioning whether it was a good idea or not, but promised to pick up Jesse and Ryan and expose them to their first Vintage Fair experience. I am sure am glad we did, as it was a great time and well worth being a bit tired afterward for.

BFD this year delivered!!

2009-06-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

The line-up at BFD this year was great! The weather was perfect and overall it was a amazing day of music. My good buddy Andy is touring with Anberlin and hooked us up. Here are some highlights.

Steve Aoki (Subsonic Tent)

Me and Michelle (Before Sunburns)

Having a couple beers with Andy. Good Times!!

Closed the night out with a set from DJ AM.

Two Thumbs Up for Up.

2009-06-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today Michelle and I caught the matinee of UP. So many of our friends raved about it, so we just had to go. We saw it in 3D and it was AMAZING! I recommend seeing it in the theater before it is too late. It's worth every penny. Big ups to the East Bay for making another great movie... well done PIXAR!!

Saturday Art in SF (Part #2)

2009-05-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

After spending the morning at the De Young, we headed to Lower Haight to visit two of my favorite spots... Upper Playground and Fifty 24SF Gallery. The show at Fifty 24SF was curated by Usugrow and featured a handful of different Japanese artists. The pieces were all really interesting, but it was not what was in the gallery that most attracted my attention. It was the boarded up doorway next to the gallery that I found most interesting. Often exhibiting artists with tag or paint this doorway contributing to the great street art in and around lower Haight.

Saturday Art in SF (Part #1)

2009-05-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I hit San Francisco yesterday to check out some of the art shows. We caught the last day of the "Warhol Live" exhibit at the De Young Museum. It was awesome! The show focused mainly on Warhol's music related works. I was hoping to be able to post some photos, but taking photos in the exhibit was not allowed.

Baseball and Hot Dogs

2009-05-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to see the A's play the Rangers. Wednesday nights are $2 seats and $1 hot dogs. Great time was had by all!

Massive Bag of Chips

2009-05-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

We love Costco!! How can you not, when you can buy a 5 lb bag of tortilla chips for under $4.

Trip to Dillon Beach

2009-05-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took a short trip to Dillon Beach to take the dogs out for some fun. Upon our arrival we discovered the beach was cold and windy. After our failed attempt to hit the beach for lunch, we headed back to the car to eat in peace. The wind was so strong and blowing sand in every ones eyes. Our nice car picnic included strawberries, which the dogs loved, and ended up being the highlight of the day. After lunch we decided it best to just head home. That is when a short drive turned into an all afternoon affair due to a bad accident on the freeway. Happy to say we made it home in once piece. A little cranky.. but in one piece!

Dog Park Over the Weekend.

2009-04-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

We took the dogs to the small dog park in Alameda on Saturday. They loved it! The weather was in the low 80's. It was truly a perfect day for an outing with the pups.

Band of Horses at the Fox.

2009-04-20T15:17:00.001-07:00

We went and saw Band of Horses on Friday night. Great Show!! Unfortunately I forgot my camera and had to take pictures with my camera phone. Yikes! I think it is time for that iPhone I have been dreaming about. The Fox Theatre was stunning. I have been in so many theaters throughout the U.S. and the Fox is by far the nicest. Well done - OAKLAND!!

Saber Piece Buffed.

2009-04-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Saber hit this many years ago when he was living in SF. It stayed up for a super long time because the city installed a fence in front of it, before they buffed it out. I guess since the city is going work on the freeway, right there, they felt it was time for it to go. I drove past it over the weekend. It will be missed. At least by me!!

Colored Mochi... O' Yea!

2009-04-09T15:39:00.001-07:00

We frequent this fo-yo shop called Tuttimelon in Alameda. It is the best! They now have colored MOCHI! Crazy and delicious. What more could someone ask for.

Babylon Falling R.I.P.

2009-04-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

If you have never had a chance to check out this bookstore...Hurry! They are located in Nob Hill and are closing in June. We hit it up last weekend and got a ton of art book all at 50% off.

San Francisco Bay!!!

2009-04-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

I feel it is only fitting, that for my first blog entry, I post a photo of the great Golden Gate bridge. Photo was taken while crossing the bay bridge last weekend. We were heading into the city to visit Babylon Falling.. a great independent bookstore that sadly is going out of business.