Special Message for Visitors
February 2010

Haiti Earthquake Relief

The Academy is participating in Mayor Gavin Newsom's Haiti Earthquake Relief program. For the next few weeks, coin collection machines will be present at various locations throughout San Francisco. All coins collected will be donated through The Safeway Foundation to The San Francisco Haiti Relief Fund benefiting the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Partners in Health, and the Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund. You will find the Academy's collection machine in the front lobby - please consider a donation during your next visit.
 
The Bay Area is all too familiar with the devastation of earthquakes. If you wish to learn more about the science behind these natural disasters, you can view this three-minute Science in Action video, Seismic Hazards in Haiti. Thank you for your consideration.

Highlights

We Salute Our Heroes

From February 1 through March 15, 2010, the Academy will offer free admission to military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and teachers, in honor of their service to our communities and country. To participate, individuals must show proof of occupation and a valid ID at the ticket window. This discount applies to one individual admission only and cannot be combined with other offers.
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Valentine's and Darwin Programs

This February, the Academy is the place to celebrate love and life. Valentine's Day and Darwin's birthday provide the themes for special programs dedicated to mating and evolution throughout the month. Did you know that African penguins usually mate for life?
See the full list of programs.

Valentine's Day Wine and Dine Tour

Trying to plan a special Valentine's Day this year? The Academy's got it covered. Take a love-themed Wine and Dine Tour on Sunday, February 14. For $199 a person, you get a champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception, a four-course tasting menu at the Moss Room restaurant, and a tour of the Academy's most amorous animals.
Make a reservation.

Science Briefs

New Evolution Book

Commemorate Darwin's birthday with Evolution at the California Academy of Sciences, a small format book that explains evolution through photos of research specimens and aquarium animals, essays, and case studies by Academy scientists. Proceeds from this book support Academy research initiatives. 48 pages, softcover.
Purchase a copy.

Northwest Coast Art

If you're in downtown San Francisco, stop by a small exhibit of Northwest Coast Native American Art, on display through March 26 in the lobby of The Mills Building, 220 Montgomery Street. The exhibit includes serigraphs from the Academy's Elkus Collection, along with jewelry, baskets, and carvings.
Find it on Google Maps.

What in the World?

This Hubble Telescope image shows the most distant - and therefore the oldest - view of galaxies ever taken. How long did the light from these infant galaxies take to reach Earth?
 
a) 13 thousand years
b) 13 million years
c) 13 billion years
 
Click here for the answer.

Notes

Extra Member Benefits in February

Academy members enjoy extra benefits in February 2010, including a $5 discount on admission for friends and family, a double discount (20%) at Academy stores and the SharpShooter photo desk, an additional 20% off Platinum Behind-the-Scenes Tours, and buy-one-get-one-free audio tours. Become a member this month and join the fun!
 
Traffic Advisory: On Sunday, February 7, the Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon & 5K will result in street closures throughout Golden Gate Park, around the Panhandle, and on the Great Highway. Please plan accordingly.
 
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