{Post by Patsy K. Eagan}

This weekend, my friend Krys Lui has plenty of choices for what to do in Oaktown. Tonight, there's an 1980s-themed bike ride and the "Lost and Found" photography show opening by Lake Merritt, and tomorrow she may sip lemonade at Charcoal Park's fundraiser.

Krys is a new transplant to Oakland from Sacramento and still getting to know the O and its hot spots. Of the city's social scene, she said, "This is a great place for me to meet and mingle with a lot of diverse individuals. And it’s only 20 minutes away from San Francisco."

A financial counselor at Mills College, she enjoys the view of the Bay from the Oakland hills and has found that the city gets a bad wrap. "Before I moved here I used to think Oakland was dirty," she said. "This was a big misconception on my part and I’m relieved to find out how wrong I was."

So, what's Krys up to for the weekend? She's headed to her fave hangout, the Penelope bar in Downtown Oakland. It's a small space with a lot of love and local-inspired specialty drinks. "I love Penelope’s because the owner and bartender are very nice," she said. "I’ve also become friends with them as well as some regular patrons. It’s a very relaxed and low key place to hang out."
 
This Saturday happens to mark Penelope's one-year anniversary. Bring your best-dressed selves to their Masquerade Ball, which begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of 11th and Clay streets. Drinks and hor d'oeuvres will be served. Look for Krys in her gold dress and shoes, and of course a glittery mask.